Need eBike recommendation

Nancy B

New Member
I’m interested in purchasing my first eBike. I’d like a step-thru bike that can be used on paved and gravel paths. I’m having difficulty finding one that fits as I’m 5’1”. I’d like one with a throttle. Can anyone recommend one?
 
I’m interested in purchasing my first eBike. I’d like a step-thru bike that can be used on paved and gravel paths. I’m having difficulty finding one that fits as I’m 5’1”. I’d like one with a throttle. Can anyone recommend one?
Have you had a chance to ride any so far? I know it's difficult to do that right now, but it's an important step before buying. Try some with, and without throttle - you may find you don't really need one, depending on the type of riding you do and the amount of exercise you want to get.

Several manufacturers sell bikes that come in different frame sizes.

I love my bike - a Giant La Free E+2, but it doesn't have a throttle 😁. It's a step through, and comes in 3 frame sizes.


 
You are in zip 89194 or ostrander WA? There should be dozens of dealers in Seattle & Portland.
OTOH, bikes for small people are almost never in stock. You'll need a 17" or 18" frame (seat post to steering stem), and a low step over height. I had to order my bike left from 3000 miles away, untested. There are yubabikes dealers in WA, this is the stepthrough frame for small people. My pants inseam is 28". I carry groceries & supplies in the bags. By buying the bags and 2 leg kickstand I got free freight, and it was delivered to my door. I had to put the handlebars and pedals on myself.
 
consider a used Genze e102 in the step-through smaller 16” frame size. All sales are final so won't be able to return it, but riders over 5’ will fit, it’s a class 2 with a throttle, and lightweight at about 45lb. The advice I’ve read from owners is to get one with the 350 watt motor. eg https://www.genze.com/products/e102-16-nearly-new-350-watt-e-bike-with-413-miles-id-s093537/
Here’s Court’s review of the bike when it was new https://electricbikereview.com/genze/recreational-e102/
 
This is a newer model that I think you might really like, and the Step Through design & 14" seat-tube should fit you well. Ride1Up 700 series ST Frame

Review: https://electricbikereview.com/ride1up/700-series/

Check the reach on the ST Frame to be sure.


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Have you had a chance to ride any so far? I know it's difficult to do that right now, but it's an important step before buying. Try some with, and without throttle - you may find you don't really need one, depending on the type of riding you do and the amount of exercise you want to get.

Several manufacturers sell bikes that come in different frame sizes.

I love my bike - a Giant La Free E+2, but it doesn't have a throttle 😁. It's a step through, and comes in 3 frame sizes.



Thanks for your response. I've only tried a Pedago. It's good to hear your thoughts about a throttle vs. no throttle. I've been questioning it's importance as it seems there are more choices in bikes without a throttle.
 
You are in zip 89194 or ostrander WA? There should be dozens of dealers in Seattle & Portland.
OTOH, bikes for small people are almost never in stock. You'll need a 17" or 18" frame (seat post to steering stem), and a low step over height. I had to order my bike left from 3000 miles away, untested. There are yubabikes dealers in WA, this is the stepthrough frame for small people. My pants inseam is 28". I carry groceries & supplies in the bags. By buying the bags and 2 leg kickstand I got free freight, and it was delivered to my door. I had to put the handlebars and pedals on myself.

Thanks for your response. My zip code is 89134 so I'm in Nevada. It seems as though there are many ebikes in Seattle and Portland, but very few in Nevada which is disappointing.
 
I have throttle but can't say I've ever truly needed it. If you get a heavy bike (or load it up with a lot of weight) the throttle assist assist from a dead stop can be useful. A lighter bike with good torque sensing will greatly mitigate the need. The other scenario is you're just tired and don't want to pedal to get full assist. Again, nice, but not necessary.
 
What pedego did you try? You would probably want to look for a step thru offered in more than one frame size and of course test ride (which may not be an option). Would be helpful to get an idea of your budget? Also, are you looking for more of a comfort bike or sporty?

I was helping a lady who was a little taller (5.2") find a step thru and she eventually settled on a BH Atom Street for a little under $2K shipped (lenny's is probably still discounting them if they have any left). Sounds like it fit her.
 
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I tried the Pedago Interceptor and didn't like the battery on the back. I want a step-thru comfort for less than $3,000.
 
I tried the Pedago Interceptor and didn't like the battery on the back. I want a step-thru comfort for less than $3,000.
Hmmm...i do like the battery on the back - doesn't get in the way of stepping through 😉. Also, with my bag on the rack, it looks more like a regular bike.
 
Here is one that might work. It comes in a small size. Momentum is a Giant brand. Battery is a bit small but nicely integrated. From a comfort standpoint the handlebars have 20 degree back sweep handlebars so between sporty and comfort.


 
I tried the Pedago Interceptor and didn't like the battery on the back. I want a step-thru comfort for less than $3,000.

Here is a nice option with a Shimano mid-drive motor and integrated battery on a low step-through frame... $1,800. ;)




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They also offer a few cheaper hub-drive options with Cruiser geometry from $1,000-$1,400.
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I was a bit worried about the BD Motobecane with 29" tires for a shorter rider and single frame size. Also, doesn't ship for 3 months. One of these days hopefully someone here will pull the trigger and post a review. It looks like a nice bike.


My zip code is 89134 so I'm in Nevada. It seems as though there are many ebikes in Seattle and Portland, but very few in Nevada which is disappointing.

There seem to be a few giant dealers in Vegas and maybe they might have the Momentum Vida. You can also order on the giant website and it says ships to dealer n a few days but not sure how that works for test rides or returns. It's a internally geared hub so I would definitely test ride before you buy. Doesn't look promising in the current environment. Spot checked one dealer in Vegas and they won't even take returns so I doubt they're allowing test rides.


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Here is one that Court just reviewed. 5 frame sizes and any color you want as long as it's black. :)

 
consider a used Genze e102 in the step-through smaller 16” frame size. All sales are final so won't be able to return it, but riders over 5’ will fit, it’s a class 2 with a throttle, and lightweight at about 45lb. The advice I’ve read from owners is to get one with the 350 watt motor. eg https://www.genze.com/products/e102-16-nearly-new-350-watt-e-bike-with-413-miles-id-s093537/
Here’s Court’s review of the bike when it was new https://electricbikereview.com/genze/recreational-e102/
That’s what I have and I love mine. It only had 17 miles on it and I paid only $749. It’s been perfect and so much fun to ride! The only thing I’ve ever disliked is a brake squeal so I’ll try cleaning them.
 
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