Neither a bicycle nor a motorcycle

[FluffyChicken]

They could also get a car, blast around in a much larger lump of metal, knocking people out of the way as they go. And there are loads of these buggers all over...

 

[M_Chavez]

One of my neighbours who could wipe the floor with me on his "acoustic" bike 2 years ago has switched to electric and used it for commuting to work every day for 2 years instead of the usual mix of car + acoustic bike.
From chatting to him, he nearly broke himself on a 50-mile fun ride on his old acoustic bike last month. All fitness gone from [probably abusing] power assist. Couldn't climb at all.

He let me have a go at his bike - I was riding about 16mph with the effort that would usually take me to about 10-12mph max. Didn't like the feel of the bike. Heavy beast with slow steering. A bit like riding a BSO but faster. None of that quality light springy bike feeling one gets from a high end acoustic bike.

For 1-5% of people with injuries & mobility issues ebikes are a blessing. For everyone else it will take tonnes of willpower not to abuse the power assist and most people won't bother.

 

[grey-beard]

The people who are riding ebikes can’t maintain 15mph that’s why they are riding them. People who can maintain a decent speed or have a certain level of fitness ride normal bikes and nobody will convince me otherwise. That’s the point I’m making , put them on a normal bike and tell them to go ride for 2 hours and come back I bet many wouldn’t average anywhere near 15mph even on flat. But on a ebike they can blast around as much as they like till the battery dies knocking people out of the way as they go.

To maintain a 15mph average off road takes a decent level of fitness. Fitness which comes with saddle time. Saddle time builds awareness and skills.

I will have to, politely, disagree with you there. I use my, no throttle, ebike for commuting purposes as a car alternative, not because I'm a tree hugger, although I love nature, but because I get to be on a bike more and in the car less. I ride my proper bikes for fun and exercise is an advantage of that. For a mid fifties ex part time racer I think my fitness level is pretty good and I enjoy going fast. I've put in the saddle time and don't see my ebike use as a negative. I could say don't knock it till you've tried it? Ask Rob Warner, he loves his. Sam Pilgrim too and Nico Voulioz.

 

[M_Chavez]

PS what "real" cyclists will face is a reduction in good quality lightweight tyre choice, lightweight wheels, rim brakes, drivetrain choices etc. Because an ebike can easily handle heavier tyres and heavier components, with a massive hydro disk set-up.

 

[d8mok]

They could also get a car, blast around in a much larger lump of metal, knocking people out of the way as they go. And there are loads of these buggers all over...

However that needs testing , license, insurance , and consequences when you do hit someone.

Ebikes have none of that.

 

[hookooekoo]

PS what "real" cyclists will face is a reduction in good quality lightweight tyre choice, lightweight wheels, rim brakes, drivetrain choices etc. Because an ebike can easily handle heavier tyres and heavier components, with a massive hydro disk set-up.

I think the E-bike market will mostly be in addition to the conventional pedal cycle market.

We all know how expensive petrol and diesel are now, and I read yesterday that if electricity prices rise as much as predicted, then early next year it will be more expensive per mile to drive a battery electric car than a diesel car. And there's a big push to get people out of cars. Look at initiatives such as the 20 minute neighbourhood, and all the 20mph zones.

Many E-bikes will be bought by people who want to replace car use, but don't want to pedal too hard or sweat much. But people who have always ridden conventional pedal cycles will continue, because it's mostly a totally different demographic and reason for riding. There will be some overlap. especially when people get older and less able, but for the main part I think two, mostly separate, markets for electric and conventional will continue.

 

[d8mok]

I will have to, politely, disagree with you there. I use my, no throttle, ebike for commuting purposes as a car alternative, not because I'm a tree hugger, although I love nature, but because I get to be on a bike more and in the car less. I ride my proper bikes for fun and exercise is an advantage of that. For a mid fifties ex part time racer I think my fitness level is pretty good and I enjoy going fast. I've put in the saddle time and don't see my ebike use as a negative. I could say don't knock it till you've tried it? Ask Rob Warner, he loves his. Sam Pilgrim too and Nico Voulioz.

All likely paid to promote the sale of ebikes.

Genuine question - why not commute by normal bike? As surely as a ex racer your average will be higher than 15.5mph and long term help keep fitness so the leisure rides are easier.

 

[FluffyChicken]

However that needs testing , license, insurance , and consequences when you do hit someone.

Ebikes have none of that.

The motor ebikes (though ridden illegally by not having the above as mentioned) many are talking about do.

The legal e-bikes still have consequences, as does a normal cycle or walker.
It's only a little but more than most people are coming down the shared paths anyway.
16mph, though now removed I think, was also the speed the HWC recommended you may want to move off cycle infrastructure and onto the road.

Idiots will be idiots, I'd rather it be an idiot pedalling at 16mph with a relatively light vehicle than a trials bike or quad.
Or a car as they decide to cut the corner or mount the pavement or cut you up at a junction.

You can still get money from someone that harms you, they don't need to have insurance.

Through I'd rather not be hit by idiots no matter what.

You also need to be a 14yr old idiot to be showing off after school to ride the E-bike.

 

[grey-beard]

All likely paid to promote the sale of ebikes.

Genuine question - why not commute by normal bike? As surely as a ex racer your average will be higher than 15.5mph and long term help keep fitness so the leisure rides are easier.

Fair question, I have tried it and didn't enjoy it as much, too sweaty when I arrived and tired at the end of the day. It's just easier and actually fun, hills are flattened and flat is downhill.
As for paid promotion, yes that is true, but Rob Warner is famous for being lazy, training wise and never wanted to pedal up hill, so I believe him.
Let's agree to disagree, everyone, keep it friendly. I love all bikes, road bikers are weird, but apart from that it's all good, idiots aside.

 

[greencat]

All likely paid to promote the sale of ebikes.

Genuine question - why not commute by normal bike? As surely as a ex racer your average will be higher than 15.5mph and long term help keep fitness so the leisure rides are easier.

Sometimes more is less when it comes to exercise. Before the ebike I found I was enjoying the leisure cycling using a conventional bike less because I was always exhausted.