Help! I don't know what e-bike to buy?!

Supersaff

Finding my (electric) wheels
Nov 11, 2019
9
0
Hey!
I've recently bought a new house and it's a twenty minute drive to work (10 miles). My partner drives and I don't and so have decided on getting an electric bike to commute to work on.
It's about 80 percent country roads, so windy roads and hills and what not as you'd normally see in British country roads.
To make it even more difficult, I'm looking for a foldable one too so when my partner does certain shifts they can drive me either to or from work and I can put the bike in the boot folded (it's a Smart car).
Could someone please help or point me in the right direction? I've seen loads of different types but I just don't honestly know what would be best for my situation. I can charge the bike battery whilst I'm at work so as long as it'll take me 10 miles one way it's all good for the other way.
Thanks in advance :)
Saffron
 

soundwave

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 23, 2015
17,002
6,536
33067
 

jfak76

Finding my (electric) wheels
Dec 6, 2019
6
3
It's very cool that you've decided to buy an e-bike to commute to work. I use my Propella 2.2 for that as well. But, my Propella is not exactly what you need, it's not foldable, but I chose it, because it' s very lightweight for an e-bike and it is easy to move it around. It's comfortable and charges quickly and it's ideal for urban commuters. And I personally like the way that it looks - the blue rims, the black frame, the blue accents. You can pay attention on my e-bike and also can check Lectric XP 28 MPH e-bike. My friend commutes to work with this one. And it's foldable !
 

Woosh

Trade Member
May 19, 2012
20,456
16,919
Southend on Sea
wooshbikes.co.uk
It's very cool that you've decided to buy an e-bike to commute to work. I use my Propella 2.2 for that as well. But, my Propella is not exactly what you need, it's not foldable, but I chose it, because it' s very lightweight for an e-bike and it is easy to move it around. It's comfortable and charges quickly and it's ideal for urban commuters. And I personally like the way that it looks - the blue rims, the black frame, the blue accents. You can pay attention on my e-bike and also can check Lectric XP 28 MPH e-bike. My friend commutes to work with this one. And it's foldable !
tour propella 2.2 is similar to my Faro, check it out:
http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?faro
Mine has hydraulic brakes and also the option of in-frame battery or larger downtube battery.
 

Chris M

Pedelecer
Dec 31, 2018
111
153
I say spend as much as you can to get a reasonably good quality machine. I don't mean spend £4k on a folder but you may well regret buying a folder for say £700 if you plan to use it every day in all conditions. Your local bike shop is usually a good place to buy as you are close to advice and help if you need it. Also great if you need any after sales servicing. You should also be able to negotiate a bit off the marked price (although maybe not if using the cycle to work scheme). Some of the well known ebike sellers who regularly post on here have a good reputation and offer a perfectly good alternative to your local bike shop together with good support, albeit at a distance.
Things to check:
1. What are the folded dimensions of each bike so you can be sure it will fit in the back of the car. Some folders don't go very small.
2. Make sure it has well known parts fitted, especially the motor and battery. Although you may not have heard of them Bafang motors appear to be good ones. My bike has a Bosch motor. Other well known and well trusted brands are Brose and Shimano. I'm sure there other good ones but there may well be some less good ones.
3. You probably don't need a huge battery but generally speaking the bigger the better. A bigger battery will cost significantly more though and may not be necessary for your needs.
4. You will need good mudguards and good lights along with the right clothing.

I have a 17 year old (non powered) Brompton that I now only occasionally use. This is probably still the best folder because it folds so small and rides well. Mine still works perfectly. It is very expensive though and I have been told the ebike version isn't great. Another possibility might be to get a slightly used Brompton and buy a conversion pack but this is still a relatively expensive option and of course you are on your own when it comes to keeping it going. I keep wanting to convert my Brompton to epower but I can't justify the cost of a conversion kit. The suppliers who regurlaly post on this forum also provide conversion kits and plenty of advice.
 

Supersaff

Finding my (electric) wheels
Nov 11, 2019
9
0
Thanks for each and every one of your pieces of advice and help everyone! I gave up in the end and bought a motorbike. I get to work in 15 minutes now and have no issues. Probably the smarter choice in my case as I do start work at 6am and these winter mornings would annihilate me on a bicycle.
I also couldn't fathom paying how much I paid for a motorbike for an electric one instead. Appreciate the help regardless. :)
 

eBike Battery Team

Official Trade Member
Nov 27, 2015
24
40
London
ebikebatteries.co.uk