Thread by @IsItABikeLane

So, electric bikes. Wondering what all the fuss is about? E-curious? ⚡️

I took the plunge in January, and here’s 10 things I’ve learnt (thread).

Tl;dr - Pay attention to e-assist, I really think this is going to be transformative, in ways I’d not appreciated.

1. First surprise: quite how much FUN e-bikes are!

You know those days when the wind’s at your back, you feel strong, & eating up the miles? The sheer uplifting joy of that feeling? Riding an e-bike is like that *all the time*

Ride an e-bike and try not to say Wheeee!

2. E-bikes are simple & natural.

There’s no throttle to think about. Modern e-bikes sense how hard you pedal, your speed, your gear, and electronic controls make everything else work. The motor just amplifies what you’re doing.

If you can ride a bike, you can ride an e-bike.

3. E-bikes aren’t fast, but are quick.

Motor cuts out at 15.5mph, by law. You won’t go any faster than usual. But you’ll go slow much less often.

That long slog of a hill? 15mph
That fierce headwind? 15mph
Tired after a long day? Still 15mph

It’s really cut my journey times.

4. E-bikes aren’t cheating!

Commuting and utility cycling is not sport, it’s transport. Get over yourself.

It’s not a motorbike, this is e-assist. You won’t get anywhere without pedalling.

You will still get fit on an e-bike. Maybe even more than on a normal bike, because:

5. E-bikes get you cycling further and more often.

E-biking is so easy, it takes away that “can I be bothered to cycle, might just drive today” feeling.

Tired? Weather not great? Evening meeting? Hungover? Trip’s a bit far? Doesn’t matter, e-bike takes the effort out.

6. E-bikes are more convenient

UK bikes are rubbish for commuting. You know it would be good to have mudguards, built-in lights, luggage rack, fat tyres for potholes. But the weight!

Got motor, no problem. You can ride a tank as if it was air. Embrace that omafiets convenience!

7. On an e-bike you don’t have to be “The Cyclist”

Cycle commuting’s a rigmarole. Changing, showers, gear.

E-bikes literally take the sweat out.

I now commute 7miles in my suit, & just stroll into the office like a normal person. Dress for your destination not your journey.

8. E-bikes are inclusive

Most people just want to get around, not chase their Strava times. E-bikes will attract people who don’t identify themselves as cyclists.

Also older or less fit people. Asthma stopped me cycling in cold winter air for years. The e-bike changed that

9. Now the bad news, e-bikes are expensive

Recharging only costs pennies. But e-bikes are expensive to buy, and to repair. And attractive to steal

This will change, quite quickly I think, as we’re heading towards mass-market adoption. There are already cheaper options available

10. E-bikes are the future

Try one, you’ll be hooked. It was hiring a @limebike that convinced me to buy.

Sales are exponential, even starting to overtake conventional bikes in some European markets.

It’s time you found out what the fuss is about.

Finally, why now? E-bikes aren’t new, but these are:

- Lithium batteries light, cheap & powerful enough.

- Neodymium magnets for powerful, compact & light motors.

So advances in chemistry, packaged with new electronic controls, add up to to something completely new

I’m adding an extra point, most asked question has been how do I charge it.

Nothing special needed, bike doesn’t have to plug in, the battery detaches to bring inside. Easy.

So, that proved popular, thanks for the interest. Don’t have a soundcloud so two things you can do for me:

1. Try an ebike and see what you think

2. For listeners in the UK, write to your MP now & ask for a confirmatory referendum on the final deal, to finally settle this mess