stupot wrote:
> I think Ive been here before but...
> I have a ~6-7 mile commute down hill (largely) and up hill going home.
> In the evening Im a little tired (at the end of a days work) and would
> like to get home without expending an enormous effort. I admit that the
> ride is getting easier (55mins down to 45mins after ~3mnths) but it is
> still knackering.
>
> Im going at sub 10mph up the hills and I think that an electric machine
> would improve my average speed and save the legs a little.
I reckon the ZAP would be the ideal machine for that sort of use. With
the motor disengaged there is no extra rolling resistance for your ride
to work and the extra weight is hardly a problem if you're going down
hill. Assuming it hasn't changed much since I rode one, it won't get
you up that hill much faster than you do it now, though it will be less
effort. To qualify as an EAPC (see below) these things have a 15mph
limit on the motor. A lot will accelerate all the way to the limit but
the ZAP doesn't - the amount of push drops as the speed increases.
>
> Im not sure I can eat enough dohnuts to sustain my weight with all this
> exercise. 
I also want to do other exercise (footy and weekend walks)
> and its just too much to cycle hard both ways plus the other stuff. I dont
> mind being fit but I have no desire to be super fit - lazy?
>
> Are there any electric users on this group?
Dunno, I'm not, I just happen to have test ridden a few.
>
> And another question...
> What is the legal status of these machines in the UK?
> http://www.staton-inc.com/
> I guessing that they are not bicycles.
>
They are near enough bicycles. The Legal definition is Electrically
Assisted Pedal Cycle (usually shortened to EAPC). As long as they
conform to the EAPC regulations (which the ZAP does) they can be ridden
as a bicycle. Unlike a pedal cycle, there's a minimum age before you
can ride one (I can't remember what it is... 14 p'raps) - I think that's
the only difference.
--
Andrew
