Newbie Needs Recommendation and User Experience with Pedego Interceptor

[Delmarvian]

I am planning to soon purchase my first e-bike. Probably as with most new to the world of e-bikes, I find myself overwhelmed with all the information, options, types, brands and models. If not for this site, I would be totally lost. I believe I have narrowed down my choices to a couple, but please let me provide some background on myself and intended use.
As for myself I am a 60 year old male, 6' 1" in height, 230 lbs (yes, I know I need to lose weight). Overall I am in fairly good health, besides the weight my knees aren't the greatest but still working. I haven't actively ridden a bike in 20 plus years.
As for usage, I will principally be riding the bike on the coast of Delaware (Rehoboth, Bethany Beach, Fenwick and possibly Ocean City). If you're familiar with the area, primarily flat (biggest hill the bike will see is probably the Indian River Inlet bridge). Riding will mostly take place on roadways, but I would like to explore some of the bike paths in the State Parks and elsewhere. I would like as long a range as possible. I also want to be able to bike with cargo - towel, small cooler and chair when going to the beach; fishing rod and supplies when going fishing; and light grocery shopping.
Based upon my own research it seems that I need a cross between a cruiser, light duty off-road/mountain bike/cargo bike. I prefer the comfort of an upright riding position. Due to the generally flat terrain, I probably don't need the plethora of speeds that come on most of the better bikes, but guess I don't need to use them.
Based upon my own research I have preliminarily arrived at the following three bikes as possible contenders:
1 - Easy Motion EVO City Wave
2 - IZIP E3 Metro
3 - Pedego Interceptor
I have read the reviews and visited the manufacturers websites for these models. Although the E3 Metro and Interceptor apparently have higher wattage motor and higher voltage battery, from what I can ascertain that doesn't translate to higher performance (speed, range, etc.) The one spec that I could not find for any of these bikes is the range when in all electric throttle mode without pedal assist - I'd like hear from anyone with real world experience.
I recognize that no one bike will perfectly match all my needs, and compromises will need to be made, but would like recommendations from this user forum as to which of these three bikes you think would best meet most of my needs. Also, I am also very interested in recommendations for any other bikes which you feel may be an even better match. I thank the members of this community in advance for your assistance.

 

[Ann M.]

Actually all three of those bikes have good potential for you @Delmarvian , and my primary recommendation would be to go kick some tires in person and do several test rides. The Metro and the Interceptor have the most similar specs; however, how the bike feels when you're on it can be very different based on the frame geometry, how upright it is and how the pedal assist feels (throttle is pretty much the same for most any ebike) when it engages. A cadence type pedal assist sensor will feel different than a torque sensor but each has its advantages. Again, hop on the bikes to really know. Maybe include the Izip Zuma with an added rear rack and the Pedego Stretch Cargo bikes since you mention wanting to carry gear and stuff. Both of these bikes have center mounted batteries which keep the weight better balanced allowing you to more easily handle the bike and haul that fishing gear!

 

[J.R.]

@Delmarvian like your screen name! Your biggest hill maybe the speed-bump in any given parking lot, given the highest elevation of Delmarva is 100 ft. above sea level. Many happy days (years) spent in MarVa, not so much Del, still have family all over the Eastern Shore.

A very good option for your needs would also be ProdecoTech's Genesis, with big 14.25 amp hour battery and 600 watt geared hub, it will get you all over the shore. It's also an upright ride at a good price. https://www.prodecotech.com/genesis-series/

 

[Delmarvian]

Actually all three of those bikes have good potential for you @Delmarvian , and my primary recommendation would be to go kick some tires in person and do several test rides. The Metro and the Interceptor have the most similar specs; however, how the bike feels when you're on it can be very different based on the frame geometry, how upright it is and how the pedal assist feels (throttle is pretty much the same for most any ebike) when it engages. A cadence type pedal assist sensor will feel different than a torque sensor but each has its advantages. Again, hop on the bikes to really know. Maybe include the Izip Zuma with an added rear rack and the Pedego Stretch Cargo bikes since you mention wanting to carry gear and stuff. Both of these bikes have center mounted batteries which keep the weight better balanced allowing you to more easily handle the bike and haul that fishing gear!

Kicking the tires is sort of a problem for me as presently I am located in Midwest and only on the shore during the summer months. There are a few bike stores that sell e-bikes, but not a lot of stock on the floor. Appreciate your feedback and will certainly investigate the additional models you identified. Thanks!

 

[Delmarvian]

@Delmarvian like your screen name! Your biggest hill maybe the speed-bump in any given parking lot, given the highest elevation of Delmarva is 100 ft. above sea level. Many happy days (years) spent in MarVa, not so much Del, still have family all over the Eastern Shore.

A very good option for your needs would also be ProdecoTech's Genesis, with big 14.25 amp hour battery and 600 watt geared hub, it will get you all over the shore. It's also an upright ride at a good price. https://www.prodecotech.com/genesis-series/

Thanks - my wife and I just purchased a summer cottage outside Bethany Beach this year. Still in the midwest most of the year and will only be on the shore part of the summer until future retirement. Question on the Genesis - is it throttle only or does it also have pedal assist - went to their web site but couldn't tell. Thanks!

 

[Ann M.]

The Prodeco Tech Genesis and Stride, both low step bikes only come with twist throttle. This company does make an aftermarket cadence pedal assist system that can be added to their ebikes and seems to work reasonably well. The Genesis has a larger motor and battery unit than its sister bike, the Stride. Since these throttles are variable speed, you do some pedaling and use the throttle to the level of help you want or not at all. @J.R. is right, you do get a lot of bike with Prodeco Tech and all of their ebikes come with a 2 year warranty on the battery, motor and drivetrain parts. It's one of the best in the industry. On top of that, Prodeco Tech does assemble all of their bikes here in the U.S. in Florida, kinda nice.