My e-bike is helping my health

[miahara]

My diagnosis of D coincided with a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease. My PAD means I can't walk more than a couple of 100 metres without discomfort in my lower legs which is a **** shame as I used to do a great deal of quite strenuous hill walking. It also meant I couldn't walk very far around our scenic rural area.
A couple of months ago I decided to treat myself to an e-bike/pedelec for my birthday (71st) and it has proved to be the best birthday present ever. I get out on it several times a week, have explored rural roads and off-road tracks that I've not visited for years and am finding that the exercise is having a positive impact on my BG levels. The beauty of it is that I can push myself with minimal or zero motor assist until I start to tire and then reduce the stress by pulling in a bit of electrical help, and I'm increasing my mileage week by week. Going to have thighs like tree trunks soon!

 

[miahara]

I have never heard of an ebike and have similar issues to you so could you send a picture or a link?

E-bikes come in various forms, some have the motors in the front or rear hubs others like mine have the motor in the bottom bracket. The batteries can be located either in or on the frames. My battery is on the frame and detaches for charging, its good for at least 30 miles. Photo is of my bike just after I'd finished assembling it. If you are thinking about getting one best do a bit of 'googling' to find the various options and advantages/disadvantages of the different configurations. Halfords stock a number of e-bikes and there are a number of specialist bike suppliers in the UK.

 

[rab5]

Here in Northern Ireland the rozzers are seizing these bikes as you need insurance and a motorbike licence. I could be completely wrong in this. That’s what I heard in the qt!

 

[rab5]

Here's the message.
PSNI Ballymoney
20 April at 16:00 ·
Have you an electric bike? If so please ensure you have registered it with DVA, have a licence to ride it, have it insured, taxed and have not been consuming alcohol while riding it!

Yesterday we seized an electric pedal cycle for having no insurance. These are considered mechanically propelled vehicles under road traffic legislation and where appropriate will be seized by Police if they have no insurance.

For further information check out the government website
http://ow.ly/JFji30jAXbJ

 

[Rachox]

Here in Northern Ireland the rozzers are seizing these bikes as you need insurance and a motorbike licence. I could be completely wrong in this. That’s what I heard in the qt!

Looks like we have less regulation in England, Scotland and Wales than you do in NI. Interesting read, I’ve considered getting one of these.
https://www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules

 

[FantomPoet]

I toyed with the idea of an E Bike for many years. Recently several cycle to Work schemes have been set up so you can buy one and pay for it out of your pre tax wages. The e bike schemes do not have the £1000 limit that the standard scheme has.

So I ordered one and finally picked it up on Friday and I have been grinning ever since. You get a boost up to about 16mph then after that (if you go faster) then the motor cuts out leaving you to pedal along. Once you slow again for a hill the magic hand in your back starts to push once again.

Today is my first E commute to work and I hope to now do this for many many weeks / months.....