I took a look at the Creeper trail on All Trails, it’s only 1350 feet elevation gain over 33 miles. That’s easily with the range of even a 350-500 watt hub motor. The commuter bikes you are looking at, as well as others in that class will do just fine. So it really comes down to value for you money, style, and customer support. You’ve got lots of good options, just pick one.
Have you ridden an ebike with torque-sensing assist? If not, you should test one before buying an ebike with cadence-sensing assist. Maybe your LBS has one to try/rent — even if it's not on your current list.
Thanks for the advice Jeremy! I’ll definitely do this since that a major difference between the two options I’m looking at.
Unless it has recently changed e-bikes are not allowed on tha Va Creeper trail……they are on the New River Tral
The Aventon Level 2 step thru is only a 100 more than the 500.3. Seems a better value...
They are allowed. The Creeper trail in managed by USDA.
You guys got more patience than this rider that's for sure!
I didn't have e-bikes to ride locally either. I drive 200 miles to find a dealer with several companies in stock. They just kept rolling out eBikes until I found something I really liked. I've purchased a total of 3 different eBikes from them now and couldn't be happier. I've also never bought based on money, but I buy based on comfort. I have never had to return for service on any of the 3 quality eBikes purchased over 7 years and over 14,000 miles.
+1. Even if test riding, I’ve found the bike adjustments and variables (seat height, tires and tire pressure, suspension seat post or not, handlebars or bullhorns, bar tape, gloves, etc) to be more important than what can be determined from a short test ride. At least for me, most of those things can be figured out and customized later inexpensively. Well, for most everything except frame size and stand over height!
I hated cadence sense, since it forced me to go too fast next to 6" deep trenches in the pavement. I disabled the crank sensor, use throttle only. Torque sensing would be nice but not a feature on hub drive cargo bikes. OTOH I'd hate having to walk home from the bike shop after I dropped it off to have the hydraulic brakes worked on. Hydraulic disk was bad enough on the car, and the parts for a bicycle hydraulic brake are 500 miles away, not 4 blocks like O'Reillys auto parts. The bike shop is 5 miles and a bus transfer each way, about 2.5 hours one way by bus. I could walk 5 miles in 1.25 hours.
emerald.shop
I woulda got a LectricI literally just purchased this foldable e bike. It looks very promising. Going to post a review once I get my hands on it.
The Emerald Fold Ebike
Discover the difference in Emerald. The Emerald Fold electric bike features a state-of-the-art, cutting-edge design that boasts quality and performance. Perfect for: Cruising in the city. Relaxed, upright position, and a cushioned, extra-wide saddle for an comfortable ride. Navigate the city in...
I always look for what the features are on the bike. It looks like Lectric to keep their price down isn't sourced with premium parts. To me an E Bike is an investment, I would think over time a Lectric would wear down more than the Emerald Fold. To each their own though.
Can't wait for the reviewThank you so much to everyone who took the time to write out a response and share their e-bike knowledge! I ended up going in a different direction all together and ended up ordering EBCs new Model J. I’m happy to give an update once it comes in if anyone is interested
