Electric Bikes - Pedalling an electric bike

Hi

I am thinking about getting a kit to convert my bike to electric.

But does it add too much weight to use the bike for normal usage, without the battery, or would u just leave the battery on 100% of the time and go faster.
I am in the UK so I am looking at a 200w motor only.

G

Without battery, expect to add about 7 kg to your ride. It does shift your center of gravity lower and further back (if you use a rear wheel motor), so it's something to get used to. It's definitely noticeable, but I can still ride it around with my kids, going shopping, etc. If I want to ride fast without the motor, I use my other bike. :)

I added the Currie conversion kit to my mountain bike this summer. I'm a transplanted east coaster now living in the Rockies; the steep hills here were killing my knees and I wasn't riding much. The conversion kit is the best investment I've made recently. I use power assist on hills and have been out and about on my bike daily since installing the kit. The Currie kit uses a rack mounted battery system that puts the heavy SLA battery that comes with the kit lower, it slides into the side of the bike rack, it doesn't sit on top of the rack. I feel the added weight but it isn't bad. If I add a second battery, or when the SLAs in my current pack start to die, I will go with a lighter battery technology, probably LIFEPO4. I always pedal and use my kit for assist on hills or when I'm tired. I've not run the battery down completely even on 25 mile trips. However, those who don't want to pedal will probably only get about 8-10 miles per charge.