Electric Bikes

[JCLFOULSHAM]

I have two children, 5 and 7. I just started working full time again and I try to get home and spend as much time with the kids in the evening as possible. But I'm also losing any free time I used to have to go to the gym. My office is decently far away from my house so I was thinking about getting one of those electric bikes to get some excersise without the route becoming too arduous or time consuming. Apparently you can get a bike and turn the electric feature off when you want a workout and turn it back on when you want some help. Do any of you have one of these?? What do you think of them?

[keynesian]

What is the distance? How hilly is the route? How many times a week do you think you would cycle? It may be worth you trying with a non-electric bike first before you discount the non-power assisted option.

[ragged]

They are manufactured locally & I see them around a lot (we live in a fairly flat county, too).
Agree with all the questions from Keynesian.
They are pricey & if you want to get any fitness out of the experience you might well be better off getting a real bike (quality one, spend no less than 500 quid) and showering yourself both ends of the journey, but not to be made every day.

[JCLFOULSHAM]

My journey is about 20 miles each way. There are really only two hills that I find genuinely intimidating. I think I'd like to do this every weekday (not likely in the winter months though) and not in torrential rain. Can you recommend any brands? Electric or otherwise?

[ragged]

Dunno, but this website must be your saviour!

[ivykaty44]

could you instead get a folding bike and drive towards work and then cycle the last mile and build up your mileage - by parking further away from work, as you get fitter?

[JCLFOULSHAM]

That's not a bad idea, Ivy. I'll look into folding bikes.

Ragged, excellent website--the most comprehensive one I've seen yet!