Hello to EBR forum member

[JohnnoG]

Hi EBR members
I am a long time member and regular participant on non-cycling related forums where learning is on offer and help is offered to other members.
I am now in need of knowledge about Ebikes and have joined the forum today, as I am looking to learn about electric bikes. My short period of research shows there is a lot of bikes for sale but also a lot of other information is needed to be discovered, which will eventually end with a purchase of a Ebike model that will be used for improving my health.

I hope my inquiries will not be too difficult to offer support with an answer.

Maybe in the future I have a knowledge where I can return support to another new member.

John

 

[Chrstn]

Hi John, welcome to the forum!
There’s definitely a lot to learn when it comes to e-bikes, and you’ve come to the right place. There are plenty of different models, motor types, batteries, and features to consider, so it can feel a little overwhelming at first.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions, no matter how basic they may seem. I’m sure the members here will be happy to share their experiences and help you find something that suits your needs, especially since your main goal is improving your health.
Hopefully, once you’ve gained some experience, you’ll be able to pass that knowledge on to another new member as well. Good luck with your research and, most importantly, enjoy the journey!

 

[JGcycle]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[JohnnoG]

Hi Chrstn and JGcycle, Thank you for welcome.
My first observation is the Countries of USA and Canada, both vast areas, and enabling very long periods of using a bike away from a power supply.
Needing a great range from a battery, is not something that I see currently will be needed, I would probably build up to 20 miles with periods of full battery drive to recover from pedal assist.

John

 

[PedalUma]

@JohnnoG, Welcome!
What is the terrain in your area? Most people find that they like the bike so much that they use it more than anticipated and they can start to leave a car behind for most one way trips under five Km. They get a rack and panniers to take to the market or to drop off a package. Another thing is the frame geometry. Some can be more stable and comfortable, others more jumpy, twitchy, yet more sporty. One big consideration is hub-drive Vs mid-drive. Hub-drives work fine in flat areas for most people and they are less expensive. Mid-drives and for cyclists who want feel and to climb.

 

[harryS]

My observation is the the UK is not friendly to ebikes unless they are low power, under 250W, with speed limit restrictions on the throttle if present. Here in the states, it's quite different. You may want to learn the local rules in your area. Here is a UK forum with a discussion spanning years that you may have seen.

Pedelec Law - The Details

www.pedelecs.co.uk

If you buy a new ebike in the UK, you are probably legal. Be careful of the regulations if you look at a used model or build your own,

All of that legal baloney aside, my wife and I have enjoyed the last 15 years of riding ebikes. Many people we know can't even walk, much less get on two wheels, Great for health, if you stay upright!.

Welcome to the forum, Good luck on a choice.

 

[PedalUma]

There are little 250w front hub-motor kits that install on a regular bike in 15 minutes. The controller is in the battery holder and the battery looks a lot like a water bottle. They might have 50 km of range. I two part disc that is about 60 cm across fits over the bottom bracket shaft so it only give assistance when the pedals move forward. Unless you install it backwards. Then it only gives assistance when you are pedaling backwards.

 

[JohnnoG]

Hello PedalUma and harryS
Thank you for your replies. For fitness usage, I do not need to use a road for a journey, I only need to cross a road and then I am able to use the bike on loose surface but hard compacted farm tracks for approx' 20 miles.
I can also use these same tracks to cur out a road journey into the local village, but where I enter the Village will be about 500 yards to the area with shops, so would need to be on a road for a short period of time.
Additional to this, the Ebike can be used to go through different types of forestry tracks, some wide and well compacted and others which will be difficult in dry conditions, and quite difficult in wet conditions.
My area is near Thetford Forest in East Anglia in the UK. This area local to my home has terrain that is -5ft to +30ft in relation to sea level, so very flat as a landscape.

Currently I have been influenced by the following for a bike:
1,UL2849 Certification is a must for a Ebike.
2, Torque as the control for a pedal assist sensor
3, Not getting a bike that is excessive in weight. (ideal weight not yet identified, but do have a history with full suspension ATB)
4, Hydraulic Brakes
5, Warranty and Servicing Back Up for the chosen model.
6, Legality for road use is important, but if my off road use does become compromised by a road legality, I would have a non-road legal Ebike reserved for off-road and assisting with fitness.
7, Powerful headlights as there will be usage that is likely to be done in low light and dark.

I am 6'4" and 135Kg (21Stone) and attempting to get down to 110Kg (17 Stone)

When I feel I have the type of bike that will meet my need, I will add this information.

Also I am confident my wife will want to get involved, as Grandchildren are out cycling with parents, so a UK road legal model can be selected for this activity and to accompany me when on my bike as well.

 

[PedalUma]

Hello PedalUma and harryS
Thank you for your replies. For fitness usage, I do not need to use a road for a journey, I only need to cross a road and then I am able to use the bike on loose surface but hard compacted farm tracks for approx' 20 miles.
I can also use these same tracks to cur out a road journey into the local village, but where I enter the Village will be about 500 yards to the area with shops, so would need to be on a road for a short period of time.
Additional to this, the Ebike can be used to go through different types of forestry tracks, some wide and well compacted and others which will be difficult in dry conditions, and quite difficult in wet conditions.
My area is near Thetford Forest in East Anglia in the UK. This area local to my home has terrain that is -5ft to +30ft in relation to sea level, so very flat as a landscape.

Currently I have been influenced by the following for a bike:
1,UL2849 Certification is a must for a Ebike.
2, Torque as the control for a pedal assist sensor
3, Not getting a bike that is excessive in weight. (ideal weight not yet identified, but do have a history with full suspension ATB)
4, Hydraulic Brakes
5, Warranty and Servicing Back Up for the chosen model.
6, Legality for road use is important, but if my off road use does become compromised by a road legality, I would have a non-road legal Ebike reserved for off-road and assisting with fitness.
7, Powerful headlights as there will be usage that is likely to be done in low light and dark.

I am 6'4" and 135Kg (21Stone) and attempting to get down to 110Kg (17 Stone)

When I feel I have the type of bike that will meet my need, I will add this information.

Also I am confident my wife will want to get involved, as Grandchildren are out cycling with parents, so a UK road legal model can be selected for this activity and to accompany me when on my bike as well.

How about a locally serviced Pashley? From a local dealer. Those are such lovely bikes and made for your exact conditions. I love them. Out here I highly modify them. They can do things such as cross the continent with bikepacking gear off-road. But you do not require that. They are a bit pricy but quality stands its own.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Welcome aboard! Several thoughts for you...

1. Figure out how you'll get local service on your new ebike in advance. Buying from a local authorized dealer is the surest way and has other benefits as well.

Some shops only service what they sell, and some won't work on ebikes at all. Any shop could work on mechanical problems, but electrical problems can involve proprietary parts and procedures that only an authorized dealer can access.

2. Test a wide range of ebikes before you buy — cadence- vs. torque-sensing, lighter vs heavier, thinner vs. fatter tires, etc.

Let shop personnel educate you on the many options available. They aren't always as knowledgeable as you'd hope, but you can still learn a lot from them.

3. Since you plan to pedal, torque-sensing assist is a good way to go. However, some bikes have both torque- and cadence-sensing assist nowadays, switchable on the fly, and that flexibility can be useful.

Some higher-end mid-drive ebikes offer more sophisticated power-sensing assist based mainly on the mechanical power (not just the torque) you're putting into the pedals. I'd argue that these have the most natural-feeling assist of all.

4. The best way to get purchase help from us is to go out and test some ebikes first. Then come back with specific questions and a budget in mind.

 

[Geneva]

Hi and welcome to the forum

 

[jameswilson]

Hi EBR members
I am a long time member and regular participant on non-cycling related forums where learning is on offer and help is offered to other members.
I am now in need of knowledge about Ebikes and have joined the forum today, as I am looking to learn about electric bikes. My short period of research shows there is a lot of bikes for sale but also a lot of other information is needed to be discovered, which will eventually end with a purchase of a Ebike model that will be used for improving my health.

I hope my inquiries will not be too difficult to offer support with an answer.

Maybe in the future I have a knowledge where I can return support to another new member.

John

Welcome John

 

[JohnnoG]

Thank you for the Welcome
As an update, there is a change to the initial plan I was pondering.
The UK does have a Law that restricts the Ebike when used on a Public Highway, but these laws do not extend to off road usage on public accessible routes.
Within 100 yards of my home and can use off road routes, where a round trip journey with only the need to cross a Public Highway once is required if a journey distance is mapped at near 40 miles if wanted. A 10 mile round trip is easily achieved if not crossing the Public Highway.

The new understanding has now presented a plan to have two Ebikes:
1, An Ebike (Full Suspension) solely for my usage off road and able to do the longest journey I will map out. The bike can also be put into a van and taken to other locations, i.e, Forest, when different experiences and a change of scenery is wanted.
This is a bike I will also be using to support my Wildlife/Nature Photography hobby, and a equipment transportation method is under design. I am looking to sell on idling bikes and other items to part pay for this bike, I hope it is acquired in the near future.
2, A second Ebike (style not selected as of yet) that is fully compliant with the UK law and is able to easily adjusted to suit my wife and me, is the next option. Forecast usage is, my Wife (80%) - Myself (20%). My wife will be using the bike to enjoy cycling with our Children and Grand Kids. This bike will most likely be a early in the spring 2027 purchase.

I certainly feel more structured now on a way forward.

John

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Most e-bikes (except cargo e-bikes) are rated for a total system weight (rider + e-bike + any cargo) of 136 kg.

 

[JohnnoG]

Hi Stefan Mikes
I have made a target weight and actual weight made known in an earlier post.
With my current weight and the determination to get to the target weight (just home from a 8Km cross country walk), I have been looking at Ebikes with a Load Capacity of 180Kg.

Currently I am looking at how a front basket attachment point, can be utilised to receive a custom produced bracket to enable camera equipment to be kept in front of the rider, but also be quickly released for opportunist image captures.
This will be a robust bracket that returns passing the head tube. The design will also hopefully enable a basket to be utilised as well if seen to add value to the usage of the bike.

The Ebike option has frame bulk that sure beats carrying photography equipment in a back pack on a traditional bike design.

John

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I have been looking at Ebikes with a Load Capacity of 180Kg.

Doable. It is usually 32-spoke wheels with sturdy rims.
I had to replace rear wheels in my two e-bikes with custom wheels of the 180 kg rating. Otherwise the rear wheels got damaged after a few years of riding them (the total system weight was at the maximum or slightly above with stock wheels in my use).

Note: Wheel replacement makes sense on mid-drive motor e-bikes as (especially) the rear wheel is of a standard design and does need to include a heavy hub motor.