Planning a European motorcycle trip with your mates? Don’t let a breakdown spoil the fun. Make your bike breakdown someone else’s problem While DIY roadside repairs can be rewarding, investing in a good breakdown policy before your trip is a smart move. Prices vary wildly, so do your research. If your bike is less than 20 years old and your trip under 31 days, you’re eligible for cover from the ETA. Our European breakdown policy includes motorcycle hire for up to 14 days at £60 per day. And if your bike can’t be fixed within 72 hours, we’ll bring it home. Motorbike breakdown on French motorwa ..read more

As the popularity of e-bikes continues to surge, retro-fit electric motors offer a cost-effective way to join the movement. The Swytch kit is compatible with almost every type of bicycle, and prices start at less than £400. The package includes a motorised front wheel, a battery pack, and a handlebar-mounted control system. Crucially, installation is straightforward. Even for those of us with limited technical skills. Hybrid upgrade for any bicycle Simply replace your existing front wheel with the one provided with the kit, attach the battery pack to the handlebars, and connect the cables. The ..read more

Following in the footsteps of roadside cameras that detect speeding, mobile phone use and non-compliance of clean air zones such as London’s ULEZ, comes tech that detects pollution from individual vehicles in real time. The Emission Detection and Reporting (EDAR) system uses a laser to detect harmful gases from moving vehicles. EDAR can identify and quantify numerous gases including carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, as well as particulate matter. What sets EDAR apart is its ability to remotely monitor emissions from vehicles on multi-lane roads. Using infrared spectroscopy ..read more

Summer usually goes easier on bicycle chains. However, wetter-than-usual weather this years has turned that on its head. Cleaning a bicycle chain might seem like a dirty and thankless task, but regularly removing grit and grime makes your bike run smoother and saves you money. To clean a bicycle chain by hand, grab an old toothbrush to scrub the links, then apply oil while turning the pedals. Wipe away any excess lubricant with a dry cloth. Alternatively, you can use a chain cleaning machine. This kit uses abrasive cleaning teeth and rotating brush wheels to scrub your chain as it passes thro ..read more

Full-throttle e-bikes are increasingly common in towns and cities across the UK. Delivery riders like them because they’re a cheap alternative to a conventional moped. Most are illegal to ride on the roads. However, they don’t have to be. For those wanting to ride a throttle-only e-bike legally in the UK, there’s a process to follow. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) must test and approve your e-bike as an L1e category 250W Low Powered Moped.. This approval process ensures the bike meets safety and compliance standards set out in the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) regula ..read more

Buying your first mobility scooter is an exciting step towards greater independence and freedom. With various options available, it’s useful to understand the different types and the legal requirements. What are the different types of mobility scooter? Mobility scooters come in three main categories: Class 2, Class 3, and folding/travel scooters. Each type has its own unique features and benefits: Class 2 scooters: Speed: Up to 4 mph. Where to use: Roads and on the pavement. Best for: Short trips and indoor use. Advantages: Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and typically cheaper. Drawbacks: You ..read more

The wetter the weather, the brighter cycling accessories need to be. Combining practicality with colourful prints, Cycology handlebar bags raise the spirits – however soggy the British summer. Fitting the bag is hassle-free thanks to three Velcro straps. Two fasten to the handlebars and one secures to the head tube. Crafted from water-repellent polyester and featuring a waterproof zip, the handlebar bag boasts a roomy 2.4-litre main compartment, providing ample space for essentials. And when you’re off the bike, the adjustable shoulder strap quickly converts it into a stylish over-the-shoulder ..read more

One reason tandem mobility scooters are illegal on UK footpaths and roads is the absence of a minister for older people. Back in 2012, a cross-party group of backbenchers argued that politicians overlook elderly members of society. They urged the Conservative government to create a minister for older people, stating that policymakers often focus on the fit, able-bodied, internet-savvy, and average user. Unfortunately, their recommendation led to no action—not even the appointment of an older person’s ‘tsar’. If you have a long memory, you might recall that under the last Labour government, Dam ..read more

What’s the most awkward thing you’ve carried on a bicycle? Apart from child seats, few people here in the UK use bicycles as a way of carrying stuff. And that’s an opportunity lost because elsewhere in the world, cyclists have become expert at balancing or lashing all manner of cargo to a standard bike. The challenge is you never quite know when you’ll need to carry something unusual. Enter the Pikapak carrying strap, an accessory to help cyclists tackle spontaneous cargo challenges. The deceptively simple strap adjusts to accommodate a surprising array of items. And shoulder straps allow you ..read more

The last few weeks of political campaigning have seen many public pledges of support for drivers, but far fewer for those who walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport. Why so little talk from policymakers about the interplay between active travel, public health and climate change? Historically, pro-cycling measures in the UK have been met with a mixed reception at both local and national levels, reflecting a political landscape where enthusiasm for active travel collides with the realities of car culture, diverse voter priorities and a press that tends to reflect a deeply entrenched car dep ..read more