New to electric bikes, what to buy???

[optimistic12]

Hi all, I am new to the market for an electric bike. I am mid 40's, 70 + kilos and desperately unfit!! I have been researching buying an ordinary pedal bike, probably touring bike, but when talking with a friend recently, he advised buying an electric bike. My queries are as follows:
I live in rural Ireland where the road surfaces are not great. How do e bikes hold up with electrical issues on rougher surfaces?
My work is a 22 miles trip each way, which I would like to cycle (eventually) Is 22 miles of relatively level road acceptable for e bikes? This is probably a difficult question to answer, but how long could I expect it to take? I am not sure if I would tackle this with an ordinary pedal bike
We live 3 miles from our local town and would like to collect my daughter from school some days in a bike trailer or one of the bike carriage where I could take more than one child (small children) How do e bikes cope with pulling bike trailers?
I am not that technical, how much riding can one expect to get from an e bike reasonably trouble free? How long could I expect to get from the battery in real life (not sales pitch)?
How reliable are e bikes in general?
From reading posts here, disc brakes would be recommended.
Would hub gears be more trouble free?
I have briefly looked at Kalkhoff and was impressed on initial impressions. I did not really like the derailleur gears and non disc brakes, but very comfortable otherwise.
Or am I just being lazy and should I drop the e bike thing and just get fit!!!!
Thanks for any advice you can give or direct me to.It will be really appreciated.

 

[indalo]

Hi Optimistic12 and welcome to Pedelecs.

Can I just say that a 44 mile round trip is not only a big ask for an electrically-assisted bike but is a taxing ride for even the fittest among us. That is not to say it can't be done but I'll leave the practicalities of such a commute to those members here with experience of regular commuting by bike.

Make no mistake though; there are a few ebikes which can manage the kind of mileage you require so there's no need to be put off purely by battery limitations. If you were suggesting that you'd like to undertake occasional leisure rides of 40+ miles, I'd have no hesitation in recommending electric bikes. Given that you wish to commute to work and knowing that the weather isn't always kind on the emerald isle, I'd think very seriously before committing to that kind of mileage before and after a day's work.

Perhaps other forum members will be more inspiring than me but the kind of undertaking you propose is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

All the best,
Indalo

 

[flecc]

I think it a bit tough too, partly because on a legal bike it's likely to take at least one and a half hours each way, given the assistance is only to 15 mph.

As Indalo says, there are some e-bikes capable of doing the two way journey on a single charge, and many more if you charged at both ends. I think it more a question of your endurance than the bike's, particularly when the weather is against you, for example wet, cold, strong headwinds etc.

If you are sure you are up to it personally, then by all means it can be done, but make sure the bike you choose is up to it since about 11,000 miles a year is tough on an e-bike.

 

[JuicyBike]

22 miles each way is a big commute! But not unheard-of.

One thing to be cautious about are the claims made by manufacturers about their battery range.
There is a great tendency, unfortunately, to quote from the upper range - the top 5% of the most fit riders!

So be realistic in your expectations of what any battery can provide. Then plan to only regularly use 50% of that range. If you stick to regularly keeping the battery between 50 - 95% charged then it will give you its best longevity.

I would expect 30 miles from a 10AH 36V 250W combination, as a reasonable expectation from an average human, 50 miles from a 16AH variant battery on the same set-up.

Bikeworld, Dublin have a good range of electric bikes.

 

[optimistic12]

Thanks guys. I am a little concerned re the distance, thinking it is a tad to far. My work is part time so the cycle is not ever day, between 2 and 3 shifts a week. Neither would I take it on bad days, (of which we are getting plenty this year ) I will research some more and any more comments people feel led to add, it is much appreciated. Thanks again.

 

[benjy_a]

Thanks guys. I am a little concerned re the distance, thinking it is a tad to far. My work is part time so the cycle is not ever day, between 2 and 3 shifts a week. Neither would I take it on bad days, (of which we are getting plenty this year ) I will research some more and any more comments people feel led to add, it is much appreciated. Thanks again.

I think its perfectly feasable to do this a few times a week, especially if you have other transport available if you don't feel like it if the weather is terrible. My commute takes me an hour and a half each way, mixed rail and cycling, 14 miles each way on my electric Brompton. If I could cycle it in an hour and a half I would without hesitation. Plus you'll get all that exercise built into your day...win win.

Any reasonable ebike will do the job...buy a second charger to keep at work so less to carry.

Ben

 

[Goryl]

I think its perfectly feasable to do this a few times a week, especially if you have other transport available if you don't feel like it if the weather is terrible. My commute takes me an hour and a half each way, mixed rail and cycling, 14 miles each way on my electric Brompton. If I could cycle it in an hour and a half I would without hesitation. Plus you'll get all that exercise built into your day...win win.

Any reasonable ebike will do the job...buy a second charger to keep at work so less to carry.

Ben

I completely agree. I commute 2-4 times/week (18.5 miles each way). I charge at work to avoid deep discharge. From door to door, it takes around 1H15 minutes (Including taking the bike down/up the stairs). I really enjoy it! For me it is really easy to get the motivation but I guess that it is really going to depend on whether you like it or not. I keep track of how much money I save with it which add to the motivation

I do not know if it is possible where you live, but you could try to rent an electric bike and try the road to work with it.

Hope it helps!

Goryl

 

[yselmike]

40 miles 2-3 days a week will not be a problem it will get you fit but on a bike that cuts out at 15mph it may annoy you.
The wind sucks the life from your battery so an extra charger at work is a must ,as long as you are not in a rush to get to work and back go for it.

 

[optimistic12]

thanks guys. I appreciate the comments on time taken and factors that affect longer trips and obviously the effect of wind etc. I do have other transport, but would like the option of getting "fitter" while going to work. I can hire one make of bike, a Kalkhoff for 30 euros per day. So will look at that option. In makes, are there any preferences, or is it go for what feels right for me? Are drop handelbars an option on elecric bikes, or a no no? Thanks again.

 

[flecc]

Go with what feels right optimistic12, that's the most important thing when riding for long periods.

Drop handlebars are a rarity on e-bikes, simply because they are only really useful for larger inputs of effort. Only an e-bike with minimal assist power would be suited to them, and you'll have noticed that many a drop handlebar rider uses the upper part of the bars when cruising in less challenging circumstances. Although drops reduce the wind resistance, this factor isn't too large at e-biking assist speeds unless there's headwinds as well.

 

[l_fe]

How to buy a pedelec

Go with what feels right optimistic12, that's the most important thing when riding for long periods.

Drop handlebars are a rarity on e-bikes, simply because they are only really useful for larger inputs of effort. Only an e-bike with minimal assist power would be suited to them, and you'll have noticed that many a drop handlebar rider uses the upper part of the bars when cruising in less challenging circumstances. Although drops reduce the wind resistance, this factor isn't too large at e-biking assist speeds unless there's headwinds as well.

Hi,

first of all, congratulations. I think it is great, that you muster the will power to get back into exercising and look to make an informed decision.
Nowadays there are so many different pedelecs out there, that it is really important to see what you need before making a decision.
Your case seems to be quite specific: the long commute would speak for a speed pedelec (up to 45 mph), but as you also want to pull your kid along this is not an option as a carrier is illegal on those.
The long distance on not too smooth roads also calls for a solution with a big battery or maybe two as well as for a sturdy and rather comfortable bike. Especially on longer rides it can help to have handlebars that allow you to change position from time to time. While a touring handlebar might be a bit too much, handlebars with quick release to change the angle easily might be of use to you.
There are quite a few of these pedelecs out there. Kalkhoff usually is a good option with long range. Another thing to look into is Giant. They have a model that comes with two battery packs.
In any case do ask or better try if a carrier or seat for kids can be attached as this is sometimes not the case.
Also ask for a testride or maybe even a longer period to see if you like the bike. At least try to make the commute on the favourite and see how it feels in real life...

Hope this helps!

 

[optimistic12]

Thanks all. I appreciate the encouragement to keep moving in the direction I am. Will research the bikes available here. Guess I am better and it is safer to get one that can be serviced reasonably locally? Kalkhaff is available locally and Wisper manageable. Will check out Giant as referred above.when hauling kids, I would obviously be going slower I would def be wanting a test ride for a week or so. Thanks again.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Optimistic12,

I understand your concern about range.

I am certain an eZee bike with the optional upgrade to a 20Ah battery would cover the distance you are talking about and have reserve capacity to spare.

There is even the option of a dual battery configuration which would give a massive 34 Ah capacity.

You can see the full range of eZee bikes here electric bikes and conversion kits - Home

 

[Smartebike]

Electric Bikes to get Fit Again

Hi Optimistic 12

Looks like you have some good advice on this site.

I'm a Personal Trainer in the Uk with links to the electric bike community as I specialise in helping people get back to fitness.

My advice is hat you should set some smaller distance goals with your electric cycling and build up to the long distance commuting.

By getting into place a steady, regular electric cycling routine and going a little further each week you will notice improvements after 3-4 weeks - but make sure you are eating right!

There are a few manufacturers out there that do great value, reliable electric bkes with the power you need to cycle over the hills and through the wind and rain. You wouldnt't ned to spend over £800 for a solid MTB style ebike with 40+ mile range.

Most important thing though is eating the right foods and hydration if you are motivated to get back to fitness.

Wishing you the best of luck and happy to answer any questions.

Regards

Andre

Hi all, I am new to the market for an electric bike. I am mid 40's, 70 + kilos and desperately unfit!! I have been researching buying an ordinary pedal bike, probably touring bike, but when talking with a friend recently, he advised buying an electric bike. My queries are as follows:
I live in rural Ireland where the road surfaces are not great. How do e bikes hold up with electrical issues on rougher surfaces?
My work is a 22 miles trip each way, which I would like to cycle (eventually) Is 22 miles of relatively level road acceptable for e bikes? This is probably a difficult question to answer, but how long could I expect it to take? I am not sure if I would tackle this with an ordinary pedal bike
We live 3 miles from our local town and would like to collect my daughter from school some days in a bike trailer or one of the bike carriage where I could take more than one child (small children) How do e bikes cope with pulling bike trailers?
I am not that technical, how much riding can one expect to get from an e bike reasonably trouble free? How long could I expect to get from the battery in real life (not sales pitch)?
How reliable are e bikes in general?
From reading posts here, disc brakes would be recommended.
Would hub gears be more trouble free?
I have briefly looked at Kalkhoff and was impressed on initial impressions. I did not really like the derailleur gears and non disc brakes, but very comfortable otherwise.
Or am I just being lazy and should I drop the e bike thing and just get fit!!!!
Thanks for any advice you can give or direct me to.It will be really appreciated.