e bikes (1 Viewer)

[glvsav37]

I have a 4 mile commute to work through 95% residential back roads. I am thinking of getting an e bike for the route in the summer, maybe 2-3 days a week vs my car

I don't really want to go over $1k, honestly was really looking at the sub $500 ones on amazon or used on marketplace. It would only be for commuting on pavement, no trail or pleasure riding, I have an actual bike for that.

Is there anything worth it at that price point? Anything to know or avoid?

this one looks pretty cool for what I need, I say pretty cool but I'm sure my 15 year old will still think im a dork

 

[the moops]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I have a 4 mile commute to work through 95% residential back roads. I am thinking of getting an e bike for the route in the summer, maybe 2-3 days a week vs my car

I don't really want to go over $1k, honestly was really looking at the sub $500 ones on amazon or used on marketplace. It would only be for commuting on pavement, no trail or pleasure riding, I have an actual bike for that.

Is there anything worth it at that price point? Anything to know or avoid?

I have a rad powerbike for commuting. Was around 1300 and i would consider that entry level personally. Like everything you get what you pay for. I don't have experience with the Amazon bikes at that level though and for an 8 mi round trip they might be good enough.

 

[glvsav37]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

 

[Mookie]

I think you could find something on Amazon. Since you're commuting, i would look for removable battery with a key (so it can't be stolen), lights on the front and back, front and rear fenders, and at least a rear rack - makes it really nice to carry extra stuff.

Gears aren't that important as you'll probably ride in one gear all the time and adjust your level of electric assist instead. I'd be a little wary of buying one that goes too fast (30 mph throttle bikes look like small motorcycle), as we've seen cops and local ordinances crack down on them.

Foldable bike is nice for storage, but I'd be concerned how it rides - might feel like a monkey riding one of those tiny bikes.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

My concern is something like this will just fall apart on the first bump. It's a vehicle and you run the risk of injury if something fails.

 

[beer 30]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

My concern is something like this will just fall apart on the first bump. It's a vehicle and you run the risk of injury if something fails.

As the Lurker mentioned, you get what you pay for. Not sure that would last the season. There is a lot going on there for what you are doing:

1. Folding bike - every spot it folds is some place for it to break
2. Electric - just adding more stuff you have to worry about
3. Combine the two for less than $200 and I'm guessing it falls apart after about 5 rides
4. Upside, for that price, you're not going to be out a whole lot of cash to find out

 

[arrow1]

4 miles? ride a regular bike?

 

[glvsav37]

4 miles? ride a regular bike?

Hills, Humidity, Asthma

I would love to, But i dont feel like showing up a sweaty mess that needs mouth to mouth lol

 

[glvsav37]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

My concern is something like this will just fall apart on the first bump. It's a vehicle and you run the risk of injury if something fails.

As the Lurker mentioned, you get what you pay for. Not sure that would last the season. There is a lot going on there for what you are doing:

1. Folding bike - every spot it folds is some place for it to break
2. Electric - just adding more stuff you have to worry about
3. Combine the two for less than $200 and I'm guessing it falls apart after about 5 rides
4. Upside, for that price, you're not going to be out a whole lot of cash to find out

all good points.

 

[the moops]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

My concern is something like this will just fall apart on the first bump. It's a vehicle and you run the risk of injury if something fails.

As the Lurker mentioned, you get what you pay for. Not sure that would last the season. There is a lot going on there for what you are doing:

1. Folding bike - every spot it folds is some place for it to break
2. Electric - just adding more stuff you have to worry about
3. Combine the two for less than $200 and I'm guessing it falls apart after about 5 rides
4. Upside, for that price, you're not going to be out a whole lot of cash to find out

all good points.

If it falls apart after 5 rides, just return it to Amazon.
I would give it a shot

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

My concern is something like this will just fall apart on the first bump. It's a vehicle and you run the risk of injury if something fails.

As the Lurker mentioned, you get what you pay for. Not sure that would last the season. There is a lot going on there for what you are doing:

1. Folding bike - every spot it folds is some place for it to break
2. Electric - just adding more stuff you have to worry about
3. Combine the two for less than $200 and I'm guessing it falls apart after about 5 rides
4. Upside, for that price, you're not going to be out a whole lot of cash to find out

all good points.

If it falls apart after 5 rides, just return it to Amazon.
I would give it a shot

Problem is you can't return a broken collarbone.

 

[the moops]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

My concern is something like this will just fall apart on the first bump. It's a vehicle and you run the risk of injury if something fails.

As the Lurker mentioned, you get what you pay for. Not sure that would last the season. There is a lot going on there for what you are doing:

1. Folding bike - every spot it folds is some place for it to break
2. Electric - just adding more stuff you have to worry about
3. Combine the two for less than $200 and I'm guessing it falls apart after about 5 rides
4. Upside, for that price, you're not going to be out a whole lot of cash to find out

all good points.

If it falls apart after 5 rides, just return it to Amazon.
I would give it a shot

Problem is you can't return a broken collarbone.

I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest

 

[glvsav37]

Awesome idea and a perfect use of an e-bike. What amazon one you looking at? I am sure there are plenty of used deals on marketplace, what brands you looking at for used?

Just edited my OP for this bike.

I'm sure its a cheap knock off of some other bike, I dont really know the brands. But it seems to have good reviews given the low price.

My concern is something like this will just fall apart on the first bump. It's a vehicle and you run the risk of injury if something fails.

As the Lurker mentioned, you get what you pay for. Not sure that would last the season. There is a lot going on there for what you are doing:

1. Folding bike - every spot it folds is some place for it to break
2. Electric - just adding more stuff you have to worry about
3. Combine the two for less than $200 and I'm guessing it falls apart after about 5 rides
4. Upside, for that price, you're not going to be out a whole lot of cash to find out

all good points.

If it falls apart after 5 rides, just return it to Amazon.
I would give it a shot

Problem is you can't return a broken collarbone.

I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest

I'll wear my hockey gear on the ride

 

[glvsav37]

oddly enough, a lot of the Amazon bikes, even higher priced ones, wont ship to my area. I get a big red warning "Sorry, this item cannot be shipped to your selected address due to local laws or Amazon policy. " I guess e bikes might be restricted here for some reason (Long Island NY)

 

[arrow1]

I see people rolling on these:

Option?

 

[the moops]

I see people rolling on these:

Option?

Not a bike

 

[matttyl]

Me personally, and I’m a self acknowledged bike snob, would steer clear of Amazon. I understand the low price, but you get what you pay for, and I’d constantly be worried about battery issues (specifically fire).

E bikes are exploding right now. Ok, not the best term to use - they are getting g very popular and with that prices are really coming down. I actually bought my wife a full suspension e mtb bike last year and she loves it. While not cheap at all, it was still half of what that same bike would have been just a few years ago.

In fact you can now get a brand new Electra (now a Trek owned brand) e bike for under $1k - the Cruiser Go! I’m sure in the used market you could find one for half of that.

 

[Senor Schmutzig]

E-bikes are such a game changer, especially when travelling and wanting to see a destination without having to hoof it everywhere. I just got back from Italy, Croatia and Greece and we rented e-bikes in Milan and the Greek island of Spetses. It was awesome. We covered a lot more ground in Milan than we usually would have, and because we took an evening e-bike tour, it wasn't as crowded as it normally would have been. On Spetses, we circled the entire 22km island in a few hours, with a stop for lunch, and with the hills, there is no way we would have done that on normal bikes. I'm a believer and will scout out e-bikes for tours or just personal touring in any destination we go to moving forward.

In Spetses, we rented a Tenways CGO800S. It's a $2k premium (luxury?) bike and I am in no way an expert on these things, but it got my fat *** around the island with 50% battery to spare. And has shocks on the front so the right was smooth. It did seem a little front-heavy when making quick maneuvers, but they all may be that way.

In Milan, we rented the local Lime/Uber bikes. They seemed to have a bit more pep on the initial startup, but I didn't catch the make/model.

 

[matttyl]

If you’re anywhere near northern Va, I just found a used rad power (made in North America), size large, for $375 on Facebook marketplace.

 

[beer 30]

I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest

Of course, it's not your collarbone

Not a bike

It's as much of a bike as that foldable toy we are talking about

 

[the moops]

I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest

Of course, it's not your collarbone

Not a bike

It's as much of a bike as that foldable toy we are talking about

It doesn't even have pedals

 

[beer 30]

I wouldn't worry about that in the slightest

Of course, it's not your collarbone

Not a bike

It's as much of a bike as that foldable toy we are talking about

It doesn't even have pedals

Semantics

 

[Major]

4 miles? ride a regular bike?

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike. Easy peasy with a breeze unless of course you're going uphill both ways.

But if you're set on an e-bike, Volcons are my favorite. A little over your price range but worth the spend: https://www.volcon.com/products/brat-original?variant=43371241898206

 

[glvsav37]

4 miles? ride a regular bike?

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike. Easy peasy with a breeze unless of course you're going uphill both ways.

But if you're set on an e-bike, Volcons are my favorite. A little over your price range but worth the spend: https://www.volcon.com/products/brat-original?variant=43371241898206

thats a cool looking bike. A little heavy on the German panza feel lol

 

[the moops]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

 

[glvsav37]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

My biggest issue is my Asthma, I don't want to trigger it on a hot, humid August ride.

As for the time, I would prefer it take 20 or more minutes. It's 7 min for me by car door to door, but I wouldn't mind slowing down, enjoying the nature and the outside air before an 8 hour shift inside all day.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

These are popular

https://www.aventon.com/collections/clearance-ebikes

i have a version of this brand. Had it for a few years and never had any issues.

Rad Power Bikes

Our electric bikes are custom-designed for your lifestyle and ride. Shop award-winning, affordable ebikes for City, Commuter, Cargo, Utility, Folding, and more.

www.radpowerbikes.com

Something similar to either in the used variety to hit your price target is the way to go imo.

 

[glvsav37]

looks like a nice used one with some add ons

 

[the moops]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

My biggest issue is my Asthma, I don't want to trigger it on a hot, humid August ride.

As for the time, I would prefer it take 20 or more minutes. It's 7 min for me by car door to door, but I wouldn't mind slowing down, enjoying the nature and the outside air before an 8 hour shift inside all day.

Well that, and you would have to be biking at 48 mph to get to your destination on what @Major considers a "normal bike"

 

[beer 30]

looks like a nice used one with some add ons

That one actually looks cool too

 

[tommyGunZ]

My son got a Super 73 a month ago and I never see him anymore. Easily the best toy he’s ever gotten.

 

[Major]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

After I posted that I was thinking I'm probably being a bit optimistic on those timing estimates

 

[Major]

My son got a Super 73 a month ago and I never see him anymore. Easily the best toy he’s ever gotten.

Love those Super 73s as well but leaning toward Volcon if I were to get an e-bike.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Even for a short commute I'd want a test ride before buying. It would suck to have to get on a bike at the end of the day that doesn't fit right and is uncomfortable.

Funny related story. I commute to work by bike for about 8 months out of the year, about 30 minutes ride each way. Last year a coworker and good friend of mine wanted to ride with me so we agreed on a place we'd meet up to ride in together one morning. He shows up on an ebike. I was like F that man, that is BS. I'm an old fat man pushing these pedals up hills, no way I'm riding with a guy on a scooter. He says he's going to pedal but I heard that engine kicking in. Last and only time I rode with that fool.

 

[Mookie]

I have one of these (actually the Roadster V1 from 2022) and love it because I still have to pedal and it doesn't look very much like an ebike. I also have the single speed belt drive which means no shifters, deraileur, or chain slip. Just spray a little silicone on the belt once in a while to stop the squeaks, and replace the tires when they get worn. I've got about 3700 miles on it so far.

 

[rockaction]

I personally think we need to ban e-bikes. Okay, regulate e-bikes. If you drove in Southern California with the skate or die culture, you'd know about fourteen and fifteen year-olds piling on the back of these. One double-seated kid I was following completely jumped off his bike like a cat on those cat cards and went face first into a bunch full of hedges. On purpose.

Funny? Yes. Dangerous. Even more hell yes. The worst were the kids that came flying up behind me while I was doing about thirty in a traffic jam just whizzing on by without a helmet. That made me realize they had to be clipping 35 or 40. That's a serious vehicle at that point.

I don't care if I sound old. You sometimes can't get your child back after a head injury. My brother has two or three severely altered friends who have either passed or are permanently messed up.

:(

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I personally think we need to ban e-bikes. Okay, regulate e-bikes. If you drove in Southern California with the skate or die culture, you'd know about fourteen and fifteen year-olds piling on the back of these. One double-seated kid I was following completely jumped off his bike like a cat on those cat cards and went face first into a bunch full of hedges. On purpose.

Funny? Yes. Dangerous. Even more hell yes. The worst were the kids that came flying up behind me while I was doing about thirty in a traffic jam just whizzing on by without a helmet. That made me realize they had to be clipping 35 or 40. That's a serious vehicle at that point.

I don't care if I sound old. You sometimes can't get your child back after a head injury. My brother has two or three severely altered friends who have either passed or are permanently messed up.

:(

They've really begun to crack down here for exactly this kind of thing. Class 2 ebikes (the kind with a throttle aswell as pedals) have been banned from all the bike paths and they do ticket often. It was necessary since kids on these were becoming a danger, but it's a real bummer since a ton of elderly people use these same bikes on the same paths and now their bikes are illegal. It's hard to have nice things sometimes.

 

[Terminalxylem]

4 miles? ride a regular bike?

Absolutely. Less to break, free exercise.

 

[Terminalxylem]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

5-10 minutes is ridiculous. My 15 mile commute was typically ~50 minutes, sometimes close to an hour. My PR was 41 minutes, when I made every light, and was killing myself to go as fast as possible.

 

[Terminalxylem]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

My biggest issue is my Asthma, I don't want to trigger it on a hot, humid August ride.

As for the time, I would prefer it take 20 or more minutes. It's 7 min for me by car door to door, but I wouldn't mind slowing down, enjoying the nature and the outside air before an 8 hour shift inside all day.

Twenty minutes is 12 mph average, which isn't prohibitively fast. Unless you have huge hills, you can do it. Just premedicate with cromolyn, and have rescue albuterol handy.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I personally think we need to ban e-bikes. Okay, regulate e-bikes. If you drove in Southern California with the skate or die culture, you'd know about fourteen and fifteen year-olds piling on the back of these. One double-seated kid I was following completely jumped off his bike like a cat on those cat cards and went face first into a bunch full of hedges. On purpose.

Funny? Yes. Dangerous. Even more hell yes. The worst were the kids that came flying up behind me while I was doing about thirty in a traffic jam just whizzing on by without a helmet. That made me realize they had to be clipping 35 or 40. That's a serious vehicle at that point.

I don't care if I sound old. You sometimes can't get your child back after a head injury. My brother has two or three severely altered friends who have either passed or are permanently messed up.

:(

Yeah, younger kids are constantly riding wheelies and doing other stupid crap in traffic. And the trauma team is getting called to see them later in the ER.

 

[rockaction]

They've really begun to crack down here for exactly this kind of thing. Class 2 ebikes (the kind with a throttle aswell as pedals) have been banned from all the bike paths and they do ticket often.

Out of curiosity, where is “here” for you? It doesn’t seem to be even a remote priority around where I am, although it’s possibly different one town over for all I know.

And the trauma team is getting called to see them later in the ER

That’s what I’m worried about, for both the kids and then the parties ultimately responsible for their well-being. It’s not wise and we will adjust too late, in my estimation.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Out of curiosity, where is “here” for you? It doesn’t seem to be even a remote priority around where I am, although it’s possibly different one town over for all I know.

Small college town in Upper Michigan. VERY bike friendly community with a thriving bike culture. Everywhere has a bike lane or path, so for a lot of people biking is primary transportation. And as someone that uses these paths it really is a problem so it needed addressing. It's just sad that people that enjoy the same bikes the right way have to suffer.

My nephew is one of these dips that like to go 30mph down the paths and other bad ideas, funny enough his mom is a PA for a neurosurgeon and she's got plenty of stories about what they see when kids like him show up in the ER, or just bikers in general (mostly mountain bikers).

 

[rockaction]

Small college town in Upper Michigan. VERY bike friendly community with a thriving bike culture. Everywhere has a bike lane or path, so for a lot of people biking is primary transportation.

I would imagine that you all are pretty ahead of the game given this situation and attitude. That's great.

My cry thingy at the end was for the neurosurgeon's PA that sees these things. That's terrible.

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

Small college town in Upper Michigan. VERY bike friendly community with a thriving bike culture. Everywhere has a bike lane or path, so for a lot of people biking is primary transportation.

I would imagine that you all are pretty ahead of the game given this situation and attitude. That's great.

My cry thingy at the end was for the neurosurgeon's PA that sees these things. That's terrible.

Yeah, being a smallish town helps control the situation a bit better I'm sure.

It's scary what happens when a head hits pavement at even low speeds, but these kids are ripping along at 30mph a lot of the time without helmets. Hemet tech has come a long way and they're so light it's barely noticeable. Doesn't make much sense not to wear one.

 

[Major]

I personally think we need to ban e-bikes. Okay, regulate e-bikes. If you drove in Southern California with the skate or die culture, you'd know about fourteen and fifteen year-olds piling on the back of these. One double-seated kid I was following completely jumped off his bike like a cat on those cat cards and went face first into a bunch full of hedges. On purpose.

Funny? Yes. Dangerous. Even more hell yes. The worst were the kids that came flying up behind me while I was doing about thirty in a traffic jam just whizzing on by without a helmet. That made me realize they had to be clipping 35 or 40. That's a serious vehicle at that point.

I don't care if I sound old. You sometimes can't get your child back after a head injury. My brother has two or three severely altered friends who have either passed or are permanently messed up.

:(

I noticed when shopping for e-bikes, CA has governors on them limiting their speed to 20mph. Of course, you could just purchase in a neighboring state or get an e-bike guy to remove this.

 

[Major]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

5-10 minutes is ridiculous. My 15 mile commute was typically ~50 minutes, sometimes close to an hour. My PR was 41 minutes, when I made every light, and was killing myself to go as fast as possible.

Don't underestimate me bro. Do you even lift?

 

[The Longtime Lurker]

I personally think we need to ban e-bikes. Okay, regulate e-bikes. If you drove in Southern California with the skate or die culture, you'd know about fourteen and fifteen year-olds piling on the back of these. One double-seated kid I was following completely jumped off his bike like a cat on those cat cards and went face first into a bunch full of hedges. On purpose.

Funny? Yes. Dangerous. Even more hell yes. The worst were the kids that came flying up behind me while I was doing about thirty in a traffic jam just whizzing on by without a helmet. That made me realize they had to be clipping 35 or 40. That's a serious vehicle at that point.

I don't care if I sound old. You sometimes can't get your child back after a head injury. My brother has two or three severely altered friends who have either passed or are permanently messed up.

:(

I noticed when shopping for e-bikes, CA has governors on them limiting their speed to 20mph. Of course, you could just purchase in a neighboring state or get an e-bike guy to remove this.

Internets has all the hacks. Mine is governed to 20mph, but a quick Google search can remedy that real quick. Hello 30mph, vroom vroom.

 

[Terminalxylem]

That's what I'm thinking. That's like a 5-10 minute ride on a normal bike.

Easy there Lance.

You are talking 20 minutes not 5-10. Probably closer to 30 actually if you are on residential backroads and have stop signs and kids and traffic and such

5-10 minutes is ridiculous. My 15 mile commute was typically ~50 minutes, sometimes close to an hour. My PR was 41 minutes, when I made every light, and was killing myself to go as fast as possible.

Don't underestimate me bro. Do you even lift?

I may be a scrawny guy to kick sand on atm, but now that I've embraced brotein and PEDs (creatine), your days as alpha guy are numbered.