I'm new to the electric bike scene and am very interested in purchasing one for my commute to work. I plan to commute to work 1-2 times per week. My commute one way is 12 miles, it will be on road or on paved trails.
I know the durability for regular components but my question comes down to the electric motor.
Direct Drive motors are the must durable long term, I figured that out, but the bike I am interested in is the Juiced CrossCurrent S, this has a rear-hub geared Bafang motor.
What kind of durability should I expect? I asked Juiced and they said it should last a couple of years?!?
What is the general thoughts on how long it will generally last? 2000 miles, 3000 miles?
I don't plan on biking in the rain or snow, so lets assume normal wear and tear.
Finally, is replacing a rear-hub motor cheaper and easier to replace than a mid-drive unit?
Thanks for the insight!
Generally speaking, geared hub motors are fairly reliable. They are also not too hard to replace some of the inner components if you have a shop that you bought the ebike from that is local, and has someone that can do it. But not knowing rider weight, conditions you are riding in, and the price point that this Juiced Bike is at, coupled with all of the features they are attempting to pack into it at that price point, I would suggest a little bit of caution and put the overall ebike in the potential 'too good to be true category.' Its very hard to get any manufacturer in Asia to put together a quality build in an ebike that has the combination of components this ebike has (i.e. hydraulic brakes, a 650 watt motor - odd size given that most are either 500 watts or 750 watts, torque sensing, but not only torque but torque and cadence, integrated front and rear lights, capable of 28 mph, suspension fork, 12.8AH battery at 48 volts, included rear rack).
So what would have me concerned if I were in your shoes as a commuter is a) at this price point, are all of the critical items going to be long life and virtually maintenance free since this is being bought on-line and not through a dealer who can and would most likely help me out on trouble-shooting and keeping this maintained b) with it not being from a dealer, am I buying from an entity that has a good chance of being around a long time, since this obviously being sold at very thin margins to get all of these features at this price point which is way lower than many ebikes that have less features, and c) will the company be responsive and have the time to help me on the phone, when or if something does happen, since again I didn't buy this from a dealer, or if I did that dealer made next to nothing on the ebike.
In otherwords, there are no free lunches so to speak. To get reliability you need quality components, not just great combinations of features, so you have to ask where are the trade offs that were made to get so much for such a low price ?
You're asking about the motor, is actually the last thing I would ask about with any ebike, but your gut is telling you something here, otherwise you would not be likely asking that question. Really the more important question is what is the quality of the battery (not just the cells, but the management system) and how well designed and robust is the controller, given a 650 watt motor that can draw up to 900 watts according to their specs, that is going to be asking a lot of the battery management and controller over time, so both had better be able to handle the 'heat' that will be generated, or designed really well to actually keep that heat down. The battery is by far the most expensive single component on just about any ebike, and again its not just about whether the cells are Panasonic or Samsung, but how the entire battery is built, and the components and circuitry within it.
My best estimate is, that if you were only buying this particular ebike with occasional recreational use, and not regular commuting where you really need an ebike that is reliable, and with really good components in the critical areas such as battery, controller, the drive train including derailleur, the brakes (not necessarily hydraulic but higher end brakes), and something that you can buy from a local shop who will be there for you when time is important, and timing, and you are more apt to take it in to take good care of it for things that are not an easy DIY, you would be ok. Otherwise, I would suggest focusing on an ebike with better components in critical areas, if possible buying from a shop that is local, and also probably thinking of budgeting $400 to $600 more to get what will be a more appropriate solution for commuting.
They have some really 'seductive' marketing going on here too, and not saying that is a negative in of itself, but calling it a 'sport-commuter' and all the other things they emphasize that borders on hype, again at such a low price point that even larger and more financially sound ebike OEM's can't produce, you have to have a bit more skepticism and ask a lot more questions.
P.S. One thing on the motor. Since it is a 'unique' design, and so few are likely being made, what is the prognosis for that motor being easily replaced if and when you need to do it a few years down the road, and then also what is the real replacement cost ? And if you have to buy something else, even if its from Bafang, will it actually fit and be compatible with the controller and drivetrain. These features and so many of them are indeed seductive. And again, there is no 'free lunch' so what trade offs were made here to get such a bargain ?
