Frequently Asked Questions

E-bikes are essentially bicycles equipped with a battery-powered motor that provides assistance either through pedalling or, occasionally, via a throttle. When you pedal on a pedal-assist e-bike, the motor kicks in to give you an extra push, making it easier to climb hills and navigate challenging terrain without getting overly tired.

Often referred to as 'pedelecs', these bikes offer the same riding experience as traditional bicycles, but with added benefits. They are a healthier, more environmentally friendly, and convenient mode of transport, making cycling more accessible to a wider range of people.

E-bikes differ from traditional bicycles due to three key components: the battery, the motor, and the sensor. These parts are essential for enhancing the rider's pedalling effort.

When you start pedalling on a pedal-assist e-bike, the motor activates to help propel the wheels, easing your ride. The battery supplies the necessary power, and the sensor detects when you are pedalling, triggering the motor to assist you. The e-bike's display allows you to monitor the battery status, adjust the level of assistance, and check your speed. These components work in harmony to ensure a smooth and enjoyable riding experience.

The market offers a variety of electric bikes, each catering to different needs and preferences. Here are some popular types and their unique advantages:

Cargo E-Bikes: Offer an eco-friendly, efficient way to transport heavy loads or passengers in urban areas, combining the convenience of cycling with the practicality of a small cargo vehicle.

City & Urban E-Bikes: Provide a fast, eco-friendly way to navigate through busy streets, offering a convenient and effortless commute ideal for daily city travel.

Fat Tyre E-Bikes: Known for their stability and quiet performance, these bikes handle all kinds of terrain, both on and off-road, providing a smooth and reliable ride.

Folding E-Bikes: Ideal for travellers, these bikes feature a compact, foldable design that makes them easy to carry, store, and transport. Unfold them when you're ready to continue your journey.

Hybrid E-Bikes: Blending features of road and mountain bikes, hybrids offer versatility for both city cruising and light off-road adventures, making them a great all-around choice.

Electric Mountain Bikes: Designed for off-road adventures, these bikes come equipped with powerful motors and rugged frames, allowing you to tackle challenging terrains effortlessly.

Step-Through E-Bikes: Perfect for those who seek easy and comfortable mounting, these bikes combine practicality with a stylish, traditional look.

Yes - electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) are powered by motors but are distinct from motorbikes under UK law, allowing anyone over 14 to legally ride them.

According to current legislation, the motor must have a maximum continuous rated power not exceeding 250 watts, and be restricted to assisting speeds up to 15.5 mph to qualify as EAPCs.

EAPCs do not require a licence, insurance, MOT, or tax. They can be ridden wherever standard bicycles are permitted.

For further information, please read our guide here.

Standard throttles on e-bikes are legal in the UK but can only operate without pedalling up to 6km/h or 3.7mph, typically for “walk start” assistance. To go faster, the rider must pedal.

It is possible to purchase an Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) with a throttle that can provide electrical assistance without the use of pedals, up to 15.5mph, as long as it is 'type approved'.

Riders interested in a 'type approved' 'Twist and Go' EAPC should refer to our Wisper collection.

When you order an eligible Wisper full-throttle eBike, we arrange for it to be tested by the DVSA and approved as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped. This process can take 2-8 weeks, as the bike needs to be inspected at an approved MVSA centre for Single Vehicle Approval (SVA) tests.

These tests ensure that the eBike complies with current Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regulations. After the test, we receive a British National Type Approval certificate, which is specific to your bike’s frame number. This certificate is valid for the bike's lifetime and doesn’t require renewal, unlike an MOT.

When not using the throttle, the bike functions like a standard eBike, with no impact on regular EAPC features.

Every electric bike is crafted with water resistance in mind, enabling you to comfortably ride in rainy conditions and navigate through puddles.

We do however recommend you consult the manufacturer's guidelines for precise information regarding water resistance. Refrain from using power washers when cleaning your bike.

For more comprehensive information on water resistance levels, please consult the IP rating provided in the specification section of our product pages or get in contact with us at info@bikeyardonline.co.uk

Please refer to the size guide on the product page as this will contain the most accurate information for your model.

If unavailable, please see our size guide here for our generic guide.

Absolutely, we back our products with confidence. All our e-bikes and e-scooters include a minimum 6-month manufacturer’s warranty.

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the product pages.

Please be aware that the warranty does not cover damage due to negligence, use of non-original parts, or modifications. It also excludes normal wear and tear.

Most vary between 15 and 28kg. For more precise information, check the specification of the bike you are interested in from the product page.

E-bikes offer the option to ride without activating the motor, operating similarly to conventional bicycles. Despite the additional weight from the motor and battery, resulting in a slightly heavier feel, you can still experience a smooth ride without assistance.

The distance your ebike's battery can cover is determined by its capacity, which is outlined in the specification tab on our product pages. Variables such as terrain, rider weight, tyre pressure, and headwind can impact the actual distance achievable.

Charging times generally take between 3 and 8 hours depending on the model for a full charge. Some bikes also feature fast charging allowing you to part charge the battery in a much shorter timeframe.

For more precise information, check the product description of the model you are considering.

Hub-drive e-bikes are the most common category. They have the motor in the front or rear wheel, offering a simpler, quieter, and more affordable system but may struggle more on steep hills. Mid-drive e-bikes place the motor at the pedals, using the bike’s gears for better hill climbing and a more natural ride, though they tend to cost a little more and need extra maintenance.

Choose a hub-drive for a smoother, budget-friendly ride on flatter terrain. Opt for a mid-drive if you need better hill performance or plan to ride off-road.

Torque sensors measure how hard you pedal and provide a smoother, more natural riding experience with efficient battery use, making them ideal for challenging terrains. However, they demand more effort from the rider.

Cadence sensors measure whether you're pedalling, offering consistent motor power with minimal effort, making them simpler but can feel less intuitive or jerky.

In summary: choose torque for fitness or serious cycling and cadence for easier cruising.

The cost to charge an electric bike battery depends on your electricity rates and can vary. However, based on typical local tariffs and battery sizes, it generally ranges between £0.04 and £0.15 per charge, making it an affordable mode of transport.

We do not currently offer part-exchange sales unfortunately.

We would recommend a local marketplace as the best place to sell your existing e-bike or trike.

Check out our dedicated page here. It features its own FAQ about the scheme at the bottom of the page.

Yes. To cancel your order, you can reach out to us via the web chat feature on our website (located in the bottom left corner) or by sending an email to info@bikeyardonline.co.uk.

Please be aware that if your order has already been dispatched, you will be responsible for any return shipping expenses. Refunds will be credited back to the original payment method used for the purchase.

Absolutely, we have a 14-day return policy starting from the date of item receipt. Return policies can differ among brands, so please refer to the specific product page for more comprehensive details.

For a return to be eligible, items must remain in their original condition, unworn or unused, with tags intact, and in the original packaging. A valid receipt or proof of purchase is necessary.

To begin a return process, please reach out to us at returns@bikeyardonline.co.uk. Once your request is approved, we will provide instructions for returning your package. Please note that items returned without prior approval will not be accepted.

Once approved, refunds are processed within 14 days. Once processed, it may take an additional five working days for the funds to appear in your account.

Please be aware that refunds are issued back to the original payment method used for the purchase.

Should you encounter any issues, please send an email to info@bikeyardonline.co.uk along with your order number and any relevant photos or videos.

We would also encourage you to use our troubleshooting tool to help diagnose the fault.

For any problems arising beyond the initial 14 days, we will assist you in initiating a warranty claim for any manufacturing faults.

After acceptance, refunds are processed within 14 days. It may take an additional five working days for the funds to reflect in your account.

Please be aware that refunds are issued back to the original payment method used for the purchase.

We currently accept all major payment platforms.

You can also pay over three months using PayPal's Pay in 3 for purchases between £30 and £2000.

We also accept Klarna which allows you to buy your new ebike or scooter today and pay in 30 days.

If you haven't received an email confirmation for your order, please check your junk or spam folders, as confirmation emails can sometimes end up there. If you still can't find it, please contact us through live chat or via email at info@bikeyardonline.co.uk.

It's possible there was a typo in your email address, which we can easily correct.

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer a student discount. However, we recommend keeping an eye on our website, as we regularly offer great discounts that you may be eligible for.

Our discouted collection can be found here.

We're sorry to hear you're experiencing issues while trying to make a purchase on our website. If your card is being declined, we recommend contacting your bank, as we have no control over the payment methods used. Please also check if your bank has sent you an authorisation text message, you may need to respond to it for your order to be processed successfully.

Note: To successfully process your order, the billing address should match the name and address to which the card is registered.

Absolutely. At Bike Yard Online, your security is our utmost priority. We've put strong measures in place to safeguard your payment information:

SSL Encryption: We use SSL encryption to protect your payment details, ensuring a secure connection during transmission.

No Storage of Card Information: We do not store your credit card details on our servers. Your sensitive information is discarded immediately after the transaction is completed to maintain your privacy and security.

PayPal: You can shop in full confidence knowing we accept PayPal with industry-leading buyer protection.

This will depend on the brand, as we don't keep all of our bikes in the same warehouse.

However, we can organise demos for certain products at one of our showrooms. Please contact us to find out more.

As of now, we only ship to the UK. All orders to UK mainland over £200 come with free delivery.

If you are purchasing from the Highlands or non-UK mainland, please get in touch before placing your order as there may be a small excess to pay which is brand specific.

At this moment in time, we do not have a click and collect service. All orders are delivered to the shipping address provided during checkout.

However, some brands offer a white-glove assembly package. If this is available, this will be shown on the product page.

Most of our bikes over arrive 95% assembled. You may need to attach the wheels, pedals, saddle, handlebars, or other minor parts yourself. But don't worry - all of this is very simple and if you require any further assistance, don't hesistate to contact us on 0333 880 7203 or info@bikeyardonline.co.uk.

Some brands are eligible for full white-glove delivery. If this is available for your desired bike, it will be shown on the product page.

This will depend on the brand and the model chosen. Please see the product page for the item you are considering for the most up-to-date information.

You can find out Shipping Policy here, which outlines what you can expect when placing an order with us.

Pedal-assisted electric bikes (e-bikes) with motors up to 250W are legal to use on public roads without the need for insurance or a licence.

The maximum speed is restricted to 15.5 mph, and riders must be at least 14 years old. Although helmets are not compulsory, they are strongly recommended for your safety.

For further information, please see the gov.uk website and our legal guide here.

If your bike has a motor under 250W, insurance is not legally required. However, we strongly recommend obtaining insurance to protect against theft and accidental damage.

We have partnered with Cycler who can provide our customers with comprehensive insurance for all EAPCs (electrically assisted pedal cycles). You can see our dedicated page here.

For further information, please see the gov.uk website and our legal guide here.

In the UK, no licence is required to ride an electric bike if you are over 14 years old. Additionally, there is no need for registration or vehicle tax.

An electric bike is classified as an "electrically assisted pedal cycle" (EAPC) if it meets the following criteria:

• It has pedals for propulsion.
• The motor stops providing assistance beyond 25 km/h (15.5 mph).
• The motor's power does not exceed 250 watts.

E-bikes that meet these standards can be used on cycle paths and other designated bike areas. However, off-road e-bikes that can exceed 15.5 mph do not comply with EAPC regulations for on-road use.

If an e-bike has a motor exceeding 250W or assists at speeds above 15.5 mph, it is classified as a motor vehicle. Consequently, it must be registered, insured, and taxed, and requires a driving licence and a motorcycle helmet.

For further information, please see the gov.uk website and our legal guide here.

Electric bikes are as safe as, if not safer than, traditional bicycles. The pedal assist feature allows you to exert less effort while riding, which helps you stay less fatigued and more attentive to your surroundings - an important factor for road safety. Additionally, the ability to accelerate quickly at junctions and keep up with traffic improves your visibility and safety. Climbing hills becomes much easier, reducing the likelihood of becoming breathless and distracted.

There is no law mandating helmet use, but we highly encourage wearing one to minimise the risk of injury.