Colm O'Regan: I tried an electric bike for the first time - I worry a lot about it being stolen

"When I passed the mechanical cyclists I felt sheepish. As if the solidarity we used to have was gone. Like the time Bob Dylan first used an electric bike."

Comedian and Irish Examiner columnist Colm O'Regan pictured in Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane.

At first, I don’t notice any difference, then there’s a moment where it nudges me along. I thought it was interfering. Like people who say “I’ll drive” and take the computer mouse out of your hand. But the feeling doesn’t last long. Within seconds I was happy to take the help from it.

‘It’ is an electric bike. Just a loan of one at this stage. My wife borrowed it from an e-bike library scheme through the school. I took it for some spins.