Which ebike - complete novice?

[Willowcatkin]

I need something to get me around as I live in the country with only one bus an hour and do not currently drive (so do not have the option of a moped etc).
Having done some basic research I think I need a simple e bike not a torque sensing as I have a pedal bike I don't use. I would want to be able to ride to the shops about 5 miles away and back with a couple of bags of stuff plus possibly commute up to 10 miles each way.
I need a small frame with a low step through as I am only 5ft 2" and like to be able to put my feet (not just the tips of my toes!) on the ground when stationary for stability. I also struggle with gears and much prefer the old fashioned bikes that had none. I have read about bikes with 'automatic' gears but not sure if these are just the top end torque sensing ones?
I would prefer to start off with a lower budget in case it becomes (another) experiment that ends up staying in the garage.
Would welcome all suggestions on what to try and where near Taunton.
Thank you

 

[D8ve]

Welcome willow.
The rule is test ride again and again.
But as far as you are concerned any ebike can do what you want.
There are a few good shops in Bristol to test ride new bikes.
I suspect that the Tesco hopper, or its brothers will do fine.

Good luck

 

[Danidl]

I need something to get me around as I live in the country with only one bus an hour and do not currently drive (so do not have the option of a moped etc).
Having done some basic research I think I need a simple e bike not a torque sensing as I have a pedal bike I don't use. I would want to be able to ride to the shops about 5 miles away and back with a couple of bags of stuff plus possibly commute up to 10 miles each way.
I need a small frame with a low step through as I am only 5ft 2" and like to be able to put my feet (not just the tips of my toes!) on the ground when stationary for stability. I also struggle with gears and much prefer the old fashioned bikes that had none. I have read about bikes with 'automatic' gears but not sure if these are just the top end torque sensing ones?
I would prefer to start off with a lower budget in case it becomes (another) experiment that ends up staying in the garage.
Would welcome all suggestions on what to try and where near Taunton.
Thank you

If you live on flat land without hills you can live without gears otherwise you will need it . Anyway gears are no big deal. Modern gears with the derailleur type use two push buttons one for up one for down and that's it... They do need periodic servicing but the bikeshop can handle that. .. probably once a year.
It is seriously a no brainer. Learning to use gears is a 10 minutes lesson and it is then second nature.
Spending a small amount on the bike is more likely to cause it to become a white elephant. More expensive bikes , particularly urban or commuting bikes are more comfortable, may have seat pillar and front fork suspension and are just nicer to ride. If you have invested more you are more likely to demand a return on that investment.
There are almost religious schisms between proponents of hub motor (in the wheels) and crank motor drives. Don't discard the opportunity to try a crank drive before making up your mind. And try out a few styles.
For your height I would suggest that 26 or smaller wheels would be the best option.

 

[Crockers]

Do you have a maximum budget?

 

[RobF]

The shops nearish to you in Bristol tend to do dearer bikes, most of which are crank drive and have the torque sensor you don't want.

A 20" wheel bike is good for shorter people, and the podgy tyres are surprisingly comfortable due to their podginess.

They are also easy and fun bikes to ride and handle.

You will need to budget for a couple of basic pannier bags for the shopping.

A lady friend of mine has the Wisper bike in the link, her use sounds similar to yours and she's pleased with it.

You will have to master derailer gears, but as others have said it shouldn't take you longer than 10 minutes or so to get the hang of them.

The bike will do the shopping trips and should be OK for the commute, although 10 miles twice a day, with a day's graft in between can be quite wearing on the rider, irrespective of the bike.

David, who owns Wisper, posts on here and may be able to suggest somewhere or how you could have a test ride.

https://amps.bike/product/wisper-806se/

 

[Woosh]

You need a small frame, step through, 24" wheels with a strong motor and a good battery for range.

This bike is the Woosh Petite:

http://wooshbikes.co.uk/?petite

The bike is very well equipped for easy ride on hilly terrains.
Its 24" wheels are perfect for your size, 5ft2.
The motor is powerful enough to pull a trailer if you happen to need one.
It comes with LCD, speedometer, 5 assist levels, full throttle.
There are two battery sizes: 13AH (good for around 30-40 miles on a full charge, should be sufficient for your commute) and 15AH should you need more range.
The saddle is well padded and comfortable, front suspension reduces road surface vibration, gentle on your wrists. 7-speed gears. You only need to select the gear that suits your cadence, then just pedal, the motor will flatten all the hills for you.
The bike is fully accessorized, you only need a lock and maybe set of panniers over the rear rack for your shopping. .
It's because we sell direct, you save about £300 on a similar bike.
If you have any question, just ask.

 

[Tugwell Gibson]

Hi
I just recently bought my first ebike. It must be the best thing I've ever bought. With a infrequent bus service and no car. Knowing how I feel now. I would be kicking myself I didn't do it years ago. But we are all different.

You've got a decent size ebike specialist right near Taunton station. That's handy for trying out and good for after sales care. They've got wisper and juicy and Raleigh and baitribike. As has been said go give a few a go. You will love it. Much easier than riding an unpowered bike IMO.

Www.nationwideebikes.co.uk

 

[Willowcatkin]

Thank you all, keep the recommendations coming
Think I will be going to nationwide e bikes by the cricket ground on Saturday ....

 

[Wisper Bikes]

Thank you all, keep the recommendations coming
Think I will be going to nationwide e bikes by the cricket ground on Saturday ....

Good luck Willowcatkin, ask to try our 806 bikes, they have 20" wheels and a very low stepthough. They are surprisingly comfirtable.

 

[Willowcatkin]

Do you have a maximum budget?

Would prefer in the £700 - £1200 range.
May go higher for more battery power or if persuaded by a perfect test ride ...

 

[JuicyBike]

You are so right to take a test ride Willow, before you commit.

Atmosphere in Bristol stock many bikes around £900 - £1200 with hub drives and simple cadence sensors.

I'd suggest trying bikes with batteries as low down in the frame as possible - less awkward when walking with the bike, especially for shorter folk.

 

[Deleted member 4366]

These things are awesome. I've seen them in my local ebike shop:

https://www.eskuta.com/products/eskuta-sr250

 

[D8ve]

These things are awesome. I've seen them in my local ebike shop:

https://www.eskuta.com/products/eskuta-sr250

Awesome for you but you will have to carry a this is not a moped card to stop the police from nicking you for riding without tax insurance number plates etc.

 

[IR772]

I love the style of this, plus great motor/gear system

http://www.50cycles.com/product/Win000.html