electric bike [Archive] - Simple Living Forums

jp1

1-9-25, 12:26am

So I had contemplated getting an e-bike for years. I finally pulled the trigger about a month ago. SO and I had gone to the EV expo 1 1/2 years ago and I'd LOVED one but it was just too expensive. THen I got the email from the manufacturer that it was being offered at half off as part of their black friday sale. The Bosch motor system is one generation out of date but otherwise it's thoroughly modern. I've been loving riding it ever since. It'll never make financial sense compared to just driving my 23 year old Honda that I inherited from my father but it's way more fun. And actually does give my a cardio workout. My apple watch says that I average around a 145 pulse when riding. And it gives me new opportunities for challenges like "don't take the car anywhere for a full week" that are fun without actually being an inconvenience. And perhaps most importantly, it is from a German company that does manufacturing in Korea, so buying it before trump's tariff war seemed like a good decision.

rosarugosa

1-9-25, 7:19am

Cool! Do you live in a bike-friendly area? I would say my area is not particularly bike-friendly, although they've been trying to make it more so.

iris lilies

1-9-25, 11:39am

That sounds fun. I like the idea of “ No Drive” challenges. We used to have those here, along with “ no spend” challenges.
I was able to participate in No Drive challenges because I could walk to work.

KayLR

1-9-25, 2:56pm

I love hearing about your experience because I have been coveting an e bike too.

jp1

1-9-25, 4:26pm

Our area is actually really good for bikes. Bike lanes on most of the main streets, lots of bike paths. Last weekend I was able to ride on a path from near us along the bay coast 6 or 7 miles to the south. Then I used the bike's navigation system to come home on streets and an interior bike path, which worked great except for the spot where it tried to have me go up someone's driveway and through their backyard... :~)

jp1

1-9-25, 4:46pm

I've also started what may well be the most boring youtube channel ever. Although I already have 1 subscriber! Anyone interested in what it's like where we live can watch videos I've been making with an old GoPro attached to my handlebars.

https://www.youtube.com/@BikinginMarin

Tybee

1-9-25, 6:53pm

Is it healthy to have a pulse of 145? I honestly don't know but when I was doing pulmonary rehab that would have been considered too high?

jp1

1-9-25, 7:37pm

Is it healthy to have a pulse of 145? I honestly don't know but when I was doing pulmonary rehab that would have been considered too high?

Supposedly the max heart rate for someone healthy my age is between 162-169 depending on what calculation one uses and a vigorous workout is 85% of that, which is 138-144. 140-145 is what I average when going uphill while hiking so if it’s too much I’ve been overdoing it for years.

happystuff

1-10-25, 10:19am

Congrats! I have also coveted ebikes, but haven't taken the plunge to purchase one yet. Can I ask the brand/manufacturer? Thanks in advance.

jp1

1-10-25, 4:45pm

It’s a Bulls Bikes Iconic EVO 2. Class 3- battery assist 28 mph max speed. 750 watt motor, 625 w/hour battery, Bosch motor. On the turbo assist setting it’s good for about 30 miles on a charge and takes about 4 hours to recharge.

littlebittybobby

1-10-25, 8:46pm

okay---EBikes are just pieces o' junk for chinese bike companies to sell to consumers with funny ideas in their head. Don't waste your money on one. End of story. Case closed. Hope that helps you some Thank me.

Alan

1-10-25, 10:42pm

We've been seeing a lot of electric bikes on our annual several month ramble around the south during the winter months. They're very popular at the large Corps of Engineers campgrounds and state parks we frequent and my wife is starting to seriously lust after a couple for us. At the moment she's fixated on the 'Lectric' brand bikes and I'm thinking this current trip may be the last we make without a pair.

jp1

1-10-25, 11:18pm

littlebittybobby

1-11-25, 2:44am

o kay, okay----since you kids are ALL gonna get EBikes because all those other people(consumers) are getting EBikes, then it stands to reason that I hafta get one, too. So I too can be a consumer. Ha. Just kidding. But that's the way it works. The latest consumer item--ya gotta have it, right? Using superficial logic that you "need" something, when you just want to keep up with the Joneses. But yeah----I picked up a 2005 Felt 2x 9-speedTri-bike at the hock shop several years ago that looked like it had set in somebodies shed for a decade and took it home & cleaned it up and changed out the aero bars (w/ bar end levers for drop bars) for drop bars with some used integrated shifters that I bought from a guy who crashed his 2014 Salsa that had eleven speed and got this cable gizmo from wolf tooth to make it 2 x 11 speed with mountain bike gearing out back, (even though the pro at the bike shop doubted it to be possible), but it did work, and having that 11 speed liteweight Felt makes all the difference going over the rollers you find on country roads and maintaining your pace. No batteries required. Yup. Hope that helps you some.

littlebittybobby

1-11-25, 11:42am

*Okay---here's something else about those pesky ebikes---supplementing a bicycle with a motor---electric or gas---pushes the bike outside the design parameters of a bicycle; especially when doing so is to compensate for an overweight, unfit rider. A bicycle should be ridden only as fast as the rider can pedal it, and a little less. Cycling isn't just about leg power---it requires conditioning of the whole body, including the brain. Compare it to skateboarding. One o' my bike routes has a two-mile downhill stretch of old highway, and you can just coast, going up to 28 miles per hour, which is very fast on a bike. With me on that bike, that I've ridden 1000's of miles, with drop bars and a good fit, I just know it is unsafe. All I'd need to do is hit a pothole or a small rock or swerve to miss something, or even an instant of inattention, and I would be down on the pavement with severe injuries. It takes my whole body to maintain control. Bike tires and wheels are very narrow to reduce weight, rolling resistance and improve aerodynamics, compared to motor vehicles---and that applies to ebikes. A factor which makes them less forgiving of mistakes. But, that is not the only problem with them, but one of the major ones. Hope that helps you some. People like to try and argue with me using several tactics: That I am not "qualified" to make any claims(noooo, i don't have a degree in rocket science) or quibble about details(splitting hairs) or dredge up anecdotal "evidence" they heard from their brothers' uncles' wifes' nephew or whoever; and most often--personal attacks and name calling. (oh, bobby--you troll; youdon't approve of anything and other trite statements). You know who you are. But yeah---go ahead and waste your money to participate in the latest fad; there's always craigslist, f-book market place, yard sales, hock shops, and of course---the dumpster, when you need to tidy up and dispose o' that EBike you bought and now never use. Yup. Classify under: fast-depreciating asset. Yup. Thank mee. One other anecdote: The headline reads: Comedian from Springfield dies in New York bicycle accident. This happened recently to a guy in the prime of his life, and if you read more about the tragedy, you will learn that he was riding an EBike in Brooklyn, and hit a parked car. Not wearing a helmet, either. Just trying to get around, without working up a sweat, and the expense of using a small car. See? Hope that helps you some.

Tradd

1-11-25, 1:02pm

littlebittybobby

1-11-25, 6:17pm

okay----edited to add: anyone caught buying an EBike will be permanently BLOCKED by me! The reason they are having all these Los Angleees fires is not global warming or lesbian fire chiefs; the cause is EBikes EXPLODING! Yup. So yeah---DO NOT be a menace to society. Yup. Hope that helps you some. Thankk mee.

littlebittybobby

1-11-25, 7:06pm

okay---since you kids want to shop-n-buy something, I would suggest this(see photo). But yeah---buy a jump rope and start ussing it on a daily basis. It won't be long until you are very proficient, like Lauren, age 33, in the photo. Yup.6181

Alan

1-11-25, 7:38pm

okay----edited to add: anyone caught buying an EBike will be permanently BLOCKED by me!
We've already decided to buy a pair soon, no need to continue selling us on the idea.

iris lilies

1-11-25, 7:42pm

We've already decided to buy a pair soon, no need to continue selling us on the idea.
Wait.. can I go in with you guys on your order so that I can experience the block as well?

there’s a new business in Hermann that Bobby would hate. They rent E bikes. Hermann is by the Katy Trail and gets a measurable amount of tourism from bicyclists.

jp1

1-11-25, 10:39pm

jp, please pay careful attention to reviews about charging issues about whatever you buy. It's probably an issue with cheap Chinese ebikes, but there have been a lot of fires caused by ebike batteries being charged inside. The condo complex where I live has actually banned ebike battery charging (a charger was caught smoking in another building).

Yes, that is definitely a thing but from the various podcasters/forums I follow it seems to mainly be a cheap Chinese bike thing. Also a lot of the problem bikes have been (again) the cheap Chinese ones being used as delivery bikes in places like NYC. Using them in the harsh winter with salted roads, etc, is a problem because it corrodes the stuff that protects the battery. Also, many of the super cheap e-bikes and batteries don't have a UL approval for just this reason. I should be fine because I didn't buy a low end bike, we never salt our roads since it doesn't snow, and I don't intend to do much riding when it's wet out although one of the paths I use to get to the safeway and library is often wet because the hillside next to it weeps onto the path all the time.

KayLR

1-12-25, 2:02am

My grandson, who has autism, will never drive. He does take public transportation to his job, and he's ridden a bike since he was 7 yrs old. But to run quick errands, appointments, or for pleasure, his parents got him an e-bike because you must navigate several steep hills to get there & back most times.

It's meant a great deal of autonomy for him and his parents don't have to drive him everywhere.

iris lilies

1-12-25, 3:09am

littlebittybobby

1-12-25, 1:35pm

okay----welll! It sounds like I am wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, again! I am a minority of ONE here, because alla you kids just KNOW without a doubt that EBikes are THE perfect solution for everything and everyone, including unlicensed and uninsured drivers with weak legs and no protective gear! So yeah, knowing that, that I would suggest changing the name of the forum to: "The EBike Lovers Forum". The only requirement for membership would be a deep love of EBikes and other electric gadgets, since they are the ideal solution for everyone and everything. Yup. But yeah--Mr Bae has yet to weigh in on the advantages of EBikes, when traveling up and down steep hills, and how EBikes are All Gain, No Pain. I know that he is a pioneer in acquiring the latest new stuff, so yeah--we value his input. Yup. Well, tomorrow I will be putting some serious miles on my littlebitty car, driving and driving and driving--only stopping long enough to eat---to EBike dealers everywhere---in-state, out-of-state, maybe even Canada, to comparison shop and test-ride nice, safe, new, no-pain, all-gain EBikes! I always like to look as though I am "in shape", but I thoroughly DETEST getting out-of-breath and sweaty and smelly in the process. Now that there's the perfect solution with absolutely, positively no disadvantages, pitfalls, downside and so on, I can just do it! I will keep adding entries to this thread, as I shop for EBikes. Yeahhhh! Thankk Mee, and thankk you for showing me how wrong, wrong, wrong I am with your testimonials! Yup.

Alan

1-12-25, 1:42pm

okay----welll! It sounds like I am wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong, again! I am a minority of ONE here, because alla you kids just know EBikes are THE perfect solution for everything and everyone! So much so, that I would suggest changing the name of the forum to: "The EBike Lovers Forum". The only requirement for membership would be a deep love of EBikes and other electric gadgets, since they are the ideal solution for everyone and everything. But yeah--Mr Bae has yet to "weigh in" on the advantages of EBikes, when traveling up and down steep hills, and how EBikes are All Gain, No Pain. Yup. Well, tomorrow I will be putting some serious miles on my littlebitty car, driving to EBike dealers everywhere---in-state, out-of-state, maybe even Canada, to comparison shop and test-ride nice, safe, new, no-pain, all-gain EBikes! I always like to look as though I am "in shape", but I thoroughly DETEST getting out-of-breath and sweaty and smelly in the process. Now that there's the perfect solution with absolutely, positively no disadvantages, pitfalls, downside and so on, I can just do it! I will keep adding entries to this thread, as I shop for EBikes. Yeahhhh! Thankk Mee, and thankk you for showing me how wrong, wrong, wrong I am with your testimonials! Yup.
You're not necessarily wrong, just opinionated, narcissistic and annoying. Luckily, we're all accustomed to that. ;)

littlebittybobby

1-12-25, 4:04pm

okay----well thanks hAl. You diagnose me as "narcissistic", but are you a licensed psychologist? Gotcha. Yes, probably you are annoyed by my diapproval of consumption-for-the-sake-of-consumption. You no doubt identify with my comments about gross consumption. And third--everyone here is opinionated! Dare to disagree! Ha. But yeah---you kids are perfectly welcome to buy the latest big-ticket depreciating asset that allows you to be a proud consumer of stuff that makes everything easy. That way, you can be cool, going out bicycling, without having to put forth any effort. See? We'll see what the next consumer must-have will be, so that you kids will jump right on it. Yup. Now, get out there and do some yard work; crank up that riding mower! Hope that helps you some. Thankk mee. Yup.

littlebittybobby

1-13-25, 2:40am

okay---I was just sitting here thinking(like Eisenschtein), that since we are all gonna buy into the EBike thing,lock, stock, and barrel, that we should have LOTS of Insurance, with blanket coverage. Wouldn't be prudent without it. Nope. But yeah---maybe we could get get group EBike insurance for forum members and their beloved children, that would save on premiums, which I'm sure would be very costly, given the risks. So anyway---among other things, it would cover accidental death, dismemberment, disability, and property damage, in case our trusty EBike spontaneously combusts and starts a fire and burns down the whole neighborhood. Just like in L.A. Yup. But yeah---that's something Al should look into, for sure. Plus, a clause that holds the members of this forum harmless from lawsuits by lurkers here who experience losses, due to being convinced that yeah---EBikes are THE way to go, now. Yup. Hope that helps you some. Thankk mee.

littlebittybobby

1-16-25, 11:49pm

okay-----this thread about those consumeristic appliances I enjoy calling: "weeniebikes" has ground to a halt. Ha--must be the battery. All the more reason to conquer Greenland--when the mile-thick ice cap melts(due to car jocks squandering fossil fuel getting out there on the highways just to drive-n-eat, and pollutting the atmosphere to boot), why--there will be copious deposits of real, honest-to-goodness Lithium, the element used to make E-batteries and treat schizoprenia and other psychiatric disorders that cause delusions of grandeur. . But yeah----I sat-n-watched a youtube video titled: Waukon To Lansing on Day 7 (part 3). But yeah---I didn't see myself though IU was present on that day at that place and time. But yeah---everyone "knows" that Iwah is as flat as a pancake, like Ohioh. Yup. So, no---pedaling from Waukon to Lansing should be super easy, right? But when I got there, I was in line for some odd reason, and there was a young man ahead of mee, chatting with an acquaintance, and he stated that(my recollection, not a quote) it was good that he was able to go home last night and get an EBike, so he could finish up day 7, because his leg was hurting. He clarified to his buddy that he didn't live very far away from the route. The guy was I estimate 1/3 my age 6' tall and athletic looking. But I guess not. Ha. Weenie and a Poseur. But yeah---vested interests are promoting those pieces of CxRxAxP like they are the greatest thing. Ha. And I finished the week, no problem(except for a small crash on day 4)on my used, refurbished, 27-year old road bike, which are no longer the latest thing. Nope You gotta have a stoopud "Gravel Bike", now. Dumb. Fads. Consumer Fads. Yup. Anyway, please tune in to that video on youtube. Day 7, Waukon to Lansing. See?

jp1

1-22-25, 10:43pm

Still LOVING the bike. Monday SO wanted to go bowling since he's in a league and likes to go practice from time to time and it was "$12 for 2 hours on the lane" Monday at the bowling alley the next town over. I rode the bike (14ish miles each way) and met him there. Very nice. And it's obvious that I'm definitely rebuilding my bike muscles. My bowling skills, on the other hand, seem to have declined. I didn't break 100 in four games... And apparently people are actually watching my bike ride videos. This latest one has 23 views! I still only have 1 subscriber so I don't think I'm going to be a youtube superstar. If anyone wants to see what it's like to ride from Novato to Petaluma, and you have a lot of time to kill, here you go... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvVemKPz9D0

littlebittybobby

1-23-25, 4:53pm

Okay----iwah is flat. But yeah---don't NEED no weeniEBike ta conquer IWAH--it's flat as a waffle! What hills there are, all go downhill. Yup. (see photo).6193 Nope.

rosarugosa

1-24-25, 7:25am

Okay----iwah is flat. But yeah---don't NEED no weeniEBike ta conquer IWAH--it's flat as a waffle! What hills there are, all go downhill. Yup. (see photo).6193 Nope.

I strategically plan our walks in the woods to maximize downhill and minimize uphill. It can be done, lol.

jp1

1-24-25, 8:10pm

I strategically plan our walks in the woods to maximize downhill and minimize uphill. It can be done, lol.

If you’re starting and finishing in the same place how does that work? I suppose you could minimize steep uphills by spending more time on less steep uphills and less time on more steep downhills. But ultimately you’re going to have the same elevation gain/loss in total. As the song says ‘what gores up must come down’

littlebittybobby

1-25-25, 2:58am

okay---lemme explain. I will use an exaggerated example, to best illustrate it. So, you bike 10 miles on a straight road with a 1% upward gradient. With a tailwind, you don't notice it. You'll have to do the math, to figure the cumulative elevation gain(525'?); I ain't got time. But there is one. Your route then takes a series of 6% downhill grades, like stairsteps, that eats up that 525' gain, and circles around back to the starting point. Also, just a couple of 1/8-mile climbs at 6%, and you'll know you've exerted yourself. Yup. Hope that helps you some

rosarugosa

1-25-25, 7:17am

If you’re starting and finishing in the same place how does that work? I suppose you could minimize steep uphills by spending more time on less steep uphills and less time on more steep downhills. But ultimately you’re going to have the same elevation gain/loss in total. As the song says ‘what gores up must come down’

I'm thinking of a couple of my favorite walks where the downhill is a very noticeable descent, but then circling around on the way back, the uphill is such a gentle and gradual slope, that it does not feel like an uphill climb.

jp1

1-25-25, 9:40pm

I'm thinking of a couple of my favorite walks where the downhill is a very noticeable descent, but then circling around on the way back, the uphill is such a gentle and gradual slope, that it does not feel like an uphill climb.

That makes sense. I tend to do the same thing when I'm out hiking.

jp1

1-25-25, 9:45pm

Alan, Lectric came out with an amazing new bike for an insanely cheap price. The XPeak 2.0 is on sale for $1,399. Not sure how they make any money on it since the bike shop guy that put my bike together was saying that just the aluminum for the frame of mine runs about $1,200. Micah on the Wheel-E e-bike podcast was absolutely raving about it. All the things that usually add to the price, headlight, adjustable seatpost, fenders, rear rack, are included for free.

https://lectricebikes.com/products/xpeak-high-step-ebike

littlebittybobby

1-26-25, 4:46pm

okay---did you kids see that? The Xpeak 2.0 is the latest thing for only $1,399! Plus tx & any ups and extras a crafty retailer can sell you, so you can have the latest thing! But see---Soon as the cold spell has ended, I'm hopping on my trusty steed, a 1987 Trek 1000, that I purchased on ebay for $75 bucks, for the frame only. Seller description said "lots of wear and tear on the paint", but I touched it up with a brush, and pieced it back together with used parts. The seller shipped it from Placerville, Ca., which is very hilly. But no---it's a MEBike. No batteries required. Yup. Gotten lots of miles out of it, too. Yup. Why be a poseur; forgo the the fad toys. Yup.

Alan

1-26-25, 5:00pm

Alan, Lectric came out with an amazing new bike for an insanely cheap price.
Thanks JP! I showed your post to my wife and she's already looking it over online, as well as searching for reviews.

littlebittybobby

1-27-25, 1:43am

Thanks JP! I showed your post to my wife and she's already looking it over online, as well as searching for reviews. okay----but i got a suggestion you might find useful, Albert: I don't know where I heard this, but it was from an industry insider, down at the local bike shop. swear you won't tell, but they are working on a hydrogen-powered bike that preliminary results show is VASTLY superior to ANY EBike now available, complete with computerized digital technology. So, anyway--- it might be a little bitty while before they hit the market, but it might be worth your while to WAIT, and then take the plunge, pull the trigger, and be the VERY first consumer in the 'hood to own one! That way, you won't get stuck with an obsolete, outdated, obsolete EBike, riding at the back of the pack, alongside meee on my clunky old self-powered '87 Trek w/chipped paint, like a total dork. But yeah---I'll let you know when the very first HydroBike comes into the shop, availaible for sale. First come, first served. Yup.

littlebittybobby

1-27-25, 8:31pm

okay----another thing you kids with money-to-burn to spend on stuff that shows you are in-the-IN-crowd, is StupidBowl tickicks! (did i spell that correctly--oh, my bad). But yeah---the Chiefs will again be playing the Pirates or whoever! Taylor Swift will be there, too! But tickicks near the middle of the field sell for waaay more than the cheap seats, which start at 5 or 6 k. Expensive? Maybe, but darn well worth it, right! Ha. But yeah---football, is THE religion for some people. It's like--if you belong to a church that expects you to tithe, why, same difference, right? Go chieves, go. Yup.

Rogar

1-27-25, 9:29pm

I'd like to think that e-bikes are a gateway bike for many to graduate to real bikes. I've bicycled as a primary recreation and sometimes commute for most of my adult life and consider it a great pleasure. I only ride short distances on streets these days, but have a huge network of bike trails I can access from my house and can get me into some decent scenery or pick up a few groceries.

I just picked up a new bike from REI to replace a 25 year old that I've had trouble getting parts for due to it being a bit obsolete. Here in the temperate zone this is a good time to shop bike pervious year inventories and sales and the fact that no one is out bike shopping in sub freezing weather. My pick was discounted 40% (and hundreds less than the e-bike). The salesman said the good deals will be sold out by March. I'm a fan of buying through a good local bike store. REI offers free returns for one year if the bike isn't working out and free adjustments for a year. Probably other bikes shops have something like that. I spent much of an afternoon with the bike salesman going over choices, reviewing the bike mechanics, taking a test ride and having adjustments to fit.

jp1

1-27-25, 9:48pm

Thanks JP! I showed your post to my wife and she's already looking it over online, as well as searching for reviews.

Awesome! If she has even half as much fun with hers as I am with mine it will be money well spent. Back in my youth I bought a nice racing bike when I was in high school (I spent around $300 in 1984 money, a lot for a kid that had only ever worked as a restaurant busboy) that i had until I was around 30 when the frame finally developed cracks due to age and the fact that I had probably ridden it roughly 40,000 miles. I'm just starting to get the detailed intimate knowledge of our current city that I got of four of the five boroughs of NYC in the 13 years I lived there*. Much of that time I was riding about 100 miles/week all over town. Other than cab drivers and others that drive around NYC as their job I probably have (had since I haven't lived there in 20 years) a more intimate knowledge of that city than just about anyone.

* I rarely went to Staten Island. Although the ferry was cheap ($.50 round trip and eventually free) it was a half hour each way and staten island just wasn't as interesting as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and Bronx in that order.

jp1

1-27-25, 9:56pm

I'd like to think that e-bikes are a gateway bike for many to graduate to real bikes.

I could see that happening for me. As aggressively as I'm riding the e-bike, and the fact that it doesn't have a throttle so if I don't pedal I don't go, I'm definitely getting a decent amount of exercise out of it. But I won't knock anyone, including myself, for enjoying ebikes. They are certainly better than using cars to get everywhere. And more fun than cars. Micah on the Wheel-E podcast calls real bikes "acoustic bikes" in a quirky nod to the difference between electric and acoustic guitars. It's silly but I kind of like that while it makes clear the difference it doesn't stigmatize e-bike riders as being somehow "less than".

Rogar

1-27-25, 10:43pm

Not to dis anyone or anything. E bikes have a place for people who are casual riders and/or a fitness level that doesn't get them as fast or far as they would like. I'm retired and not in any hurry to get places most of the time and it's legacy bikes are a good work out. My analogy would be more like slow cooking vs. fast food.

littlebittybobby

1-28-25, 1:43am

okay----weeniEBikes are a gateway to laziness in doing everything. I mean--if you use the elevator, are you eventually going to use the stairs? I doubt it. gotcha. weeniEBikers wanna look trendy by biking, without putting forth the effort to do it. Checkbook poseurs. Yup. Hope that helps you some. Now, here's a recent photo of a non-weeeniEBiker's bike belonging to a lady in her mid-fifties. How do you like that? Hauls all her camping gear on-board. Yup. Make that your immediate goal, kids. Thankk mee.(see photo)6200

rosarugosa

1-28-25, 8:20am

I know a couple of guys with e-bikes who have physical disabilities, so for them it would probably be a choice between e-bike or no bike.

Rogar

1-28-25, 8:34am

It's certainly a good choice for people with disabilities.

I see a few e-bike commuters with panniers like they are going to work. I imagine time and distance could have prevented this with a legacy bike for some people. Also a lot of overweight people who probably need some exercise and are unable to go very far on a regular bike. And some millenials who are just out for a weekend spree.

I predict a lot of e-bikes will end up as e-waste in a landfill or recycle or hang in a garage unused after a few outings.

littlebittybobby

1-28-25, 2:47pm

okay----here's a testimonial from a couple people who are heavy, but are going the distance on non-weeniEBikes. (see photo). Bottom line: don't NEED no weeniEBike to bike! Nope. If you think it hurts too much to pedal it yourself, you'll think it hurts your butt to sit, and hurts your hands to steer, and hurts when you hit a curb and fall over, as well, because you will; it is inevitable. See?620362046205

littlebittybobby

1-28-25, 10:19pm

okay----if i hear any more comments about weeniEBikes-for-people-with-disabilities, I'm going to go into business making ice skates for people with disabilities---born without legs? No problem. Yup. Maybe open a shooting range for blind people. Can't see? We'll figure out the technology. Maybe a University for people who have intellectual disabilities, so I can award them a doctorate in Medicine: the world's first Brain Surgeon with an IQ of 65. How's that sound? There are some things you should not be enabled to do, and one of them is ride a "bicycle" 28 mph, if you're not physically fit enough. It requires more than just strong legs to accomplish it. Yup. Hope that helps you kids some.

KayLR

1-28-25, 10:54pm

jp1

1-28-25, 11:07pm

Alan

1-28-25, 11:15pm

Rogar

1-29-25, 9:20am

Thinking more about my dislike of the term ‘real bike’ to denote non e-bikes it’s because if one is a ‘real’ bike that implies that the other isn’t. But they both are very definitely ‘real’ bikes just as a motorcycle is a bike. Otherwise the term biker wouldn’t often denote ‘someone who rides a motorcycle’. Different people want different things from a bike whether the bike is a regular bike an e-bike or a motorcycle. That doesn’t make any of those people less worthy of saying they like their bike.

Would you prefer the term, regular bike vs. real bike as a better descriptor? Calling e-bikes is pretty standard but I don't know if there is a common term for human powered bikes. Legacy bikes. Does it matter.

Since retiring I've ridden many thousands of miles mostly on local bike trails. Before that, and when I was younger, I once rode east to west through British Columbia and south to north across Colorado over three mountain passes ("Ride the Rockies"). For years I bike commuted to work about seven mile one way. I've gone through eight or so bicycles that have worn out, become obsolete, or stolen. Some people go to the gym, jog, or play pickle ball. Bicycling has always been my form of fitness. I'm far from any uber athletic, I just have done it a lot and stick to it. I am nudging 70 years old. Age should not be an excuse for an otherwise healthy person. I once stopped to talk with a guy along the trail who was 65 and said he rode a hundred miles (a century) once a month along with his normal fitness routine. He said it had helped reverse a diabetes condition. And much cheaper than Ozempic. I have to say that level of fitness requires some dedication to work up to and it might be beyond me.

My perspective on getting a new bike for some one who has never biked much is this. If a person wants to ride a couple or few miles to the park or store or coffee shop, there's really no reason for an e-bike and about any economy bike is probably the most cost efficient. Most people should be capable of that.

For longer rides, like a cruise of say for example, ten or fifteen miles every week or two in the few warm months of the year, a person will probably find a human bike unpleasant to the rear end and basic fatigue and become discouraged. That's probably a place for an e-bike. Or if there is nearly insurmountably steep terrain.

If a person wants to challenge themselves as a fitness routine a couple or few times a week and doesn't have physical limitations or is adverse to exercise, my advice would be an e-bike as a gateway bike, or the challenge of working out on a human bike. The human bike will probably give a greater pleasure of accomplishment, a better physical work out, and avoids the cost of an e bike (or a gym membership), plus it keeps the eventual e-waste out of a landfill, if that matters these days. Once into a routine, bicycle fitness comes pretty easy after a coupe of weeks, but the breaking in period might be uncomfortable. My community does snow removal on the trails and a person can pretty much bike 8 or 9 months a year.

E-bikes have a place and a person can get a little fresh air, explore, and and a bit of exercise as casual outing. Regular, real or human powered bikes, for whatever name also have a place and with a little conditioning and a routine, a person can get a better aerobic workout, even more fresh air and and still explore, but the fitness doesn't happen overnight. Some people are adverse to physical exercise, but I've always enjoyed sweating a bit and getting the heart rate up and cycling is gentle on the joints and helps a lot of people with knee problems. I once was threated with knee surgery and my PT rehabilitation was on a stationary bike.

I might add that other than my recent purchase, I've always bought quality used bikes off Craig's list or other source. Some people get an idea about bike conditioning, e-bike or regular, and give up quickly, sort of like how New Years resolutions last for may three weeks. So there if a person knows what they want and the right size, there are a large quantity of great garage find bikes that have been collecting dust.

littlebittybobby

1-29-25, 11:53am

okay-----stop what? When you fall off of your weeeniEBike while going along at 25 mph without even having to pedal much at all, and land on the pavement and sustain various painful injuries(such as a broken collarbone), can I say I told you so? Because anyone who bikes very much will tell you about the inevitability of a crash. My rule of thumb is to ride a self-powered bike only as fast as you can pedal it, and a little less. But yeah---an out-of-shape weeniEBiker Consumer will have that false sense of security from not having to develop any conditioning, and will go pedal-to-the-metal, to get there as fast as they can. Expediency is the operative word, for those type of people. Now you know. Hope that helps you, KLR. Sorry you had to take time out of your busy day to scold littlebittymee. Thank mee.

littlebittybobby

1-29-25, 12:01pm

Littlebit, it seems lately that you've entered troll territory, and that's not a safe place to be. I think a detour is in order!
hAl, a detour is in order for people who believe weeniEBikes will compensate for their lack of fitness to ride a bicycle. It won't. How is trying to convince people in earnest NOT to waste money on something that could potentially lead to serious injury, "trolling"? We've been over this before; but I'll say it again: Trolling on my part, by your definition, is saying anything negative about consumeristic lifestyles, where you identify yourself. Pure and simple. A troll, by your definition, is also someone who does NOT passively submit to being gaslighted or bashed by people who are participating in a pile-on. See? Hope that helps you some, hAl.

Alan

1-29-25, 12:36pm

My definition of trolling is intentionally trying to disrupt conversations and upset others, and that is the standard I'll hold you to. As you noted, we've been over this before and I'll remind you of your promise not to disrupt, belittle, intentionally upset or violate the privacy of others.

KayLR

1-29-25, 6:56pm

Usually I don't care much about your faux ignoramus drivel, but when you start making snide, sarcastic, disparaging scenarios and references to the disabled, that gets me fired up.

People living on the autism spectrum have varied abilities. That's why it's called a spectrum. If you know one autistic, you know one autistic. You might want to study up on it. I hope it helps you some.

My grandson handles his e-bike perfectly well, thank you.

jp1

1-30-25, 1:11am

Would you prefer the term, regular bike vs. real bike as a better descriptor? Calling e-bikes is pretty standard but I don't know if there is a common term for human powered bikes. Legacy bikes. Does it matter.

Since retiring I've ridden many thousands of miles mostly on local bike trails. Before that, and when I was younger, I once rode east to west through British Columbia and south to north across Colorado over three mountain passes ("Ride the Rockies"). For years I bike commuted to work about seven mile one way. I've gone through eight or so bicycles that have worn out, become obsolete, or stolen. Some people go to the gym, jog, or play pickle ball. Bicycling has always been my form of fitness. I'm far from any uber athletic, I just have done it a lot and stick to it. I am nudging 70 years old. Age should not be an excuse for an otherwise healthy person. I once stopped to talk with a guy along the trail who was 65 and said he rode a hundred miles (a century) once a month along with his normal fitness routine. He said it had helped reverse a diabetes condition. And much cheaper than Ozempic. I have to say that level of fitness requires some dedication to work up to and it might be beyond me.

My perspective on getting a new bike for some one who has never biked much is this. If a person wants to ride a couple or few miles to the park or store or coffee shop, there's really no reason for an e-bike and about any economy bike is probably the most cost efficient. Most people should be capable of that.

For longer rides, like a cruise of say for example, ten or fifteen miles every week or two in the few warm months of the year, a person will probably find a human bike unpleasant to the rear end and basic fatigue and become discouraged. That's probably a place for an e-bike. Or if there is nearly insurmountably steep terrain.

If a person wants to challenge themselves as a fitness routine a couple or few times a week and doesn't have physical limitations or is adverse to exercise, my advice would be an e-bike as a gateway bike, or the challenge of working out on a human bike. The human bike will probably give a greater pleasure of accomplishment, a better physical work out, and avoids the cost of an e bike (or a gym membership), plus it keeps the eventual e-waste out of a landfill, if that matters these days. Once into a routine, bicycle fitness comes pretty easy after a coupe of weeks, but the breaking in period might be uncomfortable. My community does snow removal on the trails and a person can pretty much bike 8 or 9 months a year.

E-bikes have a place and a person can get a little fresh air, explore, and and a bit of exercise as casual outing. Regular, real or human powered bikes, for whatever name also have a place and with a little conditioning and a routine, a person can get a better aerobic workout, even more fresh air and and still explore, but the fitness doesn't happen overnight. Some people are adverse to physical exercise, but I've always enjoyed sweating a bit and getting the heart rate up and cycling is gentle on the joints and helps a lot of people with knee problems. I once was threated with knee surgery and my PT rehabilitation was on a stationary bike.

I might add that other than my recent purchase, I've always bought quality used bikes off Craig's list or other source. Some people get an idea about bike conditioning, e-bike or regular, and give up quickly, sort of like how New Years resolutions last for may three weeks. So there if a person knows what they want and the right size, there are a large quantity of great garage find bikes that have been collecting dust.

I hate to say this since you seem like a nice person but this post comes off like you're one of the vegans that is all judgy of everyone who isn't.

Rogar

1-30-25, 7:28am

I hate to say this since you seem like a nice person but this post comes off like you're one of the vegans that is all judgy of everyone who isn't.

I'm a little biased about a few things, as most of us are, and we are all unique. I only wanted to explain where I'm coming from and offer my take on advice from 40 years experience. No apologies. You seem like a decent sort, but unnecessarily judgmental. I regret the effort now and really don't care what you eat, but wish you good wishes on your path to good health, what ever that may be. I seem to recall you were edging into some sort of diabetic condition, which some say can be managed with diet and exercise, as the man in my biking example.

My family history makes me genetically predisposed to a few unpleasant health concerns and I try to do the best I can with what I've got. Good health is precious.

I tire of being judged by my lifestyle choices, as I'm sure you do.

littlebittybobby

2-2-25, 6:48pm

okay---well, thank you for your attention! I crave it, don't you know? Anyway, I'm gonna live and let live with this ebike thing; go ahead and buy one just to spite me. Tell ya what----i been looking at old honda 55 trails for sale. They are out there, stored away in garages and sheds, and they come up for sale(see photo). but yeah--it's just like the one the kids down the street got killed on, in the summer o' '64. Yup. I'm real old, and maybe too tired to pedal a REAL bike.(see photo of real bike) 62136214

jp1

2-20-25, 1:29am

I'm a little biased about a few things, as most of us are, and we are all unique. I only wanted to explain where I'm coming from and offer my take on advice from 40 years experience. No apologies. You seem like a decent sort, but unnecessarily judgmental. I regret the effort now and really don't care what you eat, but wish you good wishes on your path to good health, what ever that may be. I seem to recall you were edging into some sort of diabetic condition, which some say can be managed with diet and exercise, as the man in my biking example.

My family history makes me genetically predisposed to a few unpleasant health concerns and I try to do the best I can with what I've got. Good health is precious.

I tire of being judged by my lifestyle choices, as I'm sure you do.

Thank you for the faux concern. I'll continue to enjoy by new bike but I won't share any more about it here since I'm not a fan of being judged about my day to day activities. I'll also continue going out hiking every weekend but I won't share that here anymore either since apparently that isn't "real" exercise in some people's minds.

happystuff

2-20-25, 2:18pm

I'll also continue going out hiking every weekend but I won't share that here anymore either since apparently that isn't "real" exercise in some people's minds.

Have not read the entire thread, but did notice the above. I have enjoyed your hiking pictures and wish/hope you change your mind about sharing, as you have in the past.

Tybee

2-20-25, 6:27pm

I also enjoy reading about your adventures, Jp1!

littlebittybobby

6-10-25, 3:54pm

okay--i don't see anya you kids proudly posting photos of you riding your expensive new EEEEEEEBikes! So what has happened? Did i talk you kids down from the ledge? Thankk mee. Hope thatt helps you some. Yup.

littlebittybobby

6-10-25, 7:46pm

okay---here's some people i observed riding their eeeeebikes down the main street of that littlebitty insignificant town waaaay up north in the middle of nowhere. but yeah--there's a coupla actual hills at each end o' town, but the place is mostly flat(literally & figuratively), so there's no need to exert yourself and break a sweat. But yeah--those people were moving no more than 5 mph, and did not pedal once in the time they passed by. And yeah---they are BIKERS!!! Pretty cool, aren't they?(see photo)6386

outlander

6-24-25, 10:25am

I have a regular bicycle and a 50cc scooter. I ride my bicycle more often. The SYM Mio scooter hits 40 mph and gets 100 mpg. It can carry a bunch of groceries and the floorboard can handle larger and heavier items.

While I like the philosophy of e-bikes, I just can't justify buying one. Here are the reasons:

Scooter can carry way more stuff.
Scooter is faster and has much longer range.
Scooter handles better, brakes harder, and is more stable.
Bicycle is better for health and about as simple and frugal as it gets.
Now the biggest one. If you ride the e-bike often the battery will degrade sooner than later and they are expensive.

And yes, I have ridden several e-bikes to base my comparisons on.

If lithium batteries are ever replaced with a better technology this might change things. And I won't even go into the difficulty of finding a genuine battery replacement when the internet is flooded with fake, shoddy and unsafe options. (This makes it virtually impossible to maintain a smartphone for a longer period of time.)

happystuff

6-24-25, 4:04pm

I would love to get a scooter! But would have to be under 50cc's or I would have to get a motorcycle license. I can see that as one advantage of an e-bike - no additional license required. I would definitely have rear and front baskets on my e-bike - if I ever get one. LOL

littlebittybobby

6-26-25, 12:55am

okay----i have to agree about 49cc scooters. they would be a good little grocery-getter or commuter bike for when you don't want to get sweaty running to the store. So anyway---prolly 20 yeats ago, there were outfits here selling them pretty cheap, and it looked like they were going to catch on, but the demand seems to have leveled off. but yeah---you do see them, but not too often. That, i cannot give you a reason for. May be they wear out too quickly or what?? But yeah---if you look at videos of the street scenes of "developing" countries, the use of 2-wheeled motorized vehicles is VERY prevalent, and none appear to be the "hoggs" Americans prefer.

littlebittybobby

7-9-25, 1:42pm

okay---i wish i had a dashcam in my car, 'cause i saw an EEEEEEEBiker pull a real boner yeasterday. it was an adult punk, no helmet, no nothing, riding full-tilt without pedaling, and made a left turn into the right turn lane(for oncoming traffic)of the intersecting street. A car driver narrowly avoided a collision. But, this is what happens, according to my predicted scenario. Yup. Go ahead and get one anyway, tho. Hope that helps you kids.

littlebittybobby

7-23-25, 12:00pm

okay-----here's another predictable scenario.(see photo)6462 This lady decided she do something cool and touristy. So, yeah---she and her daughter and her lap dog embarked on the annual cross-state bike tour in IWAH(the Meat State), on her EEEEEEEEEBike. But now, halfway through, she's pooped, and needs to bail out. Thing is, I can tell you that what she has is mid-week bonk. All it is. She needsta stop being a weenie, and get on her EEEEEEEEBike, and continue riding. She doesn't need anya them pork chops they are serving along the way, either. Just carbohydrates and gatorade. In a day or two, her strength will suddenly come back. Yup. But you can't tell them that. They will be offended. Hope that helps you some.

Rogar

7-27-25, 9:59pm

I've been biking most o0fn these nice summer days early in the morning before it heats up and can sometimes catch a light grocery run coming home. Small sample size, but I think there are markedly fewer ebikes this year compared to last. Our state was offering some ebike rebate incentives and I think they may have lost federal funding for the program, but it's being discontinued. It was very popular, but one cutback that made sense to me. I've wondered mostly if the newness of the ebikes is wearing off and a lot are hanging in garages collecting dust. Part of the reasoning behind the rebate program seemed to be a reduction in green house emissions with people running errands and commuting on them instead of driging. I see a few commuters but I think they are mostly just used for recreation.

What ever the case it has seemed to get a few more people out enjoying the outdoors and a little exercise.

littlebittybobby

7-28-25, 1:12am

okay----so this year, i see that a guy, age 62, from Ca., travelled all the way ta IWAH, the Meat State, to ride the annual cross-state bike ride. It is not a race. So anyway----he collapsed on day one, and barely survived because a cop carried a defibrillator in his cop car. From his hospital bed he gives thanks to those who helped save his life. He then received a quad bypass and a pacemaker. He says he wasn't really "pushing it" when he collapsed; he was just tooling along on his EBike in Northern IWAH, the flat part o' the state, due ta the glacier(s) from thousands of years ago. But yeah---I guess he musta thought it won't be no problem; i can do 'er with my EBike in flat IWAH. Yup. His boy in Texcess claims his Dads in great shape--he rides like 500 miles a week. (see photo) But I guess not; What a crock; some people love deviating from the truth.6467

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