help me decide whether to buy a normal bike or an ebike and which actual one should I get?

[whyohwhyohwhyohwhywhy]

I currently have a boneshaker child's raleigh bike that I picked up for £200 a couple of years ago, I've really liked it but would like something a bit sleeker and smoother as an upgrade.

I am also considering an ebike as it will enable me to go further. I have however decided my cycling needs might mean I need (want) both.

Cycling with kids, esp a 6 yo who has just learnt to cycle - flat and easyish routes, loading into and out of van, and a surprising number of routes need lifting over horse humps (or whatever they are called)

Cycling by myself, want to go further and longer, and occasional commutes 12 miles, down windy lanes - I think this is where the ebike would be useful. Can do much of this from home.

Is two bikes the answer here? and what would I buy

I'd be up for second hand, particularly for the ebike, to test the concept.
Normal bike around £500, if I am not spending £1k on an ebike at the same time.

Thanks!

We got one of those Switch” things which allows you to convert Normal bike to e-bike.

Haven’t used it yet so can’t say how good it is.

Make sure you try the ebike first, some of them are pretty heavy

@Svalberg

Make sure you try the ebike first, some of them are pretty heavy

That's what I thought too when I saw the bit about lifting it

that is why i am thinking about 2 bikes, one I dont need to lift. The swift thing is not that relevant for me, until and unless I have a bike to add it to.

I have an e bike and absolutely love it. I cycle upto 50 miles with it, usually 20-30 though, but all road cycling so no lifting necessary. i also don't need to put it in the car. it's very heavy but you can take the battery out which helps a bit.

what make is it @lochmaree, thanks

I was going to say Swytch as well - it’s a conversion kit which turns an ordinary bike to an ebike. The battery fits on the front and if you take it off, then yr bike rides just like an ordinary one. It’s fabbo!!

@whyohwhyohwhyohwhywhy mine is a Giant 2017 Road E+. DH bought it for me in new condition but 2nd hand in 2018.

What's your total budget, combined?
Those Swytch kits cost ~£600, maybe £400 2nd hand on ebay.

& you might have to match things like axel type, too.

Swytch kits don't work for all wheel sizes but should work for most.

I'd splash out for a better light-weight but with mudguards, non-ebike but I'm pretty keen cyclist. I quite fancied the Boardman Hybrid 8.9. Lightweight, low gears, can fit mudguards. It would be a dream after your boneshaker.

Maybe the lower spec 8.6 would suit you (£450 cheaper).