NCM Milano Trekking E-Bike, anyone got experience or other options.

Encantador

Pedelecer
Jul 18, 2008
89
6
Just converted my 2006 Trek Hybrid with a Bafang 750 Watt motor, 48v 17.5Ah battery. I am 20 stones.

The original plan was to then convert the wifes smaller version of the Trek with a Bafang kit. She is about 9 stones and 5ft 2in tall.

She is not a confident cyclist and would prefer in an ideal world not to have to bother with gears, her bike would be used sparingly. But when we use them together I am thinking in terms of range a 250 watt and smaller battery, would be fine for her because of the weight difference.

I am now thinking rather than convert her ageing Trek we should look at other options. The kit for the Trek would be around £700, so am thinking if I could find something new for around £1000 ideally with no or few gears and also a low crossbar, it might be a better option.

Unfortunately, the further you go down the purchase rabbit hole the harder it gets, especially with limited knowledge.

I have found the NCM Milano (https://www.leoncycle.co.uk/NCM-Milano-Trekking-E-Bike) assume there will be other similarly priced options.

Would be interested in any comments about the above cycle and recommendations for other options.

Specs
No or few gears.
Step through or low bar.
UK road legal.
Downtube battery.
Approx 20 mile range mainly on road.
As close to £1000 as possible.
In stock.

Thanks
 
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sjpt

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 8, 2018
3,823
2,750
Winchester
One issue you have is finding anything worthwhile actually available.
As she's quite light and if it's not too hilly around you most hub motor ebikes should do the job.

One thought is the Getch
though that shows as not available at the moment.

Not something I'd normally suggest (*), but fits closely to what you think she will want.
Quite light for an ebike too (16kg). The NCM is 27kg; partly because of big battery.

For some more ideas look at https://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk/search/step_through/
Cyclotricity Jade looks good value
It has three gears, but she probably wouldn't need to worry about them much.

(*) quite proprietary parts might make any fixing quite difficult in a few years time.

p.s. You can get an XF07 front kit from Woosh with small battery for £499, and the XF07 rear for only a little more.
 
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Encantador

Pedelecer
Jul 18, 2008
89
6
Thanks for the reply.

I should have mentioned she does not like or want a rack mounted battery.

I will take a look at the Gtech.
 

Encantador

Pedelecer
Jul 18, 2008
89
6
Locally there is a Mk 2 Gtech City.

Although advertised as 'New' it is also described as being.....
"factory-reconditioned with a 12 month guarantee on 21 May 21"

I have not asked, but assume that it was purchased direct from GTech, I will find out when we view on Tuesday.

Does anyone have any experience of Gtech?
If the above is true, would anyone know whether the guarantee would be transferable?
Would it also cover the battery?
What questions should I ask and what should I look for on the bike?
 

vfr400

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jun 12, 2011
9,822
3,993
Basildon
Those bikes are no good if you're heavy, have steep hills or are compromised in your ability pedal. They're good for regular cyclist or people that are relatively fit. The battery is very small, so it won't take you far unless you do most of the work. The main problem is the lack of gears, which prevents a heavy or unfit person being able to help the motor on the hills.

In summary, good for some people, but not for others.
 
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