advice on 1st electric bike

[TylerD]

Hello, I'm new to the forum, came across it recently when I started to think about buying an electric bike. It's been really useful to read everyone's comments and I've now decided to buy. I have the usual problem though, I'm not sure what to go for. I'm going to E-Bikes Scotland tomorrow to try out one of the new Synergie bikes, apparently its similar to the Mistral but isn't even on their website yet as its so new. I think the price is £699, I'm also thinking about a second hand but good condition Forza costing £600. I wonder if anyone could help with any comments they might have about which would be the better buy or the more suitable as I really don't have any experience atall. I'm not a regular cyclist, my old bike has been sitting in the garage for a few years unused but I have arthritis in my hip which is restricting my walking so I need to find another way of getting fitter than I am.
I had never heard of electric bikes until I read an article recently but I've read so many reviews and comments from people who have them and which make it sound like real fun that I've decided to take then plunge. At the other extreme I was toying with the idea of a Pro Connect S but This area doesn't have huge hills but it can be quite uppy-downy in places so I'd like the bike to be at least competent on hills. I'm also not a speed merchant but it would be nice to be able to go at more than 15mph if possible.Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Vikki]

I'd be inclined to say wait till you've had your test rides. You'll have more of an idea then. Either way, it'll be fun for you

 

[TylerD]

thanks Vikki, am just about to set out to Kinross to try the Synergie. Will post my comments in case they're of help to anyone

 

[Vikki]

I'd be interested to read your story of your day I like reading other people's stories.

Vikki.

 

[TylerD]

Hi Vikki, thanks for your reply , I went to the Ebike Scotland shop on Saturday and tried the Synergie Breeze and the Synergie Typhoon . The 1st thing to say is that they couldn't have been more helpful and let me take both bikes out for a good run round the lochside which gave me a chance to try them properly and were happy to answer all of my questions without making me feel like an idiot for asking them. I really liked the Typhoon, I rode it on throttle power which was very smooth and the engine was quiet. I only went up one quite short and not too steep hill but miraculously it seemed to glide up , maybe I was so impressed because I've never ridden an electric bike before but I really had a smile on my face when I got back to the shop. The only drawback was that the test ride made me realise , after thinking about it for a few hours, that I need a step-through as I was really sprachling to get on and off, otherwise I would have probably bought the Typhoon.I then started to think about a Wisper 705se and purely by chance I found one second hand -11 months old , 130 miles of use -on the net and have agreed to buy it for £750 including panniers. For anyone who might be interested I'll post again when I've had a chance to get the feel of it

 

[Vikki]

Excellent

There's a thing called 'trikers grin' (recumbent trike that is) so I think there has to be a thing called 'e-bikers smile'

You won't be disappointed with the Wisper. Not sure about how good the battery will be on that second hand one. I hope they charged it regularly even when not used. If they have you should get another year out of it. Flecc would be able to advise on that. Lithium batteries have a finite life span used or not.

Anyway, I'm happy you enjoyed your test rides, sure puts a huge smile on your face.

Best regards.

Vikki.

 

[eddieo]

Make sure the 705 is the latest 14 amp battery model