One Speed Cruiser or MTB for E-Bike?
 

Hi there, I've never owned a cruiser or one-speed bike in my life before, and am wondering if that is the route I should take as opposed to getting a mountain bike for retrofitting a motor hub kit onto it.

I like MTB's for the fact that I can start pedaling in a low gear and it's always easy to do, and at the high speeds I could go to the high gear and pedal easily once I'm up there.

And they seem to start at around 100 dollars anyway so their cost is the same. But the cruiser's don't have a lot of the gear stuff. Why should I buy a cruiser? What makes it better than a MTB? Anything?

From what you stated it sounds like you would be quite happy witha mtb/hub set up. The extra gears give you more options.

I got a 7speed beach cruiser fitted with a BL-36. I picked a cruiser because it has a steel front fork (tested it by placing a magnet on it) for durability, and a steel front fork is recommended by the manufacture for safety reasons. I like the style of a beach cruiser, it's like comparing a Harley Davidson laid back comfortable ride to a Suzuki - laying over the frame aerodynamic comfort. There isn't a lot of suspension on my cruiser except the 40 psi balloon tires and suspension seat post with a padded saddle that I installed, but option is there for future upgrades (threaded front fork or threadless front fork suspension). Also, 7speeds is needed when, and if the electric front hub ever stops working, the 7 gears is a big plus in hauling the extra dead weight back home. I picked a cruiser because of safety, style and laid back comfort.

I like electric cruisers because I spend much more time in the saddle and wish to be comfortable. Except for very hilly terrain, you don't need more than 3spd - with a fairly powerful motor single speed works for me. The biggest downside with cruiser is if you want disc brakes and suspension - in that category mtb is the way to go.