Newbie

[Pietflyer]

I just went on vacation and had my first experience with a Pedigo Interceptor bike. My wife and I absolutely loved it. Now researching which would be the best brand for local recreational rides. No mountain biking. Wow, lots of options and brands.

One of my first questions, rear hub drive or mid drive? Of course each brand thinks theirs is the best. My price point is less than $3500.
Thanks

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Yes, it is a whole new universe.

If you like the Interceptor and it is in your price range, that is a fine first e-bike. Pedego makes some nice e-bikes.

As opposed to hub-drive versus mid-drive, excellent recreational bikes are made both ways. A mid-drive will more easily climb a very steep hill, but the tradeoff is that you will have wear and tear on the chain on derailleur. But the technology is moving very fast and that might not be so true going forward -- mainly because e-bike specific derailleurs, chains, and cassettes are coming out and they are made for the abuse that running a mid-drive puts on those components.

Find a dealer near you and test-drive some bikes. I'd really hesitate to spend $3000+ on a new member of my family and not get to try it on for size first. I'd also recommend renting or test-driving some other brands than Pedego, just to give yourself a basis for comparing different bikes. If someone rents e-bikes in your area, call around and find out what brands they are renting and try them out.

Also, spend the extra money and get the biggest battery available for the bike you pick out. You'll thank yourself later.

Keep in mind that you will also inevitably drop $500 (or much more) on bike tools, helmets, bike racks, and other accessories.

 

[mrgold35]

I would also factor in:
- Class I/II 20 mph top speed compared to Class III 28 mph top speed (sometimes more local restrictions excluding Class III on bike only paths because of extra speeds)
- plus size or fat tires, larger the tires can result in smoother ride overall or more flexibility for different terrain from paved roads to sandy conditions
- with or without throttle (I love having a throttle)
- front suspension forks (this will smooth out the ride a little bit at ebike higher average speeds, full suspension if your are leaning towards eMTB)
- water bottle attachments for water, bike locks, or other accessories
- front and/or rear rack attachments no such thing as having "too much storage" on a bike

Like Mr. Coffee stated, factor in safety gear, clothing, extra accessories, extra lights, lock/chains, maintenance, and a way to transport if needed into the budget. That cost could equal 15%-30% of the cost of an ebike if you are starting from scratch.

 

[Deleted member 803]

Take a look at Elby. It is one of the best built eBikes on the market. Easy step thru, quality components, great mileage, BT connectivity, comes with pedal assist AND a thrrottle, and one size fits just about everyone. We just picked up the product line about 6 weeks ago and our clients love them.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

...
- front and/or rear rack attachments no such thing as having "too much storage" on a bike
...

This brings up an important point about the Interceptor. Due to the unique rear rack configuration, most seat post bags and most panniers will not fit without some modifications and some will not fit at all. Best thing to do is to try them on your bike at the local bike shop.

The problem is that the frame of the rack is made of larger tubing, and it is difficult or impossible for some of the panniers to hook onto that tubing. Another problem is that the plastic box the battery is kept in keeps the hooks from going all the way around the rack frame. The main thing to remember is not to mail order an expensive set of panniers or a trunk bag and expect them to fit.

For me, I've lined someone up who is making me a custom trunk bag that will fit on the rack.