Best Choice for Entry-Level Ebike?

[ckrather]

Hi all!

Public transit has been cut back severely in my city (thanks coronavirus) and it is time for me to admit I have no desire/motivation to get into the shape to bike under my own power for the distances I need, so an ebike seems like a better choice than buying a car. But there's so many choices!

Specifications:
-I really want something that looks as close to a regular commuter bike as possible (no fat tire, no giant frames). I really like the look of the Ride1Up Stealth but it just doesn't have enough range
-Removable battery is a must since I can't bring a bike up to my apartment or workplace (but I have indoor storage for the bike itself at both locations)
-A 20-30 mile range would be minimum. My workplace is only 5 miles away, but other trips would be 10 miles each way.
-It would be nice to be able to carry it fairly easily. Under 50 lbs is ideal.
-I'd like it to be at least somewhat pleasant to ride with the motor off
-I'm 5'5", about 150 lbs. This seems to be an in-between size for a lot of bikes, unfortunately
-I'd really like a throttle to start quick from a stop (drivers get antsy at red lights here)
-I'd like to stick under $2k since this is something of an experiment, but if I like it I'm not opposed to upgrading in a couple years. Weight and reliability are more important to me than longevity or high speeds.
-My area is pretty flat, so no need to get up more than a couple small hills

I tried out a Pedego City Light and liked the riding experience, but didn't love the back battery placement and it seemed much heavier than other options at nearly 70 lbs (or so the clerk told me). Unfortunately I don't have many other choices for trying out bikes in my price range in person

So far I've narrowed it down to four choices:
1. Charge City (I like the look of this one, that this comes fully equipped and is under 50 lbs with battery, but it has a weaker motor than other choices and it doesn't seem to be a popular choice)

2. Rad Power RadMission1 (I like the build, weight, and brand reputation of the Mission. I don't love that I'd have to buy all accessories separately since some seem out of stock, and I'm not sure a single-speed will provide a pleasant unpowered riding experience)

3. Espin Sport (Seems like a popular choice, comes fully equipped, and is on sale for $1200. But it has a more moped-y look and is 10lbs heavier than the Charge City. Is the 500w motor really worth the extra weight?)

4. Ride1Up City (seems pretty identical to the Espin, from what I can tell)

Is one of these actually vastly superior to the others? I'm not a bike person really, so while I've googled some different components any advice on the hardware is welcome. Or is there another choice I've not seen?

 

[phoenixtoohot]

I have a ride1up 500 and a Espin Flow for my wife. 1200 miles on the R1U so far and only lubed chain and add air. We are happy with both bikes. On my R1U, I get 40 to 80 miles range on a charge. Because the bike is easy to pedal with no assist, I find myself only using assist about 1/3 of the time, thus the 80 mile range. With mostly assist of occasional throttle and PAS level 2 (of 5) I typically get 40 miles per charge. I'm 205 lbs. My wife gets 60 to 80 miles per charge, but she's 125 lbs and likes to pedal without assist, for fitness, as much as she can. The Espin Flow and Sport are also very eash to pedal with no assist (on flat ground) Good luck to you.

 

[Taylor57]

Hi all!

Public transit has been cut back severely in my city (thanks coronavirus) and it is time for me to admit I have no desire/motivation to get into the shape to bike under my own power for the distances I need, so an ebike seems like a better choice than buying a car. But there's so many choices!

Specifications:
-I really want something that looks as close to a regular commuter bike as possible (no fat tire, no giant frames). I really like the look of the Ride1Up Stealth but it just doesn't have enough range
-Removable battery is a must since I can't bring a bike up to my apartment or workplace (but I have indoor storage for the bike itself at both locations)
-A 20-30 mile range would be minimum. My workplace is only 5 miles away, but other trips would be 10 miles each way.
-It would be nice to be able to carry it fairly easily. Under 50 lbs is ideal.
-I'd like it to be at least somewhat pleasant to ride with the motor off
-I'm 5'5", about 150 lbs. This seems to be an in-between size for a lot of bikes, unfortunately
-I'd really like a throttle to start quick from a stop (drivers get antsy at red lights here)
-I'd like to stick under $2k since this is something of an experiment, but if I like it I'm not opposed to upgrading in a couple years. Weight and reliability are more important to me than longevity or high speeds.
-My area is pretty flat, so no need to get up more than a couple small hills

I tried out a Pedego City Light and liked the riding experience, but didn't love the back battery placement and it seemed much heavier than other options at nearly 70 lbs (or so the clerk told me). Unfortunately I don't have many other choices for trying out bikes in my price range in person

So far I've narrowed it down to four choices:
1. Charge City (I like the look of this one, that this comes fully equipped and is under 50 lbs with battery, but it has a weaker motor than other choices and it doesn't seem to be a popular choice)

2. Rad Power RadMission1 (I like the build, weight, and brand reputation of the Mission. I don't love that I'd have to buy all accessories separately since some seem out of stock, and I'm not sure a single-speed will provide a pleasant unpowered riding experience)

3. Espin Sport (Seems like a popular choice, comes fully equipped, and is on sale for $1200. But it has a more moped-y look and is 10lbs heavier than the Charge City. Is the 500w motor really worth the extra weight?)

4. Ride1Up City (seems pretty identical to the Espin, from what I can tell)

Is one of these actually vastly superior to the others? I'm not a bike person really, so while I've googled some different components any advice on the hardware is welcome. Or is there another choice I've not seen?

Welcome and as the owner of 1 Sport, and 1 on the way, I think you will be hard pressed to find better value. I'm 5'6" and am very comfortable on the Sport. The battery is very easy to remove and install and the bike is balanced just fine. Slime the tires and away you go!

 

[BET]

Hi ckrather, I have an Espin Sport so I will tell you about my bike. It is comfortable as delivered. Even the seat. It has front fork suspension and comes with lights, fenders and racks. I think it would fit you. I am 5ft. 8 and the seat is not all the way down. The hydraulic brakes are really nice. It has a throttle but you have to be in at least assist level 1 to use it. I use it at intersections. I think it has a good range for your intended use. More than 30 miles easily, probably much more given your weight. It is around 50 lbs but there are not many bikes with similar features that are lighter. I think you need a 500 motor if you select a hub motor bike. It rides like a non electric bike except it is heavier. It is very stable. It is able to go a little slower in PAS 1 than some other bikes if you want it to, which I find helpful on bike paths with traffic. It shifts well. Quality of the bike is excellent. It was delivered 90 percent assembled. Easy to add front wheel, pedals, seat post, etc. We have 3 e bikes ( an lectric xp step thru and a ride1up 500) and it is my favorite. It seems better quality. You may want to also consider the Espin Flow. It is the same as the Sport but a step thru. It might fit you better and would be easier to get on and off given your height. With its concealed battery I do not think the Sport or the Flow looks like a moped. If you have questions call or e mail Espin,. They are friendly and helpful and usually return e mail within a day.

My 5 ft 6-7 inch son can only ride the R1up500 with the seat all the way down and it seems big for him. The frame seems bigger and the reach longer. We have had some QC problems, ie the chain falling off. The battery is not concealed. The R1up700 is more like the Espin Sport and Flow but it is more $ ($1500 I think v. $1200 and it seems some 700's have also had qc issues especially bad controllers). I wouldn't suggest the lectric xp as it is heavier and has less range with the smaller battery. Brakes, gearing, shifting, comfort not as good. Suggest you search ebr for posts about bikes for shorter riders if interested in alternatives.

 

[Dewey]

Hi all!

Hi neighbor! Maybe test ride a Magnum Classic II from Electric Cycling House at Bethesda Metro. It’s a Class 2 or 3 ebike depending on how you configure it with a 48v 500w hub motor, basic pedal cadence sensor plus throttle, weighs under 50lb, and has a decent size 624wh battery an owner review on the Magnum site reports 30 mile range.

 

[indianajo]

The ride1up 500 has a 19" frame, probably too big for you.
The electric bike company Model Y at the top of the home page seems okay with a 16" frame. I'd invest in the optional 7 speed shimano rear instead of buying it with the base single speed hub. Both are geared hub motors, can be ridden unpowered with no drag. I ride one of those, like the acceleration across the 6 lane highway when the light won't turn green for a bicycle. Y has a throttle. The Model Y base is a 10 AH battery, just barely adequate, but they have as an option a 20 ah which would probably go several days without recharging according to your ride habits.
We have actual potholes and high pavement seperators here. I'd find the 20" tires of the magnum classic bone jarring. Amazing how everyone tries to direct short people into 20" bikes. Magnum sells a U1 which is 26" tires, I haven't looked up the frame size though.
A brand that caters to short people is Liv.
The bike I ride left a bodaboda is for short people. I have 29" inseam, extra long torso. I find the stretch frame more stable with baskets on the back; the front tire doesn't whip sideways on bumps & throw me over the handlebar on my chin the way 2 mountain bikes and a cruiser did. The electric version of this bike is $3000 though. 24 speeds, suitable for 15% grades with 60 lb payload even without using the motor.

 

[Adrian.s]

Hi all!

Public transit has been cut back severely in my city (thanks coronavirus) and it is time for me to admit I have no desire/motivation to get into the shape to bike under my own power for the distances I need, so an ebike seems like a better choice than buying a car. But there's so many choices!

Specifications:
-I really want something that looks as close to a regular commuter bike as possible (no fat tire, no giant frames). I really like the look of the Ride1Up Stealth but it just doesn't have enough range
-Removable battery is a must since I can't bring a bike up to my apartment or workplace (but I have indoor storage for the bike itself at both locations)
-A 20-30 mile range would be minimum. My workplace is only 5 miles away, but other trips would be 10 miles each way.
-It would be nice to be able to carry it fairly easily. Under 50 lbs is ideal.
-I'd like it to be at least somewhat pleasant to ride with the motor off
-I'm 5'5", about 150 lbs. This seems to be an in-between size for a lot of bikes, unfortunately
-I'd really like a throttle to start quick from a stop (drivers get antsy at red lights here)
-I'd like to stick under $2k since this is something of an experiment, but if I like it I'm not opposed to upgrading in a couple years. Weight and reliability are more important to me than longevity or high speeds.
-My area is pretty flat, so no need to get up more than a couple small hills

I tried out a Pedego City Light and liked the riding experience, but didn't love the back battery placement and it seemed much heavier than other options at nearly 70 lbs (or so the clerk told me). Unfortunately I don't have many other choices for trying out bikes in my price range in person

So far I've narrowed it down to four choices:
1. Charge City (I like the look of this one, that this comes fully equipped and is under 50 lbs with battery, but it has a weaker motor than other choices and it doesn't seem to be a popular choice)

2. Rad Power RadMission1 (I like the build, weight, and brand reputation of the Mission. I don't love that I'd have to buy all accessories separately since some seem out of stock, and I'm not sure a single-speed will provide a pleasant unpowered riding experience)

3. Espin Sport (Seems like a popular choice, comes fully equipped, and is on sale for $1200. But it has a more moped-y look and is 10lbs heavier than the Charge City. Is the 500w motor really worth the extra weight?)

4. Ride1Up City (seems pretty identical to the Espin, from what I can tell)

Is one of these actually vastly superior to the others? I'm not a bike person really, so while I've googled some different components any advice on the hardware is welcome. Or is there another choice I've not seen?

Radmini i regretted it ,i pre-order the mission its the one ill be getting in spring lolllll

 

[john peck]

The best choice is first that which fits your needs with your budget. That said, research, & take your time making the choice

 

[pxpaulx]

Might I suggest one of the ebikes that bikes direct is offering? They have expanded their ebike line significantly recently, including a nice shimano mid-drive at $2k and a bafang mid-drive @35lbs for $2,100. The thing about bikes direct is they may be new to ebikes, but they have been doing the direct to consumer thing for FAR longer than any of the brands you're looking at! They target users that are looking at a decent bike with name brand components at reasonable prices - a $2k shimano mid-drive with a 500wh battery at your size would easily get 60+ miles per charge. The bafang light-weight bikes are also very interesting, and bafang is one of the largest ebike motor manufacturers out there.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/ebikes-electric-bikes-at-near-wholesale.html

 

[Taylor57]

Might I suggest one of the ebikes that bikes direct is offering? They have expanded their ebike line significantly recently, including a nice shimano mid-drive at $2k and a bafang mid-drive @35lbs for $2,100. The thing about bikes direct is they may be new to ebikes, but they have been doing the direct to consumer thing for FAR longer than any of the brands you're looking at! They target users that are looking at a decent bike with name brand components at reasonable prices - a $2k shimano mid-drive with a 500wh battery at your size would easily get 60+ miles per charge. The bafang light-weight bikes are also very interesting, and bafang is one of the largest ebike motor manufacturers out there.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/ebikes-electric-bikes-at-near-wholesale.html

Good luck finding one in your size in stock. Even when they say they are in stock Im not so sure. Buyer beware...

 

[Bigal1463]

Don’t rule out the Aventon Pace. A solid bike with good component and a class 3 for under $1,400. I’m your size and it’s dry light and easy to handle.

 

[phoenixtoohot]

Don’t rule out the Aventon Pace. A solid bike with good component and a class 3 for under $1,400. I’m your size and it’s dry light and easy to handle.

Oh, I forgot about the Aventon Pace ! Almost perfect for the OP's mission and requirements. In fact at 150 lbs, the 350 would be more than adequate. Only thing missing is throttle from standstill, but many owners have learned to cope with that. The Aventon Pace 350 and 500 are among the easiest bikes to pedal with no assist of any I have tried. This was another desire of the OP.

 

[Bigal1463]

Just to remember to gear down to one or two and start up is easy to get the throttle going. This is one beautiful bike.

 

[ckrather]

Thanks everyone!

Given your responses I think I'm leaning towards the Espin Sport. I do like the weight/look/features of the Aventons but since I'll be biking in the dark part of the year, integrated lights are a must (yeah, I could add them myself, but as mentioned above my deadly sin is Sloth, lol). It seems like if I go up a budget bracket I could get my *perfect* bike and I'll definitely think about that in a year or two if I really enjoy the Espin.

 

[Taylor57]

Get the Sport and buy yourself a suspension seatpost (75), Slime your tires (10) and you will be all set. Great 1st ebike and before you know it you will be addicted and looking at Riese and Mullers and Bulls Iconics!

 

[Taylor57]

Also, I think if you mention BET when you order the Sport, you will get 50 bucks off and she may even get a little somethin somethin...

Your welcome BET!

 

[BET]

Is there a discount code for Espin ? I seem to remember someone used it.

 

[Taylor57]

Is there a discount code for Espin ? I seem to remember someone used it.

Want to give your friends and family a $50 discount on their Espin ebike purchases? Join our referral program! Once you sign up, we’ll give you a unique link to share with everyone you know. When anyone purchases an ebike through your link, you’ll get a 5% commission and they’ll save! It’s a win-win.

Sound Good?​ Sign Me Up!​ - The Espin Team

 

[FlatSix911]

Might I suggest one of the ebikes that bikes direct is offering? They have expanded their ebike line significantly recently, including a nice shimano mid-drive at $2k and a bafang mid-drive @35lbs for $2,100. The thing about bikes direct is they may be new to ebikes, but they have been doing the direct to consumer thing for FAR longer than any of the brands you're looking at! They target users that are looking at a decent bike with name brand components at reasonable prices - a $2k shimano mid-drive with a 500wh battery at your size would easily get 60+ miles per charge. The bafang light-weight bikes are also very interesting, and bafang is one of the largest ebike motor manufacturers out there.

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/ebikes-electric-bikes-at-near-wholesale.html

I just received an email from BD this week and the following EBikes are back in stock and now ready to ship.

Hot New eBikes! Save Up to 63% Off Electric Bicycles +FREE SHIP 48

Keep watching this page Hot New eBikes! Save Up to 63% Off Electric Bicycles +FREE SHIP 48

www.bikesdirect.com

View attachment 69302

 

[BET]

Thanks everyone!

Given your responses I think I'm leaning towards the Espin Sport. I do like the weight/look/features of the Aventons but since I'll be biking in the dark part of the year, integrated lights are a must (yeah, I could add them myself, but as mentioned above my deadly sin is Sloth, lol). It seems like if I go up a budget bracket I could get my *perfect* bike and I'll definitely think about that in a year or two if I really enjoy the Espin.

So, I found out that if you buy an Espin bike and use my code you can get $50 off. The code is ESPINSQUAD-ANZTFK. Thanks TAYLOR 57. Of course, buy whatever bike you feel will fit your needs and your budget.