Electric bicycles - who buys them?

[Esceptico]

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?

[Esceptico]

daddy cool said:

Presumably a scooter requires road tax, driving licence and insurance, non?

Can you still ride a scooter on a full bike licence (if you have done a CBT)? Not sure. I think road tax and insurance are pretty low as long as you are not that young.

[Esceptico]

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

How much did it cost and how easy was it to do?

[Esceptico]

Hoofy said:

Looking on Halfords, you can get ebikes from £600. What's wrong with them?

if the quality of their ebikes is as poor at their normal bikes, stay well clear. Bought a cheap bike for my wife and despite light use and being kept in the garage it disintegrated within two years. I would never buy a bike from Halfords again.