That one innocent eco ride that turned into a 1,000W addiction spiral
Posted by zheitibun@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 91 comments
First it was eco mode, just to “help on hills.” Then sport mode. Now I’m flying past roadies like I owe them money. I said I’d only use the throttle “in emergencies.” Now the emergency is that pedaling feels like betrayal. Normies think we’re lazy - nah bro, we’ve just tasted power. Never going back.
Competitive-Comb-157@reddit
When I'm on the bike trail, I average 15 mph WITHOUT pedal assist. If I want to just cruise I'll do pedal assist 1, averaging 19-20. I'm not trying to compete with other bikers, I'm exercising. I feel I do not have a need to show off on a bike path. But when I hit the street, all bets are off. What I'm seeing on these types of threads is that some people assume that those with e-bikes have never been on a bike before or lack common sense. I just think that some people hate being passed on the trail and think people on ebikes are "cheating" like we are training for the Tour of the Bike Path. Kick rocks!
Miyelsh@reddit
I installed a 750 W BBS02 kit on my bike and its addicting. I've ridden 3200 miles on it and have replaced every component except for the motor, battery, and back wheel at this point. I've learned all about how to fix up my derailleur because it was shifting like crap and that really is noticeable when using a mid drive because all that power goes through the drive train.
But. I've tweaked it so tha today assist one only helps out with getting up to speed, and I often ride with low or no assist because it feels just as fun as riding fast. Its nice to have options, though it would rather go 15 mph than 35 for extended periods of time.
dino066@reddit
I'm with you on this one, although my cruising speed is more like 20mph, except for higher traffic/speed streets. I'm starting to have shifting issues on both bikes I converted. Could you share your approach? I had replaced the chains some time ago and the casseton the older conversion. My newer conversion is having issues on only one or two cogs. Any ideas I it's worth it replacing only individual cogs? I'm concerned about quality, etc.
Looking forward to reading your thoughts.
Thanks!
skyecolin22@reddit
The cogs do wear down and I just replace the whole cassette and chain when I start having issues. What I try to do is release the throttle when I'm shifting and time it just right so it shifts while the motor is slowing down but not yet stopped to avoid shifting under load. I can normally get about 2-3000 miles from a cassette with 1500W.
mellomike5@reddit
I usually rely on the Go button 98% of the time... When the battery starts having one bar left I'll use pedal assist 5... But a lot of the time I have my feet on the back foot pegs
lordairbus@reddit
I have a 1000w motor ebike, and honestly, not using the pedals is lazy. Having the assist up hills and throttle for emergencies motivates me to bike more as I don't have to be in the best shape and being tired doesn't affect my commuting time. My bike's throttle also cuts off at 32kmph (20mph) and I intentionally haven't bypassed it, it's there if my legs are sore but the speed limit incentivizes me to pedal which is ultimately better for my health.
If you really don't want to pedal, an electric motorcycle or moped is almost certainly going to be a better and probably safer (at higher speeds) option for you. Just don't pretend you're biking if all you're doing is pressing the throttle.
dude_fuck_dude@reddit
Why does everyone on this sub drop to the floor and start licking boot every time someone mentions going above 20 mph without doing a fake pedal motion?
The people have spoken. Throttle e bikes are transportational desire path. They’re what people want. If you want to expand the ebike market and get people out of cars, regulating the shit out of them will completely crush that goal.
moneyfortime62@reddit
Just admit that with a throttle and 30 mph they are faster than mopeds which require a motor vehicle license. They are not for bike paths or sidewalks. They should be encouraged for on street use in the right setting
stormdelta@reddit
I don't know where you are but that is absolutely not the case in the US, and 28mph is not nearly fast enough to safely drive with other road traffic in most US cities.
fourthstanza@reddit
Not fast enough for road traffic, but certainly too fast to be mingling with pedestrians, and a lot of NA bike infrastructure is mixed-use pathways. It's definitely a difficult situation.
stormdelta@reddit
To reiterate the main point: the idea is less cars on the road is safer for everyone along with other benefits. And this goal is one I care about quite a lot.
Most cities here barely even have these.
And it's not difficult to go irresponsibly fast around pedestrians on these even on non-ebikes, let alone even class 1. If someone is being reckless on these paths, that's already a problem that needs enforcing regardless of bike type.
fourthstanza@reddit
Anecdotal, but all of my city's dedicated bike infrastructure is mixed-use pathways. Otherwise it's all sharrows.
I'd absolutely be in favour of blanket speed enforcement, though the fact that most bikes don't have speedometers might make that impractical. Enforcing a throttle cutoff seems like a reasonable way to reduce the likelihood of speed conflicts to me.
XiViperI@reddit
Spoken like a NON-FREE man. In America we are free, it would be best if people just minded their own business and looked out for danger. Just because you're scared or don't agree with something doesn't mean others need to lose thier freedom of choice. Murder, manslaughter, law shits for injury are all real. There's 0 path to legally ride them on the road, no registration, no insurance, you would get smooshed. (why 50cc 30mph scooter ever took off here) I'm out in the country and I need 40-50mph to feel safe. Of course I'm always under 20 on a path, usually 11-15. But when you pop out in traffic, you must cause infrastructure sucks balls, then you need to do the speed limit or slightly above to safely hold the lane. Otherwise the cagers just get angry and pass you very dangerously.
So piss off some pedestrians that think they know what's best for me? Or keep myself safe? I chose me.
SweetKnickers@reddit
Yea, this. The huge problem with cars, is that every one ueses them as primarily transport all the time. This causes congestion, pollution and a bunch of other massive issues. If more and more people could use ebikes as primary transport, the roads would be much safer for all of us
Limit ebikes to crappy speeds and powers, will limit any interest and uptake of the ebike. The solution to car pollution isnt replace 2ton ICE car with 2 ton electric, its replace them with 50kg electric
stormdelta@reddit
This.
The 28mph speed limit I agree with, and things that are clearly built like dirtbikes shouldn't be on bike paths, but the way people get ridiculously weird about throttles and power limits sometimes is a bit bizarre.
The goal is to reduce cars which are more dangerous than any ebike.
XiViperI@reddit
Emoto and ebikes should be allowed everywhere just set speed limits like roads and ticket those that don't obey. And most importantly, mind your business.
Both-Low-7308@reddit
Are mopeds actually safer with those tiny wheels? I was going to get a scooter but everyone says you're going to crash at some point with those goofy small wheels and extra weight. Who needs that,so since we've all ridden bikes enough I assumed an e bike would be safer.
steelsoldier00@reddit
broke my arm twice on a 3-ish mph moped, never fell off my ebike, with a 23mph top speed and throttle
stormdelta@reddit
To be fair, all my worst bike/ebike accidents have been at low speed, but I think that's because that's when my guard is most down. Usually with no one else around either.
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
I can’t wait to get mine that unlocks to either “off-road mode” or another model with “unlimited mode” both reach 30-40 throttle only. I guess I’m not allowed to say I have an Ebike but a motorcycle with pedals? Not quite. I own a motorcycle they’re much different and go much faster than 40mph
fourthstanza@reddit
In that case it's a moped/pedelec.
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
Is it just jealousy of going fast and easily up hills or some self righteous thing that you’re a “biker” and people with faster than 28mph ones are not? lol no one’s a “biker” if you have a motor helping you. Besides I wouldn’t want to be classed in with actual bikers that hog the road when there’s no bike lane and don’t move for anyone causing a traffic jam, then claim cars are making it unsafe for them. Lmao
fourthstanza@reddit
All I care about is safety & classification. There has to be some cutoff point where a two-wheeled vehicle is too fast to use a bike lane. 28mph seems like a reasonable limit to me. At that speed, you're going to start having conflicts with & overtakes of people riding analogue bikes.
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
Me personally would only try and get top speeds if it’s a big stretch with no people around. Or when you’re on some fire trails with legit no one around
fourthstanza@reddit
The big issue is the fact that speed limits aren't really enforced in bike lanes. Throttle cutoffs are a sort of stopgap solution to keep bike lanes safe for now- but I'd hope we could have proper systems of speed limits and enforcement in the future.
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
Regulations kill everything. If people are just respectful and aren’t dicks doing 30mph swerving in and out of others things would be fine. It’s mostly the dirtbike looking ones I see young kids riding them on sidewalks I’m sure they’re not too respectful.
stormdelta@reddit
That's the rub, a minority of assholes ruin it for everyone. So you have to do a balancing act of not going overboard to the point of making things impractical, but also have at least some enforcement to discourage people flagrantly being dickheads.
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
Most people are respectful and don’t go max speed on a crowded bike lane cutting people off. They use it for fun when it’s able to used and go max speed which again is only a few mph over what your bike does.
stormdelta@reddit
It's more of a safety and regulatory issue for me.
I agree some people here get way too self-righteous and sanctimonious about it, but 28mph is honestly a pretty reasonable limit for speed. There's some grey area above that, but when you start talking things regularly going 30-40mph+ that's really a different class of vehicle in terms of danger posed, bike design, and momentum.
I'm not saying they can't be allowed, but it makes sense to start requiring more regulation or registration around them.
My primary goal is having less cars on the road in general, through whatever alternative transit forms necessary, bikes and ebikes included.
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
It’s not a moped when it’s shaped like a bike and has pedals. Get over it. Idk why you guys are so stuck up on what a bike is or not.
fourthstanza@reddit
I don't think the shape really matters- it's a motorized vehicle with pedals which is primarily throttle-driven. That's a moped.
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
Lmfao ok buddy. The shape absolutely matters. So your bike is a bike bc it can go 28 but one that can go a few mph more is a moped lmfao you guys really are a self righteous group of people trying to class yourself into a group and try to exclude others bc theirs goes a little faster. Both are bikes being driven by a motor if needed/wanted. They’re E-BIKES not bicycles
moneyfortime62@reddit
My Talaria tops out at 44. It’s an e dirt bike
Icy_Career_9299@reddit
Where did he pretend he’s biking? What should he say? “I’m riding around on a bike but I’m not pedaling just using a throttle” such snowflakes in this sub.
nonsensecaddy@reddit
I definitely relate to this. I do 100mile trips around the puget sound regularly. On no pedal assist those adventures only went 30-50miles in my shape. Extenze for men! 💀
stormdelta@reddit
My bike is a car alternative. Most of the time I'm just trying to get from point A to point B, not pedaling isn't "cheating", the only thing that would be cheating is riding at speeds reckless for the path/road/context/etc for both legal and safety reasons.
CanadianSpyDuex@reddit
The issue I see and I'm not saying you were like this but as a non pedal rider the majority of people that fly by me dangerously it's almost 100% e-bike riders so please take that into consideration. Again not saying it to you but just because you haven't e-bike doesn't mean you get to be a motorcycle on a bike path
XiViperI@reddit
Or, hear me out. Just mind your business. People are so effing judgemental of others. Worry about YOU.
ejactionseat@reddit
Lol I passed a Harley and a metric cruiser im traffic on my 1000W ebicycle yesterday, they looked choked. I dont't miss having a motorbike fodr city riding.
chronocapybara@reddit
Yeah this is why I'm a strong proponent of legislation that defines ebikes as pedal-assist only. Large, heavy, motorcycle-style ebikes that can go very fast on throttle only will inevitably be driven like motorbikes, not bicycles. Fun as hell though -- just stay on the road.
stormdelta@reddit
While I agree, that is a reason to restrict or regulate those types of bikes, not ban throttles outright.
Banning throttles just ends up making ebikes significantly less practical for a large number of use cases especially in the US with how spread out it is and the lack of biking infrastructure. My primary goal is having less cars on the road which increases safety for everyone (among other benefits).
CauliflowerBig@reddit
That's what we have in most of EU. If you have throttle you'll be fined and you bike will be seized
bbshdbbs02@reddit
I live in the uk not a single ebike has ever been seized in my town. And the police are literally never around anyway.
retromadder@reddit
Ebike crimes against humanity. Everyone knows if you have a throttle you're a criminal. Time to own it. It works for snowboarders...
Boulange1234@reddit
From the replies, you can tell who considers ebiking transportation and who considers it exercise or sport.
Exotic-Substance7920@reddit
I ride kind of crazy when nobody is around. It’s just too fun. But if I’m passing by people then I slow down.
Defiant-Gas-7458@reddit
Literally, this! Literally!
I have 3 cars and a motorcycle that does 220. Do I go 220 on the motorcycle when it’s 45? No.
It’s about respect and time and place everybody. But the limiting thing is just weird. Odd controlling undertones
Merry_Dankmas@reddit
Time and a place. My bike is 2200w. I top out around 38 mph on flat and have hit 45 down hill. Sure, I'll be a menace to myself when nobody is around but that's the key here: myself. I ride like a normal person around other people or busy areas. I accept the consequences of my own actions on myself. But these mfs teenage kids ripping Surons at full tilt through traffic are gonna fuck everything up.
logic_overload3@reddit
Electric motorcycles terrorizing pedestrians and other cyclists on trails is the exact reason for the tightening legislation all over the world.
Defiant-Gas-7458@reddit
I think the word “terrorizing” may be a bit hyperbolic lol.
Fantastins@reddit
I'm totally fine with riders being lazy and using 100% motor if they choose, but they need to dial it in to the speed they would be going if they were pedaling when they do that. They won't though so collectively we can't have nice things.
stormdelta@reddit
This. Power isn't the issue, speed is. Especially on bikes that are clearly aren't bicycles and discourage being ridden safely.
Weak-Conversation753@reddit
I still only use the lowest PAS setting on my bike, if I use it at all.
If it doesn't otherwise matter, I'm fine with working up a sweat.
Ok-Yogurt-42@reddit
Just get a motorcycle
nema100@reddit
The less screeching high RPM crotch rockets the better.
TeriyakiHairPiece_@reddit
Nah, grey area transportation is way more fun.
sanjosethrower@reddit
It is not a grey area. You are advocating being a scofflaw. And that’s cool with me. But don’t pretend you are clever for figuring out a loophole that isn’t one.
TeriyakiHairPiece_@reddit
100% a delinquent with a few of my hobbies. Grey area more in the sense of you only get in trouble if you are being an obvious jackass, easy to skirt under the radar “responsibly”.
Merry_Dankmas@reddit
Its the same shit with drones. FAA passed a law saying you have to have a transmitter that displays your drone registration and shit because people kept flying like jackasses around airports and restricted areas. Nobody follows this law though because its almost impossible to enforce. But it's one of those things where if you just simply don't act like an idiot, you wont have to worry about it. Same shit with ebikes. Don't wanna get in trouble? Don't do 30 MPH wheelies through crowds of children. Its not that hard.
TeriyakiHairPiece_@reddit
That’s my other hobby.
DyersChocoH0munculus@reddit
100% grey area lol.
SwiftUnban@reddit
It’s addicting, wait until you’re passing cars while sipping your ice coffee haha.
PoisonMind@reddit
I don't get joy out of raw speed, I get it from efficient motion. I feel like I'm gliding. Even going 15 mph is exhilarating if it's effortless. It's similar to the pleasure I get from bouncing on a trampoline.
galehufta@reddit
With great power comes great responsibility.
Sk1rm1sh@reddit
or great medical bills
PoisonMind@reddit
My dentist needs a new Cervelo.
Dat_shark@reddit
Brooooo this is so relatable. I bought an ebike for work, thinking I'd use minimum assistant but nahhh fk that. I use max boost ALLL THE TIME. it's too fun and feels sooooo good being able to somewhat keep up with average traffic in the city
Comfortable_Client80@reddit
That’s how I started with DH mountain bike and ended with a Talaria
DinnerInevitable6057@reddit
Yes I have bought a bike and it has a electric kit onit and ngl hate riding my normal bike now
Only-Engineering4850@reddit
I feel you my bike is a G100 3000 watts rear and 1500 front love the power and flying up and down hills had a smaller V30 max then had to upgrade
Overall-Abrocoma8256@reddit
See you on a liter-bike in a year.
Brief-Ad-7336@reddit
Less cars, more ebikes!
Yeahbuddy_420@reddit
I feel you. I just pre-ordered a Wired Predator. Mo Powa!!
Duct_TapeOrWD40@reddit
Amd this is how I got form converting an analogue bike to buy my very first notorbike in 11 months. Power is addictive.
dickeybarret@reddit
Posts like this is why ALL ebikes are going to be legislated into oblivion.
sheyPL@reddit
I hope so. 99% of those "e bikes" users are brainless, same goes for scooters
bigfoot_done_hiding@reddit
My e-bike only adds some torque to my own pedal strokes, so you'll be flying by me on the steep hills as I am still huffing up them.
RealLifeSuperZero@reddit
Same here. Plus the 30lbs of tools and backpack really brings out the huff.
totally-not-a-droid@reddit
That does not sound like a fun load. Get a container for your bike so your tools and heavy things can go there. You're back will Thank you
RealLifeSuperZero@reddit
I have a front rack for my tool bag.
cataclysmicleftovers@reddit
lol just get a motorcycle
Wants-NotNeeds@reddit
You can be lazy AND have a penchant for power.
Anxious-Depth-7983@reddit
The hub motor kit I installed on my trike makes it possible to ride again with my disabilities and get back in the wind. I don't go flying past people even when I used to be able to pedal faster. There's such a thing as common courtesy and common sense 🙄
WaluigiJamboree@reddit
Yeah, I enjoy my 2x 1000W e bicycle. The problem is I can't pedal fast enough to match my throttle lol
foothillbilly@reddit
Speak for yourself. I got an e-bike after DEET attacked my lungs. I'm going back to pedaling next month.
dom_fran@reddit
Amen ! 😈🤩
I_can_vouch_for_that@reddit
The e-bike is totally to help on the hills which lets me extend my ride.
jonathanfv@reddit
Ha, I do the same depending on the context. When I have to get to and back from work, and I'm busy and it's rainy, fuck it I use throttle and I go 40+ km/h, depending on the road I'm on (I slow down past people and other bikes, down to 20-25 km/h if it's a busy shared path, but fast next to cars). Allows me a 30 min trip. When it's nice out and I'm not in a rush, I'll happily pedal in the wind. If I want to access somewhere far away, I'll make sure to go at a time when I can pedal, to increase my range (at the moment, with my current bike and battery set up, at 25-30 km/h I get a ~250km range). It's fun to pack the bike up and go long distances. But it's also very fun to ride light and go 50+ km/h.
Pomdog17@reddit
What’s the bike repair question? 🤣
eStiloTV@reddit
That's what I was wondering 🤔
ip33dnurbutt@reddit
What have you done? I can already hear the that's-not-an-ebike-that's-an-electric-motorcycle-with-pedals-brigade straining their little 250 watt motors to come get you!