New to E bikes, looking to get around City

[ctszme]

Hi,

I am looking for an E bike to commute to work, run errands, and overall as a car replacement. I live in DC on the bottom of a large hill. My work commute is about 2 miles each way, up a large hill (220 ft.) on the way there and downhill back. It's not a very far commute but I'd like to arrive dry (not sweaty). Outside of my work commute I think my farthest trips would be less than 10 miles each way but with the opportunity to charge the battery at my destination. I am a tad over 6'1" and 215 lbs. Most of the time I will be on paved roads with the occasional packed dirt trail. The bikes I am currently looking at are:

2017 Haibike SDURO urban plus
Voltbike Enduro
Juiced Bike Cross Current S
FLX Trail

But I am open to all options that would be recommended. I would like to keep my purchase to under $2k but would be willing to go slightly over if the value is there.

Thanks!

 

[Nova Haibike]

Two miles in nothing; 10 miles each way is easy for most any current e-bike even without recharging at the destination, unless perhaps you always keep it on the highest power level and try to go as fast as possible. Pick one...whichever one floats your boat. BUT, I would say do not choose the Enduro. I am always skeptical of full suspension bikes where the manufacturer barely mentions the rear setup on their own site. That says they did not design the frame or suspension at all, and that it is window dressing. A real rear suspension system is designed for rider control over very technical terrain. If you just want more cush for the tush, it's better to get a less complicated suspension seatpost, or even just a springy saddle.

 

[ctszme]

Thanks for your reply. I am currently leaning towards the FLX trail, as I like the idea of having a higher top speed. Are there any other bikes I should be considering?

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

Thanks for your reply. I am currently leaning towards the FLX trail, as I like the idea of having a higher top speed. Are there any other bikes I should be considering?

https://izipelectric.com/electric-bikes/speed

 

[ctszme]

Hey,

I've used an older EMoto Ridge 2.0 and I've tried Jump bikes which are both hub motors and I felt struggled to handle inclines. Can anyone speak to if thats because of their smaller motors or if thats why mid drive motors are better for hills?

Thanks, might help me rule out Cross Current.

 

[indianajo]

Geared "1000 W" hubs handle 15% grade with ease, display said 450 W. Gross weight was about 240 lb. me battery, some supplies. Now if I can just find a controller that won't burn out in 60 miles.
The gears get the motors out of slow speed, which motors are not very good at.
mid drive have a little down gearing, so they get some help. But mid drives make one ditch the triple front sprocket mountain bikes etc come with, so if the electric fails, you'll be walking the bike up the hills. In my case, I pedaled 20 miles home with all the gear selection I needed, and the geared hub had no drag. Yes, I do have 15% grades in Clark Cty IN, just not very long ones. I measured one with a machinist's scale.
Having seen Washington DC, I don't suppose the OP needs a geared hub. Having a choice of dealers with actual stocked e-bikes would be an advantage to a person that doesn't have extensive shop space and lots of tools (not likely in DC, one reason I didn't apply to jobs there).