Buying An Electric Bike

[RichardB]

As others have said, not cheating at all, and not just for the infirm or elderly. I used to commute 16 hilly miles each way in my 20s, but later in my life when I wanted to start again (different location) I had lost too much fitness through illness and inactivity. I was facing a 13.5 mile hilly journey each way, and I didn't reckon I would manage it. I got a Wisper 905 and started commuting last autumn. I knocked it off for the worst months and started again this spring. So far I have done about 1300 miles on it, I have lost 3 stone and my fitness levels are better than they have been for 30 years. I don't use it as a motorscooter, I pedal hard and I get a sweat on. At least half the time I am well over the 15 mph cutoff, and the assistance is really only on the hills. I am now doing a lot of miles at weekend on my pushbike and next spring I will sell the Wisper and start commuting using leg power only. Without the Wisper I would never have got to that stage.

It's a heavy lump and I wouldn't want to pedal it far unassisted, but it's an excellent commuter tool - comfy, solid and speedy. I can average 15-16 mph with it over some serious lumps, whereas on my normal bike I manage about 11-12. Working 12-hour night shifts, that's a useful time saving. I would recommend the Wisper highly, especially for a big rider.

For me, the accusation of cheating is nonsensical. No one claims that is it cycling, pure and simple. But it is a very useful way of getting around, and can have huge health benefits, as I have seen in my own life. If you are fit and healthy, you probably don't need one (although it might be fun to try), but to suggest that other people are wrong to use one smacks a bit of a rather unpleasant elitism.

 

[Neilsmith]

I started with an electric bike mainly because of the hills. I have had a hiatus hernia for years and thought I wouldn't be able to get over hills because of it. The electric bike helped get me fitter and I quickly realised I was fit enough for an unassisted bike and bought a cheap Mtb to see how I got on.
I now never use the electric bike and have since bought a road bike and a new Mtb which I've covered over 5000 miles on. Like Richard I peddled hard and only used the assistance partly on hills. There is one thing I can tell you I rather pedal my road or Mtb along a flat they are much easier when you get above the 15mph which is most of the time on the flat for me.
You can make them as easy or hard work as you want I chose to get the excercise I never regret getting it, but it will be sold shortly as I have no use for it anymore.

 

[Pale Rider]

There are push bike commuters on here to whom I genuinely doff my cycling cap.

But overall, the culture of utility cycling in this country is tiny.

Some of those who call ebikers cheats cannot grasp the concept of a bicycle as a means of transport.

They see an ebike in the same way as they might see a powered exercise bike in a gym - if there was such a thing.

Unfortunately, there is also a minority of cyclists who ought to know better but still show hostility to ebikers.

As an ebiker I have no answer to them, other than to breeze past on a hill - If I can be bothered.

 

[Phil Fouracre]

Don't think anyone should really care about anyone else's opinion of your decisions. If it suits you then great, end of!. I bought an electric bike after a horrendous accident and it was 'worth its weight in gold'! Never thought I would be in the position of recommending ebikes to anyone, but, you never know.

 

[raleighnut]

Same here but mines even worse, it's a Tricycle..........................................Cool thing is it's terrifying to ride at speed.