Please talk to me about Electric Bikes

[Pen]

My son has gotten interested in electric bikes (or electric assisted) bikes.  If people on here have any experience I'd appreciate knowing more.

 

And at that point, I'd post more about my son's ideas of how he would use an electric bike, because OTOH it sounds like it could be a wonderful thing for him to open up not just the nearby few miles, but possibly allow him to get all the way to at least the nearest 5000 pop. town, and maybe to the 100,000 pop. nearest city, which would hugely open up his world.

 

But it also frightens me to think of the possibilities for road accidents and death, disability or disaster.

[Lanny]

I ride my bicycle for transportation and exercise, about 5 days a week.. I have seen those electric bikes. I consider those to be much more dangerous than a bicycle.  If I was willing to greatly increase the danger level, and not get exercise, I would go from my bicycle to a motorcycle.  I do not believe that a normal bicycle frame is built for the increased speed. Certainly, normal bicycle tires and tubes and the wheels, are not built for higher speeds and for longer distances.  On any 2 wheel vehicle, the rider needs to wear a Safety Helmet, at all times. If your son is old enough, I would rather see you consider a very lightweight (125cc or under) motorcycle or motor scooter.  If that is the case, it is mandatory that he successfully complete an accredited course.  I know those are available in TX and probably they are available in many or all states.  Proceed with caution...

[Pen]

II need some more understanding than I have as to the basics of electric (or electric assisted) bikes.  I did not know that they go faster than a regular bike. i thought that it allowed pedalling sometimes or power assist for hills and so on, but at basically same speed as the pedalling.

[Lanny]

II need some more understanding than I have as to the basics of electric (or electric assisted) bikes.  I did not know that they go faster than a regular bike. i thought that it allowed pedalling sometimes or power assist for hills and so on, but at basically same speed as the pedalling.

 

 

I looked at them, for a few minutes, years ago, in the superstore where we shopped, where they also sell motorcycles and motor scooters.  I can't remember how fast they can go, but I am guessing the top speed is approximately 20 or 30 MPH? (NOTE: The ones I looked at may have had gasoline motors and possibly those can go faster than one with an electric motor).   Yes, I think one can also pedal one of those, as on a conventional bicycle, but, if I had one, I would probably use the motor.   There is danger to any activity. There is danger to riding a bicycle in the city we live in. There is danger when I cross the highway, to go into town.  Increased speed decreases the time the rider has to make decisions.  On a motorized bicycle, at faster speeds, it is IMO much more like a motorcycle than a bicycle, with regard to safety/danger/risk.  

[Lanny]

Pen: How old is your DS?

[MEmama]

DS, my resident bike expert, says: They offer a bit of power boost (100-150 watts) but restrict pedalling speed to about 80 RPMs so they aren't really all that much faster than a well ridden normal (non electrically assisted) road bike. They have either a battery pack on the down tube or a small electric motor on the fork.

[umsami]

Awhile back I read an article on them (had never known about them).  It was really inspirational about a lady who had lost a bunch of weight using one.  I would see if there's a place where you could rent one to see if he really likes it, as they are a bit expensive IMHO. 

[Guest]

I was thinking of looking into one of these because we live in a really hilly area and it is impossible for ME at this point to ride up all the hills...so the point would be to get a power-assist rather than walking my bike.  I'm not at ALL interested in increasing speed per se.  I thought that was what the electric bikes I was looking at were all about.  

 

So I shall watch this thread with interest.

 

[Spy Car]

I think e-bikes are very cool, especially the DIY ones. Good way to learn about all sorts of things including electricity and mechanics.

 

I had a moped in my youth and it opened my world in a way my bike (which I sometimes rode extraordinary distances) could not. The speed on ebikes can be limited (and must be in some states), not that DIY builders can't exceed capacity.

 

E-bike are light, unlike motorcycles or even mopeds or scooters, which makes them less likely to get dumped. Being able to cruse at a steady speed makes them safer in some ways to my mind than huffing on a bike, and trying to maintain speed.

 

Always dangers on two wheels (and four), but I'd go for an e-bike before a motorcycle any time for a young person. Not a close call.

 

Bill

[TrixieB]

DS, my resident bike expert, says: They offer a bit of power boost (100-150 watts) but restrict pedalling speed to about 80 RPMs so they aren't really all that much faster than a well ridden normal (non electrically assisted) road bike. They have either a battery pack on the down tube or a small electric motor on the fork.

 

This matches what I see in my area.

 

The electric assist helps with hills, carrying loads, traveling longer distances, etc.  The riders don't appear to be going faster than other bicyclists.

 

OP, have you talked to the staff at your local electric bike shop?  They should be able to advise, let your ds take test rides on various models, etc.

[redsquirrel]

My friend and her son each have one. They are NOT a moped or anything like that. They don't go that fast.  They provide an assist on the hills.  My friend doesn't live far out of town, but we have very big hills around here. She lives up one of them.  If it were a regular road it would be feasible to bike into town, but that hill... just no way. Not unless you are a dedicated bike rider in training. In fact, people in training use her area frequently.

 

So, she has an electric bike and it rides like a normal bike when she goes into town. However, on the big tough hills it gives her an added power boost going up. It makes getting up possible. She's still tired, lol. It's not like she cans sit back and the bike does all the work. It just makes her own peddling more effective. But, it's still a heck of a ride. Her legs are amazing.

 

If the road is flat, they don't really make it possible to ride further or faster. It is all about a power assist on the hills.

 

Another group around here that uses them a lot are parents with small kids. We have some folks who are hard core car free and they have these wagon things...not the little flimsy thing you put toddlers in..these are big and substantial. I know one family imported something from Amsterdam? Heck, there is one family in town that has a rickshaw. They use an electric bike to pull the kids around the city streets. The power assist of the electric bike makes it possible to move heavier loads. But, it doesn't increase speed.

 

 

Edited April 23, 2016 by redsquirrel