E-Bike assistance. Which one is best ?

[MyPump]

Hi all,

I have looking for a good quality e-bike for a while now from a good supportive company and find it quite difficult. I basically have Type 1 Diabetes and have had problems with my eye sight which means I am unable to see in poor light so can't drive. I have a 4 mile commute to work each way which as a Diabetic find it really does burn carbohydrates which can be dangerous for people with Diabetes. On the flip side I also need to keep fit which is why I thought an E-Bike would help with it's very bright lights.

However which one to choose as I like both a road bike and mountain bike which has both pedal assist and throttle only. I prefer the look of a normal bike compared to some of the more old fashioned style E-Bikes.

Please can you give me some idea's as I have looked at Wisper, A2B and LifeCycle which are all quite expensive but do look the part ? Do they all have LCD screens for speed etc ?

Thanks very much.

Andrew

My Pump - Diabetes Product Information and Links - Welcome to My Pump Website !!!

 

[eddieo]

As long as you get a good quality bike from a trusted (recommended on here) retailer with guaranteed service and backup (there are a few but not that many) you will be fine.......ON my list would be for staters: wisper/ezee/bionX/ trek and dont forget the Panasonic powered bikes? from the likes of Kalkhoff, E Motion or Flyer (my favourite)

I am on insulin myself, will have a look at your link when I get a chance....

 

[flecc]

Most e-bikes have indications of essentials like battery charge remaining, but "on road" issues like speed, distance travelled etc are provided by separate bike computer displays. These can be very low cost, some bikes include them and nearly all suppliers can fit one where not part of the original equipment.

The most important thing where choosing an e-bike is concerned is to try it out. Never make your choice before doing that, advice that's even more important in your circumstance. If a supplier can't make some provision for you to do that or you don't know an owner who will let you try theirs, strike that one off your list of prospects.

Trying some out will tell you what suits you best out of the very different systems on offer, this forum mainly being useful then in advising you of any potential disadvantage, if any, that might exist with your provisional choice.
.

 

[allen-uk]

Hello Andrew.

Me too, although I'm only Type II, but have other related problems, e.g. one eye, one leg (etc.)...

Anyway, I have a Wisper 905, which is fine. None of the bikes have that LCD screen for speed etc. I have a DIRT cheap CatEye computer (fitted by me in about 30 mins, so it can't be difficult), which shows speed, time, distance, etc., and cost (I think) about £17-£18. (You CAN as usual buy computers costing silly prices, but this one does all the basics).

I bought the ebike as I'm finding an ordinary bike a bit hard these days (that's just age, not lack of legs). You can ride it and use electrical assistance at all times, and not do much exercise, or you can ride it more like a conventional bike (using lower power settings, higher gears, etc), and put a bit of effort in. I've lost 6kg in 3 or 4 months.

I don't know about them 'looking the part'. I haven't been that interested in appearances for the past 40-odd years, as my few friends would confirm.

The Wisper, like many of the e-bikes, is 'big' - i.e. the frame is bigger and taller than you'd expect, so you MUST have a good road trial. Wisper is based in Woking, Surrey, but has other outlets.

The Wisper has pedal-assist and a hand throttle; the latter is very handy for getting away from traffic lights, for example, without the usual wobbling about while you get up to speed.

Almost ANY of the decent ebikes will eat up that 4 mile commute - I get 25miles+ out of the Wisper battery between charges, and I am heavy (man).

If you're anywhere near Derby, then look at JuicyBikes of Buxton. Definitely recommended, and much cheaper than Wispers (which in turn are much cheaper than top-of-the-range Kalkhoffs). The latter don't have throttles, but JuicyBikes do and are quite like Wispers in terms of build and range (not that I've ridden one, that's just going by reports on this site).

Oh, and one last thing. The bikes are HEAVY. My 905 is about 24kg, and most of it is up the back end, which might not be a lot to a younger, fitter man, but to me is a big lump to hump up and down steps, when I'm forced to!


Allen.

 

[MyPump]

Hi all

Thanks for the info. I had been looking at a Wisper 906 Alpino which I recentl saw at the Earls Court Cycle Show and was very impressed but it is out of my league. I could not even find and deals even from Wisper direct.

I guess I either give up or just keep trying - which bikes do you use and why ?

An e-bike would really help me so much and if I had the finances it would not be so much of a problem.

Thanks again.

 

[allen-uk]

Look at JuicyBikes. I know you're in Berkshire, a long way from Buxton, but they are sub£1000 so more attractive from the point of view of your pocket.

A

 

[MyPump]

Hello Andrew.

Me too, although I'm only Type II, but have other related problems, e.g. one eye, one leg (etc.)...

Anyway, I have a Wisper 905, which is fine. None of the bikes have that LCD screen for speed etc. I have a DIRT cheap CatEye computer (fitted by me in about 30 mins, so it can't be difficult), which shows speed, time, distance, etc., and cost (I think) about £17-£18. (You CAN as usual buy computers costing silly prices, but this one does all the basics).

I bought the ebike as I'm finding an ordinary bike a bit hard these days (that's just age, not lack of legs). You can ride it and use electrical assistance at all times, and not do much exercise, or you can ride it more like a conventional bike (using lower power settings, higher gears, etc), and put a bit of effort in. I've lost 6kg in 3 or 4 months.

I don't know about them 'looking the part'. I haven't been that interested in appearances for the past 40-odd years, as my few friends would confirm.

The Wisper, like many of the e-bikes, is 'big' - i.e. the frame is bigger and taller than you'd expect, so you MUST have a good road trial. Wisper is based in Woking, Surrey, but has other outlets.

The Wisper has pedal-assist and a hand throttle; the latter is very handy for getting away from traffic lights, for example, without the usual wobbling about while you get up to speed.

Almost ANY of the decent ebikes will eat up that 4 mile commute - I get 25miles+ out of the Wisper battery between charges, and I am heavy (man).

If you're anywhere near Derby, then look at JuicyBikes of Buxton. Definitely recommended, and much cheaper than Wispers (which in turn are much cheaper than top-of-the-range Kalkhoffs). The latter don't have throttles, but JuicyBikes do and are quite like Wispers in terms of build and range (not that I've ridden one, that's just going by reports on this site).

Oh, and one last thing. The bikes are HEAVY. My 905 is about 24kg, and most of it is up the back end, which might not be a lot to a younger, fitter man, but to me is a big lump to hump up and down steps, when I'm forced to!


Allen.

Hi Allen

Thank you so much for the info and good to hear there are other people with Diabetes out there using e-bikes. I am not unfit but do find when I get home my blood sugar is really low as my commute is 4 miles but I always want to get home as soon as I can.

I am thinking of adding an e-bike shop or manufacturer to my Diabetes web site called My Pump - Diabetes Product Information and Links - Welcome to My Pump Website !!! but have yet to find anyone who is really interested which is a suprise.

I would need to carry my cycle up a few steps so would it be better to remove the battery first or would it not make much difference ?

Thanks again.

Andrew

My Pump - Diabetes Product Information and Links - Welcome to My Pump Website !!!

 

[NRG]

At the risk of being flamed (these bikes cause a bit of contraversy on here ) have a look at the Cylamatics from SportsHQ...

Electric Bikes - The Sports HQ

I don't own one but some on here do and have found them to be good value, be aware though SportsHQ are not a cycle shop just a discount seller.

Alternatively, Halfords, in some stores have the Urban Mover on display, a good value bike with a big company behind it...

 

[eddieo]

Both Allen and myself plus many others on here have the Wisper 905 SE and it is a cracking bike, well established and constantly improved over a good few years..... Plus support you can really upon.

had a quick look at your site....very interesting Have meet a Dutch chap on holiday with a pump and had a chat, so I know a little about them. my long term last month was 6.8 but diabetes is insidious, it eats away at you from the inside I'm afraid, I have issues with my eyes, kidneys etc......as well

But Hey Ho! make the most of it!

 

[Mussels]

I would need to carry my cycle up a few steps so would it be better to remove the battery first or would it not make much difference ?

None of them are light so this may be a big deal. On occasion I have had to lift my bike up the steps from foot tunnels under the Thames, having a throttle and a hub motor in the rear wheel helps a lot here but you wouldn't want to do it on a carpet.
Wispers now have well lit displays on the handlebars that show speed and power but this should really be low on the priority list, the lights that run off the main battery are good as bike lights go but you may still need a seperate front light to see well in front of you.

 

[timidtom]

Look at JuicyBikes. I know you're in Berkshire, a long way from Buxton, but they are sub£1000 so more attractive from the point of view of your pocket.

A

I'll second the vote for Juicy bikes, for both quality and service. I have no connection with the firm other than as a very satisfied customer - and we bought two bikes for roughly the price of one of the more expensive brands. You pays your money and you takes your choice! My grandad drove a Rolls (should that be 'a Royce'?) and I drive an old Skoda - both do the same job but in a different 'style'!
Best wishes whatever you decide on - we have a total age of 146 and love our ebikes. The throttle is wonderful for gatting safely moving after stops at red lights, junctions etc.
Tom

 

[allen-uk]

Nah, wouldn't bother thinking of taking off the battery for lifting purposes. Anyway, it's only 2 or 3 kg. The weight is the frame (lots of it), the hub motor, and the general size of the things. And like Mussels, I too often use the throttle when I'm PUSHING the thing, particularly up the steps from my flat to the street, and like him, up those long steepish ramps up from subways. Carpets, as he says, are probably a throttle too far.

And as far as the budget's concerned, don't abandon ebikes yet. Over the past few months, several others have come to this site with their £6 or £700 to spend (me included!) and then gradually got convinced that the extra dough is worth it.

Allen.