As many of you know, I purchased an electric assist bicycle about a month ago. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the bicycles are known as electric bikes, e-bikes, electric assist, and hybrids. The premise is that by adding a small electric motor with chain drive, or internal hub drive, one can either gain assistance with pedaling (up-hill or against the wind, or when you are tired) or a completely pedal free ride.
For me, it was the natural evolution of my quest to become car independent. I bought a gas-powered scooter about a year and a half ago from Craig’s list. This moped could travel about 100 miles on a gallon of gas. I still have my 1972 Schwinn 3-speed, Collegiate and had planned on using it for shorter trips. Once I bought the scooter, I never rode the Schwinn again. This presented a problem for me. Though 100 miles/gallon of gas is great and significantly reduced my carbon footprint, it did not give me any exercise.
In addition to no exercise, a moped is colder to ride in the winter, than a bicycle. You know the adage: “the one who chops wood, heats themselves twice”. Well with no exertion, and a significant wind-chill, scooting around town was too cold. Plus, I was getting out of shape—not good for a man in his 50’s with a recent heart attack.
I was intrigued by the idea of purchasing an electric scooter that also had a pedaling option. But, the ones I saw were bulky, and heavy. The pedaling was an afterthought to qualify the vehicle for the Federal Bicycle regulation. It was not intended to be pedaled, except perhaps very short distances when the battery was discharged. But that got me thinking: is there an electric bicycle that is first a bicycle, and second had an electric motor? Yes, Virginia, there is! In fact, a quick Google check found me perusing hundreds of sites extolling the electric-assist bicycle.
After reading several reviews, and comparing prices on hundreds of models, I settled on the model I currently own: a Currie Technologies Via Lento. It seemed the best fit for a guy like me. First, my budget was under $1000 (a number of models start at $1400 and above). I was also looking for one I could easily mount and dismount, with the sling-back pedaling posture. I wasn’t looking for a mountain bike or racing model. I was looking for a bike under sixty pounds so I could easily lift it to a Metro bus bike rack, and take it with me on the MetroLink. This last item was extremely important for me to be able to augment my radius of travel due to the relatively short battery life of about 12-15 miles per charge (depending on weight of rider and amount of pedaling).
Next installment: Purchase, assembly and first impressions.
Peace,
Mike Baldwin
