How many times recently have you seen someone buzzing on an electric bike and thought, “Should I really consider getting one of those for our family?”
You really should, you know. My husband bought a rechargeable electric bicycle several years ago, mainly to keep up with the grandchildren when we went camping, but it is not only useful in the camp, but also around the neighborhood at home.
His bike, at the time he bought it, cost around $ 400. Now, prices are still around $ 399, depending on what type of bike you are looking for and what type of batteries you plan to use.
My husband’s electric bicycle seems to hold up very well. Although the battery that comes with the bike is the oldest style lead-acid battery, it has been recharged many times and still works perfectly. Many of the newer electric bikes come with a more advanced type of battery that is much lighter and more efficient.
At home, we often hike the local bike trail for some exercise, especially on the days we plan to eat out, our way of getting rid of a few extra calories before accumulating more. At least I do, since I still haven’t gotten electric and I have to pump all the way there. If I fall far behind, my husband will pedal for a while until I catch up with him, but he loves to get up close and watch other riders look enviously at him as he passes them.
After arriving home, my husband connects his best electric bike to recharge it so that it is ready for his next outing.
When we camp on the lake, he uses a small portable solar panel that we carry in our RV to recharge the on-board battery which, in turn, recharges his bike for him. Grandchildren love to reload grandpa’s bike for him. Of course, now they also want new bikes.
Rechargeable electric bikes come in many varieties. There are 20-inch bikes, folding bikes, three-wheeled bikes, and electric bikes that are actually more scooters or motorcycles than bikes.