Electric Bikes - NEED HELP NARROWING DOWN 1st BIKE SEARCH

I've narrowed down some preferences, etc., to the following, then have a couple questions after them, please.

These are a must for me, unless any of you say I'm wrong:

A throttle-control, which doesn't require pedaling at all. Just like a motorcycle, twist and hold the throttle back to control power and speed. You can assist by pedaling along, but it's not required.
(I like that idea with throttle control, but I also want to pedal as much as I can, and pedal more as I get used to riding (because one reason I want a bike is because it’ll be the only exercise I get, yet still would use the throttle idea quite a bit).
Is throttle-control noisy?

●―14 inch frame fits me just right. I have a difficult time getting onto anything larger.
●―Definitely a step-through.
●―Less than 50 pounds overall weight.
●―NO fat tires
●―Handlebars that aren’t too straight, don’t have to “lean over” too much.
●―A LifePO4 battery. (At least 36V)

With these preferences and not wanting a kit, I need help choosing a basic bike. I was favoring Torker but found the smallest frame they make is 17” and that’s too big for me (I’m 5’1”)

About wheel/tire size: is 24” too small or is 26” better? Since I’m so short, I favor compact-ness; however, I don’t want it to look like I’m riding a kid’s bike.

Any help, suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Angie

No fat tires? are you sure? Fatter tires have smoother ride.

Do you want to be required to pedal to get it started? There are two different types of controllers. One is called a pedal-first controller and the other not a pedal first controller. Pedal-first means just how it sounds, you have to pedal up to about 5 mph to get it started and then hit the throttle. The other style, you can just hit the throttle and go. I prefer the one where you don't have to pedal to get it started. The Torker has a pedal-first controller and you might not like that.

I'd go with 26" rims because it's a much more popular size and if you have to replace anything or later on, if you want to do anything, it'd probably be best to have a 26" rim and tire. 26" tires are probably cheaper and easier to find also.

Did you look through that one website I gave you ...this one: http://www.nycewheels.com/bikes.html

also, have you looked at currie? they have lots of styles
http://www.currietech.com/index.php#

Just make sure the battery is lithium or NICD or NIMH...any of those will be a good battery.

What do you think about the Izip Zuma ?
http://www.currietech.com/currie-technologies-izip-zuma-for-women-electric-bike.php

The Izip Zuma looks really nice. Read this. It has 3 modes of operations
http://www.currietech.com/images/TAG_PAS.jpg TAG/PAS ( Twist and Go or Pedal Assist ) Electric Facts



Allows users to select between two modes.
PAS Mode- Pedaling Alone: This option gives 50% of available
power assist, conserving energy
Pedaling while Activating Throttle: This option allows user to go
from 50% to full power assist or anywhere in between.
TAG Mode- Twist and Go Mode: No pedaling required, throttle
operates the motor. Throttle goes from 0% to full power.

All of Trek electric bikes come in 15.

http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/electric_bikes/ride_plus/7200plus/[/URL]

[URL]http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/electric_bikes/ride_plus/7200pluswsd/ (http://www.trekbikes.com/us/en/bikes/electric_bikes/ride_plus/fxplus/)

In regards to throttle controller I thought I would not buy an electric bike without it. Since my first bike had the Currie 450 W Kit which I rode for 7 month. I got very used to a throttle. After buying the FX Plus I find not having the throttle does not bother me. I do commute 14 miles each way every day.

Angie, since Missouri can be hilly, you need to consider motor performance, too. Do you need decent torque where you live and will ride? If so, you might want to consider non-hub motors, too. I'm considering buying a second bike this year, I want a step through and I will probably buy a non-electric bike and convert it myself again. Why, you generally can get a bicycle that fits you better and has the performance level you want when you go with a conversion kit. You'll probably spend less money, too.

Totally agree on the choose a bike, then choose a kit. There is alot more selection that way. However not all people are DIY sorts of people.

Agreed, less regret that way..

http://ampedbikes.com/

Haven't been online for a while... glad to see responses. I've printed them, will read through and reply when I get back from errands. Thanks!

Angie, since Missouri can be hilly, you need to consider motor performance, too. Do you need decent torque where you live and will ride? If so, you might want to consider non-hub motors, too. I'm considering buying a second bike this year, I want a step through and I will probably buy a non-electric bike and convert it myself again. Why, you generally can get a bicycle that fits you better and has the performance level you want when you go with a conversion kit. You'll probably spend less money, too.

I went the conversion route. I found the mountain bike that I liked and purchased a conversion kit. Win-Win scenario. The bike was $120, Kit $900(includes lifepo4 battery/ 500w/36v motor) Add $80 for mud guards(a must have!), lock, rear rack, lights and you will have a perfect solution.

If you are going to motor around much, I would also suggest getting cruise control. It will save you some thumb or wrist strain.

I bought the amped rear geared motor kit and am very happy with it. The controller has cruise built in, just push the button at it holds the last throttle position. This kit appears to be very gentle on the batteries too. It only draws around 15amps max.

I converted my Giant Suede confort bike. I sit almost upright, no bending over. Very comfortable for this type of ebike.

If you are going to motor around much, I would also suggest getting cruise control. It will save you some thumb or wrist strain.

I bought the amped rear geared motor kit and am very happy with it. The controller has cruise built in, just push the button at it holds the last throttle position. This kit appears to be very gentle on the batteries too. It only draws around 15amps max.

I converted my Giant Suede confort bike. I sit almost upright, no bending over. Very comfortable for this type of ebike.

I have to agree I wish I had CC on my bikes. I've seen controllers (third party) that have CC built in. You just hold the throttle at the same location for 10 sec. and it engages automaticly.

I have to agree I wish I had CC on my bikes. I've seen controllers (third party) that have CC built in. You just hold the throttle at the same location for 10 sec. and it engages automaticly.

Great option - any suppliers?

Great option - any suppliers?

That depends...the ones I say were for 24v but I know they have them in other voltages. You have to read all the details of each controller of every supplier so it take a while. I happen to see a few when I was considering replacing my controller but I didn't keep the inso. So at this time I can recommend any.