I need help on my choosing my first ebike

[Eddy101_]

I'm looking to purchase an ebike under 3k cad for just daily commuting. I like the looks and did some research on the Rize MD and was planning to purchase that. However, I heard that their bikes are poor quality and have terrible customer service. Could you recommend some decent companies if rize isn't a good one. Thanks.

 

[indianajo]

The brand forum "known problems & solutions" thread has 101 posts for Rize today. Pretty substantual for a company 2 years old.
www.Blixbike.com is 16 years old and has one post. Surface604 is 9 years old and has 30 posts on the known problems thread. Kona is 30 years old, is Canadian and has zero posts on the known problems thread.
My yubabike bodaboda arrived perfect and things are just beginning to wear out at 4 years & 9000 miles. But stretch frame cargo bikes aren't for everybody. I buy groceries & supplies off my bike; I don't routinely drive a car.

 

[AHicks]

I'm looking to purchase an ebike under 3k cad for just daily commuting. I like the looks and did some research on the Rize MD and was planning to purchase that. However, I heard that their bikes are poor quality and have terrible customer service. Could you recommend some decent companies if rize isn't a good one. Thanks.

As a Rize owner, I'd suggest you do a little more research on the company.

The only guys I'm familiar with that are not happy are those that took delivery of a bike they expected to be fully prepped as they were NOT even willing to listen to those offering help to get them through what were usually simple rookie issues caused by complete lack of experience or unwillingness to learn. On consumer direct bikes, ALL of them, the bike is shipped to you for final assembly and inspection. 99% of the people that try to do this get through in fine shape.

For those thinking this is a 2 year old company, I would suggest they're nearly as clueless, as this company renamed itself 2 years ago - from Spark Bikes.

 

[tomjasz]

I'm looking to purchase an ebike under 3k cad for just daily commuting. I like the looks and did some research on the Rize MD and was planning to purchase that. However, I heard that their bikes are poor quality and have terrible customer service. Could you recommend some decent companies if rize isn't a good one. Thanks.

3K can buy a decent bike. Perhaps nicer than the RIZE.
Any local bike shops with eBikes?

What appeals about RIZE?

Rear hub or BBS02? Hills to climb or mostly flat?

A BBS02 has a parts stream for repairs and lots of online support for trouble shooting. I really like that they encased the motor, but shifting properly as if it were a pedal bike is important to not overheat the motor. Being cased will me less heat shedding, but a good rider should be able to mitigate that issue.

 

[TrevorB]

Musts for commuter. Mudguards, lights, kickstand and rack to take panniers.
Nice haves. Cafe/wheel lock, beltdrive for low maintance.
If your storage location doesn't allow charging battery on bike then battery that is easy to remove. Majority of batteries are easy to remove but some are inbuilt and others its multistep process which would wear thin on daily basis.

Battery size and motor power will depend on range required and hills on commuter route. If you can supply commute info can give you better info.

Most important thing you can do is test ride as many bikes as possible even if they are out if your price range. Experience will give you ideal what things you like and don't like in a bike.

 

[CodyDog]

To the OP: Have you decided between cadence sensor or torque sensor, hub or mid drive? Perhaps you have answered these questions in your search. If not, do a little homework on these basics before searching for an ebike.