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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think about riding an e-bike?

61 replies

loopyluna · 01/05/2025 17:18

As a nearly 50 year old with a dodgy knee? Reasonably fit, as in regularly walk 5-10k, basic workouts at the gym etc.
I was never a keen cyclist though and haven’t been on a bike for 10 years, since I got arthritis in the knee.
However, now my kids are older and I would love to be able to go for a ride instead of a walk sometimes. Mostly woods and countryside rather than main roads, not too hilly.
I don’t know of anyone who can lend me one to try so would appreciate your thoughts before I get carried away…!

OP posts:
Sajacas · 01/05/2025 17:21

Go for it!
Take a look in your area, where would you buy it? Stores that sell e-bikes should let you do a test drive, so you can have a go.
Really, do it. The freedom!!!
Best of luck!

OldandTired66 · 01/05/2025 17:42

Absolutely love mine. Several members of my group (all over 65yo) can barely walk due to bad knees but e-bike gives them back their mobility. Go for it.

wastingtimeonhere · 01/05/2025 19:07

I'm a little older than you...I'm looking to get one too. As a kid/ teen I loved being out on my bike! Kids put paid to it for me.
We are in an area with lots of hills..a ordinary bike is painfully slow!

wastingtimeonhere · 01/05/2025 19:08

Anyone got good recommendations for a bike?

MistyWater · 01/05/2025 19:14

I have an eMTB and I love it. Bear in mind that it is pedal assist as opposed to electric power, that is it boosts your pedalling rather than dragging you around.

Because of the motor and the battery the actual bike is considerably heavier than a standard bike. Something to consider if you are going to have to manhandle it onto a car carrier.

I absolutely love it though. Without it I would maybe ride for an hour, with it we can go out for the full day. I have a Specialized and would recommend it but I have nothing to compare it to.

GOODCAT · 01/05/2025 19:19

Absolutely love mine, definitely do it

wastingtimeonhere · 01/05/2025 19:19

that's what attracts me, still get the exercise but the help when needed.

Original poster
loopyluna · 01/05/2025 19:39

Sounds encouraging! The whole choosing thing is a minefield but I’ll start doing some research. Keep the recommendations coming…

OP posts:
JustFeedMeCake · 01/05/2025 20:07

Go for it, mine is fantastic and I would not have another normal bike. I’m a little older than you. I don’t use the power all the time but when I do I really notice the difference. I love using full power on the way back from a long ride.

SamDeanCas · 01/05/2025 20:18

I’m 52 with a dodgy knee (steroid injections at the moment but will need a new one soon). My dd rides horses so I bought an ebike so I could join her. I bought more of a mountain bike type so I could go on all the fields and horse tracks. I absolutely love it, and will now take it to visit friends rather than the car (in good weather). I often just go out for a ride if it’s nice, just because I can.

TheChippendenSpook · 01/05/2025 20:20

I got one a month ago and absolutely love it.

Pedallleur · 01/05/2025 20:22

Lady passed me on her bike the other week. She was probably over 70. Powered up the hill then into pedalling on the flat. Wasn't a heavy ebike but did look expensive. I don't need one yet but can't deny they can get you out and take the pain out of cycling. Prob some good advice on YouTube

Titasaducksarse · 01/05/2025 20:25

We got ours in cycle 2 work schemes.
I have a specialized and partner a cube. He's into proper eMTB though...I'm a road and trail rider.

Papl · 01/05/2025 20:26

I have one, 30, but fairly hilly area and I have crumbling bones! It is my favourite purchase ever, it makes going out cycling less of a chore as I know I don’t need to get off my bike to get up the hill (you do need to pedal, if you stop it stops even with the electric) but you can drop it into the lowest gear and slowly pedal and get the boost. I got a Raleigh motus via an e-bike loan Scotland had a couple of years ago for interest free ones.

Chazbots · 01/05/2025 20:26

Yeah, I just got one. It's fab.

I wasn't keen but can't keep up with the 70 yo's on rides.

Nevynimportant · 01/05/2025 20:32

I love mine. I have arthritis in my knees and it relieves the pressure when going uphill. I keep it on the lowest setting on the flat and crank it up for the hills. It means I didn't have to give up cycling, keeps my knees moving and me exercising and I can still go for long rides with my husband. Would definitely recommend it.

UncertainPerson · 01/05/2025 20:45

E bikes are truly awesome. They enable my DH with chronic pain to join us on fun cycles. And I take the e-bike if I have to go for a long errand. It’s brill

rookiemere · 01/05/2025 21:33

Mine is great, I cycle into the centre of Edinburgh for work on it as it’s a lot faster than the bus. I have a Raleigh Motus, basically because I rented one on holiday and quite liked it. It’s at the heavy end and sluggish on very steep hills, but it feels very sturdy and safe and has a nice easy step through.

Nourishinghandcream · 01/05/2025 21:40

My Ddad got one when he was 85 and struggling with his old bike (he cycled up to the shops everyday, not certain he always bought anything but it was a habit).
We researched Ebikes for him plus he tried a few and finally settled on one which was very traditional to look at but had the benefit of electric assistance. Bought from a reputable cycle shop of long standing, it was definitely not one of those illegal self powered ones, this one gave you as much assistance as you required (set by a device on the handlebars) and switched off completely when you went over 15mph.
He was over the moon with it and it enabled him to cycle further than he had been doing so for atje previous couple of years.

DuringDinnerMints · 01/05/2025 21:47

I've got a mycle and would recommend. I got the folding version which is heavier but I don't have a garage or shed to store a bike in. It's great for road use and just pottering around town on.

Foolsgold74 · 01/05/2025 21:47

wastingtimeonhere · 01/05/2025 19:08

Anyone got good recommendations for a bike?

My Juicy ebike is awesome.

squashyhat · 01/05/2025 22:02

I love mine. It's a Halfords Carrera so quite basic but does the job. The only problem I have is the battery is quite difficult to remove to charge it.

Cyclistmumgrandma · 01/05/2025 22:04

Husband and I have e-bikes and also an e-tandem. Lots of hills round here! I've had e-bikes for over 10 years now so very used to them. I would certainly say test ride before you buy. Go for a known make rather than something nameless from China. The problems with batteries catching fire are worrying but a "proper" make should be fine. Don't assume that because you have the motor to help you, you don't need gears.

justasking111 · 01/05/2025 22:05

Husband with very dodgy knee bought one in the first lockdown. He's still cycling.

modgepodge · 01/05/2025 22:09

I wouldn’t recommend the Pendleton from
Halfords. I’ve had nothing but trouble with mine. It’s been back to the store probably 8/10 times in the first 18 months. It’s now out of warranty. This week 3 spokes on the front wheel broke, which really shouldn’t happen, unless the wheel was badly built. They previously replaced spokes, then the whole back wheel when it was still under warranty.

However, when it’s working it is WONDERFUL. i havent ridden a bike in my adult life really as I don’t like arriving places sweaty and it’s hilly where I live. This has meant I can cycle even with a kid on the back!