# Tell me about electric bikes **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 17, 2019, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791 "2019-08-17T13:08:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Razncain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@Razncain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Razncain)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/21 "2019-08-22T00:01:39Z")
> [@Eva\_Luna](#): > > If you have one, tell me what you like and don’t like about yours, and what you might do differently the next time around. About seven years ago, I paid a little over $1,000 for a electric bike conversion, came from China, on e-bay, the lithium battery (supposedly the latest and greatest at the time) being the biggest expense, which was $550.00 of it. Top speed was 31 mph, the range was consistent coming in at around 25 miles. I loved the quietness of it all, the acceleration, and it was easy to plug in overnight and be ready to go again. Only lasted 1,100 miles, just a little over a year, then the range immediately went to 15 miles for the next charge, then about 3 miles after that. What a waste of money. I kept bike inside, and did everything possible to get the most life out of battery. Just didn’t work. Only way I would consider another one is that I got a solid guarantee that was from a legit manufacturer and had some warranty on the battery of at least 5 years. So much high priced crap out there, it’s unbelievable. Since that didn’t work out, I’ve been very happy with my 2019 Honda Monkey 125cc. Yeah, it’s gasoline, but I consistently average over 170 mpg, my best being 183.7, Top speed is around 62-65mph, although I’ve never taken mine over 42, and I do baby it. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/22 "2019-08-22T03:06:10Z")
OK, the rack and lights will probably happen over the weekend, but tomorrow is supposed to be dry, so it will be my maiden voyage, dammit! Any of you folks have lock recommendations that are more hardcore than my existing regular Kryptonite? It’s probably fine temporarily for parking in front of my Loop office with lobby security guards watching over the building bike parking, but I think I want something more hardcore. (The bike’s battery lock is made by [these guys,](https://mobilesecurity.abus.com/eng/bike/product_categories/display) and the bike shop guy said something about being able to get a lock keyed the same as the battery, but I am not seeing how that works from the website. Maybe I will give them a call tomorrow. Or heck, their North America office is on my route home from work.) ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/23 "2019-08-22T19:04:40Z")
If it were me, and there were no reason not to, I would take that bike in through the doors and right up the elevator all the way to my office, rather than leave it on the street, even locked up. ---
**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2019, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/24 "2019-08-22T20:20:20Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > If it were me, and there were no reason not to, I would take that bike in through the doors and right up the elevator all the way to my office, rather than leave it on the street, even locked up. That’s what I do with my nice weather commuting bike. It isn’t an e-bike, but it is a very nice titanium road bike. My winter/wet weather bike is a 20 year old mountain bike with fixed fenders: It can stay outside. No one will steal it. Plus, it is usually dripping by the time I get to work. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/25 "2019-08-23T12:14:05Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > If it were me, and there were no reason not to, I would take that bike in through the doors and right up the elevator all the way to my office, rather than leave it on the street, even locked up. Not a realistic option in fancy law firm with tiny shared offices. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/26 "2019-08-23T13:10:39Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > NY Times had an opinion piece today on [How an ebike changed my life](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/20/opinion/electric-bike-aging.html). If it’s behind a paywall, it probably will be reposted somewhere else in a few days I read that, too! 🙂 And I was going to start a thread on the subject. The one I’m lusting after is this one: [https://www.bikeworld.com/product/electra-townie-go-7d-step-thru-365046-1.htm](https://www.bikeworld.com/product/electra-townie-go-7d-step-thru-365046-1.htm) Here’s a different [article](https://peopleforbikes.org/story/how-an-ebike-changed-my-life/)on the subject. And [another](https://www.bicycling.com/skills-tips/a20044021/13-things-about-e-bikes/). ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/27 "2019-08-23T14:02:37Z")
> [@Eva\_Luna](#): > > OK, the rack and lights will probably happen over the weekend Do **not** skimp on the lights; literally, your life may depend on it. Remember, what is bright in the store, when it’s arms length away isn’t necessarily bright & noticeable to a car driving at 35± mph on those 4 miles to/from the bike path. I like [Nite Rider](https://www.niterider.com/) on the front. I’d also strongly suggest that you get something brighter than you think you need. Even with my 1HP (human power ;)) bike, I’ve had to not ride as fast as I could because I was able to override the light (meaning by the time something was illuminated it was almost too late to avoid it); brighter (& unfortunately more expensive) is better. It’s also a good idea to have a light that blinks/strobes. While the Nite Riders do that, I prefer a second on for that so that I have one that’s blinking (to make me more noticeable to oncoming cars) & one that’s steady on (for me to see the road/path ahead at night). On the back, I look like an Xmas tree! I have a [Planet Bike Superflash](https://www.planetbike.com/store/products/bike-accessories/bike-lights.html) on a strap on my ankle so it both blinks & moves up & down as I pedal. I also have some obnoxiously bright, not-cycling specific lights, including [Lightman](https://www.lightmanstrobes.com/copy-of-xenon-strobe) strobe &/or [Guardian Angel](https://www.guardianangeldevices.com/c/outdoor-wearable-led-light/). GA also has an optional bike mount kit. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/28 "2019-08-23T14:34:37Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > Do **not** skimp on the lights; literally, your life may depend on it. Remember, what is bright in the store, when it’s arms length away isn’t necessarily bright & noticeable to a car driving at 35± mph on those 4 miles to/from the bike path. I like [Nite Rider](https://www.niterider.com/) on the front. I’d also strongly suggest that you get something brighter than you think you need. Even with my 1HP (human power ;)) bike, I’ve had to not ride as fast as I could because I was able to override the light (meaning by the time something was illuminated it was almost too late to avoid it); brighter (& unfortunately more expensive) is better. It’s also a good idea to have a light that blinks/strobes. While the Nite Riders do that, I prefer a second on for that so that I have one that’s blinking (to make me more noticeable to oncoming cars) & one that’s steady on (for me to see the road/path ahead at night). > > On the back, I look like an Xmas tree! I have a [Planet Bike Superflash](https://www.planetbike.com/store/products/bike-accessories/bike-lights.html) on a strap on my ankle so it both blinks & moves up & down as I pedal. I also have some obnoxiously bright, not-cycling specific lights, including [Lightman](https://www.lightmanstrobes.com/copy-of-xenon-strobe) strobe &/or [Guardian Angel](https://www.guardianangeldevices.com/c/outdoor-wearable-led-light/). GA also has an optional bike mount kit. Wow. I’d really like to see a night/twilight picture or video of you in all that gear. Sounds very cool as well as practical. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2019, 2:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/29 "2019-08-23T14:43:21Z")
**Eva Luna** , please keep updating with lots of details (including your biking attire when working in a Real Office). I’m very excited for you. \*(Yes, living vicariously…I know…) \* ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2019, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/30 "2019-08-24T05:34:07Z")
The battery should be easily detachable, and it is the only valuable component of your bike. Park the bike and take the battery with you to the office (to recharge). Only a total dumbass would steal and ebike with out the e. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2019, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/31 "2019-08-24T14:40:01Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > The battery should be easily detachable, and it is the only valuable component of your bike. Park the bike and take the battery with you to the office (to recharge). Only a total dumbass would steal and ebike with out the e. That’s what I’ve done the past couple of days. Damn, that thing is heavy! I am leaving the charger at home, though. I’d buy a spare for the office, but a) I don’t seem to need it; and b) spare chargers are expensive, too. Currently waiting for the bike shop to get back to me about a new lock keyed the same as the battery, but I think that will take a little bit to arrange. But we will be out of town for a week, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2019, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/32 "2019-08-24T15:19:11Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > **Eva Luna** , please keep updating with lots of details (including your biking attire when working in a Real Office). I’m very excited for you. \*(Yes, living vicariously…I know…) \* The weather here has been gorgeous for biking the past couple of days, and although I work in a Fancy Law Firm, I am not client-facing, so business casual is fine. So far it’s just been my regular cotton chinos and short-sleeved blouse, adding a cardigan and switching to normal shoes when I get to work. If it were hotter, I’d commute in shorts and a tank top and change at work. One major plus of the e-bike is that I don’t think I will arrive dripping in sweat unless it’s 95 degrees out. As for crappy weather, we’ll see how I stick to the plan…I just ordered some waterproof panniers. And I am still on the fence about commuting after dark, so I may just end up putting the bike away for the winter once Daylight Savings Time ends. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2019, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/33 "2019-08-24T15:34:15Z")
> [@China\_Guy](#): > > The battery should be easily detachable, and it is the only valuable component of your bike. I have a mountain bike with nary a battery in sight, but it still cost a grand. Who knew? 🙂 As for electric bicycling in foul weather, never tried it. I assume the riding experience is like riding a normal bike through the same hurricane (you can even arrive dry if you are swathed in enough Gore-Tex), but I would find out how weatherproof the electronics is supposed to be. Either way you probably still want to wipe everything off with a rag after you arrive, and keep the transmission (chain, etc) in order using a weather-appropriate lubricant. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2019, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/34 "2019-08-24T15:55:54Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > I have a mountain bike with nary a battery in sight, but it still cost a grand. Who knew? 🙂 > > As for electric bicycling in foul weather, never tried it. I assume the riding experience is like riding a normal bike through the same hurricane (you can even arrive dry if you are swathed in enough Gore-Tex), but I would find out how weatherproof the electronics is supposed to be. Either way you probably still want to wipe everything off with a rag after you arrive, and keep the transmission (chain, etc) in order using a weather-appropriate lubricant. I am told that as long as I don’t ride it into the lake, it should be OK. In really crappy weather I probably won’t ride; I am wondering just how much of a chance of precipitation will stop me. (And the work bike parking is covered, and I always have the option of taking the bike home on the train outside of rush hour if it comes to that, which is after 6 pm.) ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [August 24, 2019, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/35 "2019-08-24T19:49:56Z")
Night riding: obviously, you already have electricity in any case, so there is no reason not to install some serious lights, the kind where you can actually see some distance in front of you. LEDs are efficient for this purpose; **Spiderman** sounds like he knows what he is talking about. ---
**Author:** ![China\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/779978/32.png) [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2019, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/36 "2019-08-25T04:58:53Z")
happy to hear that so far things are going well on the ebike front. these things are fun, allow at least moderate exercise, you can get to the office without being a sweaty mess, and have the satisfaction of riding a bike. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2019, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/37 "2019-08-31T00:13:22Z")
**Eva Luna** , how was the first week on your new eBike? Enquiring minds are curious. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2019, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/38 "2019-08-31T17:38:58Z")
The first couple of days were awesome, and then I got hit by wicked insomnia and didn’t trust myself to ride safely on 3 hours of sleep. Currently out of town, so will have to try again when I get home. ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2019, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/39 "2019-09-03T17:56:51Z")
My friend (a lawyer) got a foldable one with comically tiny wheels and a 250 W motor. On the other hand, the entire thing weighs 25 lbs. ---
**Author:** ![outlierrn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/outlierrn/32/3005_2.png) [@outlierrn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/outlierrn)\ **Post date:** [September 3, 2019, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791/40 "2019-09-03T20:05:41Z")
TLDR, but I noticed that you already made a purchase. I’ll still say be sure to check out the Awesome Lakefront Bikepath use rules, some have limits on ebikes, and some of them make a distinction between pedal assist ebikes and throttle based, have fun. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-electric-bikes/838791.md?page=1)