Sol P

Quick question to all knowledgable e-bikers. I bought second-hand KTM bike (with Bionx system) in SEP-16. And I got a completely new Bionx Battery at that time from the seller. I have been driving it for 1.5 years as a daily commuting bike (10km return), plus for an occasional weekend off-road ride. recently I took my bike for a repair (chain, brakes etc.) as I was moving to the countryside and wanted to get it refreshed. Straight after moving I started to have problems with switching the computer on the bicycle. It wouldn't switch on. It did switch on after some 20-30 times trying, and cycling was fine like it had no problems at all. After that cycle ride, I only managed to switch it on 2 other times, I had to cancel two rides. Now it would not switch on at all (battery is charged to full). I checked 2 cables by the motor on the back wheel (where service guy reconnect it to service chain etc.). It looked OK, but again I'm no expert. With reading news that Bionx has gone into administration, it seems there won't be anyone who would check/diagnose the computer problem on my bike. Any suggestions? Bike: KTM e-cross mountain bike + Bionx 36V battery. It was older generation bike and system I guessed.

Thanks to all for your comments. It's been very useful. Thanks for advice. Will let you know in the next few weeks, how it all ends. Hopefully some good cycling in future! many thanks. Sol.

Hi pedelecs, I'm new to pedelecs world and need your advice. I recently bought second-hand KTM mountain bike on Ebay. I travelled up to Sheffield to pick it up, and it was my dream bike. Started to cycle to work every day and enjoyed it. But when it went to the first time re-charge, it didn't charge up to full, only half. And went down from half to 5% very quickly when cycling on normal roads. I tried for day to leave on non-stop charge, but battery doesn't fill up, and stays close to empty all the time. I started the case against seller to return the bike, the issue that seller has to pay return costs (courier), and it's been 2 long weeks with emails. Once the seller realised that he has to pay return costs, he is now offering me £500 refund to buy a new battery on Ebay, apparently there are some for sale now. Since it is my dream bike, another battery seems like a good option. But how do I know that it is battery at fault and not the cable and small computer on the handle bars at fault. Could the cable or computer be it fault and not battery? Do you think it's worth trying to accept another battery in hope that it works? Many thanks in advance, Sol.

Hi Zac, I agree with Chris_n comment. I went on adventure holiday in Italy mountains, and we had cycle sessions on steep pin-up Italy roads (looking like Tour de France mountain stages). Couple of days I cycled on normal MTB, but the last trip organised was longer, and I would not have stamina, so I opted for e-bike. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride and quickly came to realise all benefits of e-bike (giving you little extra up the mountain). I came back to UK, and started to search for e-bikes,as I wan to go out for longer day trips, but do not have enough stamina to last full day. I think there certainly is a market for e-bike rental. Once people realise it's on the menu, more and more will opt for the "easier" option. I think for your business is to have normal bikes to rent + e-bikes. And very soon, people will opt for e-bikes, and your business should flourish. The key is to provide both options. And then also to consider simply road bikes, and off-road MTBs,but that will depend on cycle routes in your area. Think of some ladies bikes, when husbands and sons are strong and want to cycle, woman having option of renting e-bike, will give her option to join the family on the ride, when otherwise it wouldn't be possible. Good luck! Sol.