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…!

I have a Vado too...shiny red

I love love love mine - like PP it’s a Tern electric cargo bike for hauling around children, but I wish my road bike was electric too.

If you’re near a branch of Fully Charged, go there and test them all out.

@loopyluna I have bad knees too and am approaching 50 as well.

I have a Leitner e bike. What I like about my bike is that it not only has pedal assist but it has a throttle (in the handlebars). This means that when my knee is really sore I don’t have to start the bike by peddling. I also like that it’s foldable so if I want to I can put it into the boot of the car and travel to somewhere further away like the beach or something.

i did get the smallest frame but as i’m 5’2” it could do with being a 16” rather than 17”! I can touch the ground with both balls of my feet though so i’m keeping the bike - especially as i’ve now made toning basket liners for my front and back baskets!

I'm adding my recommendation for Juicy bikes as well. I love mine. I got it via Cycle to Work scheme. Mine is a folding one, so I can put it in the boot of the car and go to a nearby country park for a ride around.

When I cycled to work, there was one hill that absolutely punished me. I could only ever get about half way up and then I was puce in the face and had to get off to push my bike the rest of the way. With the pedal assist e-bike, I just sailed right up.

I just remembered another reason why I picked the Raleigh Motus. I figured if hire companies used it, it must be fairly reliable and easy to repair.

Mine is a Trek Verve 1.

Wow, looks like a resounding yes!
I’ll have a look at the suggestions and pop into the local bike shops (-we have a couple nearby that look expensive but it is an investment and quality probably matters…) I definitely want to do a little test run before buying so will ask about a day’s rental first.
How exciting!

An e-bike could be a great choice for you because the motor takes the strain off your knee while still giving you gentle exercise, making countryside rides much easier and more enjoyable; even if you haven’t cycled for years, most people pick it up again quickly, and if you can try one at a local shop before buying, you’ll get a feel for how comfortable and supportive it can be.

I’ve got one and I love it. It’s one that you still have to pedal but you can add in electric to help for hilly bits, or if you just get tired.