To think about riding an e-bike?

I’ve got one and I love it. It’s one that you still have to pedal but you can add in electric to help for hilly bits, or if you just get tired.

An e-bike could be a great choice for you because the motor takes the strain off your knee while still giving you gentle exercise, making countryside rides much easier and more enjoyable; even if you haven’t cycled for years, most people pick it up again quickly, and if you can try one at a local shop before buying, you’ll get a feel for how comfortable and supportive it can be.

Mine is a Trek Verve 1.

I just remembered another reason why I picked the Raleigh Motus. I figured if hire companies used it, it must be fairly reliable and easy to repair.

I'm adding my recommendation for Juicy bikes as well. I love mine. I got it via Cycle to Work scheme. Mine is a folding one, so I can put it in the boot of the car and go to a nearby country park for a ride around.

When I cycled to work, there was one hill that absolutely punished me. I could only ever get about half way up and then I was puce in the face and had to get off to push my bike the rest of the way. With the pedal assist e-bike, I just sailed right up.

i did get the smallest frame but as i’m 5’2” it could do with being a 16” rather than 17”! I can touch the ground with both balls of my feet though so i’m keeping the bike - especially as i’ve now made toning basket liners for my front and back baskets!

@loopyluna I have bad knees too and am approaching 50 as well.

I have a Leitner e bike. What I like about my bike is that it not only has pedal assist but it has a throttle (in the handlebars). This means that when my knee is really sore I don’t have to start the bike by peddling. I also like that it’s foldable so if I want to I can put it into the boot of the car and travel to somewhere further away like the beach or something.

I love love love mine - like PP it’s a Tern electric cargo bike for hauling around children, but I wish my road bike was electric too.

If you’re near a branch of Fully Charged, go there and test them all out.

I have a Vado too...shiny red

This is such a great thread!

I am 54 and I was thinking of getting one. I live in a seaside town and dream to use my bike to go to the beach and ride on the seafront.

I am a bit concerned about the weight of the bike so it is nice to hear so many positive stories :).

We have a nice e-bike store in town so might have a chat with them...

My husband converted our bikes (which sounds dodgy but we're not talking the high speed throttle kits!), and it has meant I actually use my very nice, large frame for tall woman bike that I avoided for years beforehand. I was sceptical about spending the money, but honestly, they are fantastic.

I got mine three years ago and love it.
My advice is… don’t go to anywhere like Halfords, go to a bike shop and speak to people who know the bikes inside out. They will chat about your intended use and will advise you on the best bike for you.
My local shop has e-bikes which you can rent for the day (£35/£40) so try before you buy, although it’s not advertised well so check with your nearest shop.
Or, go somewhere scenic, with bike routes and you’re bound to find a bike hire shop nearby.
Always get the most powerful battery you can afford, you will get the bug and you will want to go further.

@Rosti1981snap on the Raleigh Motus Tour in pink as it was the reduced colour when I went to buy it. I really love it

We have Merida gravel bikes. Suit most terrain. Only weigh 15 kg and easy to lift on and off bike rack on our campervan. Light enough that we don’t always use the power if cycling on the flat in a long trip.

As long as you charge it safely and ride appropriately

Yes it is wonderful. I use it for many many short journeys rather than walking or car. Just freedom and joy! No stress about parking and it doesn't feel like a burden because it's so easy to ride. I have a pink Raleigh Motus Tour and it's lovely. I am mostly about the appearance and short journeys though so probably not a particularly reliable recommendation, I just wanted something that didn't cost the earth that does the job of a car for local journeys (live in outer London). Heavy to get out but then whiz around feeling super fit!

Do it! It is the most wonderful way to travel. Feels half way between a bike and a car to me. I have a tern cargo bike, but that’s specifically for carrying two children on the back! I would recommend Tern as a brand though.

Definitely keep an eye on the weight. Mine is really heavy to lift so I wheel it into a locked storage unit. They do get stolen a lot so spend money on the lock and get it insured.

If I had the chance to buy mine again I would have spent more for a lighter one because I love it and use it regularly. Oh! And get a camera for your helmet. Huge visual deterrent for the arseholes who hate cyclists.

They had 2 different frame sizes, did you definitely get the smaller size?

I know, I’m gutted cos it’s a BEAUTIFUL bike and I love how it looks and how it works when it works. I’ve had so many issues though and tbh the guys in Halfords are not very knowledgeable, so I can’t recommend it ☹️

Hopefully I can get a new front wheel fairly cheaply (husband is knowledgeable on such things!) and it’ll be fine again, for now!! Long term I want to get something higher quality so I’m enjoying this thread for ideas.

I love mine.. It is a specialised Vado. You can try them out at your local cycle shop. Depends on terrain though. I use mine mainly on quiet country lanes or cycle trails/paths. Cornwall is full of hills so it is great for that and I have a group of friends with e bikes so we all go out.

We have moustache bikes. Absolutely fab although they are heavy. The battery is reliable and holds juice well. We cycle a lot in mountainous areas and you see so much more. Love it!

I sold on my Pendleton on gumtree soon after buying it. The battery was jerky to kick in and the bike felt poorly made. I had an ebike years ago and it felt nothing like it. The Raleigh Motus is a well crafted beast un comparison.

Dh and I have had e-bikes for 7 or so years. We wouldn’t be biking at all without them as our neighborhood is very hilly.
Currently absolutely loving our Reese and Muller. Step through.
pedal assist.