When an average person reaches 70 years of age, typically they can expect their quality of life to sharply decline. This is due to the fact that morbidity increases as our list of health problems lengthen with age. However, it is not always the case for everyone. Chuck Wilde (72) is a great example of this. While others may be reaching for walkers or settling into their rocking chairs, Chuck is reaching for his Himiway electric bike. This isn't just for a leisurely jaunt around the neighborhood either. In fact, Chuck has already logged over 7500 miles on it, and he has no plans of slowing down.
We had the chance to sit down with Chuck and talk about his experience with his Himiway bike. In our conversation, he shared with us some of the amazing journeys he has been on with his trusty bike. From scenic rides through the countryside to challenging uphill treks, Chuck has truly made the most of his Himiway. And the best part? He's just getting started. With so many more
Q: What made you go with Himiway out of all the options out there?
Originally from Minnesota, I relocated to Tucson about five years ago, seeking a change of pace and a new environment. After settling into my new home, I discovered the abundance of trails and bike paths available near the Loop in Tucson. I was immediately intrigued by the idea of exploring these paths on an electric bike. I had been searching for a new hobby to occupy my time and I was particularly interested in purchasing an Ebike. I spent countless hours reading reviews and researching the different options available. That's when I stumbled upon the Himiway ad and began to delve deeper into their products. The bike looked incredibly durable and the features were unparalleled. When my Himiway bike finally arrived, I eagerly unpacked it in my carport and was blown away by its size and sturdiness. Having ridden many bikes in my lifetime, I was thoroughly impressed with the build quality of the Himiway. As I began to assemble it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. I knew that with my new Himiway bike, I would be able to explore the trails and bike paths of Tucson like never before.
Himiway D5 Pro ST | Premium All-terrain Electric Fat Bike
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80
Miles
Per Charge (maximum)
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400
lb.
Payload Capacity
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500
W
Mid-Drive Motor
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Hydraulic
Brakes
Q: How do you ride your Cruiser? What has impressed you most about the bike and what sort of maintenance did you perform on it?
I have been riding my Himiway bike for a while now and I must say it is one of the most comfortable rides I have ever experienced. The bike is perfect for me and I cannot find fault in anything about it. In fact, everything has been working great for me so far! I usually bike 24 miles every other day and I have been doing this for quite some time now. It takes me roughly 78 minutes to complete the 24 miles and my average speed during this time is 18.5 miles an hour. I am very proud to say that during the 7500 miles I have covered on my Himiway bike, I have not pedaled less than probably 1 mile. All the rest of the miles have been pedaled and I am happy to report that the bike has held up well.
To make my ride more enjoyable, I usually have the bike on assist mode while I am out on the loop. However, I always make sure to keep pedaling so that it does not show that I am using up any battery on the assist. After the 24 miles, I come home and a lot of times the bike will be on five so it won’t use hardly any battery at all. I did just replace the chain about maybe two weeks ago and I put on one set of tires. I got 6300 miles on the originals. I also went through two sets of brake pads. That's the only thing that I put on the bike.
To keep the bike in good condition, I check the suitable tire pressure once every couple of weeks. I also oil the chain about every 200 miles with dry oil and adjust the headlights when necessary. In addition, I make sure to maintain anything that needs to be fixed or cleaned. As a result of all my efforts, the bike looks brand new and functions flawlessly.
Q: Overall, what would you recommend to others looking to buy or switch eBikes?
A: First, I want to tell you that I'm 72 years old. I have a bad back and my knees are bone on bone. My doctors just love it that I go out and bike every other day, and the other days that I don't bike, I walk roughly 10,000 steps. My mobility in my right knee was less than maybe a quarter of normal movement and I couldn't get it to go any better than that. After I bought the Himiway and started riding it every other day, I'm not kidding you but I'm up to almost three quarters on that knee. That same knee that was locked almost at a quarter. I asked the doctor if this hard on me, being that I have bone on bone in each one of my knees. He told me no and to keep on doing it. He says it's like you use it or lose it, just keep doing what you're doing. So, I have and I have been feeling great. I'd probably say riding my Himiway has changed my life because when I'm living here, there's 400 other homes in this 55 and older park, and everybody will come up to me and say I’m one of the only people that they know of that rides their bike that far [24 miles] and does all this walking. It's really gotten me into the health part of it, my legs are feeling better and I've got some pretty good-sized calves on me right now. I attribute that to the biking, most definitely, and being at 72 years old I don't complain a bit about anything. There are other people here with walkers and all this business. I just say it's kind of unfortunate; but as for myself, I'm going to keep doing this until I just can't balance anymore, I guess.
Q: What are your overall thoughts on the bike and what recommendations would you give to others looking to buy or switch eBikes?
I have to say, my bike is one of the best investments I've ever made. Not only does it bring me immense pleasure, but it's also a great conversation starter. When I take it out to the park, people can't help but take notice. And it's not just the looks that make this bike stand out. Two of my friends tried my bike out and were so impressed that they each ended up buying one for themselves.
With 7500 miles on it, my bike has exceeded my expectations. It's built to last and I have had very few problems with it. In fact, I would say that it's one of the most reliable bikes out there. It's certainly more dependable than any of the cars, pickups, or snowmobiles I've owned in the past.
When people ask me about my bike, I always tell them that there's no better bike on the market. And it's not just me saying that - it's my experience with the bike that speaks for itself. I'm so happy with it that I would even encourage others to take it for a ride and see for themselves. I'm confident that they'll love it as much as I do. There's just something about the way it's built that makes it stand out from the rest.
To Sum up
Although this was simply a phone conversation, I could clearly see the smile on Chuck’s face as he talked about his time on his Himiway and the joy that it brought into his life. Chuck told me that the Himiway gave him a sense of freedom that he had not felt in years. He said that the bike allowed him to explore new parts of his city and discover hidden gems that he would have never found otherwise. Chuck also mentioned that riding his Himiway was a great form of exercise and that he felt healthier and more energized since he started using it. He even met some new friends who shared his passion for biking and they have been going on regular group rides together. With 7500 miles of smiles already under his belt, Chuck shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he said, "I’m going to keep doing this until I just can’t balance anymore." So, what does your Himiway do for you? Whether it is exploring new places, getting some exercise, or simply putting a smile on your face, the Himiway is sure to bring joy and excitement into your life.