I am looking to buy an ebike for my husband and myself, but I don't know what would be best for him.
Posted by dreamer1112@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 36 comments
My husband and I are looking to purchase an ebike, mainly for his daily commute to work, but also for me to use on days off. But I have my concerns as my husband is not a small person. He stands 6'6", and weighs 300lbs.
His commute to work is 12 miles, so about 24 miles/day, 5 days a week. No rough terrain, little to no hills to go over.
My main concern for him is his comfort, and ensuring that he won't burn out the bike immediately just due to his size. I've looked at a few brands briefly just to vet out which wouldn't work because of weight capacity, or the power capabilities.
I'm hoping not to spend a ridiculous sum of money on this for us, but willing to consider pricier options if I have to to best support his size and the distance we need it for.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Strict_Second_1922@reddit
Motor Goat V3, suspension limit is 450lbs. Has a 25 Ah battery that would make it round trip just throttling at 40 mph with optional secondary battery's. There is a seat extension but if your going to share to much of a pain to take on and off.
Own_Peace6291@reddit
Anecdotal but I have a 'rougehawk fs' with fat tyres.
Website claims weight limit of 300lbs exactly :/ I am 6'4 and ride without issues. Certainly overkill rangewise
Civil-happiness-2000@reddit
Cube Ebike reaction 400
Nervous-Iron2373@reddit
Rideup1 Vorsa. Has a 440 pound capacity. Comes in step thru or step over model.
https://ride1up.com/product/vorsa/
beeblebr0x@reddit
I am a big advocate for Tern bikes. They really make some amazing bikes that are complete car replacements. The recent release of the Tern GSD has a max gross weight of something like 467 pounds. I'll note however that max rider weight is different. It's possible he'll have to get a reinforced seat post (which may be a factor for most bikes he'd look at).
Whatever brand you go for, there is one critical point that not enough comments here are saying: Be sure that buy the ebike from a reputable bike shop. Many bike shops will not work on ebikes they did not/do not sell. There are just too many sketchy brands on the internet. Some people are saying brands that you can only find online. Unless your husband or yourself are fully capable of making any and all repairs, buy the bike from a local bike shop.
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
Comments like yours and others in this thread are why I asked here vs just going straight to a bike shop. I can learn from a myriad of other riders, of all types, what would work best for his needs. I can ask the dumb questions now, so I can know what I'm asking for later, to make him the happiest with our choice. I feel I would be taken advantage of by going to the shop first, upsold things we wouldn't need, or offered things that wouldn't actually suit our needs just to have us buy more add ons.
Candid-Tumbleweedy@reddit
Could happen but typically bike shops are not like car salesman. Car salesman try to rip you off because they get a percentage of your $50,000. Bike shop workers are not even in the same tax bracket.
It’s always good to learn things, but bike shops usually dispense good advice.
Fabulous-Patient-228@reddit
I’m 6’5” and 275 pounds. I bought a Cannondale Tesoro X1 a few weeks ago for my commute to work. It’s a $4600 bike but currently on sale for $2650. The XL frame fits 6’4” to 6’8”. Very nice bosch mid motor pedal assist up to 28mph. Find a bike store near you and check them out.
https://www.cannondale.com/en-us/bikes/electric/e-touring/tesoro-neo-x/tesoro-neo-x-1
F1890@reddit
I don’t know what you consider a reasonable budget, but look up the Envo ST50 or D50. They claim to be for people up to 6’6” and they’re rated for up to 400 lbs.
Definitely watch the weight capacity of bikes you’re considering. I’ve seen some with weight limits as low as 165lbs, and a lot that were rated for only 220lbs.
BodSmith54321@reddit
This is what I would get. Has a Bosch mid drive motor serviceable at most bike shops. Made for riders 6’2 to 6’8
https://upway.co/products/bulls-urban-evo-10-stepthru-laf07
nonsensecaddy@reddit
Annioki a9 would be my choice for 6’”6 & 300. He’ll do 42-45mph and get 50-60miles from the battery
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
Thank you! I'll look into this one.
BodSmith54321@reddit
Just don’t expect any customer support if anything breaks
Messengerphoto@reddit
Trek had a sale last week. I bought a Bike for about 1000 bucks off, Bosch mid drive. Torque is 85 nm and top speed about 20. Class 1. Torque makes a big difference, not just wattage.
OrganicBuilding4146@reddit
I’d check out the ride1up vorsa, you’ll get a reliable bike from a reliable company that has versatility and a 400 pound capacity limit.
grazzyphase@reddit
With a 450 lb capacity and fully unlocked throttles, Velotric bikes let you easily keep up with traffic. Plus, their customer support is really solid, and if you ever need parts, they're readily available to ship. Being 6'4", I can tell you firsthand that Velotric bikes fit me way better than other brands. Personally, the Breeze looks like a fantastic choice – it's lightweight, you can swap out the sensor, it gets over-the-air updates, and those "ComfortMax" step-through frames are seriously comfortable.
Van_Darklholme@reddit
C A R G O T A N D E M And then install a CYC X1 Pro Gen 4
But for real, only some ebikes are rated for more than >300 lbs rider weight. I would suggest something with fat tires or off-road design in mind, and probably as much power as you can accept for your husband.
For yourself, anything from lectric to radpower to velotric will suit you just fine unless you're incredibly tall or short.
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
Thank you. I know I have to make concessions somewhere in here, and it may likely be cost, but I'm just trying to figure out my options for him. I'm honestly less concerned for myself and using it, it really is mostly for his work commute, and maybe a "hey I wanna go to the yarn shop just cause, bye!" for me.
Van_Darklholme@reddit
I see, you're sharing a bike.
I would have the following criteria in mind then:
40c and up to fat tires
320lbs or more rider weight rating
750w or more (nominal, not peak power)
Budget must also include 1 cargo carrying solution and both front/rear lights.
Depending on his commute length and elevation, you can calculate the battery size required. Most 750w systems are 48 Volts , so that's almost 16 Amps. If it takes 30 minutes one-way, then you'll need something like a 20Ah battery, so that the controller can draw 16A for one whole hour and still leave some overhead, assuming flat ground only.
Of course you can also use the trip simulation tool such as the one on ebikes.ca, because many other conditions have to be taken into account.
Consider the budget for helmet and accessories too, like bright colored clothing or panniers.
infoooto@reddit
Velotric Nomad 2 or Discover 2 step thru Large frame - both can handle large person, I prefer the Nomad 2 for its wide tires that provide support and stability. Conversely the Lectric XPeak is a smaller frame and shorter length, so a larger person feet tend to hit the tire on turns. Be nice to try both, visit YouTube to see reviews, of many many different bikes, for example, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHgDnGhClwE
silveronetwo@reddit
TailHappyTV Youtube reviews should be pretty relevant. Reviewer is 6'5" and has tried a little bit of everything. Weight probably won't be much of an issue if you don't have many hills.
infoooto@reddit
Good point, the reviewer is tall and his reviews are consistent which is helpful for comparison
basscycles@reddit
Conversions are the go. Buy a bike that suits you, then convert it using a kit or find someone who will. When you wear out your bike or want something different than you can move the kit to your new bike. You will get a lighter bike with more power and it will be upgradeable with a lot of after market support. Get a BBS02 Bafang kit, 36 volt 500 watt is fine for almost any application short of a cargo bike.
The big bike manufacturers make heavy shitty bikes that can't be updated and wont be supported a year later, the small ebike manufacturers sell junk with incompatible parts. I work for a bicycle hire company and have seen dozens of attempts over the last 10 years, I think I have finally convinced the boss to let us make our own after literally spending 100s of thousands of dollars and we keep getting the same bullshit.
Free-Finding9047@reddit
Eahora Romeo Ultra. Dual 2500 watt motors will provide plenty of torque. Big 72 volt battery will provide plenty of range.
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
I will check it out, thank you!
OffensiveBiatch@reddit
Ok, so what is not very clear in your question.
Do you want to buy "1 bike" that your husband and you can share.
Or are you "buying" 2 bikes; 1 for your husband's commute /size; and another for yourself.
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
Ideally 1 bike for him that I could use on occasion, however I'm happy to make it solely his and just convert my cruiser bike to electric for just me.
OffensiveBiatch@reddit
A step through? He can use it on week days, and you can putter around weekends.
wrenches42@reddit
I am currently commuting on a Lectric Xpeak. I am a bigger guy with a 17 mile commute. The bike is comfortable and if you spring for the larger capacity battery, plenty of power for his commute. The current price on these is around 1600 usd.
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
I appreciate the quick reply, I'll look into it and see if it might work.
samuraipunch@reddit
Yet you leave out how tall you are... Fair to guess you aren't as tall. Which could mean that there'll be some significant sizing issues, unless you find a very adjustable and accommodating bike. A bike that compromises that much will likely be a worse bike in some ways, like being enjoyable to ride, or a good handling bike to pedal as well.
I'd take the size capabilities, and how easy it would be to adjust too. Then also consider that you may be better served by two bikes, so you both have a good fitting bike.
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
Yes I'm average height/weight. I'm happy and comfortable if I must converting my cruiser bike into an electric and making this one solely his.
Ok_Fig705@reddit
Cheap entry that if it has problems you can return
dreamer1112@reddit (OP)
Height limit is 6'1"? Wouldn't his additional height cause comfort issues?
Dependent_Stop_3121@reddit
You could look into a Dirty Sixer but fair warning they’re expensive as hell. (That price is only the first payment 💰) Maybe someone here knows of a similar sized bike. I’m not familiar with everything out there also I don’t have any experience with these at all.
Dirty Sixer
kchanar@reddit
Go to the local bike store to test them out, they will be happy to help you.