So I've been a bit of a wally and I need an ebike.

[Richy85]

As title says... Been a wee bit of a pillock and am potentially losing my driving licence very soon.
Turns out the police don't find pulling wheelies on a motorcycle as amusing as I do... Go figure.

Anyhoozle.

So yeah, what are my options? Have looked about on ebay and online but dunno what's what really...

Above all I need range and comfort. Not overly bothered about going as fast as possible, although I want to be able to get from A to B and not die of old age in the process.
My wrists and back aren't what they used to be - hence why I only ride adventure touring motorcycles these days. Had to give up sport/race bikes years back in favour of a more upright position so I can't be done with anything that is going to aggravate my bones.

Basically, I live out in the country so am literally miles from anywhere and anything. I need an ebike to get to work and to see the (apparently) better half who lives about 22 miles away. So a range of 50 miles is kinda required as she lives in a flat so getting the bike inside and charging isn't going to be an option while I'm there.
Being out in the sticks, not all the roads are particularly excellent so needs to be fairly rugged and able to cope with all manner of s*it on the roads... Which, living where I do is often actual s*it.

I understand that not many bikes will have the range I am looking for - Is it possible to just connect up extra batteries for more endurance?
I'm not exactly a small bloke either and may also be carrying a big backpack.

Also I am aware there are certain legalities surrounding ebikes. Legalities which I am aware most people laugh at and modify their bikes to cruise along and have a merrry old fun time... What are my options in this regard also?

Budget wise, anything around 1,000 or less would be good. can go up to 1500 though at a stretch.

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[rich c]

Tons of bikes have the 50 mile range. Do you live in America? Thinking not with the "wee bit of pillock". Laws are different in different countries. But, there are no stickers on the bikes saying what speed they travel. If you do motorcycle wheelies in the street, I'd assume you wouldn't worry about going 20 or 28mph. I ride two different Haibike speed pedelec versions. One has the 400whr battery, the second has the 500whr. To limit your battery anxiety, buy the 500whr and you can get 75 miles range.

 

[Richy85]

75 mile range sounds good.
I live in the UK. Seems that if you abide by the law here (chortle...) then you're limited to 15 mph. 20 mph sounds more than adequate but am not really hugely fussed about going silly speeds so 28mph is probably a little bit excessive.
As much as I do have a penchant for pulling wheelies and doing stupid s*it, I've never been much of a speed demon... I know how much crashing and road rash hurts. Plus not being as young as I once was, I don't seem to have the ability to merrily bounce down the road without parts of me breaking anymore.


Unfortunately those haibikes are quite a bit out of my budget though!

I see on youtube it's possible to build an ebike - how hard would it be to build something with a 20mph or so speed that'll do 70 or so miles?

 

[J.R.]

lives in a flat so getting the bike inside and charging isn't going to be an option while I'm there

You shouldn't need to take the bike inside, as most ebikes have removable battery packs. Just carry your charger or get a second one to leave at your regular destination. As for what's legal, check your local laws on the consequences of being caught on the road with an illegal ebike. It could go against your suspended license. You wouldn't want to be off the road longer than need be, for a few MPH.