COMPARISON Electric bikes in 2022: Do they need insurance, what is the mandatory equipment and which models are the most successful? – Plnielanu.sk – PlníElánu

It’s been a few years since electric bicycles started to appear on our roads and cycle paths. They are becoming more and more popular, and not only among young people. They also know how to help seniors – not only on the way to the store, but also on longer hikes, where the motor will help them cover longer distances. Although they are a more expensive alternative than a regular bicycle, they are becoming more and more popular. Despite the fact that we have already discussed this topic on our website, we decided to reopen it and look at it through the eyes of a person living in 2022. What is new in the world of electric bicycles? Do you need PZP for them and where can you get a subsidy for their purchase? Ordinary bicycle and electric bicycle / Do you need PZP? / Subsidy for purchase / Mandatory equipment for an electric bicycle / Top models 2022 Electric bicycle in 2022 An electric bicycle is not a machine that pulls the entire journey for you. It is a version of a regular bicycle, which additionally has a battery and a motor. It offers you support in pedaling, so you won’t get far without involving your own strength. Many people think that the electric bike pedals for them. However, we must disprove this myth right from the start. The process that helps with pedaling is called pedal assist. The motor draws power from the battery and provides a slight increase in speed or uphill support. You can determine the power of the drive yourself. The battery itself is partially recharged by pedaling, but mainly by charging. Modern pieces will help you calmly even on a 100-kilometer route on a single charge, while charging usually takes from two to five hours. What is the difference between a regular bike and an electric bike? We have already discussed the differences between regular bicycles and electric bicycles separately in one of our older articles. Therefore, we will only briefly summarize them. Ordinary bicycles are significantly cheaper and fully sufficient in the village. They are also lighter and require only a simple service – you only take care of a few things. On the other hand, electric bikes do not put a strain on the joints and you can also cover longer distances with them. The engine will help you with every hill, but it also requires extra care. You do not need a driver’s license to operate them, but recently there were plans to introduce mandatory contract insurance. Did it pass? Does an electric bike need PZP? As recently as last year, the European Parliament was considering whether electric bicycles would also need the annual PZP that car drivers pay. For example, electric scooters with a maximum speed of over 25 kilometers per hour will need compulsory contractual insurance. In practice, this could mean that an e-bike, which is larger and moves at a higher speed, will also need it. But that’s not the case. Originally, the new law of the European Commission was supposed to apply to all means of transport that are powered by other than human power. Electric bicycles and electric garden tractors are exempted from this law. However, the member states themselves, including Slovakia, can cancel this exception if they deem it appropriate. For now, however, it is still true that an electric bicycle does not need mandatory contractual insurance. Subsidy for its purchase Did you know that you are not alone when buying an electric bicycle? The state offers a subsidy for it as part of its “green projects”. Slovakia wants to contribute from the state coffers to those who decide to buy a bicycle with an electric drive. The goal is to reduce the carbon footprint by 2040, which we have also committed to the European Union. We heard the first mentions of subsidies already in 2019. For example, in Scandinavia, they already work normally. The state plans to contribute to the purchase of an electric bicycle up to 50% of the selling price, but a maximum of 1,000 euros. The support is aimed at increasing electromobility. The original subsidy plan is expected to be valid for three years, i.e. until 2025, but in case of great interest, it can be extended until 2030. It is assumed that sales of bicycles should reach approximately 15,000 units sold in 2022. If they all received a full subsidy, sales would gradually increase and subsidies would be distributed for three years, it will cost the state coffers approximately 50 million euros, including investment costs. The project is currently awaiting launch. Equipment for an electric bicycle Whether we are talking about a bicycle or an electric bicycle, the means of transport alone will not be enough for you to ride. That is why we have summarized both mandatory equipment and interesting accessories that you will probably want to buy for your new electric bicycle. Mandatory equipment The mandatory equipment of every bicycle and electric bicycle includes: Two independent functional brakes (front and rear), which are used to stop the bicycle. Front white reflector and rear red reflective glass (can be replaced by reflective surfaces on clothing). Orange reflectors on both sides of both pedals (can be replaced by reflective materials placed on the shoes or near them). Orange reflectors in the front, rear or both wheels, at least one on both sides (all reflectors are for your safety and good visibility). If the cyclist is under 18 years of age, he must protect his head with a helmet. A helmet is mandatory for everyone on roads outside the village. This helmet must be fully functional and must not be reused after an accident. If visibility is reduced on the road, the following are also mandatory: Front white light. In case of good visibility, the light can be replaced with a white flashing light. This light mainly serves you to illuminate the road. Rear red light. This light can be combined with a red reflector, and in case of good visibility, the light can be replaced with a red flasher. It serves mainly for the driver of the car behind you. These lights must be continuously lit for at least an hour and a half. Accessories Want to look like a real cyclist? You should also equip your electric bike with accessories that will make it a professional means of transport. Be sure to buy fenders for both wheels, they will protect you from mud. Also, for longer routes, buy a bottle that you will store on the bike and not on your back. Not every model has a bicycle rack, especially in the mountains during a break. In addition to the electric bike, think about yourself. Although a helmet is mandatory equipment, your safety can also be increased by special cycling gloves that are cut on the knuckles, so that you do not lose feeling. We recommend buying cycling glasses as well – they protect against the sun, but also in the rain, as the surface treatment of the glasses repels water. For long trips, reach for thermal underwear. If you plan to travel with an electric bicycle on long trips, you can transport it traditionally by car. Although no one forbids you to clamp it on the roof of the car, it is not recommended. Electric bikes are heavier than regular bikes, which increases the resistance of the car and your consumption. We recommend rear racks for transport. The new models do not even have to be clamped on the rear ball and are therefore suitable for any type of car. The best models for 2022 We also looked at the best electric bikes of this year. The ranking is regularly changed by the rankito.sk portal, which also prepares reviews of household appliances, electronics and cars. We have selected two models in the two most sought-after categories. City electric bikes The best rated city bike is the Crussis e-Country 7.7-S with a long range of up to 150 kilometers. It has an aluminum frame, 8 gears, an LCD display and a suspension fork. Its recommended price is 2,040 euros, so with subsidies you could reduce it to roughly half. But if you want to save on the purchase, consider the Crussis e-City 1.15 model. It has a sufficient 100-kilometer range and a similar aluminum frame to its more expensive brother. Its equipment also includes a mudguard and a stand, which you get in the price. The recommended price is 1,360 euros. Electric mountain bikes Mountain electric bikes are slightly more expensive than city bikes. For example, the KELLYS TAYEN R50 model with an excellent rating costs 3,000 euros. It is available in different colors including pink, has a range of 150 kilometers, disc brakes, an aluminum frame, suspension and up to 10 gears. Do you want something cheaper? In that case, take a look at the Sava 29″ DECK 9.2. You can choose between several sizes, all of which will help you charge up to 180 kilometers per charge. However, the frame of this model is made of lower quality carbon. The recommended price is 2,200 euros.