Is lectric really the way to go for a folding e-bike?
Posted by Appropriate_Egg8313@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 19 comments
So after watching a lot of YouTube and reviews and Reddit post my brain is stuck on lectric e-bike being the best bang for my buck. As a big guy 6’3 and 350 the xp4 750 appeals to me for the extra power and range and because I live in a small house with no garage the fold up option is what I want. Let’s be real some one my size isn’t getting the 80 miles to a charge like they say but for the most part I want to peddle my plan is to stick to pass 1 or 2 95% of the time cause well I’m fat but I still enjoy exercising so is there a better bang for my buck or is lectric the way?
Suitable_Voice_5432@reddit
Don’t buy Lectric. Battery died second year and they are asking me to pay for a new $300usd battery. Infuriating.
DarkVoid42@reddit
no. get a carbo model x or electric brompton if you want a folder. or get a belt drive full size ebike like a gazelle, trek or specialized if you need a full size ebike. lectrics are your cheapest option but they are too heavy to make a good folder and are too cheaply constructed and too small to make a good reliable full sized ebike.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
carbo, brompton are onlyl rated for 240lbs. even tern vektron is rated for 270lbs. they'll fold under the rider.
this person SHOULD NOT ride on a folding ebike.
DarkVoid42@reddit
yes thats kinda what is said when i recommended a tern HSD.
Relative-Display-676@reddit
someone your stature needs a cargo bike not a folding bike. look at benno boost for someone your size.
himynameisnikk@reddit
You are too big for a folding bike and I think for storage it doesn't save that much space compared to a non folding one. Maybe its only advantage is easy to carry through car.
marginal_option@reddit
A lot of the folders are going to to small for your height unless your legs are shorter/long torso for your height. One that could fit you (height 6'2" and 440lbs max load) is the Heybike Ranger 3.0 Pro they recently launched is as an upgrade to their Ranger S model. The other one that is sort of an anomaly is their Horizon model that has 24" wheels and height goes to 6'3" but the weight capacity is lower at 330 lbs. Anyway another option for you that is a good $ value and solid but spends less on marketing.
Appropriate_Egg8313@reddit (OP)
I looked at the hey bikes but have been seeing a lot of really bad reviews on the customer service and warranty claims. If I’m spending $1000 plus on something I want to know the company stands behind its product which from what I can see lectric does very well at
marginal_option@reddit
Yeah you're probably better off getting one direct from Costco or a Walmart so you can have a big box store take care of the returns.
funcentric@reddit
I'm not as versed with the current models, but if exercise is your mission, then you want a torque sensored bike. Make sure whatever you get is a torque sensor and not a cadence sensor. Personally, I only ride cadence sensored bikes b/c I'm not looking for exercise and don't want to be reminded I'm riding a bicycle everytime I'm on one. If you have leg issues or prior surgery, then cadence for sure. If exercise is your goal, choose nothing but a torque sensor.
I put a video together about the topic in case you want more explanation, https://youtu.be/hYVOXzqTl1Q?si=6K-TkID8vEoGDHjH
Hot_Block_9675@reddit
Folding ebikes are inherently prone to failure. Pushing one to it's limits (and beyond) would NOT be a good idea. Failure in your case would be imminent and catastrophic.
You need to stick to a well built ecargo bike from a major manufacturer that is designed to carry heavy loads. Lectric is NOT a manufacturer. They are a marketing scheme that takes commodity - and poorly engineered Chinese ebikes - then has uses paint and decal jobs to differentiate them.
They are known as dumpster bikes since that's where most of them end up in a short time.
Stick with Specialized, Tern, Cannondale, etc. and you'll never have any regrets.
Humble_Key_4259@reddit
If you're that big and that heavy I'd skip a folding bike. They are a pain to fold/unfold and they are not as strong/rigid as a non-folder. I'd recommend a good 26" tire bike for you. Make sure it is rated for your weight, has a nice big battery, and has name brand brakes. Don't cheap out on brakes. You're a big guy and want max stopping power.
I know you said small house with no garage but the folded bikes really don't save that much space. Yes a 26" non-folder is going to be a lot bigger but you're gonna be happier on a bigger bike at your height and weight. If it doesn't fit in the house, get a decent lockable garden shed or just live with the big bike in your house as a centerpiece.
SeriousMongoose2290@reddit
350lbs is heavier than I’d feel comfortable riding a lot of e-bikes.
CryptoVaper@reddit
And it's a little over the 330 lb rating for the XP4.
Ro-54@reddit
the bike folded still looks just as big
heskey30@reddit
Folding ebikes are overrated. Its a pain to fold it and its way heavier than a classic frame because the shape has little inherent strength.
The main benefit is being able to muscle it into the back of an suv. Otherwise when I had one I kept it unfolded, even in my apartment.
Away-Revolution2816@reddit
I've bought two Lectrics, different model, and zero issues with either. They have helped me with issues that weren't their fault. If you have a Best Buy near you they may have one you could checkout. I don't know if you get the freebies if you buy from them.
RangeMoney2012@reddit
Because of the battery, E-bikes are very heavy
gg06civicsi@reddit
There’s been some reported problems with that model. Hooefully just growing pains since it’s a new model. Check out r/lectricxp