has anyone got an E-MTB?

They should really be classified as mopeds end of. But thats for another day.

My friend has one of the G-Tech pedal assist bikes as he is not well enough to cycle like he used to due to a blood disorder. This helps him out and about.

The issue I have with it is that you can end up fighting with the brakes as you place your feet in the optimum position but at the same time setting off the senors that start up the motor. Other than that, it does take a bit of getting used to.

But thats just one bike among many and at £850 with the Gates belt drive system its actually reasonable value.
 
I tried one at the Malverns with a mate, we both went out on Saracens - him the FS and me a hard tail.
To be honest we were pleasantly surprised. You still get a good work out on the hills (we took them for a couple of laps of the XC course) as the assistance is only as good as what you put in pedalling. You can certainly feel the extra weight downhill, especially on the singletrack and drop offs but they were still fun. Would I consider one? At present no, but as I get older and especially if my knees continue to give me problems then maybe. At present I think they are way too heavy and there are too many worries for me over battery longevity and reliability.

Also, if it gets more people into cycling then isn't that a good thing.

Have to say though I was smitten with the 6 grands worth of Cannondale Scalpel Si I also took out, that thing weighed less than the battery alone on an e-bike and absolutely flew :)
 
I might wait as in the link I provided they mentioned over the next few years we might get them down to 30-35lbs with smaller batteries. and lighterweight shimano motor.
 
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I have one and absolutely love it. Nothing makes me happier than getting out on it. Rain, wind, snow, sludge.....I really don't care as the bike makes every aspect of riding 3 times the fun. i can get a good 4 hour yorkshire dales ride in on it if I am mindful of how high I run it. All the local rides seem new again as you can comfortably do them in reverse without worrying about impossible climbs etc.
I wasn't born with shoes on my feet but I have a pair and they make my day so much better in so many ways. The same goes for my e bike so whats there to worry about? I'm not racing on it, i'm not cheating myself or anybody else, I am having loads more fun than I have had in years and that sits very well with me.
A Gtech is a nifty/cheap, fun get about. It is a long way from being a mountain bike so hard to compare the two. A proper e mtb is an absolute world apart, within a few rides it just feels like an extension of yourself. The difficult bit is your other bikes tend to take a back seat buy hey ho!
 
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Keep an eye on Fazua motors. Its a road product at present but it could be interesting if it found its way onto mtb's as it packs half the power but weighs in at a fraction of the weight and the motor and battery can be removed and the bike ride as a normal machine. It could be good for the person who wants a light bike and a bit less from the motor.....If it ever finds its way into the mud that is.
 
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