[pareshraheja]

[quote=wadewilson;5332366]Hi all, I recently got employed at a college near my home. It's about 5 mins away by car and it takes 12 minutes or thereabouts to walk. Since it's a very short distance, I feel guilty driving my current vehicle (Hyundai Creta) to and from the college since its such a short drive. I was looking at E-Bikes as a way to:

• Keep myself in shape (I'm 80kgs currently - have gained about 16kgs during the Pandemic and subsequent lockdowns)
• Reduce fuel wastage driving such a short distance.

Heh, was in your boat just before the lockdown while finishing my Post Graduation.

Lock down made matters worse. I opted for an electric cycle and within couple of weeks of riding, my leg and body strength improved and didn't need the battery

I can now cycle 10 to 15 km easily on Bangalore roads including flyovers.

So, my 2 cents - Your walk time of 12 min means the distance is hardly a kilometer. So, suggest you to skip electric cycle, instead for the same budget buy a good road bike or a hybrid with good gearing on it. Believe me, you will appreciate this decision after a couple of weeks of riding.

If you intend to ride longer distances, only then invest in an electric cycle. You will be amazed by the quality and ease of ride of regular bike vs an electric bike in the category of 30k to 40K

Pls ensure if its a normal cycle, weight of the cycle should not be more than 10kg to 12kg and for electric cycle, not more than 17kg to 18 kg

Cheers

PS - I own a Roulik electric cycle. If you wish to know more, such for my review on youtube

[wadewilson]

Originally Posted by pareshraheja

Heh, was in your boat just before the lockdown while finishing my Post Graduation . . .

. . . If you intend to ride longer distances, only then invest in an electric cycle. You will be amazed by the quality and ease of ride of regular bike vs an electric bike in the category of 30k to 40K . . .

Pls ensure if its a normal cycle, weight of the cycle should not be more than 10kg to 12kg and for electric cycle, not more than 17kg to 18 kg

Glad to hear from you Paresh. I actually intend to use it for long distances, maybe covering some odd 20kms or so. The thing is, I wanted to accompany my cousin brother on his bicycle rides in the morning - he usually cycles about 32 kms (back and forth). I've seen how much it has helped improve his body mass - earlier he was ahem.. healthy like me, but after that he lost a lot of body mass and has become thinner.

The college thing would be a bonus as I can use the electric cycle and save some fuel as well. Plus, the electric motor would help reduce the time and effort both for going to work and also for going cycling for exercise

Anyway, I've checked the Roulik e-Bike website but it doesn't load. I checked google and it showed me one called Roulik Inizio which has a frame height of 15 inch which would be perfect for my short 5 foot 5 inch frame, unfortunately its listed as out of stock. Could you share the link to your review and also let me know where I could purchase one online? Thank you

[pareshraheja]

Originally Posted by wadewilson

Could you share the link to your review and also let me know where I could purchase one online? Thank you

Sure thing! Here you go

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol0lNvxfnWk

Long rides and the occasional ride for daily errands, electric makes sense

I ain't so sure of Roulik Inizo anymore, a few commented about their poor response of late.

Do look out for many other brands but, like I said, keep the weight in check - both of the rider and the cycle

Cheers

[wadewilson]

Originally Posted by pareshraheja

Sure thing! Here you go

Do look out for many other brands but, like I said, keep the weight in check - both of the rider and the cycle

Cheers

Thank you I’ve checked out a few like the Meraki series by Ninety One, the Rudra series, etc. They all seem like rebranded Chinese e-Bikes which have been rebranded I’m wondering now if it might be better to import one through the AliBaba route. However, Hero is another I’m looking at. Will go and check it out in person before I commit anything. Some of the major reasons for my hesitance is: After sales support, and also, I’m quite short at only 5’5” and most of the cycles seem geared towards 5’7” or 5’9. Anyway, thank you once again. Appreciate it.

[efgritesh]

I am a bit puzzeled why the penetration of ecycle is so low in India.

1. It comes with 20-40KM range which is mostly sufficient for most of the daily users commute to office colleges
2. RTO challans, fines related nucense if not applicable
3. for school college goers, parking etc is not a problem
4. Its easy to ride in traffic jam like conditions
5. Insurance etc is not mandatory

I am seriously considering buying an electric cycle for my daugthers school commute which is about 10KM from our place, however I dont understand why we dont see too many people using it already.

Am I missing something?

[rajshenoy]

Originally Posted by efgritesh

I am a bit puzzeled why the penetration of ecycle is so low in India.

1. It comes with 20-40KM range which is mostly sufficient for most of the daily users commute to office colleges
2. RTO challans, fines related nucense if not applicable
3. for school college goers, parking etc is not a problem
4. Its easy to ride in traffic jam like conditions
5. Insurance etc is not mandatory

I am seriously considering buying an electric cycle for my daugthers school commute which is about 10KM from our place, however I dont understand why we dont see too many people using it already.

Am I missing something?

There are two categories of people who buy cycles. Those who can't afford a two wheeler will go for the cheapest offering(E-bikes won't help) and those who buy for fitness won't gain much from all the pedal assist and e-range.

Honestly, For 10-20 km we can anyway pedal ourselves(get fitter) and beyond which E-bikes do not have much help. I easily cover 15-20 kms in 40 odd mins, that too on my MTB. Road/hybrid bikes can do this even more faster and comfortable.

Lastly, I mostly see people going for the Chinese scooters because they cost few thousand more and additionally seat a pillion and can help carry goods too.

My personal experience with pedal assist on these e-bikes is bit scary - in indian conditions, we will need to suddenly slow down but sometimes this pedal assist makes it feel like vehicle is not in your control.

Also these cycles are unnecessarily heavy with fat tyres and battery weight. Most of them are single speed as well so once you run out of your battery, it is a pain riding it. Service costs are questionable too(most are Chinese imports)

I require good maintenance of my regular BTwin rockrider due to its gears and shocks etc. (also mechanical disc brakes) and the tyres wear out pretty rapidly (costs same like a two wheeler for the rubber). All these expenses show up after couple of years so I will definitely think twice before I buy an E-Bike which comes with many low cost components along with that expensive battery.

[pareshraheja]

Originally Posted by rajshenoy

There are two categories of people who buy cycles. Those who can't afford a two wheeler will go for the cheapest offering(E-bikes won't help) and those who buy for fitness won't gain much from all the pedal assist and e-range.

Lastly, I mostly see people going for the Chinese scooters because they cost few thousand more and additionally seat a pillion and can help carry goods too.

I require good maintenance of my regular BTwin rockrider due to its gears and shocks etc. (also mechanical disc brakes) and the tyres wear out pretty rapidly (costs same like a two wheeler for the rubber). All these expenses show up after couple of years so I will definitely think twice before I buy an E-Bike which comes with many low cost components along with that expensive battery.

You hit the nail on the head. It's a catch 22 situation. Is the cost high due to no mass market or if there will be mass market, will it bring down the service cost. Now here's a live comparison on service cost
I serviced by e-bike 6 months ago at a very good center in Blr. (Near Mount Carmel College).

The guy didn't want to touch the electricals' and luckily all electricals' were working fine. Including some mechanical spares change and brake pad, the service cost me 2800.

Today, I gave my 10 year old Activa for service.
Guess What - service + silencer cleaning + indicator coil + switch + something else which I don't remember - service estimate is 3200

What you get extra on scooters in comparison to e-cycle - better seating comfort, travel for 2 passengers, better braking, proper storage (can't even put a water bottle holder on my e-cycle ) and to add cherry to the cake (no offence to the fitness freaks) for most Indians - chance to continue to be lazy

Hence, as you said - either go with the tried and tested ICE scooter or for who want to save on running cost -an electric scooter.
Prices start from numbers which are at par with good electric cycles

The e-cycle kinda is the orphan here with very few takers!

[skydiver]

Folks in Bangalore,

Does anyone know of a reliable bicycle mechanic who undertakes conversion of existing bikes to e-bicycles?

T.I.A.

[Drivaholic@2727]

Hi all, My parents recently gifted me a Hero Lectro C8i. It is a fantastic bicycle and is just lovely to ride around with. It gets you from point A to point B without breaking a sweat. The Pedalec mode is quite efficient and is a breeze for people who find it difficult to pedal all the way to their destination. The Lectro has been very reliable except for a few minor accidents,
One was where the tyre tube had somehow pushed itself out of the tyre and got dislodged, mind due it was on the rare wheel which had the motor however I somehow managed to convince a local bicycle shop owner to come and repair it at my home. This was quite the biggest tragedy for my bicycle as it was niggle free until then and also I had to push the bicycle back home from school and my school is 3km away from my house and this was near June or something where the sun is directly above your head abd combine this with a guy who has a heavy backpack and very bad flat feet. Sorry for the rant there though. Anyways the bicycle has been through 1 service and is still in excellent condition considering the fact that I give it TLC sessions every weekend. Although usage has been super low lately as I have my Board exams and I havent been feeling well since the past few months, it still works just as good as it did on day one. Dropping some pics of the C8i.

[Sebring]

Decathlon has excellent e-bikes overseas. Are the products available in India?

[Drivaholic@2727]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Decathlon has excellent e-bikes overseas. Are the products available in India?

Sadly Decathlon India does not offer such products in India. I hope they import these bikes to India too as they are quite affordable back in Singapore.

[Animesh]

Originally Posted by Sebring

Decathlon has excellent e-bikes overseas. Are the products available in India?

They just launched it in India. It is however showing out of stock as of now.

[whitewing]

Originally Posted by pareshraheja

Sure thing! Here you go

https://www.Youtube.com/watch?v=ol0lNvxfnWk
..

Thanks for the detailed review.
The bike does not seem to be sold any more, are there any service centers that deal with the repairs (electricals)?

Originally Posted by Drivaholic@2727

..I have my Board exams ....

All the best for your exams !
Once you get some time can you please indicate what the servicing entails? Is it just a routine lubrication or they check the electricals as well?

Do these bikes have some mechanism to disable the controls when locked? Ex: If the bike is parked in a public space, is there a mechanism by which the motor can be locked out?
Also, how do these fare in wet weather? Are all parts water proof?

[Drivaholic@2727]

Originally Posted by whitewing

All the best for your exams !
Once you get some time can you please indicate what the servicing entails? Is it just a routine lubrication or they check the electricals as well?

Do these bikes have some mechanism to disable the controls when locked? Ex: If the bike is parked in a public space, is there a mechanism by which the motor can be locked out?
Also, how do these fare in wet weather? Are all parts water proof?

Hi@ Whitewing. Thanks for the wishes and my exams are long over. Regarding the servicing it consists of a routine lubrication and checking of all electrical components such as battery, wiring, motors etc.

ii) Regarding your second question, yes the bike has an RFID mechanism by which you can disable the motor. The RFID mechanism is only limited to some model's of the bicycle though, ex: C8i, F6i and so on. The RFID is applicable only for the " i " versions of the Hero Lectro lineup ,you can also disable the motor via the Hero Lectro app. Attaching pictures of the RFID mechanism below.

iii) The bike fares pretty well in wet weather as I have ridden it extensively in rain and mud filled terrains. The parts are all water proof as far as I know and based on what the mechanic said. The only rust I have seen as of now is on a bolt near the handlebar which holds the reflector in place.

Please feel free to PM me for any other queries.

[ajose755]

Originally Posted by Animesh

They just launched it in India. It is however showing out of stock as of now.

Hello, The Decathlon electric bike is only available in Bangalore stores as of now (Flagship). I test-rode the bike last week, they call it an E - MTB. tough bike I would say!!
Has a range of 100km on mode 1, with a removable battery.