23rd May 2025
Ride the Future: Your Guide to E-Bikes
A guide to help you choose the right e-Bike model, with the help of Ridgeback Bikes.
23rd May 2025
A guide to help you choose the right e-Bike model, with the help of Ridgeback Bikes.
Whether you're commuting, exploring, or hauling cargo, e-Bikes come in all different shapes and sizes and it can be hard to know where to start. Here's how to choose the right model for your lifestyle, with the help of Ridgeback Bikes.
⚙️ Understanding E-Bike Systems
There are a number of different e-Bike technologies to wrap your head around but Ridgeback e-Bikes utilise three main motor systems:
Shimano E-Bike Systems: Known for its smooth, responsive assistance with torque sensors that adapt to your pedalling force. The E5000 and E6100 systems offer up to 150km range and feature walk-assist modes. For the die-hard mountain bikers out there, E8000 and EP8 motors are perfectly optimised for big climbs and hard descents.
SportDrive: Offers both mid-drive and hub-drive options, providing a balance between performance and affordability. The MD250S mid-drive motor delivers up to 90Nm torque, ideal for hilly terrains.
Promovec: Used in Ridgeback's cargo bikes, these hub-based systems are designed for reliability and stability, with a focus on environmental sustainability.
Choosing the Right E-Bike
Urban Cyclists and Commuters
Perfect for riders that want to ditch the car and get around the city but without breaking into too much of a sweat. These bikes are ideal for commuting or just a great alternative to sitting in traffic for hours!
The Ridgeback Electron Front Hub Drive is a prime example of this style of bike. Equipped with motor at the centre of the front wheel, it gives assistance up to 25km/h, has a range of 55km and is pretty easy on the eye too!
Learn more here: https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/ridgeback-electron-front-hub-drive-varrb21990
The Ridgeback Electron Front Hub Drive
The Ridgeback Arcus 3
Versatile Explorers
Bikes for the adventurous! These types of e-Bikes are true do-it-all bikes. Great for the morning commute but with extra features like front suspension and bigger tyres are just at home on woodland trails. This makes them absolutely ideal for adventures with friends or family.
A great example would be the Arcus 3. This top-of-the-range SportDrive equipped e-Bike has a 500Wh battery it has a range of up to 100km. Don’t take our word for it though, MBUK Magazine and Cycling
Electric Magazine are also big fans of this model: “Stylish looks – a combination of paint colours, graphics, frame design, and component choices... 95Nm of torque feels every bit as strong as the number suggests”
The Arcus range has a variety of options to suit different budgets and styles so there is something for everyone.
Learn more here: https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/ridgeback-arcus-3-varrb22124
Cargo Haulers
Cargo e-Bikes really are for those that want to go car free as much as possible. With incredibly powerful motors and lots of room for storage, these bikes are designed to be ridden effortlessly even when fully loaded with shopping, pets or even the kids!
The Ridgeback Errand mixes easy riding style with a strong rack for loading up the shopping while the Butcher has a much bigger storage unit for collecting the weekly shop or a trip to Ikea!
These bikes use Promovec systems with 500-600Wh batteries, providing up to 150km range. Features like walk-assist mode aid in manoeuvring when fully loaded.
Learn more here: https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/ridgeback-errand-varrb2213err and https://www.ridgeback.co.uk/ridgeback-butcher-varrb21830
The Ridgeback Butcher
E-Mountain Bikes
For the adrenaline junkies out there, e-Mountain Bikes are designed to take on much rougher terrain and go further than all of the above. With more suspension, more power and geometry that favours going downhill as much as uphill.
Check out brands like Saracen to find out more about e-Mountain Bikes: www.saracen.co.uk
Maintenance & Support
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance. While the motor systems are sealed and require minimal attention, components like brakes and tyres should be checked regularly. For any issues, consult a qualified e-Bike mechanic or head to your local bike shop.