Electric Bikes

Electric bikes cannot be charged in OU buildings.

Please note that bicycles are not to be brought into OU buildings.

What is an e-bike?

An e-bike, or electric bicycle, is a bicycle with a motor to give a boost when you need it.

The battery-powered motor provides electric pedal assistance, with different riding modes that can be set based on how much power you want to add to your ride. The higher the power setting, the shorter the range.

Open University facilities for e-bike users

After a trial of electric bike lockers with 3-pin plugs in Geoffrey Crowther Bike Store, Estates have installed 6 new electric bike lockers around Walton Hall Campus Bike Stores.

Anyone wishing to charge their e-bike batteries at the Walton Hall campus, please use these lockers as Electric bikes cannot be charged in any OU buildings outside these lockers.

Electric bike battery lockers location:

• Michael Young Bike Store
• Venables Bike Store
• Wilson Bike Store
• Library Bike Store
• Berrill Bike Store
• Stuart Hall Bike Store
• Geoffrey Crowther Bike Store

These lockers are for charging electric bike batteries only and not for any other storage. No bike lockers should be used for overnight storage. Bike lockers will be opened and contents removed and taken to lost property at the Security lodge, if they are still locked after 8pm. Your e-bike charging cable must be PAT before using it onsite please contact the Estates Liaison Line to arrange this. 

Pros and Cons of electric bikes

Please visit Play by Decathlon for more information on electric bikes and a comparison between e-bikes and regular bikes.

Health and wellbeing benefits

“Cycling is better for your health than riding a pedal-assist electric bike, but e-bikes provide a better workout than walking” (According to a review from International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity)

• Can improve cardiovascular fitness as they provide more moderate exercise
• Can improve wellbeing and reduce stress
• Reduced intensity for an effective workout
• Cycle more often

For more information on the benefits of e-bikes and research studies, visit Forbes article.

Environmental benefits

Electric bikes are a zero-emission transport option, with every pedal, you’re being kinder to the planet.

Some environmental benefits are:

• Perfect for commuting as they reduce congestion and pollution
• No noise pollution
• Reduces Co2 emissions – cycling only releases approximately 21 grams of Co2 per passenger kilometre travelled, compared to 271 grams per passenger kilometre in a car

For more information, please visit Halfords article.