Elec Bike recommendation under £1k sought

[seshy]

Hi there, I'm returning to the site after a long absence.
I owned a Powacycle Salisbury for a while, but sold it and got a conventional hybrid bike, which I have been using for the past couple of years (and enjoying!)

However, my employer has finally given in, and signed up for the Cycle to Work scheme, and so I'm contemplating a new electric bike for commuting, given the frightening level that petrol and diesel is getting to.

With the Salisbury, I found the level of assistance barely noticeable, especially on hills, which is where I want the help. Pedalling on the flat is no problem.

So, I'm looking for a hybrid-style electric bike that will carry me, (weighing about 90kg) and provide a decent amount of assistance on my 12-mile round trip commute which is an up and down route - a few longish 8-10% drags and one or two short sharp 15%'ish climbs.

The cycle to work scheme has a £1000 limit. Any bike recommendations at that level where you think I would really feel the benefit of the motor?

Thanks
seshy

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Ezee Sprint Primo. It has the best hill-climbing motor out of the hub-motored bikes that you can buy. I'm sure John will be along in a minute to give you the details.

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi there, I'm returning to the site after a long absence.
I owned a Powacycle Salisbury for a while, but sold it and got a conventional hybrid bike, which I have been using for the past couple of years (and enjoying!)

However, my employer has finally given in, and signed up for the Cycle to Work scheme, and so I'm contemplating a new electric bike for commuting, given the frightening level that petrol and diesel is getting to.

With the Salisbury, I found the level of assistance barely noticeable, especially on hills, which is where I want the help. Pedalling on the flat is no problem.

So, I'm looking for a hybrid-style electric bike that will carry me, (weighing about 90kg) and provide a decent amount of assistance on my 12-mile round trip commute which is an up and down route - a few longish 8-10% drags and one or two short sharp 15%'ish climbs.

The cycle to work scheme has a £1000 limit. Any bike recommendations at that level where you think I would really feel the benefit of the motor?

Thanks
seshy

Hi seshy,

Welcome to the forum.

Firstly the bad news, Cyclezee are not in the cycle to work scheme.
Now the good news, buy a non-powered bike of your choice that you really like from any bike shop or supplier participating in the cycle to work scheme and an eZee conversion kit.
The result could be a much better bike than any complete electric bike that you can buy for under £1000.

or alternatively and not to disappoint d8veh buy an eZee Sprint Primo for £750

 

[JuicyBike]

Hi Seshy
Where are you exactly? I might be able to point you towards a Juicy Bike dealer nearby who would be able to offer a demonstration ride.
We have a range of bikes and choices that fit under the £1,000 Cycle Scheme limit, so you should be able to configure your own bike to match your needs fairly well (assuming you like our distinctive styling - not everyone does!). See the "Choose Yours" tab at our website.
You can get a Cycle To Work Scheme quote direct from the website too.
Good luck with your search.

 

[Kudoscycles]

Seshy....most of the Kudos dealers are willing to sell a Kudos bike or any of the others under the Cycle to Work scheme....look on the Kudos Cycles website to find a dealer...the Kudos King,Tourer or City are all less than the £1k limit.
Dave
KudosCycles

 

[NRG]

......
The cycle to work scheme has a £1000 limit. Any bike recommendations at that level where you think I would really feel the benefit of the motor?

Thanks
seshy

Alien Aurora!

 

[Noyan]

My husband got his ezee torq from 50cycles bought without the battery which kept it under the scheme limit, then bought the battery seperatly. Was about five years ago though so do not know if 50 cycles still in the scheme. Hope this helps

 

[johnone]

Hi. I have just sold a Salisbury and on the recommendation of a local dealer I bought a Batribike Granite.To say the Granite is a better bike is an understatement.It has 6 levels of assist,all of which are fully usable and the throttle only mode is nothing short of brilliant. I am 13 stone and on a level road ,no wind the speedo shows 16.5 mph. It comes with lights,stand,a good readable on board computer and is comfortable to ride. The new price is £950 but I think you will be able to obtain a discount if you ask.

 

[eddieo]

Hi. I have just sold a Salisbury and on the recommendation of a local dealer I bought a Batribike Granite.To say the Granite is a better bike is an understatement.

Have not seen these before, and think they look pretty decent for the money. They mention the weight as being light but don't say what it is. Here is a review.

Batribike Granite Electric Bike Review - BikeRadar

 

[flecc]

Almost any hub motor bike you buy will give you a gain Seshy, the Powacycle Salisbury being one of the lowest powered on the market, just over 300 watts peak power and totally unsuited to the run you describe.

However, you ideally need one of the highest powered legal bikes to cope with the 15% bits of your journey and ease the long 10% ones, so choose carefully and preferably try before buying. The most powerful legal bikes can have powers that peak at around two or more times that of the Salisbury.

 

[seshy]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I've been looking at a few on the 'mentions' online, and I think I must try a few before buying. As with a conventional bike, everything is to individual taste and feel.

Flecc, you mention "the more powerful bikes" and wondered if you were willing to name the examples that you're thinking of? From what I can tell, more power=more money.

Also, would I be right in thinking, that a front wheel conversion would be unsuitable given the power/torque which I'm looking for?

Thanks again

 

[flecc]

Front wheel motor is not a problem, even at 1000 watts on the road.

The optimum bike for power within your budget is the eZee Sprint Primo that d8veh recommended. The others highest powered ones are generally over your budget, from Wisper for example or ones with the expensive Heinzmann motors. The mainstream e-bikes are mostly between 33% to 66% more powerful than your Salisbury. Within your budget as examples, bikes from Juicy or Kudos fit around the middle of that area, around 50% more powerful.

They still need you to do your bit, but you'll find them much more capable.