Looking for an e-bike with the following:

[ChicagoPhil]

Hi All, looking for a hybrid e-bike with the following features:
Minimum 750w nominal, 1000w preferred
Torque sensor a must
Mid Drive (OR belt drive with hub CVT if that's possible
Front shocks
Throttle
Unlocked for off-road
Should be able to pull a doggie trailer
And, I'd like all that for <3k.
Is this a pipe dream, or is there a bike that will fit this bill?
Thanks, all!

 

[stompandgo]

1000w mid drive motors are few and far between and tend to be found in all out race bikes and cargo bikes, not hybrids. 600w-750w are much more common. My first recommendation would be the Velotric Discover 2 $1,999. These are nicely made bikes for the money. If you want a top brand bike and can deal with a 600w Bosch drive unit, look at the Cannondale Tesoro X1/X2/X3 series with the mid drives ($2,400-$2,999). I own a Neo X Speed, and the build quality is superb.

No matter what you end up with, I suggest that you buy through a dealer, not direct. The price is the same, and your connection with the dealer will pay off down the road.

 

[Gionnirocket]

A little bit more than you wanted to spend... But it checks the boxes and is feature packed.

Zen Photon Long Range Electric Bike

Experience the ultimate ride with Zen Photon e-bike featuring a powerful 1000Wh battery. Enjoy an 85-mile pedal-assist range for endless adventures!

zenebikes.com

 

[scottsdalecommuter]

i think that's reasonable, seems the prices are coming down pretty nice on the e-bikes right now especially in that price range. that Velotric Discover 2 looks pretty good, i could buy that one, i've been riding my current commuter e-bike (Aventon Pace 500) for 4 years or so and kind of ready for something new. torque sensor/front shocks would be the 2 features i would have got if i got a do-over.

 

[MrHyak]

1000w mid drive motors are few and far between and tend to be found in all out race bikes and cargo bikes, not hybrids. 600w-750w are much more common. My first recommendation would be the Velotric Discover 2 $1,999. These are nicely made bikes for the money. If you want a top brand bike and can deal with a 600w Bosch drive unit, look at the Cannondale Tesoro X1/X2/X3 series with the mid drives ($2,400-$2,999). I own a Neo X Speed, and the build quality is superb.

No matter what you end up with, I suggest that you buy through a dealer, not direct. The price is the same, and your connection with the dealer will pay off down the road

I ride with a 1000w mid drive bafang with 160 nm of torque. I ride fat tire bikes because I like to go off road, mud and snow!

 

[stompandgo]

Makes sense. Those fat tire bikes need a lot of power. I would not call them a hybrid, though.

 

[MrHyak]

Makes sense. Those fat tire bikes need a lot of power. I would not call them a hybrid, though.

Never said it was, but it is mid drive 1000w and my comment was on that part.

 

[Gionnirocket]

i think that's reasonable, seems the prices are coming down pretty nice on the e-bikes right now especially in that price range. that Velotric Discover 2 looks pretty good, i could buy that one, i've been riding my current commuter e-bike (Aventon Pace 500) for 4 years or so and kind of ready for something new. torque sensor/front shocks would be the 2 features i would have got if i got a do-over.

The Velotric is a very nice bike but it leaves your wishlist with holes in it.
No experience with the bike but hub drives are typically lacking when it comes to climbing/pulling and natural feel. Things are developing so these concerns may be not be with the latest motors/controllers.
That said... Personally if I was looking to upgrade, I'd be looking at mid_drives.
ymmv

 

[Wallykl]

Seems the best way to check your boxes and beat price is to assemble it yourself

 

[Tensela]

Yeah… it’s kinda a pipe dream at under $3K.


I’ve tested dozens of e-bikes, and what you’re asking for — 1000W mid-drive, torque sensor, throttle, front suspension, off-road unlocked, and trailer-ready, is basically the unicorn of e-bikes. Most bikes with that spec sheet start at $4,500 and go up fast.


Here’s the reality check:

• True mid-drive + throttle + torque sensor is rare — brands like Bosch and Shimano often lock out throttle on torque-sensing models. Some Chinese brands (Bafang BBSHD) can do it, but you’re looking at DIY or custom builds.
• 750W–1000W mid-drives under $3K? Almost nonexistent. You’ll find hub motors in that range, but not refined mid-drives.
• Belt drive + CVT hub? Super niche. You’re talking Gates belt + NuVinci or Enviolo — that combo alone can cost $1,200+ before the motor’s even installed.
• Pulling a dog trailer? Totally doable on many e-bikes — but you’ll want a sturdy frame and good torque. A 750W hub motor can handle it, even if it’s not “ideal.”

What CAN you get under $3K?
→ A powerful 750W rear hub motor bike with torque sensor, throttle, suspension, and off-road mode.
→ Check out options like the RadRover 6 Plus (close, but slightly over budget) or some models from Magnum, Aventon, or Juiced.


I’ve rounded up the best performers in this range here:
We Tested 5 Best Electric Bikes — Here Are Our Top Picks

 

[MrHyak]

Yeah… it’s kinda a pipe dream at under $3K.


I’ve tested dozens of e-bikes, and what you’re asking for — 1000W mid-drive, torque sensor, throttle, front suspension, off-road unlocked, and trailer-ready, is basically the unicorn of e-bikes. Most bikes with that spec sheet start at $4,500 and go up fast.


Here’s the reality check:

• True mid-drive + throttle + torque sensor is rare — brands like Bosch and Shimano often lock out throttle on torque-sensing models. Some Chinese brands (Bafang BBSHD) can do it, but you’re looking at DIY or custom builds.
• 750W–1000W mid-drives under $3K? Almost nonexistent. You’ll find hub motors in that range, but not refined mid-drives.
• Belt drive + CVT hub? Super niche. You’re talking Gates belt + NuVinci or Enviolo — that combo alone can cost $1,200+ before the motor’s even installed.
• Pulling a dog trailer? Totally doable on many e-bikes — but you’ll want a sturdy frame and good torque. A 750W hub motor can handle it, even if it’s not “ideal.”

What CAN you get under $3K?
→ A powerful 750W rear hub motor bike with torque sensor, throttle, suspension, and off-road mode.
→ Check out options like the RadRover 6 Plus (close, but slightly over budget) or some models from Magnum, Aventon, or Juiced.


I’ve rounded up the best performers in this range here:
We Tested 5 Best Electric Bikes — Here Are Our Top Picks

A Himiway Cobra Pro w/Bafang mid drive that has 160Nm of torque and throttle/torque sensor is available at $3,200. I would not recommend throttling around with a mid drive, but it is available and is a good reliable bike. There is one available on the net with 481miles for $2,099 from this place: Used Cobra Pro I have a bit over 1,000 miles on my Cobra Pro with zero problems. I wanted a bike that I could ride to the top of our local ski resort in the winter when the area is closed and this bike will do that for me.

 

[PedalUma]

Once you hit 100Nm you are going to blow up hubs and drivetrains. A high quality used bike that has been sitting in someone's garage can be converted with a torque sensor mid-drive. Plenty of us have done it. Start with a good frame. And it does not need any zip ties or ugly stuff. This is what a converted bike looks like. It has an 11-50 cassette. Gears are more important to a build than high-power. IGH's can't take high torque.

 

[MrHyak]

Once you hit 100Nm you are going to blow up hubs and drivetrains. A high quality used bike that has been sitting in someone's garage can be converted with a torque sensor mid-drive. Plenty of us have done it. Start with a good frame. And it does not need any zip ties or ugly stuff. This is what a converted bike looks like. It has an 11-50 cassette. Gears are more important to a build than high-power. IGH's can't take high torque.

Once you hit 100Nm you are going to blow up hubs and drivetrains.

I've had my 160Nm for 3 yrs without any issue up hills, flats, snow, whatever. As long as you know how/when to shift its not a problem. If you lug the motor or try to throttle around then you will most likely not have good luck.
FWIW

 

[Gionnirocket]

I've had my 160Nm for 3 yrs without any issue up hills, flats, snow, whatever. As long as you know how/when to shift its not a problem. If you lug the motor or try to throttle around then you will most likely not have good luck.
FWIW

Exactly.... With anything high performance. You need to understand how to use it.
Same motor and I currently have 4500mi on my chain and still not showing 0.75 wear. And it wasn't even lubricated with magic soy wax

 

[PedalUma]

I quit the 100% soy, and went for a new formula mix that better prevents rust. It is still mostly hairless, just a little more hippy chick.

 

[PedalUma]

The strawberry blondes do not ever need to shave anything off their bicycles. Yet, studies show, bevers are Very good for the environment. Strawberry with cream is like a French muffin, high pastry.