There is a great and honourable tradition of Vicars on bikes which I am proud to be a part of but I’m not wed to the old sit up and beg variety of the old cliche. I am happy to try anything, so when someone suggested that I try and electric bike, especially on a cheap and short rental period I said “Okey Dokey”.

I took myself down to Cycles Recycled (here), behind the BP garage in Clitheroe on North Street.

First appearances were not, its fair to say, good. I was presented with a choice of two different models, neither of which looked particularly exciting. Worse was to come; the one which I felt most comfortable on was (to me at least) the least best looking of the two.

But what a great experience to ride! I had, I suppose, expected that I would have to do nothing when the power was on. There are three power settings on the bike, adjustable from the handlebars: I thought, being a little nervous, that I’d have a go round the car park. At first everything seemed normal but then as I pushed forward I got a boost from the electric motor. Pedalling is almost no effort at all, even on the lowest setting. Take it up a hill and you need the next two power settings: but still very little effort required.

I rented mine for £21 for a month: in the first week I took it out to Twiston, Rimington and back (about 14 miles round trip with a 600 feet climb.) – the charge just lasted to the top of Church Brow and the Vicarage. With no charge the bike is heavy, mostly, I imagine, battery weight. Some bike recharge on downhill stretches: the one I rented didn’t

Is it for me? Two things work against it: firstly the cost – over £1000. Secondly I quite like the by-product of a cycle-ride that is a workout

Is it for you? If you look at local hills with panic because you haven’t cycled for some time or if you have mobility problems or a slight disability then yes and yes. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is prepared to just give it a go: I certainly don’t regard my £21 as wasted; it has been a great month.