Reddit mentions: The best adult electric bicycles

Much of the vagueness relates to the nature of DIY ebike builds. There are many ways to build a bike, and many bikes to build upon. Most people approach it in phases:

1. Interest in learning. You know you'd like to go e-bike, but there are a lot of options, so you start reading.
   
2. Strategy consolidation. You start to understand the various options and are leaning toward a particular type of build.
   
3. Build planning. You have a strategy, so you start sourcing parts and making sure they'll work together, and that they'll work on your particular bike.
   
4. Building. You'll start the build, find some stuff you were missing, order more parts, rinse and repeat until your build is complete.
   
5. Riding and sharing! You'll post a photo of your build here and enjoy the hell out of your e-bike :)
   
   Sounds like you're at phase 1 :)
   
   There are two foundational elements you'll want to understand before you get started:
   
   Volts, amps, and watts. What are they, and how are they related. You don't need to get your masters in electronics, but understanding the basics will really help you navigate choices like battery voltage and motor wattage.
   
   Watt hours. Understanding watt hours is the fundamental element that will answer the "range" question.
   
   There's obviously a ton more than that, but that's a great place to start. Don't be afraid to Google those terms, either. The more you know!
   
   Based on your requirements, I think a hub motor setup would make a lot of sense for you. Since you're not tackling hills, you won't need the advantages of a mid drive.
   
   Whether you go front or rear hub motor will depend upon your priorities. Personally, I'm not a fan of front hub motors because of the traction issue. I want the front tire to steer only. There's a decent article on eBikeSchool.com - Front Hub Motors Vs Rear Hub Motors.
   
   As far as cost, keeping things under $1k will primarily come down to battery size. There are a ton of inexpensive hub motor kits out there. For a beginner, you'll want to stick with one of the major brands. Bafang is very popular, so components/parts are very easy to come by.
   
   This Bafang 500W hub drive kit is $620 when configured for cassette 27.5" (700c) with the DPC-18 display. You'll also need a battery. To keep things under $1k, you can start with a 300Wh Luna Cycle Mighty Mini Cube battery with bag and charger for $379. Be sure to select the free battery bag and advanced Luna Charger. It has a selector that will let you charge your battery to 90% instead of 100%, which will extend its lifespan. When I configured this on the Luna site, it said the pack was currently unavailable, so you'll want to message them to check on availability.
   
   One of the nice things about this tiny battery is that you can mount it in a small bag that fits under your seat, or in the top corner of your bike's triangle, near the seat. This leaves your water bottle mounts free for water bottles. If you keep speeds under 15 MPH and are willing to contribute effort with pedaling, you can get 20 miles of range out of this combo. You can configure limits to keep you from using up your battery too quickly.

The bike started life as a 2012 Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro, which came with some good components already. SRAM Rival partial group,
FSA crankset, and Mavic Aksium Race wheels. I've had good luck with this bike and it's got almost 2k miles on it, so I kept most of it, but not all.

Once I decided to make it my commuter bike, I started adding things.

For lights I picked up the Cygolite Hot shot rear light and use one of my MTB lights if needed for the front, a
Chinese knock-off CREE XM-L2 front light

For tires I went with the Panaracer RiBMo 700x32c based on feedback from users on here.

You can't go wrong with a Tubus Logo Evo Rear Rack and Ortlieb Back Roller Classics.


I wanted some extra gearing for those climbs along the way, so I went with the SRAM FORCE Rear Derailleur so I could run a SRAM PG-1050 11-32 Cassette.

Of course, I needed a new KMC X10SL chain for the new gear combo.

I picked up a new road bike and pulled the Ritchey Pro Streem Saddle and Ritchey Pro Biomax bars off of that bike and used them on my commuter, along with some new Lizard Skins DSP 3.2mm bar tape and some Soma Road Flares for added visibility.

For a little less weight and possible shock absorbtion, I threw in a Chinese knock off carbon seat post.

I also wanted something besides my regular riding shoes, so I opted for the Shimano Click'R PD-T700 pedals and
Shimano SH-CT40 Cycling Shoes
, which I love and highly recommend.

I also needed to adjust the fit so I picked up a Kalloy Uno 6 90mm stem because I've had great luck with them on other bikes.

And for added safety, I picked up two rolls of 3M Scotchcal Reflective Striping Tape in white and black, and added white stripes to the white frame and black stripes to the rims and the back of my helmet.

> How about comparing them to gasoline powered bicycles?

Sure! As near as I can tell, a gasoline bike kit weighs about 20lbs. That's not too much heavier than the add-on parts for a typical e-bike... the motor is usually seven or eight pounds, and another five or six for batteries. Bosch's bits, for example, are 8.8lbs for the motor and 5.3lbs for the batteries. That's 50-60 miles worth, but you there's obviously room left over to increase that battery if you really need to go 100+ miles per ride. Bikes are bikes, so the total weight you end up with will obviously depend on what sort of frame you're mounting either kit to-- but I think it's reasonable to say they're pretty close.

> Most people won't go for bleeding edge and the cost associated with it. How much does the bike you mentioned go for?

I have no idea how much it goes for-- it's a one-off custom. I guarantee it's stupid expensive, but I was comparing it to unpowered Tour de France road bikes which are also tens of thousands of dollars.

> Do you think that is practical?

A $20,000 bike of any sort? Of course not. Do I think e-bikes in general are practical? Sure. A cheap $550 e-bike weighs 47lbs, a good 13lbs less than the normal bike I had in college. That was a practical bike then, so an even lighter e-bike seems practical to me now.

Both electric or gas seem unnecessary to me, but I'm still able to push the pedals on my ride to work... I'm sure someday I'll be interested in the assistance, though.

I am 52 years old, and I started commuting on August 1, to improve my fitness level. I started with a hybrid that exacerbated my carpal tunnel syndrome, and eventually decided to get a touring bike because I'd like to do some touring. After testing quite a few bikes, I settled on the Surly LHT. I like gadgets, and have actually run out of places to put them. I don't mind the weight, because I am not trying to get anywhere quickly. If anyone has any questions, I'd love to answer them!

EDIT: Here's the list of accessories I've added to the bike above its stock configuration:

• Velo Orange Fenders
  
• Velo Orange Wheel Stabilizer
  
• Ortlieb Back Roller Classic Panniers
  
• Ortlieb Ultimate 6 Pro M E Handlebar Bag
  
• Ortlieb Front Roller Classic Panniers (not pictured)
  
• Tubus Logo Evo rear rack
  
• Tubus Tara Big Apple front low-rider rack
  
• King Cage water bottle cages
  
• Shimano DH-3D72 Dynamo Hub
  
• Brooks Cambium Saddle
  
• Click-Stand
  
• Garmin Edge 1000 Bike Computer (with cadence, speed and heart-rate sensors)
  
• K-Edge Computer Mount
  
• B&M Lumotec IQ2 Luxos U Headlight
  
• B&M Toplight Line Brake Plus
  
• Topeak Mini Morph Bike Pump
  
• Spurcycle Bell
  
• BDop Cycling Dashboard Genie (accessory bar)
  
• Kuat Bottle Lock (cheap lock for quick lockups -- don't trust it)
  
• Lizard Skin 3.2mm bar tape
  
• Kleen Kanteen water bottles
  
• Blink-Steady taillight
  
• D+D Oberlauda Ultra Light Bike Mirror
  
• GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition (not pictured)
  
  

Nice post and great questions. I have been commuting 30 miles each day on a fat tire folding ebike for almost a year. My thoughts are as follows. I dont own a rad or add motor. But did consider them. I did go with dj bikes instead as i got dual fenders and racks with brake lights included. A picture of my ride is in second link. I would say a fat is safer or more versatile in that it can handle different terrain. They weigh more versus a standard road bike and helps if you get hit. I did get tboned by an suv and the bicycle took the brunt of the hit. Looks unscathed minus a bent derailleur.

DJ Folding Bike 750W 48V 13Ah Power Electric Bicycle, UL 2849, Pearl White, LED Bike Light, Suspension Fork and Shimano Gear, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K4VN8KJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_suZ3CbFRWDY6B



https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bjp3K434vQUaNlaxrJE7gNpeWWbnMGOA/view?usp=drivesdk


Pros.

1. Less flats. I have only had 2 so far over 1200 miles and I am sure that's partial two the knobby tires.
   
   
2. I have an iffy back and ride is comfortable and eats potholes for breakfast. Fat tires+front suspension+cloud 9 suspension seat= rider heaven.
   
   3.i opted for folding as i take this up my job in a freight elevator. So no worries about theft.
   
   
3. No trouble climbing hills due to strong 750w motor.
   
   
4. Off roading
   
   Cons
   
   
5. Fat has slighty less turning range of motion. Versus standard bikes due to weight and wheel size.
   
   2.slightly more rolling resistance. Can be corrected some by swapping all season knobby tire out.

It is $600 and buy one get one free? That seems pretty inexpensive especially with a bike rack thrown in.

Also, I found the bike on Amazon which is out of stock now but has a bunch of reviews.

It's a 250 watt bike with an 8AH battery which is pretty low end in specs but it's also a pretty low price for an eBike. The reviews aren't awful and most of them probably paid 2x what you are paying.

One reviewer said they logged 1000 miles on theirs which is more than I would expect. It's walmart tier but sometimes walmart tier is OK.

At least if one dies you'll have a parts bike.

Thanks! I do plan on adding a torque arm. Thanks for all the help. Do you think this battery would pair well with the leafbike kit?

​

https://www.amazon.com/Bike-Battery-Lithium-Hailong-Warehouse/dp/B07NHZFG39/ref=asc_df_B07NHZFG39/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242033862368&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4383948207250994818&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002074&hvtargid=pla-682313690878&psc=1

I don't know if you can order from Amazon there, but the $499 Swagtron EB-5 is probably the best bang for your buck e-bike I've seen. If you don't mind the 14" wheels, it is surprisingly not that small feeling and decently peppy for campus riding.

Just build your own. That way you can get a decently equiped bike that won't have entry level tourney parts. Ill admit tourney isn't bad but for over k id go better. Also this way you can get a mid drive for half 700 bucks less than any other option. You are going to want a mid drive since you are taking it off road. I wish you would go regular mtb than fat bike 600 plus bucks and mechanical disc brakes is kinda bunk for a mtb. A plus bike gets you more bang for buck, Air fork and hydraulic disc brakes.

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https://www.amazon.com/Framed-Wolftrax-Alloy-Shimano-Deore/dp/B07PQN4CHH/ref=sr_1_86?keywords=fat+bike&qid=1558403328&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-86

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https://www.amazon.com/Sensored-Electric-Bicycle-Conversion-Display/dp/B07QNY9L9H/ref=sr_1_15?keywords=mid%2Bdrive%2Bebike&qid=1558402961&s=gateway&sr=8-15&th=1

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M0BNI7Y/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01M0BNI7Y&pd_rd_w=0n3gr&pf_rd_p=8a8f3917-7900-4ce8-ad90-adf0d53c0985&pd_rd_wg=7j2DI&pf_rd_r=5F1ATDYEHQ7BY6KBGE0N&pd_rd_r=c1e68d31-7b6b-11e9-9511-65a57d25cf2b

Looks legit to me. I can't tell if it will all fit but, I'll be interested in finding out. Perhaps if you pull the trigger you can create some docs and photos of the process for others? I might do this as well as finding a pre-built at a reasonable profit margin for the seller is difficult for me.

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edit: if you can afford it, perhaps the BBSHD mid-drive motor? https://smile.amazon.com/BAFANG-Conversion-Chainring-Display-Eletric/dp/B07NLSX3NN/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=BBSHD&psc=1&qid=1571238844&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-6

IF the pictures are correct (and you're rolling the dice because it does mention the model you get may be slightly different from the pictures...I think), and there isn't some other catch in this listing....then the bike you'll be getting is some variety of this Ancheer ebike.

Ancheer has variable reviews, some don't mind their bikes, others, will tell you they're straight up garbage. 250w will give you a mild boost on flat land, but for hills or off road, don't expect much. If you're not good with bike maintenance, this will definitely be a "run it into the ground then buy a better one if I like it" type ebike.

I currently use this battery with some unbranded 1000w rear hub, all-together it's probably $500. I had to return the first motor they sent me for a bad bearing, but since then it's been fine. The battery uses "domestic" (chinese) cells which are generally considered not to be very safe compared to name brands like lg, samsung, or sony. So keep that in mind I guess. range is around 8 miles at full speed (28 mph or thereabouts) and easily more than 12 miles pedal assisted. To get something cheaper you'd have to get lead acid batteries. I've done this and it sucks.

Those are good but these are more fun.

Why go with hub motors at all? For an MTB a mid drive like the Bafang BBSHD is vastly superior IMO.

> juiced crosscurrent air

That looks pretty damn good. Just needs fork replaced to make it tolerable for city potholes and all-terrain driving.

This Cyclamatic is $550 with front fork, I wish there was something in between those two prices.

1. I found google maps to be pretty on the money for riding time.
   
   
2. 50km each way on a bike for commuting? Not unless you're Chris Boardman. Maybe not even then.
   However with an e-bike it should be doable. It's not just the distance, it's the physical effort and fatigue. You don't want to show up to classes knackered. On the way home this isn't such a problem. An e-bike will lift your speed from a 20km/hr average to 32. You will need somewhere to store it though. Bike theft is real issue sadly.
   
   
3. The bike is fine, but an e-bike kit will save you 1 1/2 hrs per day.
   
   
4. Begin with 2km. Add 2km every second ride.
   

fairly certain it is a bafang unit. these over-priced options may be of interest. https://www.amazon.com/BAFANG-Center-Middle-Display-Bicycle/dp/B07MW261M8?SubscriptionId=AKIAILSHYYTFIVPWUY6Q&tag=duckduckgo-d-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07B7HPBHZ&th=1

I had a look.., WAY beyond me!
I want to buy a bike!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078YPHZJK/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_-ux7Cb75XE5SY

The sentiment is however, appreciated 🙏

Silly question, will this battery have any chance of exploding or anything like that is I take it apart? This one in particular.

https://www.amazon.com/DJ-Electric-Bicycle-Suspension-Shimano/dp/B07K4TZF62/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=750w+ebike&qid=1563438474&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/BAM-EW-Nomad-Terrain-Electric-Suspension/dp/B07QKM5F3D/ref=mp_s_a_1_16?keywords=750w%2Bebike&qid=1563438474&s=gateway&sr=8-16&th=1&psc=1

https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radrover-electric-fat-bike

These 3 bikes look exactly the same with almost the same specs. Would quality be different depending on the company or would they end up being pretty much the same bike?

yeah I hit 25mph with 1 kw 48V fat tire bike I made out of a Mongoose Dolomite fairly easily. I used this $300 battery which roughly matches your lead acid but I'd bet puts out more amps.

Edit: I weigh in over 230lbs too. My 100lb kid gets to 30 almost immediately

Dont know if you saw my other post, but check this out:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002AQHM3U/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1496766101&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=electric+bicycle&dpPl=1&dpID=51Js6jhTNXL&ref=plSrch

Other options include home made motorized bicycles (people do this with lawnmower engines, they reach speeds of ~40 mph and can be purchased on CL for around 200), or, since you're here, a motorcycle! I cant tell whether you're trying to actually do technical riding with these bikes or if its just for commuting though.

Might want to check out r/ebikes thoufh

I'm planning on doing a conversion kit actually! This is the kit im looking at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYNV51X/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_i-wEDbXZRPAJN

Do you have this version? I got this one (this is the 2019 version) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AU7KWXC/

If you're looking for something portable for the "last mile" I've been checking out these; I don't commute but I'm eyeing it any way

https://www.amazon.com/SwagCycle-Lightweight-Aluminum-Folding-Electric/dp/B07BNV2Q8H/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1535556064&sr=8-2&keywords=swagtron+eb-5&linkCode=sl1&tag=electrek02-20&linkId=ff4516ab4253b2eb2f3706f1fff48519&language=en_US

and this one, but its considerably more expensive:

https://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/shop/latch/

eBike Conversion Kit

Battery

what else would i need?

Im asking a legit question why downvote ._.

Lazy, cheap mother fuckers...

NYC?
For the city I'd love a fortified single speed, with a small front hub kit. The fortified bike is supposed to be tough to steal and a front hub motor could be more easily locked up with the frame.

I'd be concerned about theft first then coppers.

links:

example bike -- https://www.amazon.com/Fortified-Commuter-Theft-Resistant-Single-Medium/dp/B01MSLM9XI/ref=lp_15982031011_1_1?srs=15982031011&ie=UTF8&qid=1520459892&sr=8-1

example kit -- https://dillengerelectricbikes.com/electric-bike-kits/best-sellers/street-legal-electric-bike-kit-samsung-power-13ah-by-dillenger.html


or could get a cheap steel single speed (pure cycle or something) and add that hub kit to it.


other choice (I'm obviously about cheap/hard to steal bikes for the city): Ancheer cheap electric https://www.amazon.com/ANCHEER-Electric-Mountain-Removable-Lithium-Ion/dp/B01AU7KWXC/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1520460322&sr=1-5&keywords=ancheer


however, the 1-star ancheer ebike reviews are scary...evidently the brakes suck

I think what she wanted to say is the brake touch the disc ,you have to set them because they arent but it s easy
I never did it before and it took me 5 min after watching a tutorial video to do it.
I will not recomend the folding version , why ?because the battery is just in the front bag with a lot of wire and with out any protection or very poor protection against rain and crashes
an the battery isnt remobable so a thief can easely take it and you cant let the bike in the garage or outside and charge the battery at home
this version: https://www.amazon.com/ANCHEER-Electric-Mountain-Removable-Lithium-Ion/dp/B01AU7KWXC has a metal bottle battery and this is removable battery this is a lot better and safer
I had this bike for month and I crashed 2 time ( because I wanted to push this bike to his limit)
and everything still working
watch the youtube channel : Vegas Romaniac he has more than 20 video avout this bike covering everything on
this bike and he rided this bike for 6000 miles!: and the battery hasnt loose a lot , this bike have two problem : the tire/ air tube is bad you will probably have a flat soon , but it s not a big deal take schwalbe marathon and you will not have a flat for a long time
and the seat is very hard , same it s easy and cheap to replace

sorry for my bad english I am french , you can buy this bike for 500 euros on aliexpress in fact they have just raised the price before when I bought it it was 400 euros