| What defines the best commuter bikes? Defining | | | | advantages. The best electric bikes for commuting |
| "best" is totally relative, so factoring in the demands | | | | are folding electric bicycles since they can compact |
| of a commuter; we came up with the following. | | | | down into a rucksack or bag so you can easily carry |
| 1 - They're Comfortable | | | | them on a train, or a bus - even in the office (so no |
| No one likes to be going to and from work with any | | | | fears of your bike being nicked outside) and can be |
| stress or tension, or even pain in their body. Part of | | | | made ready to ride in as few as 15 seconds on some |
| this is down to riding position, but finding a suitably | | | | models. |
| comfortable bike for your commute is important. | | | | In order to fold up as small as possible, folding electric |
| 2 - They're Affordable | | | | bikes tend to have smaller wheels which don't take |
| Getting to and from work shouldn't eat away at your | | | | as kindly to an off-road routing as a mountain bike |
| income. Cycling should be cheaper overall than | | | | for example. If you're journey does involve travelling |
| anything. Even incorporating cycling on a small part of | | | | on dirt a lot, a folding bike may not be the most |
| your journey can help cut the cost of commuting | | | | suitable, even with an electric motor to help you |
| compared to public transport or driving. | | | | along. |
| 3 - They're Quick | | | | Similarly, if you don't need to fold up your bike often |
| Cycling on the whole must be able to match or | | | | to get it on a train or in the office, or if you have |
| shorten the time it take to commute to and from | | | | more mileage to cover that may be slightly harder |
| work. Bicycles can generally travel through traffic | | | | with smaller wheels, a dedicated road bike may be |
| relatively easily, maintain a high average speed and | | | | more up your street. |
| take shorter, more direct routes (if you know your | | | | On the subject of cyclists "sweaty suit syndrome" |
| shortcuts well), but the best commuter bikes must | | | | commuters travelling by electric bike don't have to |
| be fast. | | | | shower and change after getting to work. The |
| 4 -...and they DON'T require a shower at the other | | | | pedal-assist or "big red power button" means you can |
| end! | | | | do as little (or as much) work as you like. More over, |
| The bane of a cyclist who commutes is the "sweaty | | | | the wind-chill effect from cycling at a higher speed |
| suit syndrome". Simply put, it means you have to | | | | will help keep you cool easier. |
| have a shower, or at least get changed after you | | | | ...And did you know that electric bike exercise is more |
| arrive at work. This makes the whole idea of saving | | | | likely to help you become fitter than normal cycling? |
| time on your journey somewhat pointless, and | | | | Electric bikes are also much more affordable per day, |
| employers "angst" over having to provide shower | | | | mile or any other metric you could possibly compare |
| facilities. | | | | them with than public transport or driving. Not only |
| There is a solution which covers all these points. The | | | | are they much more affordable but they're also |
| best commuter bikes are electric bikes. Electric bikes | | | | quicker. Cyclists are able to take shorter, more direct |
| feature a small battery and motor which provides | | | | routes to work - but particularly around roads and |
| assistance to you as you pedal or provides "power | | | | busy junctions, an electric motor can make all the |
| on demand" to give you that all important boost. | | | | difference in getting away from the accelerating |
| Whether you want to effortlessly cruise across a | | | | traffic. |
| city, or cut the cost of your commute, or even get | | | | In summary, the best commuter bikes are electric |
| healthier - electric bikes are by far the best way. | | | | and foldable because they're quicker, more affordable |
| Like "traditional" bikes, electric powered bicycles | | | | and you don't need a shower after cycling to work. |
| come in various different types, each with differing | | | | |