e-Bike and Photography: So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier to get to photo sites without caring a lot of equipment and walking some distance to the desired location.

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier to get to photo sites without caring a lot of equipment and walking some distance to the desired location. Since there are a lot of surfaced trails in Indiana, I can travel these ,like the Wabash River Greenway (as an example) or in the state parks to identified sites of interest. It is quick, sweat free, and I can cover a lot of territory in a short period of time on the e-Bike. They are fun to ride, relatively inexpensive ($,1000) and allow quick access to various locations. I have saddle bags and a rack to haul whatever I need. I have a bike rack to haul the e-Bike on my SUV. I have my camera equipment, e-Bike, golf clubs, and fishing equipment in the SUV ready to go. Life is good, enjoy it while you can. At 80, it's important to be active mentally and physically...so, get at it. Indiana.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Indiana wrote:

So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier... (show quote)

Good idea, however, in our area all electrified vehicles, including bikes, are barred from hiking and bicycle paths. I compromise with a three-wheeler with gears and a large basket for equipment.

jlf1938 Loc: Acworth, GA

Indiana wrote:

So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier... (show quote)

Great idea. Thanks from an 84 year old that still thinks young.

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

UTMike wrote:

Good idea, however, in our area all electrified vehicles, including bikes, are barred from hiking and bicycle paths. I compromise with a three-wheeler with gears and a large basket for equipment.

Get your Doctor to issue a Handicap Placard and wear it on a lanyard around your neck while you ride. If you pedal a little no one will notice it is an e-bike. No one patrols bike trails...if you are courteous to other travels, no one will care. Some states have specific allowances for e-Bikes on state owned property. I have never seen a bike trail posted . If federal funds are used, access cannot be denied. Push a few buttons...no one will arrest you. Have fun!

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Sounds like a great idea.

Don

MrPhotog

Indiana wrote:

. . .

I have my camera equipment, e-Bike, golf clubs, and fishing equipment in the SUV ready to go. Life is good, enjoy it while you can. . .

I have heard of people buying used golf bag carriers ( the ones with two wheels), removing the golf bag and replacing it with a gadget bag or box.

I’m considering that for my new 8x10 camera and filmholders.

These bag carts often have another leg which lets them be parked. I’m also considering adding a tripod head to this so I don’t need to carry a separate tripod, too.

I was in Chicago last week and saw quite a few stands for renting e-bikes along South Shore Drive and Lake Shore Drive. Seems like parking the car and renting an e-bike would be the way to move along the paved paths along the lake shore. I don’t bike often enough to justify buying an electric one. But renting one for a couple hours suits my back and my budget. I’ll have to try your suggestion next time I get the chance.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Indiana wrote:

So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier... (show quote)

Make sure your equipment is packed with lots of padding, a bike has no shocks, and the constant pounding and bumping can cause problems for unprotected electronic equipment.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Indiana wrote:

Get your Doctor to issue a Handicap Placard and wear it on a lanyard around your neck while you ride. If you pedal a little no one will notice it is an e-bike. No one patrols bike trails...if you are courteous to other travels, no one will care. Some states have specific allowances for e-Bikes on state owned property. I have never seen a bike trail posted . If federal funds are used, access cannot be denied. Push a few buttons...no one will arrest you. Have fun!

How do you handle laws that read “No Motorized vehicles allowed.”?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Sounds good!

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Indiana wrote:

So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier... (show quote)

Just don't burn your house down due to an e-bike battery fire. Just [url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/06/realestate/e-bikes-fires-danger.html]one]/url] of many reports. Google "bike fires".

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

billnikon wrote:

Make sure your equipment is packed with lots of padding, a bike has no shocks, and the constant pounding and bumping can cause problems for unprotected electronic equipment.

Not quite true. Most e-Bikes, have shocks on the front, some don't. As with any bike, make sure it is comfortable and suited for your needs. You can also control your comfort, and that of your equipment, by removing some air from the wide tires, making it spongy and soft to ride. I do, and find the ride and equipment do just fine. Try it.

Indiana Loc: Huntington, Indiana

davidrb wrote:

How do you handle laws that read “No Motorized vehicles allowed.”?

Here is the thing. E-bikes can be ridden without assistance from the battery, or with partial assistance. Motorized vehicles cannot. Battery assist is not the same as motorized. e-Bikes are still new, and agencies are trying to find their way with restrictions and accommodations. So, be informed and stand up for your rights to access. The only real issue is young kids who speed and are reckless users of e-Bikes, but, most kids don't ride e-bikes...they see the e-bikes relegated to old people. Most trails and cities accommodate e-bikes...it is environmentally friendly and encourages people to be active and social. Write your state rep. Letters to the editor are effective. Introduce legislation and just be pro-active. Be a trend setter, and have fun doing it.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

UTMike wrote:

Good idea, however, in our area all electrified vehicles, including bikes, are barred from hiking and bicycle paths. I compromise with a three-wheeler with gears and a large basket for equipment.

I have ridden many mountain bike trails around St.George, Moab and Park City area. Although it is true that there are prohibitions, there are many trails where e-mountain bikes are permitted. I still prefer to pedal under my power but have ridden $12,000 e-bikes that have 170mm of travel (lots of suspension). To haul gear around I use and recommend the Burley Coho single wheel trailer (also suspended). https://burley.com/products/coho-xc

df61743 Loc: Corpus Christi, TX

Indiana wrote:

So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier... (show quote)

I'm with you, Indiana. I recently received my Aventon Aventure.2. I'll be 80 PDQ and have the same intention. I'm waiting on delivery of a Mach2 rack so I can haul it on the back of my Silverado or the back of my Casita trailer.

Dick

cyclespeed Loc: Calgary, Alberta Canada

Indiana wrote:

So, I bought an e-Bike last year to make it easier... (show quote)

For many of us $1000 is not walking around or in your case e-biking around money.
but by the list of other accumulations you've listed maybe it is.