eBikes

It depends what you mean by eBikes. There are two kinds. Real eBikes and scooter-type "eBikes". The scooter-type are just that. Battery powered scooters. The real eBikes are battery assist bicycles. They look like regular bicycles. I have regular Trek bike with a BionX kit. You can ride it without any assist from the motor, some assist(it responds to the pressure on the pedals) or you can press the red button and not pedal at all. It has regenerative breaking, it's light and fast, and Canadian made. It's really great on windy days and hilly roads. I've had it for 5 or 6 years and it's the only reason I ride a bicycle. Don't know much about electric scooters, except that they're slow.
 
Pro's = Low cost to operate. Extremely inexpensive mode of travel

Con's = You'll look like a tool riding one
 
out of curiosity how much is the retrofit kit?
Is this the kit you buy and install yourself on a regular bicycle? I saw a guy on the street and he said $150 but he rode off before I could ask him where and how to install.
 
Pro's = Low cost to operate. Extremely inexpensive mode of travel

Con's = You'll look like a tool riding one

Is it just me or are e bikes slower than a regular bicycle? Not to mention there is no health benefit of riding an e bike with the motor on. Always puzzles me why people would buy such a device and use the motor. Might as well buy cheap a motorcycle, car or take transit.
 
out of curiosity how much is the retrofit kit?

Skis&Bikes gave me a bit of a deal on a kit at $1200(installed). I think they are $1000-$1500, depends on the battery type and make.
 
Are you still on the same battery after 5-6 years? Can you post a pic?
Still the same, 25% loss(about). I'll post a pic as soon as I figure out how. You can check out up to date kits at BionX website.
 
Isn't riding a bike supposed to be a form of exercise? eBike = Lazy??
Some of us don't have the energy we used to have. Electric assist makes it fun, again.
 
Is it just me or are e bikes slower than a regular bicycle? Not to mention there is no health benefit of riding an e bike with the motor on. Always puzzles me why people would buy such a device and use the motor. Might as well buy cheap a motorcycle, car or take transit.

No license needed, no insurance needed, you can drive on bike paths or bike lanes, you can park almost anywhere, no gasoline needed, etc.
 
In my area they are everywhere.
Biggest pain in the ass. The riders think the rules of the road don't apply to them.
Just a matter of time before I plant a big Ford logo on one of their foreheads. It won't be on purpose before anyone starts.
They ride in the dark without much in the way of reflectors, swerve out across traffic, don't obey stop signs...
I thought the weekend warriors in spandex were bad on their bicycles. These idiots are all week long.
 
No license needed, no insurance needed, you can drive on bike paths or bike lanes, you can park almost anywhere, no gasoline needed, etc.

They are also called DUI bikes.
They're for idiots that lost their license and/or can no longer afford the insurance.
 
They are also called DUI bikes.
They're for idiots that lost their license and/or can no longer afford the insurance.

I agree with this ^ post. Generally everybody I see on EBIKES have a DUI pending. With no licence, helmet or permit these things are a menace.
 
On longer or uphill trips it would be helpful to have some electric assist.
You have no idea, especially when you pair a decent bike with an assist system.
 
I agree with this ^ post. Generally everybody I see on EBIKES have a DUI pending. With no licence, helmet or permit these things are a menace.
Helmets are required by law.
 
In my area they are everywhere.
Biggest pain in the ass. The riders think the rules of the road don't apply to them.
Just a matter of time before I plant a big Ford logo on one of their foreheads. It won't be on purpose before anyone starts.
They ride in the dark without much in the way of reflectors, swerve out across traffic, don't obey stop signs...
I thought the weekend warriors in spandex were bad on their bicycles. These idiots are all week long.

I freakin' hate eBikes especially when I'm on my bicycle. And yes, you have to be a douche bag to ride one.
Oh, and have a butt hanging out of your mouth.

Electric assist bicycles are good for people who have trouble getting up hills, pedaling into a headwind or just lazy and out of shape. I cycle as a form of exercise. I personally wouldn't buy one unless I was physically unable to pedal a bike anymore.

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