Help me buy my first E-bike $1500 budget

[Johndds]

Love to have a $6k bike but have to bring my budget under $1500.

Here are some that are in the mix

1. 750 watt 8Fun mid drive 48v 20 Ah with the upgrades of hydraulic disk brakes, mud flaps and lights. Only problem is there are no reviews except for the 8Fun but not this bike specifically.

http://www.hallomotor.com

2. Fat Tire Surface 604 with $500 off with coupon EBRSURFACE604
https://surface604bikes.com

3. Prodeco Phantom 2
http://www.prodecotech.com/phantom-x2/

 

[Admin]

My pic would be the Surface 604 because the frame is more rigid than the ProdecoTech phantom and it has pedal assist in addition to throttle mode. Can't say too much about your first bike but I did respond on your other comment here. It might help people here share advice if you would communicate your height, weight, intended use, desired range and style of riding (upright regular, relaxed cruiser or forward aggressive). These details will make it easier to sort through. Since you definitely have a limited budget, the affordable category could be a good place to explore. Not all bikes there are under $1,500 and you may have already checked through but it's worth a shot.

 

[Johndds]

Thank you for the quick response! Ok a little more info, I live in Los Angeles Ca, 200lbs 5 foot 8 in. tall, close to 50 years old looking for a weekend fun bike. But never know I might end up an E commuter. I have an old Italian road bike I used to ride 20 years and 40 lbs ago, it's no longer comfortable. I have been going to a spinning class 3x a week at the local gym for the last 3 months this is why I'm now interested in getting back on the saddle. The wife said $1000 budget.

 

[Tom]

Hi John, You might want to google "turbo bob". He is very active in the ebike community in San Diego. He has a blog and a Facebook page, and reviews on you tube. He also organizes many ebike outings and seminars that would really help. I would contact him and talk to him. Maybe you can convince your wife to go on one of his outings. I wouldn't be surprised if she will want one too. Bob has many contacts and he may be able to keep his eyes and ears open to help you find something in your price range. Look at it as a fun weekend with your wife. San Diego isn't that far from LA. Give him a call, I bet he'll be glad to help. Good luck with your search. Tom

 

[calvin]

I wouldn't hesitate to take a loan out to get the bike that I really wanted. These bikes are just a lot of fun and worth every cent.

 

[Shea N Encinitas]

If you do come south we can take a long E3 Dash test ride, after the rain that is. I'll ride the other bike. Message me if you are interested. -S

 

[Admin]

Hmm... I'm not a fan of debt but I agree with @calvin that buying a long lasting bike that actually performs may be worth raising your budget for. I can't think of any ebikes that cost under $1K (especially after taxes). @Tom had a great suggestion about attending one of Turbo Bob's seminars with your wife so she can understand the value of an ebike (physical and social) she might jump onboard.

Check this out, did a quick search on Craigslist LA for Pedego and found a few at ~$1K that appear to be in great shape. There was even one 24" model which is perfect for petite riders (not sure how tall your wife is). Call one of these people and go for a demo on their bike then offer $1K or less. You'll get a comfortable ride great for "weekend fun" but not quite as active feeling as spin class due to the wide saddle and extended bars... more of an upright feel.

I owned one of these Interceptors and used it for commuting in Austin, TX ~6 miles per day and it worked great, more active ride position than the cruisers but also a bit bumpier and stiffer feeling (still more comfortable than a road bike). This one says it's new but also costs 2x what your wife wanted you to spend.