Newbie needs help!

[Flick]

Hi,

Please could someone help.

I am looking to buy an Electric bike (I had an old Electroped lead-acid bike about ten years ago) and I am finding that things have changed so much I am completely lost. The more I read, the more I am confused.

Basically, I am not working due to an illness which affects my muscle strength, hence wanting an electric bike to give me that bit of help, and so am looking for a bike I can put on a bike carrier and my husband and I can go off into the countryside.

Amazingly I can still ride a normal bike on short journeys but am finding it harder and would like to keep my independence as long as I can.

I have seen some amazing bikes on the web but I don't know if I should buy on off there. I live in East Yorkshire (Hull) and electric bikes seem to be pretty scarce, or you are told "Well, I can order one for you"

I am looking to spend under £1000, but if I can get what I want for less, that would be good.

So far, I have found Powabyke, Metro Python and Giant around here.

Can anyone suggest a bike that would fit the bill?

 

[NRG]

Sage advise would be to seek out a dealer even of it means a bit of a trek 'cross country. Or if you have a large Halfords near by they now resell the Urban mover bikes that are within your budget....

 

[thunderblue]

Hi Flick

Welcome - I think that a lot depends on the nature of your illness and whether the prognosis is that your muscle strength will deteriorate or if it is likely to remain pretty much the same as it is now, or even might improve.

There are different types of electric bikes - those that are pedal-assist only, those that are pedal and throttle assist and those that are throttle only (in terms of power assist, that is). If you are always able to pedal, albeit slowly, then any of these might suit. However, if you have times when you are unable to pedal, then you will need the throttle-assist. Bear in mind, even with those, then throttle has to be held against some resistance, so the muscles in your hand and arm will need to cope with that. (In my other life I am a disability adviser, so if you want to check anything out that you don't want to post to the forum, then pm me).

The best thing I could suggest is really trying one - even if it means that you need to travel to do so. There are people on this forum in Leeds, and I'm in Manchester and possible some even nearer to where you are. Take a look at the google map and see if there is anybody near you who might let you have a try.

I've just bought Technium Privilege from Wiggle, which is basically the Kalkhoff Agattu - this can give up to 1.5 times your pedalling power, so if you are able to gently pedal a bike, then this might suit. Wiggle have a good trial period as well, if you find this doesn't suit,and these are on offer at just under £900, which is an excellent price.

Elaine

 

[dan]

I have seen some amazing bikes on the web but I don't know if I should buy on off there. I live in East Yorkshire (Hull) and electric bikes seem to be pretty scarce, or you are told "Well, I can order one for you"

I am looking to spend under £1000, but if I can get what I want for less, that would be good.

Try Jobes Cycles, they have 2 shops in Hull and both sell electric bikes

 

[Flick]

Thanks for the advise, I will take it onboard.