Is an e-bike cheating?

No. You still pedal and still get exercise, the motor just smooths out the hills. It mostly means you go further and have more fun.

Do I still have to pedal?

Yes. The motor assists your pedalling rather than replacing it, so you set the effort and it tops it up.

How far will the battery go?

Plenty for a day's riding on most tours, and guides plan routes around the range. It depends on the bike, terrain and how much assist you use.

No, standard e-bikes are treated like normal bikes. The operator will flag anything unusual about their bikes.

How fit do I need to be?

Less than for a normal bike. The assist means most people can manage a decent ride comfortably.

Do I need my own bike?

No. Most tours and rides provide the e-bike and a helmet.

E-biking in Merseyside

Merseyside is a surprising watersports hub — paddleboarding, kitesurfing, wingfoiling and first-aid training along the Mersey and Sefton coast. Paddleboard the docks and coast, learn kitesurfing and wingfoiling on the breezy estuary, and take outdoor first-aid courses. With strong winds and accessible water, North West England's coast is a great place to take up a wind sport.