Affordable electric bike recommendation

Drivenox

New Member
Hey there, I just started researching electric bikes and came across your youtube channel. Your intro video got my attention and really makes me want to get one.

I have about $2,000 to spend at most (I'd prefer to spend the least possible, $1,000-$1,500 would be amazing if the bike was reliable for daily use for at least a couple years).

I prefer a model that looks somewhat normal like a mountain bike, not the kinds that look like motorcycles or anything too fancy. The one you have, (easy motion neo jumper) would be perfect as far as the look and capabilities go, however I do not have $4,000 to invest for that particular bike. Something similar would be great or if you knew anywhere that may sell it has used/discounted.

Anyway I thought I'd ask you directly to see if you had a good list of the best recommendations for my price range and needs.

My daily commute to work is about 8 miles, but at other times I may need to ride for a good 20-30 miles for other purposes.

I'm in Florida, so the ground is pretty flat. I have about one hill to climb that isnt too steep on the way to work. I will have to deal with rain time to time, so hopefully a model that is weatherproof would be preferred. A folding bike would be nice, but not a deal breaker. I would prefer a bike that could go at least 20-30mph.


Kind Regards,

Dan
 
Hi Dan! Great question, I can relate as far as wanting a bike that doesn't cost so much but also wanting something that will last a couple of years and be higher quality. Mountain bikes also happen to be my preference in terms of frame style because the larger tires and shocks (most have at least a front shock these days) help to smooth out the ride at higher speeds.

The is an awesome bike but also pretty expensive. Even the other Neo bikes like the Cross cost upwards of $2,700 but sometimes you can find them on sale in the ~$2,400 range if it's last years model. So it sounds like that's a bit out of your price range as well. I must say however, these bikes are pretty awesome because the battery is well integrated, creating balance and low center of gravity, and all of the drive systems (LCD, motor, battery) are used across the entire line of Neo bikes. This means they are easy to get replaced and I think BH put a lot of extra time into testing the systems and optimizing them. Considering they use a 350 watt geared motor, they offer a lot of power! BH also makes great frames (been around since 1909).

You may have seen this but I've actually created a section of the site dedicated to more "affordable" electric bikes but most are still in the ~$1,800 range. A couple of my favorites from the list are the Motiv Spark for $1,749 and the eZip Skyline for $899. Neither of these two bikes fits your description perfectly (the first is a cruiser and the second isn't quite as durable as a true mountain bike) but they are decent rides made by good companies.

One of my favorite less-expensive mountain bike style ebikes is the Volton Alation which comes with several motor options. I reviewed the highest end Alation 500 and loved it. They are mainly sold online but pretty easy to assemble and pretty well made with great customer service and support. These bikes are at the higher end of your ask in terms of price at $2,199 but I really like how they perform. Keep in mind I think they only offer a Medium frame size (which was good for me at 5'9")

This past month I drove out to California and visited a bunch of ebike companies to check out 2014 models. Along the way I got to try a few new brands I had never heard of and one really stood out. One was the which is actually made in Canada and has some really high end components. Again, it's a little high at $2,300 but a sweet bike.

Another bike I recommend checking out (which I haven't completed a review for yet) is the Emazing Bikes Appollo. They have two models called the 93td (for twist throttle only) and the 93pd (pedal assist only). Both have 350 watt motors and a nice frame that's balanced, light and tough. These bikes retail for ~$2,100 and I could help you get in touch with them if you'd like to order as their website is currently under construction.

I hope that helps! I think a good general piece of advice is to keep your eyes on Craigslist because sometimes you can get a good deal on a higher end ebike that is only a year old... but keep in mind most batteries cost upwards of $500 and will only last a couple years if they are Lithium-ion and it depends on whether the prior owner kept it charged and away from extreme temperatures. Let me know your thoughts after exploring these bikes and if you have any more questions I'd be happy to expand ;)
 
Amazing response! I am very thankful for your helpfulness and professionalism. After a week of strenuous research, it looks like I have made up my mind and am going with the Volton Alation 500. I almost considered the Stromer Sport, but after comparing the two and reading your response, it makes sense to choose the Volton Alation 500 over it since the specs are very similar and much cheaper in price. The thing that got to me on both bikes is how the battery is integrated into the bike frame which makes the bike look more like a normal bike (in addition to a balanced weight distribution). Anyway, I got my mind made up and feel very satisfied with my decision. Can't wait to ride it once I get it! Thank you!!!

Kind Regards,
Dan
 
Glad to help Dan! They also offer an Alation 250 and 350 (corresponding to the motor size at 250 watts, 350 watts or the 500 which is the largest). Depending on your needs (whether you weigh a lot, climb steep hills, like to feel the torque or plan to pull stuff) you can save some money going with a less powerful model. I've found 350 watt bikes to work just fine and I weigh 135lbs and am 5'9" for reference. Let me know how it works out! Feel free to share pics here or your thoughts after you've used it for a while :cool:
 
Amazing response! I am very thankful for your helpfulness and professionalism. After a week of strenuous research, it looks like I have made up my mind and am going with the Volton Alation 500. I almost considered the Stromer Sport, but after comparing the two and reading your response, it makes sense to choose the Volton Alation 500 over it since the specs are very similar and much cheaper in price. The thing that got to me on both bikes is how the battery is integrated into the bike frame which makes the bike look more like a normal bike (in addition to a balanced weight distribution). Anyway, I got my mind made up and feel very satisfied with my decision. Can't wait to ride it once I get it! Thank you!!!

Kind Regards,
Dan


Hi Dan and Court,

I was in a very similar situation as Dan is in right now and spoke to Court couple weeks back and he was very helpful. A friend of mine had Neo Jumper (full suspension electric bike) after I test rode his bike, I made up my mind to get a Neo Jumper bike but I know the price was a concern. In fact, my friend has started liking it so much that he has started using it everyday (at one point, he was willing to sell me his neo jumper)..!!

So, I started calling different dealers across east coast to see if they having a promotion on Easy Motion Neo Jumper. After extensive search, I found a super wealthy businessman who has become a Easy Motion dealer in the east coast and he is really promoting the culture of e-bikes. After negotiating with him for few weeks, he said, he would be willing to sell brand new Neo Jumper for $2.2k and if you have not bought Volton Alation, we could talk to him and strike a deal on Neo Jumper. I am sure, he would be willing to sell it for 2k if each one of us purchase one. Let me know if you are interested.
 
I already made my purchase for the Volton Alation 500 in white/white frame.
Too bad I already ordered it, however I do not regret my decision for the fact that it's a 500 watt motor with a 48v/11ah battery. However the Neo Jumper overall seems like a better bike in many ways, it's already kind of late for me to change my mind. Good luck though, getting that bike for half price is an amazing deal. I'd go for it if I were you. If anything goes wrong with my order, I'll keep this option in mind! Thank you.

-Dan

Hi Dan and Court,

I was in a very similar situation as Dan is in right now and spoke to Court couple weeks back and he was very helpful. A friend of mine had Neo Jumper (full suspension electric bike) after I test rode his bike, I made up my mind to get a Neo Jumper bike but I know the price was a concern. In fact, my friend has started liking it so much that he has started using it everyday (at one point, he was willing to sell me his neo jumper)..!!

So, I started calling different dealers across east coast to see if they having a promotion on Easy Motion Neo Jumper. After extensive search, I found a super wealthy businessman who has become a Easy Motion dealer in the east coast and he is really promoting the culture of e-bikes. After negotiating with him for few weeks, he said, he would be willing to sell brand new Neo Jumper for $2.2k and if you have not bought Volton Alation, we could talk to him and strike a deal on Neo Jumper. I am sure, he would be willing to sell it for 2k if each one of us purchase one. Let me know if you are interested.
 
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I already made my purchase for the Volton Alation 500 in white/white frame.
Too bad I already ordered it, however I do not regret my decision for the fact that it's a 500 watt motor with a 48amp/11ah battery. However the Neo Jumper overall seems like a better bike in many ways, it's already kind of late for me to change my mind. Good luck though, getting that bike for half price is an amazing deal. I'd go for it if I were you. If anything goes wrong with my order, I'll keep this option in mind! Thank you.

-Dan

Great to know that Dan.
Volton Alation is a wonderful bike too.
May I know where you purchased it and is the price still $2100?
 
Hey Ravi! Sounds like your footwork is paying off, that's a great deal on the Jumper. I love the idea that people could team up here and approach dealers with a volume discount request :D

Don't feel too bad about the missed lower price Dan, the Volton bikes are still really great and their support is fantastic. I think it also has eyelets on the rear seat stays that let you mount a rack for hauling stuff. This is one of the drawbacks with the Neo Jumper, no kickstand and no rear rack. No bike is perfect...
 
I purchased it from:
San Francisco Electric Bike Outlet

660 Bryant St San Francisco, CA 94107

415.978.9664

Volton's dealer in San Francisco was the only place to get the white/white frame at this time of the season due to the holidays, Volton was out of that color until January. I couldn't wait that long, so I got it from them. The price was the same, $2,199. $200 for shipping and handling though o_O ... yeah, a bit much, but I am kind of in a hurry to get the bike, so I didn't have much time to shop around anymore. http://www.voltonbicycles.com offers free shipping if you order directly from them.

I was originally looking to get the Neo Jumper as well bc of the intro video EBR had, however I think the 500watt motor on the Alation 500 vs the Neo Jumper's 350 watt motor will keep me satisfied with my decision (hopefully...I'll post my thoughts once I take it for a spin).

In response to Court, thanks for the heads up on the bike seat info. I wasn't aware of that, but it sounds like a good idea. Thanks.

-Dan

Great to know that Dan.
Volton Alation is a wonderful bike too.
May I know where you purchased it and is the price still $2100?
 
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That's awesome Dan, I met Len (the owner of San Francisco Bicycle Outlet) last month and shot a quick video overview of his shop (hope to post that soon) and demoed a few bikes. He's a nice guy and has been in the space for a long time, I'm sure you'll get excellent support and if anything ever does break, he has a shop and should be able to help you fix it. Nice to support local shops :)
 
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Just upgraded the Alation hand grips to Ergonomic. ;)
 
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