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Yesterday evening, I decided to test out my brand-new, shiny bike. Around half an hour later, I was standing bemused, looking down the 20% gradient hill path I’d just cycled up. I was just a bit out of breath, and if you know anything about cycling and gradients, you must be thinking I’m talking rubbish. That steep slope should literally be a wall of unendurable pain, and on my normal bike, I wouldn’t even have attempted to go near it. How could I have possibly done this extreme feat? Very simple: my shiny new purchase is an e-bike, and what a revelation it’s been.
I love cycling and probably ride around 1,000 miles per year on my normal bike. But I have to tell you, it’s a challenge at my holiday home because there’s a lot of hilly terrain to conquer. My dream of biking the wonderful coastal routes around my home over this summer was in serious jeopardy of not happening, or being curtailed to the easier routes.
I’m normally a very generous person, but when it comes to personal spending on myself, it’s another story entirely. Tight is the word that comes to mind, and adding extremely to the beginning of that wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination. But after weeks of indecision and hours of looking, I eventually cracked open the wallet and spent a bit of cash on myself, much to the very large sigh of relief from my wife, Suzie, because I’d talked her ears off about my buying dilemma.
So on the face of it this hasn’t a lot to do with finance and retirement, and in truth it doesn’t. I just wanted to tell people what a great thing this e-bike is, but if I dig down a bit deeper, there are some lessons to learn. My gift to myself is a great enabling device that lets me continue doing something I enjoy. It definitely benefits my mental health and well-being, a great plus at any stage, but particularly as we age. It can also be looked at as an investment in preventive care, encouraging me to exercise and improve my physical health, and that’s definitely going to pay dividends for my future self.
Then there’s the experiential spending over purely material possessions. Instead of buying more “stuff,” I’ve invested in something that directly enhances my quality of life and allows me to continue a passion. This kind of investment in experiences can provide greater long-term satisfaction and contributes more to overall well-being, which is crucial for a fulfilling retirement.
But deep down, I think I’m just trying to overcome and justify a reluctance to spend on myself. And if we think about it, that’s another issue many need to overcome in retirement. Finding a reason that has meaning for you might make this transition to personal spending easier. Find your passion and give yourself permission. And you just never know. Maybe a super cool e-bike might help you come to terms with this problem, even if, like me, you just happen to have two perfectly fine bikes already!
I think eBikes are a great idea for folks physically unable, or of a “certain age” – Exploration, fresh air, some exercise, etc. However, nothing pixxes me off more than a 45 year old (or younger) zooming by me on an ebike, while I’m pedaling my butt off on a traditional bike !
Just like getting a handicap sticker for parking a car, using an ebike should be by permit only 😜.
Wait til you notice all the able-bodied people driving around in their toy SUVs and pickups. Some of them can’t even ride a bike at all! It’s embarrassing, frankly 😂
Bought a Specialized Turbo Vado for myself & and Aventon Pace 500 for DW. As we are both past 70, these bikes are absolute game changers. Allows me to ride hills that had become very difficult & ride on windy days where previously I would have passed. We highly recommend! Worth every penny of the investment.
I think ebikes are excellent, but the one thing that keeps me from buying one at this point is the fear of theft. They’ve become such a target for thieves, I just couldn’t deal with the worry. I use my bike for all my transportation now though, so I could definitely see one (with a sturdy U lock) in my future cycle fleet.
The people that hate on ebikes because they aren’t “real” exercise are utterly silly. They’re the same people that are unable to envision using a bike to actually get around, or consider bikes toys. Add to that the special interest groups that foment anti-bike sentiment throughout American local news companies, which vastly overblow the dangers of these machines and of bikes in general. Really, cars and their drivers are the sole, persistent threat to all bikes, pedestrians, and other non-car road users. Why are ebikes on the sidewalks and trails? Because our roads are not nearly safe enough to ride properly on them. Why on earth would I ride in the road with no bike lanes and endless car traffic at a much higher risk to my life when I could ride on a nice wide sidewalk or bike path, where at least I don’t have to constantly worry about people not paying attention and taking phone calls while driving, etc. etc.
Not a fan of the e bikes … Too many people riding way too fast on our trails that have a 15mph speed limit
Have you driven a car lately? That’s literally 95% of people driving cars doing the same thing, though obviously it’s much much more dangerous when cars do it.
I think that’s more to do with inconsiderate riders rather than the e-bike.
Don’t have the benefit of a radar gun but I’ve seen kids zipping by at 25mph or better on trails with baby strollers and dogs on leashes on them … Most of them not wearing helmets either. One municipality near us considering banning them Inconsiderate yes and dangerous
We just spent three weeks in a bike-crazy beach community in San Diego County, and on our morning walks, it seemed like we walked by an e-bike store every other block. I actually commented that if we were to move there, I’d seriously consider getting an e-bike.
The funny thing is that we live in a college town that has more bikes than people, generous bike paths, and flat terrain, and other than our Peloton spin bike (fondly known as “the bike that goes nowhere”), I don’t own a bike. I had one as a college student in the same town, and of course rode bikes when I was a kid, but I was traumatized by several bad bike accidents and gave up cycling as an adult.
An e-bike at the beach, though? I might be able to talk myself into that.
It’s a wonderful experience cycling on a flat beach when the tide recedes. I’ve done it many times, but a word of caution: make sure you clean your drivetrain afterward. I’ve neglected that on occasion and needed a few repairs.
Oh, I don’t think I’d ride it on the beach, but down a road that’s by the ocean sounds pretty cool!
I’m still on a MTB, and still considering an upgrade to a carbon fiber gravel bike. Quite some time ago Jonathan suggested I look for a used bike. I found one but just couldn’t pull the trigger on an “unknown”. It’s so hot in Raleigh right now that riding isn’t much fun, and there are a couple of other issues keeping me from a consistent ride schedule. I plan to resume my search for the perfect next bike in the fall when temps are cooler.
Mark – will you share what brand and model you bought, and any tips for those of us still looking?
Rick, It’s a Cube 2025 Stereo Hybrid One77 HPC Race 800. I’m not sure if the brand would be available in the US, but it’s a very well-known make with a good service network in Ireland. My main need was a crank power system with a good amount of torque for the terrain I’ll be using it for. That combination apparently gives the best output for tougher routes, keeps the center of gravity low, offers good stability, and it comes with a good suspension system. Last night was genuinely my first outing, and my impression is that it’s a game changer. It makes cycling such a pleasure.
Looks amazing. Just doing a quick search it looks like it would have to be imported. The first site I looked at had a big warning about the change in shipping to the US due to new tariffs. Oh well.
It’s important to note that proper eBikes in Europe are all pedal assist and speed limited unlike some of the eMotos that blur the lines of what is cycling in the US. Of course there are plenty of people riding “illegal” throttle control and hacked pedal assist bikes too.
Usually when there is a tragic eBike accident in the UK it is teens riding something like a SurRon which is definitely more like an unlicensed motorbike than a pedal cycle.
C’est la vie, indeed. Good luck with your search, and I would definitely agree with the dealer: it will open up the scope for trips.
When we bought our beach house we bought new Electra Townie bikes. We previously had one-speed cruisers since the terrain is flat. The winds however were often significant. With the new bikes we chose the 7-speed. While having it serviced last year (our local bike store provides a free yearly service if you purchased from them) I was discussing the bike version of the Townie. The shop owner made the case that the ebike opened up your experience. We could go further – perhaps to a nice bayside restaurant for lunch that we previously would have only done by car. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet but am still considering it.
If I do get a new one I will defiantly look at the “step-thru” version. My current bike is pretty tall.
I have a perfectly fine MTB and roadbike though honestly the roadbike gets less use because I’m not a big fan of traffic. Nevertheless I bought an eMTB as my birthday gift to myself last birthday. The plan is that it is my last indulgent capex on toys and that I am obligated to use it every day when home in retirement except when really too wet. It’s been fun so far and turboing up hills is a joy. Weight though is something else – no easy to lift into back of a car.
When friends of ours bought new bikes they also invested in a new rack that was easier to roll the bikes on. I still have the classic hang-on rack. It’s very tough for my wife to lift her bike. Her bike is also a step-thru and requires an adaptor to work. I’m starting to look at options.
Wow bbobbins, you really know how to spoil yourself with luxurious birthday gifts 😂
Well it feels pretty luxurious when the hill that you hate on leaving the house or before you get home just melts away.
It felt somewhat indulgent because I knew I wasn’t going to get that much use out of it before I retired but was an easier buy while still working then it would be in that first year of not having automatic income. That’s an example of the illogical hang ups we all have. $4000 spend out of unsaved income being exactly the same as $4000 from those savings not too much later.
I should have been clearer. I was referring to buying a lawn mower for your birthday.
Definitely with you on the weight. But it’s a good pre workout before a cycle lol
Mark,
I had a similar experience after inheriting money from my parents. About six months after I inherited the money I looked into a 30” lawn mower to supersede the mower I was using which was running fine, but was 22” wide. Why was I replacing a perfectly good lawnmower? I have about a half acre property that has steep hills no matter which direction I cut. Using the wider mower would cut the time by 25%. My parents knew I love taking care of my lawn, so I figured they would be pleased with my decision.
We also spent some money on new counters and back splashes in the kitchen in our three year old retirement house. Why replace the original counters? We had a budget and could only afford Formica counters. My parents were the benefit of many delicious meals prepared for the by my wife who loves cooking and entertaining, so again I figured they would be pleased with this decision as well.
Fast forward to January 2019 and my beloved Patriots are going to the Super Bowl in Atlanta. I researched the cost of tickets for the game and flights. A hotel wasn’t necessary as we would be able to stay with my nephew who lives a short train ride from the stadium. I even secretly talked to my son’s supervisor at work to be confirm he could get the time off. Ironically his supervisor was English, not a sports fan, and did not understand how big a deal this would be.
Alas I could not take the leap. I was concerned that I might be being too frivolous with my inheritance even though my parents knew what avid Patriots fans we are.
The good news is… the Patriots won the game.
The bad news is…it was the last Super Bowl win with Tom Brady, and they have been terrible ever since. I have regretted the decision ever since. After all it’s just money righ
Oh David… such a shame you didn’t go. I have to admit, I don’t understand your national sport although I’m supposed to be going to an exhibition game in Dublin later this the year.
My lawnmower is on its last legs. I’m considering going battery powered with that as well. No messy filling with gas and oil… but definitely not until it dies the true death!
It’s funny you use the term death. Last year I had the mower in half a dozen times, in two different shops, and put 1K into repairs with the expectation that it was fixed.
Has anyone ever heard about sunk cost aversion?
Well earlier this week I replaced the mower (engines replacements are not currently available) with the same make and model as there are few 30” mowers on the market, and they all get poor reviews.
I also removed the engine and kept the deck with all the new components and am storing it in my basement.
i sent pictures of the stripped down mower to two of my neighbors who were involved in the year long fiasco with the message,”Autopsy/dissection photos of the deceased.”
One of the recipients of the text replied, “You cut it’s heart out.”
Funny!
Several neighbors at our beach house have gone electric and are very happy. They are small lots so it makes sense. I would definitely look at battery powered if I had a lawn to mow, and it was a reasonable size.
Good point. I’m pushing half an acre. I think you can buy extra batteries to swap over.
The Amazon Greenworks 80v, 21 in mower, 4.0 ah battery claims it can cut 1/2 acre. It varies with “grass condition and mowing technique!”.
I purchased a 80v, 21 inch mower from amazon. I have a bit over 1/4 acre to mow. I can almost mow my property 3 times before the battery needs to be recharged. I now recharge after mowing the total property twice even though the battery registered as being half full. I was reluctant to purchase the battery mower but I’ve been very happy with it. Plenty of power and I can do the whole lawn without having to gas it up. The bigger advantage is that it’s much lighter than the gas mower so mowing is much less taxing too.
I’m sure you can but the batteries are expensive. My son needed a new battery after 3-4 years, so he bought a gas mower instead.