E-lux anyone?

[hippiebrian]

Does anyone own one? I have been researching ebikes for a while, and for the money the E-lux beach cruiser seems like the ticket. There doesn't appear to be 1200 dollars difference between it and the Pedego, and I like the E-lux style better. The fat tire seems large, but the beach cruiser about right. Looked at them today at a bike shop and fell in love. EBR has good things to say about the fat tire and the only difference seems to be size and battery placement (behind d the seat tube on the fat tire and under the rack on the beach cruiser). Just looking for some first hand experience before pulling the plug. It would be mostly for commuting and some coffee shop hopping / beach cruising on the weekends.

 

[Ann M.]

Having ridden quite a few ebikes with both the motor and battery pack in the rear, I notice the top heavy weight distribution and find a design where the battery is in the middle and motor in the back easier to ride. Particularly with a heavier bike like the ELux at 75 lbs, the sense of balance becomes more important. Court did a good review of the Elux Fat Tire Bike last spring and it looks like the bike is priced fairly for the quality of components, motor power and battery size. Just wish the Elux website included more details about the components, etc. This is where some of the price difference comes when compared to brands like Pedego, etc.

Do remember that those bikes are 75 lbs, so if you run out of juice, that's a lot of weight to pedal around without battery power! Main thing is what you think of the bike, @hippiebrian; did you have an opportunity to test other cruiser style bikes as well? Worth your while to do so, especially if you have ebike shops near where you live. One other consideration is the limited distribution of the Elux products which could be an issue relative to service of the bike over a long lifespan.

 

[hippiebrian]

I did notice the weight of the fat tire, and looking at it, the dimensions are huge, with the fat tire and wheel making for more weight.

The Beach Cruiser, however, is more in line size wise to a conventional beach cruiser and about the same size as the Pedego. It also has conventional size (look like 700 I believe) wheels and tires, putting its weight much lower than the fat tire. Like you, I wish they did a better job on their site, but the components seem quality enough (derailer, cranks, etc.) and if they wear out, I can replace them with better ones.

One other reason I like this bike is that the company is basically right down the street (about 20 miles away) and the dealer I would use is solid and has a good reputation.

 

[opimax]

last 2 points are enough to make the deal , local support cant be beat!

 

[Ann M.]

Sounds like you've done your homework, @hippiebrian! Now get out there and ride . And send us some pics, please.

 

[hippiebrian]

Well, I put down 50% on anew E-lux beach cruiser today. The fat tire still seems too huge and heavy, and after a test ride, I was sold on the Beach Cruiser. I pock it up in a week. Today I picked up a Bern helmet (I feel so Portlandia!) on sale. The bike has noticeably more power than the Pedego, and seems to fit me much better. I still can't figure out where the extra thousand for the Pedego goes. I'm guessing derailers, maybe brake components, but I can upgrade thsee if they wear out on the Elux. One difference I noticed right off the bat, other than the more power, is that the bike is considerably more quiet than the Pedego. They are both geared motors, so I wonder why the difference. Anyone know? Oh yes, another plus with this bike is that it has Samsuno batteries. Anyhow, I'm stoked! Pictures next week!

 

[RealDeal]

Congrats! How tall are you? The E-Lux Fat Tire bike is something I think I would really like but I'm 6'4" and have pretty long legs. Do you think it would fit someone that's kind of tall?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[hippiebrian]

I am 5'10", but my legs are short (29"inseam). The fat tire would fit you fine, but remember it is 75 lbs. I think the Beach Cruiser would also fit, as there is quite a bit of room on the stem.

 

[jasond1979]

I've ridden the fat tire and it really scoots and is comfortable on my six foot frame. Thinking of getting gun metal frame color

 

[Earl Rohn]

I have a gunmetal Tahoe and its the greatest!