My Big, Ugly Electric Bike: A Love Story

I love my big, ugly electric bike. It's not the most attractive thing in the world, but it gets me where I need to go. I can feel the wind in my hair as I zoom down the street, and the best part is that I don't even break a sweat. It's the perfect way to get some fresh air and exercise without getting too tired, and it's a lot of fun too!

It's a great way to get around without having to rely on public transport or a car

Electric bikes are a great way to get around without having to rely on public transport or a car. They're environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and a fun way to explore your surroundings.

One of the biggest advantages of electric bikes is their versatility. Unlike traditional bicycles, they offer a helping hand when you need it, making it easier to tackle hills or longer distances. The electrically assisted bike, or pedelec, recognises the human-machine relationship by matching your input. This means you can still get the benefits of cycling without having to worry about the shortcomings of Li-ion batteries.

Electric bikes are also a more sustainable option for commuting. They reduce your carbon footprint and help you avoid the hassle and expense of car maintenance or public transport fares. With an electric bike, you're in control of your journey and can easily navigate through traffic or take scenic routes that might not be accessible by car.

While some may consider electric bikes bulky or unattractive, their functionality makes up for their appearance. The VanMoof, for example, with its thickset frame and massive wheels, may be "very, very ugly", but it offers a unique riding experience. The size and power of these bikes can make you feel like you're driving an SUV, giving you a sense of imposing presence on the road.

Overall, electric bikes offer a fun, eco-friendly, and efficient way to get around. They provide the perfect balance between human power and machine assistance, ensuring you can enjoy the ride without being overly reliant on either. So, whether you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on transport, or simply explore your surroundings in a new way, an electric bike might just be the perfect solution.

I can cover more distance than on a regular bike, and I don't have to worry about getting tired

I love my big, ugly electric bike. It's enormous, with thickset frame tubes that accommodate the battery and electronics. It's a bit like driving an SUV after years in regular hatchbacks. It's also very ugly, with a satin anthracite frame, brushed coal dust mudguards and rear rack, and black wheels. But that's part of its charm – it's unique and stands out from the crowd.

One of the best things about my electric bike is that I can cover more distance than on a regular bike. I don't have to worry about getting tired because the battery-motor combo matches my input. It's like having a little extra boost when I need it, and I can still enjoy the feeling of riding a bike. With this bike, I can go on longer rides and explore new places without worrying about the distance.

The electrically assisted bike, or pedelec, is a brilliant invention. It recognises the human-machine relationship and the fact that you don't get something for nothing. It's a symbiotic expression that neatly sidesteps the laws defining a "powered vehicle". This system also takes into account the limitations of Li-ion batteries.

I feel a sense of freedom and adventure when I ride my electric bike. I can go further and faster, and the assistance is always there when I need it. It's a great way to get around, and I don't have to worry about the hassle of traffic or public transport. I can just hop on my bike and go, knowing that I'll have the energy to get where I need to go.

Overall, my big, ugly electric bike has brought me so much joy. It's not just about the distance I can cover, but also the sense of independence and exploration it gives me. I can confidently say that it's one of my favourite possessions and has changed the way I move around my city.

It's a fun and unique way to explore new places and discover hidden gems

Electric bikes are a fun and unique way to explore new places and discover hidden gems. With their powerful motors and unique design, they offer a different perspective on travel and exploration.

One of the greatest advantages of electric bikes is their ability to assist riders in navigating challenging terrain. The electrically assisted bike, or pedelec, recognises the symbiotic relationship between human and machine. By matching the rider's input, the bike provides a seamless and effortless riding experience, even on steep hills or rough roads. This makes it easier to venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that might otherwise be inaccessible.

The unique design of electric bikes also adds to their appeal. While some may consider them ugly, with their thickset frames and oversized wheels, they certainly stand out from traditional bicycles. This distinct appearance can be a conversation starter, leading to new connections and unexpected adventures.

Electric bikes offer a fun and eco-friendly way to explore new places. With their powerful motors, they can cover greater distances, allowing riders to venture further afield and discover new neighbourhoods, scenic routes, and hidden attractions. The assistance provided by the motor also means riders can focus more on their surroundings, taking in the sights, sounds, and unique characteristics of each place they visit.

Additionally, electric bikes provide a sense of freedom and independence. With their efficient design and ease of use, riders can spontaneously embark on new adventures, exploring unfamiliar areas and discovering hidden gems along the way. The bike's ability to assist with pedalling means riders can conserve energy, making it easier to explore multiple locations in a single day.

I feel a sense of freedom and adventure when riding it, and it's a great stress reliever

Riding my big, ugly electric bike gives me a sense of freedom and adventure. I feel like I'm imposing when I ride it, like I'm driving an SUV after years in a regular hatchback. It's a bit of a minger, but I love it. The electrically assisted bike, or pedelec, is based on a symbiotic expression of the human-machine relationship. It recognises that you don't get owt for nowt. When I pedal, the battery-motor combo matches my input, and when I stop pedalling, the assistance cuts out. It's a great stress reliever because I can just focus on the ride and forget about my worries. I don't have to worry about the laws defining a "powered vehicle" either, because this system neatly sidesteps them. It's also a huge step up from the penny-farthing with its geared chain drive and two equally sized wheels.

It's environmentally friendly, and I feel good about contributing to a more sustainable future

Electric bikes are environmentally friendly, and I feel good about contributing to a more sustainable future. They are a symbiotic expression of the human-machine relationship, recognising that you don't get something for nothing. When you pedal an electric bike, the battery-motor combo matches your input, and when you stop pedalling, the assistance cuts out. This system neatly sidesteps the laws defining a "powered vehicle" and recognises the shortcomings of Li-ion batteries.

The electrically assisted bike, or pedelec, is a huge step up from the penny-farthing, with its geared chain drive and two equally sized wheels. It's a far cry from the little bar-mounted gear lever of yore, feeling big and imposing to ride, like driving an SUV after years in regular hatchbacks.

While some may find the design of electric bikes thicket and lumpen, with their massive frames and various shades of black, I appreciate their functionality. The large wheels and tyres add drag, and the frame tubes accommodate the battery and electronics, contributing to a more efficient and sustainable mode of transportation.

Overall, I love my big, ugly electric bike because it allows me to do my part for the environment while still enjoying the convenience and power of a motor-assisted ride.

Frequently asked questions