Electric Bikes

[olimanjaro]

Anyone have any experience of using electric bikes as a means of continuing cycling despite illness?

An elderly relative of mine was, formerly, an avid walker but through advanced age has now had to rein things in as he is no longer able to conquer the fells the way he used to until well into his 70s. His purchase of an electric bike a year or so ago has been a revelation - despite living in a very hilly town he is able to zip bout with ease, varying the level of assistance he receives so that he exercises but on his own terms.

It strikes me that these would be just as good for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as ME, and if this is the case then they surely merit more prominent inclusion in this section of the CTC website?

[mjr]

Anyone have any experience of using electric bikes as a means of continuing cycling despite illness?

At least one rider in our local group used an e-bike to keep riding while ill. I think it was some heart condition but maybe I've misremembered. Perhaps the exercise did him good because he progressed to the e-bike with the battery removed and motor-wheel replaced by a standard (apparently it was a very light bike without them) and now rides his unassisted bike again.

I think the e-bikes are a good option to have for such situations. I'm glad to hear it's kept your relative rolling along!

It strikes me that these would be just as good for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as ME, and if this is the case then they surely merit more prominent inclusion in this section of the CTC website?

I couldn't say because this section shouldn't exist in my opinion.

[AlanJ]

I've used a conversion kit to make my bike an ebike due to very poor health. Even a front wheel drive can handle hills but crank drive or rear hub are better for hills.

Without an ebike I'd struggle to do 3 miles, now I can manage 25 miles OK I'm puffing and panting but it has let me enjoy riding again and recently helped me raise money for the British Heart Foundation doing a charity ride.

[olimanjaro]

I've used a conversion kit to make my bike an ebike due to very poor health. Even a front wheel drive can handle hills but crank drive or rear hub are better for hills.

Without an ebike I'd struggle to do 3 miles, now I can manage 25 miles OK I'm puffing and panting but it has let me enjoy riding again and recently helped me raise money for the British Heart Foundation doing a charity ride.

Wow, that's great to hear, and perhaps puffing and panting (to a point) is no bad thing! Yes, I hear front wheel drive can compromise the steering, and can certainly vouch for a rear hub motor tackling the hills well. Was your conversion kit a front wheel job Alan, and if so, how have you found the steering?

[AlanJ]

Yes front wheel. The steering seems fine to me, certainly no major difference from pre-conversion, OK the bike is a cheap Apollo from Halfords so not great quality. Combination of my weight & motor weight mean I don't suffer much wheel slippage when going up hills or on very gravelly surfaces.

[tyreon]

I do not ride an 'assisted' e-bike...at the moment. I have a friend who is giving it thought. Have an interest in this area and came here for more info. Glad you are raising the subject. Guess there could be/should be(?)a complete department(?)on this. Hear they're big and growing in Germany.
If this forum doesn't touch assisted bicycles(not petrol jobs),any other website like this one that does?

[GeoffBrassn]

I do not ride an 'assisted' e-bike...at the moment. I have a friend who is giving it thought. Have an interest in this area and came here for more info. Glad you are raising the subject. Guess there could be/should be(?)a complete department(?)on this. Hear they're big and growing in Germany.
If this forum doesn't touch assisted bicycles(not petrol jobs),any other website like this one that does?

There is the pedelecs site which has a busy forum. It used to offer really good help and advice. Recently it seems to be just a few people who post about just a few types of bike and seems a bit spammy to my mind. I would suggest you find a specialist electric bike shop with plenty of bikes to try and no strong favourite bike brand to push. Personally I can only recommend the shop I got mine from which is probably miles away from you.
Update: their website does show a useful map of electric bike retailers around the UK