Recumbent E-bikes

[6zfshdb]

There have been a few threads here on recumbent e-bikes but not much discussion on logistics, such as starting and stopping.

As I get older, my back and butt are becoming limiting factors in my ability to do the long distance rides I like so much. With some success, I've explored every bike seat you can imagine trying to increase riding comfort. Many help with butt fatigue but none offer any back support. Seats with a backrest don't allow proper pedaling for bikes with an upright riding position.

Lately, I've been seeing more recumbent e-bikes on the trail, and I'd like to explore the possibility of getting one. The low models are too close to the ground and would be an issue for me getting on and off. I'm seeing higher built bikes now, such as this one:

I've never seen anyone mount or dismount one though and I'm not sure how difficult it would be to stop or get started without tipping over. Has anyone here had any experience with these bikes, and if so, how easy would they be to handle for an old guy like me?

I also see a lot of e-trikes on the trail and I considered one for a time. The problem is the width. Many trails I ride have vehicle barriers with bollards that are too close together for a trike to get through without folding up or dismantling. On several occasions, I've seen riders on trikes forced to turn back when encountering barriers like these:

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[CanNik]

I would be MORE worried not being seen on normal roads let alone country lanes, so low down no thanks

 

[Marcela]

That model pictured looks pretty good, what model is it? I have a catrike expedition that would make a good candidate for pas.

 

[6zfshdb]

That model pictured looks pretty good, what model is it? I have a catrike expedition that would make a good candidate for pas.

It's a StreetMachine GTE

HP Velotechnik StreetMachine GTE | Comfort Travel Recumbent Bike

Experience unparalleled comfort on the HP Velotechnik StreetMachine GTE, designed for the adventurous cyclist. This travel recumbent bike combines ergonomic design with a high seat, full suspension, and the option for electric assist. Ideal for long distances, commuting, or touring.

bike-on.com

 

[Marcela]

It can be a good idea. Reason I have the Catrike is my back was giving my problems. Since I have exercised and am able to ride anything. I had a Cruzbike for a little while that I would not suggest. The crank pivoting with the steering is pretty wonky. You have to learn to pull and push the pedals or the steering is pretty unstable. I would want fixed pedal assy on whatever I rode. I liked the Catrike because wherever I went I had a very comfortable seat to watch from, I did use the flag that came with it, visibility thing you know. In the town I live there are lots of 8' wide paved bike paths that make this kind of thing workable. I wouldn't want to regularly use a 2 or 3 wheel recumbent on the street, people are not really looking for this kind of thing, though a std bicycle would be expected.

 

[fooferdoggie]

I never tried any offroad on a bent. its a whole different ballgame as the front can slip more. not as manerable either. Kind of wanted a bent tandem but no way could we do the turns we can now.

 

[Chazmo]

6, I hope you figure it out and give us some clues, particularly the two-wheeled versions. I’m curious!

I’m not sure how you can ride anything but road or totally groomed, flat trail on a recumbent bike. I’m sure people do ride trails, but even with full suspension… I’m so used to getting out of the seat and using my legs for trail riding. And forget about a trike on rails. Funny, though, I’ve seen some recumbent fat-tire trikes (very low, not raised)… They look like they be fun to cruise around on, but not on anything that has a narrow gate or anything moderately challenging.

 

[6zfshdb]

My main concern is stopping and getting started without falling over. Doing so on an irregular gravel surface could be problematic. Getting up out of a low slung recumbent is out of the question for me anyway.

 

[Marcela]

Your knees would be bent getting on and off, otherwise similar to a std bike. How are your knees?

 

[6zfshdb]

Your knees would be bent getting on and off, otherwise similar to a std bike. How are your knees?

Functional but not great.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Sorry to hear your body's forcing you off your bike. You've put so much thought and effort into it. I'll be there someday — knees, neck, back, who knows?

Well, if anybody could rig up a skyhook with a trapeze bar to help you on and off a recumbent, it'd be you.
:^}

A more serious suggestion: Try taking some of the load off your knees with a telescoped hiking pole or maybe even your folding saw in one hand, tip firmly planted on the ground.

 

[PCeBiker]

My main concern is stopping and getting started without falling over.

If that recumbent has a throttle, then you should be fine to start and stop it.

Just lift your legs up once you're going or set them down when you're coming to a stop.
You're pretty close to the ground so balance should be easier.

I think that if you're able to get on and off the recumbent ebike then you're good to go ??

PS,.. forget the PAS modes.
You'd have to be up and pedaling before you get any motor assist.

 

[PCeBiker]

I would be MORE worried not being seen on normal roads let alone country lanes, so low down no thanks

Easy fix,..

 

[PCeBiker]

My main concern is stopping and getting started without falling over.

I'm not sure what's going on with that recumbent, but it appears to have two types of steering stems/handlebars available?,..

This one looks like you have to lift your legs up over the handlebars to get them to the ground? And you'd have to let go of the grips?

Unless you're legs are below the bars, or you can bend your legs at the knee to get your feet to the ground?

Perhaps the bar grips are close enough to the seat that your legs can bend at the hip to get your feet to the ground with the legs above the steering?


This version has the steering stem between your legs, so getting your feet to the ground looks like it would be easier?

Getting on and off looks to be kinda tricky regardless??
They both look like step overs with stuff to get hung up on getting your leg over top ?


I still think that if you can get on and off the thing, and it's got a throttle, you should have no problem starting and stopping it without falling over.

 

[6zfshdb]

Sorry to hear your body's forcing you off your bike. You've put so much thought and effort into it. I'll be there someday — knees, neck, back, who knows?

Well, if anybody could rig up a skyhook with a trapeze bar to help you on and off a recumbent, it'd be you.
:^}

A more serious suggestion: Try taking some of the load off your knees with a telescoped hiking pole or maybe even your folding saw in one hand, tip firmly planted on the ground.

I'm not ready to give up on my step thru yet. I can still ride fairly comfortably on rides less than 50 miles or so. I was looking for something to use on rides that approach the century mark. If I can't find a solution, I would just scale back on my "hypermiling" before giving up on my current bike.

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of new wider noseless seats on the market. I just ordered this fairly well reviewed one from Amazon with the hopes of it easing the "buttitis".

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRYW5QGJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I'm not expecting much though considering the $30 price tag, but you never know.

 

[Chazmo]

I'm not ready to give up on my step thru yet. I can still ride fairly comfortably on rides less than 50 miles or so. I was looking for something to use on rides that approach the century mark. If I can't find a solution, I would just scale back on my "hypermiling" before giving up on my current bike.

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of new wider noseless seats on the market. I just ordered this well reviewed one from Amazon with the hopes of it easing the "buttitis".

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRYW5QGJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I'm not expecting much though considering the $30 price tag, but you never know.

Wishing you the very best, 6! I know you have already experimented with stuff to get more comfortable. If you go the way of a recumbent, I’d certainly like to hear more about it. The StreetMachine looks like a pretty cool beast if you can figure out how to get on and off it. The full suspension would probably be a boon given no use of the legs for that purpose. Anyway, rock on!

 

[Gionnirocket]

I'm not ready to give up on my step thru yet. I can still ride fairly comfortably on rides less than 50 miles or so. I was looking for something to use on rides that approach the century mark. If I can't find a solution, I would just scale back on my "hypermiling" before giving up on my current bike.

Lately, I've been seeing a lot of new wider noseless seats on the market. I just ordered this fairly well reviewed one from Amazon with the hopes of it easing the "buttitis".

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CRYW5QGJ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

I'm not expecting much though considering the $30 price tag, but you never know.

Do you wear padded biking shorts?
They're irreplaceable on long rides.

 

[6zfshdb]

Do you wear padded biking shorts?
They're irreplaceable on long rides.

Yes, I've been using many different brands of padded shorts for years, and they really do help. Unfortunately, most are designed to work best with standard saddles which I can't use. I have circulation issues which force me to use noseless saddles. I have yet to find shorts with enough sit bone padding that would work well with this type saddle.

 

[Art Deco]

Yes, I've been using many different brands of padded shorts for years, and they really do help. Unfortunately, most are designed to work best with standard saddles which I can't use. I have circulation issues which force me to use noseless saddles. I have yet to find shorts with enough sit bone padding that would work well with this type saddle.

I love the idea of a recumbent on trails like you ride, just afraid of them on streets with 9 foot high pickups and SUVs. Flag or not.