Sustainability [for students & staff]

Traffic congestion, pollution, cost of living are some of the multiple reasons why people opt for alternative, more sustainable modes of commuting. 

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.

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.

How to register 

If you would like to borrow an e-bike through the Try-Before-You-Buy scheme, please read through the information on this page carefully and complete the User Agreement below. You will then have to attend a short practical induction which will include a trial ride to learn how the e-bike works. Note that you must be competent at riding a bicycle to use the e-bikes. 

Before hiring the e-bike, you will be asked to pay a [] deposit which will be returned to you at the end of the loan period if the bike is returned in good condition. 

Registration process

1. Read through all sections of this webpage. 
2. Read the e-bike scheme - privacy statement, which explains what data we collect in relation to e-bike use, and what we are doing with this data.
3. Complete the e-bike scheme - user agreement. You may want to keep a copy for yourself, as this agreement includes the Terms and Conditions for participation in the scheme.
4. Contact the Travel Planning team, to arrange an induction. You will not be able to book an e-bike until you have completed the induction.

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