Comment by c0balt
10 hours ago
> Pedal assist ebikes are incredible, and really just turn weak cyclists into strong cyclists
The more useful case ime is turning cyclists with reduced mobility into regular cyclists.
In particular quite a few elderly people seem to have picked it up in my city, they aren't quite strong riders but definitely seem able of adapting to normal traffic. It also seems like a significantly safer option for individual transport than cars (especially in regards to the other traffic participants).
> The more useful case ime is turning cyclists with reduced mobility into regular cyclists.
That's exactly my use case. I've got a bad leg and this thing made all the difference for longer rides.
I am impressed by your solution and I took have at least one bad leg. I have decided against batteries in favour of a basic bike that I can park anywhere and carry up stairs. I want the little and often mobility with a few longer rides over summer. I also have a neighbour in his late seventies that rides 'naturally aspirated' with a buddy that is two years older. His buddy has an ebike and he is giving it a couple of years before he goes electric.
Being younger than him, I feel that I need to stick with 'naturally aspirated'.
I am interested in going the other way to get a dynamo with that switchable between lighting and USB power, for my phone and speakers. There is 3A at 6V to play with.
Ultimately I would want mild hybrid, with regen so all assistance is pedal powered.
The more useful case ime is turning cyclists with reduced mobility into regular cyclists.
You mean, turn weak cyclists into strong cyclists, like GP said? :-)
No. Reduced mobility doesn't mean "weak." It means reduced mobility. It's right there in the words. People who cannot pedal much at all, even the motion, no matter how light it is. Joint issues / surgery, deformities, etc.
Don't be smarmy.
If you can't pedal at all, then an e-bike definitionally won't help you. An e-moped might be suitable.
You just repeated W²s point.
Elderly on a basically unlicensed motorcycle is a good recipe for injury. Pretty sure the stats look bad for this group especially