Which E-bike should I get?

Posted by Rascally_type@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 16 comments

This will be my first E-bike. I have ridden my partners Rad Power and it's awesome. The biggest issue for me is the weight, so I'm definitely wanting something lightweight (< 45 lbs) and on the cheaper side (< 2k). Power and distance are not big factors for me as I plan to use it mostly for leisure/exercise on city roads. Possibly some dirt path riding, but nothing crazy. I'd like it to have an external/removable battery.

Questions: Is it best to buy in person to test ride, or is it safe to buy online if I already know kinda what I want? How much do you use the throttle? Any big downsides to not having one?

I have found these online or at my local E-bike shops that seem to fit my criteria- any that I should cross off the list? any highly recommended?

Cannondale Adventure Neo Allroad

Townie Go! 5i

Velotric Tempo

Aventon Soltera 2.5

Ride1Up Roadster V3

Aventon Pace 4

Urtopia Carbon Classic

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sentinel_of_ether@reddit

Highly recommend the tempo. Loaded with tech features and quality parts. And still has capable throttle even at 39 pounds. Its a very unique combination of tech-lightweight-streamlined-power

rshetts1@reddit

I have a friend who has Townie Go! and he loves it. They are made by Trek an very well established US company with 1000s of store fronts, so warranty and repairs issues get handled easily. Understand that the 5i is a basic e-bike with low wattage and low torque. It won't handle hills well. That is an issue with most of your options. You sacrifice power for the lower overall bike weight. Honestly, of the bikes listed here there are only two I would consider. The Aventon Pace 4 and the Urtopia Carbon Classic. Of the two, the Carbon Classic has the best overall specs. It is of course the pricer of the two.

Rascally_type@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the recs!

Mildew88@reddit

I don't own a Tempo, but I did ride one. It's very lightweight and easy to maneuver. The power was adequate for what it is. If I were looking for a fitness ebike, I pretty sure I'd be happy with it. Here's a pic of the Tempo that I rode.

Thanks for sharing!

Relative-Display-676@reddit

out of those choices, cannondale as it can be serviced anywhere by anyone.

Good to know, thanks!

Superb-Bit9385@reddit

So I’ve owned a Lectric, an Aventon, and a Dttzh all at the same time, and honestly, every single one of them rides completely differently. I just hit a total of 1,000 miles across all three. They’re each built for different vibes—one's my commuter, one's my folder, and the other is for off-roading. Yeah, they definitely set me back a pretty penny, but man, they’ve completely changed my lifestyle. Now, I spend hours riding every single weekend. I'm finally just slowing down and soaking it all in.

oldhaapi@reddit

We have Trek Dual sport bikes. Class 1, new models might have throttles. Light enough that assist is not needed to pedal around 12mph, but it's there for hills and riding into the wind. Should be in your price range.

PolymathPixieX@reddit

Whatever one you go with make sure it has a UL rating

Zentransit@reddit

REI sells the Townie!

Become an REI member and you'll have access to much greater customer and mechanical support.

Also, if the awesome Townie turns out NOT to be your cup of tea, you can either swap it out for another bike or request a complete refund within a year!

You can't beat REI! 👍

Separate_Isopod4746@reddit

Eeeeehhhh there’s an REI boycott right now until they get their heads out of their asses.

We don’t have enough info about you to pick out a bike for you. I have 6 e-bikes, I love and hate all of them for various reasons. My last on hits 40 mph and does 100 miles, but it is heavy, clumsy and illegal.

I just added a Lectric xp4, and it has become my favorite. It’s Lighter (there is an xp lite as well), but more importantly, it’s the most stable out of all of the bikes. I say this as, I wrecked a few years ago, and broke bones. After riding the Lectric, not sure I want to dick with any of these goofy Chinese bikes any further. (I’m aware Lectric is pretty much Chinese). Since this is your first one, I’d ride a few first. Anyway, hope that helps.

Inciteful_Analysis@reddit

The Velotric Tempo and Ride1Up Roadster are the two leading contenders for a fitness bike.

FigNinja@reddit

Another thing to bear in mind is maintenance. All bikes need maintenance. If you're not looking to DIY, having a local shop that supports your bike is good. Some direct-to-consumer brands have a list of shops that will work on their bikes. I wouldn't buy one if I didn't know I had repair options nearby.

Also, I personally wouldn't buy anything without a safety certified battery and charger. It's actually illegal to sell ebikes that don't meet UL2849 or UL2271 standards where I live (California), but I think people are still getting away with it online. I wouldn't be surprised if that becomes more common. Insurance companies are picking up on the fire hazard that large batteries can present. We're starting to see stories in here of people who are dealing with bans from apartment buildings, office buildings, and HOAs. Aside from that, I think it's a good idea for your own safety. Also, if I did buy DTC and they claimed UL certification, I'd double check online with UL that the claim was true.

Active_Ad_5322@reddit

If worked at bike shops that sold/sell the Aventons and Townies.

You definitely want to test ride, especially with how different frame designs really affect the feel of the bike, The Townie is a completely unique feel with this “pedal forward “ design, while the Pace had a more relaxed sitting posture than the Soltera…

I personally like the nee Soltera. The ADV features is gps, security, and app features are actually pretty slick. Personally, id get wider and smoother tires if you get the Soltera.