Electric Bikes

[FreiBurg]

Is anyone with heart failure using an electric bike?

If so, do you cope OK and which model is suitable?

[Clairealou]

Hi FreiBurg. Don’t have heart failure but have had 5 heart valve replacement surgeries. Both my husband and I bought electric bikes from Halfords about 2 years ago and it was money well spent, particularly during lockdown. Haven’t tried mine since my last surgery which was only in September but before then, used it all the time with as little or as much effort as you want to give. Good investment for me and Hubbie

[Clairealou in reply to Clairealou]

Sorry, can’t remember the makes but they were both close to the lower end of the ranges that Halfords had

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

Someone near me with heart problems had one (I have moved). Again it looked as if it was at the lower end of the market.

Beware of specialist shops promoting themselves as eco-friendly as they usually have huge markups.

[Hidden]

Yes I have Raleigh e bike, expensive but fine on smooth surfaces. Good luck

[DKLeeds in reply to Hidden]

Same here, great for short trips but a bit rough on the nether regions over rough ground.

[Mentdent]

Simple points. Get big wheels and a step through, ladies bike. More stable and easier to get on and off as we get older.

[Dave678]

I had my 2nd HA last March and since then have been using two ebikes. A Haibike Hardseven 5 for general on and off road rides and a fold up Fiido D2 for keeping in the boot of the car and then going round nature reserves. Former quite heavy but an excellent ride on all surfaces with a good approx 80-100 mile range for £2k. Latter about £500 with an approx 20-25 mile range.

Both have really helped me getting out and about (when it’s warm!) + obviously let you put as much effort into a ride as you want as you can adjust the level of assistance. The Fiido even has a setting for full electric power!

Enjoying my riding so much I joined a local cycling group for weekly rides and amazing how many riders (even able bodied) have ebikes.

Good luck with your choice + I think the hard part will be getting one as they tend to be in short supply in bike stores owing to covid and worldwide chip shortages etc!

[DaveTR]

Yes,I have a step through / dutch style bike and love it.

My only grumble is that It's a bit on the heavy side. I only notice it when moving it in and out of where I store it.

It is an Eazi Rider - Urban and cost £550 new 3 years ago.

It came with a "service throttle" which means you can 'test' the motor without pedaling!😉

[DaveSpice]

As an engineer I am against elecric vehicles, normally including electric bikes as you cycle for exercise, However, the peddal assist will give you the best of both worlds. Best get a model that isn't too heavy and you can buy clip on systems, so you keep your existing bike.My brother in law has quite a few health problems but once a week he goes out with his (much fitter) old mates and has remained one of the boys aged 75. Happy as Larry he is with hills not a problem.

[Hidden]

Funny you should ask. I've just got one myself from Amazon and I'm over the moon with it.

It's a folding type mountain bike with a throttle, so it will go without having to pedal if necessary, but not for too many miles. (Essential for the hills where I live, but even batteries have their linitations)

But what with my age, and not having ridden a bike for years I find I have lost my nerve, and perhaps a mountain bike with its small wheels wasn't such a good idea, so I haven't used it much yet. I've already lost my balance and fallen from it.

But I still have high hopes.

For the time being, until the weather improves all I can do is admire its ingenuity and beauty, and drool over it, fantasizing about my future use.

[Jetcat]

I use a electric bike and I haven’t got H/F. It’s a no brainier for me.👍 I use a Halfords model called Apollo Iv had It 12 months now and it cost about £600 so is the lower end but works fantastic and I haven’t had any problems with it at all. You can spend alot more if wish but I reckon they all probably do the same thing. 👍

[GGiraffe]

Hi there freiBurg I bought a carrera subway E bike from Halfords, 18 months ago, I was lucky to get it when on offer £900( look for discount codes or Quidco for cash back, ) it has 3 assist levels wil assist up to 15 mph the bike weighs 18kg so not great for taking in the car, has 40 mile per charge. I did have severe & now mild HF I use my bike weekly if I feel tired I adjust the assist , great to go up hills with less effort & less strain on your heart, you can build up exercise pedal harder & longer distance etc hope that helps