TremF Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 Hi all. After my accident earlier in the year and @Rehab1's recently I've been thinking about my health and safety and the fact I got an EUC to give me freedom, because I used to ride/walk everywhere, but it could also take away my freedom altogether. A serious accident on my Monster could paralyse me with my neck/spine problems which would end my riding days for sure. Recently the bad weather has taken some of the fun out of riding. Either everything is getting wet & dirty and has to be cleaned down, due to lack of mud guard, or it's too bad to risk riding meaning I have to walk more, which causes pain, stiffness & tiredness, and get the bus. Previously e-bikes were out as mostly they were mountain/road/hybrid bikes were you have to lean forward with your head back slightly and I can't do that, due to fused vertebrae, after an op on my neck to stop spurs from two of my vertebrae compressing my spinal cord. It stopped my symptoms worsening but I haven't recovered from the damage done meaning I can't walk/stand upright for long before I am in a lot of pain, very stiff and weak. Recently I spotted a foldaway bike (like the one in the attached pic) where you sit upright, it is electric with throttle so will help ease work for my legs and it has fat tires so soaks up the bumps. Previously I had just seen the foldaway and they didn't look/seem cool so didn't look much into them. Being two wheels I will have more freedom in bad weather and I won't have to worry so much about the battery running out on a ride due to being able to pedal if need. To get one, though, I will need to sell my Monster. I am thinking of asking for around £1200? It's 1600wh with seat and spare set of brand new pedals. The motor cable clips have been changed so there's no risk of them melting? What's people's ideas/opinions? Is £1200 is about right maybe more preferably not less? One of the e-bikes I have seen is just short of £1200 and local so I can pick up to save P&P if I decide to do it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rehab1 Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 2 hours ago, TremF said: Hi all. After my accident earlier in the year and @Rehab1's recently I've been thinking about my health and safety and the fact I got an EUC to give me freedom, because I used to ride/walk everywhere, but it could also take away my freedom altogether. A serious accident on my Monster could paralyse me with my neck/spine problems which would end my riding days for sure. These are tough emotionally charged decisions. Only you can analyze your current lifestyle, health issues and possible long term ramifications resulting from a bad accident. With your existing compromised spine and the possibilty of paralysis from a fall definately requires some reflection. 2 hours ago, TremF said: Recently I spotted a foldaway bike (like the one in the attached pic) where you sit upright, it is electric with throttle so will help ease work for my legs and it has fat tires so soaks up the bumps. Previously I had just seen the foldaway and they didn't look/seem cool so didn't look much into them. If I decide to give up riding EUCs purchasing an Ebike would be a strong consideration for both me and my wife. I always hated going for a ride without her by my side. 2 hours ago, TremF said: To get one, though, I will need to sell my Monster. I am thinking of asking for around £1200? Best wishes if you decide to sell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WARPed1701D Posted February 2, 2018 Share Posted February 2, 2018 I think you are wise to reflect on this given your compromised health and the risks you have of a fall. I am likewise reflective at the moment and I'm in good health! You have to make your own decision but a folding ebike is a great second option. Be sure to look at Tern and Dahon. The both make folding ebikes I believe. Brompton has also just realised one but it is very expensive and to comply with UK law requires you to pedal to get electric assist. I believe you can set the level of assist from low to high meaning pedaling becomes just for show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esash Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 Freedom is worth fighting for, even if a monster or two has to die. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esash Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 We live in such an amazing time for transportation gadgets. Unicycles are just one of many. You could also look at electric scooters, which may be cheaper, lighter and easier to fold/transport than even an e-bike https://www.ewheels.com/product/new-speedway-mini-4/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Onymous Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 12 hours ago, Rehab1 said: If I decide to give up riding EUCs purchasing an Ebike would be a strong consideration for both me and my wife. I always hated going for a ride without her by my side The Robstep is a very good foldup bike. My heavier than me 185lb friend takes it all around L.A. And the 7amp battery sold at ewheels is a very strong power source. He easily gets 10 miles with full power up and down hills. Its got 14" tires, so it is good on rough terrain or potholes. Super fast charging too. He hasnt done a range test on it, and takes it to work and everywhere else too. Has a terrific headlight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meepmeepmayer Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 Sad, but understandable There should be a big selection of bikes where you sit upright, probably a lot of people prefer a more relaxed posture, don't they? Anyways, good luck with your decision. And maybe a smaller wheel is in your future, who knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TremF Posted February 3, 2018 Author Share Posted February 3, 2018 20 hours ago, Rehab1 said: These are tough emotionally charged decisions. Only you can analyze your current lifestyle, health issues and possible long term ramifications resulting from a bad accident. With your existing compromised spine and the possibilty of paralysis from a fall definately requires some reflection. If I decide to give up riding EUCs purchasing an Ebike would be a strong consideration for both me and my wife. I always hated going for a ride without her by my side. Best wishes if you decide to sell. Thank you. You are right about emotionally charged., I'm fearful of another accident, also I want to be able to keep going out on rides with my girls without being nervous. I haven't been able to shrug off the accident last year and my wife wasn't keen on me riding EUC's anyway joking that it was a mid-life crisis lol Though knowing it was a mobility decision as well as fun. 19 hours ago, WARPed1701D said: I think you are wise to reflect on this given your compromised health and the risks you have of a fall. I am likewise reflective at the moment and I'm in good health! You have to make your own decision but a folding ebike is a great second option. Be sure to look at Tern and Dahon. The both make folding ebikes I believe. Brompton has also just realised one but it is very expensive and to comply with UK law requires you to pedal to get electric assist. I believe you can set the level of assist from low to high meaning pedaling becomes just for show. Thanks. I looked at the two you mentioned but for me electric is a must as walking/cycling causes pain, stiffness and weakness in my legs. When all this started I was stopped from cycling about a year or so before I was unable to walk decent distances. Also, although these are the same style as I have looked at, the small wheels are what put me off previously. Fat tires and electric looks "cooler" lol 8 hours ago, Scouts Honor said: We live in such an amazing time for transportation gadgets. Unicycles are just one of many. You could also look at electric scooters, which may be cheaper, lighter and easier to fold/transport than even an e-bike https://www.ewheels.com/product/new-speedway-mini-4/ Unfortunately scooters are glaringly obvious and definitely illegal in the UK. As I need something I will be using daily I don't want to be worrying too much about being stopped by Police. 8 hours ago, Stan Onymous said: The Robstep is a very good foldup bike. My heavier than me 185lb friend takes it all around L.A. And the 7amp battery sold at ewheels is a very strong power source. He easily gets 10 miles with full power up and down hills. Its got 14" tires, so it is good on rough terrain or potholes. Super fast charging too. He hasnt done a range test on it, and takes it to work and everywhere else too. Has a terrific headlight! Unfortunately the lack of pedals makes this another obviously illegal ride They do look pretty cool though. 4 hours ago, meepmeepmayer said: Sad, but understandable There should be a big selection of bikes where you sit upright, probably a lot of people prefer a more relaxed posture, don't they? Anyways, good luck with your decision. And maybe a smaller wheel is in your future, who knows. There may be others where you can sit upright but the one I pictured is the most obvious. Someone at work said about getting a mountain bike and adjusting the seat/handle bars for a more upright position but as that isn't how they are generally used/seen I think it would look daft? Luckily there was a seller of the bikes I showed living only a couple of miles away from me so I was able to pop by yesterday after work. He has one setup for demo purposes, as he has them boxed up, but the boxed are also slightly new tech. The ones he has have front suspension and a front light that links to the control panel. It has 7 gears, hydraulic brakes and can either be ridden in one of 5 PAS modes or by thumb throttle. The motor is 500w (but not marked) and the battery 48v 15amp so it has plenty of power if needed. In the 1st PAS mode it does 8 mph max, not tried others yet but the 5th can get to 26/27 mph. It is setup so the throttle can be used without the need to pedal which would be useful if I had any difficulties arise from the pedaling If need the control panel can be configured to limit the speed and stop the throttle working until you pedal but, so long as you ride sensibly, it's unlikely the Police will be bothered. I'm very interested so will need to sell my Monster. He has said he'll take £1100 rather than the £1200 advertised on eBay so I can lower my Monster to that to clear. The batteries alone are worth that I think. I may also sell the battery from my ACM along with spare, unused, control board and I'm sure I have a spare set of pedals maybe. I just want things out of the way as I don't want to risk trying to replace the ACM motor myself - unless someone else wants it at a cutdown price so they can repair themselves. EUC's gave me freedom and eased a serious depression I had caused by my limitations and not being able to get out and about like I used to but I don't feel as safe or confident as I did and that's taken the joy out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demargon Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 The bike allows you to reach more speed with safety. If you can afford a bike and a EUC maybe the best option to have one for commute and other to enjoy easy riding at low speed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meepmeepmayer Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 Seriously, just sell your stuff if that's what you feel like. Don't worry so much about it. You can always get a nice, safe, not-too-fast Kingsong 14 incher or so in the future, for your EUC needs, once the bad experiences are long enough ago and you start to get into the "love" part of the love-hate ( or maybe distrust-excitement) relationship with wheels again. In other words, once you ride again at some later point, you'll be hooked again In the mean time, get rid of your depreciating stuff if you wouldn't use it anyways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rehab1 Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 6 hours ago, TremF said: Thank you. You are right about emotionally charged., I'm fearful of another accident, also I want to be able to keep going out on rides with my girls without being nervous. I haven't been able to shrug off the accident last year and my wife wasn't keen on me riding EUC's anyway joking that it was a mid-life crisis lol Though knowing it was a mobility decision as well as fun. I don’t believe it was a mid-life crisis that sent either of us down road of learning to ride EUCs. In my case it was the exhilarating freedom I felt when riding. A treat or reward for a hard day’s work. A psychological vehicular that helped bring back a sense of normalcy to life. You sir had an even more noble reason for riding that centered on enhancing your overall mobility that increased your overall quality and joy of life. 6 hours ago, TremF said: EUC's gave me freedom and eased a serious depression I had caused by my limitations and not being able to get out and about like I used to but I don't feel as safe or confident as I did and that's taken the joy out of it. If you can find someone that owns an Ebike see if they will let you ride it around for a few hours. Travel the same roads and trails with your family that you enjoyed on your EUC. Hopefully you will experience the same exhilaration while still feeling safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TremF Posted February 3, 2018 Author Share Posted February 3, 2018 6 hours ago, Rehab1 said: If you can find someone that owns an Ebike see if they will let you ride it around for a few hours. Travel the same roads and trails with your family that you enjoyed on your EUC. Hopefully you will experience the same exhilaration while still feeling safe. An e- bike will change the way I ride for work as I will be on the road more though coming home I can go the more scenic route via the canal and nearby lake maybe to wind down after a busy day. The rides with my girls are mostly along the canal and around a nearby reservoir, lake and parks. A fat tire e-bike will mean that when they visit the beach with their mum I'll be able to go and ride about rather than stay home so as not to slow them down or cut their day short due to pain. I'm borrowing one for a few hours tomorrow, hopefully, so I'll give it a blast in my usual places and see how it handles and the sort of attention it grabs. The short trial I had with it yesterday caught some attention due to it's small (20") but fat tires. It was comfy though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TremF Posted February 3, 2018 Author Share Posted February 3, 2018 8 hours ago, meepmeepmayer said: Seriously, just sell your stuff if that's what you feel like. Don't worry so much about it. You can always get a nice, safe, not-too-fast Kingsong 14 incher or so in the future, for your EUC needs, once the bad experiences are long enough ago and you start to get into the "love" part of the love-hate ( or maybe distrust-excitement) relationship with wheels again. In other words, once you ride again at some later point, you'll be hooked again In the mean time, get rid of your depreciating stuff if you wouldn't use it anyways. I think that down the line I'd like to look at the new Ninebot One Z's with the fat tire - or similar depending on what's available at the time. I do like not being limited where I can go with a little EUC and in the summer hands free rides are ace. I just need a break and to get some confidence back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meepmeepmayer Posted February 3, 2018 Share Posted February 3, 2018 Sounds like you'll be happy with the bike. 5 minutes ago, TremF said: I just need a break and to get some confidence back. I know the feeling. A crash (though certainly not as bad as yours in my case) plus the cold weather, you're frustrated at the thought of riding and the loss of confidence . But after a bit of a separation period and after the first ride, you're in love again Good idea with the Ninebot One Z, as it's less of a high speed wheel and more a nice offroad explorer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rehab1 Posted February 4, 2018 Share Posted February 4, 2018 1 hour ago, TremF said: The rides with my girls are mostly along the canal and around a nearby reservoir, lake and parks. A fat tire e-bike will mean that when they visit the beach with their mum I'll be able to go and ride about rather than stay home so as not to slow them down or cut their day short due to pain. It truly saddens me that you stayed home out of concern for your family while they visited the beach.Those precious moments are lost forever if you don’t participate. Please keep us informed how your fat tire Ebike test run goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TremF Posted February 5, 2018 Author Share Posted February 5, 2018 On 2/4/2018 at 12:57 AM, Rehab1 said: It truly saddens me that you stayed home out of concern for your family while they visited the beach.Those precious moments are lost forever if you don’t participate. Please keep us informed how your fat tire Ebike test run goes. I do go out with them from time to time but long journeys in the car then lot's of standing/walking really take it out of me and have me in more pain and feeling stiff and weak for a few days afterwards. I do regret not going more but maybe the bike will change that if I can get it in our car. My youngest daughter isn't well at the moment so I wasn't able to get out on it yesterday but I've got it a few days and have come to work on it. Even though I have ridden bikes for many years this one is a little strange to ride at the moment. I am used to bigger wheels (this is 20" with a 4" tire) and a longer wheelbase so I'll need a few miles to get used to the steering and then there's the PAS.... I am really enjoying being able to casually peddle and the bike doing the rest especially up hills but it's weird not having the same subtle control when going up a curb. As I said, I just need to go for a, few miles, ride to get used to it. If the weather holds up today I may go home the 5.5 mile route, with a few hills, around the lake and along the canal, instead of the 2 mile route and see how I go. The little bit of riding I have done so far has gotten some attention, as EUC's do, due to the wheels being small yet fat. It took me some time to stop being so nervous on the EUC's with all the attention they grab and I think it's going to take some time on this too. Problems I had this morning... getting the bike out of the house (we don't have a garage and even if there was room in the shed I couldn't really go clanging about in there at 5am. Then there's the storage at work. I don't want to leave it outside in the elements but it doesn't quite fit under my desk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rehab1 Posted February 5, 2018 Share Posted February 5, 2018 7 hours ago, TremF said: Problems I had this morning... getting the bike out of the house (we don't have a garage and even if there was room in the shed I couldn't really go clanging about in there at 5am. Then there's the storage at work. I don't want to leave it outside in the elements but it doesn't quite fit under my desk. I love how it collapses down into such a small parcel. You will figure out an optimal storage plan for sure. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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