An electric bike adds motor assistance to your pedalling. That can make some journeys easier to fit into your day, especially when hills, distance or the return trip would otherwise put you off.
A regular bicycle is still a good choice for many riders. The useful question is which bike you will enjoy, handle comfortably and use for the trips you want to make.
1. Help on hills and into the wind
Motor assistance adds to the effort you put through the pedals. On a suitable hill or exposed part of a route, that extra help can make the ride more manageable.
The result depends on the motor, gearing, total load and rider effort. Try a representative incline and check how the bike starts, climbs and stops. A higher motor number alone cannot tell you how the complete bike will feel.
2. A choice about how much help to use
Within the bike's permitted settings, you can choose an assistance level for the situation. You might use less help on a gentle ride and more on a difficult section or on the way home.
You still need to choose a comfortable bicycle gear. Practise the controls at low speed so the assistance feels predictable when you start, turn and brake.
3. Another option for everyday trips
A work commute, shopping trip or visit to a friend can become a reason to ride. Whether it replaces a car journey depends on distance, weather, parking and what you need to carry.
Measure the full return trip and try it in shorter stages. Choose a secure parking place and check whether the bike's battery and carrying equipment suit the route.
4. More ways to enjoy riding together
Riders can choose different assistance levels while riding together. That may help a group find a comfortable pace when people have different preferences or experience.
Plan for the whole group: a permitted route, sensible distances, rest stops and enough battery for the return. Each rider still needs a bike they can control and use within local rules.
5. A reason to get out more often
Some DiroDi owners say they ride more because they enjoy the bike. Bowie describes his wife taking up cycling, while Doug says he began commuting daily and riding in his spare time.
Read their experiences in what customers say about DiroDi. These are personal experiences, rather than promises of a particular fitness or health result.
When a regular bike may suit you better
If you value low lifting weight, simple storage and not having to charge a battery, compare a regular bicycle too. E-bikes bring extra weight, purchase cost and electrical components to look after.
Try moving the bike with the motor off, lifting it only if appropriate and parking it in a space like the one at home. The bike has to work for the parts of the journey when you are not riding.
Choose for your own routine
Start with the journeys you want to make, then check fit, handling, battery and carrying needs. If a health condition affects your ability to ride, discuss suitable activity with a qualified professional.
For a DiroDi comparison, see Rover, Primo and Vivo or contact our Melbourne team about trying the bikes.
5 Ways an E-Bike Can Make Everyday Riding Easier