Try-Before-You-Buy E-Bike Scheme
This new University scheme gives staff the opportunity to try out an e-bike for their commuting or leisure activities. Participants have a chance to test how an e-bike works for them to encourage more travelling by bike with the related flexibility and cost savings.
This is a perfect scheme for those who want to become less dependent on cars or public transport, but would not think riding a conventional bicycle is for them, or for those who thought already for a while about investing in their own e-bike but want to understand better how they work.
What does the scheme offer?
The scheme offers staff members the opportunity to use one of the University fleet e-bikes for up to 2 months.
- Participants will receive a short training and are provided with safety equipment, a charger as well as a pannier.
- Participants will sign an agreement that clarifies the University's expectation on handling and using the bike safely.
- There are no cost for the use of the bicycle, but the agreement includes a section on cost that may arise if the bike or items are damaged or lost.
Participating staff members gain day-to-day experiences on how to use and run an e-bike, to inform their decision to buy their own.
Who can take part?
The scheme is open to all staff members of University of Glasgow who
- hold an employment contract, or expect to hold one, for the duration of their use period of a maximum of 2 moths
- are experienced cyclists who understand the rules of the road - we do not provide beginners' training as part of this scheme
- sign an agreement document which specifies the University's expectation on using and handling the bike
- undergo a short training session on campus
- agree to record their bike use by purpose of use
- agree to take part in a short after use survey
The number of bicycles available is limited. Those expressing an interest to take part may be put onto a waiting list until a bicycle becomes available.
How can staff take part?
If you want to take part, please follow the following steps -
1. Email travelplanning@glasgow.ac.uk for an expression of interest. We aim to respond within 3 working days.
2. The Travel Planning team will send out the agreement for you to read and sign. This will detail the expectations on you how to keep yourself safe, how to keep the bike safe, how to run the bike and what happens in case of damage or theft.
3. The Travel Planning team will get in touch to arrange a training session and the handover of the bike. We will also agree when the bike has to be returned.
4. A month after your bike use we will ask you to respond to a short questionnaire to find out if the e-bike use has helped you to make a decision on buying your own.
You can ask questions at any time if something is not clear.
Why e-bikes?
Traffic congestion, pollution, cost of living are some of the reasons why people opt for alternative, more sustainable modes of travelling.
E-bikes are one of them. While you may consider that cycling is not for you - because of fitness concerns or not wanting to show up at work exhausted or sweaty - e-bikes are a great alternative. This is why:
- They are battery-assisted, which means you get a boost when pedalling.
- They offer a great way to build gentle exercise into your day through non-vigorous pedalling.
- They are comfortable and safe to ride.
- They reduce your commuting time! With a bike, there's no need to wait for the bus or search for a parking spot. Cycling offers great flexibility and ensures you never get stuck in traffic.
- Panniers allow carrying work items or a shopping to campus and home.
Using the e-bike
Clip-on bike computer
The small on-board computer/control panel has to be attached to the handlebars. For the battery to operate you need to switch it on using the Power button.
There are 4 levels of assistance on the control panel: ‘Eco’, ‘Touring’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Turbo’.
The control panel also shows how much battery power is left (depending on the chosen assistance level), the distance covered per trip, and the total distance covered by the bicycle.
Lights and Motor
You use the on-board computer to turn on the built-in lights. There is a button for this next to the Power button. By law, you must always switch the lights on in the hours of darkness or in poor light conditions. Always check that the lights are working before you set off.
Built into the crank at the base of the bicycle, the motor is to be left alone and does not need your attention. The faster you pedal, the more assistance you get depending on the assistance setting you have chosen.
The motor powers the bicycle up to 25 km/h. If you are going faster than that, the motor does not further assist. The bicycle is then running like a normal pedal bike.
Gears
The e-bike has gears just like a normal pedal cycle. You should adjust these according to the terrain. Always set off in low gear from stationary, then go through the gears as your speed increases.
Cycling safely
- You have to wear a correctly fitted cycle helmet - it needs to be securely fastened and conforms to current regulations. A helmet can be provided if you do not have your own.
- Wearing light-coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark increases your visibility. A high visibility waistcoat is provided with each bike.
- Always use the built-in lights after dark or when in poor visibility.
- Look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact when possible to check if drivers have seen you.
- Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses. These vehicles have very large blind spots – areas of the road that they cannot see – which could include you. Give such vehicles plenty of space or wait behind them.
- Familiarise yourself with and follow the Highway Code Rules for Cyclists.
- There is some advice on safe cycling on the Think! Campaign webpage.
Weather conditions
- Only use the e-bike when it’s safe to do so i.e. not in extreme conditions such as icy roads, high winds or heavy rain.
- Wear appropriate clothes for the weather.
Routes
- We recommend using dedicated cycle lane routes wherever possible.
- Quieter roads are often safer and more pleasant to ride on.
- Use Glasgow Cycle Streets or Open Cycle Maps to find a suitable route.
- For travel between Gilmorehill Campus, Garscube Campus, the QEUH and Berkeley Square/Tay House, please use these recommended routes.
- For intercampus travel, the Kelvin Walkway offers a motor-traffic-free route from Gilmorehill to Garscube for nearly the full length of the journey, with direct access to Garscube Campus.
Securing the e-bike
- Once at your destination, you must lock the e-bike to an immovable object (ideally a cycle stand), using the D-lock.
- The D-lock must always be attached to the frame of the bike and the immovable object.
- Use a secure cycle store where available.
- Avoid lifting the e-bike to prevent injury; wheel wherever possible.
- If the temperature outside is expected to drop below 0°C, you must take the battery with you and store it inside.
- There are bicycle parking facilities on both main campuses.
E-bike battery advice
If damaged or poorly used, the lithium battery powering the motor presents a risk of fire. This can happen if the battery pack is:
- Dropped from height
- Hit by another object
- Overcharged
- Left charging near a heat source
- Charged with an incorrect charger
Warning signs that a battery pack is likely to fail include the battery bulging or swelling, sometimes accompanied by other signs such as discharging too fast and/or the battery being hot to the touch.
Remember E-bike batteries can not be charged within University buildings.
The following advice should be followed when charging your e-bike battery at home:
- Do not leave your battery to charge for an extended period
- Do not leave your battery near extreme temperature
- Do not charge your battery near combustible material or within your escape route (hallway, landing etc.)
- After a prolonged ride, let the battery cool down before charging
- Charge the battery with the original charger provided by the bike supplier
- Do not ride your bike straight after charging if the battery is still hot to avoid overheating
The University e-bikes
The University has ‘Bergamont Horizon’ e-bikes. These e-bikes are made for urban cycling and
- have a low-step through frame
- have disc brakes and all-weather tyres
- have in-built lights
- can carry up to 115 kg (including rider and luggage)
What sizes are available?
The University e-bike users can choose between two frame sizes – Medium (48/52 cm) and Large (56 cm). These sizes should serve most users’ body heights. Please note, that the saddles are easily adjustable.
Battery range
The range of one full battery depends on the weight carried, choice of gears, choice of battery assistance level and terrain. On average, one battery load allows you to travel between 50 and 70km.
Motor speed restrictions
The motor will only engage when pedalling and will cut out when a speed of 25 km/h has been reached. This means you can continue to pedal, but there will be no further assistance from the motor above this speed restriction.
Manufacturer information
Some common questions about the Bergamont e-bikes are also answered here.