PatrickGSR94

What if you could work just as hard as on a regular bike, but go faster? I'm pretty sure that's possible with pedal assist bikes.

tjspiel

I'm sure it's possible and I have no doubt that it provides it's own type of thrill. Just like skating is different from running and cross country skiing is different than alpine. With Alpine skiing, gravity is providing the propulsion but it's still work getting down a hill. Speed depends on the hill, your skill, and your tolerance for risk.

With Cross Country skiing (on the flats), you provide the propulsion; how fast you go depends on your technique, the equipment, genetics, and fitness. A lot like cycling. There's a thrill in going as fast as I can go that's different from how fast the bike is moving based on the level of assist and whatever I'm adding to it. It sounds like many pedal assist bikes have a speed limiter anyway which is pegged at something slower than I can do on my own.

bmthom.gis

I would say there is a difference between wanting to get a good workout in and being a masochist towards yourself! 10 miles on a walmart bike sounds about as fun as a prostate exam. I don't think my crabon fibre bike would make a very good commuter...I love riding it, but it doesn't hold anything (though next time I'll probably put my Carradice on it). Whereas my 30 lb Peugeot is at least smooth and shifts/brakes well (when thinking of a wal mart bike).

I might consider a pedal assist if I had a cargo bike and no car, as I live in a moderately hilly area, but for carrying a change of clothes and my lunch, I'm just as happy to pedal.

Anyways, glad it is working out for you. They have their place, it's just not with me in my current lifestyle or commuting situation.

I also wonder if they are significantly less expensive in those countries.

tjspiel

You realize that you've done it again right? I provided what I feel are very valid reasons for not choosing to use an e-bike for my commute, and your response was to dismiss me as a CAT-6 racer.

FWIW, I just told somebody the other day about e-bikes and that one might work out well for them. Just because they're not something I'm personally interested in, doesn't me I don't see their value for people in different situations and with different preferences.

PatrickGSR94

I prefer commuting with my road bike over my utility bike. My road bike isn't carbon, but it's built the same way carbon bikes are, and I rigged it up with a rack and trunk bag/panniers, and have clip-on fenders for wet weather. My utility bike is at least 10 pounds heavier by itself, and I sit upright and it's very comfortable. But for a 15 mile commute it's just not as efficient. My average speed is definitely slower on it, and I don't want to make my long commute take any longer than it has to be.

350htrr

That is exactly what you can do with an E-Assist bike... I do that every ride, I put in all the effort I can and with a 35% assist on level 1 I can go farther or get to where I want to go in less time...

JanMM

If you could afford an e-bike, would it be your "go to" commuter?


Nope

loky1179

I'm all for that. In fact, I'd rather see the BMWs on the bike trails. BMW riders seem to be the nicest, most courteous, and mature people you'd ever care to meet.

caloso

And you wonder why you have failed to win many converts.

ddeand 

That's at least as good a stereotype as the ones held about e-bikes - good job. Just sayin' that if I didn't pedal my old steel bike to work, I just as soon be heading in on a vintage BMW bike. I'd also settle for an old Moto Guzzi, too.

InTheRain

You win, too! Thanks for playing. (This was never a competition, just a discussion... but here is a trophy for you.)

AlmostTrick

If you could afford an e-stick would it be your "go to" for beating a dead horse?

loky1179

Classic movie mistake - stop beating when you think its dead. A mistake that is virtually never made on bike forums!!

CharlieFree

To answer the original question, not for me as a daily commuter. However, I would still like to have one in the stable. I'd like a dutch-style bike with good cargo capacity that I'd use for trips around the neighborhood. Basically, I'd like to offset the extra weight with a little "help". It would also be nice for winter when it's extra hard to grind through mucky snow: just throw on some studded tires. I was in Europe not too long ago and saw no problems mixing regular and e-assist bikes on the bike infrastructure.

Buglady

My e-bike is the only reason I still CAN be a cycle commuter. Invisible disabilities ******g SUCK, by the way, but I am glad I can still get out and enjoy my rides with a bit of electric assist.

The other options were public transit (I do love the C-Train, but it's stressful and expensive by comparison to cycling), or breaking down and buying a car for the first time since 2005 (also stressful, expensive, and very much against my personal values).

I have been able to regain quite a bit of strength over the year I have been using the e-bike. That is encouraging. I had a major surgery in 2017 that knocked me back pretty badly.

rhm

Old thread!

I see people riding ebikes, who have probably not been on any kind of a bike in years; and it's great that they're out on a bike. And I see delivery guys using ebikes, probably riding them for hours every day, probably delivering food more efficiently than they would be able to do otherwise. All this is a good thing.

Occasionally I see commuters on ebikes, often guys who look to me to be just as fit as I. Frankly I don't know why these guys need an ebike. Maybe they just like it. Whatever; it seems to work for them, and it does me no harm, so, you know, whatever. All in all ebikes seem to be a good thing. But I'm still not interested.

alloo

Yes, my ebike is my goto commuter. I commute 12 miles each way. I started out on a regular bike, but I wanted to have more consistent times going both ways. My ebike is my tool to get to work non sweaty, but still getting a work out. I've lost 25 lbs on the way and my doctor has reduced my insulin levels by over 50%. Hopefully, this riding season, I''ll lose some more weight where I won't need medication. I'm not training for anything, just destressing to work and on the way home. My goal was to beat public transportation times. I use about level 2 /3 out of 4/5 assist levels. I try to keep my speed around 15 MPH. If I need to get home quicker or if I'm tired I increase the level by one. I've only used the highest level of assist to check it out. I have a class 1/2 bike that limits me to 20 MPH. I see more regular bicyclist speeding on the bike route. I've paid about $1500 for each bike. People ask me why I don't get a Trek or Electra ebike, it has better components. Well my answer is I didn't feel that those bikes add that much more value than my present bike. I might get one in the future, but I'm satisfied with my current bike, I'm not sure if ebikes require better components as far as the transmission is concerned, brake maybe. I love enjoying nature and having my physical capability augmented when I need to. I'm no spring chicken, but just trying to survive in this world. I feel like my ebike is a lifestyle thing as opposed to a fitness thing, but I'll take the fitness thing no matter what. I'm not training for a 100 mile ride, or a triathalon, I just want to get to work.


My first ebike commuter.

My current commuter.

Bizman

Neither of my ebikes are my go to commuter except when it is icy/snowy and I take my winter studded tire ebike, my Velomobile is my main commuter in non icy/snowy weather.

tim24k

E-bikes not for me right now. Maybe when I’m in my 80s. Right now I’ll petal or ride my motorcycle.

Buglady

WHOOPS!!! I'm normally really careful about that

On the other hand, e-bikes have changed quite a bit in the past 4 years so maybe it's worth a new conversation!

alloo

Sure my ebike is a great commuting tool or option. I love it! If the weather is bad, I ride my scooter or catch public transportation. I have nothing to prove anymore.

DVC45

Yes. I can just turn off the power assist, if I want a workout.

Korina

I know at some point I'll need one, but for now I like my classic steel street steed. Hopefully conversion kits will be better by the time I need it, so I won't have to switch bikes. Now, an e-cargo bike I would love to tiny bits right now. My bank account says otherwise.

Archwhorides 

My pedal assist e- cycle is on order, I'm looking forward to having the extra push when I'm pedaling a 4 row studded tire uphill after a long workday through Boston slush and snow.

I think the new wheels are going to be a lot of fun. My greatest concern that is that I like the e-bike better than my 3-season commuter, and that is not really a big concern.

alan s 

I don’t think I could ever afford an e-bike. But if I hit the Powerball and become wealthy, for sure the first thing I will do is buy an e-bike. Then I’ll quit my job.