Help me pick my first e-bike

[Griffy42]

Me: I'm 32yo, 5'4", 160lbs female.

My Commute: ~2km through quiet residential, but I want to hook up a kid trailer to get my daughter to preschool. There is one steep hill that lasts ~75m and goes up ~2-3 stories. I go up it both ways, as preschool is at the top of the hill.

Other uses: I'd like to use it to get groceries and suchlike. The store is about 15km from my house.

Climate: Southern Ontario, however local regulations forbid me from biking when there's snow on the ground, so I am looking at March/April to November use.

I would prefer a comfy ride over a fast one, but would also kinda like some distance.

As far as budget is concerned, I would rather buy a more expensive bike if I can be assured it will last/has warranty coverage. I am looking to inherit some money soon, but don't have a huge cash flow normally.

 

[rich c]

I suggest you start with a local bike shop. Hauling children, and commuting are a couple of items that require parts availability and service. Both suggesting frequent brake service. Many internet only sales models are likely not to have parts, and you either have to be a bike mechanic or have a very understanding local shop.

 

[J.R.]

You'll get recommendations on the bike, but whatever you settle on, make sure it's kid trailer compatible since that's really important to you. Not all hub motor bikes are easy to add a hitch. The ones with a fixed axle are particularly more difficult. Full suspension bikes aren't great candidates either. That's not a problem though, as you can add a BodyFloat or Thudbuster seat post suspension to most hardtail bikes for comfort. The seller should be able to help with these, if not try elsewhere.

 

[Griffy42]

you can add a BodyFloat or Thudbuster seat post suspension to most hardtail bikes for comfort.

Thanks! I had never heard of these before!

 

[Dewey]

I'd add check the Toronto Electric Riders Association as they have lots of useful info about ebike shops, etc in Ontario. Also Momentum magazine - their cargo bike primer is excellent, the awesome Family Pedals podcast, and the Two Wheeling Tots website is good for reviews on child helmets and things kidical

An ebike with a mid-drive motor is good for hill climbing, cargo and kid hauling duties, and as already mentioned above it won't have as many issues with attaching a trailer as on a rear wheel motor hub ebike. I converted my pedal bicycle with a mid-drive kit motor and tow a child trailer. The 3 biggest bicycle companies Trek, Giant and Specialized all offer mid-drive ebikes, with step-through or mid-step frames. I second the advice on finding a shop local to you for servicing and to take a test ride before you buy.

A few accessories I have found helpful when towing a child trailer are a wheel stabilizer spring, aka a deflopillator, that stops the front wheel from swinging around if you are using a double kickstand, a stroller snuggler with harness cut outs in the back, a rear-view mirror, I have something like the Banjo Bros Grocery pannier bags I like they fold up when empty and have a large opening big enough to quickly drop in your grocery bags, puncture resistant tires because who likes changing a flat tire and these have a reflective band around the rim and you can get them in 20" for the trailer so you have a matching set, a flag, and blinkie spoke lights.

 

[john peck]

Griffy,
I have a Juiced Bikes CCS as a daily driver & grocery getter, comes with a good rear rack for panniers. 650 watts, 9 speed,
I'm a big guy who rides in pouring NW rain on a regular basis. For someone your size, it has plenty of hill climbing power
even with a kiddie in tow, lotsa features you'd find on bikes costing 3 times as much. Mine came fully tuned, just had to
put on the front whl & adjust the seat. Juiced has support videos that are very helpful. It has performed well for 600 mi. so far.
Supposed to be good for a 1000 charges. I get 40 mi. to a charge, that's a lot of miles. Basically a very solid bike, but expect
the same minor maintenance needs you would on a regular bike. It's definitely a good bike for the price. the performance
is amazing. Check it out.