To think about riding an e-bike?

[loopyluna]

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…!

E-bikes are now one of our favourite things to do on holiday - when I live somewhere more conducive to cycling, it will be my first purchase.

Ive got arthritis in both knees ( i’m 68 and cycled for leisure and pleasure all of my life)and every step hurts to walk! I got an electric folding bike from halfords ( raleigh stow away) so we could put them in the back of the car and I’d be able to ride alongside my fit husband. It transformed my life! It’s not the most powerful thing in the world, I usually have to cycle on level 2 out of three so the battery needs charging after about 20 miles.
I also have now bought a big wheeled more powerful one for cycling locally - again from halfords the Pendleton somerby with curved handlebars and padded seat. More puwerful but quite heavy to manhandle in and out of the shed, up kerbs etc
Im regarding them as interim step between walking and needing some sort of mobility aid!
In hindsight I think i’d have bought a folding one with fatter tyres as the raleigh one is a bit flimsy on rough country tracks

that’s a shame hope it gets sorted, my pendleton has been great
The only thing about the pendleton which I’d wish was different is that being short, the seat post could do with having an inch sawn off, which is what my husband has done with my raleigh. But because the battery is under the pannier rack it can’t be done on the pendleton
Something to bear in mind loopyluna when you are trying them out for size

I had one and had to send it back. I'm sure it is awesome, but I wasn't quite tall enough for it even though I'm 5'6"

Try out a few in a reputable shop before you buy!

I absolutely love my e bike, it automatic gears and carbon chain ( have no idea what that is) but she is a thing of beauty. I have a basket front and back ...not cheap but not crazy money either
adoebike.co.uk/products/ado-air-28-pro

Definitely do it. I have 2 e-bikes, one a full size for local trips & going to the station, the other a folding e-bike for going away in the caravan. Both Wisper bikes, absolutely love them.

Do it! They’re fab. I have a Gazelle upright, step-through which took me while to get used to but love it now. Hi to a good bike store and test ride a few to see what suits you best.

Cube and the ridiculously named Moustache brand.

Get the biggest battery and motor you can afford....you will thank me later.
Only get one with a Bosch motor, cheap bikes have cheap motors.

Think if you will be mainly on road or would do tracks........some kind of hybrid is the most versatile.

I hadn't been on a bike for over 30 years op. Last year I seen a local council free e bike for a few weeks, I applied and was lucky enough to get a ebike. It was fab...

Look around in your local area and council for a free ebike or donation etc.

I absolutely adore mine. Be aware though that they can be very heavy to lift. I haven't been able to find a bike carrier for my hatchback that either takes the weight or is low enough for me to get the bike onto it without having to lift a 27kg bike with my dodgy shoulder. So, I can never take the bike with me to ride anywhere else.

https://www.merlincycles.com/electric-bikes-85951/ I have been lusting after this one since it was mentioned in the Guardian last year. The price has come down a lot.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

As long as you charge it safely and ride appropriately

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.

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

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.

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.

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...