Hi everyone - I'm new here - I recently bought a cheap Schwinn IZIP electric bike after looking at the Bionx set-up, I decided I would try the ebike concept first on something much less expensive as a kind of test.

I've discovered that I'm really enjoying this kind biking, I work out of my home and I've found that the ebike is perfect for running errands around town, going to the post office, bank, returning movies etc. because I can leave my office and return without feeling tired and get right back to work once I'm home and surprisingly I find it doesn't really take any longer than when I used the car.

My trips into and around town and back are about 15km and the bike works great for that, I do wish the motor wasn't as noisy "I get some strange looks from people".

The only downside is the recharge time of 6 hrs., I've ordered a Lifepo4 battery from China and that should solve things nicely.

I own 2 very nice motorcycles and 2 cars, so I've got a nice choice of vehicles I could drive, but more and more I'm taking the ebike, I don't choose it because I need the exercise, I run 5k each day for that, I don't choose it because it's fast - 30kmph is the top speed - I choose it because it's just plain fun and easy to get around on, no parking space problems, no sitting in traffic, and I can avoid most of the traffic because I live next to a bike path that goes right into town.

I've read a lot of posts by people who struggle with the whole notion of electric bikes, but here we are in 2008 finally with the technology to create a new kind of vehicle - "The human/electric hybrid" so why not give it a try - it's not for everyone for sure - but for some like me who live close to town - and travel less than about 20km each day, it's another option and a fun one a that.

I like what someone else said about people who make fun of ebikes - some people have 24 gears on their bikes to make it easier to pedal up hill - I just have a little motor and 7 gears that does the same thing.

Just wanted to share my experience.