Electric bicycles - who buys them?
Discussion
When life is busy and time is precious then an ebike remains a viable method of transport for getting about, when you might otherwise take the car. Its just a different type of cycling and doesn't need to be compared to normal cycling, and certainly doesn't need to be regarded as cheating or lazy. I often go out on my bike simply because I love riding it, whereas Ive never really had any interest in riding my normal bike.
Ive de-restricted mine so I can ride fast if I want to, which I enjoy, and on the road I can keep up with traffic so I have less cars overtaking me who might otherwise bump into me, which in my opinion makes it safer for me.
Ive de-restricted mine so I can ride fast if I want to, which I enjoy, and on the road I can keep up with traffic so I have less cars overtaking me who might otherwise bump into me, which in my opinion makes it safer for me.
Sa Calobra said:
Hi I'm unfit but I love the challenge of getting fit and riding a bicycle.
An ebike isn't a bicycle.
Just as an old pedal/moped wasn't a bicycle.
If you are fit and healthy an ebike is the height of laziness.
I've said myself that if my knee detoriates in the future I'll get an ebike or give up but then I'd have a medical reason, age or long-term permanent injury.
Sa, I’ve enjoyed your contributions on the forums over the years, and you’ve talked a lot of sense, but on this one you’re so wide of the mark it’s unbelievable.An ebike isn't a bicycle.
Just as an old pedal/moped wasn't a bicycle.
If you are fit and healthy an ebike is the height of laziness.
I've said myself that if my knee detoriates in the future I'll get an ebike or give up but then I'd have a medical reason, age or long-term permanent injury.
Anything that gets solo travellers out if their cars for shorter journeys is a good thing.
Anyway, my Missus is absolutely delighted with it - she’ll get plenty of use from it, her commute is 130km/week and she’s pretty knackered by Thursday. Even her housekeeping drops off, it’s unacceptable.
LeadFarmer said:
Ive de-restricted mine so I can ride fast if I want to, which I enjoy, and on the road I can keep up with traffic so I have less cars overtaking me who might otherwise bump into me, which in my opinion makes it safer for me.
Are you concerned at all about the legal aspect of riding a de-restricted bike? Just thinking in terms of liability if you were to be involved in a crash involving a third party. The Mad Monk said:
EazyDuz said:
On my ebike you can derestrict it from the LCD controller,
How do you do that?Cupramax said:
None of the big name bikes will do this (Bosch, Shimano Steps etc), only the likes of Chinese stuff like Bafang or similar. Mine has a menu setting for this amongst other things. I leave it set to that for on road.
This basically. The really expensive bikes wont let you do it. Mine was only £1000 but very well specced for the priceA good article about whether e-bikes are 'cheating':
http://ebiketips.road.cc/content/advice/advice/are...
http://ebiketips.road.cc/content/advice/advice/are...
benny.c said:
Are you concerned at all about the legal aspect of riding a de-restricted bike? Just thinking in terms of liability if you were to be involved in a crash involving a third party.
No not really, it's quickly reversible if ever I want to revert it back to standard. Regardless, I'm prepared to take the risk.It allows me to keep up with slower moving traffic which in my opinion makes it safer for me as I'd rather remain in-between cars than have them all overtaking me.
Oh, and I only ever cycle on private property
Cupramax said:
It’s jealousy, nothing more or less. Building my own ebike has been the best thing I’ve done for a long time, it gets used way more than the bike did previously and I use it for things I’d have hopped in the car for before I had it, like popping to the shops or going to see friends.
My experience too - I use my ebike a lot more than I thought I would - don't underestimate the advantages of being able to cycle in "normal" clothes, and not getting to you destination hot and sweaty .I really think you have to try one to "get" them.
If you started with a blank sheet of paper, I don't think you could come up with a better way of getting around a town than an ebike...
funinhounslow said:
Cupramax said:
It’s jealousy, nothing more or less. Building my own ebike has been the best thing I’ve done for a long time, it gets used way more than the bike did previously and I use it for things I’d have hopped in the car for before I had it, like popping to the shops or going to see friends.
My experience too - I use my ebike a lot more than I thought I would - don't underestimate the advantages of being able to cycle in "normal" clothes, and not getting to you destination hot and sweaty .I really think you have to try one to "get" them.
If you started with a blank sheet of paper, I don't think you could come up with a better way of getting around a town than an ebike...
Zoon said:
Cupramax said:
None of the big name bikes will do this (Bosch, Shimano Steps etc), only the likes of Chinese stuff like Bafang or similar. Mine has a menu setting for this amongst other things. I leave it set to that for on road.
Specialized Levo will let you do it via bluetooth.Cupramax said:
More info please, Is that a Bosch CX motor? Is the bike a UK supplied model as I find it hard to believe they would supply a UK bike like that.
No it's a Brose motor. UK supplied. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__KMvZtfiqE
smifffymoto said:
The people I know with e bikes attack every slope,hill or other wise in full on mode.There is no just plodding up to conserve energy.
Plodding uphill can often result in the motor running outside its efficient zone. The current is turned into heat rather than motion. Going faster uphill can be more efficient.In answer to the OPs original question I built my e-mtb a couple of years ago having been diagnosed with a heart condition. I couldn't have carried on biking without it.
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff