Newsletter editor Margaret Miller bought an e-bike in the spring and has been raving about it ever since. Seniors transport coordinator Janette talked with her:
What made you decide to get an e-bike?
I’ve been a cyclist for years but found I was coming up with more reasons not to use it. It was just seeming like too much effort. I tried a friend’s e-bike and loved it and thought that having one would help keep me cycling longer (hopefully forever).
How did you choose this model?
I tried different e-bikes at stores around Vancouver. I thought about balance (some were front heavy), weight (they are all heavy but some more so), throttle, womens styles, maneuverability, and cost (they ranged from $3000 to $6000).
Are there any drawbacks to riding an e-bike?
They are heavy so getting it up and down stairs or onto the bus can be challenging. Also, I think that because drivers expect me to be moving at the speed of a regular bicycle they may misjudge their timing when they cross or turn in front of me.
How do you ride it? Pleasure? Daily transportation? Exercise? How often?
I use it for everything. If I have spare time I go out for a pleasure ride along the Arbutus Greenway or around Stanley Park. I use it to go shopping. I use it for exercise. Since I bought it I have used it just about every day. It is so much fun.
Have your cycling habits changed since you started riding an e-bike?
I am definitely cycling further than I used to. Recently a friend and I went out to Steveston. I had never tackled anything like that before. I am no longer held back from going somewhere because there are pesky hills in the way.
E-bikes are everywhere lately, playing an important role for older cyclists or people problem-solving around illnesses and mobility limitations.
Are you thinking of buying an e-bike? Do you have a new-bike story? Let us know: sayhello@best.bc.ca
