Electric E-spresso Charged Bike by Merida

The offer to test-ride an electric bike was a dream come true.  The Merida E-Spresso City 510, powered with its Bosch motor, is amazing and will wow everyone, whatever age and fitness level.

Calling all City workers!

This electric bike is perfect for commuting. On arriving at work, whatever distance cycled, there’s no need for a shower and refresh. Just park the E-Spresso bike near your work station then head to the coffee machine for your other Espresso fix!   A fortune can be saved on registration, fuel and parking and the added health benefits through exercise are a bonus. 

Boomer age people:

Riding around your local community or just generally carrying out the essentials of daily life is a breeze. Plus, when on longer rides with bike clubs, family or friends, there’s little effort needed, making the days more enjoyable.

An example of ease and enjoyment was on a 25km return ride along a local rail path. Now you’d think the road beside a rail-line would just be flat but no, there are plenty of hills needing very low gears to usually conquer. This time was different! Riding the Merida E-Spresso, a lower gear combination with a flick into Sports Mode meant flying past many hard-core cyclists who could only just stare open-mouthed!

The bike glides effortlessly on the OFF mode (my own pedal power) but the Eco and Tour modes quickly become favourites – especially when cycling into a head wind from the beach.

Campers and caravanners:

When arriving at destinations we all like to hop on our cycles and explore the surroundings. With this e-bike you have the chance to cycle further because the effort is decreased substantially. The added power of the Bosch motor means the bike is a dream on all surfaces. Whether you’re on bitumen, dirt or grass – the adventure in your soul is reignited when on one of the electric modes.

On the practical side, you do still need to pedal. The bike is pedal assist (pedalec) but with the flick of your left thumb the power boost kicks in from one of five electric modes. An easy twiddle of thumbs to combine electric modes with the normal gear range on the right gives the perfect speed whether on the flat or facing a hill.

The boost modes give up to 26.8 kph of power, after that you need your own pedal power to travel faster.

The five riding modes are:

Off            – using your own pedal power – which means you are getting more exercise (great on the flat).

Eco           – gives gentle support across long distances

Tour         – better for longer distances

Sport        – powerful support for riding in cities and cross country (eg, paddocks in my case)

Turbo       – for maximum power and a sportier ride. (Tried this mode and felt as though I was flying on a magic carpet!)

Charging the Bosch Battery

The 2kg battery needs a re-charge after 200kms.  Unlike other electric bikes, the battery clicks under the pillion rack. This is great because there’s no bulky items between your knees making for a more comfortable ride.

The Bosch computer display on the handlebars clearly indicates when a charge is needed, along with information on KMs travelled, travel speed and mode being used. Charging is quick, and plugging into a regular 240v outlet at night will always ensure the battery doesn’t got flat the next day.

Transporting the bike:

From a Boomer perspective, if transporting the bike, you need to check your bike rack suits the “step through” style. If not, the problem is easily overcome – the front wheel comes off easily, the battery unclicks and the bike can be loaded into the back of a SUV.

There are several compatible bike racks around and with the bike weighing in at 22 kg (light compared to many e-bikes) the younger generation can easily clamp to bike roof racks. Oldies will need to source a suitable rack for the back of their cars or caravans.

Highlights:

• Step through frame – means there’s never a need to throw a leg over the usual crossbar. This would definitely make city cycling life easier for the skirt wearing community!
• Comfort and safety – the bike is so stable and easy to balance. A comparison to a regular bicycle would be like riding a motor scooter compared to a Harley motorbike!  (NB – I have previously used an electric  bike on The Ancient Appian Way in Rome but the comfort level was drastically different. Probably  because I was so nervous at being in peak hour traffic with cars on wrong side of the road!)
• Wear and tear on the body – when using the e-modes there’s no demand on knees and hips, and let’s face it, at some stage in life everyone’s need looking after!
• Fun – The Merida E-spresso City lets you keep the fun in cycling.   Relax and take in your surroundings when exploring new locations either at home or on holidays. City workers can avoid traffic chaos and stress levels and the obvious health benefits of being part of the outdoors on this pride and joy is a no-brainer.

Do you have an electric bike (e-bike) story to share?