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  1. You missed some of the fastest growing segments of E Assist bikes in the market – Recumbent Trikes, Fat Recumbent Trikes & Moped style Mario Bikes. (Super 73, Juiced, Ariel & others)

  2. Thank you for such a great article. I am a newbie and I am looking for my first electric bike. I am looking for something that I can carry up 1 flight of stairs (I am a woman) and that can withstand the hills of San Francisco. I initially thought that a foldable bike would be good because I can fold it and take it up the stairs, plus the fat tires look really cool! Now I am looking at regular, lightweight eBikes.

    If you have advice that you are willing to share, I’d be most appreciative. There are so many bikes out there! For now, I’ll keep exploring your awesome website.

    • If I were going to choose a light e-bike that’ll handle the hills of San Francisco, I’d probably pick the Specialized Turbo Vado SL. It’s extremely lightweight (about 33lbs), has a really well done mid-drive motor and looks very nice. Not only would it have the oomph to get you up the hills in SF, it’s one of the lighter full-size e-bikes on the market. Good luck in your search and let us know if you have any more questions!

    • Thanks for the kind words, Flo.

      Happy to help if you have any specific questions. Lightweight bikes are ideal if stairs are involved. Some brands like Gocycle make lightweight folders, though they do have a steeper cost.

      A lot of it comes down to what you’re ready to pay for, but generally speaking, there’s more than a few right bikes for every rider and their needs/budget. Let us know if we can help with any other questions.

  3. Should have seen this a few months ago. I bought a bike called kbo breeze that is so big I can’t ride it. If the seat is set for pedaling I cannot touch ground at stops (no toe joe). If seat is lowered cannot pedal, throttle only.

    • That is actually how a bike is supposed to fit. Have someone stand in front and hold the bike by the handlebars while you sit on the seat. Now pedal backwards. Your legs should extend most of the way when at the bottom but still have some flex in the knee, without rocking your hips. When you come to a stop you must stand over the bike instead of sitting.

  4. I did a fair amount of research and ended up buying an Envo D35. Mainly based on weight and the fact it appears to be a bike first and electric assist second. I want a bike where I can go further without assist and turn around with assist and return without being gassed. Having the fastest bike us not important, I enjoy bike rail trails, early mornings, and the fresh air. That’s why I bike. Time will tell I guess if I bought the right bike!

  5. Hi there,

    I want to build a eTouring bike where the range (min 70km) is very important. My riding style will be with minimal assistance except on hills. I’ll be carrying luggage on my bike so the total weight (Inc rider and bike, without motor and battery) will be about 120kg. The weight of the motor is important as I take the bike on the plane and need to keep the box weight under 23kg.

    What’s the best motor and battery combination I should use?

    Many thanks and looking forward to your reply.

  6. Thanks for the e-bike guide. I’m new to e-bikes and how they work. I’m pretty certain I know the type of bike I want and your article helps reinforce my ideas. The most valuable part of the guide for me was the explanation of how the electronic power train works. I’ll have to read it a dozen time before I understand it thoroughly.

  7. I’m 70 and have bad knees from old football days. I”m looking for an ebike to ride with my wife in Florida. Obviously, it’s very flat and we ride through the neighborhoods, etc. I need a very comfy seat and a seat that can extend up since my knees dont bend but about half way.

    What do you suggest?

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