just tried a (very old) ebike - love it!

[Helen C]

Hi All,
I've been around the forum for a while, since my son was looking for an ebike. He's got one now (Cyclezee kit) and is so pleased with it he wanted a bike for his girlfriend. She's not at all sure about one so he was looking for something cheap so that if she doesn't go for it there's not much wasted.
A propos of this, I saw a Powabyke advertised locally and went to have a look. It weighs a ton (SLA batteries) and looks a bit strange but it was only £90 so he said to buy it. Of course, this means it's living with me until I can deliver it to him - and it would be rude not to test it, wouldn't it?
I absolutely love it! I've not cycled for over 3 years due to moving to the top of a very steep hill. I initially gave up cycling in my thirties (twenty years ago) because of knee problems, then moved to a very flat area and discovered that if I was very careful with starting off I could manage - for 7 years I rode every day, shopping and just general trips out with my late husband. But, it would be out of the question where I live now - Unless I had an ebike!
I rode it around the area this morning - only about 3.5 miles but enough to have a big smile on my face. The only trouble is my husband hasn't had a bike since he was at school and at 80 doesn't want to start, even with an ebike, so I don't know how much use I'd get out of it if I did have one. I could use if for shopping but would hardly want to go off for rides on my own, I suppose.
So, there we have it: this may well be my intro and goodbye, but I can definitely see why you all love your ebikes!
-H

 

[flecc]

Those old Powabykes had many strengths and a loyal following as a result. I'm not surprised you were charmed by its qualities.

Powabyke make a trike as well, so maybe your husband could cope better with that at moderate speeds.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Helen,

Welcome onboard

I'm glad here your son is enjoying the eZee conversion, am I right in thinking he has a Montague Paratrooper?

I have a handful of eZee trade in's that are well used, but in good working order, however I couldn't quite match the bargino you got for 90 quid

 

[Helen C]

Thanks, flecc. The trike sounds a good idea but the problem would be dragging him away from his garden. Although he's 80 he's thankfully very fit and he has this week planted 8 rows of potatoes, two of broad beans and more. It's his passion and I'm afraid he'd consider "going for a ride" a waste of gardening time

And yes, John, that's my son with the Paratrooper. And, as you say, great bargain but I have to hand it over at the weekend! I will decide later on if I can justify getting one for myself - would prefer it to be a bit lighter than the Powabyke, I think that's nearly as heavy as I am!

-H

 

[flecc]

would prefer it to be a bit lighter than the Powabyke, I think that's nearly as heavy as I am!

-H

I'm not sure if that is "you wish" or you're just boasting!

Sounds like you should leave hubby with his cabbages and hit the open road anyway.

 

[Cyclezee]

Thanks, flecc. The trike sounds a good idea but the problem would be dragging him away from his garden. Although he's 80 he's thankfully very fit and he has this week planted 8 rows of potatoes, two of broad beans and more. It's his passion and I'm afraid he'd consider "going for a ride" a waste of gardening time

And yes, John, that's my son with the Paratrooper. And, as you say, great bargain but I have to hand it over at the weekend! I will decide later on if I can justify getting one for myself - would prefer it to be a bit lighter than the Powabyke, I think that's nearly as heavy as I am!

-H

Blimey Helen,

I hope I am as fit as your other half when I am 80.......if I get there
Tell him from me he doesn't look his age

 

[Helen C]

I'm not sure if that is "you wish" or you're just boasting!

Sounds like you should leave hubby with his cabbages and hit the open road anyway.

haha, good idea - as for the weight - oh go on then, it might be a bit of an exaggeration

 

[TZC]

I'm glad here your son is enjoying the eZee conversion, am I right in thinking he has a Montague Paratrooper?

Hello John, the setup took a while to fix, ironing out compatibility with the bike (not this long though) and sadly I had to forfeit the folding because of the fixed pannier rack - (I wouldn't have had to if I'd chosen a seatpost rack or a smaller ah bottle battery on the frame) but I love it.

I was amazed at the inclines and the length of them it will take me up considering the total weight- I'm not light, no idea of the gradients I'm talking about but think- hills so long and steep that only athletes would be getting up there in one go unpowered, no doubt even some of the other cheaper motors wouldn't be able to keep going.

After a 25 mile round trip with a lot of elevation both ways, there's still 2 lights of 5 left on the 14ah battery which will take you a lot further without the large amount of hills. I actually have trouble running it right down!

I'd recommend the ezee kit to anyone considering powering a loved or a bargain bike. Very strong motor and John's a nice helpful guy. Here's a picture:



The powabyke mum's talking about won't need to do those extreme hills though just a bit of assistance, so what a bargain for a working e bike


Oh, edit: the bike has shaved off one and a half hours from the journey time it'd take to get where I was going on the two buses plus I come and go when I want, not on every hour brilliant

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi TZC,

Thanks for the positive comments and I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the conversion