Newbie to ebikes

[NancyS]

Hello, my head hurts reading and comparing all the possible ebikes,not folding and mini for a 160 lb 5’ 3” tall rider. Also, I need one the goes very intense mountain roads. Does any have any suggestions?

 

[indianajo]

Welcome to the site.
Look for frames that have 17" or 18" between seat post and handlebar stem. Some datasheets have that measurement, some do not. Some vendors expect their product to fit all. Having short arms and legs myself (28" inseam, 30" sleeve) I argue with that concept. Unfortunately you won't find any small bike stock in stores except in megacities. Small bikes in my town have kiddie quality components on them.
Mid drives and geared hubs are the two styles of motor that can handle grades. Few mid-drives can be ridden unpowered, mainly Yamaha & one shimano motor. I have a geared hub drive like juiced sells, but it gets quite hot after I ride 30 miles with the 77 hills I have to cross. Many vendors in California quit selling geared hubs, possibly because they are not up to long uphill runs without overheating. I have short roller hills here in sou. Indiana.
Another important featire to have in mountains is disk brakes. Rim brakes IMHO do not work in the rain. Rain is not something the weatherman can predict in this area, it just happens. I'm 160 lb and I find 160 mm cable pull disk brakes stop me very effectivly, even with 75 lb of bike motor & battery & 60 lb of supplies.
If you can get to crazy lenny's in WI he has a huge stock of e-bikes. It is time for end of year closeout. You might call before driving to see if he has any small ones that don't have 20" wheels. I find 20" wheels are bone jarring on bad pavement. I ride 26" wheels with 2.1" tires, but no suspension. Suspension adds ~$1000 to the cost of a bike and probably limits the life to 5 years since the seals will wear out. IMHO.
Another low priced vendor of geared hub motors is magnum. They do have a few local dealers, check the website.

 

[NancyS]

Welcome to the site.
Look for frames that have 17" or 18" between seat post and handlebar stem. Some datasheets have that measurement, some do not. Some vendors expect their product to fit all. Having short arms and legs myself (28" inseam, 30" sleeve) I argue with that concept. Unfortunately you won't find any small bike stock in stores except in megacities. Small bikes in my town have kiddie quality components on them.
Mid drives and geared hubs are the two styles of motor that can handle grades. Few mid-drives can be ridden unpowered, mainly Yamaha & one shimano motor. I have a geared hub drive like juiced sells, but it gets quite hot after I ride 30 miles with the 77 hills I have to cross. Many vendors in California quit selling geared hubs, possibly because they are not up to long uphill runs without overheating. I have short roller hills here in sou. Indiana.
Another important featire to have in mountains is disk brakes. Rim brakes IMHO do not work in the rain. Rain is not something the weatherman can predict in this area, it just happens. I'm 160 lb and I find 160 mm cable pull disk brakes stop me very effectivly, even with 75 lb of bike motor & battery & 60 lb of supplies.
If you can get to crazy lenny's in WI he has a huge stock of e-bikes. It is time for end of year closeout. You might call before driving to see if he has any small ones that don't have 20" wheels. I find 20" wheels are bone jarring on bad pavement. I ride 26" wheels with 2.1" tires, but no suspension. Suspension adds ~$1000 to the cost of a bike and probably limits the life to 5 years since the seals will wear out. IMHO.
Another low priced vendor of geared hub motors is magnum. They do have a few local dealers, check the website.

Thanks so much for your help! I’ll have to check Wisconsin the next time I go through. I’ll keep in mind your advice as I continue to check ebikes.

 

[Mike_V]

Hello, my head hurts reading and comparing all the possible ebikes,not folding and mini for a 160 lb 5’ 3” tall rider. Also, I need one the goes very intense mountain roads. Does any have any suggestions?

I (200 lbs) am happy with my new BPM F-35MX with a low stand over height because I am short, full suspension for rough trails or debris , 750w hub motor for hills
No fenders or attachments

However: I almost bought the Addmotor Motan M 60 R7

AddMotoR Reviews | ElectricBikeReview.com

Addmotor began as a motorcycle parts company in 2006, specializing in fairings and other aftermarket accessories. In 2011, they entered the electric bicycle space and have since developed a range of affordable options with off-road appeal. Many of their products feature fat tires to handle dirt...

electricbikereview.com

 

[Pragmatic]

@NancyS I'd suggest you consider a Fat Tire Bike (FTB, tire width of ~4"+) if you're on rough surfaces. The suspension features other folks suggested can help with ride comfort, running the fat tires at lower pressures, will also add a cushioning effect, and also traction on your rough trails/roads. We have full-suspension (pedal) mountain bikes, but our e-Bikes are non-suspension FTBs, and are fine for us both on and off road.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Try out as many as you can. Don't buy online, unless you have no other choice.

 

[NancyS]

Thanks! I’ve been checking as I travel because there aren’t any bike shops in my area. Have anyone try the Bolton ebikes?.