Electric assist bikes?

[Bullsnake]

I know I'm probably gonna get crucified for even bringing this up (I want to hurt myself!), but with 40 fast approaching, and a subliminal desire to pay penance for my choice of expedition vehicles (Sportsmobile and Hummer H1) I have been looking more and more at an electric assist bike for my daily commuting duties.

Have been riding my Yeti Big Top as much as I can the last few weeks, and will always be a traditionalist as much as I can, but I feel that I could make the transition to bikes only unless I had to haul something big or it was a blizzard if I could go to an electric assist. I've been looking more and more at the Trek Transport+ and the Stromer Elite with a good pannier setup to take up commuter duties, just wondering what your thoughts, opinions, etc. were, and if anyone out there is actively using an electric assist bike. I will definitely NOT be giving up my traditional bikes, but with the amount of crap that I have to carry back and forth to work, the number of times I have to shoot up to the house for this or that, and the gamey condition that I usually show up to work in when I am in a hurry has me looking hard.

Let me know what you think - thanks!

 

[Christophe Noel]

I have only played around on electric assist bikes. I will admit, I see the attraction, even for hardened cyclists who don't fear a proper workout. I have a good friend who commutes on a Trek Transport. He's a solid Cat 2 roadie, so he can certainly turn the pedals in anger if he wants to. He has an electric bike because he got tired of showing up to work even a slight bit sweaty.

Go for it.

 

[Bullsnake]

Thanks for the response Flounder!

As a professed clydesdale and lover of all things masochistic involving mashing pedals I definitely won't be having a fire sale on all of my traditional bikes, but this has huge intrigue for me. Being only a few miles away from my office many will say why even bother, but I run another business out of my home and I usually travel back and forth a few times a day. With the assist I would be able to do this without becoming a sweaty gamey mess by mid afternoon, and I don't currently have a bike that could haul what I could get on the back of the Transport.

Think I'm gonna pull the trigger today and order one from my LBS - I'll post up how it goes after it hits the shop!

 

[Christophe Noel]

My wife and I have a Vespa 150 we use much like those who commute on e-bikes. It is a nice alternative to pure pedal power.

 

[UK4X4]

here in Bogota today it was no car day

yep not 1 single private vehicle in the whole city

Buses-Taxis and comercials only

what a lovely atmosphere, people on bikes, motorcycles and walking.

here in Bogota the city is basicly flat within the confines of a mountain range

polution is bad- and they have pica placa where only certain numberplates can drive on certain days.

I wlak to work and back 12 blocks, but many use electric assist bikes

today they were everywhere !

here's a few links - sorry about the spanish but at least you can see whats available


http://www.ecobicis-colombia.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2

http://electric-b.com/

 

[Bullsnake]

Thanks for the response UK 4x4! I bet it would be nice in congested areas like that to have the option of electric and pedal to scoot around the town!

Flounder-

My wife and I have a Vespa GT 250 that we use for scooting around as well! My wife has pretty well commandeered it, so I don't get much time on it, but I actually like the thought of mashing the pedals with a little help on those hot days anyway. I'm drawing the line with the bike though - When it shows up and she tries to take over that I'm gonna have to start using my bike lock at home too just so I get to ride it!

Thanks again!
Dave