my wife has used an electric bike for 6 years after bilateral knee replacement.
The bike, bought in Britain 6 years ago cost £995.
Although it performed well until a few weeks ago it suffered a complete failure with the motor burning out. As we were at our home in France at the time a phone call to the British supplier brought the expected response that they would have to see the bike to make a judgement on likely cost of repair. They also suggested that, after six years, the battery may be nearing the end of its life and it may be sensible to replace it at a cost of approx £300.
A quick look around in France found a brand new electric bike for 299 euros! At the rate of exchange that worked out at under £230!
OK, the battery is lead acid rather than Lithium based but it has three levels of assistance and a range of 25 to 45 miles depending on use rather than the 40+ of some lithium models. As my wife tends to limit her riding to about 30 Kms that is not a problem. It is fitted with a good quality Shimano 6 Speed dérailleur system
Although the the battery is heavier than the lithium one the bike itself is lighter making the total 1kilo heavier in total than the last one.
What is the quality like, well that remains to be seen, but at present it is performing well.
The bike model has now been replaced by a new one which is about 350 euros but still very cheap by British standards.
The bike was bought from the car accessory supplier Norauto which can be found all over France. We are not saying it is the best thing since sliced bread but :-
Almost £1000 over 6 years
V
£230 for how many years?
Seems worth taking a chance.
The bike frame is guaranteed for life and the electrics for 3 years.
Seems like a bargain to us.
The bike, bought in Britain 6 years ago cost £995.
Although it performed well until a few weeks ago it suffered a complete failure with the motor burning out. As we were at our home in France at the time a phone call to the British supplier brought the expected response that they would have to see the bike to make a judgement on likely cost of repair. They also suggested that, after six years, the battery may be nearing the end of its life and it may be sensible to replace it at a cost of approx £300.
A quick look around in France found a brand new electric bike for 299 euros! At the rate of exchange that worked out at under £230!
OK, the battery is lead acid rather than Lithium based but it has three levels of assistance and a range of 25 to 45 miles depending on use rather than the 40+ of some lithium models. As my wife tends to limit her riding to about 30 Kms that is not a problem. It is fitted with a good quality Shimano 6 Speed dérailleur system
Although the the battery is heavier than the lithium one the bike itself is lighter making the total 1kilo heavier in total than the last one.
What is the quality like, well that remains to be seen, but at present it is performing well.
The bike model has now been replaced by a new one which is about 350 euros but still very cheap by British standards.
The bike was bought from the car accessory supplier Norauto which can be found all over France. We are not saying it is the best thing since sliced bread but :-
Almost £1000 over 6 years
V
£230 for how many years?
Seems worth taking a chance.
The bike frame is guaranteed for life and the electrics for 3 years.
Seems like a bargain to us.
