iik

Any e-bike recommendation for heavy riders? (120+ kg / 260+ pounds). Are there special designs and models for heavy riders?

2old

I would think most MTB-style e-bikes would be adequate. 260 isn't that big. My Haibike, a Yahama-powered hardtail, seems like it would accommodate you easily.

Pop N Wood

I've weighted as much as 260, currently at 235. Like said above, not that heavy. I do like 36 spoke wheels but other than that I don't have issues overpowering bikes.

I just put a Bafang BBSHD on an 80's vintage MTB. Loving life. Sucker can sustain me at 30+ mph.

Only other suggestion is that mid drives put the gearing between the motor and the wheels. This helps the rider keep the motor operating at a more efficient RPM, even when powering up hills at a reduced speed

iik

2old thank you! eMTBs are good as they are built for the beating, so should be able to do the job.
the question is also about comfort. For somebody, who is heavy, getting on an eMTB and riding one, could be painful

iik

"Bafang BBSHD" this seems to be a great choice Pop N Wood ! I am hearing about this one more than once. thank you!

2old

BTW, MTB's can offer more upright seating and you can custom fit the stem and bars (with road bikes too), so you should be comfortable (after the ass-breaking-in period). BBSHD is a great choice unless you're more interested in pedaling, then BBS02 is fantastic (my wife and I ride them, but we're more pedal-happy).

Pop N Wood

Strongly recommend Luna Cycle. good company. Also know that if the kit you order ships from China delivery could take months due to covid shipping delays. Actually ordered from another vendor and it it took over 2 months for the battery to arrive. Huge mess. The parts I ordered from Luna showed up within 2 weeks.

BBSHD is overbuilt, which I preferred for longevity. Also a bit more heavy and more expensive than the BBS02. Just know that either motor is programmable and it is up to you how much pedal assist you dial in.

Excellent web site with all things BBS related

https://www.******.com/r/ebikes/wiki/bbs_faq

alloo

These Sondors bikes look good! https://electrek.co/2020/06/23/sondo...electric-bike/

Oldoarsman

I am close to your size...250 lb and 6’5”.

Last August I had a local bike shop convert my “jumbo” sized Cannondale Adventure 400 hybrid. The frame is built for us big guys and it has a front shock fork and seat post. I used a 750 watt Bafang mid-drive, new brakes, new Schwalbe Ebike tires, shift sensor, Brooks B17 Imperial seat, clipless pedals, and a decent sized battery (48/17) for range.

Original cost of this bike in 2003 was around $550, cost of conversion was around $700. I am very pleased with how well it rides and the performance of the motor. Wen I use my assist, it’s usually in “2” and in the middle gears of my rear sprocket.

So if you can find a regular bike that supports and fits you well, a mid-drive conversion and some other adjustments can give you a very good result.

Good luck!

MikeR

Check out HimiWay - it has a 350 lb weight limit and a RadBikes Cruiser - 275 lb limit. I am trying to decide which one I want. They are similar.

MikeR

I want a Himi !

fietsbob

More motor watts?

2old

The Himiway seems like a solid bargain. AFAIK, these type of bikes are made generically in China, and you can choose to have your "logo" on them, then bring container(s) in and resell.They made a good choice if the specs are correct.

KiaTia

I am in the same boat and most bikes I have researched are rated for a 240 lbs. rider. For that reason I am looking closely at the YT bikes they have a higher rating. Let us know what you buy.

alloo

I've seen most ebikes have a 270 lbs limit. So start riding and lose some weight. Even the $1500 ebikes have this weight limit.

Robert C

Before getting a fat tyred bike, look into the cost of new tyres. There doesn't seem to be a great selection of street-oriented ones, and most replacements are quite dear.

That seems to apply to the Hemi, as far as the Sonders, I looked at it a lot after it was mentioned here, in another thread. The reason I didn't pull the trigger on it, and it looks great for the money, is the 27.5 tyres. I have that on my current commuter and have found problems, the biggest one is the total dearth of studded street tyres for winter use.

I am in the process of converting my commuter from 27.5 to 26" (I am waiting for the front wheel to arrive). The disadvantages of 27.5 are just too pronounced for me.

MillCreek

In terms of weight-carrying capacity and ease of mount/dismount, look at the Tern cargo bike series: GSD or HSD. I am only 200 lbs. but recently bought a Tern HSD 8si with a low step-through height as orthopedic problems from a prior hip fracture are currently preventing me from throwing a leg over my other bikes.

gokhanbas

Most ebikes are rated to carry around 300 lbs, 260 lbs shouldn’t be a problem.

alloo

Another great brand for heavy riders. https://electricbikecompany.com/ up to 380 lbs.

flash84

I would recommend a fat tire ebike or as MillCreek said a Cargo ebike. I guess it depends on what kind of riding you want to do as well.

2old

Somewhat interesting report (mostly what we already know) in electricbkereport.com about this subject and some recommendations. Also read about the world's lightest ebike @ 15 pounds plus a smidge.

speedy25

2old's advice for the Haibike is the best reply on here. Its a quality bike all around and wont give you any grief.

As for all the other Chinesium consumer direct bikes? Dont waste your money. While some have success stories many more do not. I've pretty much had enough of those brands with trying to get parts when they are broken, AND they use proprietary crap on them so I cant use typical replacements..

JoeMarino222

Electric bike weight limits are usually set in the range of 220-300 pounds (which is 100-140 kg). Some e-bike models, which are designed for specific needs, such as cargo, for example, could carry more weight. This weight limit would normally include rider and cargo weight.

Pop N Wood

That is a really curious, self conflicting statement. Bosch and Yamaha proprietary drives, frames built around those specific motors, and Bosch and Yamaha specific batteries. Some of the batteries even look like they are internally mounted. Seems like you are locking yourself into proprietary components with no upgrade potential, not to mention the underpowered European standard of 250 w motors that are not designed for the US market.

Haibikes might be very good bikes, but xenophobic comments aside not sure how these are better than some of the more popular Chinese brands.