How to choose?

[carriek]

Hello, I'm 5'7" about 135 lbs, been riding my surly Big Dummy on my 27 mile, hilly, round-trip commute for the last three or four years, I shoot for twice a week. It's too heavy to ride it more often!!

I'm turning 50 soon and an e-bike is my present to myself. I want to ride to work every day. I think I have it narrowed down to the IZIP Path Plus Low Step OR the Pedego Classic City Commuter. Can you help me decide?

Thanks,
Carrie in Portland OR

 

[Adora]

Hello Carrie, Welcome. I'm new here and seraching like you, but you do seem to know what you want. Have you made a decision yet?

 

[carriek]

Hi Adora, thanks for your note.

I bought the IZip, it's $600 cheaper and the bike shop that had it is closer to my house. I wanted a bike that looks like a bike; I don't want to attract a lot of attention to myself, and I am hoping would-be thieves will be deterred if they think it's just a normal bike.

I haven't driven my car in a week. My commute used to be 75 minutes (each way, ugh) on my cargo bike, I am getting to work in 40-45 minutes now. I pedal aggressively, but it's just easier now.

It's funny, I used to love the flats on my Big Dummy. Getting up hills sucked, though. It's kind of the opposite on my e-bike--the hills are a hoot! And I feel like I'm dragging on the flats, as the assist cuts out when I get to 17-18 mph.

But overall, I'm really happy with it, so far!

 

[Adora]

Hey, hello again ;-) Sounds like you have become a serious commuter! Good on you! Which model of the Izip did you purchase? Are you needing to climb any bih hills, or are you in the valley? Adora

 

[Admin]

Cool, thanks for sharing interest in ebikes and ultimately your purchase decision @carriek! I'd also like to confirm which electric bike you went for but it sounds like the Path+ from IZIP? That's a solid choice, I just reviewed the 2015 model and while not a lot has changed, it's still one of the more affordable fully featured models out there from a reputable company