The elusive $1k quality E-bike... Coming this year?

[BigNerd]

So after a few weeks of looking around, it seems like the following bikes may fit into the the "quality" $1k ebike category. My caveat for "quality" is that the company that sells the ebike provides after sale support that is responsive and helpful (I've based this on going through the forums for these brands so not exactly proven):

Lectric XP $899
RadPower Mission $999 (no real world reviews or usage yet but depending on experience with previous RadPower ebikes)
Biktrix Swift Lite $999 (like the RadPower Mission, a new model that doesn't have many reviews yet but Bikrix looks popular in the forums)
Anything from Japan (that's for Timpo )

The Ride1Up Core-5 and the Aventon Pace 350 would be on this list but those are now $1100 bikes but should be under consideration.

Are there any others?

(I realize there is a new thread about "cheap bikes" but I started here)

 

[FlatSix911]

Here is another option... take a look at the EBR recommendations for the Best Affordable Bikes of 2020. ($999- $1,699)

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Best Affordable Electric Bikes of 2020
Here are our top picks for the best affordable electric bikes of 2020. These top five ebikes represent the best combination of features and value right now, but you can see all 190 of our detailed affordable ebike reviews listed by date here. Reviewing electric bikes is our primary focus, EBR has the industry’s most complete and objective reviews. Since 2012, we’ve helped millions of people find and choose the best ebike for their needs and budget. Let’s go!
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[BigNerd]

@FlatSix911 Yep, already looked at what EBR recommends... only one of them is $1k or less, the RadMission.

 

[GenXrider]

The Ride1Up Core-5 and the Aventon Pace 350 would be on this list but those are now $1100 bikes but should be under consideration.

Cross those off the list - they are over $1000. However, for the Core-5, you can get $40 off with the R1U pledge and 5% cashback with Paypal linked to Discovercard, which makes it about $1000 net, but you have to pay for a mechanic to inspect or assemble it to validate the warranty, so maybe $1050 net with a warranty, assuming you don't have to pay tax, which won't be the case for some people. But for this thread, tax isn't a consideration.

Espin Nero is $999 for now.

 

[BigNerd]

Cross those off the list - they are over $1000. However, for the Core-5, you can get $40 off with the R1U pledge and 5% cashback with Paypal linked to Discovercard, which makes it about $1000 net, but you have to pay for a mechanic to inspect or assemble it to validate the warranty, so maybe $1050 net with a warranty, assuming you don't have to pay tax, which won't be the case for some people. But for this thread, tax isn't a consideration.

Espin Nero is $999 for now.

Yes, that's why I said "consideration' for those who want to stretch.

I did not include the Nero because that's limited time pricing (also why there are no Sondors on this list either as they used to be sub $1k).

 

[BigNerd]

So I get that those Japanese bikes are not high-powered but why don't we have value mid-drive bikes here? Some people (like commuters) just need that extra pedal assist for inclines or a faster ride so it's not like it needs to be a powerful mid-drive motor... are there any mid-drive ebikes in the US that are in the $1k range?

 

[BET]

Cheaper mid drive e bike, Buzz bike, is around $1500.

 

[J.R.]

So I get that those Japanese bikes are not high-powered but why don't we have value mid-drive bikes here? Some people (like commuters) just need that extra pedal assist for inclines or a faster ride so it's not like it needs to be a powerful mid-drive motor... are there any mid-drive ebikes in the US that are in the $1k range?

Many of the motors on Japanese ebikes are only sold in Japan. Their laws are very restrictive and strictly enforced. 250 watts, pedal assist only and max 24 kph (14.9 mph). Lower than Europe and much lower than North America.

 

[BigNerd]

Many of the motors on Japanese ebikes are only sold in Japan. Their laws are very restrictive and strictly enforced. 250 watts, pedal assist only and max 24 kph (14.9 mph). Lower than Europe and much lower than North America.

But that's the point, even if it's lower power, that's enough for commuters and casual bikers and will give them a mid-drive entry point in the sub $1k range.

I would buy a mid-drive ebike for under $1k even if it only has a 250w motor and max speed of 15-20mph (most paved trails near me have a 10mph limit anyways).

 

[J.R.]

But that's the point, even if it's lower power, that's enough for commuters and casual bikers and will give them a mid-drive entry point in the sub $1k range.

I would buy a mid-drive ebike for under $1k even if it only has a 250w motor and max speed of 15-20mph (most paved trails near me have a 10mph limit anyways).

Couldn't agree more. Like so many things the vocal minority on social media seems to drive companies these days. YouTube is full of videos of fast, throttle driven ebikes. A 15 mph PAS doesn't have a chance to excite the market. Non cyclists have no idea that 15 mph is difficult to maintain on most bike paths. Whether true or not it seems most want a minimum 28+ mph. I'd love to see a scientific poll of the speed members here average over a year of riding.

 

[GenXrider]

Yes, that's why I said "consideration' for those who want to stretch.

I did not include the Nero because that's limited time pricing (also why there are no Sondors on this list either as they used to be sub $1k).

That's ok, I already included it earlier, since it's currently that price rather than "used to be", despite being temporary.

I might want to stretch to $1200, $1500, or $1700, though.

 

[BigNerd]

@Timpo We need to import these Japanese mid-drive affordable bikes and see if there is a market for them... TimpoBigNerd Ebikes!

 

[BigNerd]

Cheaper mid drive e bike, Buzz bike, is around $1500.

Any others? The only other one I can find is the Ariel C-Class for $1799 and it has a Nexus IGH which is interesting as I don't know much about internal geared hubs.

 

[Explorer-1]

Lectric XP vs Ride1Up Core-5

The Lectrix XP wins this little shootout, but now the owner likes the Core-5 more, as he found out he could put an adjustable stem on the bike and get the ride position he wanted.

 

[BigNerd]

Saw that video already. Although he likes the regular bike profile of the Core-5, he has more "fun" riding the XP.

 

[Asher]

Couldn't agree more. Like so many things the vocal minority on social media seems to drive companies these days. YouTube is full of videos of fast, throttle driven ebikes. A 15 mph PAS doesn't have a chance to excite the market. Non cyclists have no idea that 15 mph is difficult to maintain on most bike paths. Whether true or not it seems most want a minimum 28+ mph. I'd love to see a scientific poll of the speed members here average over a year of riding.

A bike you can only use on bike paths is next to worthless in the US, for actual transport. There just aren't very many bike paths.

15 mph is quite easy to maintain for a fit adult on a non-crowded flat, straight bike path, using say a hybrid bike. I did a bike ride with a friend in Europe, I had a hybrid, she had a euro e bike, and she could not keep up at all at 15.5 mph on flat grounds ( I slowed down to accommodate).

I did a survey here and few go 28 mph with Class 3. But plenty go 20-25, and speed is useful when you need it.

As long as cars are going over 20 mph, limiting vehicles to 20 is just pointless, because 20+ mph speeds are just useful. I prefer 22-24 for cruising.

 

[Explorer-1]

Saw that video already. Although he likes the regular bike profile of the Core-5, he has more "fun" riding the XP.

Not any more...

 

[J.R.]

A bike you can only use on bike paths is next to worthless in the US, for actual transport. There just aren't very many bike paths.

15 mph is quite easy to maintain for a fit adult on a non-crowded flat, straight bike path, using say a hybrid bike. I did a bike ride with a friend in Europe, I had a hybrid, she had a euro e bike, and she could not keep up at all at 15.5 mph on flat grounds ( I slowed down to accommodate).

I did a survey here and few go 28 mph with Class 3. But plenty go 20-25, and speed is useful when you need it.

As long as cars are going over 20 mph, limiting vehicles to 20 is just pointless, because 20+ mph speeds are just useful. I prefer 22-24 for cruising.

I can't imagine what you think I said. Follow the thread back to the original post I responded to. It had nothing to do with laws or keeping up with other vehicles. It had to do with low cost, modest power ebike availability. One size never fits all.

 

[Asher]

I can't imagine what you think I said. Follow the thread back to the original post I responded to. It had nothing to do with laws or keeping up with other vehicles. It had to do with low cost, modest power ebike availability. One size never fits all.

It was right there in my post. I'll quote it again for you

"Non cyclists have no idea that 15 mph is difficult to maintain on most bike paths. Whether true or not it seems most want a minimum 28+ mph. I'd love to see a scientific poll of the speed members here average over a year of riding."

 

[J.R.]

It was right there in my post. I'll quote it again for you

"Non cyclists have no idea that 15 mph is difficult to maintain on most bike paths. Whether true or not it seems most want a minimum 28+ mph. I'd love to see a scientific poll of the speed members here average over a year of riding."

Precisely, non cyclists have no idea. Doesn't really come into play when asking riders how fast they have ridden over the last year. Which means they aren't who I was referencing when talking about a non cyclist's perception of needed speed when shopping for their first bike. I placed no value to experienced riders. Often when someone is new to cycling or ebiking they have no idea how fast 15 mph on a crowded path can be.