Are Americans savvy enough to discern the difference between high-tech and low-tech electric bikes?

[Ralph]

This brings us back to Larry's original question about consumers knowing the difference and Calvin's comments above. The Dash has it all in a great package at a competitive price point. Why would I spend the same or more money to get less? As Calvin points out, with all this on offer, there is not much reason to hand on to your money and I agree.

DHS, in the beginning of my quest to learn more about electric assist bikes, I would have agreed with you completely. I still agree that pure twist and go throttles rule out exercise benefits and for that reason I wouldn't buy one. The really good pedal assist systems almost make the twist throttle redundant except for the time when you may be tired of pedaling having ridden the bike further than you normally would or like many on this blog you are using it for transportation. Hence, cruise control on the Dash. Brings me back to: for the same money, why not get all the goodies and leave your options open.

 

[DHS]

Maybe there should be throttlec & pedalec designations.

This brings us back to Larry's original question about consumers knowing the difference and Calvin's comments above. The Dash has it all in a great package at a competitive price point. Why would I spend the same or more money to get less? As Calvin points out, with all this on offer, there is not much reason to hand on to your money and I agree.

DHS, in the beginning of my quest to learn more about electric assist bikes, I would have agreed with you completely. I still agree that pure twist and go throttles rule out exercise benefits and for that reason I wouldn't buy one. The really good pedal assist systems almost make the twist throttle redundant except for the time when you may be tired of pedaling having ridden the bike further than you normally would or like many on this blog you are using it for transportation. Hence, cruise control on the Dash. Brings me back to: for the same money, why not get all the goodies and leave your options open.

Ralph, I wanted the simplicity and exercise guarantee of a pure pedalec - meaning no throttle. So I bought a SMART electric bike - the Mercedes of pedalec designs. Extremely pleased. To each his own.