Comments on: Electric Bikes. Even more reason for good cycling infrastructure

By: Johnny J

Johnny J — Tue, 10 Jan 2017 02:04:19 +0000

In reply to Criggie.

I’ve heard good things about the Wave Electric Bike at http://www.waveelectricbikes.com. I don’t own one myself, but I’ve looked over the stats and they are pretty impressive for such a low cost ebike.

By: Criggie

Criggie — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 02:16:04 +0000

I’ve got one, made up from a kit. Some of the points do not agree with my experience. Firstly I get just as hot and sweaty biking, but I’m going a lot faster and get there sooner. Once the batteries are flat I’m biking much slower because of the deadweight – but its not a car and I can still pedal home.

Defensive cycling becomes a thing too – travelling a bit faster means I will not put my self in the doorzone, ever. And turning traffic has a bad habit of underestimating your approach speed.

By: Jim Slim

Jim Slim — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 03:44:13 +0000

In reply to Lennyboy.

A good point about what is allowed on a bike track. I’m often surprised when watching videos of Dutch bike tracks when a petrol powered moped zooms past. What is going to be allowed on Christchurch’s (soon to be a reality) top quality separated cycling network – mopeds, mobility scooters, skateboards?

By: Frabj

Frabj — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 01:50:50 +0000

In reply to Lennyboy.

Wikipedia has a good site on e-bike laws by country. It appears that NZ has not stated any maximum speed for e-bikes but only a maximum wattage (300 W) . Some countries also seem to make a distinction between assisting or replacing pedalling, NZ does not seem to do that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws

By: Shane G

Shane G — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:16:31 +0000

I’ve got one and so has my wife, I’m not 70 either! I find it great when I just want to shoot down to the shops and do some jobs without raising a sweat …… My wife has her’s as she has a heart condition but still wants to come on longer rides with me. I allows her to ride when it’s windy as well so gives her the freedom to ride when she wants rather than when the weather dictates.
They are worth considering, they are no different than an un powered bike as the speed is still the same, it’s just the effort to do that speed is reduced.

By: Nina

Nina — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 18:43:12 +0000

My feeling with e-bike sales in Europe is that this has nothing to do with a shift in perspective on mobility, but all the more so with the aging population. This really is viewed as an old-people’s bike. I don’t think anybody under 70 wants to be seen on one of these.
I agree that it is a great alternative to a(n electric) car, but I don’t think that is the reality yet.

By: Lennyboy

Lennyboy — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:14:23 +0000

We need to keep an eye on what counts as an “electric bicycle”. I’ve just been reviewing a conference paper about e-bikes in China sharing bike paths with conventional bikes. They noted that ~75% of the bikes observed were e-bikes, but most of them seemed to be those moped-like “electric bikes” that have virtually useless pedals for actual pedalling and operate more like permanent motor scooters. I suspect they were called “bicycles” to get around a few regulatory restrictions… Are we comfortable having these on bikeways?

By: Chrys Horn

Chrys Horn — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 08:08:43 +0000

As a hill dweller who bikes a lot, I find myself wondering about electric assist – particularly late in the day when I’m biking home with panniers full of groceries! At some stage, I realise that I’m just gonna want a bit of help with this!

Thanks for the article

By: Frabj

Frabj — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 08:05:31 +0000

I have heard that electric bikes are hugely popular in Europe. An electric bike is not for me but I do hope they will become enormously popular in NZ as they can play an important role in getting people out of their cars and reclaiming our city!