
Credit TREK bikes
Not to burst your bubble, but sadly the e-bike doesn’t drive itself – you’ll still have to pedal. But the good news is that the Verve+ has pedal assist that help you amplify your pedalling effort. Simply pedal as you would any bike – but with a little extra boost. Trek e-bikes feature a Borsch system that can sustain speeds up to 25km/hr (15 mph).
It takes about 3.5 hours for a full battery charge and the mid motor placement keeps the weight distribution even and the centre of gravity low to provide a more comfortable cycle.
There are a few different settings depending on how much of a push you require. On the bike handlebars, there is a small monitor which will help you manage your speed and your assist, which buttons to increase and decrease the power.
While your guide will explain the settings to you at the start of your bike trip, essentially, there are a few different levels. The battery range will vary based on the levels you use, and for how long each level is powered on. The lowest level – we’ll call this Eco Mode – has the lowest pedal assist, but the electric battery will last the longest. The highest – let’s call this one Turbo Mode – gives you the most power but correspondingly reduces battery length. You’ll have to test out the settings for yourself when you get fitted for your e-bike, but as a general rule, it’s best to cruise on Eco Mode (or without any pedal assist, if you prefer), and crank it up to Turbo only when you approach the hills and big climbs.
It’s not as complicated as it might seem and having an e-bike will change your ability levels when it comes to joining bike trips through the Irish countryside!