Getting a bit more mobile...

[felix2]

Hi, I've just introduced myself briefly in the "Introduce yourself" bit...

Any advice or tips would be very much appreciated. I used to do a lot of cycling for years, and quite strictly as an amateur would go for 10-mile rides more days than not, and wouldn't usually let anyone else on a bike overtake me unless they were wearing lycra! Unfortunately though I've been very ill with M.E. (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) for longer than I like to think about... A particularly potent form of glandular fever, with various complications...

Anyway, I am thankfully now recovering - slowly but steadily. One of the main problems still is that I'm not as mobile as I'd like to be. I can walk a mile or so on a good day, but that's about it and I run out of energy. Anything much more energetic and I run out of energy far faster. And I don't feel I've quite got the concentration all the time yet (or the money) to get back to driving.

Ideally I'd like to be able to travel a few miles (say up to 10) independently. I know that it's often said that people with disability / mobility problems are often disappointed with electric bikes because for many people they're not the right thing for the job, but if it's something that could help me to gradually build up my stamina too (and not only help get me moving from A to B* but also get me moving a bit more), it could be a double bonus.
[* useful magazine / website!]

I know the only thing for it is to try one - I might find it no use at all to me, ... or it might be exactly what I need! The only shop locally (Felixstowe) that seems to sell e-bikes is a Powabyke stockist - I've had a chat with them and they're happy to let me try one (6-speed Euro) on a short run if I let them know to charge the battery.

I suppose the main thing I need is reliable power (not particularly speed), in case I'm already worn out and need the bike itself to take me up a (moderate) hill. (Lighter would obviously be better too.) Based on that, the main contenders in my price range (as cheap as possible! - or perhaps even second hand) seem to be the Powabyke (around £650) or an Izip / Currie (also = the Meerkat available from Tesco Direct etc?) (around £350-£400). Is the one that's twice the price twice as good? (It would have support from a local shop.) What else do I need to think about, and any other models I should be looking at, before/after I try a test ride? Thank you.

 

[flecc]

In your position I'd definitely say the Powabyke, since it exactly fits what you've said, not particularly a speed machine but an excellent general performer and climber which can carry you without pedalling anywhere in your territory if needed. The six speed Euro would be fine there, quite enough gears for anything you might meet.

The Izips/Meercat are also heavy, but not as powerful, though a reasonable turn of speed. Despite the local shop for the Izip, Powabyke support from the company and their dealers is generally better, and probably a benchmark in this industry.

In fact in your fairly flat area, nearly all e-bikes with independent throttle control would be ok, since you'd be able to stop pedalling at any time if necessary, though to be certain, it's best to stick to the more powerful models.

 

[fishingpaul]

I agree with flecc, i would go for a second hand powabyke they usually sell for less than half the new price even when hardly used,they are often available on ebay.

 

[felix2]

Hi, thank you both for your replies. I've been a bit too busy to do anything this week, but will hopefully arrange to try the Powabyke next week. I don't think I'd attempt Felixstowe's steepest hill (the descriptively named Bent Hill, the sign warns it's 14% up the "cliff"), or even the slightly gentler one next to it (ironically called Convalescent Hill), but there are a couple of other slopes where I might sometimes need to rely on the motor...

If I do get on with the Powabyke, and am feeling a bit flush this month, I notice their website often offers vouchers of up to around £100 off certain models, does that mean there's room for a bit of negotiation?! Else I may keep an eye on second hand too.

 

[flecc]

Yes, worth asking for a discount, or there are good second hand ones about.

Don't worry about that 14%, it's routine where I am and I live half way up a 14%. A Powabyke with a bit of pedalling from you as well will handle that ok.
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