E-Bikes thoughts, comments?

[estronat]

I'm planning to purchase an eBike spring of 2015. Perfect for my needs and geography, which includes lots of rolling hills

One can get a very vigorous workout on an eBike because the level of assist is controlled by the rider at all times. Anywhere from no-assist to a high level of assist, with a couple choices in between. It can be a great option for those who would like to drive less and bicycle more, being able to run errands, commute to work, and various practical uses, not only for fun. Most people drive to run errands within 5 to 8 miles of their home. Also for those who have injuries, knee replacements, or had surgery, an eBike can get them back to cycling or supplement what they are able to do on their own.

For me I need the assistance because I have a lot of hills and it's just not any fun having to walk the bike.

[shootingstar]

I think I would consider an e-bike if somehow the batterypack could be lighter but also have wider wheels..for winter, yes make it a fat bike here where we live where it's long hard and snowier winters in the prairies.

It's something to consider much later on in life when I need a boost occasionally and be more balanced. By the time, I wouldn't care how slow I was going..but still wanting to be mobile on my own on quieter roads and on paths.

[estronat]

I think I would consider an e-bike if somehow the batterypack could be lighter but also have wider wheels..for winter, yes make it a fat bike here where we live where it's long hard and snowier winters in the prairies.

The good news is that ebikes do come in all kinds of varieties, including fat bikes, mountain bikes, road, commuter, hybrid, city, cruisers, eTrikes, etrailers, fully engineered and kits available for those DIY types. I've been following the discussions and learning about different eBikes at electricbikereview.com and it is amazing the number of companies and the proliferation. Even well-known companies like Trek, Specialized, Felt, and Giant have eBikes in their lineup.

My local Specialized bike shop was all {sniff-sniff-pew-pew} when I was chatting with the guys about eBikes until they realized that it expands the range of people who can successfully ride and enjoy cycling and that anything that gets people to cycle and get out of their cars and get exercise and doesn't harm the environment doing so, is a good thing. If one is a "cycling enthusiast" then it should warm the cockles of one's heart to see people on bikes, even if those bikes have some battery power to the rider get up a hill. Pedelecs often require the rider to push those pedals, as the rider is part of the engine, and in mid-drive engines, like Bosch, the rider doesn't go anywhere if they are not pedaling the bike.

For many people eBikes don't replace their regular road or mountain bike, it replaces their use of their car so they spend a lot more time on a bike or allows them to get their exercise in commuting to and from work.