Electronic bikes - thoughts from anyone using them

CramCycle wrote: »

I don't use one but a guy in work has tried them out and thinks they are epic and I constantly bump in to a guy doing at least 15km each way and he is happy out, tips along without a sweat, comfortably.

I am all for the non electric way but if your not going to do it that way, e-bikes look like a great way to go.

Can ye get E bikes on the BTW?

I can see these becoming an issue, the more and more of them that appear. The speeds some people zip along in the cycle lane can be dangerous enough to 'conventional' cyclists, most of whom are cycling far slower.

I'm watching this space with interest to see what happens.

1bryan wrote: »

I can see these becoming an issue, the more and more of them that appear. The speeds some people zip along in the cycle lane can be dangerous enough to 'conventional' cyclists, most of whom are cycling far slower.

I'm watching this space with interest to see what happens.

I sometimes use my wife's e-bike, the A2B Ferber
http://www.wearea2b.com/index.php/us/e-bike-collection/US-ferber
I'm often overtaken by conventional cyclists, I do overtake some people particularly at traffic lights but generally I'm tipping along not trying to set any Strava records.
The max assist speed is 25kph so it's not exactly rocket-speed. We find the A2B good, we've a 15km cycle and it works well for that. You need to remove the battery when you lock up as replacing them is seriously expensive, buying a second charger would be good so you can charge in work too if you're concerned about range, you should be ok with a 12km journey but with the hills you might use up a good bit going in.
They're well worth getting for some people.

schemingbohemia wrote: »

The max assist speed is 25kph so it's not exactly rocket-speed.

so, as someone who has never used an e-bike can you explain this to me. Is it the case that, above 25kph, the battery cuts out? Or is it that you're on your own after that? So any power above 25kph is generated by you?

If the latter, then you could still get up some fast speeds if your contribution only really kicks in above 25kph.

Would be curious to try one out but couldn't ever see myself getting one.

I have one. I bought it 2 years ago. Barely gets any use.
Ill be selling it soon after coming to this realization.

It really all depends on fit for purpose V your lifestyle.

Some pros i've found:

• Easily cycle within the distance without much effort if prefered.
• Some areas become accessible because of it. I, not unfit, but not quite fit, can cycle up the hell fire club route on it. It takes the 'im' and leaves the 'possible'.
• It's quite fast. It's easily used as transport.
• For going to work (where you can also recharge the battery), its great, as it leaves you quite none sweaty depending on the mode you use.
• Acceleration is quite substantial. One rotation of the pedals, and your flying ahead of all the others, so starting from traffic lights i found is alot safer as it gives me more control over where i am in relation to others.

Some bad points:

• The distance is less than i had hoped for. Some of this is definitely battery degradation, and other part is the tech i have is about 5-6 years old.
• It's heavy unless you are spending alot of money. I dont find it feasible to cycle without the battery having power.
• The fear of leaving a nice bike parked somewhere is open to abuse. Scumbags love wrecking good stuff that is different.
• Having to recharge it between uses can be a bit of a pain!

If you have a repeating pattern, like commuting and can charge. Its very cool.
Or if you want to cycle in beautiful areas that are difficult, but have a car to bring the bike there. Its great too.
It requires planning, which is a bit of a loss to biking.

ps: If people want a go of it for testing their desire of a ebike. There is an underground car park in my apartment block in tallaght, easy to bring my bike down if you want try an ebike. location @ Tallaght, Square area.

If e-bike racing was to become a thing, would it fall under the governance of UCI or FIM?

1bryan wrote: »

so, as someone who has never used an e-bike can you explain this to me. Is it the case that, above 25kph, the battery cuts out? Or is it that you're on your own after that? So any power above 25kph is generated by you?

If the latter, then you could still get up some fast speeds if your contribution only really kicks in above 25kph.

Would be curious to try one out but couldn't ever see myself getting one.

As I understand it, all assistance cuts out at 25kph.

I would prefer an extra 250W everywhere than 500W up to 25kph and then nothing, but that's the law.

Commuting at an average of 40kph would make my motorbike completely redundant.

1bryan wrote: »

so, as someone who has never used an e-bike can you explain this to me. Is it the case that, above 25kph, the battery cuts out? Or is it that you're on your own after that? So any power above 25kph is generated by you?

If the latter, then you could still get up some fast speeds if your contribution only really kicks in above 25kph.

Would be curious to try one out but couldn't ever see myself getting one.

See attached image. In max power mode (3 in my case), the power starts to taper off at 23-24 km/hr. This can sometimes lead to a jerky ride. At power mode 2 & 1, its a lot smoother as there is a more gradual taper off of power. As far as I can see, your pedal contribution always counts in terms of reducing battery use and therefore extending the range but there are times when it doesn't appear to make any difference. Your pedaling makes more difference (and can be felt) at the lower power settings and can significantly extend the range. (Bafang rear hub motor)

I have a Carrera Crossfire E from Halfords. Absolutely love it! Though I wish I'd waited for the newer Crossfuse as it has the Bosch mid-drive system. I use mine for a 40km commute along the Waterford greenway and can't fault it. I'd recommend anyone try out a pedelec.

For what its worth I'd consider myself fairly fit but could never motivate myself to get on the bike first thing in the morning as in the first 1 km I had a steep incline straight away. I got a Cube electric bike and I have no excuses now. I've put on 1800 km since June and my commute is 24km each way. Without the pedal assist I know I wouldn't have motivated myself to do even one day week. Also mountain bike / hybrid style was a lot more comfortable and safe for travelling through Dublin City (pot holes / tracks etc)
Get one and I believe you will never look back.
P.S. you'll find you will only use the pedal assist on hills, as on the flat you will probably be using your own steam (over 25kph)