electric bike recommendations

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kobiak

1615 posts

Uber Geek

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#230431 23-Feb-2018 14:16

Hi guys,

Anyone using electric bike to commute to work? Could please you share experience compared to old-school bike, any recommendations?

Currently planning to buy Hiko bike pulse for $2250 rare motor.

But just found Mexxler Mi6 for $1299

Maybe someone have something better to recommend with same price tag?

I'm currently commuting 15km each way in AKL from Te Atatu to CBD on cycling way, and it takes me 50-60 mins each way. So my theory that electric bike should reduce time by 30-40%, which would be ideal for me. Does that sound right?

Thanks.

helping others at evgenyk.nz

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738 posts

Ultimate Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1963003 23-Feb-2018 14:46

That Mexxler bike is a steal, little bit less power than normal (250 watt vs 300 watt max allowed) but that might be fine.

I commuted everyday for about 18 months using a bike from Volto.co.nz and absolutely loved it. quicker,easier and cheaper than the bus. Is that a 30km round trip each day? With a 13ah battery you should be ok, especially if you pedal a bit.

dusty42

117 posts

Master Geek

#1963015 23-Feb-2018 15:01

i commute 15k each way. Its about 35 mins most days for me - mostly flat with a100m climb in one direction. did it in 25 mins once but was left absolutely wrecked.

i’d be inclined to double or treble your budget as the cheap ebikes i’ve seen have been equivalent to $300 warehouse bikes. Or get a decent donor bike and add a leckie kit for $1200.

finally - the faster your bike goes the easier it is to commute with. i normally cruise along at 35-40k, traffic permitting, and it feels very safe and easy. followed a dude on a nice bosch bike the other day and the 25k limit is awful. it just makes the rider a target on the road, as opposed to being part of the traffic.

ren1316

136 posts

Master Geek

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#1963018 23-Feb-2018 15:03

I have and still using my Volto every working day, rain or wind. Its cheap and reliable. Its been close to 3 years now. Can't do without.

No experience with the two you listed. But go get one soon. Best decision you will be making.

John

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#1963040 23-Feb-2018 15:31

Go the whole hog and get an UBCO :)

http://www.ubcobikes.com/product/2x2-2018/

kotuku4

483 posts

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#1963042 23-Feb-2018 15:37

ren1316:

I have and still using my Volto every working day, rain or wind. Its cheap and reliable. Its been close to 3 years now. Can't do without.

No experience with the two you listed. But go get one soon. Best decision you will be making.

John

I have a Volto in use for over two years now, and recommend them as a basic commuter bike. < $2000.

They now have a bigger 16ah battery and option of 22ah. Mine is about 14ah.

1eStar

1604 posts

Uber Geek

#1963589 24-Feb-2018 18:23

Just be warned: some of those cheap bikes are just that. Cheap.
The centre drive motors make for a beautiful riding experience. I'll drop this link here just for a reference.

https://www.bikesandbarbers.co.nz/product-page/inc-e-steps-2017-shimano-mid-drive

Go for a test ride on a few bikes before you commit.

DjShadow

4084 posts

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#1963626 24-Feb-2018 21:06

Is there a limit as to how steep a hill can be before it’s too much work for the electric motor?
I’m just wondering how effective it would be on Wainuiomata hill, the council is building a shared walking and cycling track over it at the moment. The hill itself is fairly steep, especially on the Lower Hutt side.

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JoshWright

398 posts

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#1963670 24-Feb-2018 23:44

That Mexxler Mi5 looks to be a rebranded Magnum Mi5.

I own a Magnum Mi5 which I bought for around $2k. I live in Wellington and ride to work on it, and deliver Uber Eats on it as well.

Yes the motor is only 250W (restricted from 300W), but it is legal unlike some higher power offerings, and I find it's more than adequate for assistance going uphill when you're pedalling also.

It has a throttle which I think is a must for eBiking, it lets you take off at speed and keep up with traffic.

I've had mine for 6 months now with no issues other than a flat tyre. Battery life is great and build quality is decent.

dusty42

117 posts

Master Geek

#1963676 25-Feb-2018 00:28

DjShadow: Is there a limit as to how steep a hill can be before it’s too much work for the electric motor?
I’m just wondering how effective it would be on Wainuiomata hill, the council is building a shared walking and cycling track over it at the moment. The hill itself is fairly steep, especially on the Lower Hutt side.

Mid drives like Bosch, Yamaha, Shimano and Brose all climb quite nicely as they use the bicycle's own gearing. All mid drives work best when the rider spins the pedals at a reasonable cadence, so keep gears low and spin up hills. If cadence drops too low, then motor drops into less efficient zone, output decreases and eventually rider stalls.

Take a look here https://electricbikesnz.com/2017/04/02/the-13-ebike-hill-climbing-mega-test/

Looks way steeper than the wainui hill.

Camden

115 posts

Master Geek

#1963772 25-Feb-2018 10:55

A while ago I shouted myself a new mountain bike. The old one sat forlornly in the back of the garage not been ridden so I thought it would make a good basis of an electric bike conversion. Even though the bike, a Specialized FSR Stumpjumper, was some years old it was in good condition.I had a Bafang mid mount motor fitted with a battery pack mounted on the underside of the frame. The controls give you five levels of assistance when peddling and also there is a manual lever that you can push to ride along without peddling. My bike was originally 27 speed with three chain rings on the front. Now it is a nine speed with one chain ring. However the spreed of gears is more than enough even for steep hills. My conversion cost about $2400 including $300 labour fitted but they start out at $1600. The battery pack has approx 70km range.

It is just so much fun to ride. I use it for doing errands round the district and for fun rides up on Cashmere hills in Christchurch. It goes up Rapaki track with ease.

Have a look on the Lekkie web site. They have complete bikes as well as conversion sets for existing ones. I meet a guy out riding with the same convertion and he bought a second hand hard tail on Trademe for $500 and bought the motor and did the conversion himself with no problems.The made in China motor unit seems very well made and I have thrashed the guts out of it on several rides on rough steep tracks and it just continues to purr !

Even though I still use my non powered bike a lot for going out riding with my mates, having the electric one has added another dimension of fun.

gulfa

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#1963834 25-Feb-2018 12:34

Have a look at the MeloYelo site thy have some good deals with many local distributors I have one that I also use for golf to pull my trundler

kobiak

1615 posts

Uber Geek

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#1964881 27-Feb-2018 08:32

Thank you for all the replies guys.

I rode Hiko pulse this morning (yup, decided to go for expensive option), and I have no words to describe how easy it was to cycle 15+ km in 40 mins :)

I'll update on mileage/battery when I get back home in the evening.

helping others at evgenyk.nz

mudguard

2114 posts

Uber Geek

#1964893 27-Feb-2018 09:23

I'm all for ebikes for commuting (on mountainbike trails, well that's another discussion)

What's stopping you from continuing to pedal? Weather, the time, lack of showers etc? Or just sick of it?

You must be pretty fit if you've been doing that for awhile.

Dulouz

883 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1964914 27-Feb-2018 10:02

I've got my heart set on a Magnum Metro - http://electrify.nz/magnum-metro-plus

Amanon

kryptonjohn

2523 posts

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#1964915 27-Feb-2018 10:03

rp1790:

That Mexxler bike is a steal, little bit less power than normal (250 watt vs 300 watt max allowed) but that might be fine.

Yeah it sure is - at over 600WH battery and 250W motor it's got similar energy specs to some $6k bikes!

The similar looking Magnum Mi5 is $2349 discounted from Mercury Energy... has 21 gears but not sure that's essential on an eBike for most people? Has 36V 468WH motor vs 48V for Mexxler and 300W motor vs 250W and mudguards an option.

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