Seeking 1st E Bike!

[Maremcredd]

The Emazing Apollo Plus test ride at Santa Clara ELV Motors was ...... yup, Amazing, yet I can’t find much of anything on it anywhere... Why is there no info on it? It’s from Taiwan, 2020?, lots of power, Bafang Mid Motor, Bafang display, great range & top speed 28. Anyone have thoughts on this ebike? See any reviews? Also love the Ride1Up and the Shred, or possible the Evelo Co yet can’t test drive one ...yet I just love the feel of the Apollo. & there’s a thousand others I wanna try asap...
...the concept of selling my Jeep & e biking daily is exciting! Thanks for this forum.

 

[Dewey]

Court reviewed the Apollo model back in 2017, and it appears on the emazing website as a 36v hub motor Class 1. ELV Motors show two different bikes for this Apollo Plus model in photos on their website, so I'd be careful and check you are actually getting a 48v BBS02 equipped Class 3 and not the 36v hub motor Class 1 Apollo that is the other bike in the photos (why do shops do this?). Check the Bafang mid-drive is the 48v BBS02, probably is because of the Class 3 top speed, so it's going to perform similarly to any other ebike that uses that motor like some models from the following brands: BMEBikes, Luna, Biktrix, Day6, DOST, etc. A similar bike to this would be the BMEbikes Shadow with the 48v motor option, which is a converted KHS hardtail mountain bike. Try asking ELV if they can match BM’s $2100 asking price, you might save $400.

 

[Maremcredd]

Thank you so much for the thorough & knowledgeable reply & all i know is from this attached specs. I'll have to go back ask the right questions at the shop. More soon... thanks a bunch...

 

[Dewey]

To be fair compared with the Shadow which looks like what it is - a kit converted pedal bike with a small battery and the wiring zip-tied to the outside - the spec sheet you have shows a proper OEM frame with internal cable routing, a battery twice the size which is important if you intend to ride at Class 3 speeds, and commuting accessories missing from the Shadow including brake lights, so equipped the Apollo Plus would be worth the price difference, but if it doesn’t come with one I’d ask ELV to fit a gear sensor.

 

[Maremcredd]

Sorry, not following you. The Shadow you find a better deal? Battery is twice the size of the Apollo or vice is versa? Shadow is 2015... I'm a complete novice just comparing via EBR as it's found trustworthy. Apollo Plus is not on EBR though. & a gearsensor? Mechanic at ELV did tell me to be careful to not shift & pedal at same time... ? & Why is Apollo Plus not reviewed anywhere? Where might i find someone who has reviewed it? Any thoughts on Evelo bikes? They've a sale now plus 4 year warranty... so much to look at it's overwhelming. thanks for your help.

 

[Dewey]

No, I’m commenting on the spec sheet you posted for the Apollo Plus which appears to be a better equipped ebike for commuting purposes and has a large battery. Yes the gear sensor is an inline sensor through which your shop can thread the gear cable to detect shifting and send a signal to the controller to momentarily cut motor power to reduce stress on the drivetrain. I have one fitted to my BBS01 36v kit motor and find it works well on my lower power motor, I’d definitely want one on a 48v BBS02. It is possible to ride without it as the mechanic was right if you stop pedalling that also cuts the power, or if the bike has ebrake levers you can blip the brakes to cut the power, but it’s an extra step that requires operator training and muscle memory to do it every time you shift and I just found it simpler and felt right to have a sensor detect when I’m shifting and cut the power.

Evelo bikes are good, some models also use the BBS02 motor but they are heavier and more expensive than the Apollo Plus.

 

[Maremcredd]

Thanks so much! I'll let you know what i decide. You've helped ALOT.

 

[FlatSix911]

I think you can do better at this price point...

Emazing Bike Apollo 93h3h Review

Price: $2000 | Model Year: 2017 | A lightweight, hardtail, 29er trail style electric bike with efficient motor and battery pack, it offers smooth, dynamic pedal assist and twist throttle Nice 100 mm suspension fork with lots of adjustability (compression, preload, rebound, and lockout), durable...

electricbikereview.com

Summary

• A lightweight, hardtail, 29er trail style electric bike with efficient motor and battery pack, it offers smooth, dynamic pedal assist and twist throttle
• Nice 100 mm suspension fork with lots of adjustability (compression, preload, rebound, and lockout), durable nine-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain
• Available in three frame sizes, priced reasonably at $2k, purpose-built frame hides wires and protects the controller unit in the downtube, powerful hydraulic disc brakes
• The battery isn't as nicely integrated into the frame, the throttle won't activate until you turn the cranks, the display leaves a lot to be desired

Video Review

 

[Dewey]

Maybe a better comparison would be a Dost Kope, if the OP likes the big battery of the Apollo Plus, he might like the option of a dual battery even more, the same torquey 48v BBS02 motor, and the Dost comes with a gear sensor.

 

[Maremcredd]

The Apollo 93h3h is not the same bike as the Apollo Plus. The larger battery is the plus for me and Apollo Plus has more range and speed. i'll have to check out the Dost on range/speed. Something not too heavy, for commuting, hills and mt biking and with a rack is all a plus. And sound like gear sensor is a high recommendation so appreciate that too.

 

[Dewey]

Court posted a review of the Dost Kope here on EBR https://electricbikereview.com/dost/kope/ Take the max range estimate with dual battery with a pinch of salt, it's based off staying in PAS level 2. But the dual battery would give you 1200wh of energy, and the BBS02 power consumption can be modeled using Justin LeMire Elmore’s Motor Simulator if you can get the parameters from somewhere (Endless Sphere forum maybe?)

 

[Maremcredd]

Ah, in n out of love...The Dost Drop is Dope! ...but Apollo Plus? I like that i've got ELV Motors as brick building to call on yet the Dost I'd have to buy online. Right? ... Dost looks awesome! & puncture protective tires is a big draw. Apollo Plus is only 40 lbs though... ... ... I'm having difficulty making a decision. ... Here's another add: I'm a novice rider, clutz with tools yet an athletic female on my own who's been saving for a reliable bike so as to sell & stop relying, for a while, on a car... I've super thankful for this site to ask questions. Thank You Thank you for stimulating my brain to learn more about the complexities of e bikes!

 

[Maremcredd]

Yes, i had just finished reading Court's post as you posted this. Thanks. i went to online Dost site & cost is up to $3148. from what Court listed at: $2799. Yet maybe Dost has added items... appreciating all the help... How does warranty work w buying from bike shop vs buying online? Dost is 2 year which is better... i'll call them today and ask some questions. i trust a site like this more though of course...

 

[Dewey]

Haha yes N+1, there’s always one more ebike out there you gotta love.

Dost is a direct to consumer brand, you’re right there is real value having a shop nearby that can work on it for you. I’ve been fortunate a local Giant dealer has been very patient with my Frankenbike experimenting and I’ve had good support getting parts from the retailer from whom I bought my BBS01 motor California Ebike, but I still have to troubleshoot electrical problems myself, reading error codes, measuring current flow using a multimeter. If you just want to ride, then shop support is helpful.

I just don’t know the Apollo can weigh what they claim, the spring fork, rack, fenders, lights, BBS02 and that large battery are heavy, easily adding maybe 25-30lb to the bike, I very much doubt the weight rating of the Apollo, if you bring a luggage scale you could weigh it yourself in the shop but I would be very surprised if it weighs much less than 50-60lb. That’s the biggest drawback with this type of ebike, so if you need to store it inside and have to climb stairs to your apartment you might also want to test ride lightweight alternatives.

 

[Dewey]

As with everything life there are trade offs, with ebikes it’s range/torque/weight pick two.

So for example with the Dost Kope dual battery 1200wh, based off Justin’s testing real world range through different PAS levels, different terrain, and some throttle use, you’ll probably be looking at power consumption of 18-22wh per mile so maybe 60-80 miles.

In comparison a true lightweight power sipper with a dual battery like one of the new Specialized Vado super light models probably could do 120 miles with the range extender battery as it consumes power at half the rate of the BBS02, weigh half of the Kope, but won’t offer as much torque for climbing hills. Still worth a test ride if you want to try a state of the art pedelec (no throttle) well suited for athletic riders. The Vado SL uses a torque sensor so it will feel Bicycle-like to ride compared with the cadence sensor and throttle on the Apollo and Kope which are more moped-like to ride. A different type of riding and depends on your personal preferences.

 

[Maremcredd]

The Dost Drop is sold out (online) til October... Would a shop like ELV help to do add ons to a bike they have? Can i even get
puncture protective tires for the Apollo Plus? i keep eyeing AP as I could have one by the week's end whereas all others i like so far,
they are Sold Out for another month or more.

 

[Dewey]

Yes, tires are a good relatively inexpensive upgrade. I’ve had no punctures in 4 years riding with Schwalbe Marathon greenguard tires that cost roughly $100 for the pair plus tubes, but there are better road tires out there like the Schwalbe Marathon e-plus

 

[Maremcredd]

Now looking back at Evelo to see if there's any that compare to the Dost. ? Evelo?

 

[Dewey]

If you’re trying to keep around three grand you’ll be looking at the Aurora Hub drive, a spare battery is $800 so should come in just over three grand

 

[FlatSix911]

Ah, in n out of love...The Dost Drop is Dope! ...but Apollo Plus? I like that i've got ELV Motors as brick building to call on yet the Dost I'd have to buy online. Right? ... Dost looks awesome! & puncture protective tires is a big draw. Apollo Plus is only 40 lbs though... ... ... I'm having difficulty making a decision. ...

Here's another add: I'm a novice rider, clutz with tools yet an athletic female on my own who's been saving for a reliable bike so as to sell & stop relying, for a while, on a car... I've super thankful for this site to ask questions. Thank You Thank you for stimulating my brain to learn more about the complexities of e bikes!

Good point about support from your local bike shop. What else does ELV Motors have in stock that is in your price range?

I'm also in the Bay Area and having a good LBS is worth something... let us know what you find at ELV and we can help narrow down your choices.

Tempo Santa Barbara - ELV Motors

YEAR-END SALE! We will deliver any bike on Christmas Eve day, Christmas Eve or Christmas day for $50. Price includes bike built, tested, tuned, charged with a big red ribbon.

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BULLS SIX50 E 2 STREET - Electric Bikes for Sale - ELV Motors

The all-new Six50 E 2 Street is the perfect bike for anyone interested in getting an eBike for leisure riding but also wants a trail-ready bike. When comfort and sportiness come together, you’re left with an eBike experience that leaves you wanting more and more. See this electric bike dealer's webs

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Bulls Cross Mover Speed Wave - ELV Motors

YEAR-END SALE! We will deliver any bike on Christmas Eve day, Christmas Eve or Christmas day for $50. Price includes bike built, tested, tuned, charged with a big red ribbon.

www.elvmotors.com