confused of chalus Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 Does anyone have any experience of these rechargeable electric assisted bicycles? I'm not fit enough to cycle up the hill to our house, but would like to get out on a bike to get the bread and save the car for longer journeys. But the prices seem very variable and there are a worrying number of second hand 'barely used' bikes in le bon coin. Anyone know the pros and cons? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pachapapa Posted September 28, 2011 Share Posted September 28, 2011 Batteries are krap and expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confused of chalus Posted September 29, 2011 Author Share Posted September 29, 2011 could you expand on that please pachapapa? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
602 Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Put another way the batteries have a limited working life which seems to be about 18 months. They are hugely expensive to buy often more than the cost of a new bike which does contribute to many of the bikes being for sale at low prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pachapapa Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 At a local car boot I got one electrovelo down to € 25, just for fun but.... could be viable with a do it youself "remorque" filled with truck batteries. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mint Posted September 29, 2011 Share Posted September 29, 2011 Confused, have you looked at bikes with say 21 gears? The low gears are very easy even on steep, long hills, as long as you aren't in a hurry that is!It might even be quicker to walk but cycling is SUCH fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sid Posted September 30, 2011 Share Posted September 30, 2011 I've always been sceptical about the efficiency of these bikes, in particular about the weight of the power packs, which obviously add to the mass you have to propel. I admit that I have never tried one, although I have tried a Segway, which I thought was great fun, but that's an entirely different concept and the much bulkier batteries are stored low down inside the platform.Some friends bought a couple of the very expensive bikes (Gitane) last year and have been very enthusiastic. I'm waiting for an update on this year's use. One benefit noted was that it was much easier to set off from rest; one of the users has arthritic knee joints which makes the initial push-off diffiuclt on a conventional bike, but with the electric assist it is much easier. A great benefit if it's the difference between riding or not riding at all.I doubt that a committed cyclist like myself would have much interest in heavy bikes like these. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave&Olive Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 hi ok Have a look see at this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cyclamatic-Power-Plus-Electric-Bike/dp/B00472NWCA/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1319748771&sr=1-1 I have been toying with buying one for 6 months now had an op on my knee and have taken to the bike at 60 to try and get it back working ...I am now up to a 10 km 5-6 times a week but would now like to push a bit further .....yuk we live at the bottom of a large hill so ... read the comments any way Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confused of chalus Posted October 27, 2011 Author Share Posted October 27, 2011 Ignored a lot of the advice and went ahead and bought one! Lithium battery is really quite small and light, goes about 45km between charges and should last me out (and my knees). Really great fun. You have to pedal or the motor goes off so its good exercise without killing me. Still working up to starting at the bottom of the hill and getting all the way home. But I will!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave&Olive Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 hi ok Can I ask which one you bought please ?? Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frederick Posted October 27, 2011 Share Posted October 27, 2011 The make it yourself model : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HHhMXwiwTY&feature=related Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
confused of chalus Posted October 28, 2011 Author Share Posted October 28, 2011 Dave, I got mine from Decathlon. It's the B E'bike ladies version in white and turquoise. There's a mens one but it is dearer. I'm sure I paid much more than on line - but I wanted to try it out (the looks on the shoppers faces as I whizzed round the store!) and have it properly set up for me and the price includes a check up in three months.You can see it on line if you google B E'bike.We looked at second hand but they all had lead batteries, and really cheap ones in supermarkets, same problem.May have paid too much, but do you know, I dont care. It's fun, pretty and it was a present for my 40th wedding anniversary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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