electric bikes

[traviata]

I am considering getting one to do a 10 mile commute, along fairly flat roads. I was thinking that the power would help me on windy days, when cycling into a head wind would leave me gasping and sweating (no showers at work). But mostly I would expect to be pedalling, and could ride against the wind on my way home if necessary.

I know that most electric bikes can be ridden without the power, but is that a big compromise? I'm not sure how often I'd use the power. Would it solve the problem for me, or is it just a lot of unnecessary weight and expense, given that it would not be used on every journey?

[BlossomCat]

I've got one, as I live at the top of a big hill. I use the power for most of the journey, except going downhill. It gives a boost going along the flat, and I often overtake other cyclists (sorry, not sorry!) And I can do 14-18mph on a flat stretch easily.
I've got an elly cube and I ❤ her

[traviata]

that is a v attractive bike.

Actually the extra speed would save me quite a lot of time on my journey.

[traviata]

do you have to take the battery out of its holder for charging?

[BlossomCat]

Yes, the battery comes out of the casing above the rear wheel and I take it into the house to charge. One charge gives me about 30-35 miles, but I do a lot of hills, so use more power than if I were just on the flat.

[traviata]

thanks Blossom

[traviata]

I'm going to hire one for a week just to sort out the practicalities, then I'd like to buy one.

maybe I will wait until the temperature rises above freezing.

Are you riding your bike at the moment Blossom?

[witchmountain]

I'm going to get one as like Blossom I live up a hill. I tried some of the Gazelle ones and really liked them. I'd suggest trying a few because the feel is quite different from bike to bike.

I was also thinking along the lines of only using the power when I needed it, but actually even on flat it was quite useful for pulling away from junctions and just generally moving a bit faster with less effort!

Some batteries can be charged on the bike but batteries don't like being cold so if the bike lives outside the battery should really come inside anyway.

[traviata]

useful info, thanks witch

[TiggyD]

They are heavier, and there is some resistance due to the motor electrics/magnets dragging. I keep mine on the lowest setting of help and just whack it up when a hill jumps out at me, or I'm on a horrible bit of road and want it over fast.

[BlackCat208]

Thanks !

[MrsAvocet]

I bought my ebike to get riding again after a long illness and I've found it excellent. We live in a very hilly area and on my ebike I can keep up with my friends, which I currently wouldn't manage on my regular bikes.
I never switch the power off, though for a fair amount of the time it's not iactually in use - don't forget that over 25km/hr the assistance automatically cuts off. So a lot of the time on the flat or downhill it's disengaged but comes back on when I slow down on the hills. On the flat I can ride my regular bikes more quickly than my ebike as they are so much lighter, but the ebike comes into it's own on hills or into headwinds. Mostly I leave it on the lowest setting even on hills as I actually want to work hard, but it's good knowing that there's extra power there id I start getting tired or feeling unwell.
I do also use it if I want to arrive somewhere looking a bit less sweaty as you can definitely do the same journey with less effort.
Watch the weight though. I've got one of the lightest currently available but even that is over 11kg and a lot of ebikes are real heavyweights at 25kg or so. The lowest power setting probably only just overcomes yhe weight on bikes that heavy, and if you need to lift it at all you might find it difficult. I'd say it's definitely worth paying a bit more for a lighter bike if you can.

[Recumbenttrikesrule]

@traviata

I am considering getting one to do a 10 mile commute, along fairly flat roads. I was thinking that the power would help me on windy days, when cycling into a head wind would leave me gasping and sweating (no showers at work). But mostly I would expect to be pedalling, and could ride against the wind on my way home if necessary.

I know that most electric bikes can be ridden without the power, but is that a big compromise? I'm not sure how often I'd use the power. Would it solve the problem for me, or is it just a lot of unnecessary weight and expense, given that it would not be used on every journey?

Between us OH and I have 4 e bikes and an etandem. They are heavy to ride without the power on but can be ridden on the lowest power on the flat to compensate. We live in the Peak District with 24% gradients around us, the electric bikes are wonderful and make a real difference to our cycling pleasure.

They can all be charged with the battery either on or off the bike so no problem either way.

Hiring one for a week is a really good idea. Different makes can be quite different! Don't believe the hype on the cheap ones that say you don't need gears, you do. Try test riding as many as you can and good luck!