Selection of product reviews

Price and customer service was excellent. The City Trike electric tricycle is very good and not too heavy. Laid on its side it will fit most estate cars. I have added a tube to the wire basket under the battery for easier man handling. Also changed the cycle saddle for a more comfortable seat. I am one highly satisfied customer.
Great for going fishing ,brillant for hilss Thanks Norman.

I couldn`t be more pleased with my bike - it`s so comfortable to ride! I`ve never been confident on a bike - til now! I can easily keep up with my husband, and can explore so much further. As we are currently living full time in our motorhome, this bike gives us the freedom to explore the surrounding area with confidence. The team have also been very helpful when a minor problem with the bike arose, and we were soon on our way again. thanks!
Keep it Guys

Fantastic trike ,brillant for hills and shopping.
Best trike i have bought so far .
Excellent Shop which deliverd to my door step all fully assembeld .
Goes through my door no problem

hi i would like leave a comment about my city thunder elctric bike . I have had the city thunder for over 3 years now it has performed well i have travelled well into the 2500 - 3000 mile mark cannot give exact figure as i changed my clock last year , the bike has given me no trouble in this time i am still getting low 20 miles from a full charge from my original battery . I took the bike to the shop for a quick check and to have a fresh mirror fitted , they are always very willing and helpful in the shop I am glad i bought my bike 3 years ago it has served me well i find it quick and nippy and very quiet when running
Had a choice of buying a wisper bikes but i am glad to buy poweredbiycles city thunder lots better
jim

"Just a quick note to say what a pleasure it was dealing with Hamant from Poweredcycles. On the first telephone call he spent time answering my questions and suggested that I come over and try some of the electric bikes that he stocks. I travelled 110 miles from Preston the same day and Havant spent over an hour with me simply demonstrating the various bikes and the differnet types of systems that they had. His knowledge was incredible and whilst he manufactures his own line of bikes he also stocks many other makes. He encouraged me to decide for myself which I liked the best and which felt right for me and only after I had made my choice did he then mention that my preference was in fact one of his own models. My initial brief to him was that I wanted the best bike available, or "The Rolls Royce of electric bikes" as I put it. There were bikes in his shop at nearly twice the price of the one that I picked and dispite me telling him that cost was not an issue (giving him an open opportunity to sell me the most expensive thing in the shop) Hamant`s only concern was that I was going to take home the best bike for me and take it home I did....that very afternoon. I had not expected to be able do anything but order a bike for delivery but despite being clearly extremely busy and with half of his staff off on holiday he dropped everything to spend more than 3 hours with me in total, including a rather good cup of tea!
If you are looking for an electric bike and don`t want any hard sell, if you want to speak to a friendly, well informed, honest and genuine person who will go out of his way to ensure that you get the most appropriate electric bike for your needs then give him a call. I even got to speak to his lovely wife on the phone before I left

Marcus"

Like other reviewres I had been a keen regular cyclist before my heart problems developed.I was not immediately impressed with this machine. I broke the plastic chain guard and a tag of cellotape had stuck to a battery pin so that the bike just didn`t function. It was heavier than I expected and the riding position seemed awful.However how wrong could I be.....a few cranks and a twist and off I went. The little motor cuts in almost silently and transports my overweight bulk (13st.)effortlessly.Front panniers off a conventional bike fitted on the rack as did a large expensive barbag (Jandd)I kept the tyres properly inflated never let the battery discharge below "half" and applied regular squirts of WD40.I didn`t carry out speed trials and happily cruised along at a normal cycling pace it tackled most gentle gradients with ease.So why am I using the past tense@ well some inconsiderate individual stole it from our site pitch in France.
Surely these machines must be the answer to commuters (flat areas). I cant think why there aren`t more of them on the roads. Yes ! they`re not completely green snd need charging, but for motor-home owners and caravaners they`re ideal.POWEREDBICYCLES is the site to use, service is excellent and I`ve already ordered a replacement.

I was determined to put down my thoughts in writing about my 2011 ebike experience – even though I am not normally the type to bother with such recommendations.

I had the great pleasure too meet Hamant of Powered Bicycles at an event earlier this year – and got the Poweredbicycles Voyager ebike from him.

Hamant is not only passionate with a great story about building up his ebike company but a top industry expert on the theme, with boundless enthusiasm – and I have to say charm!

I do not drive and so I was keen to get about as quickly as possible – and enjoy assisted power!

He did a great deal for me and then after some electrical problems emerged he immediately got involved determined to resolve them asap – which he did.

I average bike rides of anywhere between 1 – 8 miles and after analysing this quite carefully have calculated that all my journey time are halved on average compared to normal peddle power! But you still get the exercise and enjoyment of cycling.

Get to http://www.poweredbicycles.co.uk





Best regards


David Schindler

I bought the Viking Safari a couple of years ago. It`s proven to be excellent value for a folder. It`s light weight and capable and perfectly useable for the occasional longer weekend ride.

I bought a Giant CS-Twist Freedom from Powered Bicycles in Long Eaton two months ago. I did so because I had taken a new job 20 miles from where I live and didn`t want to have to buy and run a car, or sit in traffic everyday. I told the team at Powered Bicycles my requirements and they recommended the CS-Twist Freedom as a heavy duty performer. Two months and 800 miles later it has turned out to be a very wise decision, keeping me fit, saving me money and allowing me to continue a low carbon lifestyle despite the new commute. The bike is a reliable work horse - you can really load it up like a pack mule - and a joy to ride. There aren`t many hills between where I live and where I work but the route is a bit of a wind swept plain. That`s the real benefit for me of an ebike over a normal bike - it takes the sting right out of headwinds.

Cheers!

Ian

“Afterdiscussing my particular needs with Hamant, I purchased an Impulse electricbike from Powered Bicycles in 2005.



It hasgiven sterling service. It is used regularly and I estimate I have cycled morethan 5000 miles.



I wouldsuggest that before purchasing an electric bike you speak first to PoweredBicycles and benefit from their extensive knowledge of the electric bike market.



CampbellPort”

Hi to all the team at Poweredbicycles
I have had my new trike for about 1 month now. I do about 55 miles a week to and from work,and more on top of that just visiting friends, shopping ect.Most of the journey is flat but on the way in there is one long hill of medium steepness. The trike is fab gets me to the top with out too much trouble. I am very pleased with the performance of my new trike.I had a electric previous to this so was sure about what I wanted and expected from it.The team very helpful and helped me enormously. They delivered it set and ready to go . Any one who is unhappy about cars trying to push them to the side of the road or nervous about being in traffic then think about a trike. Its great for working in the community as you can carry the stuff you need , good for shopping without the worry of upsetting your balance via panier bags. Having been knocked of my brand new electric two wheeler , the next day I ordered my trike wish I had not bothered with the two wheeler .It has taken awhile to set the power control to my liking but now its done its great. I have never had to use the bike till the battery is powerless so not sure on the distance it will cover.But I have covered about 18 miles and still had 2 lights left on the battery. I like the lighter weight battery as I have to carry it up 3 flights of stairs, its quick to recharge. Bertha Bluebell is fab , loads of people shout love your trike and a few people have stopped and asked me about it.
Downside- please open a shop down south we need you .
May be abit more in the manual about maintenance(brake adjustment),so I dont have to harass the shop staff.I also had to but a really good lock to insure it(gold).
I would like to thank the team for all the support as this was an expensive item to buy but so glad I did. Looking forward to many more journeys and miles ahead with Bertha bluebell.

I have been riding my City Thunder bike,for 2 years now,and it has exceeded all my expectations.It has proven to be a solid workhorse,reliable in any weather, Excellent backup from shop,it is now back with Hamant for its first service and I am missing it allready.
Colin (Leic)

Love it!!
Use to bike to work approximately 6 miles each way, great to be the one overtaking other cyclists and not the one being left behind!
Afraid, I`m a bit of a snob and had the paniers as well to hide the battery, so it`s not so obvious that I`m on a electric bike !!!

Brilliant for anyone with "dodgy" knees like myself, also if you don`t get much excercise, it`s another way of doing some, but not over exerting yourself, you can exert as much or as little as you like by using the different settings and you can also ride without the motor. The bike has 3 electric gears and 7 cycle settings, so there is a setting to suit everyone. Easy to charge too. Love it, love it love it.

over 500 miles in 2 months,used to commute to work through the middle of Nottingham, 20 miles a day,
15 mins faster than car,
I am 17 stone no lite weight this bike has not missed a beat,wish I had brought one years ago, , not cheap but worth every penny, a truly great bike,

many thanks

SIMON

Hello Hamant


I am in middle aged, female and live in a first floor flat and have to carry the bike up 14 stairs to my door, which I managed with some effort with my push-bike. I was concerned therefore about the weight of an electric cycle. I realised that my wish list (light weight, good hill-climber, long range, low price, smart appearance, quick-charging) probably wasn`t achievable, but after many months of searching the internet I began to despair of finding that `perfect` bike.

Hammant advised me that the Shoprider was probably going to fit the most of my needs, and I decided to follow his advice and accept that the `perfect` bike probably doesnt exist except in my dreams... I was advised to buy this bike rather than the heavier one I initially chose, by Hamant. I am SO glad I took your advice Hamant...

The bike arrived, as promised, by FedEx this morning at 10 am. It was a big box and a little scary when the driver brought it out of the van, but it was very well packed and when removed from the box was much lighter than I expected. Everything was present in the box that I had ordered, including an allen Key and spanner for putting on the couple of small parts that needed fitting, (fit pedals, straighten handlebars). I could have done this on my own, but fortunately my son came over to lend a hand.

The bike is very sturdily made and looks lovely. The saddle is soft and squishy and comfortable. The battery is much lighter than I expected, and didnt really add a lot of wieght to the bike in proportion. Even though the box said blue, I was pleased to see the bike was in fact red as I had been told :)

It took about twenty minutes to unpack and assemble and I had no difficulties with it. Every thing is well made and easy. I immediately put the battery on charge as I wanted to test it out soon (I was very excited) and I was pleased to see that by the time the bike was ready to ride the battery was charged. Hamant told me later that he had checked and charged the battery before shipping it, which was marvellous as I got to ride it straight away.

I particularly like the low step-through frame, as my previous Raleigh push-bike, despite having a ladies frame, required me to stand on a kerb to mount it or tilt the bike for my middle aged legs to deal with!

I took it down into the car park to have a little try-out, a bit nervous that it might get away with me.. but it was love at first pedal! I circled the car park and the took off up the hill to test it out. Usually I have to stop three times on the hill at the foot of which I live, but today, I sailed up it with ease! Its like having extra muscles!! The bike just kicks in, even before you start to feel the strain, and powered me all the way up the hill. I was a little breathless at the top, because its quite steep, and the bike doesn`t do ALL the work, but its the first time I ever did it without stopping, and feels absolutely marvellous!

I have to tell you if you are thinking of buying an electric bike, use this company. They are kind, patient, take the time to explain, and they know their business. I love my bike, and I know I will have such a great time with it. It will open up my world wonderfully.

I will write again when I have had more time with the bike, but I love it already.

Best regards and good wishes to Hamant and Adam. Thank you

Sarah

We bought the city pioneer and freespirit at the boat and caravan show NEC 2010. They are so much fun, wished we had got them years ago.We took them to Germany and rode along the Rhine for miles. Something my husband would not have enjoyed or been able to do on our old bikes. He has had two knee replacement operations. We take our bikes every time we go out in our motor home are members of the Caravan Club and have several people come up and ask about the bikes. They are comfortable on my wrists and hands easy going up hills battery life is good. I have been met by "that`s not real cycling". but I`m having exercise,fun,fresh air great. Lynette Aberystwyth Wales

I bought my Giant RS2 Twist 12 months ago. It has changed my life. I now cycle every day no hill is daunting. I admit to not looking after the bike much and in spite of that it gives me no trouble at all. poweredbicycles are always helpful and happily check it over occasionally. Its sturdy, reliable, effective and greatly admired wherever i go.

City Thunder Electric Mountain Bike - 7 Speed

We ordered these for the local Council as we needed an environmentally
sound solution for several members of Neighbourhood staff, to travel lots
of miles efficiently. We also needed bikes that were durable and good
value for the taxpayer, with an after sales service that delivered quickly for any new
parts etc.

I can safely say that we either got lucky or our research paid off as we`ve had
excellent service from our electric bikes for the last 3 years and our staff enjoy using
them as they aid fitness, are user friendly and fun. The superb powertrain propells you
effortlessly up hills or into wind or simply ensures quick a-b journeys.
The battery lasts over a week despite extensive use and a 3-4 hour charge replenishes it.
After 3 years the only parts we`ve needed are brake pads which shows the components are of good quality.
Hammant was more than fair when we needed these too.

You can use the throttle like on a motorbike to use the powertrain, but I find the superb `assist` function
to be the best option as it seems to sense when you need more power and automatically adjusts it
for you. This also seems to be the best way of extending battery life as it never wastes the power.

The only negative is the bikes are slightly heavier than the average mountain bike with the battery in,
so some members of staff need to take the battery out if the bikes need lifting up steps etc. The battery
is so easily removed however that it`s never been an issue for us and with the battery out they`re
probably no heavier than average bike.

Overall I would highly recommend these bikes to anyone who uses bikes regularly such as commuters,
but they would also be great for shopping as you can fit panniers on the back and they shift heavy loads
such as my colleague Mick with ease!

I Purchased two Electric Bikes from Hamant`s Shop near Nottingham in 2007 , My wife and I went to the shop although some distance from our home to take a test ride before committing to the purchase and we were impressed with the attention and service of the proprietor, The Two bikes were then delivered to us in person.
My own Bike a City Thunder has been used on a daily commute, something that was previously a bit of a chore but now with the aid of the electric motor is simple in itself.
The Motor in assist mode with gentle peddling will keep me propelled at around 10-15mph but really comes into its own on hills or dead starts say from junctions. I feel Safe with the Electric motor aiding forward progress as the little extra speed for No extra effort keeps me at a good pace with the traffic in town. Crossing Junctions from a dead start is now done Quickly with a twist of the throttle in Full Power mode.
Braking is better than average thanks to the front Disk Brake (a rarity 3 years ago) .
The Quality of the Bicycle I have found to be good although a couple of components have expired with ware and tare. The Bike was supplied with Battery Charger, Racks, Light, Pump, Lock, Bottle holder and even a dust cover for when its stored in the garage. The Bike Itself is Light enough to pedal and with the Electric Motor assisting , negates the weight of the battery. This was a deciding buying point at the time as some other models were more the weight of a small moped.
This is Not the Top end Electric Bike on the Market but at the price and current Specification represents good value and the three years I have had so far of cycling speaks well of the Quality and durability.
Hamant`s Business (Scatter-goods-Powered Bicycles) near Nottingham has grown in the last three years and I will strongly recommend anyone wishing to ride down the Electric Bike path to take a look at what he has to offer.
Poweredbicyles ""
Since then these bike has undergone lots of modification.
Ie Torque Sensor with 3 levels of assist Eco, Normal and Sports
Front Rst Suspension ajustable
Can fit Different types of Mudguards (Mtb Or Full )
Velo Gel set Seat
Promax Ajustable seat Suspion
Promax front disc. rear V brake
Tektro Magnectic Cut Brake Lever
Shimano Accera 7 Speed Gears
High Torque Torque pedal Sensors motor and controller ,which make
hills looks affordless

I bought the bike a couple of years back now so have had a good chance to get used to it and see how it’s behaved over a good time period..

All of the sales people were very helpful and friendly.

I was interested in an electric bike as I have problems with Asthma which limits the amount of "traditional" cycling I can do - Particularly the hills !!

Although I`ve not done a great deal of distance on the bike, probably somewhere in the region of 600 to 800 miles over the time I`ve had it I`m very pleased with its performance - I can now easily cycle significantly greater distances J.

The motor is powerful enough to pull me up gradual hills without any pedal assistance and can easily climb moderate hills with some pedal assistance.

I can now cycle up reasonable hills that, without assistance, would have been completely out of the question...

I`m now cycling to work 2 days a week which would have been totally out of the question on a non-assisted bike...!



There are bikes out there that cost significantly more than this one but as they only seem to have similar rated batteries and motors I doubt that they can offer a great deal more than this one.

Battery life appears to be very good - Longest single journey I`ve done is aprox 26 miles and the battery was still registering full... !

No sign of loss of power at any stage. When put back on charge it was very quick to complete the charging cycle so looks like the indicator was telling the truth....

Had a problem with a couple of broken spokes which when I contacted the shop they immediately sent me some replacements at no cost !!!

The people at the shop have always been very friendly and helpful. I`ve recommended their bikes to a number of people and will continue to do so :)

I purchased my Mantra bicycle at the Chester caravan show about two months ago. I am 78 years of age, and have chest problems and arthritis,thought it would be good exercise for me, it has been great, wish I had bought one a lot sooner. Hamant, the owner of poweredbicycles ,will answer any questions you may have, Hamant and the staff are very helpfull, and do not make you feel you are wasting thier time. The service they give is the best. If you want an electric bicycle, I would say, go to powered bicycles. George Mawe.********

I bought a city taxi electric bike January 2007
From Milton Keynes caravan show.
I am very pleased with the bike I use it every day.
To travel to the train station.
The bike has electric lights this very useful in the winter months.
If you are thinking of buying electric bike then these are the people to buy from,this is the one to go for

This is a great bike. I`m really pleased I made the decision to spend a little bit more as this is a super comfortable ride, and sturdy enough to give me confidence when tackling London traffic. I love the response the throttle gives, but the bike also responds really well just on pedal assist from a standing start. It`s also a very handsome bike, with the squidgiest gel seat which is really comfy. I`ve only had it three days and already I feel as though my commute has been revolutionised. And the service from Poweredbicycles has been great. Bike arrived really quickly, and I really appreciated the free extras. I certainly needed the cover given the weather. The bike is a little heavy, but no heavier than other e-bikes I tried out before deciding on this - except perhaps the folding bikes or those with much smaller wheels. Battery life is good - think I can do three trips round trips to work (7 miles each time) and I am making good use of the throttle!!! But it still cycles really nicely without the assist mode on. Really happy and would very much recommend this to any mademoiselle who enjoys cycling but prefers to arrive at the office without looking like a crumpled heap.

I love this bike. Having suffered sore knee joints for a good while I am back on the road with the help of this bike. The battery is more intelligent than I am !!!! Its well worth the cost and it does exactly what it says on the tin. Also the battery fits discretely on the handlebars so people dont know I am getting all the help. Really do love it - had it for 18 months now and battery still good, saw them at Lincoln show and was nice to catch up with the proprietor to tell him how good it still is.

OMG! What a revelation! I took the plunge and bought the Mantra. It`s a big investment but I figured using it instead of my 4x4 for the 10 mile round trip commute 3 or 4 days a week would pay for the bike in about 8 months factoring in depreciation and wear and tear on the car. Build quality seems excellent although I’ve only had the bike for a couple of days and the boost from the motor means I arrive at my desk cool and collected - not hot and sticky like I did with my manual push bike but still get some decent exercise. The documentation could do with some improvement - it came with a dozen sheets of A4, not a proper manual as I would have expected for a machine of this price. Minimal assembly is required (pedals and handlebars) and the bike was well packed and pretty much ready to go. Riding is a breeze in pedal assist mode hills become flat and for the ‘ultra lazy’ the throttle mode works very nicely. Controls are simple and clear and despite some initial nerves about what exactly would happen when the motor was engaged these were unfounded as the provision of the power is smooth and gentle. The motor is virtually silent in operation. It’s a bit early to assess the range on a full charge but I expect to use ‘pedal assist’ mode all the time so a week between charges is anticipated (approx 50 miles). So far so good – I’m very impressed. Must also mention the great service from PoweredBicycles – they recommended the Mantra over the phone based on my height and anticipated usage. Shipping, lights, lock, a cover and trip computer were included in the price – thank you!

What great Service. In my review I mentioned the little computer not working. Within 4 days a new one arrived from you and I didn`t ask or expect it. By the way it was the batteries being flat so with the extra batteries you sent all is well now. That really is great Service and therefore I wish to upgrade you to five star. thanks very much

I have owned this Mantra bike for about two months and it has been a real godsend in allowing me mobility around the hilly area in which I live. I am recovering from a stroke and unable to drive but I find the Mantra easy to ride and can even make use of the local off road cycle tracks. I would recommend anyone in a similar position to try one of these bikes out.

I purchased my cycle two months ago having had a previous electric bike from another company. Whilst my previous cycle was o.k. I did have a lot of trouble with it and so for the last two years have been searching for another.
I believe I have found the electric bike that I really like. It is easy to ride and apart from when I have to go up hills I tend to use the `no battery option` because the gears and the smooth ride take little effort. I have rated the cycle at 4* but that is because I seldom give anything 5 out of 5.The only failure on the cycle has been the gadget that tells you speed etc.It decided not to work two weeks ago but I do not consider that to be a problem for the bike. The bike is great.
I am 77 yrs old and weigh 93 kilos. I live in a hilly area in Leicestershire.Whilst my previous electric bike had problems with the hills this one take them in it`s stride.
The Staff of the shop in Long Eaton, Notts were very helpful in advising me on the bike that would be o.k. for me. They answered my questions about terrain and my age and weight honestly and for this I am very greatful.
So to any person thinking of buying an electric bike I say `Go to Powerbicycle` you will receive good attention and honest advice.
Alan

Love this bike! It`s well built and rides like a full size bike when in top gear. It`s light enough at 12.5kg and can be carried short distances with no trouble due to the 6061 alloy frame, bars, stem and seat post. At £270 this is outstanding value and I`m ordering another for my partner!

We bought two lynx fold away bikes. They are beyond our expectations :- comfortable, plenty of power and stamina, both fold and fit into our small car boot. We now go riding more than ever, it`s not a daunting task it`s enjoyable. Many thanks Hamant

having bought the ninja over two years ago and used on a daily basis to go to work and shops this machine has not faulted once great in the smow and all weathers great buy

“Riding the Lynx has literally changed my life for the better. I use it as an ordinary bike as much as possible, because I want the exercise. But not being a spring chicken, there are often times when on a normal bike I lose heart and enthusiasm, especially when going up hills. Now with my electric bike, I always have the physical and psychological knowledge that I’ll get that helpful push when I need it. As well as for leisure, I use it for commuting, and in the past, on my old pushbike, I often had a sinking feeling when about to use it – just thinking about the 5 miles there and back. Sometimes I just couldn’t face it, and would get the bus instead and arrive at work annoyed with myself and feeling lazy and flabby. Not a chance of that now! Using the Lynx has helped me lose weight, and lifts my spirits so that I get to work in a good mood.



It’s a lovely easy-to-handle lightweight bike, but doesn’t look too flimsy, unlike some foldaways I’ve seen. I’ve lost count of the people who’ve admired it. We accidentally got caught up in a bike run whilst in France, and I got several “Mon Dieu’s!” as I kept pace with, and even passed, fit French cyclists going uphill.



Back at home, the service from Powered Bicycles in Long Eaton, has been exemplary. The owner, Hamant, is so enthusiastic and helpful. I never felt rushed, patronised or intimidated by high-pressure sales techniques whilst I was there just guided towards the bike that was right for me, from his extensive range.



As you can tell from the above, I would thoroughly recommend the Lynx and Powered Bicycles to anyone who loves cycling doesn’t want to click their way through hundreds of gears, and relishes the freedom of getting quickly from A to B with the minimum of hassle. Jo from Nottingham”.

OK the guy at the shop keeps bugging me to write a review so lets see if it gets published word for word!!

I have had the Mantra now for around 18 months and i travel to work on it every day - well every week day - and with other journey`s to my dads or my in-laws i rack up around 30 - 40 miles per week.
for me personally there are plus`s and minus`s in the bike. on the plus side, it is cheap to charge which i do overnight, it is pretty nippy, as i regularly wizz past other cyclist and it gets me from A to B. it has certainly paid for itself as travelling to work by bus would cost me £750 in one year!!

The downsides are for me not an issue as the good outweighs the bad, but i find it is costing me around £150 a year to maintin the bike. i am already on my third set of tyres - but A] i do put in the mileage and B] you can expect extra wear compared to a normal bike due to the extra weight [for the record i use an electric bike due to a heart condition which means i would struggle on an ordinary bike.

I replaced the original Tyres due to regular punctures, so i opted for Kevlar Tyres, Expensive but made a huge difference. This time i am trying a thick treaded tyre in the hope of getting more mileage!!

Then there are the brakes!! With the extra speed and weight of the bike stopping power is important. This means that i am constantly having to adjust the brakes, tightening them up every 2 or 3 weeks and replacing the brake pads every 3 to 4 months. but for me that again is a very small price to pay for the speed i get.

The manual says i can expect 15-20 miles out of a single charge on my battery, i think not! in the first few weeks after purchase i might just have been getting 15 miles out of a charge, but i reckon now this is down to about 12, but in fairness I am 17.8 stone, i carry a rucksack on my back and i have twin panier bags on the bike which all adds to the weight and this will have an effect!!

Up Hills!!! Depends on the hill!! Small hills and a little pedal power is a peice of cake and i often leave other cyclists for dead, but the bigger hills can be a real problem especially for someone like me with a heart problem. You have to grunt more than you would expect and possibly get off and push, though i have only ever had to do that once.

would i recommend the Mantra

Overall, yes i would especially if you intend using it every day like i do in wind, rain, sun and snow - yes even in snow!

Would i replace my bike with another Mantra Absolutely I would despite the downsides this is the bike for me.

In 18 months these are the problems i experienced:-

1]batery ran out of charge - bike can be very heavy to pedal as an ordinary bike.

2] Heavy on tyres and brake blocks.

3] Don`t expect to get the full travel range from the battery.

4] In snow the battery is flat after little more than 3 miles.

5] The bike did cut out once during heavy rain which worried me somewhat but was fine once it had dried off in the shed i keep it in.

6]The bike also cut out one HOT day as if the motor had over heated!! [but we don`t get hot many hot days do we!]

7] i have just had to have the pedals/front chain wheel replaced - I have never had to do that with a bike before!!

The plus side:-

Cheap to run,
very nippy,
superb around town,
no insurance needed,
no license needed,
and i get home in half the time that i do on a bus.
it also mean i am not restricted when i go to hospital for my regular check ups, instead of using 2 buses from work, i simply hop on the bike and i am there inside 15 minutes.
Not quite the babe magnet, but i do get women talk to me when i have stopped, curious about the bike!!

Bought my Bike elsewhere, they went bust and I needed replacements. Poweredbicycles Electric Bikes not only provided the replacements but were verbally very helpful and obliging. Thanks Powerbicycles Electric Bikes

“Attention aspiring eco commuters and those who crave the fun of cycling without the
work: Modern electric bikes are here and they’re breaking away from the peleton in a
serious bid to win your lazy affections.”
USA magazine Wired – a publication that reports on how technology affects culture, the
economy, and politics recently rated four “electric” bikes, and Giant came out on top
again!
Jackson Lynch at Wired reviewed the Twist Freedom DX for the November 2008 online
version of the magazine. Now, in the March 09 print issue, Jackson stacks up the Giant
Hybrid Cycling Technology bicycle against three other machines, and he puts the Twist
on top, giving it a 9 out of perfect-10 rating.
“…unlike jerky old-school electrics, this rig is smoooooth, with three power modes and
seven gears for sweat-free riding over most terrain.”
He finished by giving the Twist the “Wired/Tired” treatment
“WIRED: Stylish. Hits US-mandated max of 20 mph. Comfy ride courtesy of cushy grips
plus fork and seat-post suspension. Internal rear-hub gearing impervious to mud and
sloppy weather. TIRED: Haven’t found anything so we’ll keep riding and let you

For the past 8 years I have regularly commuted to work via bicycle. When possible I`ll also leave the car in the garage and use my bike to run short errands. Of course living in an area with hilly terrain means lots of huffing and puffing, lots of gear shifts, and a decent amount of sweat. The side benefit is I get some much needed and regular exercise. (We`ll discount the occasional trip to the ER from dramatic wipeouts at speed.)

Weather is the biggest limiting factor. Too hot and too cold and the bike stays home. Same for rain and snow. Hot days are the worst since I can`t afford to arrive at the office all hot and sweaty and stinky. For some reason my coworkers aren`t too happy about it. There also are days when the day seemed to last too long and my legs are lead weights on the ride home. Throw in a headwind (why is it always a headwind and never a tailwind) and the ride can be miserable.

For this reason I was looking for a second bike to throw into the arsenal, one of those new-fangled electric hybrid bikes that require pedal effort to engage the electric motor. Giant Bicycles built several such models but they always were discontinued after what seemed like a short production run. Their latest entry into the hybrid electric market is the Twist Freedom DX.

The Twist DX features twin Li-ion batteries, a 250 watt front hub motor, 7 speed hub shifter, and a claimed range of up to 75 miles with a rider of perfect BMI, flat roads, temps in the range 60-75F, and no wind. I wanted to know how such a beast would behave in the more `real` world: semi-hilly terrain, a rider and backpack combined weight close to 215 pounds, fall temperatures, and throw in a nasty headwind every now and then.

Unfortunately it seems the only on-line review I could find was from May 2008 by Popular Mechanics. Unfortunately a late spring ride in flat Central Park in New York City did not satisfy my criteria for a good review. Not to knok the fine folks at PM, but they just did not test it in `my` conditions.

So one day I received a phone call from shop owner at The Bicycle Shop. shop owner knew I was interested in the Twist so he was kind enough to loan it to me for test dive. I just hope he hasn`t sold my regular bike waiting for the hybrid to come back home!

I rode the bike for a quite a few miles to drain one of the batteries down, fully charge it, and run it again until the battery drained so I could get an estimate of range and power required to charge it back up. I also wanted to see if it was as `un-bike like` as the PM review made the experience out to be.

So let`s start with the good:

Power is great! At any time you can be in any 4 of the 7 speeds of the hub shifter. I could accelerate strongly even in high gear, trading range as the motor had to work harder. On my commute home a hill that normally takes me 11 minutes to climb blew by in only 7. I was not pedaling as hard as on my regular non-electric bike but I was still getting a good workout although not as vigorous. You still have to supply some of the motive power. One evening there was a stiff headwind. Not only did I still make good time I arrived at home not feeling all beat up by the wind.

Now for the not so good:

Hill climbing power is good but definitely gave up a few mph. It is certainly not insufficient power and was an acceptable tradeoff. Hoever, pull a lot of hills in the Twist DX`s Sport mode and watch the battery drains FAST. Use `Normal` mode and they still drain pretty quick although not at as rapid a rate. The geek in me wishes there were an ammeter to monitor how much power was going to the motor.

As a commuter I have a backpack with a heavy laptop computer and lots of paperwork. Being slightly overweight myself the Twist DX had a lot of stuff to pull up that hill. I could see right away we were not going to get anywhere near the 75 mile range (`Eco` mode in flat terrain), which of course I did not realistically expect, but I was hoping to get closer to the rated specs for `moderate hill`. I doubt I could climb PA26 from Pine Grove Mills to Joe Hayes Vista on a single charge (it is one heck of a climb).

I expect the range to get slightly better as the battery packs get conditioned by having a few charge cycles on them but currently have no way to scientifically validate that. I should also point out that temperatures were in the range 40-50 degrees F during my rides and the cold does affect that state of charge somewhat. Overall my range was more in the range of the `steep hill` part of the range chart Giant supplies rather than `moderate hill`. A re-review after a change to a warmer season and a few charge cycles on the packs should verify the above hypothesis. At the very least with current observations we have a measured range performed under less than ideal conditions and much closer to real world (or at least real world Happy Valley).

And now, the rest of the story:

I drained one of the two battery packs in appx. 18 miles. In those 18 miles there were some good hills to climb. The Twist DX and I blew past riders struggling in low gear, who watched in amazement as we went by at what seemed like light speed. Miles were mostly accumulated in the DX`s `Normal` power setting although a few hill climbs were conducted in the `Sport` setting to see how fast I could get up the hill.

At the end of each of my 3 mile legs I always felt like I wanted to ride more. Even after a long day in the office with leaden legs the Twist DX made the ride a pleasure. Even at the end of the battery`s charge the motor still pulled strong, losing power in probably the last minute or so of the charge cycle. I don`t know if Giant fully depletes the battery or simply cuts it off at some lower level.

Range anxiety is mitigated by having the second power pack to switch to when the first depletes. When the `Right` battery went down to 0 and cut off, I simply flipped the selector to `Left` and was happily using the power assist once again.

With he battery depleted I hook the charger up to a power monitor to see how much electricity it would require to fully charge. The charger drew a measured 62 watts and consumed .26 kWh to charge the pack. At $.09/kWh, this translate to a smidge over $.02 electricity for 18 miles or an astounding $0.0013 / mile. It costs more than that just to start mt car!

Random thoughts:

Clearly set up as a single model for both the US and European markets, the charger comes with a European power plug and a dongle to convert said plug to a standard 3 prong one. I don`t mind but dongles can be easily lost if not careful.

The Twist DX comes with an LED tailight that runs off its own batteries. Curiously, no headlight.

I have a habit of resting my foot on the pedals while waiting at stoplights. This habit would activate the torque sensor and make the front wheel want to spin. Off the line acceleration is strong so if you`re not careful you can fly out into traffic. I almost did! I`m surprised Giant didn`t put in brake cutoff switches.

The integrated pannier system hides the batteries and also provide some storage space. They were too small for my laptop computer and might even be too small for a MacBook Air. They were large enough to hold my paperwork folders but since they won`t hold the laptop I`m still going to need the backpack. They were large enough to hold my lunch.

Giant does not recommend using a child carrier. My own children are too big for a carrier but I was hoping to use one to haul a week`s worth of groceries from Wegman`s. One can only fit so much into a backpack!

Top assisted speed is 15 mph. Anything above that you have to pedal to get there.

The power connector for the front hub motor makes for a somewhat wider than normal front wheel profile, making it interesting to park the bike in some bike racks. I had no problems with the rack in front of Wegman`s.

Giant states in the owners book to specifically not leave the bike out in the rain.

The bottom line:

I was hoping for range closer to the advertised 75 miles but I suspected this would be too optimistic given the weight I expect it to carry and given the terrain. I find it to be an excellent commuter vehicle, provided you want to live life in the bicycle lane instead of the fast lane. The Twist DX will appeal to those who`s litany of reasons not to ride a bike are effort to overcome local terrain and aversion to arriving at work sweaty and tired.

Its $2,200 list price leaves you wondering if you would buy a used commuter car or cheap scooter instead but I`ll challenge there`s nothing like riding a bike on a quiet uncongested bike path. As the PM review suggests, serious bikers will likely shun this bike, but they`re not its intended market. The Twist DX will appeal to commuters and errand runners like myself and it offers a no excuse option for those sitting on the fence saying they`d love to bike to work, but...

I really hope that its asking price of 2 large doesn`t relegate it to niche status. Go try one for yourself. You`ll enjoy the experience.

The bottom line:

Would I buy one for myself That is a tough question! Obviously I hated to part with the Twist Freedom DX at the end of the review period. I wuld love to have this bike as part of my fleet. At 2 large it is a tough decision to make. But yes, I am saving my pennies.

Acknowlegements:

I wish to express my gratitude to shop owner and the Bicycle Shop for the extended test drive. Not every bicycle shop would loan out such an expensive machine for an open-ended test period, especially with the only collateral being a 6 year old entry-level mountain bike ) But shop owner is just that nice a guy and I think he`s a great guy to do business with.

We bought a Giant Twist Freedom for my wife, for an 11 mile uphill commute to work. Here are a few thoughts:

Design, material and build quality are all outstanding. This bicycle is higher quality than Gazelle utility bikes, which are widely regarded as the best such bikes in the world (I have two of them).

The motor is highly capable, even on quite steep slopes.

Everything works exceptionally well with this bike--the double battery design is an order of magnitude improvement over all other e-bikes, not only because you get double the range, but because this allows the batteries to be discharged optimally to maximize longevity.

My wife is a very serious cyclist, and she loves the ride and handling of the Twist Freedom. Handling is improved greatly by changing the stock handlebars for a set of bars that are lower rise.

I first saw the bicycle at Milton Keynes outdoor show. A test ride was made by my wife, who then said she would like one, actually we bought two, the delivery was very quick. The pleasure of riding a bicycle, but not having to pedal hard to get moving is very good in power assisted mode, and if your lazy, power only, is even better.Hamant the shop owner treats you as a very old friend.
I would recommend one of these bikes to anyone, Its cycling but not hard work.

Was offered a go on this bike at Uk Aware 2009. Great fun. Haven`t rode any sort of electric bike before or any sort of bike for years. Doesn`t feel that different to a fairly heavy ordinary bike. Good brakes. A positive experience

Dear Sirs, I recently bought the bike below and am very pleased with it. My company, The No Butts Bin Company Ltd sells a range of products including cycle shelters and racks. See our web site.
http://www.nobutts.co.uk/product-groups.aspproductGroup=4000
I have a range extension that would require the purchase of between 5 and 10 electric cycles for some of our corporate clients. My question is, can you supply bikes to us at a discount for us to sell on and can you provide servicing if required under warranty What is the cost of getting a bike from A to B as I may have to get bikes back to you for servicing.

Many thanks, Martyn Bright.

Went down to Nottingham from Chesterfield to get my bike. Fantastic service with free delivery. Now cycle to work and love my bike. Getting fitter daily but not arriving at work completely exhausted.Highly recommended. Hubby wants one now!!

How pleased I am that I chose to buy my Mantra from PoweredBicycles. There are a lot of sellers out there but where else would you get a truly personal service by email AND phone! I stupidly broke my back light after fitting the batteries and Hamant kindly sent another free of charge... who else would do that.
On to the bike, it`s fantastic! I`m riding 28 hilly miles a day, to and from work. I use powere assist and manage 14 miles in about 35 minutes - I`m 67 by the way and I have had no muscle ache whatsoever.
The bike looks really smart and generates a lot of interest wherever I go: so much so that I now give out little cards with the web address and tel. no. of PoweredBicycles. Be green - be fit - be happy!

Very satisfied. one piece of advice. The package is quite bulky and the assembly is not straightforward. If you are not fairly strong and handy a good idea would be to arrange for a local dealer to take delivery and make the final assembly and check for you
I am 78 years on age and overall bike is fantistic

Well, what can I say, I have been riding bikes for a very long time, always considered myself to be a purist, ever seeking to upgrade. But the times they are a changing, my new electric bike. Despite its weight and long wheelbase, rides well without power, but as soon as you turn the power on, it springs to life. On peddle assist and the occasional irresistible use of the throttle, easily doing 30 odd miles on one charge, not a fast ride, but comes into its own when facing headwinds and hills. You are going to be overtaken, get the odd look now and then, but when the wind blows and the hills roll, who laughs last.
Pros. Nice electrics, handles well without power, throttle is a real treat.
Excellent backup from shop, pleased to help with any problems.
Cons. Low spec,
Shimano entry level V Brakes instead of front Disc would have been better
Overall a very efficient bike that could soon become a favourite.
Colin Leicester

great bike for shopping when you want a change from driving would recommend to anyone

The service from poweredbikes is fabulous..we` ve been delighted with the izip bike, it`s revolutionised family bike rides.... can`t recommend highly enough!!!

Had a try out of the City Thunder it was very lively,plenty of power and looks great.
The CT is well geared and in my opinion was easier to ride without power than the Ezee Torq
I have an ET great bike but getting parts are a problem battery lasts about 18 months.
I have had the ET about three years I do about 1500 miles a year coming to the end of the second battery life now quoted at £395 to replace. Expensive

Having bought the Lynx 3
for my wife, she is over the moon with it in every way.
The only problem I have, I cannot keep up with her
now ! she just zoomes up the hills and leaves me trailing.

Hello Hammant, hope you are well, Just to report on the Mantra bicycle i bought from you , It is BRILLIANT, went out on it for the first time yesterday, and have been to work on it today, I like to pedal, Does:nt seem right just to sit there, and it is efortless. Many thanks for the help and advice, and all round good service. Steve Todd

I bought this bike with a mind to do alot of miles with it, so i bought localy for the back up you can recieve. since feb this year i have cycled aprox 5500 miles with only 1 problem the spokes on the back wheel, which after talking to powered bikes was soon sorted with no hastle. I use the bike to go to work on and is my main transport I use the bike everyday would recomend it to anyone it does what they claim it does and more. this bike is fantastic.

Well about time I got round to a review of what is simply A FANTASTIC BIKE !I bought the City Thunder for work about 4 to 5 months ago as work was about 20 miles return and I had no vehicle and what problems it solved. No more having to get lifts or relying on anyone else to get me to work as I worked shifts in a bakery. I was and am fully fit, and this bike allows you to put as much or as little effort in as you want.I prefer to put effort in and the health benefits are great,but these bikes are fantastic if you have things like joint problems as the pedal assist function and twist grip throttle give you all the support you need.I ride my bike all the time and its a sheer joy.All I can add to my comments is that this piece of engineering is the best thing I have ever bought!!!
And the guys in the shop were knowledgeable helpful and courteous.I have waited a few months to write my review but all I can say is what a superb bike!

From walking in to the shop and aftersales advice I have received an excellent service. I was able to try out a number of bikes and work out which bike was best for my needs. I am really pleased with the bike I chose - I live in a really hilly area and the bike makes cycling much easier and the battery still has a good range. When I have had queries about my bike I have had a quick and useful response and delivery of the bike was at a time and place to suit me. This is a great Company to do business with.

I bought this bike as an alternative to my motorbike, as i wasnt getting any regular excercise and also wanted to save money in the long term on the commute to work. its the best decision i have made in terms of transport. Hills are no problem (especially as i have a knee damaged by years of sport) and the commute takes me 5 mins longer than the motorbike over 10 Miles. The bike has been sturdy and easy to handle and even survived a crash with a motorist who didnt know how to use her indicators. The only damage being a split mudguard. So if you want a bit of excercise, to save some money and pass everyone on the uphill journey, then this is the bike. Oh and it looks good too.

I have been a very keen cyclist for most of my life cycling up to 8000 miles a year but after a serious accident while at work I am now disabled and unable to walk. My Electric City Thunder has given me a new lease of life.

I have cycled over 1000 miles in less than 3 months with no problems apart from a loose crank. I must also say that the staff at www.poweredbicycles.co.uk in Long Eaton Nottingham have been amazing, I took my bike for its free first service today and was amazed when Hamant the owner of the company called me himself to say that the cycle was all ready for collection on the same day, now that is what I call service.

Because of my disability I got my bike through a scheme called Access To Work. All I had to do was choose my bike and www.poweredbicycles.co.uk and the company that I work for did the rest. It is a great scheme and for anyone with a disability who wants to cycle to work.

Unlike most other Electric cycles that I have seen the City Thunder looks just like a normal light weight bike, and it is. I also find it one of the most comfortable bikes I have ridden. I think this is because of the long wheelbase and the light weight.

I have been very surprised by just how far on a single charge the bike will run for. I have been getting over 27 miles on full throttle and peddle assist at the same time. Using peddle assist mode and switching off the power on the flat or downhill I have cycled over 45 miles and still not run out of power. I think another reason for the amazing performance is because I asked to have the standard chunky tyres changed for City Jet tyres.

Stuart

In France I bought an excellent electric bike made in Italy.
The Free spirit I have now bought from poweredbicycles is even better because it has 36v battery instead of 24v giving more range,superior locking devices,and a throttle which makes starting much easier.
A super bike with splendid service.

Tried this bike at Hamants shop and it was excellent. Having never been on an electric bike before I was amazed at how easy it was, you could feel the power straight away. Quiet and easy to change gears, chunky feel to the bike, doesn`t look like an electric bike which is great.
Also tried the Izip Trekking with the Litium battery - this seemed to have even more go than the Enlightened and was more like a road bike than a mountain bike.
Hamant was great, very helpful and has access to a handy car park to try the bikes for as long as you need. As soon as I get my boss organised to do the cycle scheme I will definately be buying from this shop!!!

Just to tell you that I am truely delighted with the folding electric bike that I bought from you a few months ago. I waited this length of time to comment just incase anything went wrong ... it hasn`t. My bike is the talk of my village and now everyone wants one !!!

Hello, just a short note to let you know that my wife is delighted with her City Runner. It has given her a new lease of life as far a cycling is concerned, also for me as I am now able to go for bike rides with her. We are both looking forward to our holiday in France in September with our new found mobility. Yuo did tell me in the shop that you would send me an instruction manual. Thank you for your help in selecting this bike, it is just perfect and has been admires by all our friends. Regards, Richard
,Lincoln

I`ve owned my Galileo for just about 6 months now and I`ve been really impressed with it. I`m only 35 and fairly fit but I found that I was getting too hot and sweaty cycling to and from work which meant I ended up leaving my bike at home through the summer and using the car which always seemed the wrong way round to me! The power of the Galileo means that I can get to and from work without working up a sweat even in the hottest weather.

The parts on the bike are virtually all branded and I`ve never had any trouble which is pretty impressive since I`ve now clocked up over 1000 miles on the bike and it gets used virtually every day. I particularly like the disc brakes (which I`ve never had before) which have incredible stopping power even in torrential rain and require virtually no maintenance, and also the full suspension which is fantastic for off-roading and makes rocky paths a breeze at speeds that just wouldn`t be safe on a non-suspension bike.

The motor only seems to work up to about 10mph for me which in practical terms means it kicks in on hills and flats with strong headwinds, but it`s amazing what a difference this makes to cycling both on and off road. I find I use my bike now more as an alternative mode of transport which I never used to do and I regularly make big shopping trips on it. I get about 40 miles off one charge and I recently made a round trip from Eastwood to Matlock Bath (via Crich!!!) in one day which I would never have dreamed of undertaking before I got this bike.

Having read around electric bike forums this bike seems to be a cut above the rest in terms of reliability and doesn`t suffer from any of the problems that get reported about other (often more expensive!) bikes such as the motor cutting out due to overheating on long hills, or rain getting in to the controller and rendering the bike useless until it has been thoroughly dried out.

Overall I`m extremely happy with the bike and would recommend it to anyone.

my mum whos 64 has the womens one of these and my partner has this model his had it a year and a half and uses it daily for work in the city (LONDON) seriously we cant Fault this bike the battery is just starting to need charging more offten but in saying that the bike has been used ALOT!!!, So we would recomend this bike the price is also great we`r only here looking to buy a new battery and i just had to let others know its a great bike well worth every penny,
it is a bit heavy but thats the only thing not so good about it but taking into account the price , and the use my partners had out of it i would buy this again and we have been very please with it,

OK then, here`s a bit more. Feel free to use any of it in your promotions or web site. If you recall, I bought the electric bike for my wife as a birthday present. We spend the spring and summer each year in Brittany where we have some cottages that we rent out to holidaymakers and the region suits itself exceptionally well to cycling. It is very quiet and peaceful as well as being rather beautiful. The downside is it is also rather hilly - a bit like Wales or Derbyshire but with better weather and without the traffic. In the past, my wife and I have used cheap mountain bikes but our excursions haven`t been very successful as my wife finds the hills too difficult and our bike rides have been limited to just the area very near to where we live. Which has been frustrating as there are many places of interest just a few miles further afield such as lakes and rivers but they were out of reach except by car. So, in July we bought one of your `city runner` electric bikes. By nature I`m a cynical sod and didn`t really expect it to make a huge difference so I have to admit to being stunned. It has transformed our bike trips beyond belief. I made a carrier base using fibreglass and bolted on the dog basket and my wife and Ted (the dog) zoom along the country lanes with pleasure. The electric bike is only supposed to go 15mph but according to the sat nav I fitted, it manages 19 on the flat easily. My poor old mountain bike keeps up on the flat and easily beats its fancy electric cousin downhill but a different story when the uphill sections arrive. I`m a big powerful man but strain as I may, my wife can overtake me with ease and no effort when there is a long uphill road to conquer. Of course she thinks its funny as I labour away in front then she increases the throttle switch on her bike and the damn thing glides past! I`m not seeking a job on your promotion department but I have to say it really is a good bike. Not too heavy to manoeuvre into our garage or van, plenty powerful enough, its range is well beyond what we have discovered so far and it seems well made. And my wife points out is very comfortable. She makes out she pedals as she goes along but I think that`s just so I don`t complain she`s being lazy. Downsides It was a little expensive perhaps and is a noisier than I expected. But not a problem, it sounds like one of those rechargeable drills. So our verdict Five stars plus. ps. If anyone wants to rent a holiday cottage in central Brittany, get in touch with us. We also have one for sale.
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I bought the Parkway Folding Electric Bike with lithium battery a few months ago on Hammant`s suggestion after he asked me a few pertinent questions such as my height ( very important ) ..... what was I using it for etc etc. I was buying blind on the internet and needed guidance. Initially I was going for another model, but he steered me in the right direction. As I said I have had the bike for a few months now and wanted to judge it on performance over time. I mark it as 10/10
I am a Granny living in hilly Devon and I love this bike. I can peddle when I want and I can fly like the wind with the throttle. The other cyclists stare at me with amazement as I overtake them !!! Others ask me so many questions about it.
Buy this bike with confidence. It will improve your life and fitness.
Thank you Hammant.... YOU ARE A STAR !!!!

Bought my bike a few months ago, service and bike very good going for a service shortly will review again in a few months time

Fantastic bike, runs like a dream. Just what I needed to get me up those hills.
Staff are absolutely fantastic, couldn`t do enough for me. I travelled from Manchester to get mine because as far as I can see this is the best electric bike shop in the country.
Thank you for making life a lot easier, and cheaper!

I have been using this bike for 3 months and have been very pleased with it.

I live in Sheffield which is very hilly and I am training to be a GP. I use the bike for home visits and getting between the 2 surgeries I work at.

You ride it like a normal bike, the motor just makes things easier but this makes the difference between getting somewhere hot and sweaty and being able to stay decent, even in a shirt and tie.

I manage to get about 20 miles out of a charge, but that includes going up some hills and how fast you use battery will depend on whether you use the full throttle or pedal assist.

In terms of recommendations for improving the bike it is very heavy- this is a security feature in terms of people picking it up and running away with it but if the battery does run out, getting up a hill - well you`ll have to walk, but you can cycle on the flat without battery power.

It only has 7 gears, so this can limit the top speed going down hill at times.

The bike enables me to work in General Practice without a car- even though it was expensive it has been cheaper than running a second car and I wouldn`t hesitate to recommend it to others.

It`s brilliant!!! At last I can enjoy cycling. The bike is a dream to ride and looks good too. The battery seems to last forever and I am getting fitter without any noticable effort on my part.
I can`t recommend it enough especially the helpfulness of the staff.

I have never been much of a cyclist but more recently (in the past few months) had been thinking of commuting to work. The only problem was that the commute is almost 20 miles round trip and living in Yorkshire means that there is hardly any flat terrain. Therefore a normal (unpowered) bike was out of the question. I had never heard of electric bikes before but found out about them during my research. In the end my initial choice came down to between Kalkhoff Aggatu and the Powacycle Salisbury LPX. The former was rather expensive so I decided to check out the Salisbury at Powered Bicycles. Hamant (the owner) showed me the Salisbury but also urged me to try the Mantra, which I did and decided to go for that – the main reason being the longer range (it has a 36 volt battery).

I have had the bike for about 6 weeks now and am extremely happy with it. It is a bit heavy (almost 30 kg), so is tough going without assistance but with it, is a breeze. You can appreciate the assistance as the motor kicks in. I have been doing about 70 to 80 miles a week and the bike has already saved me at least £60-£70 in fuel costs. Going up steep hills does require a bit of an effort but if you use the throttle, it becomes much easier (I do, however, try to avoid this so as to get more exercise).

As I mentioned, my daily commute is a shade under 20 miles and battery life has never been a problem. In fact, I have ridden the bike another few miles the next day (if not taking it to work) on the same charge and the battery has lasted me then as well.

As far as fitness goes, I am extremely pleased with the results in the just the past few weeks. There are a set of very steep stairs at work and only yesterday a colleague, more than 20 years younger, commented how energetic I was going up them – he couldn’t keep up with me! I have never been a couch potato but my fitness levels have improved significantly. Additionally I have lost more than 3 kg (almost 1/2 stone) in weight over the past few weeks, without resorting to any strict diet

In summary, this is one of the best things I have done in a long time and would urge anyone thinking of buying an electric bike to go for it. I have not used any other electric bikes but am very happy with the Mantra and would have no hesitation in recommending it. I would suggest that if you plan to ride it long distance then get yourself a gel seat rather than the one that comes with the bike.

Just had a go on this bike, which my dad is looking at because he has Angina. I do a fair bit of cycling on a hybrid mountain bike, but this bike was so easy to use it was unbelievable. 3 laps round focus car park next door and I can see why the boss sells so many.
I would highly recommend visiting the shop to see these bikes, and they re not cheap, but you get what you pay for. The owner couldn`t make you feel more welcome, and had all the time in the world to answer questions and show you all bells and whistles on the range.

Tony

I`m a newbee to this bike (one week), having taken up cycling again after a break of eight years. I have athuritis but this bicycle has set me free to enjoy the fresh air again. I`ve cycled into work (10 miles each way) or rather powered into work because the battery was only half empty by the time I got home again.
Apart from all this the machine is something lovely to behold!

What a fabulous bike, great for to and from work, I`m hoping it will save me a fortune on petrol...They all want a go on it too, I may have started a trend!!

I had my Mantra for 6 months now, covered about 300 miles ( too wet and cold for more...).
I can honestly say that it is the best investment I`ve made for years. It goes well, does about 25 miles power only, 50+ pedalling assisted per charge.
If you want to cycle without the physical effort this is the bike for you, trust me `cos I know....
Hamant and his team offer great service and knowledge, watch out for the new models coming soon.

Owain Evans (aged 63 and 3/4)

Bought 2 of these about three weeks ago after much research. Very pleased with service and product so far. Will return to this site with a review after more use in France.