In defence of the electric bicycle
It’s adamantine to apprehend the faces of puffing cyclists as I coast accomplished – but I anticipate they are a admixture of backbiting and contempt. As one of the small but growing band of electric cyclists I’m used to being publicly derided. Not by other cyclists, who are generally too polite (or slow) to comment, but by cycling friends, horrified that I have broken ranks with the principles of human-powered transport.
I justify my ownership of an electric bike by explaining that last year’s onset of Guillain Barré Syndrome (an auto-immune disorder that causes muscle weakness) has left me unable to pedal back up the steep hills that lead to my house. That, I insist, is the reason I have invested in a £1,200 Wisper 905 Sport.
In fact, the accuracy is that while I abundantly adore cycling, I’ve consistently resented the aftermost brace of afar home. The Wisper means I now always cycle into central London, rather than taking the bus or tube, because I know my return journey will be a pleasure rather than a chore. I may be pedalling less on each journey, but I’m cycling five times as often.
Of course, if I were benumbed a moped, no one would comment. It’s only because the device is masquerading as a electric bicycle that people think it’s odd for it to be partly electric. I’m blessed to pedal decline and on the flat: but back I’m annoyed a aberration of the handle anchor will accelerate me zooming off at up to 15mph. And, clashing a scooter, it can be anchored anywhere.
Electric bikes cost from around £370 to more than £2,500; the more you pay, the better the build, motor and battery (choose a lithium battery: lighter, with greater staying power). A typical charge will give around 20 miles of combined pedalling and electric power, depending on hills.
One last piece of advice: ignore the stares of other cyclists, but have the grace not to overtake them uphill without at least pretending to be pedalling.
