Does anyone know about electric bikes?

[Housekeeperbatcocoa]

I watch a YouTuber who has just got one and it looked amazing! It would be brilliant for getting to and from work rather than relying on my car all the time.

https://uk.himiwaybike.com/products/himiway-electric-fat-bike is the brand but apart from that looking super cool i have no idea where to start!

It's three miles from my house to work, down country lanes mostly.

I have a budget of around £1k so any recommendations?

Oh yeah, hills!

There's a ruddy big hill and I'm not very fit at the moment 🤣

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/electric-hybrid-bike-original-920e-grey/_/R-p-325430?mc=8586865

How about this one? Thank you 😁

Yeah that Decathlon one looks ok. My DF actually had the non E bike version of that same bike, the suspension is basic but takes the sting out of bumps, the stem (bit the handlebars attaches to frame) is adjustable so you can have a nice upright position if that’s what you prefer.

Alternatively this one if you wanted something a bit more mountain bike in style. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/27-5-inch-women-s-electric-mountain-bike-rockrider-e-st-100-white/_/R-p-311489

I'm honestly not sure - i haven't been on a bike since i was a teenager! I just keep picking ones that look cool 🤣

This

I am not that old but 50 and fat and unfit and slow on a normal bike. This way I can zip about and keep up with the family. You still
need to pedal and the electric assistance only goes up to 15.5 mph.

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/electric-bikes/pendleton-somerby-electric-hybrid-bike---white-and-navy---17in-19in-frames-750871.html?dwvar_750871_colour=White%20%26%20Navy

I have a raleigh but also fancied this one when I was looking.

I'd definitely go somewhere that has a range of e-bikes for you to look at and try out, as the main difference between them and non-e-bikes is their weight - which doesn't matter when you're riding them (because the motor helps) but does if you need to lug them up and down steps at home, take them on and off trains, put them in the back of the car. And, I'd also research the company who actually make the bikes, as that will be helpful if you need new parts/support in the future. It might be easier to get these from a British/European company than from the Far East. Having said that, they're brilliant - especially if you live somewhere hilly. You still get exercise, but can get up hills!!

Definitely try get somewhere you can try first or even hire one to try out as well. There are loads around me but we live near a couple of great cycle paths used for commuting and fun rides. I’m short so struggle with cross bars to get leg over and if the handle bars are too far away. It really helps to have a bike ‘fit you’. Frame sizes vary a lot in design some are better designed for women as we have a shorter arms/legs, torso than a typical male.
I cycle a regular bike most days for 5m+ a day in/out of our town (Im in my 50s) as it’s easier /cheaper than car parking at peak tourist time. We did have a spate of e-bike thefts too (almost stolen to order..) so you need a decent lock & consider insurance.

Halfords do a free six hour trial so I'm going to check that out next week 😊

Just a word of caution on the Pendleton. It looks fantastic and is a good price, but I bought one after owning a more expensive ebike a number of years ago and I found the switch on of the electric to be a bit jerky and meant I didn't feel hugely safe using it, so sold it on shortly after.
But maybe I had a faulty one who knows. We test rode the Isla Bikes at their factory in Ludlow and I would absolutely love one of those, unfortunately I can't justify the high price tag unless we got rid of the second car.

My son has been using the male version of this one for nearly a year now for work. Doing about 8 miles a day in all weathers - apart from a couple of punctures and dropping a half ton hay bale on it , it hasn’t let him down (the company were very helpful with supplying a new wheel and motor). He won’t use a normal bike now.

My son has an Ampere X-trail which he loves and is an excellent bike.

I should warn you OP, before we bought the Ampere we had bought him not one but 2 Carrera Subways from Halfords which both had to be returned within 2 weeks due to faults. From everything I read after that I can safely say AVOID Halfords and the Carreras, they are shit!

I would go to a proper bike shop. I wouldn’t recommend any of the what’s known as ‘tier 2 bike importer’ brands. They are rebranded bikes from China. The risks of battery fault are real, there needs to be proper regulation really soon, people are dying. Check this page out. I’m not sure there are good options for £1000. A 0% purchase credit card is the best way if you don’t have cycle scheme.

https://www.cyclingweekly.com/group-tests/best-electric-bikes-need-know-e-bikes-322613

Just to add to my previous comments, some thoughts on good things about my ebike. It's got a good solid kick stand & built in lights, & is a step through frame with hub gears, & the combination makes it a proper 'get on & go' bike which I can ride in basically any clothes.

I think if I was working with a budget of £1k or less I'd definitely look at second hand bikes - it feels like with a car, if you buy new you're immediately losing a lot of value as you walk out of the shop.

I've had a quick look at ebay / marketplace & it looks like you could easily find a good quality low mileage 2nd hand bike for under £1k

I have a Giant e-bike and I absolutely love it. I commute 7 miles each way to work every day. It wasn't cheap, mind you, but worth every penny.

Yes, this reads like it was written by a human and not AI! 🤔🤣

Check the legallity. To be classed as a bicycle it must have a top powered speed of 15.5mph (25k) Anything faster is classed as a moped or motorbike, and thus requires registration, insurance and a driving license. The kids zooming around on high-speed e-bike are breaking umpteen laws, as are their parents for allowing it.