FAQs

Electric bikes, whether eMTBs or e-touring bikes, are great for everyone for different reasons:
e-Bikes are a game changer for groups with varying levels of fitness. Like a golf handicap, e-Bikes create a level playing field so that you can ride together at the same speed.

For less experienced riders and anyone with limited fitness, off-road cycling becomes accessible.

For fitter, more experienced riders, the extra range enables you to ride further and longer and do more descents.

Find out more about our bikes 

Yes!

Our eBikes (like the vast majority) are Class 1, pedal assisted. So, the motor only kicks in when you pedal. All our e-bikes have different assistance levels so that you can choose how much assistance you want. Of course, the more pedalling you do, the longer your battery will last.

​The law in the UK says that above 25kmh / 15.5​mph, an eBike would become a powered vehicle (needing tax, insurance etc). That isn't to say you can't go faster than that, but if you want to you, will need to keep accelerating under your own pedal power because at that point, the motor disengages and the eBike becomes like a normal bike.

We love to ride ourselves, know our local areas inside out and spend hours planning routes.

Whether riding on road or off-road, we believe any bike ride should involve interesting terrain, great scenery, minimal car traffic and places to stop for a coffee, lunch, cake or a pint. Nothing spoils a ride like getting lost or wasting time map reading so we plan rides online and share them with you (and give you a phone holder) so that you can easily find your way around.  We do publish our best self guided tours here for a fantastic day out without worrying about the route. 

​We will discuss your ride with you and suggest routes based on your fitness levels, ability and personal preferences.

For larger groups, booking a qualified mountain bike guide/coach is even better because, as well as showing you around, you will get tips on technique and an expert on hand in case of punctures or mechanical problems - and this is very affordable when shared by a group. We highly recommend Marmalade mtb  who are British Cycling qualified Leaders & Coaches.

It depends on quite a number of factors:

How much you use your motor and how much effort you are able/willing to put in.

Rider weight is a big factor - the lighter the rider, the longer the battery will last.

How hilly your route is - the more hills, the faster your will use your battery.

The riding surface - sticky muddy conditions demand more of your motor, while the lower resistance of riding on hard, dry surfaces or tarmac will give you more range.

If you use lots of power and are riding in tough conditions, the battery might only last a few hours, but if you use your power more sparingly and choose a less demanding route, you can ride for 5-6 hours.

In any case, we'll be happy to discuss your ride in advance and give you a good idea what to expect in terms of range. 

Either you can come to us at our base or we can deliver and collect bikes at your chosen location - which might be at your holiday home, a station, a pub or a car park in the South Downs National Park.

​As a general rule, we will deliver for bookings of at least 6 "bike days" (e.g. 2 bikes for 3 days or 6 bikes for 1 day). Delivery and collection is based on what it costs us and we can often find creative solutions, like meeting you at a nearby station. 

Find out more about Deliveries here

Yes, we offer multi-day rentals and can offer delivery and collection of bikes to you. We have experience of supporting classic multi-day rides such as the South Downs Way, King Alfreds Way and even LEJOG, so whether you just want bikes for a few days at your holiday home or are planning an epic ride, please contact us to discuss your idea and for pricing and availability.

Find out more about multi day hire

You will definitely need:

• a credit card to lodge a pre-authorisation deposit
• a helmet - but we can provide if you don't have one
• a water bottle - but we can provide if you don't have one
• clothes to ride in
• suitable shoes - trainers with a fairly flat sole are ideal.
• pockets or a small backpack to carry snacks and spare layers

We would also recommend bringing:

• a charged mobile phone
• a waterproof jacket
• gloves - ideally cycling-specific for comfort and protection.
• a change of clothes - we can look after a bag if you come by train.
• snacks - our mobile workshops do stock some and there are plenty of pubs serving food near all our locations but we suggest bringing flapjacks, energy bars, chocolate bars, fruit etc.

find out more about our rider checklist

We take payment by credit card at the time of booking, then we will ask you for a pre-authorisation as a deposit on the bike when you take it.

Take me to the booking page

Our eMTBs are worth between £3000 and £6000 each and we ask you to look after them as if they were your own. We aren't worried about punctures and tyre damage - they happen. Our eBikes are designed to be ridden off road and in wet, muddy conditions so they aren't easy to damage, but if you are unlucky enough to damage the bike or have it stolen, you will have to pay for it . We will charge you at fair rates from your damage deposit.

Yes, absolutely, but there are a couple of considerations.

it is illegal for a child under 14 years to ride an eBike on the road, but riding off public roads is fine.

We have 24" electric mountain bikes which are generally suitable for children aged 8-11. Older children can ride XS and small adult eMTBS. Find out more about kids ebikes