I'm looking into electric bikes right now, trying to decide what would be a good one for me. I don't have a really specific use case in mind for it. Taking it along while camping (not really for trail riding, but more for running around at the campground or possibly trips to nearby places so that I don't have to pack up my Suburban), maybe some errands, general biking for fun, and possibly a few trips to work (this last one is doubtful, due to the distance and lack of bike lanes). In other words, I'm looking for a general purpose bike that will be reliable, comfortable, and powerful enough for a 230 lb, 5'10" guy to ride.
While I really like the look of some cruisers (particularly the Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser (https://ride1up.com/product/cruiser/)) and moped-style bikes (like the Himiway Escape (https://himiwaybike.com/products/moped-style-electric-bike)), a folding bike is probably more realistic. A folding bike can fit it inside either of my vehicles, whereas non-folders would require an eBike rated rack, which are mainly hitch-mounted, thus limiting transport to my truck.
To that end, I'm seriously looking at the Lectric eBikes XPremium (https://lectricebikes.com/products/xpremium-black) model which is just now coming out (shipping starts in June). While it's made in China (almost all ebikes are), the company is here in the US and has better than average reviews for their customer service. Right now it's on pre-sale and while it's still expensive, anything under $2000-3000 is usually considered to be pretty cheap in the ebike world!
Does anyone have experience with electric bikes and could offer some advice? The one friend of mine who has responded to a similar question on FB actually has a Lectric 2.0 ST model and likes it quite a bit. I need to reach out to a former coworker who has a cruiser-style bike too, since she's a bit of a bike nut and likely has plenty to say on the topic, but I also wanted to ask here.
An ebike is also a consideration for transport if there are issues with gas/power, as I can recharge it off of solar if needed. Thus, I figured it made sense to ask here as well! And no, there isn't really any opportunity for me to test drive any of the ones that I'm looking at. All of those companies are basically direct-to-customer sales and other than a single, previous model Himiway at one place, none of the shops in the area carry anything on my list (not that there are all that many bike shops around here that even carry ebikes). If I were out on the west coast, it would probably be different, but the Detroit area isn't exactly a hot spot for ebikes...
I was planning to get a Lectric 2.0 Step-Through for my birthday until my husband quit his job and threw a wrench in that plan. I have a friend who has a Pedego electric bike and loves it (not local to me, so I haven't played with it). If I had unlimited funds and didn't want to throw it in the back of the car, I'd probably get a sixthreezero cruiser.
How is this quest progressing?
I've thought about getting an e-bike for local use, but there are too many issues:
- Virginia laws on them are confusing and changing by county/city, but generally top speed at 28MPH
- Suckers are spendy!
- My bad knees pretty much dictate a trike and trikes are notoriously unstable in turns
- There's no bike lanes or shoulders on the local roads between me and anyplace I'd want to go
- Immediate local roads have 25MPH limit, but the main road is 45MPH (with 50-60 being common) and two steep hills
- I have trouble with helmets due to my head size/shape
All things considered, I'm better off in a car/Jeep/truck
I've watched quite a few of this guy's YT reviews and he seems to know his stuff.
https://electrek.co/2022/07/05/here-are-the-best-electric-bikes-you-can-buy-at-every-price-level/ (https://electrek.co/2022/07/05/here-are-the-best-electric-bikes-you-can-buy-at-every-price-level/)
Quote from: majorhavoc on July 06, 2022, 11:16:22 AMI've watched quite a few of this guy's YT reviews and he seems to know his stuff.
https://electrek.co/2022/07/05/here-are-the-best-electric-bikes-you-can-buy-at-every-price-level/ (https://electrek.co/2022/07/05/here-are-the-best-electric-bikes-you-can-buy-at-every-price-level/)
Yes, I'm subscribed to that channel on YT and I've watched quite a few of their videos.
Overall, this has sort of slipped back on my priorities list due to other things going on. I'm in sort of the same situation as NT2C though - no local bike lanes in my city (with lots of multi-lane roads with insane drivers) and there aren't always sidewalks either (this is Detroit - everyone is expected to have a car!). That means either risking my life to ride in my area, or transporting it elsewhere to use actual trails / bike paths.
It still might be useful to use when travelling/camping though, so I'm still sort of leaning toward a folding bike just due to the ability to put it into either of my vehicles (no hitch on my Mazda3). I can get a hitch for the Mazda, but since I'd like to get rid of it (it's 17 years old now), I'm hesitant to bother spending money to have one installed if I might just get a new car in 6 months or a year.
I'm almost hesitant to suggest this but this is the ebike I have. (https://wallkeebike.com/products/wallke-x3-pro-folding-electric-bike?variant=31629586432093)
I love it but it's not for everyone. For starters, it's a very large bike. I'm 5'7" and in spite of what Wallke says, realistically that's the absolute minimum rider size. Also the folding feature seemed appealing but I don't really use it. It's still a big package when folded. I leave it unfolded in my shed and carry it that way on a bike carrier on the back of my Kia Soul.
But it's a beast and as close to a go anywhere ebike as I've seen. In spite of its full suspension and fat tires I ride it mostly on the road. It's plenty fast and powerful for me.
The longest I've ever taken it is 28 miles (all pavement, gently rolling hills, pedal assist - not throttle-only) and it showed 63% battery remaining. But I don't believe for a minute it still had another 30+ miles of range.
Quote from: EBuff75 on July 06, 2022, 11:43:10 AMOverall, this has sort of slipped back on my priorities list due to other things going on. I'm in sort of the same situation as NT2C though - no local bike lanes in my city (with lots of multi-lane roads with insane drivers) and there aren't always sidewalks either (this is Detroit - everyone is expected to have a car!). That means either risking my life to ride in my area, or transporting it elsewhere to use actual trails / bike paths.
It still might be useful to use when travelling/camping though, so I'm still sort of leaning toward a folding bike just due to the ability to put it into either of my vehicles (no hitch on my Mazda3). I can get a hitch for the Mazda, but since I'd like to get rid of it (it's 17 years old now), I'm hesitant to bother spending money to have one installed if I might just get a new car in 6 months or a year.
If you do end up transporting it to ride elsewhere, pay attention to local e-bike laws, and I do mean
local. Just within the range of such a bike for me, there are 6 different sets of laws involved (state, city, 3 different counties, and a handful of National Parks/Forests). Until the state legislature gets involved and pre-empts the counties/cities it's going to be even worse than CCW laws.
Quote from: NT2C on July 05, 2022, 10:30:55 PMI've thought about getting an e-bike for local use, but there are too many issues:
- Virginia laws on them are confusing and changing by county/city, but generally top speed at 28MPH
- Suckers are spendy!
- My bad knees pretty much dictate a trike and trikes are notoriously unstable in turns
- There's no bike lanes or shoulders on the local roads between me and anyplace I'd want to go
- Immediate local roads have 25MPH limit, but the main road is 45MPH (with 50-60 being common) and two steep hills
- I have trouble with helmets due to my head size/shape
All things considered, I'm better off in a car/Jeep/truck
Not trying to talk you into/out of anything, but FWIW:
Just let go of the notion of traveling at anywhere near vehicular speeds on an ebike. These things aren't electric motorcycles. Speed disparity issue is basically the same for a traditional bicyclist who is reasonably athletic.
I'm 7 weeks post op total left knee replacement. And since my right knee needs to be replaced asap, thats now my good leg. I'm managing just fine on the ebike I referenced earlier - arguably too big for me. I bet 20" wheel fat tire ebikes with step-thru frames are super-stable. Maybe you have balance issues, but otherwise don't assume you're restricted to a trike.
No bike-lanes/shoulders and ill-fitting helmets: points well taken.
Not saying a cool grand isn't spendy. But based that article I linked to earlier in this thread, you now can get a very decent machine from a reputable manufacturer for $1k.
You still get a very repectable workout on an ebike as long as you use pedal assist. But there is something magical about an ebike. It's hard to put into words if you haven't tried one. Closest I can come is it makes cycling feel like it did when we were kids. When you weren't even conscious of the exertion. And it takes any anxiety about distance or hills right off the table. If you start to feel tired just dial up the pedal assist or hell switch over to throttle only and know the damn thing will carry you home. It just makes cycling fun again.
Now if only I had the gumption to build a practical solar charging system for the battery, I could make a case that ebikes have value for preppers. :smiley_chinrub:
Quote from: majorhavoc on July 06, 2022, 01:16:19 PMQuote from: NT2C on July 05, 2022, 10:30:55 PMI've thought about getting an e-bike for local use, but there are too many issues:
- Virginia laws on them are confusing and changing by county/city, but generally top speed at 28MPH
- Suckers are spendy!
- My bad knees pretty much dictate a trike and trikes are notoriously unstable in turns
- There's no bike lanes or shoulders on the local roads between me and anyplace I'd want to go
- Immediate local roads have 25MPH limit, but the main road is 45MPH (with 50-60 being common) and two steep hills
- I have trouble with helmets due to my head size/shape
All things considered, I'm better off in a car/Jeep/truck
Not trying to talk you into/out of anything, but FWIW:
Just let go of the notion of traveling at anywhere near vehicular speeds on an ebike. These things aren't electric motorcycles. Speed disparity issue is basically the same for a traditional bicyclist who is reasonably athletic.
I wish I still had it, and that the roommate who witnessed it was still alive, but in my old Brooklyn apartment before the fire gutted it, there was a framed speeding ticket on the wall for 76 MPH in a 55 MPH zone, issued in Nassau County New York by a NY State Trooper, issued to me on my 12-speed Kubuki road bike at the bottom of a very long grade. I literally
begged the trooper to write the ticket when he pulled me over. :smiley_bril:
Quote from: majorhavoc on July 06, 2022, 01:16:19 PMI'm 7 weeks post op total left knee replacement. And since my right knee needs to be replaced asap, thats now my good leg. I'm managing just fine on the ebike I referenced earlier - arguably too big for me. I bet 20" wheel fat tire ebikes with step-thru frames are super-stable. Maybe you have balance issues, but otherwise don't assume you're restricted to a trike.
What (I feel) limits me to a trike is my inability to tolerate any type of impact beyond carefully placed walking steps with my left leg. I can't even take a step down on a set of stairs with that leg, I have to lead with the right and then bring the left down. Getting out of a vehicle I have to rotate on the seat and stand on both legs at the same time. Tripping or taking a misstep is excruciating. The idea of using that left leg to support me and the bike at stops is a serious no-go.
Quote from: majorhavoc on July 06, 2022, 01:16:19 PMNo bike-lanes/shoulders and ill-fitting helmets: points well taken.
Not saying a cool grand isn't spendy. But based that article I linked to earlier in this thread, you now can get a very decent machine from a reputable manufacturer for $1k.
You still get a very repectable workout on an ebike as long as you use pedal assist. But there is something magical about an ebike. It's hard to put into words if you haven't tried one. Closest I can come is it makes cycling feel like it did when we were kids. When you weren't even conscious of the exertion. And it takes any anxiety about distance or hills right off the table. If you start to feel tired just dial up the pedal assist or hell switch over to throttle only and know the damn thing will carry you home. It just makes cycling fun again.
Now if only I had the gumption to build a practical solar charging system for the battery, I could make a case that ebikes have value for preppers. :smiley_chinrub:
Virginia does not allow throttle-only modes of operation for e-bikes. They also are not allowed on any roadway or shoulder where the speed limit is greater than 25 MPH. 750W maximum power.
I had a conversation with a co-worker today about add on kits (https://www.gboost.bike/) for regular bicycles. There are other manufacturers of course, this is just the one he showed me.
Apparently they are quite easy to install and effective. I don't have any personal experience, though, but these might be a more affordable solution to a regular ebike.
I did something stupid. :ups:
(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0147/6032/products/Bildschirmfoto2023-02-14um13.09.52.png?v=1676376685&width=1445)
Front wheel drive ... interesting.
I test drove one and it's incredible fun, you can feel it's a front motor.
And it's absolutely tiny when folded. The back wheel folds under so it's not much larger than its wheel size.
My plan is to put it in the car boot in the morning as my husband and I share our drive to work and use it to get home in the evening as we have different times we get home.
There's a stretch with 20% elevation that I'm not doing without assist.
Should I ever get sick of the electric drive its easy to dismantle so I am going to sell my regular bike.
So it safes space, gets rid of a redundancy, hopefully gets me out more and my boss subsidises electric work bikes with 25%.
I'm trying to justify spending so much money on a tiny bike, please don't destroy my logic. :icon_crazy:
Quote from: majorhavoc on April 02, 2023, 06:53:42 AMFront wheel drive ... interesting.
Front motor and rear chain drive = 2-wheel drive... interestinger
Quote from: tirls on April 02, 2023, 07:29:41 AM...gets rid of a redundancy...
:smiley_duh: But "Two is one and one is none"!
Have we taught you
nothing? :headbang:
Repeat after me: "Redundancy is good. Redundancy is
good. Redundancy is
GOOD!" :smiley_wave:
Now, get out there and start peddling your ass all over town. Errr... ah... I mean... :-[ :smiley_tour:
More interestinger... They sell in the US but not that color. It's not available on any model here. And yours goes for about $3,800 USD so about €3,500?
It was on sale with 10% off and my boss will pay 25%, so for 2300€. Still a lot more money than I'd ever thought I'll spend on a bike. :eek1:
But the bike is already the redundancy for our car, and I have a unicycle in redundancy for the bike, and a scooter in redundancy for the unicycle. :awesome:
Quote from: tirls on April 02, 2023, 09:39:17 AMIt was on sale with 10% off and my boss will pay 25%, so for 2300€. Still a lot more money than I'd ever thought I'll spend on a bike. :eek1:
But the bike is already the redundancy for our car, and I have a unicycle in redundancy for the bike, and a scooter in redundancy for the unicycle. :awesome:
You know you'll now have to post a video of your unicycle-riding skills, right? Maybe holding a UFoZS.com banner (if I ever get some printed).
Quote from: tirls on April 02, 2023, 09:39:17 AMIt was on sale with 10% off and my boss will pay 25%, so for 2300€. Still a lot more money than I'd ever thought I'll spend on a bike. :eek1:
But the bike is already the redundancy for our car, and I have a unicycle in redundancy for the bike, and a scooter in redundancy for the unicycle. :awesome:
Tactical bugout unicycle with pdw loadout. Pictures, please!
(https://media.tenor.com/s0gOUeF1MykAAAAC/parks-and-rec-andy-dwyer.gif)
Quote from: majorhavoc on April 02, 2023, 10:09:26 AMQuote from: tirls on April 02, 2023, 09:39:17 AMIt was on sale with 10% off and my boss will pay 25%, so for 2300€. Still a lot more money than I'd ever thought I'll spend on a bike. :eek1:
But the bike is already the redundancy for our car, and I have a unicycle in redundancy for the bike, and a scooter in redundancy for the unicycle. :awesome:
Tactical bugout unicycle with pdw loadout. Pictures, please!
(https://media.tenor.com/s0gOUeF1MykAAAAC/parks-and-rec-andy-dwyer.gif)
Local law enforcement would be thrilled, I'm sure. :icon_crazy:
I could offer bow and arrow and try for mongolian style, but I've got an English longbow so that might be difficult. Water pistols?
There are videos of the Thai police force practicing on electric unicycles however. Not sure how authentic they are or if it was ever really used, but those have been going around the internet for quite some time now.
(https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53135771e4b0d6e4133d6762/1610703016972-AG366UBOPOFR62G2PCJX/Picture+of+Thai+Policeman+on+an+Electeric+Unicycle+%28EUC%29+drawing+his+gun.jpg)
It's heeere!
It's a Brompton Electric C line in the colour bumblebee with high handlebar and 6 gears.
Specs (according to manufacturer):
- steel framed
- 6 gears
- 17.4kg (battery included)/14.5kg (without)
- 64. 5 x 56.5 x 27cm folded
- 16" wheels
- 250kWh motor
- assistance up to 25km/h (3 modes)
- 300Wh 36V battery
- up to 70km reach
It 's also freakin' adorable. :smiley_hearteyes:
Due to the weight and its low power I was septical if it could handle the hills here. I took it on a short test ride, only 2 km but all uphill and an elevation of up to 14%.
I managed it in the lowest assist mode and 3rd gear without being too much out of breath (and my lungs are pretty useless).
Some notes so far:
The weight is quite high for such a small bike. There are lighter options available if you need less gears or are willing to pay more. For anyone not living in an area with a lot of hills the 2 gear version should be enough (lighter and cheaper).
I could reduce the weight by about 2- 4kg by exchanging components. However I like all steel as I can mend it.
Nearly all parts are non standard.
This is however a problem that most folding bikes share and was a major factor why I chose a Brompton in the end. They are worldwide available and with over 1.000.000 bikes, parts are easy to get. Both used and from small independent manufacturers. But it's still something to consider.
The gears so far seem well balanced. They are however a bit funny.
It has a 2- speed derailleur and a 3 gear hub. It takes some getting used to as it essentially means you have a gear 1 low, gear 1 high, gear 2 low,...
However I absolutely love it. Since you change hub gears while not pedalling and cassette whilst, what it means is you always have another gear option. It's brilliant.
The motor is low power and the mode needs to be changed at the battery (no throttle lever or control at the handlebar).
It is assist only (here those are called pedelecs) and only up to 25km/h. That's an advantage in my case as it has the same regulations as a regular bike. Faster ones need special insurance and a driver license.
The front wheel motor is so far brilliant. I haven't had so much fun on a bike since I was 8.
I also zoomed past a car at a junction when we were both starting at the same time.
Without the battery it drives like a regular bike. Slightly less wheel spin due to the motor weight but not noticeable once you ride it.
The small size when folded means you can take it as hand luggage on most planes and it fits in the overhead compartment on buses and trains.
The tiny wheels and suspension at the front make it slightly finicky on bumpy roads. Think 70s racing bike.
It manages fine but there are better options.
It's also so incredible expensive. If it gets me out more and makes me less dependent (we only have 1 car) it's worth it. If not, they have a great resell value.
Still a lot of money. :gonk:
If the weather keeps up I'm taking it on a longer test drive tomorrow and to work next week. I'm still unsure how it'll manage the 22% elevation and a 3km long hill with over 10%.
I 've got 14 days to test drive it. But so far I love it.
Mr. tirls laughed at me when I told him I send it back if it can't manage our hill, he already caught me petting it. It needs a name!
Tirly-bird? :D
I don't remember the exact weight, but I did notice that it's much lighter than most of the bikes that I've been looking at! However, it's also much smaller than even the folding bikes on my list, so that makes sense. Please do a full review thread for it once you've had more time riding!
Quote from: tirls on April 05, 2023, 11:35:22 AMHowever I like all steel as I can mend it.
Okay, that changes completely the mental image I have of you. Now it's...
Quote from: NT2C on April 05, 2023, 04:53:47 PMQuote from: tirls on April 05, 2023, 11:35:22 AMHowever I like all steel as I can mend it.
Okay, that changes completely the mental image I have of you. Now it's...
Nothing as interesting. I can do a very ugly but somewhat functional weld. :awesome: