Done it: I've bought my self an electric bike. An electric version of the Koga World Traveller. Koga is a Dutch high-end brand. My model is a standard e-bike from Koga, but they also offer a bespoke line. You name it. they will build it for you. I can collect the bike next Wednesday. The guys at the shop are up to their ears in the work. Due to the Covid situation, they've sold more bikes than ever. In fact, they've already (week 21) hit the 2019 total sales figure!
About the bike: its frame is built-to-last. When you give it a try, you'll notice that the frame and bracket are super-stiff. This bike has not damping in the fork or seat pin. It's like a racer. Luckily, the shop has a very modern fitting kit, including a 'which saddle works best with your bum' test. Always a good thing. Price-wise, the bike is simply expensive. I can deny that. But, insurable for 3 yrs against theft and accidents, so no worries about that.
This Covid thing made me rethink 'certain certainties', so to speak. I had driven my BMW 118i for only 100 kms in 9 weeks. And only because I thought "it would be good to use the BMW for once!" That car costs me -insurance and tax- more than 100 euros/month. All other costs not taken into account.
Since mid-March, I've done hundreds of kms on my bike. I lost weight and I feel better than I've felt in a long time. With the gyms closed, cycling and walking are a very welcome exercise now! On top of that: I managed to sell the car for only 500 euros less than the original purchase price last year. And yes, we still have my wife's company car. I'm not without wheels. That convinced me to buy a very well-built electric bike.
https://www.koga.com/bike-images/KWE...500&format=jpg
This picture is from the Koga site. I will post some pics when I've picked up the bike next Wednesdaay
The bike comes with a Bosch Performance CX 70 Nm motor and a 500 Wh battery. A Rohloff hub + Gates belt drive were also an option, only that would add 1150 euro...
(Check this blog for info about the Koga World Traveller:
https://www.cyclingabout.com/new-bik...-touring-bike/ )