Newbie looking to rent initially

[Middlewife]

Hi all,
I'm looking to initially rent for 2 or 3 months, before potentially blowing a lot of money on something that may sit in the shed. Got a few health issues and also 5 foot 2, so many bikes seem unsuitable for a shortie. Most schemes seem to be for cycle to work or delivery riders, neither of which I'd qualify for as I only work 1 day a week for a local GP.
Hurrecane are local to me but don't have small frame bikes, they also had a bad write up in a previous thread and still don't specify motor size on their specs as far as I could see. (but reasonable reviews on trustpilot)
The other (expensive) option seems to be Volt, who offer a couple of bikes for shorties, 2 step throughs, as the only way I could get on an e bike at centerparcs was to lay it almost horizontal and then haul it and myself upright!
Any thoughts/experiences, I know Halfords do 6 hour hires, but not sure how "good" their bikes are;
Have I missed any? I'm based in Reading area
Thanks

 

[saneagle]

Hi all,
I'm looking to initially rent for 2 or 3 months, before potentially blowing a lot of money on something that may sit in the shed. Got a few health issues and also 5 foot 2, so many bikes seem unsuitable for a shortie. Most schemes seem to be for cycle to work or delivery riders, neither of which I'd qualify for as I only work 1 day a week for a local GP.
Hurrecane are local to me but don't have small frame bikes, they also had a bad write up in a previous thread and still don't specify motor size on their specs as far as I could see. (but reasonable reviews on trustpilot)
The other (expensive) option seems to be Volt, who offer a couple of bikes for shorties, 2 step throughs, as the only way I could get on an e bike at centerparcs was to lay it almost horizontal and then haul it and myself upright!
Any thoughts/experiences, I know Halfords do 6 hour hires, but not sure how "good" their bikes are;
Have I missed any? I'm based in Reading area
Thanks

Cheaper than renting:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HITWAY-Electric-Foldable-Battery-mileage/dp/B0BTYLWG8V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=14W0YBH561V40&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ruNgtpE16Y5qJ8PuFQ5hncw94545NdgauNfuF9u6R1CPV3TfwxZLXPjAfEYdGH9pgWT1pHSM60kaa-pEQi7l-MNBqlfVxuslVG3qxgafYmscX37VfzGzgaPSru2w2UQ5eFQ2QprvpSZG6TsZpYWjI2cQp1OXa5Fkz24OFbCRY3rAr9n6-ZxNRu8BVBx2qcgiXFazXFco8DsRPc67hvhi_na5hpLzNod7HuDhUP2dAjA.qZ6UFL7LEoLTaYniohFjlCs0E2uICCcRpenRtz13-b4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Electric+bike&qid=1717428851&sprefix=electric+bike%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.d7e5a2de-8759-4da3-993c-d11b6e3d217f&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

 

[Peter.Bridge]

This one under £300 at the minute (seem to get 6% off when you put it in your basket) - free delivery - probably better for someone 5'2" than 6'2"

DYU D3F Folding Electric Bike 14inch Commuter Bicycle E-Bike 10AH 25km/h s V2Z1 | eBay

Battery: 10AH Battery. Reach speed of up to 25km/h; 35 - 45km range in pure electric mode, 40 - 60km range in power assist mode. Pure Electric Range: 35- 45km. 1 Electric Bike. Weight: 17kg / 37.5lb.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[AGS]

Gin e-bikes based in Reading may just have just the bike for you. They say you can have a test ride to see if it fits. And they offer free delivery in Berkshire.

I think you are just about tall enough for their step through bike.

Top Electric Bike UK - Eco-Friendly E-Bikes | GIN e-Bikes

Discover the best Electric Bike UK at GIN e-Bikes. Eco-friendly, durable e-bikes designed for the modern rider. Explore our range and ride into the future!

www.ginebikes.com

 

[Middlewife]

Cheaper than renting:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/HITWAY-Electric-Foldable-Battery-mileage/dp/B0BTYLWG8V/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=14W0YBH561V40&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ruNgtpE16Y5qJ8PuFQ5hncw94545NdgauNfuF9u6R1CPV3TfwxZLXPjAfEYdGH9pgWT1pHSM60kaa-pEQi7l-MNBqlfVxuslVG3qxgafYmscX37VfzGzgaPSru2w2UQ5eFQ2QprvpSZG6TsZpYWjI2cQp1OXa5Fkz24OFbCRY3rAr9n6-ZxNRu8BVBx2qcgiXFazXFco8DsRPc67hvhi_na5hpLzNod7HuDhUP2dAjA.qZ6UFL7LEoLTaYniohFjlCs0E2uICCcRpenRtz13-b4&dib_tag=se&keywords=Electric+bike&qid=1717428851&sprefix=electric+bike%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1-spons&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.d7e5a2de-8759-4da3-993c-d11b6e3d217f&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

I hadn't considered getting a very cheap bike, but can understand where you're coming from, only problem is this "Due to product upgrades,you may receive the bike with shock-absorbing saddle as a gift(random）. This saddle will be 5cm higher than the ordinary saddle. But there will be a more comfortable shock absorption effect. More suitable for users above 165cm tall. " so unless I can guarantee NOT to receive the upgrade, might be a problem.....

 

[Middlewife]

This one under £300 at the minute (seem to get 6% off when you put it in your basket) - free delivery - probably better for someone 5'2" than 6'2"

DYU D3F Folding Electric Bike 14inch Commuter Bicycle E-Bike 10AH 25km/h s V2Z1 | eBay

Battery: 10AH Battery. Reach speed of up to 25km/h; 35 - 45km range in pure electric mode, 40 - 60km range in power assist mode. Pure Electric Range: 35- 45km. 1 Electric Bike. Weight: 17kg / 37.5lb.

www.ebay.co.uk

Thank you, possible contender, however as I have arthritic fingers and a thumb, was put off folding bikes as not sure I would be able to fold/unfold - so would just leave it assembled permanently.

 

[Middlewife]

Gin e-bikes based in Reading may just have just the bike for you. They say you can have a test ride to see if it fits. And they offer free delivery in Berkshire.

I think you are just about tall enough for their step through bike.

Top Electric Bike UK - Eco-Friendly E-Bikes | GIN e-Bikes

Discover the best Electric Bike UK at GIN e-Bikes. Eco-friendly, durable e-bikes designed for the modern rider. Explore our range and ride into the future!

www.ginebikes.com

Funnily enough, I came across them earlier today, so might pop along; anyone any experience with Gin bikes?

 

[saneagle]

I hadn't considered getting a very cheap bike, but can understand where you're coming from, only problem is this "Due to product upgrades,you may receive the bike with shock-absorbing saddle as a gift(random）. This saddle will be 5cm higher than the ordinary saddle. But there will be a more comfortable shock absorption effect. More suitable for users above 165cm tall. " so unless I can guarantee NOT to receive the upgrade, might be a problem.....

Saddles can be had for a fiver on ebay. They're interchangeable.

 

[Middlewife]

Saddles can be had for a fiver on ebay. They're interchangeable.

Thanks, I suppose (overthinking!) if the ride quality isn't good, then might be put off, bit like a Ford Fiesta v Audi for example? I guess in my head, I had £2k to spend, so was looking in that price range. Will also need to be able to carry panniers and/or large front basket.

Also trying to work out as I don't have strong legs, would I be better going for a cadence sensor, or a torque - given that I don't plan to go up very steep hills? Thanks.

 

[AGS]

Funnily enough, I came across them earlier today, so might pop along; anyone any experience with Gin bikes?

The downside of bikes like this with integrated batteries is when the battery dies in a few years time you will unlikely to be able to find a replacement. So you will probably end up scrapping the bike and buying a new one.

Gin may not be trading by then and if they are still in business then the bikes they are selling today may be superseded by new models with completely different components.

If you buy a regular bicycle and have it converted with a standard kit then all parts can easily be replaced and the bike will last for many years.

 

[AGS]

Woosh bikes or Whisper bikes may have something that fits you so it’s worth contacting both.

 

[saneagle]

Thank you, possible contender, however as I have arthritic fingers and a thumb, was put off folding bikes as not sure I would be able to fold/unfold - so would just leave it assembled permanently.

You don't have to fold folding bikes. It's only if you want to. Their advantages is that they have small wheels, which makes them light, low and easy to handle.

 

[Peter.Bridge]

Woosh bikes or Whisper bikes may have something that fits you so it’s worth contacting both.

Wisper 705 24-Inch Step-Through 2024 Electric Bike

<p>Designed specifically for the shorter rider, the Wisper 705 24″ is our smaller framed Step-Through electric bike. Beautifully styled, the 705 features a very adaptable unisex design that provides a great all around riding experience for shorter riders

winstanleysbikes.co.uk

 

[saneagle]

Thanks, I suppose (overthinking!) if the ride quality isn't good, then might be put off, bit like a Ford Fiesta v Audi for example? I guess in my head, I had £2k to spend, so was looking in that price range. Will also need to be able to carry panniers and/or large front basket.

Also trying to work out as I don't have strong legs, would I be better going for a cadence sensor, or a torque - given that I don't plan to go up very steep hills? Thanks.

Ride quality is an interesting characteristic. It's certainly not a case of the more you pay, the better the ride. I've ridden relatively expensive bikes that were so bad that I wanted to get off after a mile.

 

[Middlewife]

Thank you everyone, lots to think about.....

 

[Az.]

You don't have to fold folding bikes. It's only if you want to.

He can't fold it. This bike is not a folder.

 

[Saracen]

GOOGLE SUSTRANS loan bikes

For anyone who doesn't know who sustrans !!!!!! is

You know what these signs are Sustainable Transport SUSTRANS

 

[Middlewife]

GOOGLE SUSTRANS loan bikes

For anyone who doesn't know who sustrans !!!!!! is

You know what these signs are Sustainable Transport SUSTRANS

View attachment 57997

Thank you, unfortunately seems to only be in Scotland or Wales , unless I'm missing the obvious?

 

[saneagle]

He can't fold it. This bike is not a folder.

Dyu and Hitway suggestions are bikes that can be folded. OP explained that folding would be difficult because of arthritic fingers, and I'm no expert and call me old fashioned if you want, but 5ft 2" and a name like Middlewife is probably a she, not a he.

 

[Az.]

and I'm no expert and call me old fashioned if you want, but 5ft 2" and a name like Middlewife is probably a she, not a he.

I am old fashioned myself and completely lost in new reality. He, she, it, they etc... I didn't want to cause any offence... where is my bike?