What in the world is an electric bike?

CycleBabe · 03-02-2008, 06:32 AM

Haha, I saw this forum section and had to google it. So just in case anyone else suffers the same "eh?" moment as I did...

Well, it's a bike with an *insert drum roll here* electric motor! TaDa!!!! lol

But seriously, hey this might be kind of cool, it looks like certain higher end "commute" ones can get up to 70mph. Others can power themselves around 15mph, and give peddling assist up to 18mph.

Seem to run around 2k for the lower end ones. Pretty nifty if you work or go shopping within just a couple miles of your home! I live in a place where everything is just "barely" out of walking distance, so this could be a serious benefit for me.

bikerbaby · 03-02-2008, 08:14 AM

Thanks for the info...I was wondering that myself. I wonder if it's strictly for town/city riding. Nothing too challenging or long distance. It sounds worthwhile compared to gas prices for the car. I need to go look up the cost...and a picture...I keep picturing those things that are advertised to senior citizens. lol

CycleBabe · 03-03-2008, 09:19 PM

I would only use it for town/city riding. I could be wrong, but I wouldn't consider an electric motor to be a good choice for anything but flat cemented roads. Rough terrain would just seem like too much for it to take on.
I liked this site about them, it's where I got most of the information I shared.
http://www.electric-bikes.com/

HLancaster · 03-10-2008, 04:10 PM

THis sounds like something my 9 year old would be interested in. . . especially the 70 MPH part (no way!!) Is this defeating the purpose of sport? Or do you just throw this in the category of throwing away maps for a GPS?

CycleBabe · 03-11-2008, 02:40 AM

The 70 mph part isn't to defeat the purpose of sport, it's to make a viable commute option. If you go look at THOSE bikes they are completely enclosed and not meant for anything else.

Spring101 · 03-12-2008, 03:23 AM

I have a friend that has an electric bike and it's cool. Who know's, maybe I will upgrade to an electric bike. LOL!

marypedal · 03-14-2008, 06:53 PM

Okay, Am I missing the point? Is this for the totally adventerous commuter that has an environmental agenda? WOW! Sounds like the college campuses around the world would be full of them

jimonroad · 03-14-2008, 07:03 PM

Look all about Europe and Asia. It makes sense when gasoline has been over $4.00 for decades. Biking . . . an environmental, health-conscience, frugal way to go.

caseyupstate · 03-14-2008, 10:25 PM

I road one for 5 years in Malaysia. It's not just environmental, frugal. . . in some places you can;t get two feet with out hitting a car or pedestiran. I liked the versatility of turning the electric on to do the work!