Alternative to Ebikes

[Wjklewis]

A couple of friends called today to try our electric bikes, as they had a mind to buy a couple. Unfortunately, one of my friends has had a knee replacement and was unable to handle the bike very well due to the rotation/movement required to get the bike going. That was the main reason for trying our bikes first as they suspected it would be a problem.

I know folk on here have loads of experience and just wondered what sort of alternatives are available. When questioned what they would use the bikes for. The answer that came back was mostly off road, forest paths/tracks but definitely not mountain biking.

If you have any suggestions or even better photos that would be a great help.

Many thanks John

 

[Guigsy]

What sort of ebike was it? Mid motor bikes are far more responsive and require far less starting effort than hub motor bikes.

 

[meanders]

Or buy secondhand pre regulation with twist and go like mine. (Says he trying not go be too smug).

 

[suavecarve]

Please dont take this the wrong way, I just dont get the unable to handle the bike very well due to the rotation/movement required to get the bike going.

If they were to drop the gears down and up the electric there (in my opinion) would be hardly any stress on the knee to start off with and presumably when travelling they would be ok.

Now should that not work out to be correct from my assumptions then take a look at E scooters where you can sit down on them. You know the ones the drug dealers use with huge wheels and go at mega speeds. Totally illegal in this country to use them on a road so be aware of that but that might be a good option

You may want to take a look at the voie vertes and via verdes https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/the-disused-railway-line-and-voie-vert-thread.265926/

 

[Lenny HB]

Please dont take this the wrong way, I just dont get the unable to handle the bike very well due to the rotation/movement required to get the bike going.

I didn't really get that problem either, a friend had both knees replaced a couple of years ago he has an off road e bike and goes out all over the downs I can't keep up with him.

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[PaulW2]

A couple of friends called today to try our electric bikes, as they had a mind to buy a couple. Unfortunately, one of my friends has had a knee replacement and was unable to handle the bike very well due to the rotation/movement required to get the bike going. That was the main reason for trying our bikes first as they suspected it would be a problem.

I know folk on here have loads of experience and just wondered what sort of alternatives are available. When questioned what they would use the bikes for. The answer that came back was mostly off road, forest paths/tracks but definitely not mountain biking.

If you have any suggestions or even better photos that would be a great help.

Many thanks John

I have a Pedibal Navigata.

You can buy it with a twist and go throttle which is authorised for each individual bicycle by the DVSA (you get a certificate with it).

It helps a lot.

It's easy to take off just with the throttle if you prefer, and you can keep going that way up to 15.5mph if you want or need to. It doesn't have a very powerful motor (250 w) so getting started up steep hills may be a bit difficult if relying only on the throttle.

Pedibal Navigata® Folding Electric Bike - LG 9.6Ah Long Range 19KG

eBike with a Twist. Instant throttle acceleration, Pedibal Assist 15.5mph. Powerful 250W motor with hidden 9.6Ah battery. 7 speed Shimano gear. Swift Magnetic Folding in seconds Healthy, eco-friendly, low-cost riding. Perfect for City Commute, Motor Home and Leisure. Small footprint for easy...

pedibal.com

 

[Coolcats]

A couple of friends called today to try our electric bikes, as they had a mind to buy a couple. Unfortunately, one of my friends has had a knee replacement and was unable to handle the bike very well due to the rotation/movement required to get the bike going. That was the main reason for trying our bikes first as they suspected it would be a problem.

I know folk on here have loads of experience and just wondered what sort of alternatives are available. When questioned what they would use the bikes for. The answer that came back was mostly off road, forest paths/tracks but definitely not mountain biking.

If you have any suggestions or even better photos that would be a great help.

Many thanks John

Maybe a Gravel bike they are pretty good for tracks and trails.

 

[Wjklewis]

I have a Pedibal Navigata.

You can buy it with a twist and go throttle which is authorised for each individual bicycle by the DVSA (you get a certificate with it).

It helps a lot.

It's easy to take off just with the throttle if you prefer, and you can keep going that way up to 15.5mph if you want or need to. It doesn't have a very powerful motor (250 w) so getting started up steep hills may be a bit difficult if relying only on the throttle.

Pedibal Navigata® Folding Electric Bike - LG 9.6Ah Long Range 19KG

eBike with a Twist. Instant throttle acceleration, Pedibal Assist 15.5mph. Powerful 250W motor with hidden 9.6Ah battery. 7 speed Shimano gear. Swift Magnetic Folding in seconds Healthy, eco-friendly, low-cost riding. Perfect for City Commute, Motor Home and Leisure. Small footprint for easy...

pedibal.com

Thanks, this looks very interesting.

 

[Jo May]

Or buy secondhand pre regulation with twist and go like mine. (Says he trying not go be too smug).

Smuggy!

 

[Guigsy]

Modern mountain bikes are like monster trucks. They are supremely capable. I've got a 150mm enduro bike in the garage that's done most of Bike Park Wales. The problem is that you pretty much have to throw yourself off a cliff to test them. And yet most of the ones you see are being ridden to the shops or never go more off road than National Cycle Route 5.

The last 3 years I've mainly been riding a gravel bike and the mountain bike has been getting dusty. There's far more trails that are interesting and challenging when you've got no suspension. And unlike the full suspension mountain bike, it doesn't feel like a wet noodle on tarmac, so I can actually ride a reasonable distance to get somewhere to find some fun. My gravel bike is easily as capable as my 90s mountain bikes. Technology and design has just moved on so much. Mostly due to the wide tyres and the better frame materials and geometry.

Unless you're planning on getting muddy or wearing body armour, don't bother looking at full suspension bikes. It's overkill. Even a hybrid with 40mm tyres will do way more than most people want.

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[meanders]

Please dont take this the wrong way, I just dont get the unable to handle the bike very well due to the rotation/movement required to get the bike going.

If they were to drop the gears down and up the electric there (in my opinion) would be hardly any stress on the knee to start off with and presumably when travelling they would be ok.

My problem is not knees but fused ankle on which it hurts if I put a lot of weight on it. If I try to pedal off using the left foot, the right one give me grief trying to hold the bike and most of my weight, confused by my right handedness. If I go off with the right, the amount of initial downward pressure to get the bike moving is too painful to bear. With twist and go, I take the weight on the left, then as soon as the bike is moving I can start to pedal. However, if the right ankle is really sore, I can just go full electric. I suspect anyone with a dodgy knee would have exactly the same problem of getting started but can pedal OK once moving.

 

[canopus]

The Tubby Tyre Scooter Company

www.tubby-tyre-scooter-company.co.uk

 

[DandJ]

A couple of friends called today to try our electric bikes, as they had a mind to buy a couple. Unfortunately, one of my friends has had a knee replacement and was unable to handle the bike very well due to the rotation/movement required to get the bike going.

Could they not start pedalling with other leg? It may feel alien at first but they'd get used to it.

 

[royandsharont]

The difficulty following knee replacement is the degree of bend each person finally gets. Some will find it difficult to ride a road bike whilst others with greater bend will find no problem.

 

[meanders]

Y

Could they not start pedalling with other leg? It may feel alien at first but they'd get used to it.

Let me reply to that for the OP. I think all of them need a full turn and a half on the crank before the electric kicks in. It would be near impossible for me with ankle let alone dodgy knee. Worth checking with Peter at ASBIKES who can probably advise. Vaguely remember that Blue Badge holders can still get twist and go, but I might be dreaming.

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[stevewagner]

I’ve seen a guy at motorhome shows that do pedal conversions for people with restricted leg and knee movements.

 

[Nirvanauk]

Or buy secondhand pre regulation with twist and go like mine. (Says he trying not go be too smug).

Can’t believe I chucked my twist and go away last year.

 

[stevewagner]

Y

Let me reply to that for the OP. I think all of them need a full turn and a half on the crank before the electric kicks in. It would be near impossible for me with ankle let alone dodgy knee. Worth checking with Peter at ASBIKES who can probably advise. Vaguely remember that Blue Badge holders can still get twist and go, but I might be dreaming.

Mine has a Bosch crank motor and moves as soon as you put pressure on the pedal

 

[suavecarve]

Would an electric trike solve the issue or even an electric tandem whereby hurt knee person could go behind ?

 

[dom_k]

They need a Sur-Ron as they are just twist and go…. but you can only ride one with a face mask pulling a wheelie or doing a burnout!

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[DandJ]

Y

Let me reply to that for the OP. I think all of them need a full turn and a half on the crank before the electric kicks in. It would be near impossible for me with ankle let alone dodgy knee. Worth checking with Peter at ASBIKES who can probably advise. Vaguely remember that Blue Badge holders can still get twist and go, but I might be dreaming.

Someone has answered that above...it isn't the case. The Bosch system (as mentioned above) and the Yamaha system on my wifes E-MTB can catch you out as pretty much the instant you push down on the pedal...you get assisted drive.

 

[Wjklewis]

Would an electric trike solve the issue or even an electric tandem whereby hurt knee person could go behind ?

Now there is a thought!

 

[Ridgeway]

It sounds like they can’t ride a traditional bike, nothing wrong with that. And fully agree that a trike is a good thing to look at. They are big though and also pretty expensive, electric and traditional types.

Maybe sound stupid but what about a decent stabiliser, perhaps just on one side ? They have them on Harley Davidsons and Honda Goldwings so nothing to be embarrassed about.

 

[Kups]

What about an electric scooter, lots of then in Europe, nearly got mowed down by one today in Spain. Quite cheap around 400 euros for one with a rear basket. Fold down small as well so no need for a bike rack.

 

[gus-lopez]

What about an electric scooter, lots of then in Europe, nearly got mowed down by one today in Spain. Quite cheap around 400 euros for one with a rear basket. Fold down small as well so no need for a bike rack.

Under 250€ mostly around here

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[Silver-Fox]

I didn't really get that problem either, a friend had both knees replaced a couple of years ago he has an off road e bike and goes out all over the downs I can't keep up with him.

I think the person trying the bike hasn’t done their exercises and stretches.

Hence movement problems.

 

[Googlebot]

Unless you're planning on getting muddy or wearing body armour, don't bother looking at full suspension bikes. It's overkill. Even a hybrid with 40mm tyres will do way more than most people want.

I will have to disagree here, after riding a hard tail for years and moving to full suspension I won’t ever go back.

Yes, it’s overkill for most people which I absolutely agree, but my backside has thanked me ever since.

 

[PlacidoD]

The MiRider range has a thumb throttle specifically designed to overcome the problem of no motor input for the first turn of the crank. Its main use as advertised is pulling away from traffic lights and the like where there is the some risk of wobbling as you "stand" on the pedals to get going with vehicles accelerating past you:

MiRiDER One GB3 Folding eBike 7ah

The MiRiDER One GB3 with 3 speed gearbox and carbon belt drive. Designed to be the ultimate 16 inch folding ebike including hydraulic brakes, CNC pedals, Selle Royal saddle.

mirider.co.uk

I have a MiRider One GB3 but I think the thumb throttle applies across the entire range including bikes with larger wheels.

P.S. In my view an Ebike and MoHo make an excellent combination. They are made for each other and my GB3 with belt drive and three hub gears (which you can change even when stationary) plus 5 levels of power input makes for a near perfect combination for exploring once the MoHo is parked up for the night.

 

[Lenny HB]

I will have to disagree here, after riding a hard tail for years and moving to full suspension I won’t ever go back.

Yes, it’s overkill for most people which I absolutely agree, but my backside has thanked me ever since.

Totally agree great off road and smooths out the pot holes on roads. A game changer in comfort levels.

 

[Minxy]

I will have to disagree here, after riding a hard tail for years and moving to full suspension I won’t ever go back.

Yes, it’s overkill for most people which I absolutely agree, but my backside has thanked me ever since.

Totally agree great off road and smooths out the pot holes on roads. A game changer in comfort levels.

Also having front suspension for those with hand/wrist/arm/shoulder issues is vital as it reduces the shock when you have bumpy surfaces etc.