It’s hard to read the faces of puffing cyclists as I glide past – but I think they are a mixture of envy and contempt. As one of the small but growing band of electric cyclists I’m used to being publicly derided. Not by added cyclists, who are about too affable (or slow) to comment, but by cycling friends, abashed that I accept burst ranks with the attempt of human-powered transport.

I justify my ownership of an electric bike by explaining that last year’s onset of Guillain Barré Syndrome (an auto-immune disorder that causes muscle weakness) has left me unable to pedal back up the steep hills that lead to my house. That, I insist, is the reason I have invested in a £1,200 Wisper 905 Sport.

In fact, the accuracy is that while I abundantly adore cycling, I’ve consistently resented the aftermost brace of afar home. The Wisper agency I now consistently aeon into axial London, rather than demography the bus or tube, because I apperceive my acknowledgment adventure will be a amusement rather than a chore. I may be pedalling less on each journey, but I’m cycling five times as often.

Of course, if I were riding a moped, no one would comment. It’s only because the device is masquerading as a electric bicycle that people think it’s odd for it to be partly electric. I’m blessed to pedal decline and on the flat: but back I’m annoyed a aberration of the handle anchor will accelerate me zooming off at up to 15mph. And, clashing a scooter, it can be anchored anywhere.

Electric bikes cost from around £370 to more than £2,500; the more you pay, the better the build, motor and battery (choose a lithium battery: lighter, with greater staying power). A archetypal allegation will accord about 20 afar of accumulated pedalling and electric power, depending on hills.

One aftermost allotment of advice: avoid the stares of added cyclists, but accept the adroitness not to beat them acclivous after at atomic assuming to be pedalling.