I was the "cheap e-bike" guy. Thousands of us got scammed, but why is everyone attacking me? can anyone just give me ebikes recommendation??

[-]

OhLoongJonson@reddit

I went even cheaper by buying a conversion kit.

The tire detached from itself when I took the tube and rubber band off.

[-]

Relative-Display-676@reddit

pick a bike from upway.co they sell legit brands at discounted prices.

[-]

Nope. They’ve got a subscription service for their bikes. I don’t care how discounted they are and I don’t care if I’m the only one doing it. I don’t care if ‘they still have an option to buy it outright’ Commodifying goods in a way where you don’t own ever own them is stupid. It’s slowly happening with everything.

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Relative-Display-676@reddit

are you talking about upway flex? it's like a lease service for ebikes because some can cost as much as $8k. you don't have to use it, you can just purchase outright for full price like majority of people do.

[-]

xregnierx@reddit

And for those 8k bikes, the sub increases from $200 more to $300 more. You are NOT allowed to use them for anything other than leisure (no doordashing, etc) and if they catch you, they charge you the full amount of your sub ter, plus a $300 recollection fee.

And to reiterate, my issue isn't so much the intial fee. Like yes sure, having to pay $79 dollar to have an ebike in a city youre visiting sounds fantastic. But you're forced into a minimum (so you're paying $240 at least) plus a $100 deposit, predicated on the condition of the ebike when you return it (not saying it will happen but it leaves room for some overzealous manager to say a minor scuff is irreperable damage)

It is literally priced in a way that I would actually recommend you take the plunge and buy a cheap alixpress/temu ebike for cheaper. At that point, its more man portable, you're not liable if the bike gets stolen (their insurance policy is arguably draconian) and its something you actually have ownership for.

This is NOT consumer friendly. It is not 'a way' for people to afford things out of their budget, it is a way for uway to lock people into a sub they think they'll need. If you want to switch to a different bike, you MUST get an entirely new subscription (and pay all other applicable fees).

I'm sorry but no. I've seen this permeate into everything from cars, to gaming to computer parts to this now. None of it is good for the consumer in any way and only stands to force a majority of people into a hole.

[-]

FlowerCrowss@reddit

Also consider looking for used ebikes locally like on FB marketplace. You can sometimes get them for nearly half of MSRP with very little mileage especially in fall/winter

[-]

evaan-verlaine@reddit

Tysm for the link, I'm looking to buy a bike rn but hadn't heard of Upway before. Was pretty much decided on the Roadster v3 but now I'm considering a used Gazelle Medeo T10 too.

[-]

Deansies@reddit

Gazelle Medeo T10 owner here, this bike rules - you won't be disappointed

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evaan-verlaine@reddit

So nice to hear! It has everything I want in a bike, and I'd be able to take it in to bike shops for maintenance. A mid-drive motor also seems like a major upgrade compared to a hub.

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Maxrdt@reddit

Also consider the Velotric T1 ST Plus! Very similar to the Roadster V3, but no throttle. However there are a bunch of them on Upway right now and it's a pretty great deal.

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evaan-verlaine@reddit

I definitely considered the T1 ST Plus! Unfortunately I do want some light front suspension because the shared-use paths near me occasionally feel like driving on washboards because of overgrown tree roots.

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Maxrdt@reddit

Absolutely fair! Way too many of the reviews out there are only on perfect trails, it's really annoying.

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JasperJ@reddit

I have two, because my first one got stolen. It got better, just not as soon as I’d wanted.

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boethius_tcop@reddit

Op this is good advice. Can get very close to new of good brands that local dealers will work on if necessary. My experience with them was good - I had to return one just because it didn’t quite fit my wife, and I just got one for me instead in the exchange because she changed her mind about wanting one. Their customer service was also responsive and easy to work with.

[-]

DJKaito@reddit

Upway sells used bikes, most of them are form Bike leasing returns. Some are bought from them from private sellers. They refurbish them.

Upway is part of the PON group.

[-]

Melodic-Matter4685@reddit

And can get u familiar with reputable brands if u want to look at new. But if u got cash/credit, this is the way to go

[-]

Apo-B12@reddit

Every ordinary e-bike sold by a reputable bikestore. If you havent heard of the brand before and the price is too good to be true stay away

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

I agreed. I really learned a lesson.

[-]

bustex1@reddit

If you’re on a tighter budget see what’s used on FB marketplace. I got a killer lectric deal from an old man who thought he was physically capable of ebiking but he was too old and let it go for cheap🙁

[-]

CavalierPumpkin@reddit

This. I think if you're looking to maximize value then getting a used bike of a make serviced by your LBS is probably the way to go.

[-]

bandana_runner@reddit

Or a local bike charity that repairs and sells bikes.

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chrispark70@reddit

What exactly was wrong with your cheap e-bike?

I've had 2 very inexpensive e-bikes, less expensive than yours. The first was 260 shipped to my house. It was a great bike, but it got stolen. Kev central on youtube reviewed it and gave a discount code that got the bike down to 260usd with shipping. It was the Vitesse Flare.

When that got stolen I bought a replacement from the same vendor (Mendham bikes, a front for Kent bikes) called the Vitesse signal, which was 315 shipped (I've reviewed it here on reddit)

[-]

mrbuza@reddit

The answer to which you seek..
Bonnell 775

[-]

IndianaSucksAzz@reddit

$5,000 🤣🤣

[-]

Unlucky_Battle_6947@reddit

Segway xyber

[-]

Wen2Go@reddit

Buy a ebike with long warranty, longer is better. I know a brand, Rundeer got 3 years warranty.

[-]

thishasntbeeneasy@reddit

You mean brands like LOLUWUTM8, WOWYUMTOOT, and STANKJUCE aren't trustworthy?

[-]

Laserdollarz@reddit

LongDong Ebike #1 in Armerica 🇱🇷 🇱🇷

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Pleasant_Cicada9528@reddit

I only ride LongDong!

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Suchatavi@reddit

That applies to practically every product on Amazon!

[-]

spikenorbert@reddit

Honestly, STANKJUICE would be a killer brand name for surf/skate gear

[-]

chrispark70@reddit

Or an e-liquid.

[-]

imagineanudeflashmob@reddit

I can't stress the adage enough "if it feels too good to be true it probably is".

Expect to pay thousands of dollars for a decent e-bike. If you actually want it to last and be repairable.

[-]

thishasntbeeneasy@reddit

I got my Diamondback Current for $2k but that was a sale price. While "sales" are often phony, it was selling for $4k for the year or two prior. It's got Bosch motor and battery and Shimano GRX components. The wheels weren't anything special but I replaced those and tires for about $320.

So it is possible to get a known brand with great parts for $2k at the right time, but otherwise it's pushing 3-4k for a real bike with warranty and customer service.

[-]

Jedski89@reddit

It's because a lot of us preach the dangers of cheap ebikes but then we're seen as gatekeepers/elitists by a large portion of this subs users. It's tiring, so excuse the crankiness.

[-]

thishasntbeeneasy@reddit

It happened with "BSO" bicycle shaped objects coming from Walmart before ebikes too. People would ask "If this $200 bike a great deal?" and get all the replies about how it's junk and they should aim for $1000 or find something used. Then you get the people saying they rode a Walmart BSO 10,000 miles without ever having an issue and calling everyone a gatekeeper.

The vast majority of people buying $500 ebikes are going to give up on them before 1,000 miles.

[-]

PatrickGSR94@reddit

Walfart bikes truly are awful POS's. I browse the bike section there every now and then, and just marvel at how bad the components are, and how badly they're put together. I got my wife a \~$350 bikes from BikesDirect a decade ago. It's marginally better than retail box store bikes, but not by much. Her bike uses a road-style front fork, but with V-brakes (long brake pads). So the pads hit the fork legs when not applied. I hate it, but she barely ever rides it anyway so it's not a huge deal.

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Extension-Version813@reddit

A) why is anyone buying new with rim brakes in 2026? B) my (not electric) Schwinn from Walmart has been great for years, I’ve even been able to upgrade parts over time C) I’ve heard great things about the Concord e-bikes

Walmart bikes are fine, just know what to look for

What I look for: 1) minimal features, anything under $200 new should not have suspension (meaning the limited money wasn’t spent on a gimmick) 2) replaceable derailleur hanger (you will probably bend one eventually on any bike, replaceable avoids the difficult alignment and special tool) 3) name brand tires (if the tires are nameless, they are probably not very good) 4) disc brakes 5) thread-less headset (quill stem can work, but they’re outdated and limiting)

For e-bikes in particular: name brand electronics

Here’s a video I based that off initially: Berm Peak Video

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PatrickGSR94@reddit

Rim brakes are perfectly adequate. But my wife's bike I was referencing was purchased in 2015-ish. My custom self-built ebike is the only bike I own with disc brakes. My Felt road bike also has rim brakes, but it's from 2012.

Many Walfart bikes with disc brakes will have it on the front only, and still have a v-brake on the rear. My guess is because they just switched to a disc fork but didn't want to design the frame to accommodate a rear disc brake assembly. Even more reason to not buy a big box store bike. If I did, I'd probably end up upgrading just about everything on the frame.

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Extension-Version813@reddit

That makes a lot more sense. In 2015, disc brakes weren’t just as cheap as rim brakes.

It’s just that in 2026, nearly everything has disc because it’s just as cheap.

And most of the ones I see with disc have full disc. The ones that still have rim brakes in my area are usually the questionable bikes that are like a $200 full suspension, which are questionable regardless of the brakes.

But yeah, in like 2019, the weird mixed set up was pretty common.

The only real problem with like half the selection at Walmart is the assembly. Walmart employees are not exactly professional bike mechanics.

The other half are just crap in general though.

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Heavy-Literature-156@reddit

i work in a bike shop as a mechanic, ive seen some disk brakes that are cheaper than rim brakes, sure they're not xtr quality but they worked great

[-]

SnooFloofs3486@reddit

The trouble is that people who have access to the wholesale market side know that it really is a 90% margin type business. A carbon frame for a big brand still costs $50 to make. The complete bicycle is $250ish max. So, it's not unreasonble to think you could buy a very good quality bicycle for $500. And you really can get a solid bike in that range from places like bicycles direct or some similar options.

The difficulty is sorting out the $50 taiwan carbon frame from the $8 mainland china frame that is much lower quality.

[-]

Basic-Pangolin553@reddit

I made the mistake of buying a bike like this, a truly awful thing. Riding downhill was somehow a chore on that thing

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Suchatavi@reddit

Throughout my life I’ve encountered people who ask for advice on XYZ and then proceed to argue with me over my advice. I’ve given up.

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jm824@reddit

Oh same. Years back my mate was asking advice on bikes. My advice was if your budget is £200 go for something that was £700 years before. (Talking normal 26inch wheel bikes) He ignored me and purchased a bike for £50 brand new from sports direct and complained that he couldn't keep up cause I had a better bike.

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redjmartin@reddit

No one wants to admit they made a poor decision, so they’ll put up with all kinds of junk BS while continuing to justify their purchases.

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ZombeeSwarm@reddit

I got a used Electric bike company bike but they just went out of business because of tarriffs. But it is a great bike if you can get one used.

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Zero_TheKing1@reddit

i bought retrovolt pro and only after 6 months barely any maintenance of me cleaning or fixing anything only my brake pads and my battery took A dip, keep in mind never crashed just use it daily for work and home 8 miles total but I pushed it all the way to its limits. Lectric and Aventon goes 30 mph with me on it at 240 pounds 6ft. I would highly recommend jaison e bikes maybe because I’m a bit bias but they do all sorts of giveaways like I won A raffle where you needed to purchase anything any they give you something for it like I purchased my bike and had the option to basically basically get my money back or get another won and obviously i picked another one and gave it to my nephew.

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

Also, i don't think you actually bought a $499 bike. You refused to name the brand and model in your last post.

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flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

Well,,,

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

give us the brand name of the bike

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

Electric mountain bike

[-]

RichGuarantee7482@reddit

lol whats the brand name

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flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

And it is what the name is…

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

there is no such thing as a brand called "electric mountain bike"

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flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

It says it with 1150w

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Whiskeypants17@reddit

I cant find it, can you share the link to the bike?

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

lol he wont share anything because it doesnt exist

[-]

fhwoompableCooper@reddit

Apparently he bought some shitty temu electric motorcycles and is shocked his no name bullshit cheaped his brakes

[-]

Dramatic_Bluebird595@reddit

Brand from the ad op eventually linked is "Tonnerray" and apparently some Temu-trash is actually shipping from scAmazon... (Which is not to say the post isn't still mostly BS but maybe there is a kernsl of truth...)

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flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

You can search it.

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

share the link. nobody can find it. but you wont because you're just making stuff out of your butt

[-]

Schemeckles@reddit

Yeah I really don't get the point of this post.

Does OP just want to play a martyre role and get some feel good comments?

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Nova_Hunter@reddit

Op is a mor,-on who can't "remember the name" because it's a made up story

[-]

jdtran408@reddit

You’re honestly asking why people are “attacking” you?

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

Team, all the snobs believe every post that says "cheap bikes under $2000 bought online without local bike shop support is bad" but OP is just trolling or karma farming.

In his last post, he said the $499 ebike couldnt stop properly at an intersection and he "bumped a curb" and fell. If you think everything on the internet is real, you'll probably think this post is real too. The entire post is written by AI too: https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/1sdtb1b/my_wife_is_mad_at_me_for_buying_her_this_cheap/

Also he wont provide the link to the bike. He just says the brand is called "Electric Mountain Bike" on amazon. There is no such thing as a tiktok ad for a brand called "Electric Mountain Bike"

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flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP98ExWFUycFW-OEJlD/

[-]

fhwoompableCooper@reddit

This is 100% on you. If you're essentially buying a motorcycle with an electric motor then do your own research not fucking tiktok

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Dramatic_Bluebird595@reddit

So it's a "Tonnerray"? (Marked on the battery in the ad...)

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SoLongBonus@reddit

I got a Priority Current Plus from Costco for about $1500 I think. You have to use the link on the Costco website to get their discount, but then a). you're buying from Costco and they have an amazing return policy; and b). Priority is a legit brand running out of a real-life local bike shop in NYC. Every time I've emailed them a real person has responded within an hour or two, even outside of their posted support hours. Priority has a great reputation. They're not Trek or Specialized but they are known for making quality commuter bikes. The SOLE downside is that the motor is not a name brand, which means servicing it locally could be difficult. If you are interested in it I would check Priority's website to see if there are any authorized Priority repair shops near you. Aside from the motor it's all name brand components so any shop should be able to handle your basic maintenance. It would be good to know if someplace local has a relationship with Priority, though.

[-]

Aggravating_Smell@reddit

Because it's a well known reality that cheap ebikes are dangerous, and the low-priced junk seen in tik tok ads is useless garbage. Even if you're unaware, or believe what you see, minimal research proves otherwise

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biwhiningII@reddit

The problem is e-bikes have sparked interest in those who probably haven’t biked in a LONG time. And that’s great. The fewer the cars on the road, the better it is for the environment and encouraging safer bike infrastructure. The cheap bikes that go 30+ miles operated by a new rider are danger to pedestrians and other cyclists and have caused some cities to enact harsh laws about e-bikes.

And they don’t understand about the cost of quality. It’s hard to get a quality acoustic bike for $500 these days. Bikes are getting so expensive it’s not as accessible as it was before. A good, safe battery probably costs $500 on its own. I have a couple other bikes. When I was looking, entry level road bikes basically cost $1,000 these days.

I was able to get a deal on my Specialized Vado 4 cause it was the end of summer and there aren’t too many nice riding days left before it gets super cold. But it was still $2,500. And that’s way too much for most people. I have 5k miles on it with minimal issues, mostly just maintenance. When I had other issues, I had a Specialized store that handled those and it was under warranty.

E-bikes present issues because electric problems are harder to handle on your own and if the bike fails catastrophically, like the fork breaking, you can be going 20+ mph and that’s so so much more dangerous. Bike shops likely won’t service them due to safety concerns about their batteries. Which is a totally legitimate concern. And it is likely impossible to get parts even if you find a mechanic that is willing to help.

It’s better to buy used. Through Upway, if you don’t know much about bikes. Facebook marketplace has great deals, but I wouldn’t recommend that for someone who doesn’t know much about bikes.

[-]

RoundSetting3402@reddit

Aventon, Lectric, Velotric, Ride 1up. These are all reputable DTC brands that also have dealers avd service networks.

[-]

flipside4cp@reddit

I did ride1up since I like a German-made motor that Specialized uses but cheaper. Paid $1,895 for a Prodigy V2 ST with chain. Loving it so far! Middrive has been awesome. I may go Amflow with their incredible power when I have the scratch.

[-]

darth_kedar@reddit

Yup. Ditto. Stick with good companies listed above.

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Alduras84@reddit

Crazy how far I had to scroll. Thanks for the recommendations.

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Pickleball_Addict@reddit

I have a new Velotric breeze. Rode it only twice and selling only because with my health issues, i had to decide its not safe for me ride. Will accept a reasonable offer. Have all original boxes, etc. located in oakland, Ca

[-]

rsmithlal@reddit

How capable are you with bike mechanics and electronics DIY?

I will always reccomend thr DIY approach for folks who can. As long as you source your battery and charger and controller from reputable sources, you can feel relatively safe when you know how to repair and maintain your system yourself or with the souuort of local technicians.

DIY is handy because at its core its just a normal bike that all local bike shops have part to repair instead of requiring any proprietary bike parts.

The electronics parts (like a Bafang mid-drive or hub sustem) are pretty reliable with brake sensors, shift sensors, light sensors, and other conveniences like a standard wiring harness that can be integrated with.

I bought a $500 hard-tail mountian bike locally and a Bafang mid-drive kit form Amazon as well as a battery from a seller that had good reviews and was selling these batteries for a while. I also bought a 3rd party front light, rear light and turn indicator kit that integrates directly into the Bafang wiring harness and brake sensors to automatically turn on the brake light when the bafang controller identifies that you're applying the brakes. It costs around $1500-$2000 for this sort of DIY, or less of you already have a bike to convert.

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ScubaSt3v13@reddit

Yeah this is the way. I already had a half decent MTB, installed a Bafang BBS02 mid drive and upgraded the brakes to hydraulic.

My only concern is the chinese battery, opted to pay a little extra for one that claims to have Samsung cells but who knows what's really inside. I considered opening it up but figured I wouldn't be able to discern genuine Samsung cells from counterfeits.

I also paid a little more for the older UART protocol motor rather than the CANBUS they are now selling so I could flash custom firmware that allows me to fully customise 2 different speed profiles which I can switch between via the display to ensure legal operation when required.

DIY isn't difficult although it does require some tools. Maintenance becomes a whole lot simpler as you really know every component of your bike.

It's also a good idea for people to educate themselves on cadence vs torque assistance before rushing out and buying the Bafang. For torque assistance I would look into the Tongsheng motors. I did also strongly consider the CYC Photon but opted not to spend the extra money as ebikes are very high risk for theft.

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MlLOLO@reddit

This is why i always ask for advice but reddit dont give none ;-;

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MayAsWellStopLurking@reddit

With advice on the internet as well as ebikes - paying money doesn’t guarantee quality, but being cheap and refusing to do research will result in disappointment.

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MlLOLO@reddit

Youre 100% right. Can you give me your 2 cents on the A-SPADZ CAVET AIR (EU version)?

Its somewhat cheap but not 500$. Its around 1300$.

You dont have to it would just be nice to get some knowledge from better knowing individuals ^^

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MayAsWellStopLurking@reddit

What you’ve linked is a moped with a pair of pedals on it.

Would you buy a €1,300 moped that has a pair of pedals mounted next to the body? If so, who would you pay to service it if it had an issue?

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MlLOLO@reddit

I have a major in embedded systems and ive been a bike owner since I was a child so I think I can do most by myself. Though the dealer selling it does offer service for it.

Im mostly interested in it due to the weight capacity and how easy it is to tune if its ever needed.

If you got any recommendations ill gladly take them but do mind im mostly looking for high weight capacity.

Thanks a lot btw ^^

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MayAsWellStopLurking@reddit

If you’re that good with embedded systems then a non-electric cargo bike frame with exceptionally robust weight capacity and materials (cromoly, good welds, etc) like le petit porteur or the Yuba Kombi are worth looking into, then adding your own electric system means you know exactly how it all works.

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MlLOLO@reddit

I considered doing that but the electric system with a waterproof and removable battery would be too expensive. Its mostly just my country cause we dont got stuff like Amazon so ill need to get it from a dedicated stuff and building what i want would be around 1200€ in components alone

[-]

MayAsWellStopLurking@reddit

My 2 cents is that the online brand reputation of a bike is functionally meaningless unless you plan on maintaining it yourself.

I’ve been riding bikes since 2012, and have had an e-bike since 2022.

Before I even research what to buy, I ask my local bike shop what they’re willing to service, and go shopping from within that framework, as I ride mine like a car and don’t have the time, space, or skills to do my own maintenance.

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Fun-Flamingo-7285@reddit

Why would anyone buy anything especially from tiktok without doing research first. It's not like you have to go to the library to find information anymore

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thishasntbeeneasy@reddit

Why would anyone buy anything from Tiktok to begin with?

[-]

stormdelta@reddit

Because scammers spam the shit out of social media with bots and paid accounts, and too many younger people are clueless about it.

[-]

lxjipvxx@reddit

Some things are cheaper to get for example buldak noodles 😂 but thats the only thing I would Buy lmao

[-]

Cuntay@reddit

Check out lectric!! They do affirm and have been solid for our first bikes.

[-]

Idahomountainbiker@reddit

I got the Invanti Tornado 1 bike and I love it. Also, 5th wheel bikes, the sellers of it, have been great customer service when I has issues.

[-]

slacknsurf420@reddit

no what you need is somebody to hold your hands every step of the way

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MobileAware2933@reddit

Specialized, Trek, Giant — just go buy a bike from a real brand, even better if you buy it in person at a physical bike shop, the same place that will know have to repair your bike so they are going to sell you quality and safe bikes. The specialized globe haul is amazingggg, would recommend

[-]

Significant_Run2323@reddit

How could you not know a 499 ebike was a scam?!

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Fishfisherton@reddit

I'm going to be fighting upstream in a sea of bike posts but

!!!BUILD YOUR OWN!!!

Get a decent mountain bike or gravel road bike used. There might be a bike upcycling store you might be able to get one for $100 or so.

Cheap option with no torque sensor = BBS02

More expensive option that should hopefully last you forever and has torque sensor = CYC PHoton

These motors can be moved to whatever bike you want long as they fit. If the frame cracks you will be able to keep using them.

As for battery here is a list right here on reddit

You will understand the general flow of how your parts work, your bike will be as light as you can make it, and if you need to bring it to a store simply remove the battery and it's a basic bike like any other. since it's all mid drive.

[-]

PatrickGSR94@reddit

that was the route I took, built up from scratch using a 26" disc-only steel MTB frame. I built mine up to be more of an upright Dutch-style riding posture. It's been 9 years now since I built it, and the BBS02 unit has been ROCK SOLID. I have done absolutely zero to the motor, and only had a couple of minor wiring issues with the battery cradle (spring loaded contacts don't work great with bike vibrations). I have over 11,000 miles on my build currently, still on that original battery also.

[-]

Fishfisherton@reddit

Have a BBS02 as well and built it RIGHT before the CYC Photon was released which I would have absolutely sprung for had I known.

The bike is my daily driver in an area that has some real hills to get up (and speed down) and still light enough to be able to lift it up stairs and onto the local train when needed.

[-]

PatrickGSR94@reddit

interesting, I wonder if the Photon has a better chain line than the BBS02/HD? That's my only real complaint with those. I had to fit a special aluminum 1x chain ring that offsets back towards the center of the bike frame to get anywhere near a decent chain line in the middle gears of the cassette. And on my frame, there's literally a credit card width of clearance between the teeth and the chain stay.

[-]

Fishfisherton@reddit

Not sure about the chain, I just really want the built in torque sensor, though I still have a bbs02 programming cable I just need to get off my ass and change some of the lower settings with.

This sub is astroturfed to hell by ebike brands that want people to think there aren't any other options than to buy a prebuilt with a proprietary motor so not super surprised.

[-]

Suspicious_Dog9933@reddit

Jasion seems to be a really good brand with minimal maintenance. I have the EBX.

[-]

poopnip@reddit

“Thousands of us got scammed”

dawg.

[-]

unseenmover@reddit

learn from your decisions and move on

[-]

lxjipvxx@reddit

I can only recommend going to a good bike Shop with Knowledge and ask them what would probably suit the best for you. Or maybe try e scooters theyre very fun and Not too expensive.

[-]

Salt-Tax4620@reddit

Yeah i bought a used jetson bolt pro for 250 it runs fine for what i need & folds up sorta so i can put it behind my passenger seat . Costco sell them for 400+ tax new. So I got it off Facebook marketplace which I know some people don’t wanna buy things from there, but I felt OK with that person that I bought it from so there’s that.

[-]

FamousBeat3478@reddit

Just dont buy cheap shit. This applies to any product. Although buying a cheap chair is less of a risk than buying something that propels you down the road. It’s not that difficult

[-]

ColonelTime@reddit

It's probably because you're annoying about it.

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No-Bee-231@reddit

I really think we meed to do our own due diligence to check functionality of our bikes and keep them working nicely.

[-]

steveonski50@reddit

It's a mean American thing to try to make you feel bad about your purchase, just scroll past those people! I bought a nice trek hybrid bicycle(analog) and had a bafang 750 watt mid drive installed on it, so far close to 4500 miles on it and trouble free riding with a ton of power! Better yet, take a bike you like that you haven't ridden in ages and fit a motor and battery on it.Way to many ebike brands and companies out there for me to make a decision, so I did a complete 180° turn

[-]

stellardroid80@reddit

My Gazelle commuter bike is amazing. $3k ish new.

[-]

XiViperI@reddit

Lectric is good but only does 28 an no suspension. I have an ecells but they went under. Wired crusier and just ordered a magician alpha mini that does 50. They are bigger, heavier bikes but I still pedal and get a workout and have the power to ride on the 45 mile roads that connect the trails.

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Majestic_Ad_2198@reddit

Build your own with a kit and battery

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Intelligent_Kick_763@reddit

It has to cost as much as a certified pre-owned vehicle lol jk

[-]

Mama_Office_141@reddit

Its called common sense. If you don't have it you are going to get burned and ridiculed and that's just how the world works

[-]

aoeboecoedoe6969@reddit

Definitely got to watch a few videos on the bike before you buy....

[-]

Knollibe@reddit

Recommend a brand name. Spend $2,000 plus. Look for components like brakes and shifter that are better. Battery that is certified. I have a 2019 Haibike that was $3k when new. Still going strong. 5k miles.

[-]

BrightWubs22@reddit

Is this AI?

[-]

RichGuarantee7482@reddit

it might be with the em dashes and refusal to tell us which bike.

[-]

rvralph803@reddit

I use em dashes when I type. It's not the fantastic tell people think.

[-]

RichGuarantee7482@reddit

its not just the em dashes. Its the way its written with the use of em dashes that gives it away.

[-]

rvralph803@reddit

"Its not this -- it's that". Is a big tell.

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iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

If it isn't, it's kind of embarrassing tbh.

[-]

RichGuarantee7482@reddit

His entire post from 2 days ago was 100% ai.

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

Convenient history privacy detected.

[-]

RichGuarantee7482@reddit

https://www.reddit.com/r/ebikes/comments/1sdtb1b/my_wife_is_mad_at_me_for_buying_her_this_cheap/

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

Lmao.

My wife warned me and now she's saying "I told you so" after the brakes didn't work and I crashed. Help, people are being mean!

[-]

PickleAlly@reddit

OP is gonna learn the hard way when they find out all bikes require maintenance and have brakes that will wear over time. Then they want an ebike that goes faster and will have more things rattle loose over time of someone unknowledgeable using it.

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

Off topic - thanks for standing up for pickles when they can't. Not enough people are open pickle allies.

[-]

RichGuarantee7482@reddit

lol op is just a salesperson who is going to promote a brand in his next post in a few days

[-]

RichGuarantee7482@reddit

also most people would just write "the brakes didnt work" but op said "the brakes didnt respond the way I expected"

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

Lol let's hear op out. We don't know what they were expecting.. 🤔

[-]

Soltea@reddit

Go to your LBS and see what they sell. Bikes need maintenance and support.

They won't sell crap because they need to support it afterwards.

[-]

MountainManGuy@reddit

I think people sleep on E-MTB's. Full suspension, wider tires, comfortable riding position, built durable, and usually have large batteries. I ride mine on both pavement and MTB trails and it's great on both. One issue would be the lack of frame mounting options but that isn't something I need.

Mine is a Canyon spectral on and I love it, though I've ridden an orbea e-mtb, specialized turbo levo, yt something something, and a Marin something something and all were great. All of those were E-MTB's.

[-]

International-Milk-1@reddit

I haven’t read any comments here, but I’m going to give what amounts to unsolicited advice. When I bought my first e-bike, a factored about 3 years of commuting cost. That was my budget for an e-bike. A decent e-bike should give you 3 years of trouble free riding (excluding typical wear and tear items like brake pads and tires). I think you can easily do 2 years as a target on how much to spend. You make your money back, and even if you don’t, the experience of having some control over how long your commute is…. Life changing. I live in NYC and riding the subway my whole life doesn’t phase me. I’m used to the smells, the chaos, the randomness. The delays… I couldn’t reconcile that. My time is important to me. It takes me 30-33 minutes on my bike, on the subway, it’s 45 minutes. So every 3 rides buys me back 1 subway commute. What I’m getting at is spend the money. A well made bike with decent parts will pay you back much faster than you know.

[-]

Canyoubackupjustabit@reddit

I got a Lectric and it's excellent. I'm new at this and it's easy to learn, sturdy. It was $1100

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

I am kind hesitate among it,Rundeer and Aventon

[-]

funcentric@reddit

Rundeer? WTF is that? No! Aventon 100%. You're not seeing the clarity in differences between companies. You're not buying a bike. You're buying from a company. Look at the company. How much do they care about their reputation? Do they have a phone number? Does someone in America pick up when you call? Just do your due diligence.

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Snarkosaurus99@reddit

I bought a shit bike, learned my lesson and am considering Rundeer. Homie is dense.

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funcentric@reddit

No, don't consider Rundeer. Don't make another mistake is all I'm saying. Just trying to be real. There's enough people on here being buddy buddy. My goal is just to make sure you don't get screwed again. Rundeer doesn't even sell ebikes. Those are all emotos. If you're going to budget for that, for sure go with something way more legit. You're changing categories of PEV.

[-]

Snarkosaurus99@reddit

I was saying that is OP’s mindset

[-]

Snarkosaurus99@reddit

Very few have heard of Runderr

[-]

Some_Journalist_1364@reddit

Lectric xpress 750 is a great choice for non foldable.

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ParsleyOdd7599@reddit

I have an Aventon Adventure M and it’s fantastic!!

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IndianaSucksAzz@reddit

I have the Aventure 2 and absolutely love it.

[-]

not_productive1@reddit

My Lectric x press was $1299, came with a bunch of extras including a lock, rack, shock absorbing seat post and higher powered light package. It’s solid, easy to ride, the battery’s not gonna burn my garage down, and it’s fun to ride. And there’s a shop that services them less than 10 miles away. Can’t recommend them enough.

[-]

Xtrap@reddit

I’ve had my Lectric XP3 for a few years now and I really like it.

[-]

SufficientOnion3219@reddit

honestly the gatekeeping in this community can be so toxic sometimes. like we all start somewhere and making mistakes doesn't mean you deserve to be mocked 🙄 glad you're ok after that intersection scare.

[-]

theragelazer@reddit

He did start somewhere. He asked here. He got advice. He disregarded all of that advice, and bought a piece of shit. That's not being a beginner, that's being a fucking idiot.

[-]

ne0rmatrix@reddit

There are decent low end bikes that will work. You can pick up an older used one for around 5 to 10k and that is cheap too. Just remember this is the low end, and new or mid range or higher are going to cost a lot more than that.

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DarkVoid42@reddit

you know what the good ebikes are. they usually dont have throttles, are mid drive bosch motors, usually have belt drives not chain and automatic gears.

but in case you didnt - gazelle, trek, specialized, r&m - just the ones with all the attributes making it a good ebike listed above.

[-]

Successful_Power1336@reddit

I absolutely love my Aventon.

[-]

MlLOLO@reddit

Is the A-SPADZ CAVET AIR okay? ;-;

[-]

AbstinentNoMore@reddit

I bought an ActBest Core for $550 last year (and my work rebated $400 so really I paid $150). I've put near 700 miles on it and it's still working fine. Replaced brake pads and the back tire but that's typical maintenance. People in this subreddit lambasted me for buying it but whatever, gotten my money's worth and if it dies it dies...

[-]

ShutYourDumbUglyFace@reddit

Probably anything you can buy, and get serviced, in your local area. Or if they have a method in place to service the bike if they are an online retailer (I think Lectric may be online only, for example - how do you get their bikes serviced?). Keep in mind that your standard bike shops are probably not going to service E-bikes, even for things like maintaining the derailleurs and brakes.

I mean, go test ride some bikes. I don't know where you live, but ebikes are getting SO much more popular that a lot of shops are starting to pop up. Talk to the salespeople and ask about warranties and service and whatnot. Maybe they have a used selection they sell at a discount. Or maybe they can let you know of upcoming sales.

[-]

AdLonely3409@reddit

Rad Power Bikes

[-]

lefibonacci@reddit

On the other hand, a few years ago this sub told me that the brand “Lectric” wouldn’t be around a year from then 🤣 Now it’s by far the most common ebike I see in person.

[-]

lNuggyl@reddit

TST is a great brand. Dont buy from tiktok or amazon, get it straight from the site. People will say it's horrible or had because they get resold on amazon but they truly do have quality bikes

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BoneZone05@reddit

The sub is full of gatekeeping snobs is why lol

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Possible_Material116@reddit

I like my MOVCAN, it was about $1000

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SpinachObjective3644@reddit

HaiBike

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MsRandom314@reddit

Not sure where OP is located but most e-bike shops have heavily discounted display models, previous year inventories and lightly used trade ins. You can save a bunch that way. My local shop also lists these on their website and in the early spring (now) there is a decent selection. Good luck with your search!

[-]

thishasntbeeneasy@reddit

I got my first from an ebike shop. They only had a few used ones from trade-ins, but it was a great Cannondale with Class 1 that did me well for a couple of years until I upgraded. Since it was from a shop it was tuned up and ready to ride, and came with at least a 30-day warranty so I rode it about 200 miles in the first month to make sure everything was great. Paid $1400, sold it for $800 two years later for a $2,000 Diamondback (class 3 with Bosch).

[-]

JimJamurToe@reddit

I think i was one of the people that said something rude on your last post and i apologize. After reading this I realize I was being a dick and didnt help out. I dont own anything fancy but I did land on aventon.

I think in all honesty you'll want to spend around 2k(usd) for something you feel good and safe on.

Also, manufacturer refurbished or store demos are a awesome way to save money. I saved 1k on a adventure 1 a few years ago, its still going at 27k km.

This is a great place to start and again, I do apologize.

[-]

Saloomey2the1stpower@reddit

Aventon is holding their own and seems to be a standup brand.

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funcentric@reddit

Correct. They are one of the 5 brands I recommend.

[-]

ParsleyOdd7599@reddit

I love my Aventon Adventure M! First e-bike and was a solid recommendation by the bike shop.

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jayw900@reddit

You did get honest advice, didn’t you? You just didn’t listen to it. Cheap E bikes are cheap for a reason.

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East_Worldliness2287@reddit

I have a cheap one, nothing wrong with it , why pay more?

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funcentric@reddit

If it works for you, good on you. The risk was high when you got it. You can't base risk on a future event or condition.

[-]

EidolonVS@reddit

Read his other post to find out why.

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flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

I know it now. Thanks.

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funcentric@reddit

Glad you came back to tell people so at least other people have another angle and another chance to learn what they should've to start with. I gave you some detail up top on what to do next time around. Please take it into consideration. I based much of my YouTube channel trying to help people. No sponsored links to ebikes. Not monetized. Literally trying to help people not buy the wrong thing b/c I see way too much of it.

[-]

jayw900@reddit

While good brands do have their issues, you are paying a bit more for potentially better reliability, and the chance of better service if something goes wrong.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing buying cheap E bikes but you really have to understand what you’re getting into. Unfortunately, you had to learn the hard way. I’m guessing as I didn’t see the other post you’re referring to.

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iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

I'd bet money they won't actually take recommendations. There's a post every few hours about it and they can't be assed to look into it.

[-]

Dick_Nation@reddit

Well, this is a treasure trove of info, so even if he doesn't get anything out of it, somebody probably will.

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

Very good point. And I'll keep commenting on recommendation posts with recommendations. I ain't mad; I like helping people. Even if no one comments, I'm sure someone will take away something helpful.

[-]

veeeecious@reddit

Reads like a reverse hype post since OP refuses to name the problem bike.

[-]

funcentric@reddit

They're typically not scams. They're just taking advantage of people who don't understand the market. They're taking advantage of people with round number arbitrary budgets who aren't considering what's actually available. They're taking advantage of consumers that spec shop who don't value American presence.

Budget ebikes start at $1,300. That's just a fact. I didn't make it up and I have zero impact on it being that way. It's just something we've observed. So if you're budget is lower than the cost of a budget ebike, then you indeed should be expect nothing short of a disaster and if you don't, consider yourself lucky. Just add up the cost of the components and if the sum of it is more than the cost of the bike, then there's something wrong. For instance, 48v 12ah battery which is pretty much standard in America is about $350. Hub motor laced in a wheel is about $150. Controller about $50. These are minimums. So consider the cost of the bike frame, other electronics, bicycle components, other wheel/tire + shipping and expected profit. $500 doesn't make sense. You're basically getting all that other stuff for free? The main components alone add up to more than $500.

People say I told you so, b/c we did and people just don't listen. We don't know what else to do. I repeat the same thing a billion times and one day I'm going to get completely tired of it and will no longer be warning people hear nor on my YouTube channel. For the time being, I'm trying to help but putting logic into people thinking they can get a $500 ebike is tough. The personality is tough and isn't open to actually learning. These people are super hard to get through so even though people are trying to be nice, we're often getting responses showing zero gratitude. Not saying that's you, but that's common.

Stick with the usual companies and if you don't, have a very specific reason why. Aventon, Lectric, Velotric and Ride1Up. If you want stuff that is reliable has some after purchase help but isn't the best value and certainly not the best performance, go with something from Costco or REI. Amazon and Walmart are off limits. Don't buy that crap.

[-]

mudramucha@reddit

I got my ebike from euy bike (knockoff of hey bike) and I spent $700 on it almost a year ago and I absolutely love it! It's amazing and I put 2,200 miles on it so far. I recommend them to everyone who is looking!

[-]

S3ANbz@reddit

Most of the expensive legit brands use the same Chinese motors and batteries that the cheap ones do so idk why these people are hating

[-]

williejr185@reddit

I notice that a lot of these "I got scammed by the $500 e-bike" posts never mention the brand that they purchased. Is that against the rules of this sub or something? If we're really trying to help people that are new to e-bikes avoid the cheaply made bikes, why not include the brand, so that when they google said brand, the true info comes up. 🤷🏿‍♂️

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wlexxx2@reddit

hey is there a link to the bad bike?

wondering how similar it was to the awful hyperbike city ride

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

he wont share lol

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wlexxx2@reddit

oh right the ai bot doesn;t ride a bike

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mettarific@reddit

Go to an LBS.

Don’t ever trust any Tik Tok ad for anything, ever.

[-]

RosieDear@reddit

Honestly I think a lot of this sub is BS and Bots and Dealers and other such interests.......pretty obvious. I've love to see the DMs between them!

BUT, Wired Magazine just did an article on about 10 or more models.....all decent, IMHO. Trek and the Aventon Solara are near the top and in the 1500 range (a bit more for Trek lower end).

Sure, some people will debate anything. But I think Wired did a pretty good job on this.

[-]

BldGlch@reddit

People really need to shop used on things like marketplace. The prices are much better. I've seen lots of Rads(with good batter) and Aventons for $800. I also see a few mid-drive bikes for much less than new.

I purchased a broken Velowave Pony for 350 and replaced the motor hub for 250 and now have a decent bike.

[-]

GrandeBungus@reddit

Aventon seems to be the best option on the budget side.

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Rawlus@reddit

was it really people being scammed or people just buying by price alone? if your only requirement is lowest price, the lowest price anything is often different specification than its higher priced version right?

if you’re not prepared to be your own bike mechanic, then don’t buy a direct mail bike that doesn’t have a network of shops to support owners.

e-bike batteries vary in quality of construction and materials and in what safety certifications they have. the least expensive may not have any safety certifications.

the people “scammed” where the ones who wanted the “fastest and cheapest” or the “longest range and cheapest” or some combination of a feature plus cheapest.

[-]

Historical-Let-1211@reddit

There are 3 types of e bikes

No name online brand (risky)
Reputable online brand (shows legit UL correction, more expensive but also sometimes more reputable)
American brand (aventon, etc)

I am getting a bike from #2, a Cybervelo, and I feel comfortable personally.

[-]

Exsp24@reddit

Stay away from Amazon or Temu and you should be ok with any other vendor/brand. Look up reviews before purchasing.

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mcmesq@reddit

I feel for you, but it’s kind of like a computer or a car. If the price is ridiculously low, it’s certain that it will be problematic. I can’t see spending less than $1,500 to get something fairly reliable. Go to a dealer and talk to them.

[-]

mevans426@reddit

I don't know enough to offer anyone advice, I'll just offer my own experience. I bought a cheap one made by a company called Funhang about a year and a half ago off Amazon after coming across this fairly comprehensive review by someone who seems knowledgeable: https://youtu.be/WcAqsczl3lU?si=kF7QdsdWcLyzfe6H. I think when I bought it, it was $200 plus $200 for shipping, I just looked and now it's $300 but only $60 for shipping, so actually cheaper. I've put 1500 miles on it with no problems, liked it well enough to buy a second one for my wife. She didn't like it, mainly because the power assist doesn't really kick in until the pedal has rotated maybe 1-1.5 times, so she ended up buying a $2000 bike. That one is way better, but mine works just fine (and now I have two batteries for it, and an extra bike!). Plus mine has several features her expensive one doesn't like a throttle, headline, horn, and kickstand. Seriously, $2000 and no kickstand? I put the battery in a fire bag while I charge it just in case but I've never seen any sign of it having an issue.

[-]

SnooCats6173@reddit

I came across Lectric through an Instagram ad. I did do my research though, YouTube reviews, etc and ended up purchasing the XP4 because I needed a foldable bike. It is heavier than I expected but I do like that I can fold it to take up less space. I had to get it repaired when I got it but I can say the customer service was amazing. That alone is a huge plus in my book. I agree with most people, go with some reputable or known brands, decide what you're looking for and need and go from there. Watch YouTube video reviews. I will say You may end up paying a little more but it'll pay off in the long run.

[-]

MurrayMyBoy@reddit

Go to an actual bike shop. That’s where you will get a good brand and can test ride. It won’t be $499 though lol. So be prepared to fork over some cash for a safe well made bike. Once you hop on a good bike you will tell the difference right away.

[-]

GomerSnerd@reddit

Just opposite here. Got a 330 dollar "Hosent" off of yemu and it gets ridden every day for last 18 months with no problems. When it quits, I'll get another one.

[-]

23z7@reddit

My Specialized Vado has been great since 2018. Just regular maintenance required

[-]

_haha_oh_wow_@reddit

Just go to your local bike shop.

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East_Worldliness2287@reddit

Like any bike , get the brakes properly adjusted. Doesn't matter on cost of bike. Cheap is good!

[-]

boylitdeguzman@reddit

I have a Giant Revolt e+1 and a Liv Amiti e+2. Quality bikes with quality parts for not much money.

[-]

Ranccor@reddit

Find a bike shop near you and physically go to it and buy from them. This is the advise.

A reputable bike shop should only sell bikes they approve of and will service. I ended up buying a bike I had never heard of before going to my shop (AIMA Santa Monica) because it was the most comfortable ride and had the best features and they would work in it and handle all the warranty issues.

[-]

M_FootRunner@reddit

Best is, now, to hunt for last years modell sales.

There are some cheaper ones that have a small motor and battery, that would suffice maybe for day to day light supported biking, by reputable brands.

Depending where your from of course

[-]

WilliamBontrager@reddit

Bc half the commentors here are sales reps or owners of ebike companies. The other half are mostly karens, NIMBYing about muh bike lanes.

[-]

NoHelp9544@reddit

I think your experience depends on where you bicycle. I bike in NYC, and we have a lot of delivery guys on electric mopeds zooming around 30-40 mph in the bike lane so everyone wants to ban those guys. Anyway, super cheap $500 e-bikes that cost cheaper than a regular bike are a bad idea. You don't need a $5,000 e-bike. You can get pretty good ones for about $1,000 such as an Aventon or Lectric.

[-]

WilliamBontrager@reddit

Uh huh, not convinced.

[-]

NoHelp9544@reddit

Thank you for proving my point.

[-]

WilliamBontrager@reddit

Thank you for proving mine?

[-]

Unable_Pie_6393@reddit

This post takes an entirely different tone than your last, that is definitely part of your issue. Reddit is tricky, the emotional content in your writing can be used against you. Your last post highlighted your lack of research and planning prior to the purchase but you were extremely defensive about it. There was a lot of arrogance in your tone that I do not see this time.

I think you were just trying to tell your story qith a bit of flair and came off like a bit of an a-hole so you didn't get much help, just hostility in return.

I think on Reddit if you truly need help and not Karma, leave the emotion and storytelling out of it and just simply and humilde ask for help.

[-]

czarface404@reddit

The amount of people riding cheap e-bikes that go over 35mph without a helmet is shocking to me.

[-]

CassiopeiaNQ1@reddit

My local bike shop told me that the Aventon brand was the cheapest reliable bike that they felt comfortable, stocking and selling. $1500 in 2020, and still going strong, no problems.

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I heard this is a reliable e-bike

[-]

Jjayguy23@reddit

My advice is that if you can't afford a safe, reputable E-bike, then stick to a regular bike. E-bikes are lovely when made right, and I think they're worth saving up for. Aventon makes great eBikes, but they are not cheap. I personally love my Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0, again not cheap, but it has been very solid these past four years!

[-]

Particular-Taro154@reddit

We sell 40 different ebike models in a variety of styles and colors. We service what we sell which means customers will NOT get stuck if something breaks and have a strong reputation in our community (metro New Orleans). You need a shop like us in your community. Find that shop, buy your bike from them and go back periodically to have your bike maintained.

[-]

Wen2Go@reddit

For a real ebike recommendation, check out Rundeer. It’s affordable for beginners but uses quality cells and has a 3-year warranty. It’s way easier to maintain in the long run compared to those Amazon brands.

[-]

gravelpi@reddit

At this point, I suspect this an ad plot by Rundeer, since this thread is the only place I've heard of it, and it's been multiple comments.

For a real ebike recommendation, check out a local shop. Or at least a bicycle brand that's been around for a decade+.

[-]

Wen2Go@reddit

That's fine.

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

It looks heavy, but beautiful I think.

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

It looks heavy, also beautiful I think.

[-]

the_atomic_punk18@reddit

Aostir

[-]

Prestigious_View_401@reddit

On April 12, op is going to say that he and his wife found the perfect ebike from (insert promoted brand here) and it’s way better than the imaginary Amazon ebike

[-]

East_Worldliness2287@reddit

What was the problem ? Bought a cheap one too. It's perfectly fine. Like any bike have to get the disc brakes properly adjusted,

[-]

xXGray_WolfXx@reddit

I have had a fifth wheel e-bike I got for $500 at Walmart for over a year now. Has 500 mi on it, and I haven't had a single issue. It was a questionable brand but it's been good to me.

[-]

Optionsmfd@reddit

I’ve been riding 500$ Ancheer for 2 years 25000 miles Had a few issues but the warranty was honored both times

You can hardly buy a battery for under 300$ so it’s a no brainer I consider them disposable

[-]

LowBarometer@reddit

There is a "blame the victim" mentality throughout Reddit. You're not alone, and you are posting valuable information. Yesterday I posted this in r/Scams :

I got a call from a university about a hundred miles away saying I had applied to attend there. : r/Scams

Notice that it has 0 karma. That's what I mean. You're doing the right thing.

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

You're completely off base. A scam call is not deciding to buy a cheap, shit ebike when there have been and continue to be limitless recommendations and warnings. You didn't give the scammers your social, they were fishing. You have no fault in that call.

[-]

LowBarometer@reddit

You are a great example of this attitude! Thanks for posting!!!

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

Happy to help. Maybe someone will learn at some point. 😁

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

How did you know the mentality exists. I should go and learn some of it.

[-]

flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

Thanks!!! I know this feeling so well now.

[-]

TopCourage11@reddit

Wired Cruiser Best Bike for the money by far

[-]

anti-royal@reddit

We bought Velotric e-bikes a few years back. We paid about $1100 each at that time. So far so good. These are our first e-bikes and we use them for mostly bike paths and we take them when we travel. Not a high-end bike by any means but we wanted something decent to start with to see if we liked e-biking.

[-]

YBHunted@reddit

Wired

[-]

NorthReading@reddit

Sadly 2026 isn't the time for.... '' sorry man but thanks for helping others by telling your story"...

But thanks for standing up. Honest.

[-]

leveloneattachment@reddit

I bought a $600 actbest bike off amazon and it’s been great. Heybike sells solid e-bikes but I hear the customer service isn’t great.

[-]

iH8MotherTeresa@reddit

Why is it so hard to find honest advice instead of just being told "I told you so"?

Because we told you so.

There are countless posts throughout the internet warning people like you against things like this by people like me. Thousands and thousands of good recommendations have been made. But you decided to ignore that.

You decide to roll the dice, get hurt somehow, then come crawling back asking for recs. We, as a community, have given countless recommendations and warnings. Go search them up now, you're a grown up.

I'm a very nice person. I like and try to help others. There is a limit to that. Don't touch a hot stove when you're told not to then ask for recs on a safer stove and we won't tell you we told you so.

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Agitated-Proof-9661@reddit

A real pedal assist ebike from a real BIKE brand. Note that I said BIKE and pedal assist. Like Specialized, Pivot, Santa Cruz, Trek, etc. You'll spend thousands of dollars but will have a warranty and real backup at a real shop. Beware of anything that is direct-to-consumer that does not have any kind of local support. Cheap crap is cheap crap.

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RichGuarantee7482@reddit

Or you could've just bought a TST R002 in the tiktok shop and not have these issues.

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SquirrelBowl@reddit

I recommend on your previous post: Trek FX+

Had mine for 3 years and I love it. Easily serviced at the local shops.

Trek is a well known and respected brand for a reason

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TheresaJRamirez11@reddit

Honestly, just ignore themm. I saw you yesterday. Most of them forget they were beginners once, too. You’re actually doing a huge service by warning people—those $500 'TikTok specials' are literal death traps and fire hazards. I’ve been riding for years and I’d never put my family on one of those things. Glad you’re okay, man. You’re doing the right thing by speaking up

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flaackboardbrego@reddit (OP)

Thanks man! Really need to hear that. I am done with that trash, I will buy a new ebike so Iam here for a ebike recommendation, really want a safe and good ebike.

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TheresaJRamirez11@reddit

For a real ebike recommendation, check out Rundeer. It’s affordable for beginners but uses quality cells and has a 3-year warranty. It’s way easier to maintain in the long run compared to those Amazon brands

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DJKaito@reddit

I do work in the bike industry in Europe for 10 years now and there are just a lot of people who either don't wanna listen or don't know better and don't wanna inform themselves.

There are a lot of information out there, either in blogs, YouTube videos, and even AI models gives typical warnings. Heck there is even a bike blacklist online.

Every video review, that seems like "oh this has a xxW brushless motor, disc breaks", and don't say a motor brand: don't buy that product. If they make different statements regarding power on their website or use those typical "China" pictures or Don't disclose a Motor brand: Don't buy that product.

Anything brand that belong to Acell, PON, ZEG can be trusted. There you do have a lot of brands and models. Of cause there are even more reputable brands out there, but there you do have a good start.

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genuineforgery@reddit

I have bought a couple of e-bikes that are cheap but not total shit. Both of them have lasted years but I have also spent a few hundred fixing / swapping out brakes and getting a good mechanics eye and little improvements.

It can be done but I think it's important to have realistic expectations especially with mechanics. Many will not deal with cheap bikes and no doubt have been burned in the past so be very aware and grateful if a mechanic is chill enough to help and has the insurance to cover.

In the end, after costs I reckon both my bikes turned out about the same price as a low end respectable brand. It's been good to experiment but if you don't have the inclination or luck to find the right mechanic it can be risky and dangerous, so just save a little longer and pick up a better brand.

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Japparbyn@reddit

Bots working for Amazon to sell more bikes attacking you