The Best Electric Bikes for Large People

[Grumplesnort]

Thanks, everyone.

I think I am down to three:
1. Electra: Ace of Spades Go 8i
https://www.electrabike.com/bikes/ace-spades-go/ace-spades-go-8i

2. Biktrix: Stunner X
https://www.biktrix.com/products/stunner-x

3. Electric Bike Company: Classic Model C
(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

I feel safer ordering the Electra because of the LBS support but think that the Stunner X or EBC Classic offer more value for the money as well as larger motor/battery options.

Decisions... Decisions...

Thanks for all the help! I'll likely post a thread when I purchase and "give back" by providing another big guy ebike perspective.

 

[Tuna]

If you're considering the Electric Bike Company bike. I suggest to sign up for their mailing list at the bottom of their home page (they do have promotion discount codes, offers etc).

ALSO you can order an EBC bike and try it out for 30 days, if you want to return it, they will pay for shipping.

 

[KurtW]

I know I chimed in earlier in the thread but I continue to be very satisfied with my Biktrix Stunner LT. It is very similar to the one you are looking for. In fact if they had offered it when I was purchasing my bike I very likely would have gone with the Stunner-X.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

So what are you riding??

 

[Grumplesnort]

@Saratoga Dave nothing yet.

I almost pulled the trigger on the Electra Ace of Spades but got cold feet. I was concerned about such a small drive and battery carrying my weight around.

I had to rule out the Stunner X as they don’t offer a color I like (only comes in tan or Caribbean green).

I am still considering the EBC but I worry about it being a single gear bike.

I’ve been traveling during the week and my weekends have been full of family stuff so I’ve not visited the Pedego store to check out the interceptor with mag wheels yet.

I’ve added a couple more to my list:

Civic bikes Cheetah
https://www.civibikes.com/products/cheetah-the-cafe-racer?variant=14256366714923

Ariel W Class
https://arielrider.com/products/w-class-electric-cruiser-bike/?variant=13095733723191

Biktrix Juggernaut Classic 2019
https://www.biktrix.com/products/biktrix-juggernaut-classic-original?variant=95688261653

Elux Tahoe Sport
https://www.eluxbikes.com/product-page/tahoe-sport-limited-edition

Addmotor M-5500 Flying Tiger
https://www.addmotor.com/shop/m-5500

What I’m thinking...
I need to get to the Pedego store before I buy anything so I can check that box. However, I worry that I’d be spending another $2K for the brand (and the peace of mind)

The Cheetah looks cool and there is a 17.5AH battery option but the tires are huge (27x4) and, like everything but Pedego, I would have to buy without trying it first.

The Ariel W looked like a great option as it has a bigger battery than their model N but they are sold out of black until July.

The Juggernaut, Tahoe and Flying Tiger all look like they would work, and they come in black, but I am not sure if a fat tire bike is what would work best for me. I like the idea of being able to ride on a variety of surfaces; however, there are no beaches here and I don’t see myself hitting tough terrain beyond a field of grass or gravel/dirt park.

 

[KurtW]

Take a look at the Stunner LT. Just about the same as the X but with a read drive. I'm 300 lbs and that thing flies! I went with the 21ah battery and I have gone over 40 miles without the voltage dropping below 45 volts.

 

[Grumplesnort]

I’ll shoot you a message @KurtW as I’m curious what else you looked at and why you choose the stunner LT over the Juggernaut.

 

[Ravi Kempaiah]

@Saratoga Dave nothing yet.

I almost pulled the trigger on the Electra Ace of Spades but got cold feet. I was concerned about such a small drive and battery carrying my weight around.

I had to rule out the Stunner X as they don’t offer a color I like (only comes in tan or Caribbean green).

I am still considering the EBC but I worry about it being a single gear bike.

I’ve been traveling during the week and my weekends have been full of family stuff so I’ve not visited the Pedego store to check out the interceptor with mag wheels yet.

I’ve added a couple more to my list:

Civic bikes Cheetah
https://www.civibikes.com/products/cheetah-the-cafe-racer?variant=14256366714923

Ariel W Class
https://arielrider.com/products/w-class-electric-cruiser-bike/?variant=13095733723191

Biktrix Juggernaut Classic 2019
https://www.biktrix.com/products/biktrix-juggernaut-classic-original?variant=95688261653

Elux Tahoe Sport
https://www.eluxbikes.com/product-page/tahoe-sport-limited-edition

Addmotor M-5500 Flying Tiger
https://www.addmotor.com/shop/m-5500

What I’m thinking...
I need to get to the Pedego store before I buy anything so I can check that box. However, I worry that I’d be spending another $2K for the brand (and the peace of mind)

The Cheetah looks cool and there is a 17.5AH battery option but the tires are huge (27x4) and, like everything but Pedego, I would have to buy without trying it first.

The Ariel W looked like a great option as it has a bigger battery than their model N but they are sold out of black until July.

The Juggernaut, Tahoe and Flying Tiger all look like they would work, and they come in black, but I am not sure if a fat tire bike is what would work best for me. I like the idea of being able to ride on a variety of surfaces; however, there are no beaches here and I don’t see myself hitting tough terrain beyond a field of grass or gravel/dirt park.

Have you looked at Day6 Samson?

It is built for large and tall riders. Many football players who are 6ft 7" have found this to be a better fit.

Their website: https://www.day6electric.com/

Here is a video.

 

[Grumplesnort]

Hi, @Ravi Kempaiah thanks for the suggestion. The wife’s reaction when I showed her the photo pretty much ruled that one out.

 

[Tuna]

Recently came across these; they look pretty sturdy (but it is a fat tire)

 

[Alaskan]

It seems to me your self knowledge and analytical approach have already pointed you in a good direction. The fact that you are avoiding a bike with a throttle shows you have thought things through quite well. You know what your limits are and want to avoid a temptation that will reduce the beneficial effects of riding for you. Of course there are some whose circumstances require a throttle but they are indeed a temptation that those who don't really need one is wise to avoid.

You might take a look at some of the electric cargo bikes as the good ones are built up to carry a heavier total load than most other bikes. Riese & Muller Packster or Load are the top tier cargo bikes but other to look at include Tern, Surly, Extracycle, Urban Arrow, Yuba https://electricbikereview.com/category/cargo/

 

[Gege Hughes]

I’ll shoot you a message @KurtW as I’m curious what else you looked at and why you choose the stunner LT over the Juggernaut.

I changed the tires on my Ultra 1000 to Schwalbe Super Moto 2.4 inches wide. Have 27.5 rims. The bike is even better. My friend who has the Turo Levo was impressed with the bike.

 

[Grumplesnort]

My with bought me an ebike for my birthday, over a month ago. I did not anticipate such a challenge in picking one out.

I was in Boulder this week and told my story to Ben at University Bikes (https://ubikes.com/). I can’t think of a time where I have had better customer service. I told him up front that I was just in town for a couple days so I would not be buying. He walked me through several options, let me take an extended test ride on a townie step-over and educated me on some of the things to look for in components. #benrocks

Unfortunately, I learned that the Bosch Active line cut not cut it for me, even on turbo, and I ended walking up two hills. That left me considering the 2020 Specialized Turbo Como being the option that I can get serviced at my LBS and the Biktrix Juggernaut Classic as the best value but with the least amount of local support options.

However, today I found three more bikes that could work and I’ve verified with the companies that they can work with my 345lb self.

Priority Embark:
This is a class one but it has all the low maintenance options such as belt drive, internal gears, etc. Additionally, they offer free “white glove” service where the bike is shipped to local velofix guy and delivered to you assembled. (Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

Evelo Aurora:
This bike has the 750w Bafang mid motor so I would have more hauling power. It is also the first step over I think looks cool. Potential downside is that it has 2” tires and I’m worried about a total lack of cushioning.
https://www.evelo.com/electric-bicycles/aurora/

Evelo Delta:
I like the look of this as well and suspect that the 3” tires would be great for a street, bike path ride.
https://www.evelo.com/electric-bicycles/delta/

I’m in the process of getting more info as to which Evolo would make more sense for my usage and what the total “to the door” price would be on these final contenders.

I’ll update this thread again when I’ve narrowed it down and promise to post some videos of the arrival, first ride, etc.

 

[Grumplesnort]

I just heard back from Dave at Priority bikes and it looks like their bikes won’t work for me after all. It‘s a bummer as it was a sweet bike and the customer service and responsiveness was stellar. I love that he didn’t try to sell me o. Something that wouldn’t work for me and he said that I’ll do best with a 750w mid motor if I don’t want to walk up hills.

Now, I’ve narrowed it to two companies:. Biktrix and Evelo. Both are rated for my weight, offer Mid-mount 750w and hydraulic brakes.

If the Biktrix Stunner X came in a color I could tolerate (only ten and pastel green), I think I would have already purchased that as it checks almost all of the boxes and it was Roshan at Biktri’s initial recommendation.

The hunt continues.

 

[Grumplesnort]

Update: I’ve purchased an Evelo Delta and it will be assembled and delivered via VeloFix.

I have gotten fantastic service from Alex Stegemann at Evelo as he put together a custom set of options to accommodate my 6’3” 345lb self.

I will start a separate thread to track things from here.

Thank you again to all of the awesome people in the EBR community who have help inform and educate me.

Regards.

Phil

P.S. Link to new thread: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/big-and-tall-rider-and-my-new-evelo-delta.27705/

 

[socalfatboy]

Update: I’ve purchased an Evelo Delta and it will be assembled and delivered via VeloFix.

I have gotten fantastic service from Alex Stegemann at Evelo as he put together a custom set of options to accommodate my 6’3” 345lb self.

I will start a separate thread to track things from here.

Thank you again to all of the awesome people in the EBR community who have help inform and educate me.

Regards.

Phil

P.S. Link to new thread: https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/big-and-tall-rider-and-my-new-evelo-delta.27705/

Congratulations Phil! I am 6' 3" and am 340 lbs. My ebike got me off my butt and back into riding bicycles. I thought I would be tempted to use the throttle too much, but I found that I really only use the pedal assist. If I'm at the beach with the wind at my back, I can even turn that off. I really look forward to riding my bike now. My wife and I live in Southern California and go on a long(ish) ride every other week on average. Have a great time!

 

[jarlybart]

If I understand correctly, Bike Friday is the only folding bike company that makes a heavy-rider upgrade? Since all of their bikes can be upgraded to an E-bike it should be pretty easy to get a folding E-bike for a heavier rider. Almost no folding bikes are built to go off-road or even get packed in a suitcase for travel...sounds like a good fit to me.

 

[Konario]

Hi there. Currently a heavier rider with knee limitations wanting pedal assist and a trottle which completely overrides with torque. Wondering if there are any plans to review or anyone with recent experience trying out the Newer Ariel Rider C Class, The updated 500W 48 V Blix Aveny, or The Stunner from Biktrix. I am in Canada and would love the Electric Bike Co. C Class however duties and taxes make it too expensive. Also anyone overweight with expereince on Rad bikes would be helpful if you had anything to comment. The step thrus are likely what I need for the Rad City and Rad Mini's but can they support a person over the suggested weight capacity. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[tophermiller]

My wife and I are heavier riders (215lbs and 280lbs), but we still want to ride long road rides for fitness, topping out at around 60 miles and 2000-3000 feet of climbing. Our biggest concerns with ebikes are not killing the battery before the ride is over, and having enough power/torque to provide assistance on the steeper climbs. What key specs should we look for and what bike models lead the market in those specs?

 

[AlanDB]

My wife and I are heavier riders (215lbs and 280lbs), but we still want to ride long road rides for fitness, topping out at around 60 miles and 2000-3000 feet of climbing. Our biggest concerns with ebikes are not killing the battery before the ride is over, and having enough power/torque to provide assistance on the steeper climbs. What key specs should we look for and what bike models lead the market in those specs?

That sounds like a pretty tall order to me. I am about 235# and I can easily get 60 to 70 miles of range with my Gazelle Arroyo by staying in Eco mode. But I ride mostly on paved rail trails that have a few hundred feet of climb at most. When going up hill with higher assist level, the range estimate (shown on the display) drops pretty dramatically and in a hurry.