What are the major factors that persuaded you to get an electric bike?

[Jack.Eagle]

Please comment on this questions and any views you have about it.

Many thanks

Jack

[HarryB]

I wanted to cycle to work every day and it is a 20 mile return journey. I found I could only manage 2 or 3 days on an unassisted bike - it was too tiring. I bought a bike back in 2002 but found it unreliable and difficult to ride but was persuaded back to electric bikes by a review of the annual Tour de Presteigne event - electric bikes looked a lot better than they did - more mainstream. I now cycle every working day - this is my third electric bike.

[flecc]

To enable adding a trailer for recycling load hauling in my hilly area where the normal cycling was still viable, but not with the extra loading and drag.

I know many buy them to help with child trailers for the same reasons.
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[Beanie101]

I wanted to get fit by combining seeing the mountains and having a reasonable level of activity in the summer. But without over-doing it (climbing very steep slopes at 1500m and above). I saw some electric bikes for hire in a local ski shop a few months back and it seemed like the perfect solution. Further research on this and other internet sites, plus hiring a couple of different models narrowed the choice down to crank-assisted electric bikes and I now have a locally-made Flyer on order, for delivery next month.

[Django]

Being different. Supporting 'green' modes of transport. Ideal for my circumstances (needing to get from A to B quickly and in places where a car is difficult or impossible). Finding a quality product. Knowing that a normal bike would not encourage me out of the car or off the motorcycle.

[joab]

To many cars on the road.

[Blew it]

A couple of years ago, I became increasingly aware of the gradual stiffening of my ankle, knee and hip joints. Not wanting to return to the circuit training I did when younger, I had to find a way of reversing this loss of mobility in my joints.

A physio I have known for many years suggested regular swimming would do the trick, which was instantly rejected by me as too boring. She then suggested cycling. Apparently, the cyclic (no pun) action of pedalling a bike gave the fullest possible flexation of the leg joints, together with beneficial cardio vascular conditioning. And so, after 45 years I am back in the saddle.

Being a lifetime 40 a day man I quickly ran into trouble with my breathing when faced with any real effort, hence the electric bike. I try to squeeze in at least three 20 mile rides each week, more when possible. My legs are now as good as they were 40 years ago, and I really enjoy exploring all those secret green tracks that I never new existed before. I'm out of my car and lovin it!.

Regards

Rejuvenated Bob

[SEATALTEA]

After 20yrs of 24hr a day shift work I now only work shifts between 7am and 11pm.

I now live less than 10 miles from work.

I've found a route which allows me to travel 90% on tow paths and cycle routes thereby avoiding road traffic and the associated dangers of roads.

It costs me £70+ to fill the car.

The cycle2work scheme lets me buy a £700 bike for less than £400, the money comes out of my salary, I'll barely notice it.

I'm a geek who likes techno things.

I've got two discs out in my back and femoral nerve dysfunction so the extra push from electric will help.

Due to above my consultant told me to do no exercise, that's fine for him to say I was swimming up to 5 miles a week last year.

It costs me £70+ to fill the car. Did I say that.

I will be the only person I know who's got one.

After a week of commuting in the car the computer in the car said I averaged 19mph.

It costs me £70+ to fill the car.

[Footie]

Four years ago I had a heart attack and needed medical intervention (an arterial balloon) to save my life. My condition is genetic and I am now diagnosed as being in heart failure. Unfortunately, because of my medical condition and the drugs I'm on my body does not respond well to exercise - I'm unable to achieve a high heart rate, the drugs stop my heart from racing. My work as a Caretaker means I walk miles (seven a day) but my Doctor told me I needed more stimulating exercise. However, it should not be over strenuous and must not involve heavy lifting
I tried cycling with an ordinary bicycle but the hills brought me to a stand still. 13 months ago I bought my first electric bike. At first I could just about cycle five miles over the local hilly terrain. Steadily my fitness has improved and with a change of battery (SLA to LiFePO4) I now cycle 20 to 40 miles every weekend (weather permitting) - I only cycle for leisure / pleasure. The ebike means I can choose how much effort I put in and if I feel I've over done it I can sit back and let the battery do the work while I recover
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[rock_hopper]

Moved to a job within 8 miles of home, occasionally cycled on a MTB however the effort up the hill involved put me off from doing it everyday or when it was raining (boil in the bag impression likely) or the wind was blowing. If I wanted to go to a shop/post office at lunch time I also drove that day.

Due to rush hour traffic levels it takes a similar amount of time to cycle as drive.

Wanted to achieve regular exercise.

Eventually save some money with the price of fuel going up (not able to use Cycle To work so will need to pay for the bike before I see the savings)

Cycled to work every day for the past 2 months (including recent downpours) and even get the chance to go out at lunchtime.