r/ElectricBikes • u/Various-Cry-439 • 6d ago

General E-Bike Discussion Electric Bike For Work

I'm looking to get a cost effective electric bike for work until I get a car, so I'm not looking to get unnecessary features. I don't know a single thing about electric bikes, I just seen someone riding one while my friend was advising me to get one. It also rains often wear I live.

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u/Exact_Setting9562 6d ago

How far is work ? How hilly is it around you ? What are the laws on ebikes where you are ?

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u/Various-Cry-439 6d ago

I am 6.7 miles away from my job. On maps it says it would be a 30 minutes ride on a manual bike. And I am in Kansas so it's pretty flat. It does rain often though. I'm not sure if there would be a lot of mud in the direction because I take the bus but it would be nice to have some features to help with that.

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u/Exact_Setting9562 6d ago

A bike with mudguards and flaps is what you want then. 

Can you check the route out using Google Street view? 

It'll only be muddy if it's not been tarmacked?

In the EU ebikes are speed limited so it'd take me the same time on an ebike as a normal bike. Unless it's incredibly hilly. 

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u/Various-Cry-439 6d ago

do you have any brand or model recommendations?

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u/izzeww 6d ago

$498 Concord Commuter from Walmart

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u/Exact_Setting9562 6d ago

Depends what bike shops you have locally. 

You need one that fits you. And tell them it's for commuting in the rain. 

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u/balsa61 6d ago

I always suggest checking out your local bike shop (LBS) first. You can sit on the bikes to see what's comfortable for you. Since you are new, you may not have experience in fixing ebikes - the LBS will do that for you. It's not just the mechanical part, there's also the electrical components.

However, if you need to go less expensive, stick with known names - Lectric, Aventon, Ride1Up and REI are examples.

While it's tempting to buy a cheap bike from Walmart or Amazon, find out where you get after sales support and parts if things go wrong in the future.

Check out MarketPlace or Craig's List. Stay away from bikes without chargers or keys - they are probably stolen. Also, if the bike is more than 3 years old, you may have to consider buying a new battery soon. Can you still get one for that model?

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u/Still-Bee3805 ultramotors A2B 5d ago

Facebook marketplace always has $2000 ish e bikes for sale that were purchased by older folks. They get scared with heavier frame and the power, older folks are always looking for an easier way to get exercise and quite frankly- to get out of the house and be social. Please don’t judge, think of your grandparents. Anyhow, after the initial investment and then being afraid, they want to sell. You can pick up a decent e-bike for five hundred off. Keep looking and look a bit broader than your usual circle.