First time E-bike buyer

Posted by gremlinforchaos@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 11 comments

Hello wise souls of Reddit, I am in the market for an e-bike but am struggling to decide between a regular e-bike or a cargo e-bike, so I’m here to consult the infinite wisdom that is Reddit.

For context I live on a military base where everything is super close together (think 10 minute walk to the grocery store and about 12 to work). I have a one year old that goes everywhere with me so having a set up that is safe and stable with a little one is very important to me. I have experience with traditional mountain bikes and beach cruisers but have gotten out of riding since having 2 knee surgeries and I think a pedal assist could be just what I need start enjoying riding a bike again. I will be primarily commuting to work with my child on nice days, and doing grocery runs with the occasional joy ride when life allows it.

I am considering the Lectric Expedition because it has the cargo capacity for my child and grocery runs but I am concerned about how large it is. I know any cargo bike will be large but I am really wondering how different it is from a traditional bike in terms of ride feel and balance. Is it harder to balance? If your little one is wiggly around in their seat will it disrupt your balance? This all may seem silly but I just want to know that I will be stable and safe with my child on board before I make the investment because while it is ultimately for my enjoyment it still has to be practical for our daily life. If anyone has any thoughts or insights I would appreciate it.

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derping1234@reddit

I would look at a small and nimble front loader. It will still mostly ride like a regular bike and allows you to have your little one up front. Great to keep an eye on them and talk while riding. Think Omnium, Iumentum, cargo bike monkey, velo-lab karo, Yoonit, Muli. For little ones I especially like the option some cargo bikes offer to have the kid directly facing you, that makes communication even easier.

gremlinforchaos@reddit (OP)

I had originally considered a front loader but unfortunately my local bike shop doesn’t service any of them and it’s a 5+ hour drive to the nearest shop that does

Cargobiker530@reddit

Get an analog cargo bike and add a mid-drive or rear hub motor kit to it. The reason you want to do this is because if you end up deployed somewhere else you can remove the battery and still ship the bike with the motor kit & buy a new, $300, battery wherever you turn up. If you have a factory built electric cargo bike you won't be able to ship the battery with the rest of the bike, or possibly not at all, and the batteries are harder to replace.

I didn’t think of this, thanks

Large_Latvian@reddit

I am doing a similar search. My recommendation is to check into local support of the bike. From everything I am reading, that is important. Look into the Velotric line. I seem to lean towards that. UL certain are important. Avoid the cheapest ones, they seem to have issues. The Velotric GoMad seems good.

Zentransit@reddit

The Lectric Expedition is a great choice, as well as the Specialized Haul ST, and the Trek Fetch Plus, but you've got to consider weight you can lift too, if necessary.

These utility cargo bikes are all built to handle loads, so a little kid shouldn't be any worry.

Just train the kid to sit still in their chair after breakfast for a few minutes. 😊

slacknsurf420@reddit

if I had to ride with a baby I'd consider a tricycle lower powered no more than 250w

DarkVoid42@reddit

r&m multitinker

hike2climb@reddit

Riese & Muller is withdrawing from the US market. Assuming OP is on a US base and not a European base a R&M would be a poor choice as serviceability will be harder in the states going forward.

Cargo bikes are heavy and long but good ones ride just fine. And a squirming kid won’t change much.

I would recommend the Aventon Abound over the Lectric Expedition. Lectric is still using off brand brakes that will leak and require replacement in 2 years or less. The Abound is priced similarly with better components.

ID135456@reddit

Balance and ride are similar… they are heavier so trying to pedal unassisted is way more tiring