I'm thinking of getting an electric bike

Johnmcl7

I have a couple of friends with name brand (pretty sure they're Giant) electric bikes which look like standard hybrids with the electric part cleverly integrated - the batteries sit on the rear pannier and I think it's the front wheel which is powered with a small control on the handlebars.

One person bought the bike to commute to work with, the other is retired and bought it to be able to go out cycling with her husband who is a much quicker cyclist than her. Both are extremely pleased with the bikes although I don't know how they will be long term for the battery costs but at least there aren't insurance, MOT, VED costs etc.

Lack of power isn't an issue for the hills, if anything it's the other way round as one of my friends is a bit too quick up the hills compared to her husband.

John

Spelunthus

If you are already a keen cyclist then electric bike is probably the way to go. The battery power is variable, so you can get as much or as little help as you need for the hills. But DO TRY one first; in case you cannot be doing with it. Any decent electric bike agent will let you have an hour or so to try.

Also : they are ugly,expensive, and heavy (without battery assistance), and the battery may need replacing after a while. Also, watch for "lock-in" to mandatory, expensive service intervals.

lisbeth

You might like to check these out. Just do a search for rubbee and no it's nothing rude:). They won't allow me to put a link to the site as it's my first post.

silverwhistle

I like the look of these: normal lightweight bikes adapted:
http://www.cytronex.com/

I think having an electric bike would increase the amount of time you'd be on two wheels, particularly going to work or transporting goods. If you commute to an office and do an eight hour day the overhead in time and effort for an ordinary bike might be acceptable given showers and the like, but I can think of circumstances in my past work history where an electric bike might have helped. As it was I used the car instead of spending an hour and effort each way for a couple of hours teaching session carrying materials..

1886

Sounds incredibly lazy, do you have somebody to wipe your backside too?

Coopdivi

Is that what you say to the customers at the garage you work in, 1886?

beebee1

I'm from Yorkshire too and when I was looking for my electric bike found there weren't that many shops nearby that had a good range of electric bikes actually in stock.

We travelled down to Woosh in Cambridge to test drive a couple of their models. I bought a Sport from them, which is more like a mountain bike. It's great, I have mobility problems and this bike has pedal assist and a throttle. It also isn't that heavy compared to standard bikes, I got lots of info from the Pedelecs forum which is definitely worth a look at.

The best advice I could give is to go and try one out. I hated to upright city bike I tried out even though it had a better motor.

Richard53

I'm following this thread with great interest, and thanks to all those who have made helpful comments so far.

I have always regarded myself as a cyclist, although these days it's a very occasional thing. I used to commute 16 hilly miles each way, five days a week, across the Yorkshire Wolds when I was younger, in case anyone thinks I am a pensioner looking for an easy way out I was fitter then!

Twice recently I have had jobs which were almost within daily cycling distance, but just too far to make it a realistic prospect. My current job is 13 miles away across country and there are a few big hills, and at my age (59) and level of fitness (modest) I can't see myself doing it by bike, even with a few weeks to acclimatise. But an electric bike might be a game-changer here.

My wife used to cycle a lot as well, but post-CBG surgery and with a serious back condition she won't be cycling more than a few hundred yards ever again. However, we both were lent an electric bike while we were on holiday in France and managed a couple of circuits of the camp site. We both loved it and found it very easy and pleasant. I'm now seriously thinking about getting one and using it for the daily commute. It makes it feasible, whereas a pushbike would not be. And if I get one, I'll have to get her one too, and we could be into a whole new world of different activities.

Keep the comments and recommendations coming, they are appreciated.

banyers

I have one. It saves me £50 - £60 a month just in fuel costs. Time for the same journey at same time of day car = 14 mins, bike = 17 mins. I use mine far more than I ever thought I would.
I don't get the cheating/lazy comments. No one says that about using a car or motorbike or moped. It's just another form of transport to me. I'm not using it for recreation/fitness purposes.
There is no tax or insurance needed like for a moped/motorbike/car. You can still use cycle paths/lanes.

Best place for advice is the pedelecs forum sorry I can't post a link as I am new here.
There is a huge difference in bikes even within those from the same price bracket.
My personal advice would be to try before you buy. Our local electric bike shop you can do trial rides.

bitemebankers

banyers wrote: »

I don't get the cheating/lazy comments. No one says that about using a car or motorbike or moped. It's just another form of transport to me. I'm not using it for recreation/fitness purposes.

This is the kind of comment that comes from the lycra-clad sports fanatics for whom cycling is practically a religion. They've completely forgotten that for most people around the world, it's a means of getting from A to B.

Best place for advice is the pedelecs forum sorry I can't post a link as I am new here.

http://www.pedelecs.co.uk