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If the Easter Bunny follows the trend of recent years, this year he will distribute chocolate eggs not by jumping, but by e-bike. Even if sales figures in 2023 do not come close to the previous record year, many more Swiss are using electric bikes than before the corona epidemic. As spring temperatures approach, it’s time to get your electric car back in shape. Looking helps you with this.
What should I pay attention to if my e-bike has been left in the garage all winter?
Riding an e-bike is half as much fun when bundled up in winter clothes. It won’t be long before the electric car stays in the garage all winter long. Control is now even more important in spring.
According to Philipp Thomet (51), managing director of Thomet Radsport in Aarberg, there are three things to check on an e-bike. “The battery should be inspected and fully charged,” explains Thomet. It is best for the battery if you do not remove the battery and immediately install it on the bike.
Air pressure should also be checked: “Basically, 2.5 to 5 bar is required. But the exact value is always on the tyre.” And of course: The braking function must be tested before the first ride.
What does my e-bike need if I ride it in winter?
Humidity in winter is especially difficult for the electric chain. St. “Most chains are dressed in fox red when e-bikes come to us for service,” says Bruno Pfiffner (63), managing director of Velo Pfiffner in St. Gallen. In most cases, lubricating the chains is sufficient. It would need to be replaced in an emergency.
Thomet and Pfiffner emphasize how important proper bike lighting is. Attention: On an e-bike, the front light must also be on during the day. From April 1, 2024, speedometers will also be mandatory for fast cars.
How much does an e-bike service cost?
Bike dealers recommend having your e-bike serviced once a year. “This means approximately every 1,000 to 2,500 kilometers,” explains Thomet. Stromer’s software is always checked and updated when necessary.
A regular service costs 100 francs or more. Many bike dealers state on their websites how expensive the annual inspection of an electric vehicle is. Be smart and compare prices for the service online. It is important that you clarify the price in advance and make a service offer if necessary. This way, you can avoid billing differences that may occur later.
The busy service season for bicycle dealers has recently begun. Bruno Pfiffner admits that he would of course be happy if one of the mechanics brought his bikes in the winter. But she shows understanding: “I don’t buy my swimsuits when the temperature is below zero.”
172,487
45,000 fewer e-bikes were delivered to bicycle retailers in 2023 than in the previous year. Thus, the market surpasses the record growth figures during the corona epidemic.
26,559
This was the rate of fast e-bikes with pedal assist at speeds up to 45 km/h. They increased by 16.6 percent compared to the previous year. It’s even more surprising since the sports and daily races each lost a good fifth place.
1.25 million
The number of e-bikes continues to grow rapidly in Switzerland. Sales figures are significantly higher than in pre-Corona years.
1792
A leap into the past: In 2005, only 1 percent of today’s sales volume was transferred to the bicycle trade.
172,487
45,000 fewer e-bikes were delivered to bicycle retailers in 2023 than in the previous year. Thus, the market surpasses the record growth figures during the corona epidemic.
26,559
This was the rate of fast e-bikes with pedal assist at speeds up to 45 km/h. They increased by 16.6 percent compared to the previous year. It’s even more surprising since the sports and daily races each lost a good fifth place.
1.25 million
The number of e-bikes continues to grow rapidly in Switzerland. Sales figures are significantly higher than in pre-Corona years.
1792
A leap into the past: In 2005, only 1 percent of today’s sales volume was transferred to the bicycle trade.
bike swap
Already have an e-bike and want to upgrade to a newer model? No problem. Many dealers offer some kind of trade-in. When you buy a new electric car, you return your old model and get its value as a discount.
Second hand trade is becoming increasingly important. Many families and couples who already own an e-bike sell another electric bike after a few years. The Swiss Bicycle and E-Bike Agency estimates that 15 to 20 percent of the market consists of repeat buyers.
What should I pay attention to when buying an e-bike?
Expert advice from a specialist shop is important when buying an e-bike, at least for the first time. A large number of models are now available, from “city bikes” suitable for city traffic to e-trekking bikes and e-bikes. – cargo bikes. Newer models can quickly break through the price ceiling of several thousand francs.
Is your e-bike insured?
Since Stromer is not completely free, it must be insured. Not all e-bikes are the same. Engine performance is decisive when it comes to insurance coverage. If the E-Velo provides pedal assistance at speeds up to 25 km/h, it is considered a light motor bike. The insurance is comparable to a regular bicycle and is included in the household contents insurance.
Pedal-assisted sprinters up to 45 km/h belong to the motor vehicle category. Depending on the insurer, household reinforcements are required to insure powerful e-bikes against theft. Damages to third parties are automatically insured with the annual premium of the compulsory license plate.
Source :Blick
I’m Tim David and I work as an author for 24 Instant News, covering the Market section. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, my mission is to provide accurate, timely and insightful news coverage that helps our readers stay informed about the latest trends in the market. My writing style is focused on making complex economic topics easy to understand for everyone.
