New Guy From Maryland!

[Joe Yeti]

Hello new forum friends!!

I am Joe from Maryland. I am new to electric bikes but are REALLY looking forward to the adventures. I have done SOME research and have some ideas. I hope to buy a bike for me at first then if I can ride it OK a bike for my wife. I am 57, a licensed motorcycle rider, and someone who really needs to get back outside. I broke my back some years ago when I fell through a roof responding to a fire. I gained a ton of weight being bedridden so long.

It is only recently I feel well enough to reclaim my outdoor interests. In the 15 years after breaking my back, I got fat. FAT. That has made me very sad, and I am fixing it. My big concern is getting out somewhere and not being able to get back.

Hence the desire for an electric bike! The ultimate solution!!! I look forward to learning from the group and contributing where I can.

Have a GREAT day!

Joe

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Get the thing that will require you to be really pedalling, Joe. Perhaps one of these rather new lightweight e-bikes with low motor power? The full power e-bike, especially with the throttle is no way for you.

 

[6zfshdb]

Here are a few tips from a fellow heavyweight rider with medical issues.

When looking at bikes, check the weight rating. Keep in mind, you need to consider your weight plus whatever gear you plan to carry, and in some cases, the weight of the bike itself. E-bikes let you ride farther and stay out longer, so you may want to carry extra gear, like water, clothing, tools, etc.

You may also want to consider mag wheels to eliminate spoke and rim issues. Unfortunately, this limits your choice when bike shopping.

A step thru frame may be appropriate if you have joint or leg problems. You may have no trouble swinging your leg over a standard frame bike now, but think about the future. E-bikes are expensive and you'll want to ride well into the future.

As Stefan mentions above, a throttle is counterproductive to weight loss and getting fit. However, it is a tool that will get you home should you have a medical issue. I consider it insurance and find it provides peace of mind on long rides. I've also lost 40# since I bought my first e-bike. Self control is necessary though, to avoid using the throttle excessively. There are also the class 1,2 & 3 regulations to consider in the areas you plan to ride.

The best advice I can offer is to TEST RIDE as many bikes as you can. You'll be amazed how different they are. Travel if you must and shop online, but unless you are able to do your own work, buy locally from a reputable LBS.

Welcome to the forum, and don't be afraid to ask specific questions, no matter how basic they may be!!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Hello new forum friends!!

I am Joe from Maryland. I am new to electric bikes but are REALLY looking forward to the adventures. I have done SOME research and have some ideas. I hope to buy a bike for me at first then if I can ride it OK a bike for my wife. I am 57, a licensed motorcycle rider, and someone who really needs to get back outside. I broke my back some years ago when I fell through a roof responding to a fire. I gained a ton of weight being bedridden so long.

It is only recently I feel well enough to reclaim my outdoor interests. In the 15 years after breaking my back, I got fat. FAT. That has made me very sad, and I am fixing it. My big concern is getting out somewhere and not being able to get back.

Hence the desire for an electric bike! The ultimate solution!!! I look forward to learning from the group and contributing where I can.

Have a GREAT day!

Joe

Welcome aboard! Your plan is a good one, and you'll find lots of helpful members here. The forum search function can save you a lot of time.

By way of encouragement, I lost muscle mass and added fat in all the wrong places over 18 months of hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Little reversal after therapy till I moved to a hilly area and got an ebike. My old love of cycling kicked back in, and within 6 months, I looked and felt better than I had for decades.

Good luck!

 

[Joe Yeti]

THANKS Everyone! I posted a more detailed thread here;

Bike for a Big Guy

Hello!! I posted my intro thread, and wanted to post some more details, I would REALLY appreciate your feedback!!! I may be wrong on my assumptions. I have been doing a ton of reading. So many choices. First off, I am 57, 6'5" 400lbs. I got fat when I broke my back and slid into some very bad...

forums.electricbikereview.com

 

[JGcycle]

Welcome to the forum.