Free chance to try electronically assisted bikes in Brighton

The chance to try an electronically assisted bike – or ebike – for free is on offer in Brighton.

An event is taking place in Preston Park on Saturday 9 March when the public will have the chance to test an ebike for themselves.

The event is part of a project being led by Brighton University to increase the number of people who travel by bike.

The project is led by Dr Frauke Behrendt, a researcher from the university’s Faculty of Arts, and is funded by a three-year grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

The research team has been working with Brighton and Hove City Council over the past year to test the ebikes across the city.

E-bikes are fitted with rechargeable batteries which help when riders peddle against headwinds or up steep hills.

They are popular on the continent but have yet to become widely used in Britain.

The project partners hope that by pioneering the use of ebikes in Britain they can create more interest in them and encourage a wider range of people to cycle.

At the event members of the public who have expressed an interest in trying the bikes will be able to put them through their paces.

Access to specialist one-to-one cycle training for the ebikes will also be provided.

Travel advisers from the council will also be available to talk to people about their travel options in Brighton and Hove.

Anyone who would like to try one of the bikes or receive training should register in advance by clicking here as spaces are limited.

The public event is co-funded by the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

The 35 bikes involved in the trial are made by Raleigh UK, one of the project partners.

And Baker Street Bikes in Brighton is also supporting the project by providing ebike maintenance and advice to the public while M’s Cycle Hire, of Shoreham, is providing training.

More information about the project can be found at www.smart-ebikes.co.uk.