Do you have an electric bike?

Pam

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19 Aug 2004
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I like cycling, but at 58, I'm past all that pedalling up hill shit. Do you have an electric bike? I just want to cycle on the flat and glide downhill but sod the uphill stuff. If you do have one, what model is it and do you recommend it or is it a bit of a novelty thing that ends up gathering rust in the shed?
 
I've had one for a few years. In my 70's now and living in a hilly area. I use my own leg power for 90% of my journeys but the power assist (6 levels) means I can get up hills I would either struggle or simply not be able to tackle. Also when going through the town I can boost speed to avoid creating to much an antagonism. My bike also has a "moped" switch so, when totally knackered, the bike will take me home.
Good e-bikes cost "2K-£3K, I bought a "normal" commuter bike for £500 then bought a conversion kit for another £500. Cost me £100 to have it fitted. The wiring is a little untidy but that doesn't bother me.
I ride for about 1-2 hours three or 4 times a week. Keeps me fit without risking a heart attack.
Only down side are a select few pathetic motorists whose paranoia often put your life at risk.
 
I've had one for a few years. In my 70's now and living in a hilly area. I use my own leg power for 90% of my journeys but the power assist (6 levels) means I can get up hills I would either struggle or simply not be able to tackle. Also when going through the town I can boost speed to avoid creating to much an antagonism. My bike also has a "moped" switch so, when totally knackered, the bike will take me home.
Good e-bikes cost "2K-£3K, I bought a "normal" commuter bike for £500 then bought a conversion kit for another £500. Cost me £100 to have it fitted. The wiring is a little untidy but that doesn't bother me.
I ride for about 1-2 hours three or 4 times a week. Keeps me fit without risking a heart attack.
Only down side are a select few pathetic motorists whose paranoia often put your life at risk.
Do you need a license? Sounds like it if there's a moped option.
 
I like cycling, but at 58, I'm past all that pedalling up hill shit. Do you have an electric bike? I just want to cycle on the flat and glide downhill but sod the uphill stuff. If you do have one, what model is it and do you recommend it or is it a bit of a novelty thing that ends up gathering rust in the shed?
Which is why you want an electric bike. It turns inclines to something approaching the flat.

I've two electrics. A lovely Dutch bike made by Gazelle with Bosch motor, and a converted Brompton. They are generally the go-to bikes, unless Mrs Ewing wants to get the hybrids out or even the road bikes. One of the best decisions re cycling I've ever made. When I bought mine I told the other three members of our cycling club that they'd get one before Christmas. That was about seven years ago and they've just bought them. I told them I didn't mention which Christmas.

Littleborough is nestled in the foothills of the Pennines but with a fully-charged battery there isn't anywhere I can't go! - Blackstone Edge, Edenfield Road out of Norden.

They certainly do not gather dust and they are in no way a novelty.
 
Do you need a license? Sounds like it if there's a moped option.
No licence required. By "moped" I mean the bike will travel under it's own power. On the highway I believe the limit is 5mph, but off-road no limit (my bike will do about 18mph with top power). I often "forget" to switch from off-road to highway, silly me!
My kit came has the motor in the front wheel which I find best for regular road use. Mountain bikes tend to have rear wheel (for grip). Some bikes have automatic sensors, mine simply allows me to choose what level of assist I need. On level 6 I could climb Mont Blanc! The way I use my battery, it only needs recharging twice a month, sometimes less.
I hear Chinese bikes are a bit iffy but Taiwan much better. I am just a user and no expert.
Depends, I suppose, how serious you are. I just do a 10-mile leisurely circuit around the local area using cycle paths where available and wrapped up in a fleece and flat cap (no fancy gear for me).
 
Nah I've got a 3litre engine scooter though, surprised there's not a thread on here about scooters, they de future

A 3 litre scooter??

The bike that won the Moto GP last year was only a 1 litre bike so I can't imagine how fast and unwieldy a whole 3 litres is!
 

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