Electric bikes

E-Bikes, as they're sometimes called, give you a "boost" of energy to help you pedal along. Ours had varying degrees of boost that you chose yourself. They're especially nice for pedaling uphill.

I rented one in France and it was great fun to zip up to the hill towns (or you can pedal). They are very heavy so if it is difficult for you to manage a regular bicycle, you may want to consider other mobility options.

Upon chatting with an owner of a fat-tired version of an electric bike, he encouraged me to try it out. Easy enough and fun. If riding a bicycle is "difficult," I'd certainly test an electric one under controlled circumstances. A number of bicycle tours in Europe offer electric assisted bicycles for rent, and my sense is significantly more such bicycles will be produced.

I wouldn't do it. If riding a regular bike is difficult, an e-bike is not easier. You need to pedal some and the addition of a motor adds a little more complication. For someone comfortable on a regular bike it would not be a problem but if you say it is difficult I will accept your word.

I hired an e-bike while staying in Sarlat recently. I'm in my mid-70s and used to go on cycling holidays, but these days use my bike only once a week for shopping. I really liked being able to go up hills so easily but I did have a problem getting on again once after stopping suddenly mid-way up a hill when a car came suddenly out of a side-road. If you are stuck pushing it uphill as I was then, it is very hard work.

I like the idea of an electric bike because you can average a little higher speed with less effort - go further and be less tired at the end. If riding a regular bike is difficult for you, however, I think you should try one (maybe a quick ride around the block) before you rent it.

I've been thinking of renting an electric bike for my upcoming ride through Loire valley just so my road hours are a little shorter. My biggest concern is if I can't find places to charge it, I could be stuck peddling a much heavier bike.

They are amazing and I bought one for myself after renting one on a trip. Its the same as riding a regular bike except that the battery gives you an extra boost to make climbing hills much easier.

For long rides, the batteries typically last 20-30 miles and then you are stuck peddling a very heavy (60lbs) bike with no help.

Understand we understand - riding a bike is difficult - we are just shooting in the dark. An experienced cyclists would find an e-bike easy to handle but is Jan an experienced cyclists? Jan, please return with a little more detail on why riding a bike is difficult for you.