I had no idea!
Posted by Far_Relationship3649@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 162 comments
We got our e-bikes yesterday, and since we’d never ridden one before, it was quite the experience. The bike itself weighs about 70 pounds, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. After putting the battery on, I climbed on and tried pedaling normally—and in that moment, I felt every bit of my 62 years. I thought, *what did I get myself into?*
Bike riding used to feel like pure freedom when I was young—we rode everywhere. The last time we rode any significant distance was around 2016–2017, and we really put in the miles back then. But this time, trying to pedal that e-bike on my own, I quickly realized there was no way I was going very far like that.
Then everything changed. I turned on the assist, found the throttle, and the moment that power kicked in, it was like I was young again. Suddenly, I had the energy and the spark to go anywhere and do anything.
I think I’m in love.
stormdelta@reddit
I don't disagree with the sentiment, but please don't write your posts with LLM bots. It makes your posts indistinguishable from spam bots.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Wow is it that noticeable LOL. I felt like my post was half ass and I did have it help me put it together better. But it still was all me with a computer English teacher fixing it for me
PwnBr0k3r@reddit
Remove the — and most wouldn’t have picked up on it.
Arualiaa@reddit
That’s so depressing. I’m a writer and I use the emdash very frequently, even in casual text conversation if I’m writing a long-ish paragraph that calls for it. Now everyone associates it with ChatGPT :(((
PwnBr0k3r@reddit
To be fair, I’m an avid fiction reader of 35+ years and can’t recall a time seeing the emdash prior to the rise of AI. Despite the hundreds of books I have read, my sampling is just a small drop in the bucket though.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Thank you!
Complete-Jeweler-804@reddit
Gen X = ebikes. We are getting old but still love to ride and created a way for us to keep our old bones in the saddle and pedaling. I own 5x ZOOZ BIKES
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I look at those seats and immediately think motorcycle. It's really cool looking
Complete-Jeweler-804@reddit
Super fun to
Number4combo@reddit
When I got me first ebike it was fun but lack of torque sensing made it feel like you had to ghost pedal to keep speed up otherwise it was an on/off thing.
Got a better ebike and that feeling went away but even though it has a throttle I just use the PAS as throttle just feels like cheating.
I also got myself an Emtb since I like trails and used to race and that was tons of fun as well. It's like instant fitness and can ride up all the hills like I used to but without the heart pounding out of the chest feeling.
BrickCrusher@reddit
What emtb do u have? I have a ebike. Also thinking about a emtb.
Number4combo@reddit
Giant Trance XE 2, over paid for it.
The new Aventon looks nice.
EBCCTX@reddit
Where I live it usually hot and it is always humid. I use the throttle on the last mile home to cool off!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
You said it beautifully !
DaikonAutomatic3067@reddit
Thanks! 😊
kurisu7885@reddit
Yeah from what read I'm pretty glad I got a trike with a torque sensor, I don't accidentally cause the motor the kick on.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I must forgot about that throttle yesterday our first ride. And it gave me energy knowing that if I needed help it's there.
kurisu7885@reddit
Oh yeah. Help that I can switch mine off completely if I want to.
And honestly, it can be fun to just punch it and make noises like those Harley riders from South Park
Nexus_Man@reddit
Did the same thing, got a cadence sensor bike and once I realized what I did, I lost money on getting rid of it as fast as I could. Then I got a torque sensor emtb mid-drive and love it so much I keep turning the assist down and currently run 5% most of the time just to get a good long workout in.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Last night was our first real ride. I don't know how to adjust the assist. I have to play with that!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I just looked up your bike. Very nice! My husband has full suspension on his nomad. Would you suggest a suspension seat and rod? I just have front suspension.
Number4combo@reddit
For seatpost suspension I would get something like the Suntour SP12 NCX or Thudbuster. The only reason I haven't gotten one yet is cause the seatpost is very long and I don't think the suspension posts will be far enough into the frame.
Some do like getting a dropper for their seatpost even for general riding as it makes it easier when at stops or such and then raising it to get proper pedaling stroke.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I have to look into that. The bike shop where I got it said they do have a suspension post but it will raise my seat to inches. And I don't know if my handlebars go up LOL. So maybe just a seat. never heard of a dropper seatpost
riscten@reddit
Why TF is this written by a bot?
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Its not
Bimmersport@reddit
Me too
myrosepetal@reddit
There is always a first in everything. 👍😉🥰
unseenmover@reddit
I use first ebike right before covid broke. On the days i had to go into the office i rode thru the empty & extra sketchy Oakland streets and tunnels for my commute. Some days it was straight outta mad max..
I started using it for everything else as well. Long mixed terrain rides, day trips. Hauling it on buses and trains to reach areas of the Bay Area and beyond.
Now im looking to relocate closer to the fam and am precisely picking place with good bike infrastructure and transit so i can keep on keeping on..
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I love the Mad Max reference. I can see it!
Few_Day_1920@reddit
I live in San Francisco at the top of a pretty significant hill which I don’t enjoy walking up. I’d never make it on a regular bike or at least would hate it to the point of never riding. I got my first e-bike right before Covid struck and it was the best thing I’ve bought since. Man do they open up a whole new world to someone who isn’t a regular bike rider. I just hate the regulations coming down the pike. A kid was just killed and another seriously injured riding an e-bike in the Bay Area. E-motos need to be categorized separately and parents need to understand the increased risk going even a few mph faster on a bike brings especially for kids who havent developed the motor skills years of riding on analog bikes brings and who don’t have a healthy sense of mortality.
Also speed is fun. 🤔
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I thought 20mph was slow! I guess I never really knew how fast I was going on my regular bike. But 20 mph is more than enough for me
MaximusAK@reddit
I got my first ebike last summer. I was 63. All the hills in my life suddenly disappeared. I now do 30-mile rides almost every time I'm out. I still get a workout, but I have that "extra" for when I'm getting tired.
It's so amazing. I don't know why I waited so long.♥
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Because you didnt really know! Lol
Remarkable-Sample273@reddit
All it took was one hill on my intended route and I would decide to drive my car instead. Not only am I too old and easily winded for a hill but I don’t want to arrive sweaty. Sometimes I want to arrive wearing clothes that are problematic for cycling. An e-bike changes all this.
There’s only one last detractor - theft. Eugene, OR is one of the worst cities in the US for bike theft. Very clever & skilled thieves here, stealing $2-3k bikes every day in broad daylight (cops hardly care). If I can’t walk away from my bike and be free to put my attention somewhere other than the bike, then I won’t choose to ride one. It’s that simple.
I suppose the fix is monitored, corralled bike parking garages. I would be willing to pay a nominal fee, not unlike the way we pay for parking space for our vehicles. If businesses would provide good, solid bike parking structures I would be more inclined to shop there. Till then, I am on the sidelines wanting to join but unwilling to have my expensive new toy stolen the first or third time I walk away from it.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
That seems to be a common thread. I guess if somebody really wants to steal it they're going to. This is a worry when we are traveling.
SnooPredictions4677@reddit
I just My father-in-law's e-bike out a couple weeks ago. He's 82 years old. I've got my first e-bike on the way now being shipped to my house. I'm almost 50. That thing was awesome
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
It only takes 1 ride
Interesting_Bar9213@reddit
Could I ask what brand and model? Same concerns.. I thought about getting my parents one but worried it’ll be hard to handle.
Thanks in advance
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
My spouse has the Velotric Nomad2, and I have the gomad. As long as they're not putting it in their car they shouldn't have a problem. The takeoff is what scared me because I'm trying to take off with an 80 lb bike and 200 lb of woman lol. But then I found the throttle. And I just need a little bit to get going
Supergalactic71@reddit
I lost my stomach to cancer at age 50, and have been quietly reading this forum. I can only ride 5-7 miles at most on a regular bike anymore. Thanks for the review. Getting me closer to purchasing one.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I think you will be pleased! Can you try one out before you decide!
godzillabobber@reddit
Me, a year and 3 months later. Just used three tanks of gas last year. We (wife and I) are fit enough to turn the power off regularly on a one mile uphill climb, so we are genuinely getting younger.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Wow! Great you can cut down on gas so much!
toaster404@reddit
Perhaps regular use can train you up to a regular bike. I'm actually faster on my road bike overall, except where it's stop sign to stop sign city riding. But less work with assist. The road bikes are more fun! But my eBike will tow a decent trailer.
Jesters__Dead@reddit
Sounds like they'll have more fun on the ebike and will use it more than a regular bike
youaresoincorrect@reddit
Yes for me it's a matter of sustaination, I could go faster on a manual bike yes but 10 miles later depending on terrain and wind speed I'm sweating
E bike has granted me easier travel to new places I couldn't go before, I can't drive because of epilepsy so this is my mode of transportation before anyone calls me lazy for not having a work out everytime I jump on my bike
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Seems like ebikes are a win win!
RemarkableCable1127@reddit
This. Got tired of paying for Lyft/Uber and possibly being late so I got an ebike.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I was just telling something yesterday whose dad rides 15 miles to work each way. He may want to look into an e-bike. You could do most things in an Evike
toaster404@reddit
They're ideal for easy commuting - can get places not sweaty. And carry as much as you like!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
It's really giving you freedom. Not being able to drive is difficult I'm sure. Yeah people always have their comments and their opinions but we all know what that makes them lol.
Jesters__Dead@reddit
Same
Don't worry, you are getting excellent exercise on an ebike.
You're cycling more often, for longer rides, at a level suited to your own abilities
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
You got that right! I'm so grateful that I'm able to enjoy this the way I do.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
A trailer? Please elaborate!
toaster404@reddit
My eBike has a Nuvinci hub, so I rigged up a standard axle and spring, one-side mount to tow an enclosed dog trailer. Search "dog trailer" on Amazon and you'll see. Might need to fabricate a simple adaptor. Will hold a lot and I forget I'm towing it.
My preferred option is a single wheel BOB trailer that hooks on both ends of a special quick release. Haven't figured out how to mount that yet!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
How cool!!! I can picture it! Do you go camping ?
toaster404@reddit
Not with a trailer yet, but I'm going stir crazy and have a couple of trips in mind. I have to pull my gear together and try both bike load and trailer load systems. Light and fast, likely not. Longer trips I used to like having some comfort, and trailer might be better.
Sigma-8@reddit
I’m exactly with you! 64 & last ride was maybe 14 years ago. Overweight, out of shape but working on it. I’ve had my e-bike for 6 days. Loving it but also still getting used to it & learning all the knobs & levers. My first test ride was in January & was really not prepared for the weight - tried to get up on the saddle & immediately fell over & banged up my knee pretty bad. Took a month to recover so that experience weighs on me every time I mount the thing. Starting to dial back the assist level now to do more work myself. We live in a very hilly area so it’s mostly steep up or down. Anyway enjoy- I sure am!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Do you use the throttle to help you start? I almost fell off a couple times before I got that down.
Sigma-8@reddit
My bike is a pedal-assist only - no throttle - and getting on the thing is still scary after my January fall. The street in front of my house has a gentle downhill slope - so I point it in that direction for gravity assist, set if for a mid-gear range and use a medium assist level ("Tour" on my bike) - so I got everything working for me! So far I've not been forced to stop on an uphill direction - when it happens I'd probably be inclined to return around to saddle up on a downhill direction. Mounting and to a lesser extent dismounting is something I need to work on to get more comfortable, but have been first focusing on all the other 'systems' I need to learn. BTW - I got some rearview mirrors for my bike since I can't turn my head much because of arthritis and I have balance issues so turning my head screws that up anyway - the mirrors are a Godsend for road travel around the neighborhood and small city where I live. Highly recommend. They also make rearview camera systems I've looked at - but wanted to start with the simple less expensive option first (plus my handlebars are pretty crowded with electronics of various sorts already). Enjoy (safely)!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I didnt realize how out of shape o am!
boncros@reddit
few years younger than you but same experience. ebikes are a game changer for us folks. I used to ride religiously back in the day. Centuries on weekend, all that. love having the freedom to ride again and great for the mind and body.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Beautifully said!
Botched_Euthanasia@reddit
I've been saying ever since I got mine that they need to be called 'wheebikes' because everytime i ride mine i want to yell 'whee!'
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Great name! Wheeeeeeeeebikes
Revolutionary-Gear76@reddit
I am not quite 60 and am thinking of getting one. I am wondering if I need to worry about weight in the sense of moving it when I'm not riding it. I am not all that big a person (petite woman). How much does yours weigh and how hard is it to maneuver when you aren't riding it?
ss1959ml@reddit
At 62 I bought me and my wife the same model bike. 75 lbs or so. She’s on the petite side and it was too heavy for her she fell a couple times mostly from just trying to control it when stopping/stopped. Had to sell it and got her a lighter one much better experience for her.
Revolutionary-Gear76@reddit
This is helpful. I really like the Velotric Discover (over 61 pounds), but am worried about the weight and have started looking at their Breeze (48 pounds) and a few other models. I figure even if I add fenders and a rack to the Breeze it will still come in around 50 and while that doesn't seem like a big difference I am thinking it will feel that way. Ultimately, going to go ride them both, but want to think about it ahead of time so I pay attention and don't get too caught up in the bells and whistles of some model and fail to notice the practical side effect of the weight.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I dont think you can go wrong with any of the velotric models!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
We took a long ride last night, and my bike is 77 lb. As long as the torque is on I don't feel like I'm peddling 77 lb plus my body weight. Getting it up on the bike rack was easy with two people no straining or lifting. We use that ramp thing. I like the bike as it's sturdy and solid.
ss1959ml@reddit
I actually just bought her a new one, Discover 2, and she likes it. Compared to my Nomad 2 it’s better suited for her and smaller women.
Revolutionary-Gear76@reddit
Good to know. I really like the features on that bike.
ss1959ml@reddit
It’s a really nice bike though a bit pricey.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
When I first got on it yesterday I was thinking the same thing. Starting was the problem with me I wobbled and almost fell a couple times but when you have that assist and I use it right when I start it gets me through that wobbly phase. Does that make sense LOL I like the word wobbly!!
Revolutionary-Gear76@reddit
Great word and it does make sense.
Serious_Wallaby_4933@reddit
I'm 65 5'4 women and just got my first bike. Researched the subject to death. Settled on Velotric fold pro plus. It is 65 lbs but if you take off the seatpost and take out the battery it drops by 10 lbs. It has a walk feature so little effort is needed to move it. Also has sensor switch btw cadence/torque. Love it
Revolutionary-Gear76@reddit
Thanks! I’ve been looking at the Breeze. The fold also looks like a nice bike. I willl try it too
Bimmersport@reddit
Average e bikes Is 40 -80 lbs. A step through is best for older riders. For better balance.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I hadn't realized how much of a difference that meant! My brain feels young but my body sometimes reminds me!
Sorry-Metal-4299@reddit
I have the Brompton fold up e-bike. It folds up and is easy to lift into my car.
Revolutionary-Gear76@reddit
I will take a look. Thanks!
LeaveMyMonkeyAlone@reddit
Go to a bike shop that has different E-Bike models. The staff will be a big help for you and many let you test them out. You mention the sense of moving it when not riding it. Some have what is called a Walk Mode. It provides some low battery power to overcome the weight while pushing it.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I just told my husband about that walk mode. I've got to find out how to turn it on!
billiethecattledog@reddit
the lighter ones are in the low 40 lbs range and have less power than the heavier bikes
the only problem would be lifting onto a car or flipping upside down for maintenance
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Fortunately we got one of those ride on ramps. At least for travel. But you're right they are not light lol. But with that torque it feels like I'm riding on air LOL
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Hey! I am 5'2 and just a little chubby lol. But starting the bike with just leg power was a little wobbly as it's 77 lb. But then I found the throttle and you can have the throttle assist you with starting and also there's a walking throttle that can help you move the bike if you don't want to pull it. I would suggest renting one,I just bit the bullet and I could not be happier. I was riding down the street in my neighborhood with all the energy of my young self it gives you this easy boost that you're not even aware is boosting. And then when you get tired you have the option of a full ride! We got the veltric brand. My husband got the Nomad and I got the gomad. I am going to upgrade for a seat suspension as mine didn't come with it. My sister and her husband have hey bike brand. I saw those at the store where we purchased ours and that probably would have been my second option. Very impressed with how solid they felt. I think it's a win-win especially if you like bike riding I feel like my youth has been given back to me as far as the ability to do that. As a kid and young adult I rode my bike everywhere, and then my husband and I got into biking a while ago. But this opens up a whole new world. You can go on trails, on beaches, rough Terrain etc.
Icy-Jacket7520@reddit
It’s the best way to rediscover the neighborhood. Glad you found that spark again, enjoy the rides!
pcat119HELP@reddit
👍🏻
willymrrr@reddit
My first e-bike weighed 70 lb's. Loved it until my first fall in the woods. Got rid of it as soon as I could, got a mid-drive Tsdz2 Tong Sheng kit and battery and converted a light-weight mountain bike. Now it's less than 40 lbs.! What a difference!
mickster1963@reddit
Say hello to your sore butt cheeks….but yes. Those who know, know.
MammothResponsible22@reddit
Right! Gotvour first ebikes 2 yrs ago and wish we had done it 20 yrs ago
Ok-Type-8917@reddit
A medical issue made it impossible for me to enjoy my regular bike at 59 years old anymore. I bought my first ebike, also a little over 70 lbs and started riding. Eventually I could go farther on the lowest settings would use no assistance sometimes. Last year at 63 most of my balance was back and I fixed up my old Trek mountain bike and can enjoy it again. I doubt I would have ever been able to ride again without ebikes.
dewyke@reddit
I am really hoping this works for me too.
I haven’t been able to ride a regular bike for about 15 years.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Did you get your bike yet?
dewyke@reddit
Not yet, next week with a bit of luck.
mycatisabrat@reddit
I've been cane and walker dependent since, 2021. I bought an etrike a year and half ago. I have the freedom I lost back then, even more to a degree. I cruise the bike path and slowly go down the streets I fly by in the car.
Bimmersport@reddit
Same thing here....likes 20 mph rides....re l axing
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
The fastest I went so far is 22. That was fast LOL
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
More! And it gets you out of the house and move him.
Complete-Jeweler-804@reddit
My mom is 74. I bought her a trike for xmas and gave her an ebike kit in the box. She was like, "oh its a wheel." When she found out it was to make her trike eletric she got excited. She rides venice beach with me all the time and even races my 11 year old niece when she tries to out pedal mom. 🤘🏽🤣🤘🏽
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
It opens up a world of possibilities. And it makes you feel young except if you fall LOL
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
You just described me lol. I couldn't imagine writing the way we used to on regular bikes. I physically did not feel capable. But with this e-bike you can work yourself up get stronger more endurance and then I probably could ride a pedal bike. We actually have Trek bikes too that are in the garage right now not being used.
Unique-Tax6008@reddit
This is why ebikes are necessary and good, the cycling and mtb community gets in so many arguments but uts never bad when we have more people enjoying our sport/hobby/mobility. Cheers and ride on!
DaikonAutomatic3067@reddit
E-bikes are like a Superpower... now go save the world! 😁
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
That is the best description I have read to date! I absolutely have a superpower now. Thank you for pointing that out. Let all the ebike people unite and really enjoy!
Jeff61059@reddit
Great post. At 67 with a history of working pretty hard in custom manufacturing, the knees and hips aren’t what they used to be. The assist makes a huge difference and keeps you moving.
kurisu7885@reddit
I'm a fairly heavy guy, so biking under my own power took some doing. I got an etrike last year and, it makes a WORLD of difference. I can go farther for longer. I just wish the weather was nicer consistently so I could ride more. More bike-able paths where I live would be nice too.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I used to ride in the '80s in South florida. I wrote everywhere on the streets. Now I would hate to take the chance on a street. We have rails for trails in Florida which is really nice.
kurisu7885@reddit
Yeah, there ARE sidewalks to ride on here and it's encouraged for bicycle riders to use them, but sadly like in a lot of areas in the USA they make no damn sense. They don't all connect, in some areas don't exist, or suddenly end. One area I rode in I was glad to see one outside an apartment building only for it to be only roughly 50 feet long or so.
sashatherussianbear@reddit
Welcome to the club! I bought my e-bike last year (Velotric Fold 1 Plus) and put around 600 miles on it over the summer just commuting around the town and taking the kiddo to the park. Having the ability to throttle when gassing out on hills is amazing, but I force myself to use PAS 1 and pedal as much as possible. For me a torque sensor is where its at and feels very natural. I went from no bike riding in 20 years to 50-100 miles a week now with no problems, its been great for my health and this year I am starting my rides with 0 assist to help condition my legs more. It can be tough given the bike + kid + kid seat add up to around 110lbs, but I like a challenge. Keep it up!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the encouragement! I can actually fit two kids on the back of my bike lol I do have five granddaughters but they'll have to fight on who gets to sit there. Yeah with what you're describing it you would have to use the assist to get going with two kids you and the e-bike!
sashatherussianbear@reddit
Haha love it! Keep making those memories with the little ones, sounds like they are having a blast!
Vix014@reddit
My kid and his friends now have a small "bike crew" that meets up daily to ride. Want me to pass on your number? Only kidding. Love that you've found some excitement, these moments are truly what we're supposed to live for!
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I wish the kids around here would ride their bikes. If you're ever out on a Saturday morning you used to see kids all over the place. The other day I think I saw one they're all probably inside looking at their smartphone
Vix014@reddit
My child is the true motivator, find you one of those and the kids will be out. We have worked tirelessly over the years to instill the importance of being the invite man but more importantly, knowing what to do with declined invites. Being able to overcome the fear of "no" has been the biggest asset. He never hesitates to invite someone out and it's truly changed the dynamics of the area we live in.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Yeah that's the way to be. Good job.
Vix014@reddit
Many thanks 💜
The_Rociante@reddit
As long as your kid crew are riding real E-Bikes and not those E-Motos like surrons and Talarias. No pedals No road, not sure how or why parents think the electric bikes with no pedals or fake pedals would be allowed on the road, there dirt bikes. Also make sure your kids and there friends know to follow the rules of the road cause your kid might but there friends might not and only takes 1 bad egg to cause a disaster. Be careful and be safe out there everyone
chucklestexas@reddit
Great that you got one. I feel a lot better had have dropped about 40 pounds since I got mine. As you get in shape you'll use the pedal assist less and less. When the one I wears out I'm getting another one right away.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
That sounds reasonable I don't think I'll be out of one either. Now that I know what it's like.!
LilAbeSimpson@reddit
If it weighs 70 pounds you didn’t buy an e-bike. You bought an electric motorcycle.
Motorcycles are fun too though.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I never rode a motorcycle lol. It looks like fun though.
Firm-Chemical949@reddit
Seems to me that when the battery is not activated, e bikes are much harder to pedal than a regular bike. My model is anyway. You can ride it without pedal assist but it seems very resistant
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
We almost got that brand. But when we went to look at bikes they only had one version. I really liked those
mickeyaaaa@reddit
what did you buy? cuz my wife's diamondback mid drive urban ebike pedals very nicely and easy without assist if needed. many cheap chinese ebikes do not ride well at all without assist.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I have the velotric gomad. I am in love
scifigirl1979@reddit
Just remember if the throttle is getting away from you press the brakes it will kill the motor. That way it doesn’t shoot in to a bush or like in my case up the stairs
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I did not know that LOL thank you
AffectionateRun4063@reddit
I’m 77 years old. I love my e-bike. I ride every day.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
We plan on doing the same.
MightyPants978@reddit
Happy for you. My friend too. At first he’s like “this thing is so heavy”, but once the power kicks in, he could ride forever, haha.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I used to throttle when I first step on the bike otherwise it's a pretty big load I'm trying to start LOL
Helpful-Guava7452@reddit
Yep, that was basically me too. First ride on my Puckipuppy Doberman I was like oh cool, so I’m this out of shape now huh. Then I turned the assist on and the whole thing stopped feeling intimidating real fast. Kinda stupid how fast your brain goes from “absolutely not” to “ok maybe one more ride.”
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Yes! It's such a different feeling because you're not worried about the wind, or pedaling back when you're tired. We could have gone more last night but we didn't overdo it. But we could have LOL
Left_Internal6492@reddit
I turned 65 last November , and still think I’m too young for an E Bike . I have been touring mostly the west coast since 2016 , and just in the last two years am starting to slow down . So the hand writing is on the wall , Touring E Bike .
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
You can't even tell you're on an e-bike that's the coolest thing
Few_Day_1920@reddit
I live in San Francisco at the top of a pretty significant hill which I don’t enjoy walking up. I’d never make it on a regular bike or at least would hate it to the point of never riding. I got my first e-bike right before Covid struck and it was the best thing I’ve bought since. Man do they open up a whole new world to someone who isn’t a regular bike rider. I just hate the regulations coming down the pike. A kid was just killed and another seriously injured riding an e-bike in the Bay Area. E-motos need to be categorized separately and parents need to understand the increased risk going even a few mph faster on a bike brings especially for kids who havent developed the motor skills years of riding on analog bikes brings and who don’t have a healthy sense of mortality.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Well who has a sense of mortality when you're young lol. I didn't realize how fast 20 mph was. You'd have to be responsible and who can be that responsible as a kid or teenager. I was wondering about the regulations. Am I allowed to ride on a path or a sidewalk if I'm just using my legs and it limits are prohibits e-bikes.?
InevitableLoan8711@reddit
Love this. Welcome to the club
chucklestexas@reddit
Yes. Nice to see something positive like this.
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
We need more positivity
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
I think it's a club everybody should join! And all this time I look down on ebikes thinking that it was a cop out. It's not a cop out it's really really fun.
Bimmersport@reddit
Me too at 64. Congratulations. I Been riding 2 years now...folding ones can be lighter and practical class 2 of course
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
We took our 1st ride last evening!
EricDNPA@reddit
That's how my wife felt when she got her Blix e-bike a few years ago. But I'm stubborn. I'm 65 and still ride my Specialized Crossroads.
It works for us. 20-25mi rides and I don't have to worry about her tapping out at 6-8mi or going too fast for her. She loves that throttle response.
catmanrgv956@reddit
😃 that's awesome 😎
motherlessbastard66@reddit
I’m old, fat, and out of shape. Yet, I rode over 30 miles on Saturday. The Saturday before, we rode 35 miles and my battery died about 7 miles from home. I made it home, riding at about 6 miles per hour. I was drained for the rest of the weekend. The motor is such a big help!
Laitram5@reddit
I started with an old BionX conversion kit ,350watts 48 volts and 8.4 aH batteries, so the Bike is light and effectively need to check where is the énergy of the 8-9 years old battery. We still ride those because it has the torque sensing active if you want the assistance so it does give you a more realistic bicycle experience. But for the long run we just bought 2 used Electric bikes with 2 batteries for the longer 50-70 km ride .
O2C@reddit
While I understand the allure and advantages of these heavier ebikes, if you're enjoying the pedaling and cycling side of things, you may want your next bike to be a lighter ebike.
At under 40 lbs, my ebike feels very much like a regular bike when it's off. I can lift it and carry it up and down stairs with out much difficulty. But I turn it on or use the throttle and it's like I've got superpowers.
havedronewilltravel@reddit
What bike you riding? 40lbs is pretty light for an ebike. EVO?
O2C@reddit
There are a good number of bikes around that weight.
In no particular order: the horribly named FLX Babymaker II Pro, the newly released Velotric Tempo, the also relatively new Aventon Soltera ADV, and the Ride1Up Roadster V3. All of those bikes are right around or under the 40 lbs mark and priced around $1.5k USD.
Ride1Up also has another light bike, their CF Racer1. It's $2.2k USD and weighs under 30 lbs.
Salt-Tax4620@reddit
Lol yeah i tried my friends before purchasing one i just went with a used jetson pro bolt i put my stickers on lol i like it i can sorta fold it up & put it in the seat behind the passenger seat .
Lopsided-Lab60@reddit
Made me able to be self sufficient again, i can live on my own again. Changed my life.
trtsmb@reddit
Remember, the more throttle you use, the faster the battery will run down and you may be stuck pedaling home.
nila2018@reddit
What bike did you buy? I have been all confused trying to figure out what bike to pull the trigger on.
trtsmb@reddit
With all the restrictions going in all over, I'd look at pedelec bikes.
EBCCTX@reddit
My first ebike was a conversion about 6 years ago, and this is what I thought back the: each level of power made me feel ten years younger! At level 1 I wasn't 65 years old, I was 55! At level two, 45! You get the idea. It was a miracle, especially in a very windy city!
Significant-Pen-6049@reddit
lol just make sure your using your pedals, when I see a group of dudes free throttling it, it looks kinda funny.
MickyBee73@reddit
Welcome to the wonderful world of E-Biking! Be safe, and enjoy!!! 🚲⚡👍
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Ty!!!
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
I'm glad to hear this...😀
Far_Relationship3649@reddit (OP)
Ty!!!