Thinking about getting an ebike

[PriuStorm]

So, I've been thinking about getting an ebike. Yesterday I took a ride on a Torker (Boardwalk 3, ladies) and had a blast! I started out for a short test drive around the block, then continued further for a mile or so and just had a great time. I was almost sold on it but decided to walk away and do a little more research.

I read the thread where efusco shares his story with his ebike. I'm hoping to find something that is less moped-like, also geared to encourage pedaling even at higher speeds, and relatively light-weight (~50-60 lbs).

Does anyone here ride an ebike or have thoughts on them. My impression of the Torker was that it was fun! But at $1,400, I was a little surprised it didn't even have an easy-adjust seat (you needed an allen wrench).

Trying to do some research, there aren't many reviews around. Seems like there are a lot of similar looking bikes available at various distributors and on ebay. Some that I've looked at:

The Euro
The Liberty 629
The R12

All three of these, very similar in design, frame, amenities, specs... Undoubtedly made in China. I chatted with one ebay buyer from July who was very happy with her Euro. But no real reviews out there. Any thoughts? Any experiences out there?

Thanks in advance!

[blippo]

You pretty much get what you pay for with electric bikes. What I did was buy a cruiser type bike that had a rigid wide front fork and bought a Crystalyte electric bike kit for it and installed it myself. That's what I found to be the best.

[efusco]

Ugh! I saw one the other day that is exactly what you want. 300-400W hub motor, traditional bike appearance with 12-speed gearing. Heavy, of course but much more traditional look like you suggest.

That said, while the moped look is a little...gay, it sure is more versatile. I can wear a small backpack to put stuff in, it has the cargo thing on the back that holds quite a bit, and the basket on the front for even more storage. It makes it great for grabbing a few groceries or whatever. Whereas a regular bike your cargo capacity is going to be a bit less I think...and thus the opportunities to use it diminish.

[Utah eBikes]

Disclosure notice: I sell ebikes so I'm biased!

I became interested in the scooter-style ebikes, which eventually led to me being the Veloteq distributor for Utah (Google Utah eBikes or Veloteq if interested).

While I am convinced Veloteq has the best scooter-style ebikes, I have not found their pedal-assist to be any better than the many comparable ones available. If you are looking for a kit I would recommend the "E-Bike Kit" (ebikekit.com) or, if you really want to get the most use of your bike I would recommend eLation eBikes (elationebikes.com.au).

The elation ebike kit is more expensive, but instead of a hub motor the motor actually connects through the gears, giving you full torque and the ability to make a difference with pedaling at any speed.

I currently don't carry either of these kits (or any others for that matter) but hope to someday.

I'm glad you mentioned having FUN on your ebike test ride--fun is a big part of the equation for me. Of course, spending less than $2/month in electricity to cruise around town is also nice!

~Kevin

P.S. Sorry to not post links--I had them in but got a message that I am not allowed to include links since I have not posted 5 times.

[EZW1]

I have one: the first model offered. Might sell it. PM me if interested.

[edward1956]

Got the perfect bike for you. Check out the Pedego Comfort Cruiser at pedego.com.

[PriuStorm]

Originally Posted by efusco

Ugh! I saw one the other day that is exactly what you want. 300-400W hub motor, traditional bike appearance with 12-speed gearing. Heavy, of course but much more traditional look like you suggest.

That said, while the moped look is a little...gay, it sure is more versatile. I can wear a small backpack to put stuff in, it has the cargo thing on the back that holds quite a bit, and the basket on the front for even more storage. It makes it great for grabbing a few groceries or whatever. Whereas a regular bike your cargo capacity is going to be a bit less I think...and thus the opportunities to use it diminish.

You know, I actually have a maxi-scooter myself (the big Burger, 650cc Suzuki), but it's just kind of cumbersome to take in and out especially for short jaunts. Don't get me wrong... I love the eCVT and the thrill of riding it, but for everyday practicality, it loses.

I'm curious, if you were to pedal only, how quickly would you go? Is it anywhere near what a regular bike would go? Yes, the scooter style is practical in many respects, but if you need to get to any guts of the bike, you have to remove tupperware, another hassle of a scooter.

BTW, have you needed to have it serviced for any reason? Any tire changes?

[PriuStorm]

Originally Posted by Utah eBikes

Disclosure notice: I sell ebikes so I'm biased!

I became interested in the scooter-style ebikes, which eventually led to me being the Veloteq distributor for Utah (Google Utah eBikes or Veloteq if interested).

While I am convinced Veloteq has the best scooter-style ebikes, I have not found their pedal-assist to be any better than the many comparable ones available. If you are looking for a kit I would recommend the "E-Bike Kit" (ebikekit.com) or, if you really want to get the most use of your bike I would recommend eLation eBikes (elationebikes.com.au).

The elation ebike kit is more expensive, but instead of a hub motor the motor actually connects through the gears, giving you full torque and the ability to make a difference with pedaling at any speed.

I currently don't carry either of these kits (or any others for that matter) but hope to someday.

I'm glad you mentioned having FUN on your ebike test ride--fun is a big part of the equation for me. Of course, spending less than $2/month in electricity to cruise around town is also nice!

~Kevin

P.S. Sorry to not post links--I had them in but got a message that I am not allowed to include links since I have not posted 5 times.

Hi Kevin,
Thanks for being up front with your disclosure. I can see from your website that the one model (the Osprey) is pretty identical to two of the three models I listed above which is what I would consider if I were to buy from you. I had suspected that these were basically the same bikes, just rebadged for different distributors.

When you say these bikes are not better than the comparable ones, how do you mean? Speed/performance? How long it lasts before breaking down? Fit and finish?

[PriuStorm]

Originally Posted by EZW1

I have one: the first model offered. Might sell it. PM me if interested.

I'm afraid you're too far from me, but I am interested in your experience of ownership and why you'd be selling? And also, what do you own? 'First model' of what?

[bluetwo]

Personally I think this is the way to go: Electric Hub Motor Kits - Eco Moto

And perhaps not that kit exactly but there's one out there that will fit your existing bike or other needs. I recommend this type and this is how I would go personally because I feel like you can come out way cheaper in the long run plus you can use a more rugged bike that looks exactly like you want it to. I know mine would have to be a mountain bike for example.