Is electric assist cycling not 'real' cycling?

[mjr]

I've put this here rather than the e-bikes subforum because I'm more interested in how it's viewed by non-e-bike riders in general and a rather broader audience than only club cyclists.

Recently a couple of people have complained about electric assist bikes not being 'proper' cycling or that they're only valid if their users are disabled in some way either by age or physical disability.

I'm of the opinion if someone wants to ride assisted for whatever reason, that's their choice and I'm glad there is a choice. My only reservation is - due to a total lack of policing - the laws around electric assisted bikes will be flouted by some, though I suspect the effect will be minimal from a cycling perspective.

Is the subject of validity of pedelec use worth discussing openly without descending into factional chaos?

 

[Drago]

It simply doesn't appeal to me. Fitness and the physical challenge is a large part of the reason I cycle in the first place. Nevertheless, as I become old/infirm/incontinent that view may change.

However, if you get a boner for electric assist then all power to you.

 

[Sixmile]

I give a guy in work a bit of banter for his but I don't mind them in all honesty. Better than the other solution of a car.

Would I be right in thinking e-bikes are subject to speed limits but pedal cycles aren't?

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I prefer the gentle soft hum of a two-stroke at full bore, but that's just me.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

Is the subject of validity of pedelec use worth discussing openly

Probably not.

I don't see any problem with them, it's horses for courses and anything that encourages active travel as an option is to be welcomed. Yes, they are attractive to people with mobility problems through age or disability but maybe someone just prefers not breaking into a sweat to get to work. And there should be public charging points and at places of work to encourage more use of them.

 

[youngoldbloke]

Generally open minded about this. I ride with a group that regularly includes one member on a Giant e-bike - mountain bike - and I wish I could get a tow sometimes too. Up to a point, fine, but where do we draw the line? What happens when the majority are on e-bikes?.

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

Nothing wrong with them in my opinion.

 

[glasgowcyclist]

where do we draw the line? What happens when the majority are on e-bikes

What are you afraid will happen?

 

[mjr]

Would I be right in thinking e-bikes are subject to speed limits but pedal cycles aren't?

Not entirely, I think. I think e-bike electric assist has to cut out at 15mph, so it's effectively a heavy pedal cycle by the time it gets to any normal speed limit (excluding the debatable freaks like royal parks).

 

[Yellow Saddle]

I would not mind having one in my stable. I would love to go out for rides with some of my non-riding friends. Just putting them on another pedal bike will not work since we won't get very far and the complaints will eventually work on my nerves. But give them an e-bike and you have a couple of possible ride companions. Obviously I'll fit the e-bike with a carrier for a growler of IPA in case we get thirsty.

Nothing wrong with them and I can think of several niches where they are perfectly valid modes of transport.

 

[youngoldbloke]

What are you afraid will happen?

The nature of group cycling might change completely? There will inevitably be a split into 'e-groups' and traditionalists?

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I know two very fit guys who mountain bike. They have a son each both in their mid-teens who used to struggle on tougher ascents and with the distances they cover.

Both sons now have Cube mountain e-bikes and just use the electric power when things get a bit too much for them.

Similarly, we have an older lady in our village who happily cycles on the flat and mild inclines but just cannot cope with the steeper ascents here in The Lakes. She has a Trek Prime (?) I think it's called and loves it as she can go for longer rides than she would otherwise be able to do.

To me they seem like an ideal solution for some people.

 

[ColinJ]

@Pale Rider has used his e-bike on some really challenging rides with me and assorted other CycleChatters this year. I'm sure that he would be the first to admit that he wouldn't have been able to join us without a bit of help from the motor, but it was obvious that he was still having to put a lot of his own energy into the rides as well.

The only time that it could be a problem would be if the other riders wanted to ride at a speed significantly beyond the 15 mph assistance limit of the motor.

 

[mjr]

The nature of group cycling might change completely? There will inevitably be a split into 'e-groups' and traditionalists?

In addition to the current splits between training/racing groups, sportive-rules, traditionalists, anything-goes freewheeling and so on?

 

[Ian H]

It's a bit like owning a low-powered moped.
My local shop gave up selling them because the cheap ones were too unreliable and the market for expensive ones too small. On the other hand, the guy selling only e-bikes from the industrial estate has got by for several years.
I know of a few elderly and/or infirm cyclists who have resorted to battery-power just to keep pedalling. There are also a few round here who appear to be just e-bike riders.