LAL
I am 60 years old, just finished chemo and do not have alot of energy left. I was thinking of getting a power assist bike so I could get some exercise because the bike I have takes more energy then I have. I need a simple bike that will allow me to pedal, but will also assist. I have read alittle bit and probably the electric would be better then gas, for the speed and noise. But any assistance will be appreiated. Thank you.
Answer
There are two ways to go: A purpose built electric/pedal bike or trike or an add-on kit to a regular bike.
Electric is much more useful than gas, since electric assist bikes can still be used on trails (gas, even mopeds are almost always prohibited). Plus they are quieter, lighter, less smelly and, most importantly, more bike-like.
Consider a trike too, especially a recumbent. They are much more comfortable and easy on the butt. More stable (they can't fall over), you can carry a lot more (basket in the back) so they are more useful for errands and they can stop on a dime. The big penalty has always been the extra weight, but if you are planning from the start to use a motor assist, then weight isn't that big a concern is it?
Good luck. Biking is the best exercise in the world!
There are two ways to go: A purpose built electric/pedal bike or trike or an add-on kit to a regular bike.
Electric is much more useful than gas, since electric assist bikes can still be used on trails (gas, even mopeds are almost always prohibited). Plus they are quieter, lighter, less smelly and, most importantly, more bike-like.
Consider a trike too, especially a recumbent. They are much more comfortable and easy on the butt. More stable (they can't fall over), you can carry a lot more (basket in the back) so they are more useful for errands and they can stop on a dime. The big penalty has always been the extra weight, but if you are planning from the start to use a motor assist, then weight isn't that big a concern is it?
Good luck. Biking is the best exercise in the world!
What do you think of Electric bicycles?
Eartha Q
are they worth the price?
bikernoj ,
Gosh ! Maybe I have a reason for asking besides being fat and lazy???
Me too M R ! It's a simple question for goodness sake.
Dear Lime ..did it ever occur to you that I might have my reasons for asking!! Is that OK with you???
Thanks Bob Lahblah ..I was trying to get some informed information..but it seems the bike enthusiasts are not very nice people.
Answer
Legal Low Powered Electric Assist bikes are now becoming a great alternative for tens of thousands of commuters in the US. Use an ebike for commuting and save the price of the ebike in insurance savings and service costs, And still get a workout- no more time on that dreaded treadmill at the spa.
Some young fit folks may never need one, but, if you are one of the folks that really does not want to take their car EVERYWHERE, especially to just get a loaf of bread, Ebikes may be the thing for you.
They all have on/off switches and a way to control the level of assist. People might use maximum assist going to work, but minimum assist going home for a workout. If you have asthma or arthritis, an ebike makes the bicycling world yours again- on good days- minimum assist, on bad days - you still don't have to get in the car- just use more assist.
Fifty percent of households own bicyles but less than 5% of them use them regularly. Over 50% of households with ebikes use them on a regular basis.
Some people use their $2,000 racing bike as a roof ornament and a badge of being a yuppie. Other people take ebikes every where, saving lots of money, helping the environment, and stayiing quite fit. YOU DO HAVE TO PEDAL, other wise your range is really shortened.
Right now you can get an ebike that will go 30 miles, (with your pedal assist) make it up most any hill in most cities, feels like a normal bike, can bring home 40 lbs of groceries and has no more service issues than a normal bicycle -for about $1500. And have local service in MANY US cities.
There are today some really great ebikes, much better than 3 years ago. The Bionx, www.bionx.ca , has the most bicycle like feel, and great range. Cyclone, www.cyclone-usa.com , has the most power.
Crystalyte system kits have pretty good value
http://www.poweridestore.com .
In most US states, Ebikes are legally limited to 20mph under electric power, must have pedals that work, less than 750 watts of power, and 2 or 3 wheels (not 4), and are legal where other bikes are legal. Check your state though.
For reasons of test riding and long term support, it is highly suggested that you buy your first one from a local dealer, unless you like to work on such things your self.
The average ebike rider puts on more miles than the average regular bike rider. Why? Ebikes are more fun, less hassle, and there are just less excuses to take the car.
Many ebikes are also light enough to be put on many city busses and trains- helping with "multi-mode" commuting.
(But be careful, there is some junk out there)
What is the best kind of bicycle? The one you will ride.
Try the following yahoo discussion group for indepth information on specific ebikes:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/power-assist/
There are great ebike dealers in Texas, Colorado, Seattle, Georgia, New York, California, Kansas, Illinois, Utah, Nevada; the list goes on and on.
Legal Low Powered Electric Assist bikes are now becoming a great alternative for tens of thousands of commuters in the US. Use an ebike for commuting and save the price of the ebike in insurance savings and service costs, And still get a workout- no more time on that dreaded treadmill at the spa.
Some young fit folks may never need one, but, if you are one of the folks that really does not want to take their car EVERYWHERE, especially to just get a loaf of bread, Ebikes may be the thing for you.
They all have on/off switches and a way to control the level of assist. People might use maximum assist going to work, but minimum assist going home for a workout. If you have asthma or arthritis, an ebike makes the bicycling world yours again- on good days- minimum assist, on bad days - you still don't have to get in the car- just use more assist.
Fifty percent of households own bicyles but less than 5% of them use them regularly. Over 50% of households with ebikes use them on a regular basis.
Some people use their $2,000 racing bike as a roof ornament and a badge of being a yuppie. Other people take ebikes every where, saving lots of money, helping the environment, and stayiing quite fit. YOU DO HAVE TO PEDAL, other wise your range is really shortened.
Right now you can get an ebike that will go 30 miles, (with your pedal assist) make it up most any hill in most cities, feels like a normal bike, can bring home 40 lbs of groceries and has no more service issues than a normal bicycle -for about $1500. And have local service in MANY US cities.
There are today some really great ebikes, much better than 3 years ago. The Bionx, www.bionx.ca , has the most bicycle like feel, and great range. Cyclone, www.cyclone-usa.com , has the most power.
Crystalyte system kits have pretty good value
http://www.poweridestore.com .
In most US states, Ebikes are legally limited to 20mph under electric power, must have pedals that work, less than 750 watts of power, and 2 or 3 wheels (not 4), and are legal where other bikes are legal. Check your state though.
For reasons of test riding and long term support, it is highly suggested that you buy your first one from a local dealer, unless you like to work on such things your self.
The average ebike rider puts on more miles than the average regular bike rider. Why? Ebikes are more fun, less hassle, and there are just less excuses to take the car.
Many ebikes are also light enough to be put on many city busses and trains- helping with "multi-mode" commuting.
(But be careful, there is some junk out there)
What is the best kind of bicycle? The one you will ride.
Try the following yahoo discussion group for indepth information on specific ebikes:
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/power-assist/
There are great ebike dealers in Texas, Colorado, Seattle, Georgia, New York, California, Kansas, Illinois, Utah, Nevada; the list goes on and on.
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