The thing is, I don't view my e-bike as a replacement for a regular bicycle. I view it as an alternative to my car. I just wonder if the average Joe thought the same, the potential customer base would be exponentially larger.

 

The issue here is that "average Joe" isn't going to be on this forum to ask. We are all converts and can see the advantage or ease of use that a pedal assist bike has to offer.

 

It always fascinates me the way that the general conversation goes with a non e-bike owning person.

 

AJ..Is that an electric bike?

Me.. Yes

AJ.. Isn't that cheating?

Me.. Why?

AJ.. Well you aren't doing the work and getting the exercise.

Me..Do you own a bike?

AJ.. Yes..

Me.. When did you last use it?

AJ.. Ah, it's had a puncture for ages and I just haven't got around to repairing it.

ME.. So what you are actually saying is that you own a bike, found it hard work and shoved it at the back of the garage years ago. Where as I'm out on my electric bike as much as possible, getting both enjoyment and exercise?

AJ.. It's still cheating though.

 

You just can't win!

 

I personally think that the e-bike market is going to go on leaps and bounds over the next ten years or so, as hopefully battery technology moves forward, and people start to realise that owning and riding an e-bike isn't a cheat, but is a way to get out and about as an alternative and fun way. Sadly us Brits never seem to be as open minded and sensible in this respect. Racing bikes being a prime example. The rest of Europe ride around on practical if not ugly bikes with raised bars and comfy saddles, whilst we ride around using wrist breaking drops with a plank to sit on. It's just the British way

 

For the foreseeable future at least, being a retailer in the e-bike market must be more about passion for the product and possibly a lifestyle choice, rather than just being in it soley to make money.

The issue here is that "average Joe" isn't going to be on this forum to ask. We are all converts and can see the advantage or ease of use that a pedal assist bike has to offer.

 

It always fascinates me the way that the general conversation goes with a non e-bike owning person.

 

AJ..Is that an electric bike?

Me.. Yes

AJ.. Isn't that cheating?

Me.. Why?

AJ.. Well you aren't doing the work and getting the exercise.

Me..Do you own a bike?

AJ.. Yes..

Me.. When did you last use it?

AJ.. Ah, it's had a puncture for ages and I just haven't got around to repairing it.

ME.. So what you are actually saying is that you own a bike, found it hard work and shoved it at the back of the garage years ago. Where as I'm out on my electric bike as much as possible, getting both enjoyment and exercise?

AJ.. It's still cheating though.

 

You just can't win!

 

I personally think that the e-bike market is going to go on leaps and bounds over the next ten years or so, as hopefully battery technology moves forward, and people start to realise that owning and riding an e-bike isn't a cheat, but is a way to get out and about as an alternative and fun way. Sadly us Brits never seem to be as open minded and sensible in this respect. Racing bikes being a prime example. The rest of Europe ride around on practical if not ugly bikes with raised bars and comfy saddles, whilst we ride around using wrist breaking drops with a plank to sit on. It's just the British way

 

For the foreseeable future at least, being a retailer in the e-bike market must be more about passion for the product and possibly a lifestyle choice, rather than just being in it soley to make money.

Eddie, your post had me smiling all the way through. My standard response at that point is "Cheating?... But I'm commuting, not competing. If you don't want to get to your destination in less time, at a fraction of the cost [of a car or public transport] and with so much more fun, you're the only one getting cheated." To date, nobody has had a meaningful response.

Dear danielrlee,

your intial observation is entirly correcy, the UK market is too small to allow any user/dealer/wholesaler any control on the supply chain, and therefore traceability.

Not enough people care about bicycles (think horsemeat in burgers.)

Until the UK market significantly improves, EU quality standards simply shall not apply, as we the consumers aren't prepared to finance the deal.

As the majority of consumsers are in BRICK or MINT countries where the standard of living is so poor that yes, bicycles are more popular, but they don't have the way with all to spend money forcing companies to have good quality or wellfare standards. Just an observation...you get what you pay for.

..you get what you pay for.

 

plus the 32% dealer margin if you buy from China or importers.

Of course, you won't have the same level of service but that does not bother many buyers.

You're not "getting it".

In the UK we have absolutely no economy of scale with regards to buying power in terms of bicycles at best, electric ones as an extreme example. We can't even get a decent UK dealership network as Joe Blogs in the UK hasn't adopted electric bikes. Youir message is, erm, how to be honest, it's like going into Poundland and saying you'd like it for 50p.

 

Yup, we are stuck with unlegislated, un warrantied parts which we have to finance ourselves and take the risk ourselves, mostly cos we're not "cool" enough and ther isn't enough margin for dealers to pay their rent. Unless we buy German, which is part of the EU..oh dear, controversial!

Rx

Dear danielrlee,

your intial observation is entirly correcy, the UK market is too small to allow any user/dealer/wholesaler any control on the supply chain, and therefore traceability.

Not enough people care about bicycles (think horsemeat in burgers.)

Until the UK market significantly improves, EU quality standards simply shall not apply, as we the consumers aren't prepared to finance the deal.

As the majority of consumsers are in BRICK or MINT countries where the standard of living is so poor that yes, bicycles are more popular, but they don't have the way with all to spend money forcing companies to have good quality or wellfare standards. Just an observation...you get what you pay for.

I think you raise some really good points. In the UK, for commuting purposes the bicycle is seen by the massive majority as a 'poor mans car'. What makes me laugh though is that a large proportion are happy to ride on hugely congested public transport systems in worse conditions than is allowed for cattle.

I think you raise some really good points. In the UK, for commuting purposes the bicycle is seen by the massive majority as a 'poor mans car'. What makes me laugh though is that a large proportion are happy to ride on hugely congested public transport systems in worse conditions than is allowed for cattle.

Couldn't agree more...bicycles are freedom, independance, and health and well being. More people riding can't be bad. But, at some level, it is about managing expectation...cheap stuff from the third world (or whatever terminolgy we're calling it today) simply hasn't been lab/wind tunnel/road/customer tested. Sometimes that's what we pay for - surity and traceability. I don't think any small children breathed horrible fumes from making a Kalkhoff. (Erm..as I don't work for the company I could be completely wrong here...but you get the idea, little kids aren't scavaging on toxic dumps to make this product...I hope! And equally, it performs to our expectations, whatever they are, and I'm dead weary of them being dictated by marketing departments, I'd happy suffer techy blokes any time :-)

The issue here is that "average Joe" isn't going to be on this forum to ask. We are all converts and can see the advantage or ease of use that a pedal assist bike has to offer.

 

It always fascinates me the way that the general conversation goes with a non e-bike owning person.

 

AJ..Is that an electric bike?

Me.. Yes

AJ.. Isn't that cheating?

Me.. Why?

AJ.. Well you aren't doing the work and getting the exercise.

Me..Do you own a bike?

AJ.. Yes..

Me.. When did you last use it?

AJ.. Ah, it's had a puncture for ages and I just haven't got around to repairing it.

ME.. So what you are actually saying is that you own a bike, found it hard work and shoved it at the back of the garage years ago. Where as I'm out on my electric bike as much as possible, getting both enjoyment and exercise?

AJ.. It's still cheating though.

 

You just can't win!

 

I personally think that the e-bike market is going to go on leaps and bounds over the next ten years or so, as hopefully battery technology moves forward, and people start to realise that owning and riding an e-bike isn't a cheat, but is a way to get out and about as an alternative and fun way. Sadly us Brits never seem to be as open minded and sensible in this respect. Racing bikes being a prime example. The rest of Europe ride around on practical if not ugly bikes with raised bars and comfy saddles, whilst we ride around using wrist breaking drops with a plank to sit on. It's just the British way

 

For the foreseeable future at least, being a retailer in the e-bike market must be more about passion for the product and possibly a lifestyle choice, rather than just being in it soley to make money.

I'm on a catch 22 with this one.

The horrible road I ride is well worn by super quick racers in lycra. Therefore they have paved my path. Car drivers are at least aware of the possibilty of cyclists if not very sympathetic. I got a toot and a wave today, from 2 young 20 year olds in a Merc (can't imagine they're local unless they're drug dealers) at the back of a (whole 4 car queue) as I made hard work of a hill, but I assume they saluted me pulling in to let the cars past - I can't imagine they fancied me, I'm a cougar with a puce face and a fat arse!

I reckon I still hold the moral high ground...at least I'm not damaging the roads as much as their car is! Eddie, i'm afraid I still feel as though I'm cheating, those lycra clad guys don't want to make friends with me any time soon, and the car drivers aren't really convinced either,

Rx

I'm another newbie, have to say that i'm a little surprised about comments re the source of ones bike, mine was made in Taiwan does that make me a second class pedelec owner I did not expect to find snobbery on this excellent website or comments against other cyclist pedal or electric powered.I have returned to cycling for pleasure, and to try to restore fitness using my electric assist bike, but I also remember the days when I raced on a bike, and wish all cyclist enjoyment from their bikes, mike.

Crikey Mike, didn't mean that at all, I also think I'm due an apology to forum members on this thread discussing power...I think I might have crashed their thread, total bad form in forum etiquete as was any impression you may have received about me being judgemental. No offence was ever intended.

Well done you on your purchase - if you are half as scared as me you've done a really brilliant thing. More nice days for pedalling that's what I vote for!

Rx

Would the car drivers like to forgo their power steering or brakes? That's 'cheating' too.

As I suspect they don't know what they are...I'm not sure that's a valid argument. The majority of car drivers in my neck of the woods haven't even figured out what indicators are for...I wouldn't necessarily credit them with the inteligence of knowing what or how either power steering or ABS brakes either do or work!

Rx

I'm on a catch 22 with this one.

The horrible road I ride is well worn by super quick racers in lycra. Therefore they have paved my path. Car drivers are at least aware of the possibilty of cyclists if not very sympathetic. I got a toot and a wave today, from 2 young 20 year olds in a Merc (can't imagine they're local unless they're drug dealers) at the back of a (whole 4 car queue) as I made hard work of a hill, but I assume they saluted me pulling in to let the cars past - I can't imagine they fancied me, I'm a cougar with a puce face and a fat arse!

I reckon I still hold the moral high ground...at least I'm not damaging the roads as much as their car is! Eddie, i'm afraid I still feel as though I'm cheating, those lycra clad guys don't want to make friends with me any time soon, and the car drivers aren't really convinced either,

Rx

I wouldn't lose too much sleep over this. Lycra clad individuals with superiority complexes are dicks and who wants a dick for a friend? I just watch them get angry at me while I maintain 20mph+ speeds up the hill they are comparing penis sizes over.

Daniel - you're my hero. When I make anything like 20mph I will post!!! ( I did close-ish today, but it was downhill with a following wind and electric assist so I take no credit). But I do have a small smile, song in my heart, and positivity to try again :-)

Yes, buying in the UK is expensive...but, I think worth it, that's why I did it. Many feet, bottoms and pedals make for a less expensive NHS, happier folks, and erm maybe a better community?

The more we do it, the better we get - practice makes perfect (and boy do I have a lot of practicing to do!)

Please ride safe all of you,

Rx

Daniel - you're my hero. When I make anything like 20mph I will post!!! ( I did close-ish today, but it was downhill with a following wind and electric assist so I take no credit). But I do have a small smile, song in my heart, and positivity to try again :-)

Yes, buying in the UK is expensive...but, I think worth it, that's why I did it. Many feet, bottoms and pedals make for a less expensive NHS, happier folks, and erm maybe a better community?

The more we do it, the better we get - practice makes perfect (and boy do I have a lot of practicing to do!)

Please ride safe all of you,

Rx

Simply swapping/modifying your existing battery, will give you those sort of speeds. The truth is that electric vehicles are ridiculously simple machines when compared to the internal combustion engine in your average motor vehicle. Once you understand electric bikes, you're pretty much ready to jump to most other forms of electric transport - they really don't differ that much.

Simply swapping/modifying your existing battery, will give you those sort of speeds. The truth is that electric vehicles are ridiculously simple machines when compared to the internal combustion engine in your average motor vehicle. Once you understand electric bikes, you're pretty much ready to jump to most other forms of electric transport - they really don't differ that much.

Hee hee hee I think the problem is my legs and lungs, not the elecric battery but I take your point. I aspire (actually I''m not sure about that- 15mph on very skinny tyres was quite an experience...I think maybe "I'll build up to that" rather than be overly bold.)

Hee hee hee I think the problem is my legs and lungs, not the elecric battery but I take your point. I aspire (actually I''m not sure about that- 15mph on very skinny tyres was quite an experience...I think maybe "I'll build up to that" rather than be overly bold.)

Oh, okay. If it makes you feel any better, it involves very little effort from me. I'm on really fat tyres and my bike pulls me along at a precisely 28mph on the flat with no pedaling. Uphill, I'm probably only adding a couple of mph with my own effort. I've done 35mph+ downhill though and that's pretty scary. Google 'liveforphysics deathbike' and you'll see what truly terrifying is.

Perhaps I should have said, I'd been practicing on an "analogue" ( no electric assist) bicycle with 20 inch mountain bike tyres, on cycle paths only. The new bike has thinner (narrower?) 26 inch wheels. It doesn't steer more quickly, but it's erm, different to the previous.

I'm sure there are many people who are much more competent with 26 inch wheels on this site :-)

nope, no deal, erm Isle of Mann TT pretty much sums up terrifying for me!!! Over 100mph with barbed wire fences, yikes! Cheesewire springs to mind, with sliced people. Ok that's way too scary for a Sunday night, I absolutely don't want anyone to have nightmares. I'm happy a rode a bicycle today and made some new friends I hope :-) (Blimey what kind of a battery do you have -no no no don't actually tell me...I am hoping to become fitter but well done you Rx)

Perhaps I should have said, I'd been practicing on an "analogue" ( no electric assist) bicycle with 20 inch mountain bike tyres, on cycle paths only. The new bike has thinner (narrower?) 26 inch wheels. It doesn't steer more quickly, but it's erm, different to the previous.

I'm sure there are many people who are much more competent with 26 inch wheels on this site :-)

Well, as you see, I'm certainly no hero - I'm told I'm a 'cheat', haha! Don't be so hard on yourself. Whenever I ride unassisted, I turn into a quivering wreck within minutes. If you really are as unfit as you make out (and I'm sure you're not), a sustained 15mph is bloody marvellous. I can only add a couple of mph to that and I'm a skinny 33 year old.

Edited January 19, 201412 yr by danielrlee

nope, no deal, erm Isle of Mann TT pretty much sums up terrifying for me!!! Over 100mph with barbed wire fences, yikes! Cheesewire springs to mind, with sliced people. Ok that's way too scary for a Sunday night, I absolutely don't want anyone to have nightmares. I'm happy a rode a bicycle today and made some new friends I hope :-) (Blimey what kind of a battery do you have -no no no don't actually tell me...I am hoping to become fitter but well done you Rx)

Well okay, I can't argue with you there, but bare in mind I've seen videos of him riding that thing in shorts, a t-shirt and no helmet.

 

I'm using high powered batteries that usually power little radio controlled models. They can be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands and are potentially a huge fire risk, but you can do these sorts of speeds with much safer battery technologies. I'll stop trying to tempt you there, but if you ever need any additional info about any e-bike related wizardry, don't hesitate to ask.

 

Right, we really ARE off-topic now (but it's my thread, so it's allowed :-)).

Edited January 19, 201412 yr by danielrlee

When I make anything like 20mph I will post!!!

 

We've got an unofficial "50mph Club" in the forum for those who've exceeded it downhill, so there's a target for you!

 

Link 1

 

Link 2

Edited January 20, 201412 yr by flecc

Been reading this post with interest and I have to say now it clearly looks (shame to say) that us, we are too stingy to pay a slightly higher price to a UK supplier when it comes to buying a components for e-bikes. Trying to save few pence and probably thinking that

- ohhh maybe I'm not get get caught with duty and VAT upon arrival

- ohhh maybe the plane won't burn if my li-po catches fire.

- ohhh maybe shipping won't cost that much

- ohh maybe I won't get screwed by the Chinese when my parts don't work

- ohh maybe I won't have to wait for 5 weeks to get my parts

 

As far as I know loads of members have been sourcing bits and pieces from Chinese vendors such as BMSbattery etc but our UK sellers seems to struggle selling the parts at almost the Chinese prices.

 

great example of Dave who sourced some great products from China and selling them at pretty much at the purchase cost after paying shipping and duty. Selling on the average one motor per month.

 

So to anyone thinking of selling a components you can only do it as operating from a bedroom and surely not as a full time job

 

all the best

 

Andrew

 

Andrew you are so right. As concumers, reallistically you have to look at who would fulfill warranty. Tesco will, Aldi will. (But they will make whoever supplied them their good pay, and at their cost.) Which online electric bicycle sellers will? I wish to the end of the earth the UK was better at electric bicycles, however as we have Jeremy Clarkson getting paid stupid money by car manufacturers to finance his lifestyle, we've our work cut out to get even a level playing field.

Eddie, your post had me smiling all the way through. My standard response at that point is "Cheating?... But I'm commuting, not competing. If you don't want to get to your destination in less time, at a fraction of the cost [of a car or public transport] and with so much more fun, you're the only one getting cheated." To date, nobody has had a meaningful response.

Oh I've been the subject of ridicule all week for buying a bike which is a 'cheater' mostly by people who don't know what a bicycle is, let alone an electric one.

Until we have a massive change in popular TV soap opera's portrail of motorcyclists/cyclists/anyone who isn't driving a car, lets face it the character they portray will die due to a road accident. Most folk don't even know what a motorbike/electric bike/bicycle is, we appear to be lentil eating hippies that don't pay tax. I rate lentils,but I don't eat them, and proportionatley I pay more tax than big earners as I don't have a tame accountant. Down with Jeremy Clarkson I say, he is not representative of the people using our roads.