Electric scooter vs folding bikes

ghostlymoron said:
Unless they're hired.
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"Rented electric scooters will be legal to ride on some British roads starting this Saturday, July 4th, as part of trials to be held in cities around the country. Around 50 councils are reportedly interested in hosting trials. The government said the first trials are expected to commence next week. Privately owned electric scooters will continue to remain illegal to use on public roads.

The news was initially reported by BBC News, before the Department for Transport officially made the announcement. The trials are due to last for 12 months."

The UK will finally allow electric scooter rentals starting July 4th
 
I recently had a snobby thought about "the kind of people" on ebikes, only to realise that the kind of people on ebikes are the ones using their bikes - I see ebikes everywhere now.

Ordinary people (excluding the lycra brigade, I mean) seem to use their ebikes more readily than the pedal-bikes that they bought in the past. You know how people sometimes buy bikes thinking that they're a good idea and more environmental, but never use them? ebikes just seem to get used more, so I guess they must be more comfortable or convenient or something - I guess hills make a huge difference.

I agree that getting a folding bike up the companionway or out of a locker is a faff, and electric scooters are much more convenient for many yachties. Depends whether you're in a marina for a day or a week, I guess.

I looked at both the Brompton and the Tern ebikes - I can't quite justify the expense yet, but IMO the Tern is better than the Brompton. I know owners of the Brompton pedal bikes love them, and they're probably better than the Tern pedal bikes (which are similar to my Dahon - the Tern brand was split off by Dahon's ex-wife and son), but the Tern ebike has a Bosch motor and I believe it can provide more intelligent power-assist because of the way the motor is part of the pedals' spindle. The Brompton's electric motor looks bolted on - I don't think Brompton quite "get" ebikes yet.

For a while last year I used to ride the 4.5 miles from Port Solent to the main library in Fareham and back each day - that trip gets pretty sweaty in one direction if the wind is against you, but it didn't bother me. I reckon I could travel 15 or 20 miles pretty comfortably with an ebike.
 
KompetentKrew said:
I recently had a snobby thought about "the kind of people" on ebikes, only to realise that the kind of people on ebikes are the ones using their bikes - I see ebikes everywhere now.

Ordinary people (excluding the lycra brigade, I mean) seem to use their ebikes more readily than the pedal-bikes that they bought in the past. You know how people sometimes buy bikes thinking that they're a good idea and more environmental, but never use them? ebikes just seem to get used more, so I guess they must be more comfortable or convenient or something - I guess hills make a huge difference.

I agree that getting a folding bike up the companionway or out of a locker is a faff, and electric scooters are much more convenient for many yachties. Depends whether you're in a marina for a day or a week, I guess.

I looked at both the Brompton and the Tern ebikes - I can't quite justify the expense yet, but IMO the Tern is better than the Brompton. I know owners of the Brompton pedal bikes love them, and they're probably better than the Tern pedal bikes (which are similar to my Dahon - the Tern brand was split off by Dahon's ex-wife and son), but the Tern ebike has a Bosch motor and I believe it can provide more intelligent power-assist because of the way the motor is part of the pedals' spindle. The Brompton's electric motor looks bolted on - I don't think Brompton quite "get" ebikes yet.

For a while last year I used to ride the 4.5 miles from Port Solent to the main library in Fareham and back each day - that trip gets pretty sweaty in one direction if the wind is against you, but it didn't bother me. I reckon I could travel 15 or 20 miles pretty comfortably with an ebike.
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If folded dimension is the most important factor then the Brompton has it. However, having had a pair of Reise & Muller Birdy folders for 15 years, we've just 'invested' in a pair of Tern Vektron S10 folding e-bikes. They are fantastic - effort on the pedals is the same going up hill as down hill, dial in the assistance level you want; the Bosch motor system is arguably the best on the market. Not having suspension like our Birdys, the ride is a bit harder despite the 'balloon' tyres. Waiting for suspension seat posts to arrive! Whilst they fold fairly small, you'll need a pretty big lazaret to get them in and ferrying ashore is likely to need a 'crane' to get them in and out of the dinghy and it'll be one at a time (they weigh 22kg).
 
E bikes are great, they have got me out of the car and cycling to work again - 5 miles each way up and down the sharp hills around Chatham. It is possible to run on the battery alone on the flat (if you wish) but on inclines there is still a fair amount of exercise involved with e assistance and a much better overall speed as a consequence. The battery needs a charge after about 30 miles and I can't see solar being the best option, shore power likely to be the preferred choice.
 
JerryHawkins said:
Tern Vektron S10 folding e-bikes … Whilst they fold fairly small, you'll need a pretty big lazaret to get them in and ferrying ashore is likely to need a 'crane' to get them in and out of the dinghy and it'll be one at a time (they weigh 22kg).
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Yes, getting my Dahon in and out of the cockpit locker of my 40' boat is tight and inconvenient. I imagine the Vektron might be slightly larger.

On the subject of weight, there's only 4kg or 5kg to choose between the Brompton and the Vektron, although 3kg of the Bromton's weight is in its battery backpack. But my outboard is also 22kg - it's cumbersome to lift on and off the dingy, but manageable.

I think I could easily justify the weight and cumbersomeness of a folding bike, considering the range it would likely give me.
 
coopec said:
If you want something easily stow-able and lightweight what about one of these?

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The beginning mentions testing a "Boosted" board in a previous episode, a street board as opposed to the off-road one reviewed in that video.

Surely a street board would be more suitable for the rad dudes of this forum: Boosted Electric Skateboards

I must confess that last time I put my foot on a skateboard I limped for days afterward.
 
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What about a segway. I don't know the legality in the UK or anywhere else but being an old get I get out of breath easy on a normal bicycle folding or otherwise.
 
Rogershaw said:
What about a segway. I don't know the legality in the UK or anywhere else but being an old get I get out of breath easy on a normal bicycle folding or otherwise.
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Roger

None of us should be thinking of battery powered bikes.

Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight (WHO)

HIIT Might Be The Best Workout To “Reverse Aging”

HIIT Might Be The Best Workout To "Reverse Aging" - West of Wild
 
Rogershaw said:
What about a segway. I don't know the legality in the UK or anywhere else but being an old get I get out of breath easy on a normal bicycle folding or otherwise.
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Roger,
Getting out of breath is OK, in fact it should be the aim, just so long as it doesn't leave you hospitalised. With a little out of breath done often enough, the level at which one gets out of breath soon becomes greater. Electric bikes with tailored assistance levels are ideal for this. I've seen many an older rider swapping to an electric bike, enabling them to still enjoy the ride with others. They are of even greater benefit to newbies.

Segways were always a bit of a niche. They replaced neither driving nor walking (except for the lazy). They were useful for TV camera operators to keep up with moving subjects at jogging pace, but not for much else. As for electric scooters, they grew out of the hipster trend and I can't for the life of me see why grown adults are playing around with what are basically kids toys. Just like Segways, they'll cecome just another way of walking lazily.

coopec said:
HIIT Might Be The Best Workout To “Reverse Aging”
Click to expand...

High Intensity Interval Training might be the best workout to "reverse aging"? Yes it might, but it might also be the number one killer of those with coronary issues taking up exercise without proper guidance. As for "reversing aging", there is nothing like an emotive tag to get you hooked.
 
To some of us, bikes are not a form of exercise, they are a mode of transport. Please don't make assumptions.
 
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I am not a cyclist. As a motorist i find cyclists dangerous and annoying and yet:

In NZ we dont have the UK's stringent rules. You can buy and use an ebike with pedal assist or with a hand throttle. The only limit is max 300 watts . Speed is whatever the road speed limit is.( No you cant ride you bike /ebike on the footpath unless its a designated shared cycleway.)
In consequence the uptake of ebikes has been huge and lots of people cycling now that didn't before. Since almost no-one rides these things just as motorbike without pedaling at all, you can say that it is getting people out to exercise that otherwise would not have.
Surveys support this.
A friend was ready to give up mountain biking due to age, but with an electric assist bike has rediscovered the joy as it were.
I am almost tempted myself!
Seems like the UK's bureaucrats need to get with the program.
 
John the kiwi said:
I am not a cyclist. As a motorist i find cyclists dangerous and annoying and yet:

In NZ we dont have the UK's stringent rules. You can buy and use an ebike with pedal assist or with a hand throttle. The only limit is max 300 watts . Speed is whatever the road speed limit is.( No you cant ride you bike /ebike on the footpath unless its a designated shared cycleway.)
In consequence the uptake of ebikes has been huge and lots of people cycling now that didn't before. Since almost no-one rides these things just as motorbike without pedaling at all, you can say that it is getting people out to exercise that otherwise would not have.
Surveys support this.
A friend was ready to give up mountain biking due to age, but with an electric assist bike has rediscovered the joy as it were.
I am almost tempted myself!
Seems like the UK's bureaucrats need to get with the program.
Click to expand...
The uk is behind in most stuff , we need a good kicking , ele scooter are very favourable with cruisers some years ago it was the push type scooters now the ele once , there all over the EU , I seen people wearing suites and briefcase going to work riding them .
Of cause like most stuff , you always going to have people who got no respect for others
 
coopec said:
Roger

None of us should be thinking of battery powered bikes.

Worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight (WHO)

HIIT Might Be The Best Workout To “Reverse Aging”

HIIT Might Be The Best Workout To "Reverse Aging" - West of Wild
Click to expand...

Clive I hear you but

I am about 85 Kg and 5 ft 10 so I don't think I an obese and with Hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and life long Asama this is why I like sailing you get constant excise without it being too intense.

The lock down and being in a susceptible group is playing havoc with my fitness.

I do have excise cycle and tread mill but find it too boring as I need to be creative.

Any way I don't wish to use any electric personal transport as I don't mind walking anywhere a long as my hips and knees last out.

As i say getting old ain't for sissies.
 
sailaboutvic said:
The uk is behind in most stuff , we need a good kicking , ele scooter are very favourable with cruisers some years ago it was the push type scooters now the ele once , there all over the EU , I seen people wearing suites and briefcase going to work riding them .
Of cause like most stuff , you always going to have people who got no respect for others
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My initial reaction was that it takes the mickey that the e-scooters of for-profit hire companies are legal, but private individuals aren't allowed to own them. Then it occurred to me that I've read they can be a danger and a menace to pedestrians, and I realised that the for-hire scooters contain a GPS - in the event of an accident the rider can easily be identified. Without a numberplate how can the rider of a private e-scooter be identified? I don't think the public would accept a GPS requirement.
 
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