Neither a bicycle nor a motorcycle

[mk one]

Agree with some of the above posts, there are plenty of Pro riders and normal fit riders who choose to use ebikes, not because they can not pedal a normal bike but because it is fun. Also you do not need a license or insurance to drive a car or motorbike, which plenty do without either.

To implement a policy of insurance, licenses etc would be too big of a financial strain with out much in return, the future is surely more bikes on the congested polluted roads.

I do like the idea mentioned about an idiot test, though i am a bit worried to be honest

 

[FluffyChicken]

Idiot Test

Q1 Do you like buying old bike parts, talking about old bike stuff?

Q2
a) Do you buy old, slightly warn, parts when a new version costs the same, because 'It looks the part'?
b) Do you spend money on old parts that are a dead end because they are just 'interesting'?

Q3 Would you happily bomb down a mountain, through rocks and ruts on 30 year old thin magnesium suspension forks?

 

[Mickeyspinn]

Idiot Test

Q1 Do you like buying old bike parts, talking about old bike stuff?

Q2
a) Do you buy old, slightly warn, parts when a new version costs the same, because 'I looks the part'?
b) Do you spend money on old parts that are a dead end because they are just 'interesting'?

Q3 Would you happily bomb down a mountain, through rocks and ruts on 30 year old thin magnesium suspension forks?

I got yes to all three....
Does that mean I've passed
And I've got an electric bicycle..so can I have my doctorate in idiocy framed pleased?

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

I got yes to all three....
Does that mean I've passed
And I've got an electric bicycle..so can I have my doctorate in idiocy framed pleased?

Me too

 

[Imlach]

Don't really get the hate towards ebikes, surely we have more crucial things to direct our inner most bitter feelings toward?

I can't keep 15mph going and I don't ride an ebike, and I probably wouldn't even if I had the financial outlay for one, just because I would feel, on a personal level, like I'm letting myself down. Also knowing myself, I'd get too comfortable on one and not push myself.

But what's the problem with them? I meet ebike commuters daily, many of them younger folks with kids, and it's an easy way to go from work, pickup the kids, go home and make a delicious spagbol on the overheating lithium battery

I'd prefer to have a go at other two wheeled cultures, such as moped owners who I'd happily impale at the stake.

 

[grey-beard]

Idiot Test

Q1 Do you like buying old bike parts, talking about old bike stuff?

Q2
a) Do you buy old, slightly warn, parts when a new version costs the same, because 'It looks the part'?
b) Do you spend money on old parts that are a dead end because they are just 'interesting'?

Q3 Would you happily bomb down a mountain, through rocks and ruts on 30 year old thin magnesium suspension forks?

If you answered yes to all of these, congratulations, you're an idiot!

 

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

If you answered yes to all of these, congratulations, you're an idiot!

Sad but true GB.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Follow up article:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/88q...problem-that-cant-be-solved-with-more-e-bikes

 

[albash82]

I done a home made ebike. Chinese rear wheel drive kit. Voilamart 1000w
I sold my car in February and was waiting for a cheap replacement to fall into my lap, which it eventually did, but anyway...
The ebike is an amazing way for me to commute to work, which is 25mins in a car, just over an hour on my normal bike and pretty hilly, or, 32 mins on this ebike.
It means my commuting costs, apart from the purchase of the ebike kit (would've been about £430 including battery), are the charge of a battery, which my mate reckoned is about 20 pence...
It also means I can save that money, as well as get some fresh air on the way to work, AND the added bonus of being home for my 2 year olds bath/bedtime... Which I'd miss out on using a normal bike.
Alright, it's not quite legit, but when I ride the cyclepath, I stick to normal bike speeds in the dog walker zone, then I'm out on quiet country roads for the majority of it.
Bloody love it, I'm enjoying the novelty of car ownership again, but aim to do more than half my commute on the bike.... We'll have to see how that goes in winter
The only downside is I'm not really getting decent exercise, apart from up hills, when I'm assisting the motor, which I find amusing. It's pedal assist, but I'm assisting it !

 

[grey-beard]

I done a home made ebike. Chinese rear wheel drive kit. Voilamart 1000w
I sold my car in February and was waiting for a cheap replacement to fall into my lap, which it eventually did, but anyway...
The ebike is an amazing way for me to commute to work, which is 25mins in a car, just over an hour on my normal bike and pretty hilly, or, 32 mins on this ebike.
It means my commuting costs, apart from the purchase of the ebike kit (would've been about £430 including battery), are the charge of a battery, which my mate reckoned is about 20 pence...
It also means I can save that money, as well as get some fresh air on the way to work, AND the added bonus of being home for my 2 year olds bath/bedtime... Which I'd miss out on using a normal bike.
Alright, it's not quite legit, but when I ride the cyclepath, I stick to normal bike speeds in the dog walker zone, then I'm out on quiet country roads for the majority of it.
Bloody love it, I'm enjoying the novelty of car ownership again, but aim to do more than half my commute on the bike.... We'll have to see how that goes in winter
The only downside is I'm not really getting decent exercise, apart from up hills, when I'm assisting the motor, which I find amusing. It's pedal assist, but I'm assisting it !

Thanks for sharing.

Hills are where the big, direct drive, hub motors struggle. I started with that same brand kit and they're fine but don't quite feel right? The bafang mid drive kit I'm using now puts the weight at the bottom bracket and you use the gears, so it feels a bit more normal.
But I agree that it feels good to not be using the car and getting fresh air.

Anyone else want to join ebikes anonymous?