ralf Loc: NJ

This may not be the best forum to ask, but I was wondering if anyone uses an e-bike to get around when shooting landscape. The idea crossed my mind when I was in upstate NY, and again when I was on Sandy Hook (an ocean beach park). In both places I would have liked to park my car, and ride an e-bike to get around the local area.

By e-bike, I mean a battery-and-leg-powered bicycle with perhaps a 25-mile range between charges.
The idea is to jam the photo gear into a backpack and e-ride around at 10 mph -- which would be better than walking around at 2-3 mph.

I am looking for any tips, pointers, or practical advice that two-wheeling Hogs might be able to offer.

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

Riding an e-bike is a bit like using a smart phone to take photos - takes the effort out of things. It will benefit you more to use a pedal power only bike and take a good camera with you. You will feel you've achieved much more both physically and photographically.

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

I use a pedal powered bicycle,I have a rear carrier and two bags from ikea that hook onto either side of the carrier. The bags are padded and my tripod is strapped to the top of the rear carrier and extends out towards the rear. I carry my 6d with a 150-500 sigma attached in the bottom one bag, 24-105 in case in the other bag along with a pair of binoculars, my wallet, car keys and cell phone. I have had no problems with this setup at all. My bike is a Specialized Roll Sport, somewhat fatter tire, rolls easily and a very comfortable riding position. I tried out an electric assist bike and it was amazing but it was too much money but you never know as I get a few years older.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I am an avid cyclist - 1500-2000 miles per year.

But my recommendation is to get a very comfortable pair of hiking boots and hit the pavement/gravel/trail to get to where you want to go. If you want an exceptional footwear experience, treat yourself to a pair of Peter Limmer and Sons custom-fitted hiking boots. They are in Intervale NH. I got my first pair in 1989, and lost them in a car fire in 2012, and I immediately replaced them. Barring acts of god, they will last you a lifetime. And you'll be healthier as well.

Or you can get an e-bike, just like the food delivery people in NYC (and other places) make their deliveries. Just this September the National Park Service relaxed the ban on motorized bikes in national parks - but they must be combo-pedal/electric machines. I am sorry they did that. For me, disturbing the wildlife is a consequence I am not comfortable with. Also, there is the issue of safety - cycling on trails with an e-bike can lead to hiker/rider collisions.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90398678/you-can-now-ride-around-national-parks-with-a-little-extra-electric-assistance

CWGordon

Just like Jet-skis, it is the user that determines safety.
It is not my business to tell someone that they would burn more calories pedaling than using the “assist” provided by an e-bike. My guess is they intuitively can figure that out. Often age, physical condition, injury or disability make the decision an easy one. I hear people constantly debating the mirrorless v DSLR issue based usually on carrying extra or less weight. That never seems to invite judgmental responses. Therefore, I am somewhat surprised at some of the comments I have read hereinabove. I think getting outside is a bigger deal than pedaling a lot. If someone can expand the area in which they photograph by adding the convenience of an e-bike to help carry more equipment, and relieve the tiredness; I say “more power to you.”
Always ride 10 miles in another mans’ bicycle shoes before judging him or telling him his approach is wrong.
By the way, I am a very serious bicyclist who takes a number of multi-day trips, to include a multi-week trip in Europe. What is the compromise for me? I gotta use my Sony a6000 instead of my Nikon D850’s. Not horrible, but I would prefer-always-to be shooting full-frame. Now, if I wasn’t so stubborn, maybe I could carry more equipment if only I was riding an ebike. I might also mention that a pretty high % of European riders on the bikepaths do ride ebikes. I always notice as they blow by me!

Of course, one should always be aware of local, state, or Federal lawas and ordinances governing usage. Even more importantly, one needs to be careful not to ride into a tree or ditch while scanning the trees looking for Bald Eagles 🦅. Also, keep on the lookout for baby bears!

rcarol

That philosophy is fine unless you're struggling with a bad hip. In this case, an ebike could be an ideal solution. I've been toying with this idea for several months.

Haenzel Loc: South Holland, The Netherlands

I use a recumbent e-trike. No heavy equipment on my back but in my panniers or on my rack. Especially comfortable for bird photography and landscape. Sitting in a comfy chair waiting for the right shot...

napabob Loc: Napa CA

have had my cargo bike (Cetma Cargo) fitted with electrics for three years,(stoke monkey) my knees are grateful, I can go twice as far and twice as fast.............

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Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

You might find this helpful:

http://peopleforbikes.org/our-work/e-bikes/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_content=Electronic%20Bike%20Awareness&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyKrxBRDHARIsAKCzn8x5a26mjdO9lgG_jaPTJYqethnlI4ECij3q0OTdaD_h9BEw1taRoR0aAgb1EALw_wcB

https://shop.sondors.com/products/sondors-x-feb2020?variant=30903118233666&currency=USD&gclid=Cj0KCQiAyKrxBRDHARIsAKCzn8y5YsHP1s3C8myLcpLuFwGUBJWFJFzeVIkrIty-F2VfnzCj7rhmrZkaAv1DEALw_wcB

I like the Sondors ATB (all terrain bike) or similar, especially if you are on sandy, gravelly, muddy surfaces.

Though the one below looks interesting.

I just recently migrated from a competition-geometry road bike with 23mm tires to a "gravel" bike with a more relaxed geometry and 40mm tires - the difference is night and day. With the fat tires you should be able to ride on any surface. You should check the battery mileage - if they state 25 miles per charge, figure on 20 or so, unless you do some extra pedaling.

The other type of bike to check out is the cargo e-bike.

The main concern with any battery bike is the extra weight and how hard it will be to pedal if your battery goes flat.

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HOHIMER

I am having difficulty separating the bike from the background! Is it just me?

sancarlos Loc: Sacramento, CA

Ralf, I have used my electric to go on the local wildlife preserves
and take pics . I am in my 70s and appreciate the added range
I have. I have taken pics I would not have had the opportunity
to take.
One note of caution, since these bikes are heavier, you might
be careful of how many and how big are the hills in your ride.

robert sands

JohnR Loc: The Gates of Hell

Sady I do have both a bad knee and a bad hip (- osteoarthritis - also in cervical and lumbar spine ) but still ride and still walk as if I don't then they become worse - much more painful and stiff. I don't know about other parts of the world but here in Oz our Doctors continually trot out the words USE IT OR LOSE IT. iBuprofen does help a bit

rcarol

Unfortunately, I can’t take any NSAIDS.

gasstro Loc: Indiana

I use a people powered bike sometimes, the main problem I have is securing a tripod without it being too cumbersome. Either way you choose just get out and enjoy!

napabob Loc: Napa CA

it is busy for sure.........I'll post another, hopefully less distracting version

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