First ebike for a 6 mile hilly commute

[buzzyFrog]

I’m looking to purchase my first ebike, and I’d love some advice on which one to grab. I’m planning to use it for a 6 mile (one way) city commute that includes some decent hills. I’m hoping to stay under $3k. What should I look for? I’m planning to test ride an Edison Bike tomorrow, an e-Joe Gadis this weekend and a Faraday Cortland next weekend.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

I’m looking to purchase my first ebike, and I’d love some advice on which one to grab. I’m planning to use it for a 6 mile (one way) city commute that includes some decent hills. I’m hoping to stay under $3k. What should I look for? I’m planning to test ride an Edison Bike tomorrow, an e-Joe Gadis this weekend and a Faraday Cortland next weekend.

Test ride these bikes:

izip Moda $2249
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

If you are 5ft 10" or less.
Haibike trekking S 9.0:
This is fast, high-quality and great commuter setup.
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

If you are 5ft 7" or less.
Raleigh lore ie: (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

BH Evo city pro for high quality motor and stealthy build:
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

 

[buzzyFrog]

Thanks! I’ll look these up. I’m in Atlanta, and there seems to be a limited selection locally but I think there are iZips and Raleigh’s sold here. I’m 5’5” so all of those options should work.

 

[ebikemom]

Faraday no longer exists, so if you plan to keep and ride your bike for years and hope for aftercare, this is something to consider.

I'm also 5'5" and I commute on the bike pictured in my avatar (Pedego Interceptor), which works great for me. My commute is 25 miles roundtrip, so I needed a lot more range than you require. I've made good use of the range on the bike with some longer errands as well as longer recreational rides.

I didn't try the other bikes you are trying, so cannot compare.

Happy shopping!

 

[linklemming]

While the iZip Moda is a great bike for the price the sizing might not work. They list the top tube length to be 615mm for small and medium. Im 6ft, 32inch pants inseam and this length top tube (on my medium is perfect) so 615mm might be too long for you. There could be a mistake on the small dimension though.

The 2018 izip Moda and 2018 Raleigh Redux IE are the same bike so thats another one(raleigh) to consider (although it appears to have the same TT dimension).

The Raleigh Lore Ravi links to is a great bike and the small size looks like it might work great for you.

 

[Aisakura7]

I highly recommend looking into a Raleigh lore! I was in the market for my first E-bike a few months ago, spent months researching which bike would be perfect for me. I live in a super crazy hilly area and was looking for something that could get me out of the driveway and to my destination without my fear of our crazy big hill of our road. After test riding and ordering dozens of different bikes I finally upped my budget a bit and settled on the Raleigh Lore IE. Best decision EVER. This thing is amazing, I can get around anywhere - I literally feel limitless. It helps me keep up with traffic and cross 5 lane intersections without a panic attack. I can get up any hill with ease, and I still get a killer workout in the process (I'm down 30 pounds!) I can confidently kick the bike off road in some mud dirt and trail, then pop right back onto the road to get home. If they're still available (2018 model) I would try and test ride it! The motor is a dream, smooth as butter, not jerky or over powering, and the settings of eco - turbo and all in between help me find the perfect assist for any given challenge. I literally can go farther, go longer and the feeling of being limitless is priceless to me.

My only gripe with that bike is no kick stand and I will eventually need a more comfortable seat, but these are simple things to fix / add on.

 

[Ebiker01]

I’d go with biktrix with the 1000watt motor.
6 mile hill is no match for any of the regular e bikes.

 

[samadhi]

I highly recommend looking into a Raleigh lore! I was in the market for my first E-bike a few months ago, spent months researching which bike would be perfect for me. I live in a super crazy hilly area and was looking for something that could get me out of the driveway and to my destination without my fear of our crazy big hill of our road. After test riding and ordering dozens of different bikes I finally upped my budget a bit and settled on the Raleigh Lore IE. Best decision EVER. This thing is amazing, I can get around anywhere - I literally feel limitless. It helps me keep up with traffic and cross 5 lane intersections without a panic attack. I can get up any hill with ease, and I still get a killer workout in the process (I'm down 30 pounds!) I can confidently kick the bike off road in some mud dirt and trail, then pop right back onto the road to get home. If they're still available (2018 model) I would try and test ride it! The motor is a dream, smooth as butter, not jerky or over powering, and the settings of eco - turbo and all in between help me find the perfect assist for any given challenge. I literally can go farther, go longer and the feeling of being limitless is priceless to me.

My only gripe with that bike is no kick stand and I will eventually need a more comfortable seat, but these are simple things to fix / add on.

Thanks for your review. What you said, along with EBR's and other highly positive online reviews I found, gave me the confidence to buy a 2018 Lore iE model for $2499 before they were all gone. I looked at a lot of websites and only Erik's store online still had a medium, and at a better price than other's selling the small. New 2019 models are $4500, yikes, and the upgrades are certainly not worth an additional $2,000! I live on a mountain top. Having to walk my (non-electric) bike up a steep hill to get home had taken the fun out of riding. I'll post my experience after my bike arrives.

 

[Marci jo]

Whoo hoo on considering an ebike. So many to choose from. I think you are wise to explore and ride many options and this forum helps too. Looking forward to a pic of your new wheels.

 

[TrevorB]

Thanks for your review. What you said, along with EBR's and other highly positive online reviews I found, gave me the confidence to buy a 2018 Lore iE model for $2499 before they were all gone. I looked at a lot of websites and only Erik's store online still had a medium, and at a better price than other's selling the small. New 2019 models are $4500, yikes, and the upgrades are certainly not worth an additional $2,000! I live on a mountain top. Having to walk my (non-electric) bike up a steep hill to get home had taken the fun out of riding. I'll post my experience after my bike arrives.

For commuting its worth adding quality full length mudguards, kick stand, integrated lights and rack if using panniers.