E bike with throttle

[tricksey]

Looking to purchase an E bike with a throttle, looking for a good quality bike (I have the funds just want something that will last). I am short and having an issue with a fit, the surface rook 604 is smooth however the handlebar reach is too short (I tried a seat pushed back over the stem and adjusted the handle bars still not enough of a reach, I absolutely loved the Tern however no throttle and neuro issues causes strength problems in my legs so yes a throttle is a must. I believe I liked the rook due to the torque sensor as it felt more like a natural ride of a bike, I am planning on doing the bike trails across america next year (my hubby has no idea this is what I am up too, but on my bucket list and I am going for it . Any suggestions would be great, I personally don't care for the big 4inch tires so the rads are out. Thank you in advance.

 

[Gordon71]

I picked up a Rad Mini step through a couple of weeks ago as both a back up bike to my Rad Rover step through and one I could fold up and easily transport in the back of my Kia Soul. I like the bike a lot. I've ridden my Rover 2600 miles thus far with no problems and the mini about a 175 miles also no issues.

 

[tricksey]

I picked up a Rad Mini step through a couple of weeks ago as both a back up bike to my Rad Rover step through and one I could fold up and easily transport in the back of my Kia Soul. I like the bike a lot. I've ridden my Rover 2600 miles thus far with no problems and the mini about a 175 miles also no issues.

Rads are decent the position between the seat and handlebars is just way too short for me, I ride typically like a mountain bike ride (lol bike shops keep telling me I ride wrong) but its how I like to ride

 

[Merle Nelson]

Welcome to EBR Tricksey.

If you like good quality you might want to look at the Watt Wagons bikes. Not sure of distances on Bike Trails Across America ride but their Hydra (mountain bike) could have battery swapped out as you go. Their titanium frame more road focused bike was used to do a record setting distance ride of almost 400 miles in 24 hours.

 

[RunForTheHills]

It is possible to adjust the reach by replacing the handlebars with swept back bars if you like everything else about the bike.

 

[6zfshdb]

If you have a Pedego dealer nearby, take an Interceptor step thru for a test ride. I had problems with the reach on many bikes I tested and the Interceptor was one of the few that was a good fit. Pedego quality & service are second to none. They are a bit pricey though.

The Interceptor: Electric Cruiser Bike | Pedego Electric Bikes

Experience the ultimate cruising adventure with Interceptor electric cruiser bike. Explore neighborhood and beachside with America's best-selling e-bike.

www.pedegoelectricbikes.com

 

[Taylor57]

Looking to purchase an E bike with a throttle, looking for a good quality bike (I have the funds just want something that will last). I am short and having an issue with a fit, the surface rook 604 is smooth however the handlebar reach is too short (I tried a seat pushed back over the stem and adjusted the handle bars still not enough of a reach, I absolutely loved the Tern however no throttle and neuro issues causes strength problems in my legs so yes a throttle is a must. I believe I liked the rook due to the torque sensor as it felt more like a natural ride of a bike, I am planning on doing the bike trails across america next year (my hubby has no idea this is what I am up too, but on my bucket list and I am going for it . Any suggestions would be great, I personally don't care for the big 4inch tires so the rads are out. Thank you in advance.

You sound like a good candidate for an Espin Flow, Ride 1 up step thru or Aventon Level Step thru. Each model under 1800 US.

 

[tricksey]

If you have a Pedego dealer nearby, take an Interceptor step thru for a test ride. I had problems with the reach on many bikes I tested and the Interceptor was one of the few that was a good fit. Pedego quality & service are second to none. They are a bit pricey though.

The Interceptor: Electric Cruiser Bike | Pedego Electric Bikes

Experience the ultimate cruising adventure with Interceptor electric cruiser bike. Explore neighborhood and beachside with America's best-selling e-bike.

www.pedegoelectricbikes.com

Pedego's are way too heavy for me I can't control them lol I am short and about 110 pounds I spent over 3 hours at La Jolla Pedego and couldn't get comfortable, rented one for a day in Los Olivos just can't seem to get enough control I have not tried the Ridge Rider which the battery is in the center of the bike so I may try that!! Thank you!

 

[Taylor57]

I think the Flow, Ride 1 and Levels are all around 55 to 60 lbs...

 

[tricksey]

I think the Flow, Ride 1 and Levels are all around 55 to 60 lbs...

Thank you I will check those out, I need talk to someone at Surface 604 today they are coming out with an XS in the spring of 2022.

 

[Van Haren]

I know about the reach issue as well as having a war damaged leg. But throttles are illegal in many areas and more require registration and a license for motorcycle. As well as local dealers won't even sell them.

 

[PatriciaK]

I have an Espin Flow and it's a great little bike - weighs 55 lbs with battery, a few pounds less without. Espin is a mostly internet direct seller, though they seem to be developing a dealer network, according to their website.

After several months of use (and a few months of storage in a hot summer shed) my Flow has developed some loose spokes and a couple of other minor issues I'm having taken care of (under warranty) at our local REI this week.

I do want to say, though I love my bike for recreational use - 10 - 30 miles a ride on mostly paved and gravel trails - I'm not sure it's a good candidate for a cross-country ride. How much gear (weight) are you going to be carrying? Trailer? Panniers? Spare battery? Where will you get service if a break down occurs in the middle of nowhere? There are a lot of considerations for long distance touring that aren't concerns when riding mostly locally and recreationally. You need to be sure you get the right bike for what you intend to do, and most bikes just can't do everything. I'm thinking you need something pretty substantial (read heavier) for a cross country trip, and, again, though I love my bike, I'm not sure it's right for your purpose. By all means check it out - but carefully and realistically think through what you're going to need for this adventure before you choose. You might take to people who have done long distance rides like this to get their thoughts.

Also, class 2 bikes (bikes with throttles) are prohibited on most trails, so you may have to adjust your routing. A workaround for you may be a letter from a qualified medical doctor staying you need the throttle in order to ride.

 

[Gordon71]

"Class 2 bikes (bikes with throttles) are prohibited on most trails, so you may have to adjust your routing." Check first as throttles can be simply unplugged which is fine on the trails that I ride on. On those trails class 2 and 3 are prohibited. I ride to the trail and make a quick stop where I unplug the throttle,ride the trails,and plug it back in after I leave them. Simple and perfectly OK with the Park Rangers.

 

[AHicks]

I know about the reach issue as well as having a war damaged leg. But throttles are illegal in many areas and more require registration and a license for motorcycle. As well as local dealers won't even sell them.

MOST areas make absolutely no attempt at enforcing ANY e-bike rules let alone whether or not the bike is equipped with a throttle. First, it because it's a really stupid rule that was written in a panic (knee jerk reaction mode) when e-bikes first started appearing. Second, many believe there's no enforcement for that reason (authorities realize it's a stupid rule!). Unless you're being a total jack ass, your e-bike is going to create very little attention from the authorities.

As far as dealers, many won't work on anything they didn't sell, and just as many (or more) want nothing to do with e-bikes, ANY e-bikes! I believe this boils down to a lack of skill on their part, and just plain exclusiveness (poor attitude). My own thought here, is that both of those issues are going to change soon, or that shop isn't going to be around long.

I do get that there are areas where e-bike class rules are enforced (kinda), so familiarizing yourself regarding local enforcement may be a good plan. Just realize that somebody getting a ticket or any type of actual enforcement action, is a really rare occurrence in the grand scheme of things.

 

[Van Haren]

I've been informed 'The RULES' come from Europe. And they are enforced in 7 other states. I'm in Donnie's Wisconsin and they are enforced. 'Cranked' the largest emporium in northeast Wisconsin and 'Wheel-n-Sprockets' with 11 emporiums in Wisconsin and Illinois both refuse to work on all the e-mail dealers trash because they refuse to work with them. And they are mostly on the westerly coast.
Of course there are other legal/religious reasons.
Richard