Electric bike advice

[dulwichquine]

Thinking of taking the plunge and cycling to work. Would need an electric bike. Six miles each way. Does anyone know a company I could hire one/test one for a few weeks to see if I could hack it? Most grateful for any advice. Haven?t cycled since teenage years and pretty nervous!

[womanofdulwich]

I think if you buy one from decathlon and don't like it you can return it.

[doogsey]

Van Moof also have a 14 day returns policy.

[dulwichquine]

Thanks for this. Keen to do it on a hire basis to start off with but may be impossible.

[yourmomma]

I've seen the Lime dockless hire bikes around Dulwich before. Maybe try using them for a while before taking the plunge.

[dulwich2020]

You can Rent e bikes from fat lama

[Annasfield]

Check if your work offer a cycle to work scheme

[dulwichquine]

Thanks for responses so far. We do have a cycle to work scheme which I would try to take advantage of but scared to commit unless I know I can handle it. Will have a look at fat lama.

[kford]

Lime bikes are too heavy and clunky for a good comparison with a real electric bike. It's a shame Decathlon isn't open for customers, as you could ride one of their fine bikes around the shop!

[Sally Eva]

All the hire bikes are heavy to discourage people from stealing them.

this is a comparison site https://londonist.com/london/transport/ranking-all-of-london-s-hire-bikes

From ED an electric bike would be an excellent idea for starting off.

[Sue]

I couldn't do it at the moment, but can you store an electric bike in a hangar, or are they too big?

[womanofdulwich]

SUe, you need to store them where you can plug them in to charge them up .

[Sue]

womanofdulwich Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> SUe, you need to store them where you can plug

> them in to charge them up .

Ah. The battery doesn't come off, then?

[ianr]

I've just watched a Halfords video which shows the battery being removed for charging. I'd be very surprised if that weren't standard. If that's the case, Sue's question about the bike hangar sizes is still relevant.

Actually, from looking at some photos of ebikes, they just look mainly sort of bike-sized.

I saw what I assume was an ebike beetling up Woodward Road a couple of months ago, and was impressed.

[Sue]

Thanks ianr!

When all this is over, I will investigate!

[womanofdulwich]

I used to have an electric bike, the battery came off but it was heavy. Maybe its easier now.

[Bicycle Recovery]

There are fantastic electric bikes out there at the moment. I love the Rad Power selection - I think they sell online and deliver to you. If you don't cycle now, just start cycling on a regular cheap bike and if you enjoy it and are keen, then shell out for an electric - they tend to be quite expensive.

They are slightly heavier than a regular bike but not by much.

Charlie

[Blah Blah]

Cheaper to buy a conversion kit for a regular bike.

[malumbu]

1. You get what you pay for. A decent traditional bike is a grand plus. Double that for electric

2. You need to get electric assist, ie something that gives you a nice shove, rather than a twist and go where you don't need to pedal. They are not road legal but retailers wont sell you that

3. I found them great fun, don't need one, yet..., but understand the attraction

4. Try a Boardman https://www.ft.com/content/50c34a1a-f6ff-4eb9-a635-4dc7bd4d176c