Best ebike for your aging Mom

PattyP

New Member
I am 70 and ride on paved and packed dirt hilly roads in the Adirondacks. Looking for a cruiser type. Comfy and stable. Low step thru. I am riding about 8-10 miles. Easy to ride and use. No bike shops here so need dependability. Class 2. Would love your great suggestionsl
 
Based on your requirements including Class 2, take a look at BD... Mango Super Bird Lightweight Aluminum Cruiser $899


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Something a little different?
 
I suggest riding both class 1 and 2 before deciding that you need a throttle.

I have a Giant La Free E+2, which is a class 1; low step through, very comfy, does a FABulous job on my hilly rides. It does not have a throttle, and I haven't missed it. There's also the belt drive E+1, for about $400 more. Details here:

 
Patty, buying an ebike with a throttle is kinda like buying a car with a heated steering wheel. You don't need it, but it's nice to have.
Throttles are nice if you buy an ebike with a cadence sensor, but no torque sensor. If you buy an ebike with a good torque sensor the throttle becomes less important.
What's your budget?
 
Patty, buying an ebike with a throttle is kinda like buying a car with a heated steering wheel. You don't need it, but it's nice to have.
Throttles are nice if you buy an ebike with a cadence sensor, but no torque sensor. If you buy an ebike with a good torque sensor the throttle becomes less important.
What's your budget?
Probably not more than $1700
 
You might also be interested in the Aventon Pace 350 then:


It's got a throttle, and it's $1099. Check out the Aventon thread here - owners are very happy with the bike!
 
Take a look at Rad Power Bikes. You might like the Rad City Step-thru. Rad City

I've had a Rad Rover for almost 2 years and probably do similar riding as you. I have been very happy with my bike. I went with the Rover because we vacation at the beach a good bit and the fat tires are fun on the sand.

I knew the Rover had a throttle, but I didn't choose it for that. I could pretty easily get by without it but I'm glad it's there. I've never had an ebike without a throttle, so I can't compare. There seem to be a lot of strong opinions about throttles or not. I guess I figure I'd rather have one and not need it than need it and not have it. As it is, I use it roughly 10 seconds per hour, for quick starts at intersections with cars behind me.

The big problem with Rad bikes right now is that many styles seem to be on back order.

TT
 
Call Crazy Lenny's and see if they have any of these BH Atom Street bikes left.


They were discounting them below $2K shipped with suspension seat post. Again, you must call them for the best prices but everyone here who has bought bikes from Lenny's says it was a great experience. I thnk this bike would be great for mom with lower step (but not so low that it makes the bike wobbly at speed) and mid drive motor which will help on hills. It has a smooth and refined torque sensing motor so should be fine without throttle. Just put it in higher assist if you need more juice. Good battery capacity as well. Comes with 5 year BH warranty. May not be the fastest warranty service with BH USA now routing warranty claims thru Spain but I don't think you're giving up much relative to what you get. Will be way better than most of the cheap stuff under $2K which are also fine, I just think mom might like this better than a high powered rear hub if she wants something that feels and rides more like a bike.
 
No bike shops here so need dependability.
They all need servicing and they all break at some point.
How far from "here" are the nearest bike shops and what brands do they sell or service?
Does Velofix mobile service cover your area?
 
What about the Pace 500?

She said she lives in a hilly area, she could really use the extra climbing power... and still below the $1700 budget.
The 500 is a Class 3 bike with quite a kick - for someone who's 70, might be a bit much. Also, might not be able to ride in as many areas as a class 1 or 2, since many trails prohibit class 3 due to speed capability. The 350 should do the job nicely, based on owners experience with hilly areas.
 
I don't see a problem with Class 3, it's not like Class 3 bikes will shoot you up to 28mph immediately or do burnouts or wheelies, usually Class 3 bikes will have nice extra boost of power for climbing hills. (as you know)

If she doesn't like the extra assist, just lower it? 🤔
But if the trail specifically prohibits Class 3, then that might be a problem.
In the Aventon thread, there's a lot of comments about the 500 taking off with quite a jolt in PAS 1 - just so she's aware.
 
Call Crazy Lenny's and see if they have any of these BH Atom Street bikes left.


They were discounting them below $2K shipped with suspension seat post. Again, you must call them for the best prices but everyone here who has bought bikes from Lenny's says it was a great experience. I think this bike would be great for mom with lower step (but not so low that it makes the bike wobbly at speed) and mid drive motor which will help on hills. It has a smooth and refined torque sensing motor so should be fine without throttle. Just put it in higher assist if you need more juice. Good battery capacity as well. Comes with 5 year BH warranty. May not be the fastest warranty service with BH USA now routing warranty claims thru Spain but I don't think you're giving up much relative to what you get. Will be way better than most of the cheap stuff under $2K which are also fine, I just think mom might like this better than a high powered rear hub if she wants something that feels and rides more like a bike.

I agree, a high quality mid-drive would be a good idea for hill climbing... here is another option under $1,799. ;)


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I am 70 and ride on paved and packed dirt hilly roads in the Adirondacks. Looking for a cruiser type. Comfy and stable. Low step thru. I am riding about 8-10 miles. Easy to ride and use. No bike shops here so need dependability. Class 2. Would love your great suggestionsl
If you are shopping for this summer, you need to consider availability. Americans are buying bicycles and eBikes in huge numbers right now. Inventories are short or nonexistent. If it's not in stock, most suppliers are being very optimistic about delivery times. Be cautious about what they promise and make sure you can cancel an order if they don't ship on a promised date.
 
Something a little different?
I will look at this - a bit different
I am 70 and ride on paved and packed dirt hilly roads in the Adirondacks. Looking for a cruiser type. Comfy and stable. Low step thru. I am riding about 8-10 miles. Easy to ride and use. No bike shops here so need dependability. Class 2. Would love your great suggestionsl
Based on your requirements, take a look at BD... Mango Super Bird Lightweight Aluminum Cruiser $899


View attachment 51984
Based on your requirements, take a look at BD... Mango Super Bird Lightweight Aluminum Cruiser $899


View attachment 51984
I will definitely check it out
If you are shopping for this summer, you need to consider availability. Americans are buying bicycles and eBikes in huge numbers right now. Inventories are short or nonexistent. If it's not in stock, most suppliers are being very optimistic about delivery times. Be cautious about what they promise and make sure you can cancel an order if they don't ship on a promised date.
Really good advice, thanks!
 
My wife and I have Rad Mini Step Thru's, she really likes hers and for myself coming from the dirt bike world I like its size and offroad feeling of the ebike. We are in our early 70's and I think the easiness of getting on and off whatever the circumstance my be is what sold that style of ebike for us.
 
My wife and I have Rad Mini Step Thru's, she really likes hers and for myself coming from the dirt bike world I like its size and offroad feeling of the ebike. We are in our early 70's and I think the easiness of getting on and off whatever the circumstance my be is what sold that style of ebike for us.
Thanks- Rads are good, but not readily available. Certainly like the easy step through though.
 
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