Our guide to the best electric bikes for parents who commute to work

best electric bikes

by Lily Anderson |
Updated on

It doesn't matter if your youngster is six months, a year or ten years old, going back to work after having any leave to look after a child is difficult. Investing in the best electric bikes are here to make it easier on parents.

Whether that's after taking a career break, maternity or paternity leave, getting back into your old working routine is always going to be challenging. Here at Mother&Baby, we want to ensure you're supported every step of the way.

One thing you need to consider before your return to work is how you're going to travel into the office. Rather than catching a tube, bus or tram, if you're lucky enough to be able to cycle to your job, an electric bike can really help you go the distance.

What is an electric bike?

Before you start spending your hard-earned cash on an electric bike, you need to know exactly what these bikes do and whether or not the option you pick is road legal.

An electric bike (also known as an e-bike) is exactly like a traditional bicycle, except it has an electric motor used to assist you on long journeys, up hills and against strong winds.

According to Gov.uk, "You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.

"These electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You don't need a licence to ride one and it doesn't need to be registered, taxed or insured."

That said, what counts as an EAPC? An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it.

It must show either:

• Power output

• Manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

• Battery voltage

• The maximum speed of the bike

The electric motor:

• Must have a maximum power output of 250 watts

• Shouldn't be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph

• EAPC can have more than two wheels (for example, a tricycle).

Read the full guide on electric bikes: licensing, tax and insurance.

Benefits of electric bikes for families:

Many parents will be wondering what the benefit of swapping their oyster card for an e-bike will be. Here are seven incredible benefits of switching to an e-bike:

  • Easy way to commute to the office

  • Excellent for the school-run

  • Family bike rides at the weekend

  • Good for the planet

  • Cheaper to run than a car or catching public transport

  • Fantastic way to excercise before and after work

  • Can be brought along on family staycations

What is the best type of electric bike for parents?

When choosing a bike, you need to understand what types of e-bikes are available in the first place. On the market right now, there are three different types:

Folding electric bikes: Instead of catching the tube, bus or tram back to work, invest in a folding e-bike and save yourself on ticket prices and the jampacked commute.

Hybrid electric bikes: Love exploring your local area with the kids? A hybrid e-bike knows no limits when it comes to riding around a city, your local park or to the nearest shops. Perfect for giving you that extra push on steep hills or longer journeys, the boost from an electric bike provides the assistance you need to complete your ride.

Mountain electric bikes: If you love to hit the dirt trail in your spare time, treat yourself to one of these bikes. Why? Although it's not suitable for casual rides with the kids, it's vital to do something for yourself every once in a while.

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