Electric Bikes - Which bike for under $1500?

Hi,

I'm new to ebikes and looking for one for two reasons: (1) going around a large university campus and beyond 5 days a week; we have some good sloping roads, and (2) recreation over the weekend; I live on top of a hill with 575 ft elevation across 1.6 miles. For the weekend rides I would like a bike which can do a real (not claimed) 15-20 miles across flat roads and hills before a recharge is needed.

Any recommendations for complete bikes under $1500 (not kits for existing bikes)? Some choices:

- Sanyo Eneloop (can get it for $1260)
- Currie EZip Trailz and others ($500-$800)
- eZee LiV ($1200)
- Schwinn Tailwind ($1K or less at Performance Bikes)
- iZip Express, Rapido ($1K)
- Giant Express ($1500)

Any help will be much appreciated!

Thanks very much

Paul

People don't seem to like the Izips so I would steer clear of those. You want one for college so I would suggest something with a small battery for convenience purposes. One with a small battery that you can slide off and take into class with you. As long as you do a little pedaling, any lithium battery that is about 8 to 10 AH should be able to get you 20 miles. I recommend building your own e-bike with a kit. Is there a reason why you want to buy a ready made one?

Might check the other thread created by Sarahlou, she is buying a Kalkhoff bike (I think that is how it's spelled). I really can't give you any kind of suggestion on most of those bikes because I've never tried them. WE know more about kits than complete bikes on here.

Thanks, the main reasons why I'm looking for a complete bike are that a) I don't have a bike now, and b) I'm not very good with tools.

What I really need is for the bike to do around 24 miles or so, including a 1.6 mile steep hill.

My local shop here has the iZip Rapido and the Giant Twist Freedoms. They won't service bikes they don't sell either ...

Paul