I just got an electric bike! Maybe you want one, too...

7elizamae
7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Last weekend, I bought an electric bike. All week, I commuted to work. My ride to work is 8.5 miles each way, and took me about 40 minutes. So, I'm getting 80 minutes of exercise each day and it was FUN.

I'm just posting this to encourage some of you to consider one of these bikes. (I'm not selling anything!)

The key thing about the electric bike is you can make it as hard as you want it to be. If you want a big workout, just leave the pedal assist off. If you don't want to work up a sweat or you're just tired, turn the pedal assist up. If a giant hill is on your route, trust me, it doesn't even feel like a hill if you turn on the highest level of pedal assist.

The best thing about my bike is the throttle. I use it when starting up again after stopping at an intersection or slowing for pedestrians.

In the morning, I use more help from the bike. After work, I want to work a little harder, so I have that option.

If you're looking for a new way to exercise, a ebike might be for you!
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Replies

  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Glad you like yours!
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    I love it! And I think it could be a great way for people on here to automatically exercise every day. So, I thought I'd post. But, maybe everyone thinks I'm nuts. :)
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    TimothyFish wrote: »
    I think eBikes have their place for people such as yourself who don't ride very far or very fast but for me one of the reasons I like bicycles is because I don't have to plug them in or refuel them. If I want to go somewhere I can just get on one and go.

    I get it -- they aren't what everyone wants. But it just takes a second for me to plug mine in. And it's just so fun! I love that I can make it as hard or easy as I want. I'm not tough enough to be a real bike commuter in our city with so many giant hills.
  • mph323
    mph323 Posts: 3,565 Member
    My husband has one and has a lot of fun with it! It's pretty heavy so peddling without the assist is a workout, and having the motor lets him do some hills with me without hurting his back. Plus he's in love with all things gadget...
  • MsChewMe
    MsChewMe Posts: 130 Member
    Which one did you get?

    My husband just got a new one (sondors) and I took it out for a spin. We have a ton of dirt hilly trails where we live. I was going back up a hill, super steep and very slippery, and I needed to get off and push. The bike is sort of heavy and hard to push, so I used the throttle to help me push me up the hill. It was fun and I got a small workout but I still like my old trail bike. I like riding for exercise. If I was using a bike to get to work maybe an electric bike would make perfect sense.
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    edited October 2017
    I have a RadCity from RadPower Bikes. I'm mostly using it for commuting. I live in a city with a very decent multi-use paved trail that is near my house and gets me close to work. And yes, the bike is very heavy -- 60 pounds. When I turn off all the assist, it's a real workout to pedal, even on a level path. But today, I did about 20 miles for fun and loved every minute of it! The pedal assist feature keeps me plugging along, even up the hills.

    I think this is a great option for someone who wants to be active and outdoors but isn't some kind of serious athlete.
  • robertw486
    robertw486 Posts: 2,399 Member
    It seems like commuting might be a great use for an electric. What kind of range do you think you might get with yours?
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    robertw486 wrote: »
    It seems like commuting might be a great use for an electric. What kind of range do you think you might get with yours?

    Mine has a 20 - 30 mile range, depending on how you use the battery. I came back from my 20 mile ride yesterday and still had plenty of juice. I only really use level 1 pedal assist most of the time (which feels great and makes the ride fast and fun!). I save the throttle and higher pedal assist levels for hills. So, I'm getting lots out of each battery charge.

    I'm definitely getting my heart rate up and feeling some burn in my legs, but I'm not dripping with sweat or in agony climbing the hills. It's just right for me.
  • mom23mangos
    mom23mangos Posts: 3,069 Member
    I had debated about getting one as my commute is almost exactly what yours is, but it takes me the same amount of time with my basic commuter non-electric bike. I was thinking it would halve that time. Of course it's relatively flat, with just 3-4 hills.
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    Interested in this discussion, since my wife is not a cyclist, but likes to join outings with my training group. We have a mix of strong cyclists and newbies among our group of friends. What I'm hoping is that an electric bike would allow my wife and others to join some of the social rides, say 30-40miles, where we are not riding aggressively or over hilly terrain. I'm thinking that she could pedal along for most of the ride, but use the battery power to support her as she fatigues.

    Is this a realistic expectation for an electric bike, say 30-50 miles over flat terrain?
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    Djproulx wrote: »
    Interested in this discussion, since my wife is not a cyclist, but likes to join outings with my training group. We have a mix of strong cyclists and newbies among our group of friends. What I'm hoping is that an electric bike would allow my wife and others to join some of the social rides, say 30-40miles, where we are not riding aggressively or over hilly terrain. I'm thinking that she could pedal along for most of the ride, but use the battery power to support her as she fatigues.

    Is this a realistic expectation for an electric bike, say 30-50 miles over flat terrain?

    I think so. Check on the RadPower Bikes website. The 20 miles per charge assumes the rider is using power the whole time, I believe. I rode 20 yesterday with only level 1 power most of the time and had about a half charge left when I got home.

    Okay, I checked for you! Here's what I found:
    The high capacity 48 volt battery will propel you at full speed for 20-25 miles or much further at a slightly reduced speeds. There are many variables that effect exactly how far you will be able to travel on a single charge like wind, hills, payload, and speed. We get an average range of 30 miles in commute/urban environments and 20 miles with really heavy loads and steep hills.

    So, I guess the answer is, it depends. Don't know if that's helpful or not. I can say that it is definitely a LOT of fun and a decent workout. :) Can't believe how much I'm enjoying my commute -- even in the dark and the rain. :)
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    edited October 2017
    mom23mangos wrote: »
    I had debated about getting one as my commute is almost exactly what yours is, but it takes me the same amount of time with my basic commuter non-electric bike. I was thinking it would halve that time. Of course it's relatively flat, with just 3-4 hills.

    Well, bear in mind that I am very cautious, and my morning commute is in the dark. I'm certainly not going for speed -- I just want to get there safely, get some exercise, and enjoy being outdoors. My average mph is about 14. I have several long, steepish hills that slow things down, as well as some dark stretches where I really take it easy.
  • Djproulx
    Djproulx Posts: 3,084 Member
    7elizamae wrote: »
    Djproulx wrote: »
    Interested in this discussion, since my wife is not a cyclist, but likes to join outings with my training group. We have a mix of strong cyclists and newbies among our group of friends. What I'm hoping is that an electric bike would allow my wife and others to join some of the social rides, say 30-40miles, where we are not riding aggressively or over hilly terrain. I'm thinking that she could pedal along for most of the ride, but use the battery power to support her as she fatigues.

    Is this a realistic expectation for an electric bike, say 30-50 miles over flat terrain?

    I think so. Check on the RadPower Bikes website. The 20 miles per charge assumes the rider is using power the whole time, I believe. I rode 20 yesterday with only level 1 power most of the time and had about a half charge left when I got home.

    Okay, I checked for you! Here's what I found:
    The high capacity 48 volt battery will propel you at full speed for 20-25 miles or much further at a slightly reduced speeds. There are many variables that effect exactly how far you will be able to travel on a single charge like wind, hills, payload, and speed. We get an average range of 30 miles in commute/urban environments and 20 miles with really heavy loads and steep hills.

    So, I guess the answer is, it depends. Don't know if that's helpful or not. I can say that it is definitely a LOT of fun and a decent workout. :) Can't believe how much I'm enjoying my commute -- even in the dark and the rain. :)

    Thanks. You've piqued my interest. I'll check it out. Enjoy your new ride!!
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    If I'm honest I have to admit that I hate e-bikes but that is largely a function of the way a few idiots ride them (much the same as motorists hate cyclists because of the actions of a few dummies) and the fact that, with the exception of people who may have some health limitations, they are a solution in search of a problem.

    And now that there are e-bike that are virtually indistinguishable from road bikes I can see race organizers having to scrutinize bikes more closely to catch cheaters (yes, there are amateur age groupers who cheat...).

    :) I knew there'd be one in the crowd. I don't mind. Everyone has different goals.

    For me, the ebike is a solution to the problem of biking in my very, very hilly city (Seattle). With this bike, I get as sweaty as I want. I get a boost up my massive hills. I still get a workout. I have fun. I see the sunrise, the fall leaves, and get out of my car. I love it!

    I'm glad you like your regular bike, too.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    I thought you might be talking about Seattle. I couldn't remember for sure what the name of that eBike sure in Ballard was but it sounded familiar.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    TimothyFish wrote: »
    I think eBikes have their place for people such as yourself who don't ride very far or very fast but for me one of the reasons I like bicycles is because I don't have to plug them in or refuel them. If I want to go somewhere I can just get on one and go.

    I have what you'd call a traditional road bike, but with Di2 (electronic shifting), which is wonderful. I have to change my groupset every 600 miles or so, or it'll become a single speed 34x16. I don't mind.

    I also live in hilly Seattle. Rode up and down Queen Anne last night for the scenery. Probably gain about 50' per mile on average riding around town.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    TimothyFish wrote: »
    I think eBikes have their place for people such as yourself who don't ride very far or very fast but for me one of the reasons I like bicycles is because I don't have to plug them in or refuel them. If I want to go somewhere I can just get on one and go.

    I have what you'd call a traditional road bike, but with Di2 (electronic shifting), which is wonderful. I have to change my groupset every 600 miles or so, or it'll become a single speed 34x16. I don't mind.

    I also live in hilly Seattle. Rode up and down Queen Anne last night for the scenery. Probably gain about 50' per mile on average riding around town.

    LOL I hope you meant charge your groupset!
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Oops yeah. Charge not change. Even human powered bikes aren't immune anymore!
  • mimc66
    mimc66 Posts: 33 Member
    I really like the idea of ebikes (good to commute, haul the kids and groceries, etc) and probably a good stepping stone to get people into proper cycling. My concern is the lack of infrastructure to support them and the ability for people to ride way over their skill levels. No safe bike lanes for me to commute and I would not want my kids on the back on many of the 45-55mph roads I normally ride my road bike. I see full suspension e-mtb and makes me wonder if some 50yr old who has not mtb is going to manage to make it up a mountain with e-assist (and little skill) only to be devastated when he finds himself flying over the bars on the down side.
  • TimothyFish
    TimothyFish Posts: 4,925 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    TimothyFish wrote: »
    I think eBikes have their place for people such as yourself who don't ride very far or very fast but for me one of the reasons I like bicycles is because I don't have to plug them in or refuel them. If I want to go somewhere I can just get on one and go.

    I have what you'd call a traditional road bike, but with Di2 (electronic shifting), which is wonderful. I have to change my groupset every 600 miles or so, or it'll become a single speed 34x16. I don't mind.

    I also live in hilly Seattle. Rode up and down Queen Anne last night for the scenery. Probably gain about 50' per mile on average riding around town.

    I test rode a bicycle with Di2 when I was looking for a new bike. It was a nice setup but I ended up buying a more expensive bicycle without Di2. It seemed to confirm my decision was right when I ran into some guys out for a group ride. They were making several stops and waiting for another guy who was having trouble keeping up because the batteries were dead.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Where do you ride it, @7elizamae? What's your favorite route? Have you taken the bike path through Myrtle Edwards Park?
  • MsChewMe
    MsChewMe Posts: 130 Member
    Packerjohn wrote: »
    7elizamae wrote: »
    So, I'm getting 80 minutes of exercise each day and it was FUN.

    That's great, but if you're tracking calories, remember you're not going to be burning near as many as with a regular bike.

    This was fun!
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    NorthCascades wrote: »
    Where do you ride it, @7elizamae? What's your favorite route? Have you taken the bike path through Myrtle Edwards Park?

    So far, I'm mostly commuting. I'm lucky enough to be near the Burke-Gilman trail, so most of my ride is on the trail out of traffic.

    It's DARK in the mornings, although I get the beginnings of the early sunrise and some stars when it's clear. It is SO beautiful. After work, I see the mountains, go along the Fremont canal, Lake Union, pass through UW, and uphill to my house. I love it! I come home sweaty, but not exhausted.

    I didn't even know there was a bike bath through Myrtle Edwards Park, so I'll have to try it! I thought the park just ended there by the sculptures. Thanks for the tip. It would be fun to ride downtown on a Sunday morning one of these weeks.
  • 7elizamae
    7elizamae Posts: 758 Member
    mimc66 wrote: »
    I really like the idea of ebikes (good to commute, haul the kids and groceries, etc) and probably a good stepping stone to get people into proper cycling. My concern is the lack of infrastructure to support them and the ability for people to ride way over their skill levels. No safe bike lanes for me to commute and I would not want my kids on the back on many of the 45-55mph roads I normally ride my road bike. I see full suspension e-mtb and makes me wonder if some 50yr old who has not mtb is going to manage to make it up a mountain with e-assist (and little skill) only to be devastated when he finds himself flying over the bars on the down side.

    You'd laugh at me if you saw how cautious I am. I'll never ride it on a mountain and I have no wish to be hit by a car. The biggest danger seems to be other cyclists. I keep my eyes peeled for cyclists FLYING along in the dark with no lights. They are out there every morning. I don't know what they're thinking.
  • NorthCascades
    NorthCascades Posts: 10,968 Member
    Get a bright headlight and a bright tail light too. At least the ninjas will see you, even if you can't see them.

    Definitely check out the trail through Myrtle Edwards, it starts at the sculpture garden and ends near Dravus, but there's another exit to Queen Anne. The trail runs by the water, it's very nice, especially on a sunny day. (Today will be the last sunny day for a while.). Maybe it's a bit out of your way, but worth the side trip.

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