Question about E-Bikes?
Posted by Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 44 comments
Hello! I’m curious about E-Bikes, and don’t really know here to begin to look. I have a budget of $800 and am looking for an E-Bike to get me to and from work. there won’t be sidewalks due to living in central GA and the speed limit of employment either way is 55 MPH. I’m hoping someone could point me in the right direction of something that could possibly make this work. Thank you in advance!
NetZeroDude@reddit
E-Bikes can only travel at 20 MPH max. Also, bear in mind that whether it’s an EBike or motorcycle, riding in the rain is not fun.
BodSmith54321@reddit
In the US, they can go 28 on the road legally in most states.
NetZeroDude@reddit
Do you mean if you’re driving on the road like a licensed motorcycle, or you use the bike lanes and/or far right of the road like a bicycle?
BodSmith54321@reddit
On the road. Every local area has different speeds for bike lanes.
NetZeroDude@reddit
Do you get over for impatient car drivers? I guess that can get tricky when making left turns…
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I’m just trying to make do as much as I can. I’ve seen them advertised as going up to 55 MPH but I don’t know a lot about them, so I assume it was wrong.
thephotoman@reddit
Some can do that. The Surron e125 street legal variant totally can, weight dependent. But it won’t have pedals, because it’s an electric motorcycle. But IDK, I think you’re better off with a 125cc gas scooter if you’re gonna commit to two wheels.
Note that everything I’m talking about in this post requires license (motorcycle, possibly with a scooter restriction if that’s a thing where you live), registration, and insurance. Don’t be an outlaw rider. I know America has a culture of it, but please don’t.
band-of-horses@reddit
Something for $800 that claims to be able to go 55 mph is either straight up lying or a death trap. Probably both.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I agree. I’m going to take everyone’s advice here and just look into something else.
Traditional_Youth648@reddit
A lot of them can hit that speed but that’s worse, these “e-bikes” use brakes, tires and parts not rated for motorcycle speeds, sketchy batteries, and frequently end up in the hands of unlicensed children who have no safety gear or training on how to ride a bike in traffic
It’s dangerous for everyone and makes the general public (rightfully) pissed at the e-bike community
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
I agree. Thank you for your input! I’m not well versed when it comes to this stuff, so it’s nice to gain some knowledge from people who do. Thank you!
Knight_Watch@reddit
Jesus, people get dumber and dumber. Every day the same shit.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
Right? Especially when they post and contribute nothing.
gr8tfurme@reddit
55mph? You're in the market for a cheap used motorcycle, friend.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
I thought about that. It doesn’t necessarily have to go 55. That’s just the speed limit on the road. I would love to not impede traffic but we don’t have sidewalks unfortunately
gr8tfurme@reddit
For 800 bucks, your options are buy a used motorcycle that can go 55, buy a used ebike that goes 20, or buy the sketchiest emoto you can find and ride it illegally on public roads until it inevitably rattles apart at 55mph.
joeroganfolks@reddit
On a 55mph road with no sidewalks I imagine single lane and a lot of pissed off commuters behind said ebike
thephotoman@reddit
Finding a sub-$1000 motorcycle is also getting difficult.
band-of-horses@reddit
An 150cc gas scooter might be a better option, assuming based on 55mph we're talking more rural 2 lane than interstate.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
That was also one of my concerns. I’ve been looking and even what used to be a beginner motorcycle that you could put $800 down on now seems to be a thing of the past.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
I wouldn’t be opposed to buying a used motorcycle. I just have never ridden one, so I’m not used to how the gear shifting works, and also am not licensed.
Traditional_Youth648@reddit
If you are clocked at 55 on any bike, pedals or not cops won’t care, that’s an unregistered motorcycle and your getting a huge fine and possibly impounded
gr8tfurme@reddit
Forget a fine, they can straight up arrest you for riding without a license if they want to be dicks. And it'd be Georgia highway patrol, so odds are high.
band-of-horses@reddit
That's probably the better outcome too, the other option is some sketchy ass eBike trying to keep up with highway speeds gets you paralyzed or killed.
Traditional_Youth648@reddit
Yeah I hear it’s heavily cop dependent, my friend got caught doing 55 on a modded razor with a 750w sticker and accused the cop of racial profiling and got out of it somehow, but most people usually aren’t that lucky
gr8tfurme@reddit
It's actually kinda crazy he got out of that, caught red handed and trying to start an argument with them. Cop must've been feeling really nice or really lazy that day.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the heads up!
gr8tfurme@reddit
If you aren't used to riding a motorcycle, then definitely don't go the sketchy emoto route. Commuter ebike on the shoulder is probably your best bet, if you can't get a motorcycle license.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
Thanks! I’ll look into it!
gr8tfurme@reddit
btw, for finding a good used ebike, your best bet is local bike shops or bike co-ops. They'll also be knowledgeable about the local riding conditions and ebike laws.
Traditional_Youth648@reddit
This 💯, having multiple motorcycles and a license ill say that stuff you learn in the MSF coarse is genuinely for crucial for riding in traffic, and theres a really good reason its mandatory for motorcycles, and gets you an insurance discount when you do it
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
I agree. I just don’t have the budget for the down payment along the course or gear. Was hoping this could’ve been an option. Not looking good though lol.
whattteva@reddit
Haha, I usually like to say meat crayon, but this actually sounds better.
Urbanskiman88@reddit
Velowave pradro s is $999 right now. They go 28mph
Redacted_Explative@reddit
Have you considered something more like a minibike style/scooter? I have the iscooter DX5 and so far its not been a bad ride. Took it on a 12 mile ride the other day to a local casino for the buffet and have put over 220 miles on it since February. One thing I do is stick to the shoulder when a break down/bike lane was not available, and in areas where I have to cross at a light, would suggest pushing the crosswalk button due to some sensors not playing well with it. Would also advise on beeping your horn/bell when near larger vehicles that are parked and cant fully see around, just so folk know your going around it. One thing I have noticed is those folding kick style escooters can't always be secured well at older bike racks...something with a seat like this usually has a hardened part of the frame you can loop a cable or ulock through.
Whatever you do decide on getting I suggest if your going to use it for work, getting something that is either puncture proof/resistant OR tubeless tires if possible. You should also consider getting a full face helmet for anything over 25mph, and a go pro like camera, along with a sturdy u-lock (I use kryptonite myself).
kashuntr188@reddit
This is probsbly the stuff OP should be looking at. Can't go 55Mph, but those speeds are nuts on a bike anyways.
thephotoman@reddit
Save more money.
Realistically, your pickings are very slim at $800. If you can get to $1000, the used market will open up to you.
jms1228@reddit
How many miles will it be each way?
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
No more than 20 round trip.
jms1228@reddit
You can probably find something at Costco close to that budget or on marketplace. But also keep in mind that the E bikes you were going to be looking at are going to go between 20 and 30 miles an hour, due to state laws and regulations.
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
Yeah, that seems to be the consensus so far. I was thinking about a motorcycle buy my whole budget right now is only a little over $800. Course (if I remember correctly) is $500, which eats up any hope of a down payment on anything. Not to mention insurance or gear.
AScaredTurtle@reddit
You could probably find a Honda Navi for ~$1200 on marketplace.
Automatic, 99mpg (0.9g tank), and can go ~45mph stock, maybe more depending on weight
Traditional_Youth648@reddit
There is nothing safe, electric and capable of that in your budget, used motorcycle maybe, or a bus pass
Mammoth-Run-3549@reddit (OP)
Unfortunately we don’t have public transport where I live. 😕