17th June 2022
We went hunting for E-bikes today. We have two well used and old ones, but we felt it might be fun to join the twenty-first century.
Not really knowing much about the different types other than some are eye wateringly expensive, we settled on the power assisted models. Of course we had to try them out, so we wheeled them outside, and after a quick run through of the controls, we set off. Apart from four modes of assistance there were nine gears most of which are like a conventional bicycle, the mayor difference was the weight.
The machine itself weighed in at fifty pounds, mainly due to the motor and battery pack, although I didn’t really notice it, I guess if it fell on me I would notice. We got back to the shop, and the sales assistant asked us how we got on, she looked shocked when I said that I would have them. You could see the commission light up in her eyes. “A new boat or car?” She was thinking, well not quite, but it was a good sale for her.
The mechanics took them off to check everything was correctly set up as I settled the payment.
Then there was the question of getting them back home. I decided that I would ride my bike back to the house, and load Kelli’s into the back of the truck as she had another errand to run.
Off I went, starting in the ECO mode, the most common, if I felt cocky I would go to SPORT, TOUR and even TURBO if I was really daring. Halfway back I encountered a bit of rough pavement, the chunky tyres handled if fine, but I did notice the display was not showing anything.
It had been a couple of years since I last rode a bike, and the new saddle was playing havoc with my arse. I thought the saddle was set a bit high, more for someone with normal length legs, mine being one up from a dwarf, but with no apparent power assist and relying on the manual mode things were getting a bit sore down there.
Finally I made the last turn and arrived home. Kelli had beaten me, but with my bottom stinging I wasn’t in the mood to complain about the result.
We lifted Kelli’s bike out of the truck and I checked the on/off functions, hers worked perfectly, mine did not.
I opened up the user manual looking for any clue for why there was no power.
Kelli phoned the shop, and the suggestion from them was to try charging the battery pack, which I did, they also said that a mechanic was going to stop by to check it over.
A little time went by, then a little van pulled up and the technician climbed out, he was quite tall and it was a wonder that he managed to fit into the small Japanese vehicle.
He fiddled about then announced that the battery pack was not connected properly, and with a ‘click’ he engaged it in its housing.
Once correctly fitted the display worked perfectly.
We thanked the chap as he folded himself back into the Japanese micro machine and off he went.
Another Lifetime to go 