What does a moped feel like to ride?

[TylerD]

In various threads I've seen comments along the lines of this bike or that bike being more like a moped than an ebike. This was said most recently about one of the Tonaros and as I'm thinking about the new Esprit when it arrives (soon hopefully!!) its made me wonder what it actually means ?

 

[funkylyn]

I suppose whats meant by that is you just squeeze the throttle and then just sit there and enjoy the effortless ride !

When I test rode the Tonaro princess for a few days earlier this year, the throttle was so powerful compared to my windsor, that once on the Tarka trail I got carried away the first day and enjoyed being lazy for a while, it was great......until I got halfway back home and my battery ran out......NOT funny I can tell you......and anyone who has camped at Smytham Manor near Torrington will know what the access back to the site is like from the trail........nightmare......served me right for being lazy

Lynda

 

[TylerD]

That means you get the best of both worlds-so what's wrong with that?(unless you get carried away and forget to pedal atall, Lynda!)

 

[flecc]

"Moped like" means the power is the dominant factor, to the detriment of the cycling aspects.

 

[Caph]

I'd say a combination of weight and power.

If it's heavy and the assistance can't be turned down so that you can exceed its power input on the flat then you are definitely in for a moped experience. My Alien GS1 is like that but with its huge panniers it excels at shopping trips so I'm not knocking it. However if you put a Cytronex user on it I doubt they would enjoy the experience.

If it's light and you can tone down the input so that you can ride unassisted on the flat then you will feel like you are on a normal bike until you hit the hills. My Sunlova kit on my other bike is like that.

Of course, as you rightly point out, the best of both worlds is to have a light bike with variable pedelec input and throttle. Personally I wouldn't be without a throttle. In the summer I want to have maximum power output with minimum user input when getting in to work so I don't get in to work sweaty and full throttle lets me do that.

 

[steveindenmark]

I have a moped and I have a Tonaro. Whoever posted the original thread about a Tonaro has confused me and needs to explain a bit more.

I do not use the throttle on my Tonaro Enduro, in fact although I have throttle, they are illegal in Denmark. I have used it just to see what it does. It does accelerate smartish, but nothing like a moped and nothing startling. I found that continuous use without pedalling drains the battery quickly and I find it far better just to drop a couple of gears coming up to a stop.

I do not know what distance you can ride on the flat with just throttle power on the Enduro, possibly 5 miles, I am not sure. Where I live is all up and down and the Tonaro Enduro is great for it.

We rode 40km in the pouring rain today just to go and have lunch at a seaside cafe. Jannie was on her Tonaro Compy and I was on the Enduro. We would not have considered it on our other bikes. The Tonaros are excellent bikes and not at all like mopeds.

Don`t foget that all these bikes are PEDAL - ASSIST bikes, the title "Electric bikes" is misleading. If you don`t pedal you will soon find that most of them are Bloody Heavy bikes.

Steve

 

[flecc]

Those like the A to B reviewers who use the term "moped like" don't normally mean they are exactly like a moped, they just mean the motor aspect is very dominant. For example, the eZee Quando is nothing like a real moped, but it is very moped like in that the very capable motor runs it at 16 mph and is excellent at flattening hills, while it's single 70" gear makes it difficult for anyone pedalling to keep up. It's also a pig to pedal without power, so rates worse as a bicycle than it rates as a moped.

It's relevant that the EU low powered moped class is limited to 25 kph (15.6 mph) as well, so it's fair to refer to "low powered moped like".

 

[Kudoscycles]

I find myself using the term 'mini moped'-some of the latest e-bikes have a style and look that is more akin to a moped-small wheels,substantial frame etc etc. This look really comes from the electric motorbikes which are popular in Asia,these bikes often have illegal big motors and are the primary cause why the chinese government have banned e-bikes in 4 cities-I think they will in the longer term allow e-bikes back on the road but within sensible limitations.
I personally don't like the mini moped look,but emphasise that is very personal,others clearly like them-I must say I have never seen one of these mini mopeds on the road-with the Kudos bikes I have tried to keep them looking like conventional bikes and many customers appreciate that.
Am always interested in others opinions,do you like the mini moped look?
Dave
KudosCYcles

 

[eddieo]

while the tonero is not a moped it is heading in that direction, and away from being a bicycle. I am a cyclist who needs assistance, I want to peddle to get exercise, so I prefer a light, easy to handle bike, that can easily be lifted. That means I wont even look at bikes over 20kg......Simples

 

[flecc]

Am always interested in others opinions,do you like the mini moped look?
Dave
KudosCYcles

I think such as the A2B Metro can be attractive to many for in-city commutes and and general trips, and although for most purposes I prefer "proper" bikes, I could envisage using one myself for effortless city transport. Of course they even make a scooter version now without pedals.

 

[Scottyf]

Inprefere the stealth look so prefer a bike look with an added fun factor.

Some of the other mountain bikes with large frame and forks look cool though.