Think E-bikes are just for old folks, or perhaps you feel E-bikes are cheating? Think again. We’re busting the biggest myths holding riders back from discovering what E-bikes really offer.

For years, you’ve probably heard it said that “E-bikes are for old people,” or “that’s just cheating.” The stigma has been around since electric bikes first entered the cycling scene. Early E-bikes featured large motors, substantial battery packs, and advertisements targeting older riders.

But things have moved on. The tech is lighter, sleeker and more subtle. Riders of all types and backgrounds are adopting E-bikes. And it’s not because they can’t be bothered to pedal, but because they want to ride more, go further, and make cycling enjoyable.

At Ribble, our E-bikes don’t shout “electric”. They ride like real bikes first and foremost. Lightweight and stealthy in design, the assist is there when you want it, not when you don’t.

In this guide, we’re going to smash the myths and show you how E-bikes are for everyone. We’ll also give you the facts, stories, and reassurance you need if you’re considering going electric.

It’s easy to see why that myth stuck. Early adopters were often older riders seeking a way to stay in cycling as their fitness or joints began to protest. Marketing followed suit. And those early bikes often had bulky frames and obvious battery modules, which weren’t exactly appealing to performance-minded cyclists.

Today, E-bike use is booming across all age groups. Commuters in their 20s and 30s adopt them to beat congestion and arrive at work feeling fresh and energised. Fitness riders use them for longer rides and to access mixed terrain routes. Some cycling clubs are even experimenting with E-bike categories in group rides and events.

At Ribble, we design our E-bikes to appeal to riders of all types. Sleek frames, hidden batteries, minimal visual cues. They don’t shout “electric bike”, they just ride like one. Whether you’re riding to commute or to train, the assist is there when you need it, invisible when you don’t.

This one gets under the skin of many cycling purists: “If you don’t do it all yourself, it’s not real.” The belief is that the motor gives you something you didn’t earn.

But that’s a misunderstanding of what pedal-assist does. With a true E-bike (electrically assisted pedal cycle, EAPC), you still pedal. The motor simply adds support in proportion to your effort. It doesn’t replace your legs. It helps on climbs, headwinds, and when you’ve tired legs, but you’re still required to put in the work.

Many riders use E-bikes for structured training, recovery rides, control heart rate zones, and longer base miles without overexertion. The idea isn’t to skip the hard bits but to ride more consistently.

Think of an E-bike not as a cheat mode, but as a smart tool. It doesn’t replace fitness. It allows you to ride when you might otherwise skip it. On days when your legs feel heavy, the assist helps you get out.

It’s a common worry: electrics plus water means a dangerous bike? Will it kill your bike? Can you ride an electric bike in the rain?

Here’s the reality: Ribble E-bikes are engineered with UK weather in mind. The motors and batteries are sealed, components are protected from spray and salt, and all systems go through environmental testing.

Here in the UK, the legal classification is EAPC. That means the bike must have pedal assist, the motor must cut out above 15.5 mph, and the power output must be within the specified limits. If your E-bike is compliant, you can ride it just like a normal bike, come rain or shine.

Yes, E-bikes are not “waterproof” in the sense that you can submerge them. However, they do have IP (ingress protection) ratings and are designed for use in typical British conditions. Many parts are sealed or shielded and with regular care (drying, avoiding high-pressure jets, rinsing off salt), they are as durable as regular bikes.

With our stealth integration of battery and motor, there’s less exposed hardware to surface water or salts. You don’t need to treat it like a fragile gadget. Ride it, maintain it, trust it.

Yes, many E-bikes are too heavy. That’s a legitimate concern. A heavy bike is a pain to lift onto a train, a car rack, or pedal when assist is off. The average E-bike weight ranges from 15 kg to 30 kg, depending on bike type. Compare that with non-electric bikes, which often weigh between 7 kg and 15 kg, depending on style.

But not all E-bikes are created equal. At Ribble, we’ve pushed lightness where we can. Some e-road and gravel models start from just 11.8 kg (complete). That’s comparable to many regular performance bikes. And remember, once the assist kicks in, that weight feels significantly less.

Imagine visiting a store and lifting a conventional E-bike. It’s heavy, awkward and cumbersome. Then you pick up a Ribble that’s surprisingly lightweight and manageable. That’s often the “aha” moment Ribble E-bike owners talk about.

Find out more about the benefits of riding a lightweight E-bike in our Smiles Per Kilo guide.

Some people may think that adding power also adds danger. But that’s not inherently true. Rider safety depends on design, handling, and correct use.

First, let's tackle the subject of whether E-bikes are legal. UK law limits the capabilities of an E-bike. To be legal (EAPC), the bike must have pedal-assist, motor output capped at 250 W, and assistance cut off above 15.5 mph (25 km/h). That places it in the same domain as a normal bike in traffic.

Braking, handling, and frame design matter almost as much as the bike being “electric”. Because Ribble E-bikes are built to be lightweight, the rider retains control. You don’t feel like you’re wrestling a tank; you just feel like you’re riding a normal bike with an extra push when needed.

Many riders tell us their first test ride felt just like their own bike. The same familiar feeling of agility and control, but smoother on steep ramps or windy days.

In fact, on steep descents or technical terrain, the extra weight can add stability. Not in a runaway kind of way, but in smoothing out minor jolts. And because you’re less fatigued, you’re more alert and in control.

Let’s be clear: E-bikes are not just for old people. They’re not cheating. They handle rain. They can be light. They’re as safe as any good bike — sometimes safer in practice, because fatigue is reduced and control is maintained.

At Ribble, we build E-bikes that ride like normal bikes, with the extra boost when you ask for it. Lightweight, stealthy and efficient, Ribble E-bikes are the smarter way to get into electric.

Curious? Explore our full electric bike range.