Electric Bikes - Whats a good Electric Bike to purchase ?

I know nothing about them.
Any Ideas for me and general guidelines, like Best Brands, etc?
I am 6 foot 230 pounds.

And whats a good budget 1000 to 2000 ? Or more ?

Any organization that rates them? Thanks..

Where are you?
Some location info is helpful, European brand E bikes are expensive ,
when shipped to the US..

EMoto come out of a Washington state importer from Asia..
that lowers the retail cost.
they come in selling at a bit over a K$..

thanks. I am on the CA/ OR border.
So we are in the same state.
And maybe the Emoto would be good?
What do you have?
thanks, Steve

How do you plan on using the bike?

Basically on flat ground. Causal biking.
I live in a very small town, so biking from my home and into the country side.
Maybe a small incline/ uphill grade once in a while.

So it's mainly for local transportation and not fitness or exercise, right?

yes... but I don't mind to do a little peddling.
Like going up hill.

I'm more into the fitness aspect riding. I use mine to help extend my riding distance and time. I ride a Trek FX+ of which I'm fairly happy. It uses a Bionx system which can be bought independently and added to an existing bike. The Bionx bought independently can employ a throttle however the system is a little expensive.
My advise is to look around and to find the system that best fits your needs. It seems like you are taking the first step. Good luck

thanks Bob for the info.

What kind of bike do you use now? Sounds like you may not need the hassle of electrics.

There are a number of ebike stores in CA and OR where you could demo ebikes.

It sounds like you expect to primarily rely on the electric system, rarely pedalling. Is this the case?

I ride mainly a old Shwinn Breeze. 3 speed/ coaster brake.
Just thought an Electric would be a fun toy.
I love to "Pedal"... and the exercise and good feeling I get.

They are fun but expensive and you usually have to be willing to fuss with them unless you spend really big bucks. Just buying a better bike will give you more thrills than electric and for less money I would guess. I would suggest trying both new bikes and electric bikes since you are probably not in a rush to get something. It can be difficult to get a good electric bike because most electric bike companies go out of business every few years and you can't get parts which is why putting a kit on a bike is still a good way to go if you like fiddling around with stuff.

If you are going convert with a kit, you can't go wrong with a kit from clean republic, who claims 5 minute conversion time. which is almost true, if you didn't have to slightly enlarge the dropouts for the motor axle. complete kit is about $400, including batteries and they are located in Washington. I was very satisfy with mine. I believe there is a video too. uses a Bafung motor and sla batteries to start with.

.http://www.electric-bike-kit.com/hill-topper.aspx

thanks.... That looks really good. I saved the link and will think about ordering one.