Ordered two Ebikes today

[zakthor]

I still don’t understand why these ‘ebikes’ have pedals. Folks can’t or don’t want to exercise, but want to pretend? I’ve seen the enthusiasm, it’s very real. Maybe it’s a dementia? Lose their edge with old age.

Seems a lot more logical to have a twist throttle and do away with the crank arm, but there must be something special to pretend to ride a bike.

a lot of these things are pretty top heavy. Someone can’t ride a bike they’ll find these things pretty dangerous. It’s a pretty narrow window where your health is so low you can’t ride a bike, but you can still manage a 50-70 pound ebike. My mom has a ‘remidemi’ with low step through frame. She’s not fallen yet but it’s scary to watch. Kinetic energy is a bastard.

I’ve a friend in her late 70s that until this year was riding 300’ hills to get around on her 80s mtb. I was really supportive, could see her suffering on the hills but that was a health d8vidend. Now she has a few more serious joint injuries and she can’t ride, she wants an ebike but seeing how frail she is I’m worried she’ll end up in a ditch. How about a small Honda scooter?

Other issue I encounter is folks riding these things on shared paths. They tend to be hauling ass but without enough attention and dexterity to be safe with other riders and cars. I’ve seen and experienced a lot of close calls. I think it’s the same problem, folks don’t have the attention and fitness to ride a bicycle then they probably shouldn’t be on an ebike either.

When I’m made king I’m going to require full motorcycle cert for all the powered scooter riders.

Lastly, these expensive moped batteries age, vendors go out of business, I suspect these things are going to translate into a very pile of toxic e waste when battery replacement is more than value of the moped. Lucky if you get 6 years out of a battery. An actual bicycle is eco that will last decades, these e things are worse than a motorcycle. Modern 125 moto bike is a reliable well engineered wonder - that gets my vote and it’s resale is higher than zero.

[monoflo]

Well they're fun.
More exercise than one thinks.

Completely safe ----- no----- what is?
Inconsiderate riders on paths --I encounter tons on em on regular bikes --
I use mine for errands and hauling stuff when I don't want or need to take one of other vehicles

Stay safe

Did u ever try one?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by zakthor

I still don’t understand why these ‘ebikes’ have pedals. -snip-

So the bike can still be ridden without electricity.

["A"]

Regardless of regulations or the type of ebike,
those who want to go fast and be inconsiderate of other trail users will always exist.

Important thing is education, how to operate these ebikes with others in mind whether you're sharing the road or trail on the ebike.

Fat tire ebikes have their purposes.
https://youtu.be/w2c8Yxcwq64?si=zRuKBQZkCRFDA18k


The science is clear: Electric bicycles provide a good workout (and here’s the proof)

https://electrek.co/2021/05/20/the-science-is-clear-electric-bicycles-provide-a-good-workout-and-heres-the-proof/


Believe it or not, study shows e-bike riders get more exercise than cyclists
https://electrek.co/2019/08/11/electric-bike-riders-more-exercise-than-cyclists/

[zakthor]

Originally Posted by monoflo

Inconsiderate riders on paths --I encounter tons on em on regular bikes --
I use mine for errands and hauling stuff when I don't want or need to take one of other vehicles

Yeah, sure. Bad drivers everywhere. But I've seen an inordinate number of incidents involving ebikes. It sure looks likes they attract folk that shouldn't be driving at all.

Originally Posted by monoflo

Did u ever try one?

Did you read my post? My mom has one.

I've also helped people shop for and purchase them to second guess the bike shop's advice and their assembly capability, point out when parts are used that aren't going to last, like those pressed steel chainrings.

I've tried a bunch of different kinds and I am still literally confused why anyone would want to pretend to pedal when the device is rocking 300-700 watts.

You want a bicycle then buy a bicycle. Ride it slow, for recreation the distance doesn't matter and chances are you'll find yourself working harder.

Originally Posted by Baz

So the bike can still be ridden without electricity.

Yeah, you'd think so, wouldn't you? But every one of these mopeds that I've tried has gears in the bottom bracket and their drag turns the bikes into boat anchors when there's no juice. So one day when that proprietary battery ages out you have something that looks like a bike, is really heavy, and can't actually be pedaled.

Its part of the reason why I say that people just pretend to pedal them. Is like its some sort of mass boomer hallucination.

I've been recommending people consider what exactly they want and need before they pay their money for an overpriced piece of fad. At least go and try out a 50cc honda metropolitan. It does everything you need and is engineered well. $2600, long duty life and it has resale. Has actually safe lighting and you don't need to waggle your feet to make it go.

[Baz]

Was just outside assembling my new bike.

Front wheel came not attached to bike so decided to air it up before proceeding with the rest of the stuff.

Followed the 30 lb. recommendation to a tee. Set it aside. About 1/2 hour later BLAMO! Tube blew out. I didn't even have a chance to use it yet...lol. Tire was about 2' from my face too so that was interesting.

I just ordered a 2 pack of new tubes via next day no extra charge PRIME Amazon so will have to wait to ride it now. Sucks because it's a killer evening out and this thing has lights!

It's always something.......

[Baz]

Seems like a good to to remind everyone.....

[Dixie]

Originally Posted by Baz

Seems like a good to to remind everyone.....

Haha Funny GIFfrom Haha GIFs

["A"]

Originally Posted by Baz

Was just outside assembling my new bike.

Front wheel came not attached to bike so decided to air it up before proceeding with the rest of the stuff.

Followed the 30 lb. recommendation to a tee. Set it aside. About 1/2 hour later BLAMO! Tube blew out. I didn't even have a chance to use it yet...lol. Tire was about 2' from my face too so that was interesting.

I just ordered a 2 pack of new tubes via next day no extra charge PRIME Amazon so will have to wait to ride it now. Sucks because it's a killer evening out and this thing has lights!

It's always something.......

Always inflate tires in steps.
Put enough air in tire to adjust & seat the beads before inflate to full pressure.

[john70t]

Rocking and massaging the tire at 10-15lbs will help the tire bead seat first.
I do that and squeeze it past the brake pads, then fully inflate.
(It could also be a mfr defect with not enough 'rim lip' to hold it in place. idk.)

Electric or not, get out there and enjoy safely.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by "A"

Always inflate tires in steps.
Put enough air in tire to adjust & seat the beads before inflate to full pressure.

I'll post a pic later but looks like the tube just blew out along it's side.....doesn't look at all like some kind of "pinch". I think the tube was simply defective.

Pretty long split......

[jhynesrockmtn]

I never thought I'd buy an E bike but my wife really wanted one. We picked up a used Trek Verve + 2 barely used for $1,000. New they retail for $2,850. I was really impressed with how well integrated the pedal assist was when I road hers. Next thing I know I'm at the local trek dealer I bought my current mountain bike from several years back. They had her same model in the mens version (hers is step through) in my size and discounted to $2,000. Last years model. I bought it. I can ride it with the assist off while she rides with hers on. Works great. Also, my knees are suspect. I had surgery on the left on last July. We now have a dog trailer on order. I do love the riding position. These are pedal assist only.

We had 3 guys blow by us on the trail last week on "e bikes" that look more like electric motorcycles. They have pedals. I don't think any of these guys use them. The tires look bigger than the ones on my VFR. I don't really get that other than maybe replacing a car for local errands, or going to a destination where you will exercise or recreate. Hiking trail, fishing, whatever.

My cycling buddies are of course giving me s &*^%. I don't care, my wife is super happy and I bet I ride more this year than any of the last 5.

[rcooled]

Originally Posted by zakthor

When I’m made king I’m going to require full motorcycle cert for all the powered scooter riders.

Almost too late for that now. We've already unleashed legions of pre-teen kids onto the streets with electric motorcycles that can easily run with much of the local surface street traffic. Too few helmets, no awareness of traffic rules, and very little common sense.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Dpmulvan

I picked this up from Luna cycle last fall, sort of in between a bike and motorcycle fun little toy to bomb around on.

Never saw one of those before......it's a Surron X Bike? Suckers goes for $4.6K! Serious cheddar there!

https://lunacycle.com/surron-x-bike-black-edition/

Top speed is supposed to be 48...wow.....bet that's fun to ride!

Originally Posted by monoflo

my grocery machine

Beautiful bike...just gorgeous!

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

---snip---These are pedal assist only.

Not sure I understand, Jerry. They do have a throttle don't they....that you can use without pedaling?

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

-snip-I don't really get that other than maybe replacing a car for local errands, or going to a destination where you will exercise or recreate. Hiking trail, fishing, whatever.
-snip-my wife is super happy and I bet I ride more this year than any of the last 5.

I think you answered your own question. Lots of reasons to have an e-bike.

Originally Posted by rcooled

Almost too late for that now. We've already unleashed legions of pre-teen kids onto the streets with electric motorcycles that can easily run with much of the local surface street traffic. Too few helmets, no awareness of traffic rules, and very little common sense.

I get what you're saying but given the number of reckless and/or incompetent drivers ALREADY on the road riding and driving all kinds of different vehicles, I'm not sure it's any worse. Guess it boils down to where you live and the layout of the population, roadways, etc.

My biggest pet peeves include motorcycle riders who blow in from out of town for bike events (I live very close to Daytona beach) who have no brains given the way they ride, the LSV (Low Speed Vehicle) & golf cart drivers who are oblivious to anyone else on the road & notorious for holding up traffic while they doddle along below the speed limit, and in general distracted nitwits driving while using their cell phones, tablets, you name it.

We have a fairly substantial cycling population and most of those folks do pretty good. I've seen the e-bike usage creeping up over the past year or so but mostly they do pretty good as well.

If I had to point out one important aspect of safety that I see neglected more times than not.....it's cyclists (both pedal or electric) not putting a mirror on their bikes.

This is the one I use on ALL of my bikes......it works very well for me...but of course YMMV. Get SOMETHING at least for everyone's sake!

$15.49 from Amazon:

Mirrycle MTB Bar End Mountain Bicycle Mirror, Black

[group911@aol.co]

Natural selection.

Originally Posted by rcooled

Almost too late for that now. We've already unleashed legions of pre-teen kids onto the streets with electric motorcycles that can easily run with much of the local surface street traffic. Too few helmets, no awareness of traffic rules, and very little common sense.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Quote:
Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn View Post
---snip---These are pedal assist only.
Not sure I understand, Jerry. They do have a throttle don't they....that you can use without pedaling?

There is no throttle. The assist has off plus 4 levels. You can also just turn the computer/battery off or even ride the bike without the battery. The motor is integrated into the crank. You have to pedal to move. I did turn the assist on for the steepest of hills to ease the stress on my knees. I've always loved pounding up the steep ones. Might be why my meniscus looked like spaghetti that my cat tore into.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn View Post
-snip-I don't really get that other than maybe replacing a car for local errands, or going to a destination where you will exercise or recreate. Hiking trail, fishing, whatever.
-snip-my wife is super happy and I bet I ride more this year than any of the last 5.
I think you answered your own question. Lots of reasons to have an e-bike.

I sort of did, didn't I :-)

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by Baz

I'll post a pic later but looks like the tube just blew out along it's side.....doesn't look at all like some kind of "pinch". I think the tube was simply defective.

Pretty long split......

I've had it happen with name-brand tubes more than once, and always a brand-new tube.

[Dixie]

Allow me to ask a few questions, as I too am interested in buying an e-bike. I'd like to use it run local errands, and going to my local beach about 8 miles away
(Parking there is a b!tch.)

* How do y'all go about securing your bikes, especially at your destination? I suspect batteries, as well as the bike itself, are very prone to theft?
* Is there an advantage to fat tires? I plan to use mine only on paved surfaces, so I'm not sure they're needed.
*I'm presuming you can ride an e-bike in the bike lane, but not a scooter? Also, can you ride them on sidewalks?

Thanks to all for this informative thread.

[908/930]

Any of you have concerns about battery fires?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Capt. Carrera

-snip-
* How do y'all go about securing your bikes, especially at your destination? I suspect batteries, as well as the bike itself, are very prone to theft?
* Is there an advantage to fat tires? I plan to use mine only on paved surfaces, so I'm not sure they're needed.
*I'm presuming you can ride an e-bike in the bike lane, but not a scooter? Also, can you ride them on sidewalks?

1. Most batteries cannot be removed without using a key that comes with the bike. I've never had to lock mine up but if I did I would use a cable lock like this one and make sure it goes through the frame and back wheel.

Cable Lock

2. Fat tires are great for looser aggregate like sand and gravel. They also absorb bumps better on paved surfaces and provide better grip. I suggest you test ride both types before purchasing, if not sure.

3. E-bikes can go anywhere a pedal bike can go. That's the easiest way for me to answer your question.

Also.....watch as many YT vids as you can handle. You learn a lot from those.....and make sure you read the comments!

Originally Posted by 908/930

Any of you have concerns about battery fires?

Nope.