Would you complete an 8 mile commute (16 round trip) on an e bike?

[Hatefreezingweather1]

It's mainly down the East Lancs road if anyone knows it.

Have to take 2 separate buses to get to my job, takes around 45 minutes. However on Monday the morning bus just didn't turn up, no warning, and 3 evening buses failed to turn up, meaning I had to pay for taxis each way which wasn't cheap.

Not sure if it's due to COVID isolation but I can't rely on buses and seeing whether they'll turn up or not.
I did the bike ride yesterday and it took me an hour each way /(even on electric) which is probably quite slow?

Brutal too even if enjoyable in parts, the path is very bumpy and muddy in parts. Not sure I can face that ride every day, does it seem doable to you ?

I do exactly that, on a non-electric bike, in London, and I love it.

It's going to be -2 round here tomorrow morning which is a little concerning so might wait until Friday?

Depends, you mentioned it was rough and muddy, when it’s frozen it’s much nicer to ride, it’s almost like it’s dry again. Ice on tarmac, not so much.

I would and do sometimes, but my situation allows it. Firstly, cycle lanes are good, we have OK showers in the office. I do it 3 days per week (one day drive/park, one day public transport and walk)

I actually dislike the drive day most, due to lack of exercise, traffic/parking problems.

I never cycle 2 days in a row. I'd had a few problems with e-bike over the years and have a backup bike (but find that a lot tougher!)

Depends how safe you feel. It’s a very busy road, lots of HGVs I seem to remember.

Also, if the weather is bad I have good rain gear. I'm more concerned about gusty winds!

Depends which part of the Lancs. My brother rides part of it on his commute which is also an 8 mile ride, he goes the gym 4 nights a week straight from work too. I don't know where he gets his energy but he's done it for 18 months and he says the ride is easy now.
For what it's worth I don't worry about him on the lancs because of the cycle paths, I worry about him on the country lane he comes off the lancs on to.

When I was working I used to do 10 miles each way on a regular bike. Going to work was almost all downhill but of course coming home was the opposite - though the time pressure was less on the return journey. I'd drive if it was icy or snowy or really wet and windy though. I used to use cycle path for most of my route as even though it added a mile or so it eas much safer, as the road route included some nasty junctions.
I used to live just off the East Lancs many years ago and I wouldn't have been keen on riding on it to be honest. I doubt it's improved in the intervening years, so I don't blame you for not fancying it, especially if you are not a confident and experienced rider in traffic.
It might be worth exploring other routes. It sounds like the East Lancs is pretty much a straight line from yiur home to work, but sometimescwhen you are cyckung, the most direct route isn't the fastest. For instance, if I ride to the shops, I take a bit of a convoluted route that is part cyclepath, part back roads. I'd never drive that way, but on my bike it is actually quicker and more enjoyable than taking the main roads as there is no traffic to speak of, I don't get held up at junctions, roundabouts or traffic lights and the speed of any passing vehicles is much lower. It took me a bit of exploring to find the best way, so maybe look at a map and try some alternatives out at a weekend? Or ask around at work and see if anyone else rides in from your direction as they'll probably have handy advice and may be willing to ride with you to help boost your confidence.

I do a similar length ride fairly regularly (although mostly on cycle paths) on an ebike. Takes around 35 mins each way now I am used to it. Don’t need to shower on arrival with ebikes I find - you don’t sweat much! But do need to wrap up warm as not exercising as much as on a normal bike. I wear jumper, light but warm coat and scarf at the moment! (Though take the scarf off half way )

I used to do 7 miles in 40 mins on a normal hybrid road/mountain bike so an ebike would be def doable!

I used to do 6 miles each way, sometimes in nasty weather. If there's a shower at your work it's fab, you get a hot shower and change into warm, dry clothes and all the bus catchers traipse in like drowned rats. Sorry bus catchers.

Occasionally ok, but no as a permanent solution, I cycle a much shorter distance & it gorgeous in spring when the weather is cool & the sun is out.
I love cycling past the cars stuck on the ring road (on the cycle path) & I dont get stuck on the industrial estate due to traffic.
I recommend bike baskets front & back & waterproof bags to keep stuff dry and loads of reflective stuff & lights in winter.
Other than that it's dark cold, wet windy & muddy.
I get dressed in thermals, cycle clothes & if raining reflective waterproofs. Once at work strip off get washed & changed in a disabled loo, pack up bags. I keep spare shoes at work .
At the end of the day it's back into cycle clothes pack up bags & head off. The prep time either side of the journey really adds up.
I have the use of 2 bike which is good for when I get punctures (even with slime in the tyres)

Could you alternate? If you have somewhere safe to keep bike at work you could bike in then bus home and next day bus in and bike home.

I wouldn't want to do it daily on that grotty road. Hope you can find a nicer route.

I do 6 miles to/from work on mine. Yes, if it rains your wet gear will get a bit wet but I’ve never got soaked through on my bike. Know your route, where the holes are, stay away from drain/manhole covers if wet. It’s not going to stay winter for much longer, the mornings and evenings are getting lighter, the weather will get warmer and less wet! It won’t be long until you’re getting a lovely tan ☀️

Get bloody good lights. I prefer the silver reflective jackets over high vis but I’ve got both. As others have said, some panniers and a good lock and chain kit. I also have a few neck tubes to keep my neck/face/ears warm on a cold or windy day. If you’re going along a main route then I’d consider a proper filter mask

Keep a pack of wipes, deodorant and a hairbrush at work for a quick freshen up.

I see and hear so much more wildlife when I’m cycling. I saw a bunny this evening! I quite often switch my route too so I don’t get bored

It will get easier the more you do it. I try and save my power for when I really need it so power 1 until I come to a road junction and need the extra couple of mph for pulling away. Power 2 at the bottom of a hill because if I change up power half way up the hill I don’t get the same benefit. If I’m riding downhill sometimes I have a race with myself to see how fast I can go (Strava is free and will tell you your average speed, fastest speed and time riding so you can watch your trip get better and better)

If you have a not so great ride, do t let it put you off. You can do this 👍🏻

I’ve just started commuting on my e bike. 15k one way. So far, so good, I love it.

Look at one of the cycle route apps, they will give you a more cycle friendly route.

I would also look at Provis, I have the bag cover so I feel much more confident cycling in the dark. Make sure you have good lights, it’s amazing the amount of cyclists who don’t and therefore can’t be seen.

Which e bike do you have or are looking at ?

I'd definitely do it on an e bike. I used to do a 6 mile commute ( 12 mile round trip) with lots of hills on an ordinary bike and it was fine. Yes it was often cold and rainy but great exercise and invigorating! Was hungrier though.

I wouldn't do it when it was very icy or if on a 13 hour shift. Too dangerous/ too tiring respectively.

It depends on the weather, it would be utterly grim in the pissing rain and howling wind.

I’ve cycled part of the East Lancs, from Roe Green Loop to Bents…is it similar? I didn’t mind the cycle as it was all cycle paths so not actually in the road. Parts did have a mad headwind though so that made it tough, perhaps not as bad on a e-bike. There does seem a good cycle network around there, have you explored all the options for yo ur route?

I do cycle everywhere (no ebike) but less than 8miles. I wouldn't be thrilled with an hour long cycle but my main concern is safety. I don't like cycling on the road but I would entertain the idea if there was a cycle path.

I used to do 7 miles on a push bike - roads though - really enjoyed it. I did it in all weathers apart from ice.

Did you make a mistake in the title OP? Salford to Wigan via the East Lancs is 18 miles (so not 8!) according to Google maps. So that's a 36 mile round trip.

btrsports.co.uk/products/btr-womens-reflective-high-vis-cycling-running-jacket-seconds?currency=GBP&variant=40674173714613&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrdT7pd2-9QIV0t_tCh1YeQluEAQYAyABEgLkdPD_BwE

Get yourself one of these super reflective jackets. Every car (& the int’l space station) will see you.

You’ll be faster on the road they are generally straighter/more direct and with less stops. My ~8 mile commute is 25-27 minutes on the road but getting on for 35 minutes if I take the cycle path as you have to navigate crossing all the side roads etc. I’d quite like an e-bike to commute on though just because I’m only just getting warmed up when I arrive so it’s all a bit hard work, though I’d have to use it on the cycle path or get it derestricted for the road as I’m 18-19mph average speed on the road including the slowing for roundabouts so wouldn’t get any benefit from the assist. It would just give me an easy option.

You will get quicker as you get more used to the riding and more confident. 8 miles is a pretty average bike commute though so believe in yourself you can do it!!

As others have said, get the right clothing and a couple of good sets of lights (always have a spare). Reflective clothing is better than bright colours if it’s dark, especially on your feet/ankles as these bits move.

I do a commute of that distance, and on fairly hilly roads, it takes me just over 1/2 hour and doesn't feel like too much effort. However, I get lazy if the weather is truly foul! So I would say it's a very good solution, just as long as you could fall back on the buses on occasion if needed.

Thanks everyone I'll give it a go on Friday
It's just to Wigan borough not to Wigan town so luckily not 18 miles!