Tim Blackman from Axcess Electric Bikes kicks off a new series of features for VentnorBlog. The first features his wife, Jo, who he’s been badgering to try out the electric bike for ages. Despite her reluctance, he succeeded and it turns out she was highly impressed.
Thanks to Axcess Electric Bikes for sponsoring this feature. Companies like this enable VB to continue providing Isle of Wight news for you, free of charge. Ed
Jo has worked for years at St Mary’s Hospital in Newport and lives in central Ryde. The eight mile drive in each day has got progressively worse, and in the last few years typically takes 40 minutes, and that is a clear run without roadworks or Music Festivals etc.!
In the Summer months she has taken a push bike in the car and cycled the last three miles or so.
Using her Life Cycle “Alpine Sport” from Axcess Electric Bikes she now does the trip from Ryde to St Mary’s Hospital in 35 minutes.
So why did you decide on and Electric Bike?
This whole sitting in the car thing crawling along at walking pace is just a nonsense really. The car uses a lot of fuel like that, and I have to pay to park at the hospital. But also I want some exercise and enjoy being out in the fresh air.
How much money do you save then?
In cash terms about, £5/day. It doesn’t sound much, but that is the equivalent of earning about £130 per month extra before tax! But also remember, I am not adding mileage to the car and all the running costs are reduced like less frequent servicing.
But what about the ride? It’s quite a hilly journey.
Yes it is. Some big hills, Binstead Hill, Wootton High Street, Lushington Hill and Quarr. I wouldn’t dream of doing it on a push bike! On my Alpine Sport I just put it into High Pedal Assist, change down a couple of gears on the bike and it just rides easily up the hills.
Riding an Electric Bike is like being on a push bike and being continually on a slightly down hill road. It’s magic. What is so amazing is the bike is so quick.
So it’s not much exercise then?
Its brilliant exercise. You’re cycling all the time, but not wearing yourself out. I arrive at work fresh and invigorated. On my push bike after three miles I needed a lie down and a shower!
When I get home in the evening, the exercise leaves me relaxed and de-stressed from the days’ work. I won’t bother to renew my gym membership. There’s another £125 saved.
Come on then, what are the downsides?
The obvious one is if it’s a wet day, but with waterproofs on it’s not really a problem. My improved fitness and enjoyment of the invigorating feeling I get gives me the resolve to ignore the odd wet day.
Anyway, when it is wet, the traffic is worse, more cars and slower, so there is a better gain on those days and being on the Electric Bike is more worthwhile.
What about the traffic? Do you feel vulnerable?
I feel much safer than on a push bike. My Electric Bike is more sturdy and it’s powerful. With the twist and go throttle it is easy to move about in the traffic and to set off from traffic lights.
Unlike a push bike which wobbles about going uphill because you are struggling with the pedals, my Electric Bike is smooth and straight.
Do you worry you will run out of battery power?
The Alpine Sport has 17 Amp Hour battery and as far as I can see, I’m only using around half its’ capacity for the round trip. I charge it up at night, so no – it’s no worry at all.
Ah. There is some cost there then?
Not really. It costs just 10p to recharge.
What’s you conclusion?
I’m fitter, in body AND mind; it saves money; it’s eco-friendly and amazingly, it saves me time.
I do the trip quicker door to door on my electric bike than by car. I’m amazed – it is a revelation!
Find out more about Axcess Electric Bikes by visiting their website, giving them a call on 01983 407 049 or pop into see them in person at Unit 6C – Lake Industrial Way, Newport Road, Lake.
