FAQS

The added bit of pedal power that the electric motor gives you is a game changer for a number of reasons:

• Opens up Mountain Biking to a wider range of people with varying fitness  & experience levels;
• Extends the range of a typical days riding by “levelling out” some of the more challenging hills;
• Makes wet weather & winter riding a viable option by giving you more traction on wet and muddy terrains;
• Creates level playing field for mixed ability/fitness groups

A little bit – but we won’t tell anyone! Our e-MTBs still require the rider to pedal and the latest electric motors offer you different levels of assistance depending on whether you would like a feather like push up the steeper hills through to feeling like you have the local rugby team behind you. UK legislation sets a limit of 25kmph/15.5 mph before e-bikes require tax and insurance. You can go faster than this but it will be under your own pedal power from this point.

Beacon Bikes is uniquely positioned to enjoy the best that East Sussex has to offer. Located within 5 minutes ride from the famous South Down’s Way – one of only 16 National Trails in the UK that runs for 160km across the South Downs National Park – you can enjoy abundant nature and spectacular views. Ditchling Beacon – the epic London to Brighton thigh buster – and the Jack & Jill Windmills are both within easy reach.

For those yearning for the beach, Brighton and it’s eclectic seafront is a 30min ride away – almost entirely on cycle paths, and quieter Hove, Rottingdean, Seaford and Worthing are within reach on a full days ride.

And for those wanting to sample village life, the traditional Sussex villages of Ditchling, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks and the historic county town of Lewes are all easily reachable. Enjoy a leisurely amble through the quiet country lanes and discover vine yards, rural farm shops and welcoming country pubs.

When you book with Beacon Bikes you will be sent the link to a selection of pre-programmed routes via our partners at Komoot. Download their free App and you will find these routes in your planned tours complete with navigation via your smart phone. For other routes, please speak to us when you book or arrive to collect your e-bike and we can advise you on options. All of our bikes are fitted with GPS trackers and so if you do get hopelessly lost (we all do sometimes….) then call us and we can help you find your way back to base.

The sun is always shining in Sussex (we wish…..!) but just in case you have inclement weather on your day out, we suggest you bring warm and waterproof sports clothing with some extra layers in your backpack just in case. Waterproof Trainers or light walking boots will be the best bet for your feet and it’s always good to have a pair of light gloves in case your hands get cold.

Helmets are a must. We will not rent you a bike without a helmet and due to COVID19 precautions, we strongly advise you to bring your own. But don’t worry, Beacon Bikes has a range of waterproofs and helmets for sale and rent if you do turn up ill equipped!

Tim and John’s top tip: wearing a pair of padded cycling shorts under your shorts/trousers is a great way to prevent a sore bottom the day after your adventure!

The battery range on our e-MTBs is approximately 45 miles. But this does depend on your style of riding and the terrain you take on. On full assist mode and in hilly terrain, you can realistically expect to get about 30miles from the bike before the battery needs recharging. On flatter terrain and in light assist mode, you could get 60 miles. This is more than enough for most riders’ needs but if you do plan to go further, please discuss it with us in advance and we can advise on the best options.

Must have items:

• A credit or debit card to lodge your deposit
• ID (such as passport or driving license)
• A helmet
• A water bottle
• Suitable clothes
• Suitable shoes
• A small backpack or bumbag to carry your stuff
• A charged mobile phone (for navigation)

Snacks and refreshments are available to purchase at the Beacon Bikes café so that you can stock up before your departure. Pack lunches and picnics can also be arranged – please call us in advance to arrange.

Despite the bikes being serviced before each ride and the tyres being filled with a magic substance to avoid punctures, it can happen that you have a problem when out on a ride. A quick call to Beacon Bikes and we will either talk you through a quick repair (such as a chain coming off) or come out to you to fix or replace the bike depending on the situation. If the bike has been damaged through mis-use then we reserve the right to terminate the rental immediately and will seek compensation for any damage via your deposit.

We are based on the same site as QLeisure, the South East’s premier go kart and outdoor pursuits centre. E-bike rentals can be combined with any of QLeisure’s activities including go karts, clay pigeon shooting, archery and even axe throwing! Please check out their website at www.qleisure.co.uk and speak to us about combined e-biking with other activities at special rates.

This is how we ended up starting Beacon Bikes 😉 

But seriously, if you do decide to take the plunge, we have some great options to get you on the perfect bike at the perfect price. At the end of each season, we sell our ex-rental fleet of bikes, fully serviced and with the remaining manufacturer’s warranties, at discounted prices. Please check out our current sales on our website. 

And if you do want a box fresh bike, our partners at ELCTRC , the UK’s biggest e-bike company, have a huge range of electric bikes to choose from and will discount the price of your hire with Beacon Bikes as an exclusive offer for Beacon Bike customers.