If you won a $1200 rebate for an electric bike, which would you choose?

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Knollibe@reddit

I would use it for a down payment on an Amflow

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Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

Looks like you already knew what bike you wanted but decided to just waste everyone's time providing suggestions.

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If you have the additional budget, Tern is my choice. The most reliable and thoughtfully designed ebikes. Their smaller models are light and quick handling yet still have cargo room, and they have the best accessories. If you ever have to pick up your bike or put it in a car, you will appreciate the light weight build and secure and easy to use folding mechanisms.

If you're trying to spend as little as possible and just get a reliable, serviceable ebike, I recommend Lectric and Aventon. They're neck and neck as leading north American brands, with lots of dealers and good support compared to other budget brands on the list.

The most important thing - go test ride the bikes. They're all gonna feel a little bit different, that's why there are so many different ones. Try to ignore looks and just compare how they feel to ride and pedal so you can pick one that is really comfortable. The worst mistake you can make is buying a bike that is too big or small and causes discomfort, and you can usually tell right away from a test ride.

Happy hunting!

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biggoonlaugh@reddit (OP)

I’m going to look at Tern, any key features that make it stand out?

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pfhlick@reddit

Different approach to sizing - each model is "one size fits most" and almost like a car, you choose one that fits how much extra stuff you intend to cart around or has the handling characteristics you like the best. I have a GSD, the biggest one, originally with a kid passenger but now mostly solo. I'm 6'1" and a 5'1" person can also comfortably and safely use it. Same goes for the compact NBD and folding Vektron.

They have low center of gravity because they're designed around 20" wheels. This is more common than it used to be, but Tern has tons of experience designing in that form factor.

They use Bosch systems, which pretty much all bike shops service without issues, but aside from that, all the hardware and components on the bikes are high quality and thoughtfully selected. Terns are super useful and tough bikes that are fun to ride every day.

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biggoonlaugh@reddit (OP)

Looks like if I don’t do a ponto go s, it’s tern. Looks like only the GSD is applicable anyways so I’ll have to read up on the differences

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pfhlick@reddit

They're very different bikes. The Tern is a lot more expensive but also a fuller integration of bike and motor. The Electra Pronto Go S has a throttle and geometry more like a scooter, so the pedals will probably not have optimal ergonomics. It maybe depends on how you want to ride. I love the way it feels pedaling the gsd with electric assist - all the things I love about bike riding, including movement and the feeling of working together with the machine - and the motor makes it so I never have to work too hard. It's not a pain. The Pronto type I don't really have direct experience with. A test ride will still tell you a lot.

If you do choose Tern you're also getting a successful product now on its third generation, with lots of users and a friendly community. I think that support is worth a lot, if you intend your bike to be a workhorse.

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Pixelplanet5@reddit

i would get with that uses the Pinion MGU.

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urlond@reddit

I'm perfectly happy with the Ebike I own.

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Relative-Display-676@reddit

Orbea carpe because it's light weight and doesn't look like ebike so it's easy to ride where ebikes are prohibited.

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unseenmover@reddit

a bike from one of the participating dealers...

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SexiestPanda@reddit

I currently am selected for the 300$ rebate one. But idk if any bike on the list is what I’m looking for. Something that can be unlocked to go 30+mph

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Pineappl3z@reddit

Lectric ONE.

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UrbanEconomist@reddit

Get a bike from a local shop that is willing to help you if it needs repair work or maintenance down the line. Lots of local shops will not touch e-bikes they don’t sell.

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Khristian99@reddit

I'm in this situation now and the Specialized Turbo Vado is still way out of budget. At a stretch I want the Troxus Trax Mid Drive (hard to find anyone who can order it in an XL). More budget friendly, the Velotric Tempo.

The Trax is definitely better for commute. My work isn't biking distance, more like walking distance, and i live in an apartment so weights a big factor for me.

The Trax is definitely a heavier commuter and its the cheapest covered mid-drive i could find.

The Tempo is more like an exercise "recreation" bike but I like the throttle assist and light weight.

If bike weight isn't such an issue for you, I would recommend just going to your local bike shop and asking them for advice. The Aventons are usually really good value but heavy.

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Veggyhed@reddit

I wish I lived in a progressive State

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StrikeouTX@reddit

Also TM-B

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cwatson214@reddit

I used that rebate last year to grab a Cannondale Neo Allroad. It is a beast that only cost me a couple hundred bucks. Thanks Washington State!

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Head-Owl7100@reddit

Urtopia. 40 lbs

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0llie0llie@reddit

Depends on how much money I can afford to spend on top of the rebate. To qualify for the $1200 rebate requires a very modest income, so that wouldn’t be much of a budget.

I’m getting the $300 one btw!

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