utility cycling

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Ebike Buying Advice: What's a good repairable/maintainable electric utility bike? (slrpnk.net)

submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net to c/utilitycycling@slrpnk.net

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Heyo everyone. For the first time in my life I'm in a position to be able to use an ebike for most of my commuting needs, which I'm pretty psyched for!

As ebikes are a somewhat hefty investment, I want to do my best to get one that will last a good while, and can be maintained and repaired by just me. I've read that Bosch motors are proprietary and refuse to sell parts to anyone who isn't a dealer, so I figured I'd ask here for advice before making any decisions.

The criteria I'm looking at is:

Budget of around $1200
Plan to haul groceries uphill regularly (not super steep though)
Decently fast, at least able to achieve Class 3 speeds
Enough torque for hauling a small trailer (costco runs)
Replaceable/repairable battery
As many non-proprietary parts as possible
Ability to fold is a bonus, but not a requirement

If any of you have any experience you can share, I'd be most grateful!

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[–] krelvar@lemmy.world 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

A used Aventon abound would cover most of that. I paid about $2K for mine new a couple years ago, so used should be at least in the ballpark. I have about 3000 miles on mine now.

Top speed about 24mph with current firmware, but you also have to replace the freewheel, the stock one is 14T which isn't small enough, the drift maniac freewheel on Amazon is 11T and direct replacement.

I have panniers plus the front rack, I regularly do the grocery run with it.

Not class 3, but class 2+, it's throttle will go to 20mph but with the freewheel you can pedal faster, I regularly do. With lights and such I tend to average around 19mph.

Plenty of torque for a trailer, I have one that's rated to 100lbs capacity. I've overloaded it to 120 (3 40lb bags of salt) plus groceries in the panniers. I've probably carried 200lbs between the bike and trailer. Not at 24mph tho ;)

Removable battery, with just me at about 200lbs dressed at top speed I get about 30 miles of range, but I don't push it that far.

Standard lower end bike parts, like anything else you'll find in this price range. Shimano Altus derailleur.

Handlebar folds down, but it's a big bike, 20" cargo style. Somewhere around 100lbs with racks and panniers.

[–] krelvar@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

And of course I just noticed that I resurrected a dead thread. Oh well, maybe it'll be helpful to someone.

[–] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

No worries! Great info for anyone who finds their way here from duck duck go :)

[–] krelvar@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Did you end up with something?

[–] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 1 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Yes! I was able to find a really great deal on a used ebike on craigslist, even came with some nice accessories like tire armor inserts.

I would mention what brand and model I got, but due to the nature of the content that I post, unfortunately I can't give personally identifying info, just in case 😅

[–] krelvar@lemmy.world 2 points 3 months ago

Good deal and I totally understand especially nowadays.