Styx850

Hey all, I'm new to the forum and am thinking of getting my first Ebike as my knees aren't what they once were and even small hills are giving me problems. First I should say I'm on the fluffy side (alright I'm FAT!) I currently weigh 330 lbs. I need help finding a good starter ebike. I live in California so the top speed can be no faster than 30mph. So are there any solid options out there with the power and strength I'm looking for that won't cost the same as a brand new motorcycle? Thanks in advance.

ajshine

Suggest finding a robust bike such as a Surly LHT that fits properly, then purchase an aftermarket ebike system. At 300 lbs + drive system + luggage, the frame is the critical component. The LHT is inexpensive & robust. Also suggest you consider a model with 559 (26 inch) wheels to let you run wider tires than 700; very important at the higher speeds you'll sustain with a motor to maintain comfort and control when it gets bumpy. Disc brakes might be nice though honestly properly set up cantis provide more than enough stopping power. Pls consider that 30 mph is REALLY fast on a bicycle and decisions need to be made approximately 3x faster than you are currently experiencing. I am totally satisfied with my Bionx drive system attached to my LHT with 700x40 Marathon Supremes. Wish I had 559 wheels though.
Jon in Philly

Styx850

Thanks for the suggestion but I should have mentioned I would prefer a bike that started out as an ebike as I am not that mechanically inclined oh and I am on the short side not quite 5' 6". I was looking at the XB300Li seems ideal but I've heard that it's kind of cheaply made.

no1mad 

You have loosely established a budget, told us how big you are, and also let it be known CA law prohibits speeds in excess of 30 mph.

I can think of a couple of questions that, if answered, should provide you some helpful info:

-Range and speed? How far do you need/want to travel between charges and how fast (under 30) do you want go?
-Pedal assist or throttle only?

Styx850

I'm just shy of 5' 6" and 330 lbs and my day to day commute is roughly six miles round trip, though I'd probably ride more if it didn't bother my knees so much. I would like to switch between throttle and pedal assist.

FMB42

Hi Styx850,

I can't think of a single "Ready to Ride" ebike that has a rider weight rating of more than about 250 pounds max . My best advice would be that you consider having someone either build, or help you build, an ebike conversion (i.e. kit bike) based on a heavy duty Worksman bicycle. I also recommend a power system of no less than 500 watts @ 36 volts with a battery capacity of no less than 12AH (you will still need/want to peddle as much as you can stand). Such a kit might cost you anywhere from 1200 to 1700 USD (not including labor). Note: most electric bicycles and motorcycles, like their four wheeled counterparts, are going to cost about as much, or more, than an internal combustion engine driven vehicle of somewhat similar performance. Electrics just haven't come far enough along yet to where they're competitively priced with their fossil fueled counterparts.

Meanwhile, here's a few ebike kit and ebike retailers that might be able to help you:

1. Electric Bike Solutions (https://gocarlite.com). You'll want to talk to Doug (he has a shop near the Bay Area).
Btw, Doug is a super guy to deal with (great customer service too).

2. Ebikessf. This S.F. CA based shop is operated by a very helpful guy who is well known in the ebike community (he has some pretty high powered/high end kits and bikes).

Also keep in mind that there are more than a few of us in here that can help you out if you decide to build your own ebike.

Btw, welcome to the forum.

15rms

You might conside Lightfooy Cycles. https://www.lightfootcycles.com/

They could build you a Ranger that would hold your weight. Not sure if you would consider the expense however a Ranger with an ecospeed would do the trick nicely. Also they could equip a new recumbent with a bionx. I would recemend a bionx because it would encourage you to peddle. It does best on peddle assist. Either system on the Ranger would be a first class bike.

Styx850

Can anyone tell me about the HEBB ElectroGlide 1000 would this have the strength and power I'm looking for?