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Original poster

Want to chat about electric bikes - come join me?

42 replies

katymac · 26/07/2017 18:44

On the big thread about no more cars & the big thread about MAMIL there are lots of negatives and chat

But here there will be lovely discussions about how wonderful electric bikes are and how we can get the best out of them....I hope

I've had mine since March & I love it dearly

OP posts:
Spudlet · 26/07/2017 18:49

I don't have one, but I was tres jealous of the extremely unflustered looking lady who glided past me the other day on hers. I had admired her bike parked outside the village shop earlier, then I cycled to the next village and arrived a sweaty wreck (It was humid and I was late so I was pushing it a bit!). She looked incredibly cool and not at all like Mrs Tomatohead over here!

I shall definitely have one at some point!

Original poster
katymac · 26/07/2017 18:52

The guy in the shop when I was buying my helmet was all "it has to have lots of holes for ventilation so you don't get sweaty" & I was all "I really won't" Grin

OP posts:
OnePlanOnHouzz · 26/07/2017 19:22

Oooh which one do you have - I'm tempted by the Gtech city one !

Glowerglass · 26/07/2017 19:23

What about electric scooters? They tempt me hugely.

Original poster
katymac · 26/07/2017 19:28

I have this

I call it Flash because when I sat on it first & it went off I went Aaarrggghh! like the song

OP posts:
OnePlanOnHouzz · 26/07/2017 19:31

Ooooh love it !

Original poster
katymac · 26/07/2017 19:54

So do I

It is heavy but I have 2 big panniers on to do the weekly shop (DH too)

I need to work out laptop transportation too

OP posts:
RippleEffects · 26/07/2017 20:04

Ooh, i love the idea. My youngest has just mastered riding her bike and i have a sort of fantasy about barely using the car.

I'm also a tomato when i swet.

I like the idea of riding most of the time. Do you do that or find you let the battery do all the work?

Original poster
katymac · 26/07/2017 20:08

I have Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue - when I started i rarely peddled

Not I can on the flat but not up hills at all

OP posts:
SheepyFun · 26/07/2017 20:13

For laptop transport, I suggest putting the laptop in a neoprene case in the panniers (or, if you're being really kind to it, in neoprene case in a rucksack on your back - less vibration that way, as your body absorbs some of it). The pannier should be securely fastened to your bike anyway, and it doesn't shout 'I've got a laptop, please mug me'. Having said that, many years ago work provided me with a laptop and brief case like case. I used to put the case in my basket, but there are lots of reasons why that isn't ideal!

Original poster
katymac · 26/07/2017 21:33

Thanks - I think I need a slightly smaller laptop in that case Grin

OP posts:
SheepyFun · 26/07/2017 22:27

That must be a monumental laptop if it won't fit in a large pannier - DH carries his 15" one without difficulty!

Original poster
katymac · 26/07/2017 22:33

might just want a new laptop & need justification

Oh it is - enormous!

Actually I think it might fit poop

OP posts:
HamletsSister · 26/07/2017 22:47

We hired them the other day. I cycled 20 miles in 3 hours. We now want to buy it they cost a lot!

StrumpersPlunkett · 26/07/2017 22:50

Is there any fitness benefit at all or is it really so easy?

Jins · 26/07/2017 22:53

I have two. I converted my mountain bike and it was so wonderful that I ended up buying a small wheeled folder to take when we go camping.

Wonderful things.

traviata · 26/07/2017 22:53

I hired one to try and I loved the boost but hated that model.

I have found out that my employer still does Cycle to Work but through an agency that only works with a few bike suppliers. For some reason I can't have a Woosh bike using CTW.

I love the look of this one Volt Kensington

Original poster
katymac · 27/07/2017 06:41

I think there is a shop in Cromer where you can try different types

Some Whoosh aren't legal (I think or not exactly) but the Crusa is

For me, massive benefits when I started I could barely walk any significant distance but now I am much better - I started using the motor the whole time but I can now pedal & I have started using gears!!

OP posts:
TiggyD · 27/07/2017 07:11

You can choose how much help the bike gives you. I like to go on long rides. I start off with the help on very low and only whack it up for hills. When I get towards the end on a long journey I often use a higher setting if I feel tired.

Cremeeggsandspam · 27/07/2017 07:23

I have just got mine and am totally addicted. It is such fun. I got mine to commute the 3 miles - big hill at the end- to work as no shower facilities at work and to reduce the short trips in a car to shop. Now I am trying to find an excuse to pop out on my bike. I love it

Ifailed · 27/07/2017 07:32

Is there any fitness benefit at all or is it really so easy?

I believe in the UK you have to pedal a bit, otherwise it would be classed as a scooter? To be honest, though, once you get up to a reasonable speed on the flat, say 10 mph, the effort to pedal along is less than walking.

Cremeeggsandspam · 27/07/2017 07:38

I thought all of them you have to pedal? Mine has three levels of pedal assist so you get a boost when you start to pedal. I increase mine for the hills and turn it off on the flat. The fitness benefit comes from the fact that I have ditched the car for my commute. Is a car substitute for me not a bike substitute.

Balnakeilbeach · 27/07/2017 07:45

I'd like one to get to and from the station. Watching with interest.

RippleEffects · 27/07/2017 07:58

What about security, can the whole thing be chained up i.e. is battery pack/ expensive bits prone to being pinched? I've often worried about my bike basket and other not screwed down stuff like panniers, lights etc being vulnerable. amoungst many other excuses I make to justify being lazy and jumping in the car

Cremeeggsandspam · 27/07/2017 08:25

Battery is easily removable so at work I take mine out. For shopping I leave it in as is quite heavy. But it does need the key to start the battery so thieves would not have a quick getaway! I do use two bike locks- a d lock and a chain.