Electric bicycles - who buys them?
Discussion
Recently rode an electric bicycle. It was actually alright. Managed to keep up a decent pace with less effort than cycling - felt a bit smug/guilty cruising past normal cyclists going up a hill.
Then I checked out the prices on the internet. WTF! Seemed like most were £2k or much more (even those that just looked like a normal bike with a battery attached).
I can certainly understand the appeal of an electric bike but when you can buy a rev-and-go scooter for the same money, which can offer 120 mpg, space under the seat for a helmet, no effort and much greater road presence, then why would you?
Then I checked out the prices on the internet. WTF! Seemed like most were £2k or much more (even those that just looked like a normal bike with a battery attached).
I can certainly understand the appeal of an electric bike but when you can buy a rev-and-go scooter for the same money, which can offer 120 mpg, space under the seat for a helmet, no effort and much greater road presence, then why would you?
Seriously thinking of getting one, but the entry price is putting me off.
Why not a scooter? Because I'd feel like a pillock on one of those, mainly. Also, I anticipate easier filtering through traffic jams on a bicycle. You can still quickly hop on to the pavement for a few seconds etc, or lean it over to pass another vehicle that's a bit too far to the left.
Why not a scooter? Because I'd feel like a pillock on one of those, mainly. Also, I anticipate easier filtering through traffic jams on a bicycle. You can still quickly hop on to the pavement for a few seconds etc, or lean it over to pass another vehicle that's a bit too far to the left.
Esceptico said:
Recently rode an electric bicycle. It was actually alright. Managed to keep up a decent pace with less effort than cycling - felt a bit smug/guilty cruising past normal cyclists going up a hill.
Then I checked out the prices on the internet. WTF! Seemed like most were £2k or much more (even those that just looked like a normal bike with a battery attached).
I can certainly understand the appeal of an electric bike but when you can buy a rev-and-go scooter for the same money, which can offer 120 mpg, space under the seat for a helmet, no effort and much greater road presence, then why would you?
Because it’s zero interest in the loan which means you’re making a profit of 5-6% over a normal loan and it’s less than a Starbucks a day anyway so practically free in the first instance. Then I checked out the prices on the internet. WTF! Seemed like most were £2k or much more (even those that just looked like a normal bike with a battery attached).
I can certainly understand the appeal of an electric bike but when you can buy a rev-and-go scooter for the same money, which can offer 120 mpg, space under the seat for a helmet, no effort and much greater road presence, then why would you?
Let's compare apples with apples - you can buy a workable ebike for under a grand which is the equivalent of the cheap Chinese or Thai built scooter. Yes, good quality ones with Bosch or Shimano drivetrain cost more, just like you can easily spent £5k on a good quality scooter (and double that for something really nice).
Ebike has no legal requirement for insurance or helmet (although both are a good idea), can be parked and ridden anywhere bicycles can, easily bought inside your house if you have nowhere to park it at home, can have a drink or two after work without jeopardising your driving licence. It's just a bicycle that gives you a bit of extra assistance to get up to speed or up the big hills. It allows you to have a practical bike (racks to carry your bags, mudguards to keep you dry, oily bits enclosed, comfortable upright riding position) that you can ride in normal clothes but have the pace of someone on a skinny-tyred road bike who's getting a sweaty back from their rucksack.
If I lived somewhere like Bristol with nightmare traffic/parking and big hills to contend with, I'd be all over one.
Ebike has no legal requirement for insurance or helmet (although both are a good idea), can be parked and ridden anywhere bicycles can, easily bought inside your house if you have nowhere to park it at home, can have a drink or two after work without jeopardising your driving licence. It's just a bicycle that gives you a bit of extra assistance to get up to speed or up the big hills. It allows you to have a practical bike (racks to carry your bags, mudguards to keep you dry, oily bits enclosed, comfortable upright riding position) that you can ride in normal clothes but have the pace of someone on a skinny-tyred road bike who's getting a sweaty back from their rucksack.
If I lived somewhere like Bristol with nightmare traffic/parking and big hills to contend with, I'd be all over one.
I think they're great, my retired uncles and aunts have them and if it gets them out of the house for some exercise then they are worth every penny. I didn't ask what they cost, none of my business, but I wouldn't have thought they'd have bought ones for that kind of money knowing them.
VonSenger said:
Buy the conversion kit and convert a standard bike. Much cheaper and Lots available.
This, I built my own. Wouldn’t be without it now, you get idiots making stupid comments about cheating but I tend to ride a lot further and go on longer rides than I ever did previously and don’t get back feeling like I’m in for a coronary 
Cupramax said:
VonSenger said:
Buy the conversion kit and convert a standard bike. Much cheaper and Lots available.
This, I built my own. Wouldn’t be without it now, you get idiots making stupid comments about cheating but I tend to ride a lot further and go on longer rides than I ever did previously and don’t get back feeling like I’m in for a coronary Esceptico said:
How much did it cost and how easy was it to do?
Battery was just over £300, ordered direct from one of the biggest ebike battery manufacturers in China on AliExpress, battery arrived in 10 days. Mid drive Motor kit (replaces the existing crank) was around £340 from a UK importer. You need a modicum of mechanical knowledge and a soldering iron, I bought a cheap bike tool kit and it was easy but I am fairly mechanically minded. The kit fitted my Specialized Crosstrail without issue.Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff