Good question... In my experience you usually do get more for paying more but it may consist of warranty support, dealer network for service and a better purchase experience (fitting, free accessories and future tuneups and they usually build the bike for you vs. having to do it yourself). There is some difference in quality but with the Sondors Thin the motor is a standard 8Fun which a lot of others use and the Panasonic batteries are top of the line in terms of brand.
If you are handy with tools, don't mind waiting, don't need support and are okay with limited features (like the single speed and limited default display) and happen to be the right size (or just don't care) then the Thin would be awesome and maybe a great deal... I love that it gets people thinking and interested in electric bikes because from there they can discover the vast selection of other models that might fit their specific needs (body type, budget, performance etc.) my favorite ebike to date has been a full suspension Haibike but that's because my back and neck have scar tissue from multiple car accidents, snowboarding, skate boarding, surfing and other injuries so the extra thousands are worth it because otherwise I'll spend hundreds ongoing on chiropractic and massage (I'm not joking at all, it's expensive). If I was younger and didn't have this pain but also didn't have the ability to make money and save up like I do now I would be much more stoked on the Sondors ebikes... Regardless of brand, I respect and appreciate the honest approach to marketing and am glad that the latest Indiegogo campaign is more realistic.
