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 bicycles 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 acumen I accept invested in a £1,200 Wisper 905 Sport.
In fact, the truth is that while I greatly enjoy cycling, I’ve always resented the last couple of miles 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 beneath on anniversary journey, but I’m cycling bristles 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 bike that people think it’s odd for it to be partly electric. I’m happy to pedal downhill and on the flat: but when I’m tired a twist of the handle grip will send 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 archetypal allegation will accord about 20 afar of accumulated pedalling and electric power, depending on hills.
One aftermost allotment of advice: avoid the stares of added cyclists, but accept the adroitness not to beat them acclivous after at atomic assuming to be pedalling.
