E-Bike

ispookie666

Finally splashed some ££ and bought myself a Specialized E-Bike. It's a hybrid commuter bike. 

I have been cycling to work (10miles each way) once a week for 10 ish months. Really enjoy the me time! initially started off as a way to get fit but looking at fuel prices, I'm all the more happy. But it does involve a bit of planning. I'm going to do it more than once a week in the future.

Unfortunately I developed Achilles tendinitis a few weeks ago after a rather stupid attempt to do the distance in 30min 🙈.   Long story short, E-Bike might be the saving grace. 

Any others using E-Bike for commuting? Would.love to hear tips and tricks. 

Viking_mfw

I recently acquired a cargo etrike which I am commuting on and I love it! I'm not a confident enough cyclist to use a bike, and the trike gives me just enough stability. I went for it because of new zero emissions rules coming in where I live but actually due to traffic and being able to take a more direct route on a trike, I'm only taking 10 minutes more than my fastest possible car commute, and considerably less than it can take in rush hour. 

I had to change my mindset from conserving the battery like I would diesel to thinking of it as a boost for me, and that it didn't matter if I have to charge it every day. As you are experienced I expect you have already got your gear/boost level combos sorted but that definitely improved my experience!

Screwdriva

I've been an e-scooter rider since 2003. Nearing 20 years. If I did want an e-bike, I'd probably invest in a folding variant given the increasing levels of bike theft. 

2nd_time_buyer

It is interesting how ebikes have evolved. Originally, they seem to have been targeted at people who did not cycle. With heavy, upright, traditional designs. Typically upwards of 20kg.

I think there is a growing market for bikes that "assist" rather than do all the work. These can be lighter have smaller batteries, and motors. These can be used to increase the length of a commute, effectively "flatten" it by assisting on the hills, and/or speed things up.

Then there are stand on escooters that have captured a lot of the younger urban market.

ispookie666

It's still early days for me with the eBike. Mine is 17kg with panniers and additional battery. But boy, those chunky tyres are an absolute pain! I did a good amount of research and wanted a bike which would be ok to cycle when the power runs out. 
Will most likely swap the tyres out to smaller ones. 

The assist is very welcome when there is a gradient and makes life a lot easier.