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What e-bike should I get? Please advice.

Old 07-03-19, 01:04 PM
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crilex
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Question What e-bike should I get? Please advice.

Hello there,

I’m interested in purchasing a new e-bike and I’ve noticed that the market is pretty saturated with all sorts of bikes. I’ve heard people that brought bikes for $8oo and their batteries only lasts 3-4 miles on a full charge – that’s ridiculous.

Interesting is that I’ve not heard of a brand that stands out from the crowd and I’d like to hear your opinion in this regard.

I’m currently looking for an e-bike that has a motor of 1000W and minimum 60 miles range that has all 3 modes of riding: normal pedaling, pedal assist, and only the motor. When I say 60 miles range or greater on a full charge I’m actually looking for only the motor to provide me that. I know the bike should have a large battery, which means it will be somewhat heavier, but I’m fine with that. I'm okay with speeds 30 mph or higher.

I live in an area with lots of hills and that is my main reason for wanting an e-bike.

Budget: max $5ooo

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
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Old 07-03-19, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by crilex
Hello there,

I’m interested in purchasing a new e-bike and I’ve noticed that the market is pretty saturated with all sorts of bikes. I’ve heard people that brought bikes for $8oo and their batteries only lasts 3-4 miles on a full charge – that’s ridiculous.

Interesting is that I’ve not heard of a brand that stands out from the crowd and I’d like to hear your opinion in this regard.

I’m currently looking for an e-bike that has a motor of 1000W and minimum 60 miles range that has all 3 modes of riding: normal pedaling, pedal assist, and only the motor. When I say 60 miles range or greater on a full charge I’m actually looking for only the motor to provide me that. I know the bike should have a large battery, which means it will be somewhat heavier, but I’m fine with that. I'm okay with speeds 30 mph or higher.

I live in an area with lots of hills and that is my main reason for wanting an e-bike.

Budget: max $5ooo

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.
Check out www.theelectricbikecompany.com and check out www.electricbikereview.com for a starting point
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Old 07-04-19, 07:49 AM
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Here you go. Almost 100 pounds. 235 miles (at 13.5 mph).
https://electrek.co/2018/08/22/delfa...ll-production/
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Old 07-04-19, 09:08 AM
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Here you go.

Aria e-Road | Bianchi USA
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Old 07-04-19, 09:17 AM
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Thanks Doc Wui!

Something like that, although I'm not sure why these companies create those illegal bicycles in the first place and expect people to buy them.

Based on their specs [Top Speed - 50 mph / 80 km/h and Motor - QS V2 3000W (max 5000W), IP54 protection] this bicycle is way over class III

"Class 3 eBike

A Class 3 eBike, or speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle, is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph. Operators of Class 3 e-bikes must be 16 or older and wear a helmet. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited from Class I multi-use bike paths unless specifically authorized by a local ordinance." according to Current Bikes

Practically there is no place that one is allowed to ride such a "bicycle", unless one does it on a private property (I guess???) or register it as a moped or even as a motorcycles and ride it ONLY on public roads and not on bike lanes.

I'm looking into something that can give a high range, but in the same time be legal and allowed to be used on most bike lanes and trails.
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Old 07-04-19, 09:33 AM
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Thanks Mackgoo. I think that's way to over priced for what it has to offer. Only a 250W motor it's for a cyclist that is in shape which is not my case.
I'm looking for a bicycle that would do most of the work for me, ride it with the motor only and not have to pedal for most of the time. Based on my understanding, a minimum 750W motor hub is required on such a bicycle.
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Old 07-04-19, 01:24 PM
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Originally Posted by crilex
Thanks Mackgoo. I think that's way to over priced for what it has to offer. Only a 250W motor it's for a cyclist that is in shape which is not my case.
I'm looking for a bicycle that would do most of the work for me, ride it with the motor only and not have to pedal for most of the time. Based on my understanding, a minimum 750W motor hub is required on such a bicycle.
try radpower bikes
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Old 07-04-19, 02:36 PM
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Crilex, I would forget 30 mph, as I saw the word "legal" in one of your posts, if you plan to abide by that. Per the class system, the fastest you can go w/o pedaling is a class II at 20 mph. The class III are not allowed to have throttles. To go 28 mph on a class III, the pedals have to be moving. And since most of those bikes use torque sensors to detect the pedal force, any baby footing on them will rapidly slow you down to what the bike thinks is appropriate for that level of force. That means you can forget many of the no-throttle mid motors, all nice bikes but they require pedals moving for the motor to be moving.

I feel 20 mph is a good speed for a low power electric bike. While most of my ebikes will max out at that speed because of their motor/controller, I'd rather that the guts of the bike limit my speed, not a governor.

If you want to be quasi-legal, the bikes imported from China by Juiced, Rad, Volt will have throttled motors with pedal assist, and they can cheat a little and surpass 20 ,mph. Very few bikes will do 60 miles with no pedaling w/o a pair of batteries.

Last edited by Doc_Wui; 07-04-19 at 08:09 PM.
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Old 07-04-19, 04:17 PM
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I've heard Bosch mid drive motors are in high demand, they are challenged to keep up.
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Old 07-05-19, 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Doc_Wui
Crilex, I would forget 30 mph, as I saw the word "legal" in one of your posts, if you plan to abide by that. Per the class system, the fastest you can go w/o pedaling is a class II at 20 mph. The class III are not allowed to have throttles. To go 28 mph on a class III, the pedals have to be moving. And since most of those bikes use torque sensors to detect the pedal force, any baby footing on them will rapidly slow you down to what the bike thinks is appropriate for that level of force. That means you can forget many of the no-throttle mid motors, all nice bikes but they require pedals moving for the motor to be moving.

I feel 20 mph is a good speed for a low power electric bike. While most of my ebikes will max out at that speed because of their motor/controller, I'd rather that the guts of the bike limit my speed, not a governor.

If you want to be quasi-legal, the bikes imported from China by Juiced, Rad, Volt will have throttled motors with pedal assist, and they can cheat a little and surpass 20 ,mph. Very few bikes will do 60 miles with no pedaling w/o a pair of batteries.
Thanks for the advice Doc_Wui. You know what is interesting? I've read on different forums and also I've watched some YouTube reviews and every single time I hear a completely different brand name or no name that is recommended/mentioned. If one asks about cars, there will be generally the same few manufacturers that will be recommended from different people however with bicycles it's completely different, hence my confusion. I wish they will have a place where you can actually go and test side by side different bicycles, but unfortunately in Atlanta GA the stores that I've visited so far they don't even have e-bikes for sale. It's really hard to buy a few thousand dollar e-bike online, when you have no idea if you would like it or not in person.

Never heard of Juiced, but I'd look into it.
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Old 07-05-19, 04:13 PM
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This is what I beleive you are looking for

https://electricbikecompany.com/colo...c-stock-color/

. EBR did a 90 min video review.
https://electricbikereview.com/elect...mpany/model-c/

I had the opportunity to see one up close and in person. They are very nice, well built bikes that don't appear to mislead.
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Old 07-07-19, 05:18 AM
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I'd look at Aventon Pace 500, Blix Sol or Aveny, and Rad Power Bikes.

https://electricbikereview.com/

https://electricbikereport.com/

Last edited by alloo; 07-14-19 at 06:51 PM.
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Old 07-07-19, 12:13 PM
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The one you have local dealer support behind ..
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Old 07-08-19, 11:24 AM
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I'm thinking 60 miles on battery only is going to require about 30Ah on the battery. And that's probably only at 20mph. You only need a 500watt hub drive to get to 20mph on throttle only.

I have a Magnum Metro and can go 24mph with easy pedaling, and 20mph on throttle only. I haven't tested the limit, but with pedaling to assist the motor I can be at 80% battery after a 20mile ride. However, I can't comment on the accuracy of the battery remaining indicator without a longer ride.

Typical batteries are 10-17Ah, so as you can see it's most likely you would need to carry a spare pack or find a way to "build your own" solution. The 30mph on battery only is not really a target market, so the likelihood of finding something like this off the shelf is tough.
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Old 07-09-19, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by fly135
I'm thinking 60 miles on battery only is going to require about 30Ah on the battery. And that's probably only at 20mph. You only need a 500watt hub drive to get to 20mph on throttle only.

I have a Magnum Metro and can go 24mph with easy pedaling, and 20mph on throttle only. I haven't tested the limit, but with pedaling to assist the motor I can be at 80% battery after a 20mile ride. However, I can't comment on the accuracy of the battery remaining indicator without a longer ride.

Typical batteries are 10-17Ah, so as you can see it's most likely you would need to carry a spare pack or find a way to "build your own" solution. The 30mph on battery only is not really a target market, so the likelihood of finding something like this off the shelf is tough.
Thanks a lot. I'll look into it!
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Old 07-10-19, 06:31 PM
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The market is not saturated with what you're dreaming. I think you're going to need a custom build or a scooter to get you up and down those hills, at those speeds and distances.

Last edited by BiciMan; 07-10-19 at 06:42 PM.
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Old 07-10-19, 08:53 PM
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We just got my wife a Cannondale Synapse Neo 2 E-Bike that ‘does not’ meet all of your needs for $1,200 and change off from MTB Specialists while on vacation in Durango, CO. They were running a sale. They had a medium and a large. She got the medium. She loves it. I took it out for a long ride and I have to say, I could ride one of these too. It can easily go 20 mph with riders assist (Eco Mode) up to 100 miles but mileage in Tour, Sport, and Turbo modes. It is rider assist though. Not turn a throttle and go. If that is what you really want you may want to also consider electric motorcycles.
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Old 07-10-19, 11:40 PM
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I second the suggestion of an electric scooter. You don’t need a motorcycle license (in most states) and you get the bonus of having plenty of storage compartments.
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Old 07-11-19, 02:12 AM
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You really need to research your local laws before even thinking about a short list. Or a long list. Or any list for that matter.
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Old 07-11-19, 07:44 AM
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Originally Posted by radroad
You really need to research your local laws before even thinking about a short list. Or a long list. Or any list for that matter.
hi Radroad. I did my research and a class III bike here in Georgia is what I need.

I think @Doc_Wui's recommendations is something that really meets my needs. It's very fast and the battery lasts longer than its competitors.

Anyone here has the Juiced CrossCurrent X bike?

Kinda pricey, so I was not able to find many reviews online.

Thank you ALL for the advices.
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Old 07-11-19, 02:39 PM
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There are (were) a couple of individuals with Juice bikes here and they had positive reviews. Since then Juice's prices have increased, but are still competitive. I've tested a couple of models and they were impressive. My only problem with them is I don't like all the spaghetti around the bars, but that is personal.
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Old 07-14-19, 12:44 PM
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We need to narrow things down a bit.

What style, hybrid, sport, performance, or mtn? A sport bike is a drop bar road bike with relaxed geometry.

Will you be commuting, rec riding, touring??

I have your basic $3K electric, it's a hybrid, they don't make it anymore. But I did learn some things from it. Power shouldn't be important. I have 275 watts, and I am very old, and I can zip right along.

Most of the bikes you will be looking it will only give you power while you pedal. It's brilliant. If you are determined to get something where you don't have to pedal, that's a scooter. They make electric scooters.

Range is important. There's a bike made in Germany that comes standard with 2 batteries. Looks awesome, but I think it's a little over your budget.

While I wait for you to fill us in, take a look at this beaut:

"If you’re not ready to drop $4,200 on a new e-bike, don’t ride Trek’s CrossRip+. Because if you do, forget it: You’ll drop the plastic at the register faster than you can say “63 Newton-meters of torque.” If you’re a red-blooded cyclist, you’ll become addicted to this utilitarian road e-bike and its smooth and torquey Bosch motor that boosts you up to the 28mph cutoff speed.

With a drop bar, traditional road-riding position, and road-bike-like handling, the CrossRip+ will feel more natural to an experienced cyclist than it will a newbie. Those position and handling qualities also make the CrossRip+ more suited to longer rides on mixed terrain than for battling the tight confines of a dense city."



https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear...ossrip-review/
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Old 07-14-19, 02:02 PM
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Some of the vanmoof bikes are neat. Tough to service tho.
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Old 07-19-19, 10:51 PM
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One thing to keep in mind is that anything with the range you want is going to be heavy as hell, and no way you are going to pedal normally (which you said you wanted the ability to do). Nothing will turn you off riding a bike normally faster than a super heavy dragged e-bike. You know the old saying "you want cheap and good, you can have one"....well, you want massive range and light weight, you can have one. So maybe you want to think about getting a slightly less expensive e-bike and then buy a nice lightweight regular bike to ride. You can use the ebike pedal assist to get in shape and develop your pedaling technique, and then you'll have a lot more fun riding a nice light regular bike with normal pedaling. plus...you'll satisfy n+1.
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Old 07-21-19, 03:54 PM
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There are sooo many electric bikes and companies that go out of business. It's really hard as a consumer to make any sense out of it.
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