Acoustic vs Electric bikes.

[ebikeerwidnes]

People are already getting disappointed by the costs.

We get lots of people asking if we sell used Ebikes, which we don't because of the liability issues. People buy used Ebikes on places like Ebay and then find the battery dies after a few kilometres, and a replacement costs hundreds of Euro.

Other people buy cheap Ebikes online for 800€, and we can't help them because it is a no-name motor. Worse, the other components are unknown as well, so often we can't even fix the brakes, gears or even the tyres, so they end up scrapped.

Even people who buy from the likes of Shimano or Bosch are beginning to find there are no more updates for their computer, or the computer itself is broken and can't be replaced any more, or a replacement battery and transport cost more than a good normal bike.

Interest is certainly still there, but I think people are realising how expensive it is to buy and run an Ebike, so they aren't selling as fast as before.

I have had my ebike for a fair while - since 2019

I get the LBS to update the software every year - even though you can't actually find out what the changes are before you do it!

I was also looking online a few days ago and my motor is still available
so what updates and otehr things are you thinking is not available??

 

[Andy in Germany]

I have had my ebike for a fair while - since 2019

I get the LBS to update the software every year - even though you can't actually find out what the changes are before you do it!

I was also looking online a few days ago and my motor is still available
so what updates and otehr things are you thinking is not available??

Yes, we update software as well, although we can only do that for Bosch and Shimano (Not Mahle, oddly, even though they're based in Stuttgart) Some of the older Bosch computers don't have any support any more, and they can't be replaced with a new computer; we can't even get the fittings if they're broken I had a disappointed customer last week. As we are about 25km from Bosch, I suspect this is a wider issue.

Sometimes we can figure out a solution, but in the case last week, the system was so "old" all we could do was suggest they look for parts on Ebay.

It may be perspective as well: 2019 is "only" six years ago, so your bike isn't "old" compared to my two bikes from the 1990's: it may be that customers expect to replace their Ebikes relatively frequently, but I don't know if there will be a strong second hand market.

 

[freiston]

"Is it an eBike?" is a question I've had a few times in the last few years when i mention riding a bike.
"It's a manual bike." is my reply. People seem surprised, as if they assume everyone is riding eBikes these days.

I get a lot of people thinking my bikes are ebikes - I suspect due to, in part, having dynamo lights always on and also two of my bikes having hub gears (especially the Rohloff). I've nothing against (legal) ebikes or ebike riders, and I find it weird how some pushbike riders get upset by ebike riders because they see it as "cheating" (either on or off Strava) or not proper cycling. I can't work out why, but it really annoys me when people think my bikes are ebikes.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I can't work out why, but it really annoys me when people think my bikes are ebikes.

Because they are accusing you of cheating?

 

[freiston]

I did search my soul and I don't think that's it, but it did worry me that that might be it. I think part of it is because it might make my bikes more attractive to casual thieves.

Add: I have wondered if it's because they might not "appreciate" my efforts - but that's not the same as worrying about being accused as a cheat

 

[Ian H]

...
"It's a manual bike."

You don't use your feet?

 

[brommieinkorea]

but a moped requires reg plates and helmet and licence and tax and all that
a "legal ebike" is "just a bike" legally

and that distinction is quite important - I really do not think anything more powerful than mine is safe on paths and tracks
so they need to be referred to differently

So, is there a reason you can't get registration plates and a license for your moped ?

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

So, is there a reason you can't get registration plates and a license for your moped ?

I don't have a moped

 

[Andy in Germany]

I don't have a moped

Yes, that could be a hindrance.

 

[classic33]

I don't have a moped

To go with the license you don't have either?

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Actually, I do have a licence to ride a moped
it came with the car licence when I passed it

never used it though

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Actually, I do have a licence to ride a moped
it came with the car licence when I passed it

never used it though

Do you have L plates for the e-bike? 😛

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Do you have L plates for the e-bike? 😛

no - I don;t need them - because it is legal

I thought we did this??

 

[Ian H]

no - I don;t need them - because it is legal

I thought we did this??

Did what? The teasing?

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Did what? The teasing?

No - and anyway that's my wife's job

and her family

and grand daughter

I also wear a normal cycling helmet

and don;t have registration plates except for my car

although I do have 3rd party insurance

but no MOT