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e bikes

HuiaHuia Shipmate
edited August 1 in Heaven
There's been a recent death in my family and I'm about to have a bit more spending money. I'm considering buying an e bike. Otautahi/Christchurch is a great place for cycling as it's mainly flat, although the easterly wind can be challenging. I've biked for years, but my last cycle fell over and the gears were damaged.

I'm around 5 ft, unfit and in my early 70s.

I'd be interested in hearing any advice, comments, experiences, warnings etc

Comments

  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Obviously I stuffed up the tag - sorry about that.
  • ArethosemyfeetArethosemyfeet Shipmate, Heaven Host
    I electrified my trike a little over a decade ago. My experience is that a mid-drive is preferable to a hub motor. Do check local rules about maximum permitted power, whether you can have a throttle, max assisted speed and so on. You may find you're going faster than you're used to, so make sure you're geared up and the brakes work well.
  • SandemaniacSandemaniac Shipmate
    There's been studies that show that people go further on ebikes than they would on pedal power alone, while still pedalling, so if you get decent use out of it it should help your fitness. Whatever happens I suspect you'll enjoy being back in the saddle, and being able to travel under your own steam again.

    The only stuff I can add to the above is the stuff I'd say to anyone, that I'm sure you already know, and that any decent shop should do anyway, which is get them to set it up properly for your height and posture, and make sure you can come back for adjustments.

    Happy ecycling!
  • mark_in_manchestermark_in_manchester Shipmate
    I cycle - not electric yet - and a bloke I work with is a keen club cyclist and very fit (about 60). He reports that experienced members of his cycle club, when they get to age about 80, have used front-wheel-hub motors to keep up with the club runs (50 miles plus). Here (UK) a conversion might be a lot cheaper than a dedicated e-bike, which can be pricey - but I have not properly looked into it. The unavoidably-costly bit seems to be a decent battery.

    I also have a friend who lives near Accrington - very hilly - who has a neighbour who is older, rather heavy, and who swears by her e-bike and gets a lot of use out of it. Sounds like a good thing.
  • Stercus TauriStercus Tauri Shipmate
    Almost all e-bikes around here seem to be black, becoming almost invisible in busy traffic: the accident reports are becoming more frequent. I'd suggest looking for one with good lights and designed with visibility in mind.
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