“Still the Best” – Tackling Devon’s Hills, Country Lanes & Potholes on E-bike (Since 2012)

For Neil, the perfect e-bike needed to do more than just make hills easier, it had to fit seamlessly into everyday life.

Living in rural Devon, just outside Exeter, he’s surrounded by beautiful countryside. But with that scenery comes a challenge familiar to many cyclists in the countryside: hills.

“Even though I only live three or four miles from work, there are several hills to get over,” Neil explains. “Having an e-bike makes a real difference.”

Electric Bikes Built to Last

Neil had been searching for an e-bike that could combine cycling with public transport, something practical enough for work meetings, commuting, and travelling further afield.

At the time (2012), there weren’t many options available. That’s when he discovered the VOLT Metro.

More than a decade later, Neil is now riding his second VOLT Metro with over 4,000 miles already clocked on the latest bike.

Built for Real Life

One of the biggest attractions of the Metro was its versatility.

Neil regularly combines cycling with trains, car journeys, and work travel, something the folding design makes effortless.

“It’s so easy to combine with public transport,” 

For Neil, it removed many of the everyday barriers that can stop people from cycling more often.

“I didn’t want to arrive at meetings sweating or worry about whether there’d be space for a bike on the train.”

While folding bikes are often associated with urban commuting, Neil quickly discovered the VOLT Metro was perfectly suited to country life too.

“A lot of my cycling is on country lanes with potholes and rough surfaces,” he says. “I needed something robust.”

With larger wheels and front suspension, the Metro gave him the confidence and comfort he needed for rural riding.

And when it came time to upgrade to a newer model, Neil never seriously considered switching brands.

“I looked at other options, of course,” he says. “I still felt the Metro was the best bike for me.”

Cycling Together

Neil’s enthusiasm for e-biking soon rubbed off at home too.

“When my wife tried my bike, she really liked it,” he says. “She struggles a bit with her knees, so the assistance really helped.”

Before long, she had chosen a VOLT Kensington of her own.

“She loved the colour and the basket,” Neil laughs.

Now, the pair regularly enjoy rides together through the Devon countryside.

“Being able to cycle together is fantastic.”

More Than Just the Bike

Having been with VOLT since the early days, Neil says one thing has remained consistent throughout the years: the personal service.

“I’ve loved seeing VOLT grow,” he says. “But it’s always felt personal,  you still get that one-to-one connection.”

For Neil, that combination of thoughtful design, reliability, and approachable customer support has kept him riding VOLT bikes for well over a decade.

“I’d advise anyone to have a look at them.”If you’d like to see for yourself why Neil rides VOLT, why not book a free test ride?