Lightweight AND affordable eBikes

How much are you willing to pay for an electric bike that weights under 35 lbs (15.8 kg) ?

  • $1000 - $15000

    Votes: 10 18.2%

  • $1500 - $2000

    Votes: 6 10.9%

  • $2000 - $3000

    Votes: 13 23.6%

  • Above $3000

    Votes: 26 47.3%
  • Total voters
    55
I have a Trek 700+. It weighs close to 50 pounds and uses a Bosh mid drive motor. After 4,000 miles I have the sense that it will last a long time. Although I'm happy with this bike a lighter weight would be great! It is hard to put the Trek 700+ on a bike rack or lift it on to a truck bed. The bike is built with a focus on maximum strength. I also have a non-electric Madone that weighs 17 pounds. Given the weight of the battery and motor it is clear that Trek put a lot of weight into specking an indestructible frame and set of wheels. I think they could easily knock 10 pounds off the bike and still have a very strong safety factor, especially when it is used on city streets and country roads.
 
BMC AMP did it for me. 32 lbs if I recall correctly. Out the bike shop for at $4114. About the weight of the 2006 Specialized SJ Pro MTB - I used to own. That I upgraded to a Devinci Django carbon... being a mid drive bike, with the weight of the battery in the seat tube - the AlpenChallenge actually rides and handles like a good road / Cross bike. This bike I something like 10 - 12 pounds heavier than my alloy Kona Jake athe Snake. If we talked a Jake with panniers p, it might even be lighter... the Jake is a 2x9 of course and has a Long cage derailleur with an MYB cluster - it will climb anything...


Riding the BMC in the hills around Hood River, Oregon, it is a treat to ride as it handles the twistis beautifully.

My only criticisms of the BMC are - no mounting points for racks and I kinda wish it had a 2 x front derailleur - just in case...
 
Just read Bikeradar's road test of the BMC AMP. I've seen photos of this bike before and my first thought was that I didn't like the location of the battery. It still wouldn't be my first location choice, but the more I look at the photo of the LTD model the more I like it.

I feel for all of you that have a 26kph motor cut-out . Here in Canada the limit is a more usable 32kph. For most of my riding a 32kph limit works fine, but 40kph would be even nicer.

My Pedego Ridgerider mountain bike has a (modified) 40kph limit which I don't use that often, but it is nice, every now and then, to be able to cruise along at 38kph. :)
 
Putting the battery in line with rider weight makes sense to me. I demoed a couple of ‘sport’ e-bikes with the battery on the down tube and they felt odd when charging downhill into hairpins. There was a noticeable and not confidence inspiring tipping point. Felt, I’m lookin at you...

I may be coming at this from a different place. I injured my back a while ago. Can’t ride laid out on my Cervelo; have to avoid the abrupt shock of serious single track. My wife suggested I get an e-bike to get out, clock some miles and get the cardio/fitness I need. For me the criteria began with familiar handling. I ride mostly in eco mode or off. I hit Norm once in a while when I’m flagged. I’m stoked to get out and clock some miles and get a workout.
 
Ride1up has a new lightweight bike less than 35 lbs for $995. You do sacrifice some things for light weight. I think it is a 350 w/500w peak geared hub motor. Top speed approx 24 mph. battery in the tube. Single speed I think. It is light and does not look like an e bike. Not for me but it is light.
 
After spending a week with the Sport, I really think I prefer a lighter ebike even at the expense of power as I don't use the PAS that much.

So that would mean it should have sufficient gearing... at least 7 speeds and maybe a 2x if possible. But as always, keeping it value priced.

The only ones I see are the Biktrix Swift Lite and the Propella 3.4. The Ride1up would be great if not for the single speed.
 
So any other lightweight ebikes that can handle heavier riders?

The one I've seen recommended is the Specialized Vado SL but that's a $3350 bike. Anything in the $1500ish range?
 
BenTarassoli said:
I believe weight is a big issue when it comes to electric bikes. There are a few under 40 lbs eBikes in the industry, however they are very expensive!

At Propella we are excited to release our new eBike model that weighs under 35 lbs (15.8 kg) using Panasonic High-Density Li-ion cells, with alloy frame and components.

Please visit our blog for updates: http://www.propellabikes.com/blog

And sign up to stay tuned on the release date: http://www.propellabikes.com

Thanks,
Ben
Click to expand...

Ben, welcome to EBR. Here is a recent Propella 3.0 review from Court.

electricbikereview.com

Propella 3.0 7-Speed Review

Price: $1299 | Model Year: 2019 | A handsome and sleek yet agile, lightweight, and affordable road ebike continually upgraded and revised via Propella’s crowd funding campaign Reliable Bafang 250 watt hub-drive with 7 speed Shimano Altus system and Shimano Tourney TX 160mm rotor mechanical disc...
electricbikereview.com electricbikereview.com
Summary
  • A handsome and sleek yet agile, lightweight, and affordable road ebike continually upgraded and revised via Propella’s crowd funding campaign
  • Reliable Bafang 250 watt hub-drive with 7 speed Shimano Altus system and Shimano Tourney TX 160mm rotor mechanical disc brakes
  • Features a revised battery housing and mounting system from previous versions as well as a newer front fork and head tube with sealed cartridge bearings
  • Built more for active riders so comfort is not abundant, battery is on the smaller side, for these reasons, you may not want to use it for a super long distance trip
Pros:
  • Quite a looker, there as a lot of attention to detail aesthetically and it pays off, I love the blue matching accents and even the anodized coating on the rims and grips uses that same blue to keep it looking sharp
  • I found it to be a lot of fun to ride, it felt agile and nimble right from the get go, and I love how quick it seemed to pick up when I engaged the pedal assist
  • Continually upgraded, for the 3.0 you get a better battery casing with a little touch screen readout, more secure battery mounting system, a wider front fork, and even an upgraded head-tube
  • Very lightweight and affordable, the smaller battery, efficient road tires, and frame keep the weight down to just 38.2lbs, not bad for an ebike at all, and the cost is $1,299
Cons:
  • Since it has a rigid fork, flat grips, and active saddle, you can tell this isn’t a cruiser bike and may not be comfortable for long distances,
  • those looking for a lot of comfort may want to add a suspension seat post or look at other offerings
  • I noticed that coating on the chain was flaking off like paint, so it is likely not a real rust resistant coating but rather painted for looks
  • The overall battery capacity is on the smaller side, but given the bikes active purpose, I don’t think it is that big of a deal, the smaller battery helps keep the overall weight down as well, so it has that going for it as well
 
Last edited:
BigNerd said:
So any other lightweight ebikes that can handle heavier riders?

The one I've seen recommended is the Specialized Vado SL but that's a $3350 bike. Anything in the $1500ish range?
Click to expand...

Yes, BD has a new Mulekick EBike that weighs only 33-35 lbs with assist up to 28 mph for $1,999. ;)

Hot New eBikes! Save Up to 63% Off Electric Bicycles +FREE SHIP 48

Keep watching this page Hot New eBikes! Save Up to 63% Off Electric Bicycles +FREE SHIP 48
www.bikesdirect.com

1599947115467.png
 

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Yes, I listed the Propella above. Sold out and not sure what the max rider weight is.

The closest I found I think is the Charge City is $1499... still a bit heavy at 45lbs but it can handle max 300lbs rider and is actually in stock and shipping... I like that it's almost fully built except putting on the front tire and that the handlebars and pedals are foldable for easier storage. Dorel group so cousin to Cannondale/Schwinn et al if that means anything.

Maybe if I wait a few more months, someone will release something. :)
 
@FlatSix911 Tried to email BD... they don't list rider weight capacity for their bikes.

The MuleKick is sold out, the Elite Adventure 29er ships in September but no weight listing (says similar in weight to other bikes so around 55lbs?):

Save Up to 60% Off HydroformALU Shimano STEPS Mid-Drive eBikes with Advanced Integrated Battery Motobecane Elite eAdventure TEAM, WTB Tubeless Compatible Wheels, FULL Shimano STEPS E5000 ELECTRIC Motor System 1X9 Speed, ROCKSHOX Suspension Forks with

Save Up to 60% Off HydroformALU Shimano STEPS Mid-Drive eBikes with Advanced Integrated Battery Motobecane Elite eAdventure TEAM, WTB Tubeless Compatible Wheels, FULL Shimano STEPS E5000 ELECTRIC Motor System 1X9 Speed, ROCKSHOX Suspension Forks with Hydraulic Disc Brakes
www.bikesdirect.com
 
Last edited:
FlatSix911 said:
Yes, BD has a new Mulekick EBike that weighs only 33-35 lbs with assist up to 28 mph for $1,999. ;)

Hot New eBikes! Save Up to 63% Off Electric Bicycles +FREE SHIP 48

Keep watching this page Hot New eBikes! Save Up to 63% Off Electric Bicycles +FREE SHIP 48
www.bikesdirect.com

View attachment 65196
Click to expand...
Now this is a sweet bike in a class 3 for the $$$ indeed. Makes me want to swap out my commuter for this one. One of my other dream bikes is lightweight with a speed motor Looks like it checks all the boxes. Nice find!

Edit: Darn-Too large for me.
eMulekick Sizing Guide
52cm - 5'7" to 5'9"
55cm - 5'9" to 5'11"
58cm - 6' to 6'2"
61cm - 6'3" to 6'8"
 
Last edited:
BigNerd said:
@FlatSix911 Tried to email BD... they don't list rider weight capacity for their bikes.

The MuleKick is sold out, the Elite Adventure 29er ships in September but no weight listing (says similar in weight to other bikes so around 55lbs?):

Save Up to 60% Off HydroformALU Shimano STEPS Mid-Drive eBikes with Advanced Integrated Battery Motobecane Elite eAdventure TEAM, WTB Tubeless Compatible Wheels, FULL Shimano STEPS E5000 ELECTRIC Motor System 1X9 Speed, ROCKSHOX Suspension Forks with

Save Up to 60% Off HydroformALU Shimano STEPS Mid-Drive eBikes with Advanced Integrated Battery Motobecane Elite eAdventure TEAM, WTB Tubeless Compatible Wheels, FULL Shimano STEPS E5000 ELECTRIC Motor System 1X9 Speed, ROCKSHOX Suspension Forks with Hydraulic Disc Brakes
www.bikesdirect.com
Click to expand...

Thanks for the update on the MuleKick.

The Elite 29er has a Hydroformed Aluminum frame so I would guess closer to 50lbs.

1600137570946.png
 
bob armani said:
Now this is a sweet bike in a class 3 for the $$$ indeed. Makes me want to swap out my commuter for this one.

One of my other dream bikes is lightweight with a speed motor Looks like it checks all the boxes. Nice find!
Click to expand...

I agree it's a great deal and I'm thinking about ordering one... there's a Drop Bar 61cm frame in stock, a bit large but it might fit. ;)

1600137913322.png
 
bob armani said:
Now this is a sweet bike in a class 3 for the $$$ indeed. Makes me want to swap out my commuter for this one. One of my other dream bikes is lightweight with a speed motor Looks like it checks all the boxes. Nice find!

Edit: Darn-Too large for me.
eMulekick Sizing Guide
52cm - 5'7" to 5'9"
55cm - 5'9" to 5'11"
58cm - 6' to 6'2"
61cm - 6'3" to 6'8"
Click to expand...

Anyone ever order from Bikes Direct?
 
Taylor57 said:
Anyone ever order from Bikes Direct?
Click to expand...

I've purchased a few analog bikes from BD over the years... always impressed with their quality and value.

I have not ordered an eBike from them, but they will have another order once the MuleKick is back in stock.
 
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