Electric Bike?

Electric Bike?

I have a dumb question for you: Do any of you have any experience with an electric bike?

For some time now, I've been using my 21-speed bicycle as a means for local locomotion while out photographing. I've found a bicycle to be an ideal means of transportation from which I can easily dismount for a photograph without having to find a place to park a car. Its slow speed allows me more time to look and take in the scene — at least compared to driving by in a car. In small towns, urban environments, and even some park settings, my bicycle has been ideal.

The only limitation I've discovered is the bicyclists bane — elevation and distance. My knees can handle a 10 mile radius, and perhaps double that if the terrain is reasonably flat. Add a little elevation, however, and I am quickly overwhelmed. (This aging crap is not for sissies.)

I recently discovered the world of electric bikes and have been wondering if this might be an alternative for my recalcitrant joints. Anybody have any comments based on experience?

Comments

[Dave Levingston]

I know nothing of electric bikes. But I was a motorcyclist most of my life until recently. Have you considered a small motorscooter? It would have the same advantages and none of the disadvantages that might be there in an electric bike.

[Tom]

I haven't used one but in China you see them by the thousands. You have to watch out for them; totally silent moving 10 - 20 mph.

[Markus]

Over here in Germany the light versions - Pedelecs - become increasingly popular. And overall I would prefer this variety over the more scooter-like specimens: Everybody's body needs some exercise, and the electric support in the light e-bikes does offer exactly the help you need by supporting when you push, without allowing you to totally relax and let electricity do all the work.

Oh yes, and there are huge price differences. On the low end you get what you pay for, and sometimes this is not enough.

[Florian]

Hello,
I share your appreciation for photo-bike-rides, but I am cycling with a "normal" bike. However, here in Switzerland E-Bikes are quite popular, but it is also lighter versions than the vehicle that is displayed above. Most of the E-Bikes used here do not pedal by themselves but rather support you in your pedaling. You can choose different levels of support depending on the terrain and your motivation. I have tried such a bike once and it does work quite well. People with such bikes often ride much faster than I do, even though they pedal only very slowly. You should know though that these bikes are much heavier than a bike without a motor and a battery.
Popular types of bikes are these here:
http://www.flyer.ch/topic12426.html
http://www.bionxinternational.com/bionx-international-north-america/products/bionx-e-bike-systems/

In Europe, Cannondale sells very nice E-Bikes, but strangely these do not seem to be available in the US:
http://www.cannondale.com/che/#bikes_e-bikes

All the best and good luck in your search for an appropriate E-Bike!
Florian.

[Bob Munro]

Tried out an electric-assist bicycle in Austria last year - can't remember the brand (very helpful eh?) but they were amazing for ironing out the hills when you're in your late sixties!
Bob.

[James Bullard]

You might want to ask Kirk Tuck. He bought a Bodhi Bike http://www.bodhibikes.com/blog/ a yeaar or so ago and seemed to like it.

[Nancy]

If you want to try an electric bike to see if it helps you, EVELO is doing a 30 Day Electric Bike Challenge where you get to try a bike for 30 days. All the details are here www.evelo.com/challenge
That way you would get to try it out to see if it works for you.

[MIKE DOUGHERTY]

I RIDE AN ELECTRIC BIKE TO WORK EVERY DAY AND CAN SAY THEY ARE GREAT I RIDE 28 MILES ROUND TRIP AND CAN SAY THEY ARE LOTS OF FUN. I PEDAL WHEN I WANT. IT IS THE FUTURE I RIDE AROUND 5000 MILES A YEAR ON MY ELECTRIC BIKE AROUND NEW YORK CITY AND LONG ISLAND. I CHARGE UP MY BIKE AFTER EACH USE. I HAVE NIGHT LIGHTS AND REFLECTORS. WE NEED MORE BIKE PATHS.

[Reef Electric Bicycles]

If you want to see an actual good looking electric bike, check out Reef Bikes, and the model Predator, this thing is in a league of its own