Looking for Guidance- Commuter/Light Cruiser eBike

[MAPC]

I am looking to buy my first eBike. Ideally I'd like to spend no more than $2000. That could mean some more 'value' bikes new or some more 'premium' bikes used.

I am still a bit all over the map so I know I need to focus my search parameters a bit but would welcome feedback from others. While I have done a lot of research, I will admit that my research is far from perfect.

WHAT I THINK I WANT:
1. A comfortable, commuter/cruiser bike....but will consider some things slightly outside those parameters if other criteria are met.
2. Good range
3. Decent dealer/mfg support
4. Class 2 or 3 (a bit of a preference for Class 2)
5. Good looks (sorry- I am an architect and although 'form follows function' I am still a sucker for great design)

BIKES I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING- New:
1. Wing Freedom- I want more wattage
2. Rad Power RadCity- range too short, motor too small for hills

BIKES I HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING- Used or Demo:
1. Pedego Interceptor
2. Pedego City Commuter
3. Vanmoof S2 (I know- not a Class 2 or 3, but a damned sexy bike!)- LOVE the design but not a practical bike for my locale with only 2 speeds
4. Trek Super Commuter+ 8S too pricey, don't love the ride position
5. Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 ruled out for a number of reasons
6. Cannondale Contro E Speed ruled out for a number of reasons

RULED OUT:
1. Surface 604 Colt (I don't want to buy a bike I can't ride first)

I welcome thoughts/feedback/telling me what I am missing, etc.

 

[hyndraslic]

Aventon Pace 350(class 2) or Aventon pace 500(class 3). Both great bikes and pretty light too. I just got the Amego Infinite for $1700 awaiting delivery

 

[AHicks]

I would add the Juiced Crosscurrent S2 to your list. Granted it's more expensive than a Rad City, but to me, it's a Rad City done right with a gear driven rear hub. Hydraulic brakes and 52v battery are very nice bonuses as well.

CrossCurrent S2: Electric Commuter E-Bike

One of best electric commuter bikes, the CrossCurrent S2 is the perfect e-bike for budget-conscious riders who want maximum riding range and speed at an affordable price.

www.juicedbikes.com

 

[indianajo]

How fast do you want to go?
Over 10 mph a suspension really smooths out the bumps. Even if the pavement is good, we have gas valve holes and manhole covers that sometimes I inadvertantly cross.
Suspension adds ~$1000 to the price of the bike, but might be worth it. If your city is very flat a DD drive saves $200 and is suitable for fast riding. I prefer geared hub, as I like to pedal myself when it is flatter for the exercise. Geared hubs don't drag unpowered.
Be sure to check the frame size against your body size. people get so wrapped up in the electric features that they forget it is a bicycle that must fit them. I had to order one from California since my legs are short and the only small bikes here were kiddie grade.

 

[MAPC]

How fast do you want to go?
Over 10 mph a suspension really smooths out the bumps. Even if the pavement is good, we have gas valve holes and manhole covers that sometimes I inadvertantly cross.
Suspension adds ~$1000 to the price of the bike, but might be worth it. If your city is very flat a DD drive saves $200 and is suitable for fast riding. I prefer geared hub, as I like to pedal myself when it is flatter for the exercise. Geared hubs don't drag unpowered.
Be sure to check the frame size against your body size. people get so wrapped up in the electric features that they forget it is a bicycle that must fit them. I had to order one from California since my legs are short and the only small bikes here were kiddie grade.

Speed is somewhat important- which is why I’m focused on class 2 and class 3

 

[MAPC]

I would add the Juiced Crosscurrent S2 to your list. Granted it's more expensive than a Rad City, but to me, it's a Rad City done right with a gear driven rear hub. Hydraulic brakes and 52v battery are very nice bonuses as well.

CrossCurrent S2: Electric Commuter E-Bike

One of best electric commuter bikes, the CrossCurrent S2 is the perfect e-bike for budget-conscious riders who want maximum riding range and speed at an affordable price.

www.juicedbikes.com

Looks like a possibility....but the Cross Current X2 looks even better!

 

[AHicks]

I agree, but have a terrible time justifying the difference in price. That's an awful lot of money for a bigger battery and fenders. If you actually needed both, that makes it easier I suppose, but the standard battery is pretty capable. If the options were half of what are shown, I would likely go for it.

In any case, the X2 blows your 2000 budget.....

 

[MAPC]

I agree, but have a terrible time justifying the difference in price. That's an awful lot of money for a bigger battery and fenders. If you actually needed both, that makes it easier I suppose, but the standard battery is pretty capable. If the options were half of what are shown, I would likely go for it.

In any case, the X2 blows your 2000 budget.....

True. That’s my issue too ($$)

I am looking hard at a ‘preloved’ Pedego Interceptor. Deciding whether that ‘preloved’ vs something else ‘new’

 

[AHicks]

Regarding "preloved" the battery is always in question. You can't assume it's received the same "love"/TLC that you would give it, especially if it's over a year old. Even a harsh winter with a battery stored in an unheated area can have an effect on them....

Point being, it would have to be pretty reasonably priced for me to have much interest in it.

 

[MAPC]

Regarding "preloved" the battery is always in question. You can't assume it's received the same "love"/TLC that you would give it, especially if it's over a year old. Even a harsh winter with a battery stored in an unheated area can have an effect on them....

Point being, it would have to be pretty reasonably priced for me to have much interest in it.

It has been well cared for and is warranted by the dealer

 

[MAPC]

Well.....
....after a few test rides have narrowed down the search to bikes with 48v batteries...which has it down to the Pedego, the Juiced and the Rad City, I believe.

Any comments?

 

[AHicks]

Your planned riding environment? If there's a lot of hills, stop and go, and riding at speeds under 20, the direct drive may struggle. Those conditions would favor a gear drven rear hub (Crosscurrent). Lot's of flat land, w/higher cruise speeds will favor a direct drive (Rad City).

 

[MAPC]

Updated my original post after my testing today. The CrossCurrent is still appealing but reviews are mixed re quality. The Pedego keep coming out on top for me.

Also found a great used Pedego Ridge Rider----don't like the riding position as well as the Interceptor or City Commuter but the mid battery, hydraulic brakes the torque drive were appealing.

What about the Stromer ST1X?

 

[MAPC]

Your planned riding environment? If there's a lot of hills, stop and go, and riding at speeds under 20, the direct drive may struggle. Those conditions would favor a gear drven rear hub (Crosscurrent). Lot's of flat land, w/higher cruise speeds will favor a direct drive (Rad City).

My area is flat with modest hills. Rocky New England land but most of my rides are along the coastline which is definitely flatter. Not urban flat but reasonably flat....still, having room 'oomph' for hills is a positive.

 

[ElevenAD]

Ariel Rider W-Class 750, is an amazing cruiser/commuter,just fantastic!
750/1200 motor,hydraulic brakes,torque sensor,48v 18ah battery,28mph speed with throttle alone.
only issue is they are very very rare,Ariel Rider just dont have em in stock often and when they do they go pretty fast.
price 1700

 

[GregGritton]

Ariel Rider W-Class 750, is an amazing cruiser/commuter,just fantastic!
...28mph speed with throttle alone....

Is there a state where that is street legal?

 

[MAPC]

Great specs but the design doesn’t appeal to me for some reason.

 

[ElevenAD]

Is there a state where that is street legal?

all of them!
its a 750 nominal/1200watt max, its ships class 2 limited to750/ 20mph, you have to enter a code(1919) to change it to
class 3.

 

[ElevenAD]

Great specs but the design doesn’t appeal to me for some reason.

looks are a big part of the deal,always get a bike that pleases you visually.
that said it is an incredible bike, its a commuting monster,i take it to work daily and i hate to admit it but i like it more than my other bike that cost me far more coin.

 

[MAPC]

The specs are definitely impressive, no doubt.