Motorized bike for an old man

Some links.

I would stop looking at regenerative charging for an e-bike, it is not at the level needed. As for e bikes a lot of places will let you charge overnight.

For the bike you have two options rent or buying. Rent, they are in charge moving the battery. If you own, you must have a plan for the battery getting from and to home that doesn't include flying and hopeful avoids import taxes.

You may also want to look at an e bike with the self walk function, which is useful for mountain, so all you are doing is holding the bike upright and walking, with it spinning the wheels so you are not pushing.

I think these don't qualify for a Compostela, if that is important to you.

Personally, when I get to the stage where I can't manage the severe climbs, I'll just take a taxi. I would hate to have the hassle of a heavy bike and re-charging. On the Francés it'll only happen twice.

Which camino? Different ones / sections will require different approaches.

@Peregrinopaul makes a good point as you are talking the difference between 15kg and 25kg in weight. No fun with a 25kg bike with no juice.

larryflo said:

I am on old man getting ready for my 10th and last Camino. I always used a bike. I had to push it up all the mountains. Now, I want an electric bike capable of getting me up the mountains, and that will recharge itself coming down. Any suggestions? Larry

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Quite a variety of eBikes exist, some should serve you well while others are likely to be either too heavy, have too limited range, or be the wrong type.

Camino rules limit one to "Type 1" eBikes which are "pedal assist only" providing motor assistance in proportion to one's pedaling effort up to speeds of 25km/h (in Europe) - when the pedals stop, such as when one coasts or gets off - they stop assisting, and there's no throttle.

eBikes vary considerably in weight and battery capacity. Example: the Specialized Creo line (I'm in my late 70's and have one) ranges from a few pounds below to a few above 30lb depending on how they're equipped and all have a 320Wh battery which, depending on hills and riding speed, should be sufficient to get one through a day or more - at the lowest power range I get ~ 75mi. in mildly rolling terrain, less in steep hills. Externally mounted range extending batteries also are available. Trek offers similar eBikes and no doubt there are more in this weight range, which is as light as typical touring bikes. With power turned off these perform like quality road bikes.

However, it's also not unusual for eBikes to weight up to 60 or 70lb, this weight might not matter to much when the motor is on powered but will be cumbersome to push up hill, to lift, etc.

It might be best to rent from an agency that is prepared to respond quickly to potential breakdowns, etc., and that will allow you drop off the bike when you're done with it. The severe restrictions on transporting eBikes due to their batteries are another reason in favor of renting.

I haven’t looked back since I invested in a top quality full-carbon mountain bike,(9kg). I have got my all-up weight down to a mimimum. Don't need a motor.

But then, how old is old? I was 74 in that photo (2019) and was setting off for a 2500km ride. Just sayin'!

This guy didn't have a motor either. But he was younger than me. Avignon 2019.

Peregrinopaul said:

But then, how old is old? I was 74 in that photo (2019) and was setting off for a 2500km ride. Just sayin'!

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At some age all depends on one's condition. I'm a bit older than you, ride regularly, and only purchased an electric (Specialized Creo, 29lb, used) because the price was too good to pass up). It rides like my much lighter road racing bike and when I'm out alone I seldom feel a need for the motor. However without the motor, keeping up with 20-somethings is nearly impossible, especially in hills, and when my almost bald knees start grinding on steeper grades I'm thankful for it.