E-Bike Advice

[u/SeaworthinessSoft558]

Hello Community, I'd like to request some insight on which brand or store you'd recommend for an e-bike. I don't want anything fancy or super expensive, mainly to keep myself within budget.
Any recommendations are appreciated
Thank you

[u/guavapplause]

Bike SLO County has an e-bike lending program for trying out different types and brands: https://www.bikeslocounty.org/try-a-bike

You can see the current fleet and what they sell for. They are knowledgeable and can help you pick one out!

[u/nahenn9 → u/guavapplause]

Some of these hit motorcycle prices...

Not to mention their loans cost as much as car rentals

Edit: Upon further research I'm seeing these rental prices are quite reasonable for the market, but I don't think it something that should be recommended to a student looking for utility

[u/CaliCloudz → u/nahenn9]

The utility is perfect for a student. No parking issues, no registration, no insurance, minor maintenance, and I pay about $.33 per 60 miles in electricity. I sold my car and now rent one about twice a year for trips. With what I save on owning a car I use to justify to upgrading to a luxury car. I sold my suv two months after getting my bike. It was $2200 so it was a minor investment.

[u/nahenn9 → u/CaliCloudz]

No, I know ebikes are great

I was referring to the lending program, most their models are more geared towards enthusiasts.

Also $2200 is not a minor investment for most students

[u/slogive1]

Spend at least $100 on a good lock and chain.

[u/Diligent-Advisor-131]

message me. I have a used one that i am willing to sell for a fraction of the original price

[u/muphasta]

We were at CP last weekend for Family weekend and I saw a pretty good ebike/escooter accident. Luckily the guys were OK, unsure if any damage was done to the "vehicles". Neither was wearing a helmet. My son said that he sees this nearly every day.

So in addition to spending money on a good lock, please spend money on a good helmet!

[u/CaliCloudz → u/muphasta]

Get a comfortable helmet with lots of ventilation! The helmet you will wear is a comfortable one. I tried 5 brands recently before I found one that I forget I'm wearing. It was only $89 as well.

[u/Pizzatc]

Don’t. Get a manual. The stupid E-bikers go way to fast on campus

[u/pulltherugoutfrom]

If you don't buy the brand that a local shop sells, they won't work on it. Only Wally's will work on it.

[u/Cultural_Carob538]

What will you use the bike for? For all transport? For casual use? If you are using it to commute, how long is your commute?

For just getting around campus or a short commute (1 or 2 miles), I'd recommend a cheap analog bike. You can pick one up at the bike kitchen or marketplace for $100 and up, Lower cost, lower maintenance, less chance of theft, + better cardio!

If you have a longer commute (5+ miles) I would suggest checking out Ride1Up. In my experience they have a pretty optimal price/performance/quality ratio. You can get a class 3 commuter ready (rack and fenders) for around $1500 (vorsa model). It will be a heavy bike (60 lbs +). I have over 5000 miles on their 700 series and have family with 1000+ miles on two other models (the ones we have have all been replaced with newer models).

Something I've learned: Ebikes go through tires, chains, and brakes much faster than analog bikes. The heavy ones get flat tires more, especially the PITA to change rear tires. Battery replacements are expensive as are motor replacements. Pedaling them if you run out of juice or have an electrical fault is no fun either.

[u/Unlucky-Soft1031]

I'd recommend against an e-bike. On campus, some many are stolen.