How to get started with affordable Ebike solutions?
08-04-19, 10:31 PM
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How to get started with affordable Ebike solutions?
I want to begin commuting with an ebike as I can't afford car insurance on the regular. I have a pretty decent road bike already. Is it a better idea to convert it to an ebike? Or to buy a new ebike altogether? And what are my best options either way if I want to keep it on the cheap?
08-05-19, 10:01 AM
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Commuter only: find a good used hardtail on craigslist (or equivalent); purchase a 36V direct drive or geared motor ($150 - $200 US) and a good 36V battery (just purchased a Unit Pack Power 36V, 10 ah from ebay for $184). Others will have equally good suggestions.
08-05-19, 10:52 AM
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Buy one of these:
https://www.crazylennysebikes.com/demo-electric-bikes/
https://www.crazylennysebikes.com/demo-electric-bikes/
08-06-19, 06:55 PM
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Road bikes can be a fun conversion, if you know your way around bikes, but they can also be a little disappointing when done. You're adding a lot of weight to a light machine, and dropped bars don't facilitate throttles and the brake levers used for ebikes. The frame may not favor a hub motor either, which usually require the 135mm rear dropouts found on mountain bikes. Pick a hard tail as suggested by 2old.
This is my kid's old mountain bike, from 1992. He's grown, so now I ride it. I have a $200 motor and a $280 36V 10AH battery from China in it. Did this in 2015. Battery still good. Good for 20-25 miles. I actually rode it over 50 miles last summer for an economy test ride, but only at 12 mph. The rear wheel hasn't come off the bike for four years now. It will someday if I get a flat tire.
This is my kid's old mountain bike, from 1992. He's grown, so now I ride it. I have a $200 motor and a $280 36V 10AH battery from China in it. Did this in 2015. Battery still good. Good for 20-25 miles. I actually rode it over 50 miles last summer for an economy test ride, but only at 12 mph. The rear wheel hasn't come off the bike for four years now. It will someday if I get a flat tire.
08-07-19, 09:20 AM
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Perfect solution to a road bike is what I own, the OneMotor retrofit unit. Either 4.5 or 6.5 lbs inclusive depending on the battery. And you can lock up your bike and fully remove the more expensive OneM and take that inside with you. My review is in this forum if you're interested. I love mine, have it on a 19 lb Bike Friday and would not consider putting a 10 or 15 or more pound solution on it. Just my opinion. It's not cheap, but you will be able to use it on any bike you have or buy in the future - and they are getting setup with Affirm financing now.
