• Activity
  • Votes
  • Comments
  • New
  • All activity
  • Showing only topics in ~transport with the tag "vehicles". Back to normal view / Search all groups
    1. E-bikes: Seeking advice on a commuter bike that meets disability needs

      I've done considerable e-bike research, and I'm still struggling with unanswered questions... I'm looking for a mid-range e-bike mainly for commuting, approximately 3 miles/5 km each way. Part of...

      I've done considerable e-bike research, and I'm still struggling with unanswered questions...

      I'm looking for a mid-range e-bike mainly for commuting, approximately 3 miles/5 km each way. Part of the route is on unpaved but graded park trails, otherwise paved (sometimes very bumpy) streets and sidewalks. I don't anticipate using the bike for heavy cargo, rough trails or long powered rides, but wouldn't mind working up to 30 mi/50 km trips with partial assists.

      The primary goal is a safe, stable ride that gets me to work reliably without leaving me too banged up.

      Requirements:

      1. Major assistance with steep hills. Though I've rebuilt decent endurance and muscle strength, I've got two artificial hips, and occasional inflammation in knees, ankles, and feet that makes powering up a long incline painful.

      2. Suspension fork and relatively upright riding position. Even with gel gloves, bumps and bangs through a rigid frame and forward leaning will wreck my wrists and hands quickly.

      3. Step-through frame. Thanks to hip replacements, my balance and range of motion aren't all they could be.

      4. Local service availability. Fortunately, I'm in a town with great (if expensive) bike shops.

      Nice to have:

      1. 60 lbs. or less. I don't expect to wrestle the bike up/down stairs or into vehicles frequently. It's more a question of being able to propel it under my own power most of the time and carry it on a standard car rack. I've looked at e-trikes for stability, but they're too heavy and cumbersome.

      2. Hydraulic disc brakes, belt drive and sealed motor hub (expensive but cleaner for commuting and lower maintenance), torque sensor.

      3. Integrated lights.

      4. Fenders, chain guard, rear rack, kickstand, phone holder included or available at reasonable cost.

      5. Visual appeal - colors, not too obvious battery, etc.

      Overnight recharge is fine, the battery doesn't have to be removable.

      Possibilities so far:

      Priority Current (via Costco). review,
      review
      Cons:

      • Rigid frame
      • Complaints about required pedalling and power distribution on hills
        Pro:
      • Meets most of the requirements
      • Model has been out for a few years with an established track record
      • Well-reviewed

      RadPower Radster Road Regular review, review
      Pros:

      • Checks all requirements
      • Safety emphasis
        Cons:
      • Heavy (78 lbs.)

      Electric Bike Company Model E or R
      review, review
      Pro:

      • Extensive customization available
        Con:
      • Cruiser style less likely to be comfortable for long rides
      • Model R is 78 lbs.

      Ride1Up 700 Series ST review, review
      Pros:

      • Inexpensive
      • Meets most requirements
        Cons:
      • Assembly difficulties reported, no local dealer

      Aventon Level.2 Step-through review, review

      This is still early research... but more questions:

      • What am I failing to consider?
      • What's an appropriate price point to look at for my requirements (keeping in mind that I'd be paying as much as $150/mo. for transit when not using the bike)?
      • Anyone else in a similar spot?
      5 votes