I'm still on an analogue Orange Alpine 160, but I've got a mate who bought an e-Bike last year. We usually do trail centres - Llandegla, CYB etc so it's a varied mixed of climbs and descents, he is less fit than me and heavier so I can see why he bought his bike, but he's now having way more fun than me as he's got bags of energy to really enjoy the downhill sections compared to me who's blowing out of his ar$e after a 3 mile climb. I was really against them, but seeing how he actually gets to enjoy the bits that everyone wants to enjoy I'm quietly jealous now, but I can't justify another bike as I don't use the one I've got enough to justify even having that in the garage.
Get rid of the one you have and just have the ebike. Plus, if you ride it switched off most of the time like I do (I only turn it on for steep uphills), you'll burn twice as many calories. You'll ride it more, too.
Have you thought about the Maeving? https://maeving.com/. Not much more than some of the e-bikes out there.
It's an option, but considering I don't ride what I have, it's more cash whichever way I look at it for something I won't use that much, which doesn't make much sense. I have the same conversations in my head regarding selling my 1299 and getting a V4, I haven't ridden my 1299 in over a year now, so why spend more money on something that's going to sit there and gather more dust.
I went to get a new bike for my lads birthday in November 2020 - right in the middle of the Covid, so any decent bike was hard to get. Ended up with a new one for him an a new Cube 625w for both of us. They are the future and we use them loads (can’t understand why I’m a fat knacker really ♂️) looked at a few different models on line but settled with Cube as they gave us the best warranty etc.
Here's a link to MBR (Mountain Bike Rider Magazine). Great online info... buyers guides, reviewing new bikes & kit. https://www.mbr.co.uk/buyers_guide/best-electric-mountain-bike-348254 For me the biggest shock to getting into mountain biking is the initial cost of the bike. A good bike is the same cost as a good motorcycle! But if you get a good quality bike running costs are pretty low (no fuel) and you can ride it pretty much anywhere. In fact I wound up selling my enduro bike as I found I was putting a lot more miles on my mountain bike. I'd recommend getting a good brand, with a proven motor or parts and servicing will be an issue. Good luck
With regards to the e-bike weight issue... there sort are sort of 2 categories of e-mountain bikes taking shape. A) Full on ebikes: these have a big heavy battery, offer big power range and power assist. These are heavy! B) Super Light ebikes: generally much lighter, carbon frame, lighter/smaller battery, and so the rider needs to put some peddle power to give similar range as a full blown eBike. (Eg. Specialized Turbo Levo SL)
After being entirely sceptical I am now a huge fan of e-bikes. When I was young I could pedal 100 miles per day. Now I am older that is out of the question. I also e-bike up and down mountains now which would be impossible without electric assistance. I get good exercise without smashing my joints into oblivion. As for drawbacks, I do not rate them anything like the benefits. However if you are looking for areas to improve… here goes. 1. Cost, obviously. 2. Weight, although you don’t notice it until you want to pick the bike up. 3. I’d prefer the speed restriction was lifted. 4. New light weight battery technology would be a big plus/move forward. 5. Most e-bikes have 1 front sprocket, why not 2 like standard push bikes. 6. Comfy seat. I can’t really think of anything more offhand. Point of interest. My brother hates chains, they don’t bother me. He’s ordered a ‘Thule’ 2000w battery bike with belt drive. Despite the fact he’s had cancer twice he plans to ride the perimeter of the USA in what he calls bite sized chunks, with his wife. I’m not sure he understands the barren distances that exist in the States. However they have cycled the length of Spain twice, once assisted once on e-bikes. They have also cycled through various countries in the Far East and Asia. For me at the moment the 750w battery capacity is sufficient. There are 2 distinct categories with bikes/e-bikes. Road and off road. Maybe they will become more blurred dividing lines like 4 wheel drive vehicles and adventure motorbikes have. A question for you. What do you think could be improved on e-bikes?
For me it's the speed limit (uk) roads. I have an orbea gain with mahle motor and hub drive. I can comfortably pedal above the limit of 15mph and often ride without the motor. Don't want massive increase maybe 20mph more realistic as most 'cyclists' can comfortably sit at around 20mph on flat ground. That way whe I hit a hill and want to use motor I don't have to slow down and wait for the motor to kick in.
Isn't the the issue that 15mph Plus the weight of these bikes equal huge potential for impact damage in an accident, and the riders are not licenced nor insured?
Yes I guess so but around York I regularly get passed by people on scooters and I don't think they have any better brakes than me. Difficult I know but just seems to me that the rules need reconsideration. Go to Leeds and there are plenty of bandits riding around in way more dangerous way's than me out for a ride in the countryside!
An open question. The speed limit is restricted on e-bikes but what happens when you’re going downhill? Is that restricted too. A non-assisted pedal cycle can easily hit 40mph down hill.
Which kind of scooters? Lambrettas or the electric version of the two wheel thing that used to be just for little kids?
The latter. Plus there is a guy that stands on a one wheel thing with his feet on platforms either side, it's clearly electric and he does way over 15mph with no brakes whatsoever that I can see!
I bought one for my wife for her birthday, I think she took it out about four times in two years then the battery needed replacing, it took months to get the replacement battery and cost £800. They like to be used.
