Best choice for an overweight rider

[DonnaG]

I’m looking at ebikes to start getting some exercise and would like some advice.
Here’s some information about what’s needed:
- I’m a 52 y/o female and 5’6 260lbs (hence needing some exercise!)
- Step

Thru bike preferred.
- Will start riding maybe 5 miles and not go more than 20 once I get in some better shape. I hope to ride twice weekly.
- I will be riding primarily flat paved bike paths with some long slow grades and need the bike to help me at different levels i.e. might need a little help on flat terrain if I’m getting tired, but will need more assist going up the long hills, so it needs to have enough juice to get me to the top.
- $1500 is my max budget.

There’s lots of information out there and some it is conflicting and much of it I don’t understand. (Watts, voltage, direct drive, rear/mid hub motors, etc.)
I’ve found two bikes in my price range:
- Rad City Step Thru Version 3
- Journey Bikes X-treme Catalina Step Thru Beach Cruiser
From the info above, which one is better suited to meet my needs. Is there something better out there in my price range? Pros/ Cons.

Lots knowledge in this forum.Thank you all in advance.

 

[Mike_V]

Hi Donna,
The RAD city maybe just what you need. ( A popular step thru with Power )
Envision yourself on the bike and which you will be most happy.
Mike
Take a look at these, more $ ( & more color ) but you get what you pay for.
The Model Y starts ~$1500

Several reviews are written here on EBR

MODEL Y - Electric Bike Company®

The Electric Bike Company™️ - Built in California Factory, Custom Design and Personalized Colors - Ships FULLY assembled

electricbikecompany.com

 

[indianajo]

The rad city has a direct drive hub motor, and those are not for people that want to pedal themselves. It drags power off like being in 2 gears higher than you really are.
The magnum UI6 has a geared hubmotor, that doesn't drag power off. I ride my geared hub motor 25 miles power off, if the wind isn't >12 mph in my face. If the wind is dragging me down, I use the power without guilt. https://www.magnumbikes.com/product-category/electric-bikes/ Magnum has dealers if you don't want to deal with warrenty issues over the phone like rad.
Rad has some "off road" models with geared hub motor, but they won't be drop frame.
Size matters. At 66" tall you'll need a smallto medium frame, maybe 18". You won't find a comfortable seat to sit upright, bikes with posts can use a cloud9 from modernbike.com Bikes with only seat rails can use seyelle seats. I'm riding a seyelle royale respiro seat, 265 mm wide.
Whatever you buy, be sure to get disk brakes, at least mechanicals like I have. Rim brakes are shockingly poor in the rain.
BTW I ride a fox rampage helmet to protect my chin in addition to the top of my head. Never hit the top of my head, but hit my chin 5 times in 60 years. Gloves & long sleeve polyester+long pants help prevent road burn. The actual fall doesn't hurt much.
Good luck on achieving your goals. I gave up driving age 58 & lost 40 lb, 50 points of chloresterol, rest pulse down from 84 to 66, and A1C (diabetes) from 8.2 to 6.9. No insulin required 11 years later.
Happy shopping.

 

[PatriciaK]

Aventon, perhaps? If there's not a dealer near you, is check with local binge shop about doing assembly/work on it.

Pace 350.2 Step-Through | Electric Cruiser Bike | Aventon

The Pace 350.2 Step-through ebike goes on throttle and pedal assist. This electric bike includes a 350W hub-drive motor and large comfortable tires. It gives you the ultimate balance in comfort and power. Shop Now!

www.aventon.com

 

[Dewey]

Electra Townie Go! 7D. This is a foot forward cruiser design which makes it easy to put both feet on the ground when you stop. It is sold through Trek bike shops so there's likely a dealer near you that can service it. It weighs about 16lb lighter than the RadCity Step Through

 

[DonnaG]

Thank you everyone for your advice and replies. It is very much appreciated. I ended up ordering the Electric Bisycle Company Model Y in the stock white color. https://electricbikecompany.com/model-y/ With the added fenders and shipping, cost came to close to $1700. It appears that this bike will meet my needs. Fingers crossed. I’m so excited to start riding! Thank you all again!