Hello to EBR forum member

[Jeremy McCreary]

The simple option is to select a legal bike and have the usage available to me on all off road/ on road routes; the sole intention of the E-Bike is to return to experiencing cycling on a regular basis and not only as a fair-weather user.

You've clearly put a lot of thought into this, but thinking and discussing online will only get you so far with a first-time ebike purchase. If the above is true, testing locally available legal ebikes should be your next priority.

As you test, ask yourself and the bike shop staff why your offroad ambitions would require more power than the law allows? In terrain as flat as yours, 250W could well be plenty for your needs — even offroad.

At 78 years and 195 lb with bird legs and very hilly terrain, I ride a 38 lb 240W 35 Nm mid-drive offroad all the time. I'm by no means a strong rider but rarely find myself wishing for more power and torque.

You may well want tires wider than my 40 mm gravel tires for softer/wetter surfaces and for cushioning your camera equipment. But I could run tires a lot wider and slower than mine and still be happy with 240W and 35 Nm of assist.

Finally, many folks end up riding their ebikes farther and in different places than they first imagined. You could end up wanting to join your wife and grandkids on public infrastructure — including bike lanes.

A legal ebike that also meets your offroad needs would allow for that kind of mission creep. Only testing will tell.

 

[PedalUma]

More importantly than watts are the Neuton Meters of torque. There are bikes with 250 watt mid-drive motors and have 90 Nm of torque that are under 19 Kg. and can do some offroad. I am not sure of support in your area.