Considering buying an ebike for commuting, what should I look for for under 1500$?

Posted by Tricky-Promise-3347@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 20 comments

Hi, so I need a means of transportation while I'm at university, and I can't afford a car. I have some savings from working last summer and I'm willing to spend 1500$ of it. I've never ridden a bike before and I don't know much about ebikes but they seem like my only realistic option for commuting. What bikes should I look at, what should I know about ebikes and cycling in general, and generally just what are my options?

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

You should disclose your location, particularly if not in US.

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Tricky-Promise-3347@reddit (OP)

Oh sorry, I am from the US, specifically California. My city isn't very walkable or bikeable, I just don't really have much of a choice lol

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trtsmb@reddit

You want to ride an e-bike while saying your city isn't bikeable or walkable?

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nivaOne@reddit

I would choose a non fancy model (not a fat bike for instance). Standard bike with no thrills. A more than decent lock as well. Bike theft is something you need to take into account and definitely around uni campuses. Always attach your bike around a pole etc.. that helps a lot.

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Tricky-Promise-3347@reddit (OP)

If I got two fancy locks for it and locked it up in a heavily watched part of the campus would that help prevent it from being stolen? I'm leaning towards the aventon soltera 2.5 based on another comment at the moment. Would that be an unfancy enough bike to avoid thieves?

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trtsmb@reddit

Locks are a feel good method and good locks are going to set you back a lot of money. Figure, 2 heavy duty locks could set you back $500+

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Gold_Area5109@reddit

Worth checking your local laws on what it currently defines as an ebike as well...

State is one thing but even cities are getting into the game right now.

The general consensous is 28mph max speed and 750watts in the US and I think California requires the battery packs to meet UL 2849.

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trtsmb@reddit

One of the universities in my area has banned bringing e-bikes into dorms/apartments and has specific bike racks on the edges of the campus where e-bikes can be locked.

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trtsmb@reddit

If you're just commuting around campus, skip the e-bike and get a regular bike from Facebook marketplace. That way, if it gets stolen, you're not out a lot of money.

Also, check what your university's rules are regarding e-bikes as far as bringing them inside. Because of dodgy batteries, a lot of schools are clamping down on where e-bikes can be kept.

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The_Mighty_Glopman@reddit

Lightweight is a key consideration, especially if you live in an apartment and have to carry your bike a distance. Others have mentioned the Velotric Tempo. I've had mine for over a month and I often pedal it with the power off to strengthen my muscles. I think it pedals without the power as well as my regular bike, perhaps a little better. If my battery died I am pretty sure I could pedal it back home. However , at $1,499 it is above your budget after you add taxes. Whatever bike you buy you will also want some minimal accessories like a mirror, water bottle holder, and a rear rack to hold your backpack. These could easily add another $100. Good luck to you; I hope you can find something that meets your needs.

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Zentransit@reddit

Anything Lectric and the following:

2) Aventon Solterra

3) Ride1up Roadster

4) Velotric Tempo

5) Ride1up Portola

6) Puckipuppy Poodle

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

For lightweight, low power ebikes look at Aventon Soltera 2.5 ($1199) and Velotric Tempo ($1499).

For a more powerful, heavier commuter, look at the Lectric Xpress 750 ($1299) and Ride1up Vorsa Lite ($1495).

For a bargain priced but quality fat tire bike, look at the Vanpowers Grand Teton Pro (hub drive $899) and Ultra (middrive $1299).

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Tricky-Promise-3347@reddit (OP)

Thank you :) I'll look into these

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

I only have direct experience with Aventon and Velotric. I would recommend both brands. Lectric is a tier lower.

Ride1up is a smaller brand with less dealer support but they make good models.

Vanpowers uses surprisingly good components for its price and has some innovative features. I wouldn't normally suggest a fat tire bike because they are heavy, inefficient, noisy, and harder to maneuver. But it's a smoking deal. $700 off with code GAGT700.

Theft is probably a greater concern for all of these bikes than durability.

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Educational-Cat-8374@reddit

I just unboxed my Grand Teton Pro yesterday and have to agree it's the best bike in it's class for the price. I wasn't sure if I wanted a fat tire bike or not, but after watching all the reviews and living in a Florida small town it just seemed like the right choice.

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Little_Ad7758@reddit

Honestly, a budget of $1500 is enough to buy a decent quality electric bicycle. You might consider the PUJH PU366, which features a hub motor with front and rear dual-wheel drive, providing ample power to easily handle steep inclines in the city. It has a top speed of 45 mph (due to the strict 28 mph speed limit in California, I usually only push it to 40 mph when off-roading in the woods on weekends), and a range of up to 100 miles, so even with my daily commute, I only need to charge it once a week. In short, while it's not the best bike, it basically meets my daily needs.

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Tricky-Promise-3347@reddit (OP)

Hmm I'll consider it but I'd much prefer a bike tbh