Electric Bicycle – My Test Drive
Kalkhoff Electric Bicycle
I had a chance to try out an electric bike a few weeks ago. We have a good relationship with Tim at 50cycles who imports these amazing electric bicycles from Germany. In our planning for the Prince’s House at the Ideal Home Show, I thought that it would be nice to have two bicycles out front, to show that this house was not meant to be seen in the middle of the suburbs, but in a neighborhood that was pedestrian and bicycle friendly. When I asked my boss Ben about it, he suggested Tim and the electric bikes. And Tim let us use them for the show, and even better, selfishly, he let us try them out!
I ride my bicycle to work everyday. It is a road bike, and I like to go fast. I also live in Highgate, which, as you can imagine from the name, on a hill. A pretty steep one. So on my way to work I fly down the hill, but on the way home I struggle up it. Having the electric bike for the day was a different experience. I really enjoyed having it. It is easy to explain how it works. Basically, every time you start pedaling, the electric kicks in. It is easy to hang of, and once you do, it is pretty effortless. It is a very sturdy bike, perfect for dodgy central London roads.
As I said, I like to go fast. The electric bike is pretty fast but it is not a road bike. It is heavier, has bigger tires and does not have as many gears. In its own way, it is perfect for the city. Where it really shines is when you are dealing with hills. It was effortless going up Highgate Hill, which is no small feat. It took me several weeks until I was able to make it up all the way on my road bike when we moved to Highgate.
All in all, I think there is a great market for these bikes as commuter bikes, especially when there is any topography. Bicycles are exploding right now all over the world, and I think these electric bicycles definitely have a place as one of many solutions post-car. I definitely had fun with mine. Thanks Tim!
The bikes on display at the Ideal Home Show
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