ebikes to the rescue

This story happened on: 30/11/2013

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Hi again, as a motorhome owner and disabled ( to the extent of thrombosis in my left leg) I have felt somewhat restricted to CC and C&CC sites unable to walk more than three miles or so from the site which made things very difficult for me, if I wanted groceries I would have to pack up and go in the motorhome which is a pain in itself, trying to find a site that has, (a) a grocery store or shops within a mile from base or (b) a beach close by, or (c) a town for entertainment, well I haven't found any with all three ingredient at one site as yet.

I should point out that my M/H is a two berth vehicle not big enough to tow a car or motorbike. The thought of having a push bike on a rack on the back had sprung to mind but there are the awful stories of people either having them stolen or they fall off the back over speed bumps.

Then whilst visiting fairlight wood CC for a week or so I met a couple who had an e-bike and let me ride it, I felt that a burden had been lifted from my shoulders after enquiring if they did a fold up version and found out they did, so I took a ride to bodiam East Sussex to the suppliers who let me try one out and it was fantastic and once more, it folds up and fits in my M/H, no worries about security issues.

It has three stages of power, one is normal pedal power another is pedelec which aids you when climbing hills, you just pedal as though you were on a flat road, the third is all electric which is handy when you're tired or as i do, use it for pulling away at lights or from any stationary position and then switch to pedelec, it’s brilliant and healthy and what’s more my doctor said it was o.k

I just had to tell those of you out there who like me are restricted by health issues and of this wonderful piece of kit and hope that it may give you some hope and a way forward as it has me.

prices vary depending on what you want, I bought a byocycle for £599.00 which is a commuter bike for roads only, not off road in other words it states it does 25 miles before a charge is required, but there are ones out now that do over a hundred miles before a charge is required, but are of course are a lot more expensive, but for me my commuter bike is ideal for popping down the beach or town and like all things they vary in price and size, but if you shop round you may find them cheaper, I know ebay do great deals.

That’s it, good luck.

6 comments

brue commented on 30/11/2013 19:08

Member

brue

Motorhomer

Commented on 30/11/2013 19:08

We've had quite a few chats on the CT forum about e bikes. It's good to hear from someone who's tried and tested one and finds it to be such a useful addition to their holidays. Thanks, I enjoyed your story!

royandsharont commented on 01/12/2013 08:53

Member

royandsharont

Motorhomer

Commented on 01/12/2013 08:53

We look for all the things you do when choosing a site even though our mobility is not in issue (yet). We try to cycle whenever possible and ride big heavy old style bikes but getting up the hills is hard work at times so assistance must be a bonus. We have a wind down cycle rack so we can lift them on okay. Great to have some personal information about such bikes. Regards, Roy

Mykiel111 commented on 04/12/2013 18:23

Member

Mykiel111

Motorhomer

Commented on 04/12/2013 18:23

Hi we too bought 2 E-Bikes at the NEC in addition to the Swift Bolero 712SB..... THe bikes are great and the fact that they fold up and go into a carry case means we no longer have to have a bike carrier and they are easily stored inside. The batteries are good for around 25 miles and have variable power. Thats the good newa,,,, The bad news is that yeswterday we collected the new van and having travelled 15 miles home on navigating the driveway to the parking area outside the garage, I caught the rear end on my neighbours fence!! Ouch!! 38 miles on the clock. Took it to Marquis at thier Tewkesbury Service Centre and within 2 hours you would not have known that it had been damaged, just like I had collected it the day before. It's really big compared to the Starfire we had and it will take some getting used to, but we are off to the Wirrall for the week-end just to try all the Gizmos we have had fitted, spending the childrens inheritance !!!. We are now known as the New Old Age Travellers. A happy Christmas to all Motorhomers. Mykiel & Arlene

rogher commented on 04/12/2013 22:05

Member

rogher

Motorhomer

Commented on 04/12/2013 22:05

A good pedelec/e-bike will cost more than £1000.

It'll also be quite heavy, so make sure your rack will cope as well as not exceeding your payload.

The better bikes will have better batteries, giving greater distance, as well as lasting longer. The 25, or even 100, miles quoted will be under optimum conditions (flat and least assistance) so expect to get far less in practice.

Arfur commented on 05/12/2013 10:23

Member

Arfur

Commented on 05/12/2013 10:23

good story, a beginning , a middle and an end and with pictures, well done. An interesting read by the way, thank you

goldiedog commented on 23/12/2013 13:47

Member

goldiedog

Commented on 23/12/2013 13:47

I too have had an electric fold up bike for the last two years, and although not designed for off roading, I have been across fields, up farm tracks, bridleways etc. with no problems whatsoever, bought mine from Amazon fir £499 and would highly recommend one.

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