Hello from Ashford, Connecticut. One year enthusiast.

[David Roy]

I started biking in 1972 when I convinced a friend that biking across the United States from Connecticut to Oregon would be a fun way to spend the summer. Knowing next to nothing we bought inexpensive 10 speed bikes (expensive for us) and some basic backpacking gear. We had a couple of skills, I’m good mechanically and she is a wonderful navigator. We both like challenges. After a rocky and wet start, we made it across in 62 days with the very timely help of kind strangers.

All this is a preface to my somewhat similar introduction to ebikes. Last year, after a delightful trip to the Netherlands and experiencing their amazing biking culture, I started looking for a “Dutch style” bike. A bike shop owner suggested we (my friend, now wife of 45 years) take out a couple of upright ebikes. We rode about 10 miles on a very convenient bike trail, had a wonderful time, and bought the bikes, Magnum Metros. Now, almost 3000 miles later I’ve learned a lot about what I want in my next ebike. This site and these forums have been invaluable. I’d like to thank everyone for posting their experiences, advice and wonderful photos.

 

[indianajo]

Welcome to the site.
Glad your friend's recommendation and the knowledge of people on this site are helping you set goals for your next purchase.
I rode the front of Mother's bike in a seat built of masonite by my Father, until I was big enough to try it on my own age 7. It took me two years to learn to balance a bike, so I have never given it up. There was no "Mom's Taxi" in my adolesence; I walked, biked or rode the bus to school, activities or work. I had to drive a car to college and during my career years, but I'm back on two wheels 95% of the time now. Since I quit working 11 years ago.