E-Bike Guide
HPLS E-Bikes – General Guide and Information
The Bikes
These are Brompton M6L fold up electric bikes which are multi-use in most conditions including town and rural roads. They are quality cycles hand built in England and cost around £2,800 to buy or replace. The battery and holdall / charger pack costs £750 to replace on its own.
They are not suitable for rough off road conditions, including some bridleways and most byways. They can happily be used used for designated off road cycle routes, such as those converted from disused railway tracks, or specially built cycle paths.
This is a link to an instruction video showing how to unfold and fold the bikes. We will also demonstrate this, but this worth watching a few times. Once you have the knack it is quick easy. click HERE.
The instruction manual for the bike can be found via the link below. Click HERE.
The bike will have a carry bag to store the bike in. Please ensure you use this when the bike is not in use or being transported as it will help to prevent any damage.
The bikes also have a saddle bag which contains a puncture repair kit, sealant spray and spare tubes. If you do not feel confident to repair a puncture, then try using the emergency foam tube repair. This will hopefully be enough to get you home or back to your car. Sometimes a flat tyre will be slow release and regular inflating will also get you back. Each bike is fitted with a pump.
We do check the bikes over when they are returned to ensure they are safe, however please also check yourself that you are happy that the bikes are in good order and if any doubt please do not ride them.
Please return the bike is a clean condition. We may withhold a £20 cleaning fee from your deposit if we have to spend time cleaning it ready for the next member to use. We also expect the battery to be fully charged when returned. If we have to charge it we may withhold a charge fee of £5 from your deposit.
Where to Ride?
There are many places in Hampshire and surrounding counties that are ideal for cycling and far more safe and enjoyable that two wheeling along busy roads, where heavy traffic and cycles are not a good combination and certainly far from relaxing or enjoyable.
You may well have your favourite routes already planned, but if not the below may offer some ideas for where to go.
The following links provide information on the more easier routes to consider. Click the title for more info. Remember these bikes are not suitable for rough strenuous routes.
10.5 mile easy cycle trail is within the New Forest National Park. It follows Forestry Commission signed cycle tracks.
An easy-going, 9 mile cycle trail on the lanes and rights of way surrounding Lepe and Blackfield on the edge of the New Forest.
Hawkshill Enclosure New Forest
10.5 miles long, this easy cycle trail is within the New Forest National Park and follows Forestry Commission signed cycle tracks.
A moderate 14 mile ‘town and country’ cycle trail which joins Denmead, Cowplain, Horndean, Catherington and Clanfield with the surrounding countryside.
This easy 5 mile cycle trail uses the Hayling Billy Coastal Path which runs along the west coast of Hayling Island.
A 10 mile ride over dramatic downlands within the park.
A 16 mile easy-going cycle trail which uses part of the Wayfarer’s Walk. It takes in the villages of East Stratton and Woodmancott
A 19.5 mile cycle route, rated as moderate. Start from Micheldever Station and cycle anti-clockwise along country roads and open countryside.
A disused railway track runs between Stonymarsh and Stockbridge. It has a safe and flat surface for cycling and this makes it particularly suitable for families with children. The track is up to 5 miles each way.
An easy 7.8 miles, fairly flat route that takes you through this hidden secret of the Black Water River.
The Meon Valley Trail stretches for 10 miles from Knowle to West Meon, along a disused railway line providing a safe and flat surface for all the family. This recreational trail, open to walkers, cyclists and equestrians, passes through the beautiful Meon Valley, and provides breathtaking. You can start at either West Meon or Wickham and go either way and back.
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