I started my riding journey as a pillion, like many other women, on my partner's bike about 11 years ago when I was 30. We would go out for a ride every month or two, but after a few years I got bored of not being able to see properly or choose where we went!
In late 2024, I attempted my first CBT. I'd already bought my first bike – a Mutt FSR 125cc, thanks to a work bonus – but the day was a huge fail. I just couldn't get to grips with the gears. When it came to moving into second gear, I kept stalling and became so overwhelmed that I had an emotional breakdown.
I left the CBT halfway through the day and put my bike into storage.
Eight months later, I discovered that a local motorcycle training school offered TryBike sessions – two-hour riding sessions with no pressure and no expectations. I attended two of these sessions, and the instructor told me I was more than ready for my CBT.
In May 2025, I gave it another go, this time on a 110cc moped, and absolutely loved it. I bought myself a Honda 125cc scooter and finally got out on the road.
Around that time, I watched the series Long Way Up and discovered electric motorbikes. The fact that they have no gears, no clutch and no foot brake immediately appealed to me, as those were exactly the things I had struggled with. We suspect a combination of ADHD and undiagnosed autism may have contributed to those challenges.
I started researching Zero, LiveWire and other electric bikes before discovering Vmoto at Downend Bikes. I took a TS Street Hunter out for a demo ride, and you couldn't wipe the smile off my face for days afterwards.
In June 2025, I collected my own Street Hunter and quickly put 600 miles on it. Unfortunately, its range of around 50 miles wasn't quite enough for the riding I wanted to do, so I returned to Downend Bikes, where they had a Vmoto Stash demo bike available.
In September, I took the Stash out for a test ride. Despite ending up on a terrifying roundabout in Bristol and getting completely lost, I loved it. I made an offer there and then. Two weeks later, I returned to part-exchange both my Mutt and my Street Hunter for the Stash.
Since then, I've ridden it every chance I get – although not quite as often as I'd like, as I'm still very much a fair-weather rider and continuing to build my confidence.
Choosing my favourite ride is difficult.
I've taken part in both Hoggin' the Bridge and the Bristol Santa Ride for charity, and the atmosphere of being surrounded by so many bikers was incredible.
However, my favourite ride has to be my first trip to Cheddar Gorge on the Stash. It was my first time tackling faster roads and longer distances. The roads through the Gorge were being resurfaced at the time and were full of gravel, dips and potholes, so it ended up being a real test of both my confidence and the bike.
For me, motorcycling is about independence and freedom. It's a chance to escape the constant pressures of work, money and everyday life.
It reminds me of being a child and racing my bicycle down the hills of Bristol – although I definitely have more fear now!
It's not about speed or huge distances for me. It's about getting out, seeing new places, enjoying the ride and stopping at a café or two for a decaf tea and something to eat.
Electric motorcycles have given me that freedom and choice. I know that I, along with many other electric bike enthusiasts, receive plenty of criticism – usually from men – but I absolutely love that electric motorcycles are an option for people like me.
My advice to any woman thinking about riding is simple: go for it.
Join a Facebook group or two, find a local training school and give it a try. Not everyone passes first time, and that's okay. Every step is part of the learning process, and all learning is good.