e-bike recommendation for a big & tall old man?
Posted by cheshyrp@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 54 comments
I'm only 60, actually, so not that old. However, I lost my wife a few months ago to cancer and find myself trapped in my house without transportation. I grew up in Boston and never learned to drive (there was no need) so I have no car or license.
I need something I can ride into town to run errands, hit the movie theater, etc. It doesn't need a huge range, but it must support my weight, height and have enough torque to deal with Vermont's steep hills and occasional unpaved roads. I prefer a class 3 so I can get to my doctor's office and the occasional Walmart run without spending 3 hours pedaling.
Usage aside, I'm 6'4" and weigh 315 lbs., which means the bike should carry 400 to allow for groceries or whatever. I plan to store the bike in my front hall for now, as I don't have a garage. Maintenance could be an issue as well. I don't see any e-bike shops closer than 100 miles from my house, and that's too far to ride, especially if the bike is actually broken.
Any suggestions with all that in mind? I haven't had much luck, as everything that supports my weight is either a trike (incredibly slow and too big to fit indoors) or tops out at 6'0" unless I want an incredibly unstable ride. Thank you.
dewyke@reddit
A lot depends on your budget, and whether you can comfortably ride a bike with 20” wheels.
I am also tall (185cm) and hefty (120kg) but discovered I can’t comfortably ride bikes with 20” front wheels because my balance is not good enough.
I bought a Tern Orox. It’s a lot of bike, but it’s rated for my weight plus a bit, and a decent amount of cargo on top.
It was very expensive, but I got it on a 25% off deal. Still very expensive but manageably so.
The only down side for me is that it isn’t a step through frame, but it’s just low enough that I can mount and dismount it ok, and I’m hoping grace will come with practice 😅
matthewtoby3241@reddit
Hopefully with more rides it starts to feel more natural
dewyke@reddit
With more rides I should be less of a fat bastard, which I hope will make many things easier :)
StillPurple8683@reddit
Check out Velotric. They have lots of different models for all types of riding. I’ve had Velotric bikes for four years. They are very reliable bikes at a mid-range price. Check them out.
https://www.velotricbike.com/collections/electric-bikes
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
Indeed. The Discover M seems to check all the boxes. It's not a cargo bike, but it has the torque and capacity I require, plus a rear bag for light shopping. I can always add a basket if needed.
Itsdefnotinmybutt@reddit
Go with a Gazelle and don’t look back. The total cost of ownership will be much lower than many of the other brands mentioned. They fit larger riders and with a more comfortable upright riding position. Cargo bikes are great but come with tradeoffs.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
Too expensive to buy sight-unseen, nor do they state weight limits anywhere, so that’s a pass.
greybeard1363@reddit
Watch the Upway site. They have some high end/quality bikes of all different types at much more affordable prices. I bought my Gazelle from them, delivered in a box (which I assembled in about 90 minutes) for $1,600 with a Kryptonite chain lock, including shipping and taxes. It could be the answer that you are looking. If you watch the site for a bit, the perfect bike might appear for your needs.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
They have exactly one used cargo bike with enough torque to handle the hill I live on. Certified Velotric Packer 1 e-bike | Upway
greybeard1363@reddit
Tomorrow they may have zero or they may have 5. Good that you checked.
LividTradition8190@reddit
Whatever you decide to buy, ebikes can be modded to accommodate your height. My bike came with a fixed handlebar riser and for about $30 I changed it out for an adjustable one. Made all the difference in terms of riding position and comfort.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
Absolutely. I've always had to modify normal bikes for my height. Weight is my primary concern, as many e-bikes top out at 300 lbs. That, and ideally finding someone to drive me to a dealer so I can test drive one. It's been over 30 years since I rode a bike, and this is a moot point if I can't mount the thing. I've seen that the so-called step-through bikes typically have lower weight limits.
VariousAd5939@reddit
I love to recommend Kingbull. I won two of their e bikes. Check out their specs but most of their models for riders up to 6'4" and have a weight capacity of 400lbs! I have a bad back, and a bad knee, so these e bikes with their step thru designs are perfect for me. I also have an Aventon but it's not as easy to ride as my Kingbulls.
ctyt@reddit
Your post history is mostly shilling for Kingbull.
unseenmover@reddit
id recommend finding a friendly shop nearby and asking um for guidance in selecting a bike for your needs.
iscovidoveryet@reddit
This site is helpful: https://electricbikereview.com/
Comfortable-Fly5797@reddit
You didn't mention budget.
I recommend looking into Tern bikes. They aren't cheap but I've heard they're very well made bikes. Most have weight capacity around 400lbs and fit riders up to 6'5". They are very popular in hilly Seattle and the wider, small tires should do pretty well most unpaved roads.
Are there any bike shops in your area? Most bike shops sell and work on ebikes from reputable brands.
You mentioned class 3 but also not wanting to pedal. I think you mean class 2, since that's the only class that allows a throttle. Your range will be a lot less if you use the throttle a lot. You aren't going to find a bike that can go 3 hours on throttle only with a heavy rider. Pedalling all the time really isn't that bad with correct saddle adjustment, pedalling technique and gear usage. It can actually help prevent getting a sore butt from the saddle since you are putting some of your weight through your legs.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
Class 2 and 3 have throttle options. The difference is a too speed of 20 mph vs 28 or so. I have no problem pedaling, but it does have to handle steep hills. I thought I was going to have a heart attack when I walked home from town one day. I said class 3 because of the faster top speed for longer trips. Walmart and my doctor are about 20 miles from me.
Superb_Raccoon@reddit
Be aware at 28mph, you are going to chew a battery at 5X the rate of 15mph:
If you want to ride at groundspeed velocity 15 mph, you must apply 88.18 watts of power.
If you want to ride at groundspeed velocity 30 mph, you must apply 445.08 watts of power.
https://www.gribble.org/cycling/power_v_speed.html
bike2026@reddit
Jasion. Heybike Aventon. Aipas are some brands for heavier weight. I'm 69 6' 285
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
Jasion is interesting. Their Thunder Pro claims a top speed of 35 mph and a 500 lb. cargo capacity. I'm wondering how far the seat and handlebar need to be extended for 6'4" as it appears to be a one-size bike. They claim it's good for up to 7'2", but that could leave the rider sitting over the back wheel and badly affect balance.
Superb_Raccoon@reddit
Are you at all handy? Replacing the stem with a longer and taller (more rise) will make it more comfortable if the default is not enough for your frame. Height is one thing, but what is inseam?
Example, I am a freak. I am 5'11 and have a 29 inch inseam. If I were normal, I'd have an inseam of 33 or 34. So I have 5 inches of extra torso to deal with. That means a longer stem with a little more rise.
That looks to be a 0 rise stem, so rise would bring the bars higher and a little closer.
Example of an adjustable one:
bike2026@reddit
Email them and ask
trtsmb@reddit
What's your price range?
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
Under $3000. Preferably much lower as I haven't been on any sort of bike in 30 years. This is a desperation move, I must admit. I've been trapped in this house since my wife died on January 27, relying on her former co-workers for the occasional errand. I don't want to remain dependent on others. Short-term solution I know, since Vermont Winters are nearly 6 months long and bikes hate snow (as do I.)
trtsmb@reddit
Trek, Giant, Aventon, Velotric all make quality bikes. I have the Trek FX +2 which has been a solid bike. It's discontinued and been replaced by the FX+ 1.
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
Engwe LE20,cargo bike, nothing cost to check...👍
Exciting-Peak70@reddit
My buddy Bruce specializes in e-bikes for the big and tall folks like us, and he's or e age. Check out his reviews on you tube at ImbruceEclectic. He's recently tested a mountain type bike and a Himiway that would do well in VT. (I wish I had one when I lived in Northfield)
Exciting-Peak70@reddit
As Shredie would say "you might find a bike you like!"
dilltheacrid@reddit
Check out the priority current plus.
Express-Yam-5810@reddit
Look at Tesway bikes. They are some cargo models that i believe will fit you.
A_Red_Void_of_Red@reddit
What’s your budget?
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
I'm not concerned about budget, as this is a life purchase rather than entertainment. Under $3500 would be nice, since I'll no doubt need a helmet and other accessories.
A_Red_Void_of_Red@reddit
Could of budget doesn’t matter & you want speed I would say an xl Bonnell 775mx, but if you care about legality I would get any bike with the new Vinod m2 or M2s motors
godzillabobber@reddit
Plan on $200+ for a couple really good locks. And insurance is cheap.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
A couple of locks? Are they different from the U-locks I used on bicycles 30 years ago?
godzillabobber@reddit
30 years ago there weren't any small portable angle grinders. We have a large hardened steel chain and a heavy duty ulock. The standard ulock of 30 years ago is easily cut with either bolt cutters or an angle grinder in seconds. The dramatically higher prices of ebikes makes it worthwhile. Take some time to learn about the different options. We really find a cinch chain to be super versatile and ebikes can handle the very heavy locks without slowing you down. I find the 10% of the bikes cost to be a good rule of thumb. I was eating a deli sandwich at an outside table and somebody nipped through a ladies cable lock not four feet behind me. She was kinda pissed I didn't notice, but it was mere seconds and pretty silent.
WishIWereAsleep@reddit
Electric Bikes of New England in Derry is only 45 min from Bos.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
I said I grew up in Boston. I live in Vermont now, and I don't drive. Anything I can't walk to might as well be on the moon. There's no public transportation here aside from a free bus that won't leave town lines and has a 48 hour waiting period. It's on-call only. Springfield doesn't believe in bus stops, taxis or Uber.
WishIWereAsleep@reddit
Gotcha, I misread that. Ugh to the rest, I’m sorry.
eyeshitunot@reddit
Take a look at Gazelle. Big Dutch bikes.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
I'm not in the Netherlands. They're also out of my budget and don't list their carrying capacity anywhere I could find. Thank you though.
Tomj_Oad@reddit
Velotric Triker has 500 lb capacity and I'm 360.
I love mine
Relative-Display-676@reddit
See if you have a dealer near you that sells benno boost ebikes. Check them out if you get a chance.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
I don't. As mentioned in my original post, I can't drive and the closest e-bike shop is over 100 miles from here. Pick almost any store, and I can almost guarantee it won't exist in Vermont. Even Walmart was banned until about 20 years ago.
jckminer@reddit
You might look at the Surly Skid Loader. It's a cargo bike but comes in sizes. I'm 6' 2" and the large fits me well enough (I wouldn't mind if it were a tiny bit larger but it's good) and it should fit your load requirements too. It's not much longer than a hard tail mountainbike and it's a good bike
willydynamite1@reddit
Aventon Adveture large size.
cheshyrp@reddit (OP)
Aventure 3 says "not for your height." No sorry, that was the step-through model. Step over peaks at 6' 4". Thank you.
Tallguywithcamera@reddit
I’ll second Aventon. I have an Aventure 2 fat tire. I’m 6’5”, 250, I only needed to add a neck extension to allow for a more comfortable upright riding position.
davids26640@reddit
Whatever you get. Make sure to get some good looks and a tracker to help keep the bike safe while your at these appointments and outings
weregeek@reddit
Your best bet is probably to look at cargo bikes. At the lower end, you'll find something like the Lectric Xpedition 2.0, which I believe meets all of your criteria, along with bikes from Aventon and Velotric. At the higher end you'll find stuff like the Surly Big Easy and the Tern Orox. That said, all of the cargo bikes are going to be quite large and heavy, so storage might present a problem. You'll also have to familiarize yourself with maintenance, which isn't terrible so long as you are otherwise handy.
kjarrime@reddit
I suggest a cargo bike, most regular ebikes do not carry the extra weight like groceries and don’t have space for it. The have the same motors or even special cargo version of the motor and are rated over 400lbls that regular ebikes are not even close to.
kjarrime@reddit
Tern GSD S10 Cargo E‑Bike an idea of a bike
Born-Tumbleweed7772@reddit
Surly skidsteer