Looking for a folding eBike to help me get my health back

[Alex_G]

I am 61 years old, 5 foot 9 inches tall, and weigh about 260lbs and I'd like to get an eBike to help me get back in shape, something with throttle on demand and power assisted peddling and free peddling if possible. I would like a folding bike as I drive an SUV and live in a rural area. Being 260 lbs. I think I would need about 350 to 500 watts, 2" plus 20" wheels, a comfortable saddle. Something that will bring me home if I run out of leg power It would also have to be durable. I have been looking at the Voltbike Mariner being I am from Canada but I am not sure if the 4" x 20" tires would make it too rough on road and too awkward to fold and put in the SUV. I am more thinking of a 2" x 20" wheel ebike that is lighter and easier to lift and carry, I am really looking for help here, I have a list of conditions and my doctors say I am ok to exercise and I hate tread mills and bikes that take you no where. My budget is less important than getting a good quality ebike that might extend my life.

 

[Alex_G]

Was looking at the
Magnum Premium
Any thoughts on this one?? I know it's a bit heavy but it looks like it would be durable

 

[Dewey]

I am more thinking of a 20" wheel ebike that is lighter and easier to lift and carry

Test ride a GoCycle G3 and the eProdigy Fairweather, they both use light frame materials, magnesium or carbon fiber, to bring down the weight under 40lb, both have 20" 1.75" tires. The GoCycle suggests a max rider weight of 220lb though.

 

[Dewey]

Was looking at the
Magnum Premium
Any thoughts on this one?? I know it's a bit heavy

Yeah, it weighs more than 60lb! Speedy though. You might also like to try the Tern Vektron which has a nice adjustable handlebar, 20" 2.15" Schwalbe puncture resistant tires, a Bosch motor that has a neat walking pace assist feature that works when the bike is folded if you leave the handlebar up, or you can raise the seat post and push the folded bike around by the saddle, good range, and weighs 12lb less than the Magnum because it uses an aluminum frame, if it were my money that would be the one I'd buy.

 

[Alex_G]

Thanks for the info, I decided to go with the 2017 Voltbike Urban. They have made quite a few improvements over the 2016 model which make it well suited to my needs and shipping only cost me $49

 

[Dewey]

I decided to go with the 2017 Voltbike Urban.

Nice that you get a free open face motorcycle helmet. Come back and let us know how your purchase went.

 

[Alex_G]

Within a half an hour I received a call from Voltbike asking which color helmet I wanted, 2 - 3 hours later I received an email with shipping confirmation and tracking number. So far the service is better than expected. I will let you guys know when I receive the bike, they did tell me in the email that it was curbside delivery and that I should help the driver. For the low shipping cost yeah I can help the driver.

 

[tlnicola]

Hi Alex - Curious on how you are liking the Urban. I just ordered one

 

[Alex_G]

Received the bike within a few days, charged it up and it rained for three days straight!! First time out was amazed at how well the assisted system worked. The bike is well made and all of the concerns that were mentioned in the review by EBR were addressed which made the bike even better. All in all a great bike, a bit heavy but it's not noticeable when riding, beautifully finished an all round great bike!!

 

[tlnicola]

Wow, thank you for the quick response. I am hoping to get a bit more active with the help of electricity too. There are not a lot of reviews on the Urban. Fat Tires are all the craze right now. If anyone else has insights please share. I will do my best to contribute once "she is in the barn" Happy Spring to all.