Best e-bike for city tour fleet?

[osric]

Hi, I operate a small bike tour company and am investigating e-bikes to purchase a small fleet of bikes (fewer than 10, since my tours are typically no more than 6 riders). The tours are on roads or bike paths and usually no longer than 3 hours.

I've searched far and wide for an ebike with pedal assist, an upright riding position, a low-step frame that can accommodate riders of various heights, be stable at very low speeds, comfortable for riders of varying skill levels, and be able to withstand the humid, salty outdoor conditions here in coastal Massachusetts.

I'm leaning toward the Electric Bike Co. Model S, the Electra Townie Go, or the Gazelle Arroyo.

Any suggestions on other models to evaluate? Thanks in advance.

 

[sc00ter]

What does your local food delivery services around your area use? Ours seem to use Pedego because there is a dealer in the area, and some other brand I've yet to find out. My sister saw someone has a fleet of Rad Power bikes near Washington D.C., and my local oceanfront uses low power 250watt Raleigh ebikes. AddMotor was used in North Carolina but they got flooded out 2 years ago and never returned.

Just like regular bicycles you'll use them for a few years and replace them. Our oceanfront uses Sun beach cruisers and replaces them every 2 years. No matter what you do the ocean air will slowly eat them.

 

[ElevenAD]

well you have the right idea, definitely go with hub motor stepthroughs! you may also want to consider RADROVER step through! the big tire will offer a softer more comfortable ride than the above bikes and the Company is solid for sure,i think they are the biggest US online E-Bike company

 

[osric]

Thanks for the recommendations. I learned last week that local regulations prohibit renting throttle ebikes, so that takes a lot of these options off the table. I’m looking at Trek/Electra and Gazelle as the most likely at this point.

 

[AHicks]

Have you considered removing the throttle? Shouldn't take more than about 5 minutes.

I'd be tempted to try and work something out with a local bike dealer. Lease the bikes through him.

 

[osric]

Have you considered removing the throttle? Shouldn't take more than about 5 minutes.

I'd be tempted to try and work something out with a local bike dealer. Lease the bikes through him.

The local regs say the bikes have to be labeled as “Class 1” by the manufacturer, which may be challenging since that kind of label isn’t common yet. Most of the bikes that have throttles aren’t great pedal-assist bikes, which is why they have throttles

Bike shops here don’t do financing or leasing, so I have to do that through a bank (which I’m already working on - I just need to pick which model bike to buy). Rad has a fleet program, but you can’t use it if you’ll be modifying the bikes in any way.

 

[AHicks]

Class 1 stickers are available very reasonably.

Have you talked to RAD?

The RIGHT bike shop, given a reasonable business plan that shows how they can make a few bucks with a minimum amount of risk, MIGHT entertain ideas other than what you're giving them credit for. They're just another small business.

If you're going to make this work, you're going to need to separate yourself from the rest of the pack. Get some help if you need it....

Don't take NO as the ultimate answer for anything.....