Opinions on "pedal assisted" bikes

I would say test drive one of each at your local bike shop and make a decision from there. A bike might be tough to get your hands on with all the corona stuff just an FYI

In America they are heavily restricted as to trail access. For example they are banned on bike trails in National Parks and Forestry trails.

I think they're great, even though I don't own one. On average, people who purchase e-bikes lose more weight than those that purchase traditional bikes because they ride them more often and tend to stick with it instead of giving the bike a permanent parking spot in the garage. Obviously riding a traditional bike is better if you're willing to commit to it.

You may run into the occasional a-hole cyclist that gives you shite, but frick those guys. Most people recognize that more people on bikes (of any kind) is a good thing for infrastructure, community health, etc.

Quality e-bikes from respected bicycle brands are expensive, but there are some value brands that people seem to really like. Some e-bikes have really great range (50+ miles), especially if you're willing to do a decent amount of the work with pedal power. Nearly all of them will be pretty damned heavy though.

Read about e-bike classifications to learn more about where you can ride them. Class 1 (pedal-assist only to 20mph) and class 2 (pedal-assist and/or throttle to 20mph) can usually be ridden on trails, bike-only paths, and of course, in bike lanes. Class 3 (pedal-assist to 28mph) are usually not allowed on recreational bike paths.

Don't let anyone discourage you. You'll have an absolute blast. Some e-bikes have both class 2 and 3 modes and are a legal gray area. But honestly, I know people that ride class 3 on bike paths with no problem. You just don't want to be wide open at 28mph without breaking a sweat. That will definitely give you away.

If I'm ever within 10-15 bikeable miles from my job, we will probably cut back to one car. My wife works from home, and estimates of car ownership for vehicle, insurance, gas, maintenance, etc. is often as high as $800 a month. I'd probably buy an e-bike as a commuter to avoid sweating during the summer, and just use the car in bad weather.

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this is why the a-hole cyclists give you shite.

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Well, they don't give me shite, because like I said, I don't own an e-bike. Class 2 e-bikes are limited to 20mph just like the class 1 bikes, they just have a throttle. Regardless, they are usually allowed on bike paths.

Your complaints about e-bikers are the same ones I hear over and over. There is absolutely some truth in there, but there are plenty of smug cyclists that love to remind e-bikers that, "That doesn't count!" More bikes on the road is better for us all, period. Just my opinion...

And the cyclists I was talking about that occasionally take their class 3 bikes on their local paved bike path are both serious cyclists. I was just saying that if you DON'T act like an arse, then it's unlikely you'll have a problem even if you occasionally take a class 3 bike on multi-use bike path.

Looks like a very nice all-around ebike, and it comes with a Bosch motor/battery.

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and it comes with a Bosch motor/battery.

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My research showed that most people agree that Bosch and Yamaha were the only two serious choices for battery - with Yamaha being a distant second.

Bosch is actually pushing a firmware upgrade later this week that should make it even more badass.

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now you can motorpace all of the tiger droppings roadies to strava PRs

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Sign me up