Folding e-bike for taller rider

[mark53]

Hello and great site. I am 6'1" 190lbs with a 32inch inseam pant leg. I'm looking for a folding e-bike that I can store on my sailboat. I like the 20" wheels for their compact folded profile. Given my leg length, I am trying to figure out which bike will fit me best. What dimension do I look at to find the max length from the top of the seat to the peddle? I like the Enzo since it has higher quality rust resistant parts but am concerned that it may be to small. Can you comment on demensions I should look at to tell it a bike will fit my leg length?

Thanks

 

[Barry S]

Check out the RadMini. They just came out with a YouTube video showing various riders standing alongside and riding the bike. To see the full Sizing and other specs, check out the web page and click on the applicable spec tab just below the photos of the bike.

 

[mark53]

Thanks, looks like a nice bike but a little heavy at 63.7lbs. Also, fat tires look like they would take more space. Looking at E-glide SF, Blix Vika+ but like the color choices and weather resistance of the Enzo. Since they would be frequently moved from below deck when used on the boat, a bike in the 50ish lb range is more suited.

 

[Over50]

Hello and great site. I am 6'1" 190lbs with a 32inch inseam pant leg. I'm looking for a folding e-bike that I can store on my sailboat. I like the 20" wheels for their compact folded profile...

Budget? Particular reason you need a folding e-bike vs just a folding bike (not electric)? Just asking because if weight is a big requirement then perhaps you might want to ditch the electric requirement.

For a great non-electric that can haul some stuff, has a Gates belt and a Shimano Alfine 8 speed IGH (and robust tires) I'd check out the Tern Verge S8i (can be ordered with rear cargo rack and probably front spartan rack). I think that bike runs about $2K without the racks. That bike will be fast, quiet and lighter than any electric you will find.

I'd recommend the electric Terns but they might not meet your weight requirements. They will be heavier. All of the Terns pretty much fit riders up to 6'4" according to their marketing. If you can wait, the 2019 Vektron will be greatly improved over the current version. With like 3 different options of motors and config and more robust cargo capability. But I bet they won't be released until next year. They also currently have at least 1 Bafang option I believe that will probably be a bit easier on the budget and perhaps lighter vs the Bosch variants.

You are definitely correct that 20" wheels make a huge difference in portability and ease of storage. I have 20" Terns, a 24" Tern and regular 27.5" and 28" wheeled bikes. The 20" wheels are awesome if you have to carry the bike up/down stairs or load into a vehicle. If I could go back in time I wouldn't have bought the Tern with the 24" wheels. It is a great bike but I prefer the convenience and portability of the 20" wheels.

 

[mark53]

Budget? Particular reason you need a folding e-bike vs just a folding bike (not electric)? Just asking because if weight is a big requirement then perhaps you might want to ditch the electric requirement.

For a great non-electric that can haul some stuff, has a Gates belt and a Shimano Alfine 8 speed IGH (and robust tires) I'd check out the Tern Verge S8i (can be ordered with rear cargo rack and probably front spartan rack). I think that bike runs about $2K without the racks. That bike will be fast, quiet and lighter than any electric you will find.

I'd recommend the electric Terns but they might not meet your weight requirements. They will be heavier. All of the Terns pretty much fit riders up to 6'4" according to their marketing. If you can wait, the 2019 Vektron will be greatly improved over the current version. With like 3 different options of motors and config and more robust cargo capability. But I bet they won't be released until next year. They also currently have at least 1 Bafang option I believe that will probably be a bit easier on the budget and perhaps lighter vs the Bosch variants.

You are definitely correct that 20" wheels make a huge difference in portability and ease of storage. I have 20" Terns, a 24" Tern and regular 27.5" and 28" wheeled bikes. The 20" wheels are awesome if you have to carry the bike up/down stairs or load into a vehicle. If I could go back in time I wouldn't have bought the Tern with the 24" wheels. It is a great bike but I prefer the convenience and portability of the 20" wheels.

Thanks for the thoughts, My budget under $2K. E-bike because most coastal towns are hilly and I'm 65. There are hills where I live so I could get back to bike riding in my neighborhood.

 

[ebikemom]

Ebikes are... heavy. It's great that you are here getting ideas!

The Pedego Latch weighs 43 pounds without the battery, and 50 pounds with the battery.

I the mom of a 4-bike family of Pedego riders, so that's the brand I know most about, but there are a lot of options out there. Pedego does have a lot of local dealers, which is very helpful if you need after-market or warranty service.

I couldn't find information on user height/instep and the Latch, but when I was bike shopping the dealer said that the Latch is quite accommodating to a range of different sized riders.

 

[mark53]

Thank you ebikemom. The Pedego looks higher quality and it fits in the 50ish lb size I am looking for. Plus,it has a long seat post at 580mm that would work for a taller rider. The only issue is at $2,595 it looks a bit more that my < $2,000 budget.

 

[ebikemom]

Yup, it sure is. Oh well!

If you have a dealer near you, you might enjoy a test ride just to see what this kind of bike feels like to ride, if you've never ridden one before, and as a basis for comparison for other folding bikes.

 

[Over50]

...The Pedego Latch weighs 43 pounds without the battery, and 50 pounds with the battery...View attachment 24701
...
I couldn't find information on user height/instep and the Latch, but when I was bike shopping the dealer said that the Latch is quite accommodating to a range of different sized riders.

50 pounds with battery sounds like a realistic expectation for most folders with a quality frame, wheels, motors etc. The construction for purpose-built e-bikes is generally burlier so apart from the motor + battery you have additional weight on the frame and some parts. Then add a rack, fender... and it adds up. 50 pounds will also put you in the realm of the Vektron. Again the 2019 Vektrons might shave some weight because the new Bosch Active Line Plus motor is advertised to be lighter, quieter and more powerful vs the current version. But again the 2019s are probably a ways out on the horizon. They will also have various motor and component options so price and weight may vary. One thing to consider on that Latch is the rear-mounted battery vs a low center mounted battery. I know from experience that the more weight you put on the rear of the 20" wheel bikes the squirrelier they get. Not the case for the GSD but that isn't a folder. But definitely the Vektron and my non-electric Tern with 24" wheels has different handling with a couple of bags of groceries hanging off that rear rack. So not sure if you planning to haul something on this bike but having a rear-mounted battery will reduce you cargo capability and perhaps handle differently vs the low-center mounted battery bike. May not be a material difference but if there is a way to test-ride both types would be ideal.

 

[Over50]

Just noticed on the Tern website that their Bafang (Vektron P9) bike says availability around June 2018. So should be out. They have it listed at $2600 with some reduced components vs the Vektron S10 (Bosch). Both bikes around 50 pounds with max load weight at 230 pounds. The max load weight is also something you want to pay attention to as you are bike shopping particularly if you plan to carry stuff. Sounds like a 230 max carry weigh would be good given you weight 190. Leaves some room for some cargo.

Only 400 wh battery on the P9 but maybe there is an upgrade option. I have no experience with Bafang so not advocating this bike - just drawing attention since it is close to your budget amount and apparently a new release:
https://www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/471/vektron-p9