E Bikes knee replacement

[csd4t]

I'm currently looking for an ebike, preferences at the moment are crank drive, big wheels, hub gears, maybe foldable, throttle or walk assist.
My problem is I only have 90-95 degrees ROM in my left knee and can't do full 360 degrees on normal cranks.
I have seen that AS can offer some sort of modification and a US company "ortho pedals"? also do something similar.
Anyone have experience of these gizmos (or are there any other manufacturers in the UK) because I am lothe to spend £2K plus and then struggle to ride it?

 

[wizzer59]

Sorry it's not a "e" though

 

[jezport]

Get one with a throttle

 

[Pausim]

To be road legal I think they now have to be pedal assist. A throttle is allowed but the motor is supposed to cut out if you stop pedalling, Might be worth talking to an ebike shop that sells a variety of makes and models to check this out. Anyone who sells only one brand is likely to give advice that fits/sells their brand.

I bought my first ebike after a knee replacement and found it helped a great deal. Because knee bend is the limiting factor the difficult bit can be getting a model where you can get the saddle high enough to avoid bending the knee too far but still reach the ground when stopping. If you are of a short leg length, as I am, this can be tricky. This may mean that big wheels are not the answer. When you have found one you are comfortable with take care to make sure you always get into first gear before stopping because pulling away in the wrong gear can be challenging when one leg is under performing.

Currently I have a GoCycle which suits me very well but they are expensive (automatically goes to 1st gear when you stop). I suggest trying out more than one model before buying if you think you might struggle at first. I found cycling helped a lot with getting over my knee replacement.

 

[Minxy]

New bikes can't have a throttle only facility but the law isn't retrospective so if you get an older/used one you don't have that problem.

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[Lenny HB]

t can be getting a model where you can get the saddle high enough to avoid bending the knee too far but still reach the ground when stopping.

If you can reach the ground when sitting on the saddle, the saddle is too low and it will take much more effot to ride and put more strain on the knees.

 

[dulvil]

Buy a secondhand e-bike with throttle control

 

[Pausim]

If you can reach the ground when sitting on the saddle, the saddle is too low and it will take much more effot to ride and put more strain on the knees.

I am sure this is technically correct for a purest cyclist but I think I would fall off if I couldn't reach the ground, I have visions of the precarious progress of a Penny Farthing. I think it was one of Spike Milligans characters who said "thank God the ground was there to break my fall" after falling off.

 

[Lenny HB]

I am sure this is technically correct for a purest cyclist but I think I would fall off if I couldn't reach the ground, I have visions of the precarious progress of a Penny Farthing. I think it was one of Spike Milligans characters who said "thank God the ground was there to break my fall" after falling off.

How are you going to fall off you always come down off the saddle when you stop. Try setting the saddle height so that with the ball of your foot on the peddle in its furthest position so that there is a slight bend in your kneed. You will find the bike so much eaiser to ride.

 

[Minxy]

How are you going to fall off you always come down off the saddle when you stop. Try setting the saddle height so that with the ball of your foot on the peddle in its furthest position so that there is a slight bend in your kneed. You will find the bike so much eaiser to ride.

Er, we don't! I have the saddle high enough for comfortable riding but low enough so that I can still touch the floor with my toes to steady myself when stopped, getting on/off the saddle would IMV actually add to his knee strain.

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[Pausim]

Er, we don't! I have the saddle high enough for comfortable riding but low enough so that I can still touch the floor with my toes to steady myself when stopped, getting on/off the saddle would IMV actually add to his knee strain.

I agree with you MG, with arthritic joints this is not really an option. My Physio said cycling was very good non impact exercise. When my wife and I purchased our ebikes they set them up so that we could tip toe the ground from the saddle. I guess type of frame, crank length and personal limitations all come into play.

 

[csd4t]

Well I gone and done it I bought a Raleigh Motus and had the shop fit me a "Pulse crank shortener" from Highpath Engineering https://highpath.co.uk/ although expensive it seems to work well, I've been able to pedal a full 360, something I've not been able to do since 2015. Pleased so far in the few miles completed.

 

[SuperMike]

Thanks for the link. Thankfully my knee replacement resulted in no limitations, but it is truly amazing what stuff is out there.

 

[busby]

I'm currently looking for an ebike, preferences at the moment are crank drive, big wheels, hub gears, maybe foldable, throttle or walk assist.
My problem is I only have 90-95 degrees ROM in my left knee and can't do full 360 degrees on normal cranks.
I have seen that AS can offer some sort of modification and a US company "ortho pedals"? also do something similar.
Anyone have experience of these gizmos (or are there any other manufacturers in the UK) because I am lothe to spend £2K plus and then struggle to ride it?

You will find that if you persevere with a push bike you will obtain full mobility with your knee and the muscle will increase around it..Best thing i ever had done was a knee replacement,,cycling better now than i was 10 years ago. Give it a go.BUSBY