Is it worth buying an electric bike?

Richard53

glasgowdan wrote: »

A 30 minute cycle commute is nothing... and it'll get quicker over time. I'd forget the idea of an ebike and go for a good normal bike. It'll be much more useful, simpler, durable and fun.

A 30-minute commute is nothing if you're already reasonably fit. In my case, it was a 50-minute journey each way with some stiff hills. Without the ebike, I would still be commuting in the car. For people with low fitness, or an injury/disability, or simply getting on a bit, an ebike can be the difference between cycling and staying at home.


I'd agree that a normal bike (I have two) is cheaper, simpler, more durable and has greater moral character, but sometimes it's horses for courses.

kathrynha

My husband is on his second electric bike. The first he loved as an electric bike, but without the electric it was quite a heavy bike to ride, so when the battery went the other month, after 3 years of 100miles a week use he opted to replace it, as replacing the battery wasn't cheap, and other maintenance was needed too. Also electric bikes have improved over the last 3 years.


He has replaced it with the GTECH bike, and so far he thinks it is loads better. It is chunkier and more robust than his old one, the bike is lighter, and the battery is lighter and has a larger range.


Some people would say chunkier, mountain bike type bikes aren't the best for commuting, but for the pot holed streets of Bradford they are a must.