Electric bicycles - who buys them?
Discussion
Cupramax said:
Carreras are half decent bikes so not surprised you’ve been ok with that. Wouldn’t buy anything cheaper than them though at Halfords.
I've got a full suspension VooDoo "Zobop" from Halfords - however I am unsure of Halfords involvement with them, not sure if they make them or are just the sellers. Seems ok.I've also got a Diamondback through Halfords, however that was also on the cycle to work scheme, they don't sell them but just got it in special for me. It's a very nice bike and I think it was very good for the money.
ccr32 said:
Cupramax said:
Here’s mine, Bafang motor kit.
I really like the look of this! Have been looking at kits to convert my circa 15 year old Specialized in to something that I could use for the commute instead of the current scooter. Did the battery come with the motor kit?http://eclipsebikes.com/index.php?cPath=26_27
The Mad Monk said:
Where did you buy that? I have had a quick Google without success.
I didn't buy one, and now they are out of stock or possibly pulled from the market due to being illegal as e-bikes. They are classed as EU mopeds and you have to have insurance and a helmet when using one. The one in the picture is from Biltema in Sweden.ecs said:
I've got one of these on order:
Looking forward to it arriving! Cycle straight to the steps down to the train platform, jump on the train with it and then cycle to the office at the other end without going near the tube. No change of clothes needed if it's dry either.
Nice. I'm sure you're going to love it. Looking forward to it arriving! Cycle straight to the steps down to the train platform, jump on the train with it and then cycle to the office at the other end without going near the tube. No change of clothes needed if it's dry either.
On a similar vein I bought this last year...
I have been cycling in London for over 20 years. Nothing wrong with my ageing CX, but it can be a pain sometimes choosing between having to "take it easy" or arrive at my destination hot and sweaty...
Yes it was expensive (£2,200, I think about the same as the e Brompton pictured above) but to put it in perspective - my CX cost about £800 over 10 years ago. And I am about to spend the best part of a grand on my SEAT Mii next month (cam belt, service, insurance, MOT)
Not many hills round my way, but I do appreciate the electronic push at junctions and lights, It is also welcome getting a boost back up to speed after having to slow for some hazard or other. It really does remove all the frustration of grinding through traffic choked suburban roads.
Having lived with it for a few months now, I can certainly see that ebikes (when combined with proper infrastructure) could transform transport in cities. I think you really have to try one to see their potential. For darting around a city they can't be beaten. And they are fun! I think the current 15.5mph limit is a little restrictive - 17mph would be more appropriate I think. But this issue aside, I do think as their price comes down, and cities invest more in bike lanes ebikes will be the game changer we didn't see coming...
This is mine that I use to commute every day, and I love it...
Cube Reaction Race
Ive added a rack, bag, mudguards & bar ends..
I have some very steep hills on my way home, and I just wouldn't be interested in even trying to ride up them on a normal bike after a long hard day at work. But the ebike makes the hills enjoyable. Oh, and I haven't de-restrictd it because that would be wrong
Cube Reaction Race
Ive added a rack, bag, mudguards & bar ends..
I have some very steep hills on my way home, and I just wouldn't be interested in even trying to ride up them on a normal bike after a long hard day at work. But the ebike makes the hills enjoyable. Oh, and I haven't de-restrictd it because that would be wrong
Edited by LeadFarmer on Tuesday 27th March 00:15
These are all cool as!
Whoever it was ^^^ who said “£2200 wow!” - I assume that was a derogatory “wow!”
The way I see it £2200 for years worth of hassle free speedy, utterly convenient with total freedom commuting is the steal of the century. Absolute bargain. I ride motorbikes, but for urban use one of these eBikes is better.
Whoever it was ^^^ who said “£2200 wow!” - I assume that was a derogatory “wow!”
The way I see it £2200 for years worth of hassle free speedy, utterly convenient with total freedom commuting is the steal of the century. Absolute bargain. I ride motorbikes, but for urban use one of these eBikes is better.
Appreciate there are variables, but if I cycle 7 miles (14 mile round trip) which is very hilly, how long will it take to recharge the batteries? The last mile (and a half) home is up 90M vertically, so I could really do with the extra push and not to have run out of juice. Can charge at work, but that means possibly short (5-7 hours) on a wire. Enough? Will that knacker the battery? Are all batteries (save those buried in the frame) removable for this?
Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
Croutons said:
Appreciate there are variables, but if I cycle 7 miles (14 mile round trip) which is very hilly, how long will it take to recharge the batteries? The last mile (and a half) home is up 90M vertically, so I could really do with the extra push and not to have run out of juice. Can charge at work, but that means possibly short (5-7 hours) on a wire. Enough? Will that knacker the battery? Are all batteries (save those buried in the frame) removable for this?
Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
I would have thought that any ebike from a reputable manufacturer should be able to cope with a 14 mile hilly ride. The batteries are best kept in the 20 - 80% charge range to maximise their life.Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
The GCN youtube channel did a good comparison of e-bikes in the dolomites - a bit tongue in cheek but interesting enough.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8tV8cWeY3Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8tV8cWeY3Y
Croutons said:
Appreciate there are variables, but if I cycle 7 miles (14 mile round trip) which is very hilly, how long will it take to recharge the batteries? The last mile (and a half) home is up 90M vertically, so I could really do with the extra push and not to have run out of juice. Can charge at work, but that means possibly short (5-7 hours) on a wire. Enough? Will that knacker the battery? Are all batteries (save those buried in the frame) removable for this?
Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
My bike - Oxygen CB hybrid Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
https://tinyurl.com/yakjae86
- I have had it for just over two years and the battery is still ok. I have never flattened the battery. The longest ride I have done is around 40 miles, I think it would run out at about 50 miles, but I can't be sure. I charge it after each ride. As a rule of thumb, I have to charge for an hour for each six miles of riding.
Not all bikes are the same, of course. If you get a choice, buy the most powerful battery. I would think your 14 mile round trip would be a piece of cake, and you wouldn't have to recharge until you got back home at the end of the day.
May I suggest you have a chat with a dealer who stocks several different makes of bike.
DoubleD said:
£2200! Ha ha wow
I know plenty of people with non electric bikes that cost way more than that. If you consider it against the cost of a 50cc scooter they're not a bad price at all.Croutons said:
Appreciate there are variables, but if I cycle 7 miles (14 mile round trip) which is very hilly, how long will it take to recharge the batteries? The last mile (and a half) home is up 90M vertically, so I could really do with the extra push and not to have run out of juice. Can charge at work, but that means possibly short (5-7 hours) on a wire. Enough? Will that knacker the battery? Are all batteries (save those buried in the frame) removable for this?
Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
The Bosch powered Raleigh (can't remember the model) I hired on Guernsey last year would probably not quite cope with a 14 mile hilly ride on full boost, ie it puts in 250% the torque you put in, but on the next notch down, 200%, it should easily do in. I found I was only putting it on the max setting on steep hills, and don't forget you're not really using the motor at all on down hills. We pottered around the island all day on them, only charging at night, and never got below about 1/3 battery. I think at the minimum boost (50%?) it claimed a 90km range.Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
It's the number of charges before a battery needs replacing me that is my biggest concern, anyone on here had one for a few years yet?
Croutons said:
Appreciate there are variables, but if I cycle 7 miles (14 mile round trip) which is very hilly, how long will it take to recharge the batteries? The last mile (and a half) home is up 90M vertically, so I could really do with the extra push and not to have run out of juice. Can charge at work, but that means possibly short (5-7 hours) on a wire. Enough? Will that knacker the battery? Are all batteries (save those buried in the frame) removable for this?
Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
My commute is 5 miles each way, and on the way home its almost all up a steep hill, the battery lasts me for about 3 days of commuting. Battery takes about 4hrs to fully charge from almost empty. On flat terrain and when using a lower power setting the battery would last longer before needing charging.Also read the batteries will last ~ 800 charges, but risk assuming there is considerable degradation over time in that, and that by the time it needs replacing what's available will be cheaper, more powerful and durable. What do people think?
I would have thought that any decent branded bike with good components will be costing you £1k upwards, so considering the batteries for my Bosch ebike cost £600 to buy a spare, and then the price of the motor then thats where the £2k+ is going.
If you want exercise by cycling then buy a normal bike.
If you want exercise by cycling but also want assistance when needed then buy an ebike.
If you want the bike to do all the work then buy a scooter.
I have a BMW GSA motorbike which hardly turns a wheel now I've got my Cube ebike.
If you want exercise by cycling then buy a normal bike.
If you want exercise by cycling but also want assistance when needed then buy an ebike.
If you want the bike to do all the work then buy a scooter.
I have a BMW GSA motorbike which hardly turns a wheel now I've got my Cube ebike.
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