Recommendations for short, heavy senior woman

[SusanaSchmitzana]

I am 64 years old, 5 ' 2" and 50 or more pounds overweight, but well under the 250 pound limit I have seen mentioned on most e-bikes. I would use the bike to commute to/from work (it's probably 10 or more miles and is moderately hilly.) The hills are what keeps me from riding anything anywhere now, even a short distance. I would also like to use the bike for fun on trails but nothing rocky or too steep or difficult. Mostly to have a fun way to exercise that works into my schedule. I would like to ride in all weather too, and we have a wide variety here. I love the look of the Blix Aveny low-step and like that price. Would I need the bigger battery? Very very limited choices here to try anything in person. I haven't ridden for some time, and 6 months post THR I need to get moving to save that new hip! Also, this may be a silly question, but what do you do when the battery has been charged and used to the max? I would guess several years after purchase? Are e-bikes then thrown away?

 

[rich c]

Despite that long list from Amish Dave, I don't see any discussion about frame size in all that info. Most off brand or internet only sales businesses offer only one frame size that will definitely not be a good fit for you. I would suggest you look at a folding bike, and please consider only buying from a local bike shop. Fitting someone your height to a bike is going to be the most critical part of your purchase.

 

[SusanaSchmitzana]

Thank you! my Trek has 26" wheels. My inseam is about 28 or maybe even 27. We don't have much for e-bikes where I live in Local Bike Shops. However I am on the lookout

 

[rich c]

One of my first suggestions was the same as you to look at a local shop. Sorry for the long post, was just trying to help☺

Doesn't hurt to offer options if you have personal experience of those models and know they would fit the rider. But if you're just going to cut and paste off the internet, you'll have to do that for several weeks to come close to the database that is already on the EBR site.

 

[rich c]

Thank you! my Trek has 26" wheels. My inseam is about 28 or maybe even 27. We don't have much for e-bikes where I live in Local Bike Shops. However I am on the lookout

You don't have to only look for frame size and fit on eBikes. Just start with research with traditional bike frame sizes. Not tire size, frame size. I started my eBike hobby with a Sondors bike. They have a HUGE (over 7,700 members now) owners Facebook page enrollment. I can't count the number of people that ordered from that internet only company, and then come on the owners page and ask about modifications they can do to fit on the bike, or finally go to the swap and sell site to get rid of a bike that does not fit them at all. It's my opinion that it would even benefit if you have to drive 500 miles to ride something to get the best fit. Pretty discouraging to spend $3,000 dollars and hate the way it feels when you ride it.

 

[Dewey]

Court listed a few ebikes that might better fit the shorter person: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/the-best-electric-bikes-for-small-people.22762/ The list is a few years old and there are others, I'm currently test riding a Gazelle EasyFlow with 26" wheels and a low step over height, it comes in three sizes and the small 45 frame would fit you, Gazelle fit shorter crank arms that are a better length for shorter riders, and the handlebar adjusts easily by lifting a lever to change the position to suit you. But it is almost twice the price of the Blix Aveny, on that ebike you only need the bigger battery if you want to ride further or want to recharge the battery less often, the standard 400wh battery will go at least 20 miles on one full charge, probably further depending on how much you pedal vs use the throttle, the larger 630wh battery would go at least 30 miles and again probably further, calculate the total distance you need to go there and back again. ebike batteries are usually rated for a certain number of recharging cycles before they need to be replaced, my county accepts them for recycling, you can then buy a replacement battery no need to throw the whole ebike away.

Other ebikes that are similar to the Blix include the small frame size Raleigh Electric Superbe ie step through, here is Court's review but Raleigh suggest it fits riders from 5'3" because it uses larger 28" wheels. The RadCity Step-Thru uses 26" wheels and claims it can fit riders from 4'10", here is Court's review.

 

[SusanaSchmitzana]

Despite that long list from Amish Dave, I don't see any discussion about frame size in all that info. Most off brand or internet only sales businesses offer only one frame size that will definitely not be a good fit for you. I would suggest you look at a folding bike, and please consider only buying from a local bike shop. Fitting someone your height to a bike is going to be the most critical part of your purchase.

Where is the list from @Amish David ? It doesn't appear to be here....

 

[SusanaSchmitzana]

I was able to get to a bike shop not far from me and it was such a helpful trip. Couldn't try a Blix Aveny but the store owner said it was not going to be the best fit for me anyway. I tried the Raleigh Retroglide, the 2018 model, and it doesn't have the throttle but has the sensor that responds to how hard you push the pedals. Wow what a surprise! It also has a power button option you can add on. I really liked it. Can't find a review for it here. There is a 2017 model reviewed , but it is quite different than the bike I tried today. Anyway it was nice to be fitted--and it made me realize now poor a fit my regular non ebike is! I feel like I need to check more bikes before buying, this is the first I have tried. Anyone have any suggestions for something else like the Retroglide? Someone mentioned the Trek Verve and I will look for that somewhere else. This bike shop doesn't deal in Treks.

 

[Dewey]

I was able to get to a bike shop not far from me and it was such a helpful trip. Couldn't try a Blix Aveny but the store owner said it was not going to be the best fit for me anyway. I tried the Raleigh Retroglide, the 2018 model, and it doesn't have the throttle but has the sensor that responds to how hard you push the pedals. Wow what a surprise! It also has a power button option you can add on. I really liked it. Can't find a review for it here. There is a 2017 model reviewed , but it is quite different than the bike I tried today. Anyway it was nice to be fitted--and it made me realize now poor a fit my regular non ebike is! I feel like I need to check more bikes before buying, this is the first I have tried. Anyone have any suggestions for something else like the Retroglide? Someone mentioned the Trek Verve and I will look for that somewhere else. This bike shop doesn't deal in Treks.

The 2018 Raleigh Electric Retroglide is a nice ebike. It is a Cruiser style so you may like to look at the 24” Pedego Comfort Cruiser which is one of Court’s top picks for shorter riders, or the Vintage Electric Cafe small frame fits riders above 5’ 1”, or the Electra Townie Go!

 

[John from Connecticut]

The 2018 Raleigh Electric Retroglide is a nice ebike. It is a Cruiser style so you may like to look at the 24” Pedego Comfort Cruiser which is one of Court’s top picks for shorter riders, or the Vintage Electric Cafe small frame fits riders above 5’ 1”, or the Electra Townie Go!

I was able to get to a bike shop not far from me and it was such a helpful trip. Couldn't try a Blix Aveny but the store owner said it was not going to be the best fit for me anyway. I tried the Raleigh Retroglide, the 2018 model, and it doesn't have the throttle but has the sensor that responds to how hard you push the pedals. Wow what a surprise! It also has a power button option you can add on. I really liked it. Can't find a review for it here. There is a 2017 model reviewed , but it is quite different than the bike I tried today. Anyway it was nice to be fitted--and it made me realize now poor a fit my regular non ebike is! I feel like I need to check more bikes before buying, this is the first I have tried. Anyone have any suggestions for something else like the Retroglide? Someone mentioned the Trek Verve and I will look for that somewhere else. This bike shop doesn't deal in Treks.

I don't know the Trek Verve well, but I do know Trek 'cause I have three, two e-bikes and a traditional carbon road bike. The company
is first rate, great. Besides their bikes, followup customer service and support is the best. The issue now becomes $$s .You'd mentioned you wanted to stay at or less than 2K.

John from CT

 

[SusanaSchmitzana]

Yes, and thanks......I wanted to stay around 2K. That Raleigh was really nice and felt safe and I can have them add a "boost" button that works like a throttle if I want. I'm 5"2 and have a short torso. The laid back seat really helps I think to make it a good fit. I don't see the 2028 Retroglide online--seems like maybe it is sold out. I don't want to buy the first thing I see, but on the other hand, it seems good. My husband noted that the Retroglide seemed to be the best fitting bike he has ever seen for me.

 

[Dewey]

Yes, and thanks......I wanted to stay around 2K. That Raleigh was really nice and felt safe and I can have them add a "boost" button that works like a throttle if I want. I'm 5"2 and have a short torso. The laid back seat really helps I think to make it a good fit. I don't see the 2028 Retroglide online--seems like maybe it is sold out. I don't want to buy the first thing I see, but on the other hand, it seems good. My husband noted that the Retroglide seemed to be the best fitting bike he has ever seen for me.

The Izip E3 Zuma is almost the same bike as the Retroglide, same motor, battery, tires, and can be fitted with the same boost button which looks useful for getting going from stationary.

 

[Nova Haibike]

I don't see the 2028 Retroglide online--seems like maybe it is sold out.

Maybe check back in 10 years.

Raleigh itself seems to be out of stock of the 2018 Retroglide iE Step Thru, but some dealers appear to have them in stock.

 

[John from Connecticut]

Yes, and thanks......I wanted to stay around 2K. That Raleigh was really nice and felt safe and I can have them add a "boost" button that works like a throttle if I want. I'm 5"2 and have a short torso. The laid back seat really helps I think to make it a good fit. I don't see the 2028 Retroglide online--seems like maybe it is sold out. I don't want to buy the first thing I see, but on the other hand, it seems good. My husband noted that the Retroglide seemed to be the best fitting bike he has ever seen for me.

The Raleigh Retroglide iE Step Thru is a great looking bike, stunning ! I guess it's 'sold out ' ? ...You wrote you felt safe on the Raleigh. That safe feeling has a lot to do with the fact that the bike has a 'pedal forward design' allowing you place your feet flat on the ground when stopped. Also the geometry aka the design of the frame, because it's a cruiser makes for a stable feeling. The bike is not twitchy. Since your husband
is a long time road cyclist he can explain about a twitchy bike and why you don't want that : )

Obviously safety is a huge deal for many of us and certainly yourself. Since you're going to visit a Trek dealer hopefully they may have a Lift + Low Step or the more expensive Townie-Go both are pedal forward. The Townie has the Bosch Power system which is very smooth.
These bikes do not have throttles or power assist buttons.


https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...es/lift/lift-lowstep/p/25105/?colorCode=white

https://www.electrabike.com/bikes/townie-go/townie-go-8i?g=stepthru

John from CT

 

[Dewey]

some dealers appear to have them in stock.

Yep, Motostrano have them in.

 

[TAZMANIMAN]

I just purchased two X-Treme Sedona Step through mountain bikes and they should work very well for you. I paid 1549 each and they are 48 volt with 10 amp hours so they will give plenty of saddle time. I am 5'2" and was easily able to adjust for me.
*Also the reason I purchased is I called Eric from www.farbike.com and was able to talk to him first. It was nice to deal with an american who supports the brand in Florida. This gave me more confidence in pulling a trigger.

 

[Alex M]

Some ideas.
Step-through for sure, yes.
Size 16"-17" max. You "might" get 19" frame, but I would feel uncomfortable every time when I need to jump off and on the bike.
350W motor might not cut it for heavy rider on the hills. 500W would be better.
2K is reasonable for 500W step-through of average quality. 350W Blix sounds a little overpriced, for this reason - but not much. Many 500W models cost more (not necessarily better for you), and a handful cost less - mostly direct-sales and entry-level parts.

Are bikes get thrown away when battery dies - hard to tell. This industry is in adolescence, growing rapidly. E-bikes made more than 5 years ago are dinosaurs by design and parts, they often have 250W motors and 24V batteries, so I wouldn't be surprised that people dump it and get something with better electric components. Today's battery is typically 48V by 11-15AH, they will probably be around for a while, and so will 500W motors,for short-range urban and light trail use. There are places now that would re-fill dead battery with new cells if you can't find a replacement battery, but I "think" 48V batts will be around for a while. IMO, the best shot for long-term use is to avoid proprietary form-factor of battery - hidden in the frame, curved nicely to conform to rear wheel etc - you won't find those in aftermarket.

 

[PowerMe]

I'm female, about 5'0" (5'1 with shoes). I can heartily recommend the Easy Motion Evo Street, with it's step-thru design & 26" wheels. I purchased mine in 2015. The Evo Street now comes with a more powerful motor (now a 500w geared rear hub) and larger capacity battery (now a 36v 600wh) than my 2015 model, but all else is about the same. I wouldn't hesitate to purchase Easy Motion again.

 

[TAZMANIMAN]

Just for info the Sedona bikes use a 500 watt Bafang rear hub motor