Torq with battery mod storms up hills

[Mussels]

Non-cyclists would not appreciate the "ability" to pedal an e-bike as an advantage when the battery runs out, and with many types, cyclists don't relish the prospect either. I think most of the public would prefer the moped reliability and relative freedom from punctures.
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I certainly don't relish the idea of pedalling unassisted, at least you only have to push a moped as far as a petrol station.
If mopeds were allowed on cycle paths I'd say there was little reason to get a pedelec unless you wanted the exercise, as it is I love the freedom to go more places than a PTW is allowed.

 

[torrent99]

I certainly don't relish the idea of pedalling unassisted, at least you only have to push a moped as far as a petrol station.
If mopeds were allowed on cycle paths I'd say there was little reason to get a pedelec unless you wanted the exercise, as it is I love the freedom to go more places than a PTW is allowed.

The parking bit, is the biggest issue for me. At home I'd have to leave it in the car park or on the street where the lighter finger residents of the area will get to it.

And in town there's limited parking spaces available to leave it whilst at work.
Whilst an e-bike can be parked almost anywhere!

 

[flecc]

And in town there's limited parking spaces available to leave it whilst at work.
Whilst an e-bike can be parked almost anywhere!

Yes, that's a big London problem, nowhere near enough PTW spaces. That might improve with PTW parking charges being introduced, money to be made.
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[wotwozere]

Hi

What the hell is a PTW.

thx

Bob

 

[Mussels]

Powered Two Wheeler, a term to describe any motorbike or scooter of any power. Although pedelecs are technically PTWs they thankfully aren't bound by the same rules.

 

[torrent99]

Yes, that's a big London problem, nowhere near enough PTW spaces. That might improve with PTW parking charges being introduced, money to be made.
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Another point to the e-bike...

 

[flecc]

Another point to the e-bike...

Sure, but things have changed so much over the last year or so that the pendulum has swung away from e-bikes somewhat towards mopeds and even e-mopeds.

Quality bike prices prices from £1500 upwards and batteries at £400 to £500 that last two years (?) for example, and petrol now dropping in price and likely to stay low for at least two years doesn't help the e-bike cause.

While e-bike prices have jumped by 40% to 60% and battery prices have almost doubled in many cases, the EGO electric moped remains at just under £1000, so lets look at around a 15 mile each way commute.

The initial purchase against a quality e-bike can save as much as £500, the battery replacement costs for the SLAs in the EGO will be only half at a saving of around £100 per annum in comparison. That means the entire cost of the EGO can be covered in 5 years against the e-bike outlay, making it effectively a free moped, with only the low petrol costs, free road tax and minimal insurance extra.

A bit over a year ago things were very different, an e-moped typically £2000 to £2500 with the same quality e-bikes not much more than £1000, using batteries that cost around £200.

You can see why my opinion has been changing, we old 'uns can be more adaptable and up to date than is commonly supposed.
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[torrent99]

Sure, but things have changed so much over the last year or so that the pendulum has swung away from e-bikes somewhat towards mopeds and even e-mopeds.

Quality bike prices prices from £1500 upwards and batteries at £400 to £500 that last two years (?) for example, and petrol now dropping in price and likely to stay low for at least two years doesn't help the e-bike cause.

While e-bike prices have jumped by 40% to 60% and battery prices have almost doubled in many cases, the EGO electric moped remains at just under £1000, so lets look at around a 15 mile each way commute.

The initial purchase against a quality e-bike can save as much as £500, the battery replacement costs for the SLAs in the EGO will be only half at a saving of around £100 per annum in comparison. That means the entire cost of the EGO can be covered in 5 years against the e-bike outlay, making it effectively a free moped, with only the low petrol costs, free road tax and minimal insurance extra.

A bit over a year ago things were very different, an e-moped typically £2000 to £2500 with the same quality e-bikes not much more than £1000, using batteries that cost around £200.

You can see why my opinion has been changing, we old 'uns can be more adaptable and up to date than is commonly supposed.
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I must admit that looks nice (I might have a problem charging it though...veery long extension cable needed )....

 

[Mussels]

I must admit that looks nice (I might have a problem charging it though...veery long extension cable needed )....

The City of London car park on London Wall has free electric charging bays. No idea if they are any use though, I've never needed to look.

 

[flecc]

I must admit that looks nice (I might have a problem charging it though...veery long extension cable needed )....

Yes, it's not suitable for everyone.

I like cycling for pleasure and local utility work, but if I was faced with a 15 miles each way commute I'd definitely choose the EGO, giving me more weather protection and warmth, and up to an additional hour a day of my own time into the bargain plus the mentioned savings. Its looking increasingly a no brainer for many.
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[torrent99]

Yes, it's not suitable for everyone.

I like cycling for pleasure and local utility work, but if I was faced with a 15 miles each way commute I'd definitely choose the EGO, giving me more weather protection and warmth, and up to an additional hour a day of my own time into the bargain plus the mentioned savings. Its looking increasingly a no brainer for many.
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Yes. Lets hope it foster many copy cats.
For me I'd have to wait until my son is old enough to ride on the back in some way. I did see a child seat for a scooter/m-bike on the web but they have to be old enough. I'd guess the all in cost is probably getting on for £1500 if you count in helmet, protective clothing, insurance, tax etc? (I don't know much about motorbikes etc.)

 

[flecc]

Yes. Lets hope it foster many copy cats.
For me I'd have to wait until my son is old enough to ride on the back in some way. I did see a child seat for a scooter/m-bike on the web but they have to be old enough. I'd guess the all in cost is probably getting on for £1500 if you count in helmet, protective clothing, insurance, tax etc? (I don't know much about motorbikes etc.)

It's roughly £1050 on the road price, plus helmet (circa £30 for a budget one), low cost third party insurance, the road tax is free on e-vehicles, so easily less than £1200. Of course e-bikes also need protective clothing so I haven't included that.

The EGO has been a big success and as well as online, it's been sold through a large range of outlets including some car dealers. It was launched on the gamble of big sales enabling large mass production savings and the gamble paid off, people just seeing a half price moped. Can't work with e-bikes though, halve a 905se to circa £700 and Joe Public will compare it to a £99 junk bike from a cycle discounter and think it's dear.
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