Some thoughts about electric bikes

Following on from the e-bikes articles in our last newsletter we have been hearing more about why people might just find e-bikes providing a new lease of life !

Bikes through my life – David Dawson, recent convert to e-biking
“My relationship with bikes throughout my life has been rather on and off. The first was a Raleigh with drop handlebars, a treasured prize for passing the 11+. On this and with my friends I spent many happy days exploring the New Forest, and it was in no way unusual for us to disappear in early morning and return late evening, ravenous, having covered 60 miles or so.
Having left home, cycling became more of a means of transport, so contact was there but it was useful rather than pleasurable. It is only since retiring that I have returned wholeheartedly to the pleasure of cycling with an added bonus of helping to recover from two knee replacements!
Exploring the magnificent countryside in Perthshire and Angus on a bike has become a wonderful hobby and now fills a major part of my time. The added bonus of belonging to a Club helps to meet like-minded people and provides a welcome addition to our social life.
The e-bike has taken this fun to a new level. No more do I have to plan routes with care so as to avoid or limit the number of hills. They are just things that you ride over now so I can concentrate on the beauty of the scenery. It has also given me the confidence to ride farther into
the hills, using tracks and trails which opens up that wonderful world far from roads and the
crowds. Long may it continue!”

Electric bikes for all – Grant Murdoch, Cycle Development Officer for Coupar Angus
Whilst electric bikes have multiple benefits for people of all ages we have seen lots of older people getting back on a bike because of them. They inspire people to cycle and to cycle more often, they fill people with confidence to go out and ride for miles on end knowing that if they did need a bit of help in an unexpected headwind, or up a punchy climb, that assistance is available. They are changing people’s lives
and making the whole journey enjoyable. Benefiting older people not only physically but mentally as well by increasing social interactions and opportunities to get out in our beautiful countryside.

Comments from some of our Cycle Hub members

‘I am just amazed how far I can go on my bike, and the hills just disappear. Cycling is a joy again like it was when I was 20 years younger.’ – JP, retired academic

‘It was great fun, getting up the hills was a breeze, getting down again was a bit more challenging.’ – WMcC on her first e-mountain bike ride

‘Riding an e-bike has meant I can ride anywhere without the worry of an exercise induced asthma attack. Hills no longer scare me and I love cycling, again.’ – MS on her new e-bike

It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t enjoy riding an e-bike. But be warned, if you try one then
you will want to buy one. Come and try one of our CUBE bikes at the Coupar Angus Cycling Hub, 1
Forfar Road, Coupar Angus, (Tel: 01828 958296) but be prepared, you may well succumb to the joys of
e-biking!