Bike for a big guy.

[BCKelowna]

I’m 6’4” and 260lbs. Not in great shape which is why I’m looking at an ebike. I also live top of a long somewhat steep hill. About 2 miles total. Looking to buy a bike that will allow a ride of 10 to 15 miles and get me back up the hill without having to get off and walk the bike the final mile or so cause the pedal effort is too much or battery is exhausted. I live in Canada (Kelowna BC) and there seems to be several good bike shops in my area although most of them have depleted their 2018 inventory and 2019’s not in yet.

I’ve done just a couple test rides. One was Pedego Interceptor Platinum - liked it OK but would likely change the saddle - seemed to inhibit my leg movement. Had good power going up a fairly steep street but I did have to assist by downshifting and pedalling with some effort too. Dealer is a super guy but the bike with bigger battery is over $6000.

Also tried a Scott E Sub with Bosch Active 250W from a second dealership. Tried it up a steepish street and even in Turbo mode, the assist was minimal - it actually felt like little to no assist.
So my questions;
1. Is hub drive such as the Pedago going to be the only bike with enough hill climbing power or is a different mid drive going to offer better power than the 250W Bosch Active?

2. I’ve seen weight restrictions on many ebikes. Does that mean I’m too heavy to own one?

 

[Nova Haibike]

The Bosch Active drive is that brand's weakest motor in terms of torque, and possibly the weakest of any brand. If you want to try another mid-drive, look for a Bosch CX, Brose S, Shimano E8000, or Yamaha PW-X.

 

[BCKelowna]

The Bosch Active drive is that brand's weakest motor in terms of torque, and possibly the weakest of any brand. If you want to try another mid-drive, look for a Bosch CX, Brose S, Shimano E8000, or Yamaha PW-X.

Thanks. I thought that may be the case. Haven’t had time or opportunity to try other brands or drives except a very short ride (less than 200 yds) on a full suspension $6500 Felt with a Shimano mid drive 8000?. Had the wrong gear also so nothing went well on that disaster test. Lol

 

[Saratoga Dave]

A Trek Super Commuter 7 (pretty sure of the model, the black one) or a similar Haibike ought to get the job done for you. One with a Bosch CX motor and a 42 tooth lowest cog in the back. Reise & Muller also, for that matter, though they’re pricier.

I’m sure the right Giant or similar will do it too, it it’s all about the torque of the motor and the big cog out back there to get you over that hill. Your weight isn’t a deal breaker yet and what the hell, it will likely come down once you start riding one of these things all the time!

 

[BCKelowna]

A Trek Super Commuter 7 (pretty sure of the model, the black one) or a similar Haibike ought to get the job done for you. One with a Bosch CX motor and a 42 tooth lowest cog in the back. Reise & Muller also, for that matter, though they’re pricier.

I’m sure the right Giant or similar will do it too, it it’s all about the torque of the motor and the big cog out back there to get you over that hill. Your weight isn’t a deal breaker yet and what the hell, it will likely come down once you start riding one of these things all the time!

Thanks. My local bike shops are all sold out of Trek and Haibike anf Giant too. Seems as though ebike mania has hit here hard. I’ll keep looking and testing.