This was the best 'review' video I've ever seen. I really liked that you didn't go from cheapest to most expensive. It was really cool finding the next bike you reviewed less expensive and faster than the one before it, at least til the end.
No such item exists. To put together a Good 'conversion' you will end up spending just as much $$ as just buying an e-bike to begin with. Plus, with a factory built e-bike everything is integrated into the bike making it better looking and almost always.. better performing. Starting at around $900 for a powerful and well performing e-bike, why build your own? Just sayin...
@@ClarkWhite81 There is more to an e-bike conversion than buying parts. The issue with fitting motors to normal bicycles is the dropout. Normal bicycle dropouts just do not have the rigid structure. Even a 250W motor can deform a standard bicycle dropout. I believe this is the point from above, costing more for the right match than for an off-the-shelfer.
@@ClarkWhite81 Yes, and wouldn't it be nice if motor manufacturers would offer "ramp-up" motors that wouldn't rip out of the front fork, even if aluminum, on full-throttle?
@@ExploreYourWorld-oo3jd For off-road you can get a nice cyclone mid-drive at 3000w and that will tear up trails with the right bike set up to handle the power, the cyclone is cheap and you can get it from a reputable seller like luna cycle for just 300-400 dollars (with all the kit components of course, the motor systems alone are around 200-250 on luna.) You will easily be left with 400-500 dollars to build your bike or buy a good donor bike to convert and the better you are with tools the better your ebike will be. You can do the same at low street-legal power levels with cheap Bafang kits etc. that sit at 750w and are pretty effective. I had a friend of mine who is an engineer actually decide to use cheap but high-quality ebike parts and buy branded parts from wholesalers in china (mostly Shimano) so that he could install them in a frame he designed based around his parts with CAD automated design tools to help with strength and efficiency. Turns out it works quite well and it is really damn unique.
Thanks to you and other reviewers of the himiway I decided to purchase one for several factors as it comes with rear rack , fenders and lights front & back, seems that it's range and torque is just a bit better than radrover as well . I know that if I mess with the settings that the speed can get boosted to around 30 mph but I'm more happy about getting close to 60 miles per charge than the speed. I have been following all your reviews and info vids since last Oct. and so I finally decidec to pull the trigger because it seems like every 3-4 months prices go up and summer is almost here. Thanks again for all your advise
Congrats on your new purchase! Btw, If you're riding you should def wear an nta helmet like xnito or bern hudson, those cpsc helmets don't really protect you
Great Review but What about the Eskute Voyager electric Mountain Bike. It's priced right at £999, has PLENTY of FEATURES that you find on high-end bikes. Definitely worth checking them out ! 🙂
as a new subscriber from across the Pond 🇬🇧 I really appreciate how you take the mystique out of ebikes; am looking to do a conversion on a bike with 16" wheels
New ebike owner and just subscribed to your channel. I hope to learn how to manage all the settings on the controller. I'm trying to set it to throttle only, so I can engage it when my legs get tired or to go over hills. The support for my bike is nonexistent.
Ha ha I’m sitting taking a break in a parking lot on my new job watching this video, a man riding a rad power bike leaves the hardware store. I want one as the new commute has a really big hill & 3x longer than my old commute. I wonder if the rad runner will be hard to find studded tires for?
Just recently discovered your channel. My wife and I have some 50cc scooters we really enjoy, but I've begun to be interested in electric bikes because of the potential of riding trails that scooters wouldn't be allowed on. These trails are for non-motorized vehicles, but I believe it wouldn't be likely that we would be stopped on an e-bike. My wife has knee problems that make it difficult for her to exert a lot of force when biking up hills. The assist could make the difference. I hope to find her one that is capable and reasonably priced. Thanks for the informative videos. Do you know the Price of the Rubbee X?
Hey, Micah! When will Vruzend deploy their "At Home 18650 xPyS bot" where all the human needs to do is load a rack of 18650s, a spool of nickel, a battery footprint image and all the crying and welding is done for you?
As a bicycle my thoughts on the Rad Power Rad Mission are just a complete negative. I can see they obviously don't know anything about the history of even bicycle development. If you can point out the major flaw in the frame design we'll move you up to the head of the class. They got some metal tubes that they've welded together and put on a couple of tires and an electric motor huh ? Nothing new there... If they would design the frame right and make it available at something reasonable like $800 and make it with a belt drive I'd drop down my hard earned cash in a heartbeat. I can see they obviously haven't done their homework and I don't know what they've been smoking but I don't think I want any... I think I'd rather have a Colt AR-15 at least they were designed right... 🇺🇸 i.e. If you pay attention you can see the curved front forks flexing like they were designed to do to absorb the shocks when you're riding your bicycle.
Lectric bikes have change a little. They went from a 4” tire to a 3” tire. They added front suspension. They are a $100 more now at $1,000. I’m looking at these real hard.
Hi Micah. I can not thank you enough for literally changing my whole family's lives. We live at the bottom of the biggest hill in North London. The turning point for me was a "bike ride" - we pushed our bikes to the top of the hill - my 10 year old son got tired and we came back - some bike ride! I then discover and followed this video - using the brilliant idea of using hoverboard batteries but using hub motors instead. I used a 36V 250W front wheel hub motor for my first bike (a scrap bike project with my son) and then 36V 350W rear wheel hub motors on the bikes for the rest of my family. I packed the controller and battery inside a saddle bag and hid the wiring. We now cycle all the time. My son and I have just finished a 30 mile bike ride through the heart of London city (I just carried a couple of spare hoverboard batteries in my backpack - we get about 15 miles from 1 36V 5Ah hoverboard battery). I have electric bikes for ALL of my family for much less than my friend paid for his 1 electric bike). I would love to share some pictures if that is possible, could you please let me know how I can do that. Thanks so so much again. Mat
A lot of companies like Lectric allow you to do an Affirm purchase, so you can pay like $80 bucks a month for 12 months instead of the full price up front!
Excellent, Straight forward review..... I have a Rad Rover and since riding around town I have fielded a lot of questions... most people are curious about prices first and express a little bit of surprise (in a good way) when I tell them that quality e-bikes are available at the $900 to $1200 price point. I can now refer them to this video for a primer on price and features for entry-level offerings. BTW, I will be purchasing a Rad Runner this Spring. I will not only have a second bike for family and friends but I can swap batteries between them to double my range for long, solo excursions. No question that (in my case) Rad offers a great deal of flexibility for the price.
We have two Rad bikes in my family too and the ability to “borrow” a battery is huge! plus having another ebike around to share the fun on group rides is always nice!
I have had my Lectric XP for almost two years now and no problems. I rode it in Florida the past two years in Florida in the winter months and bring it back to Ohio where I live in the summer months. Other than the weight, I love it.
@@__WJK__ I was ebike bc I got it very used from my cousin it was a 750 watt ebike great top speed but if you went top speed for like 15 minutes it died if you when t up a hill for a while and it had no torque it died then to I would not recommend it ever. If your going to get one slight hills fine don’t go to fast and don’t get one
Almost at 1K miles on my Lectric XP. 1 flat tire, and have to adjust my rear brake every 200 miles are my only complaints so far. Great bike, I love riding it.
Nice to see that the Lectric XP made it onto your best cheap e-bikes list! Mine arrived two days ago. I've been out once so far, and I'm looking forward to getting out there. A lot!
@@ronbathsear5845 Bang for the buck. I'm not what you call "loaded," so I chose what looked to be a solid-if-basic machine, and the XP is just that. It's 4X24 fat tires make the ride bearable (despite its lack of suspension), and I added a suspension seat post, which helps. I like the ride, its range is good for the cost, and I can carry stuff easily. I actually did a lot of research before purchasing it. There are 'better" bikes out there, but this one checked all my boxes.
@@d.rodrickeamon6133 thanks man! I’m curious now what’s the range because most bikes advertise one thing and it’s actually (in pedal assist mode) or (depending on hills)
I think your definition of cheap is a little bit off for an electric bike anything $900 or under should be considered cheap anything $900 to $2000 should be mid-range and anything $2,500 and up should be high-end I've seen better quality ebikes than the first one you showed for half the cost
In China, riding an electric bicycle is more convenient than driving, because it is too crowded everywhere in China, there is a large population and every family has a car, so if I don't go far, I like riding an electric bicycle
Hey Micah, Thanks for all your helpful videos. Ebikeschool is my go to when looking for ebike information. One question, how tall are you? I'm trying to decide on a new ebike but at 6'3" I know that I might feel cramped on some of those bike. Having a reference height would be great information. Thanks!
I think I’m sold on the Lectric, been looking around for a good e bike that won’t break the bank. Thankfully I don’t live too far from shops etc, but if I had to call an Uber or get on the bus, I’d def need a foldable.
Micah, Is there such a thing as a powerful ebike to help with Colorado hills which is also light weight and works for a decent distance- will get us home? Us older women have troubles with the weight of most ebikes. Also, can you comment on which bikes are easiest to ride when the battery cuts out.
I had to come up with my own solution. Ancheer 500 watt 26" $730. KT 22 controller and LCD 3 display, $80. Better specs than any of the above. $810 with spring fork, 21 speeds, Tektro disk brakes, 500 WH battery.
The 27.5 500w Ancheer with a couple upgrades is an amazing bike, and there 26in Fat tire Speedrid is on another level. Both of those bikes blow away anything that Rad makes, for $600 less give or take.
I recently made a huge research before buying my first ebike and finally I've chosen Samebike LO 26 II for the price tag of 800 euros (I bought It straight from the factory) I got 500w hub motor with 750W peak, folding mechanism ,rear and front suspension, sprungless aluminium wheels, colorful display ,kickstand, fenders and mechanical disc brakes and all are very decent quality.I made 500km on this bike and I'm still loving It :) the bike is stored outside and I'm riding it when it's rainy.I just making simple service stuff like oiling the chain etc.I would admire this ebike to everyone.For this price range is hard to buy something better :)
Hello Sir I have a Yamaha Pas City, it has pedal assist, but the batteries are dead. I replaced them with new li-ion batteries, but the indicator still says 0% charge even if its full charge, it doesn't function, and the motor doesn't turn. Is there a way to reset or to fire the BMS?
You should have had a Ancheer in there or one of the other cheap bikes, they are pretty damn great for the price. Brakes are crappy tho. I switched almost everything on my Ancheer Sunshine. Motor, battery, display. Brakes.
I'm interested in a 26/4 fat tire, full suspension, with a concealed or partially concealed battery inside the frame. I would prefer it to have a 1500w motor to reach over 30mph but if a 1000w can get the job done that's fine. I was going to buy the Frey City Commuter but realized its tires are relatively narrow. What is your recommendation around or below 3,000? BTW you'll find this question in several of your videos since I'm not sure how fast or if you'll respond. Thanks on advance...
hes not very good at answering the comments..Sad really there are quite a few questions been asked that i would like the answers as well not just in this video but a quite a few in his other videos. Whats the point in having a channel with a comment section that he doesnt answer? In all his videos he says please comment below and tell me what you think?...theres no point he doesnt answer many ...that being said he does awesome videos.
Hey some great choices you made in a great video. Such good choices in standard frame angles!! One of the biggest problems with Ebikes is the seat tube angle, 95% of all ebikes in the $1000 to 1500 price range use "cruiser" seat angles. These laid back angles allow your feet to more easily touch the ground.....BUT....these angles are extremely hard on the knees, and these bikes should never be pedaled at intensity.
I have bad knees. You have definitely highlighted something I need to be paying attention to more when looking for the right bike for me. Any recommendations for better angled bikes?
@@JesusisLORD77778 Very difficult to find, one reason is lack of information on Ebike websites, they are not including this angle in specifications. All Ebikes have huge problems I am waiting for them to address until I buy one. Most people buy Ebikes as toys, and ride them maybe 50 miles a week. I am looking for serious bikes, because I ride a conventional bike today about 10,000 miles a year (don't have a car). Weak cranksets, very weak wheels, weak tires, lack of any serious range, heavy weight, unconventional frame angles, range loss due to environmental temperatures, no options for crank arm length, rear hub burn out issues, mid drive drivetrain stress issues, front hub danger issues, many problems. If you are looking for just 25 mile rides a few times a week, and you are careful to get a good fit, and you don't ride with any intensity, maybe todays Ebike will do you fine.
Lectric XP seems good for seniors, and it's cute. Like the rear rack to hold a few things also. Keeping it simple and stable to get from point A to point B. 😀
Hey Micah, Great video, thanks for posting it. Watching your vids and others (and reading too) I wonder about the need for a throttle. I mean, class three bikes don't even have them. The Roadster V2 looks very capable, and I love the single gear, belt drive combo too, but would like more range. I may want to talk with the folks at Ride1up about a custom bike similar to a Core-5 without the front & rear derailleurs and a single gear belt drive. Would that be something you would caution against? Thanks!
Would like to see a bicycle rider padding protection video. I was very impressed with your 5 Helmets video, so naturally looked for a bicycle rider protection padding solution. T.I.A.
Hi Micah, Do you know if and when higher density batteries may come to the e-bike world? More capacity and less weight would help a lot of us who commute into and out of trains and busses etc. on mixed routes etc.
Chemistry is unkind to batteries, unfortunately. Improvements can be made, but we're nearing peak energy density of lithium in the lab. None of those battery chemistries are anywhere near ready. As energy density goes up, maximum output per cell goes down. The better it is at storage, the less output it can handle. So you end up piling on weight for the same performance either way.
theres sub 8-1500 dollar pedal assist ebikes with great suspension front an rear, 20mile all elec range, 35mi w pedal assist an 7-8 gears with fat tires all over amazon.
Hi Mica, maybe you can help with your vast knowledge of ebikes. I'm looking to buy a belt drive fat tyre ebike. With gears, front suspension, rack , fenders , integrated lights and a kickstand as standard. I'm in the UK so if you could take that into consideration. From what I know there aren't a pile of options but that's only what I know. 🤣🤣🤣. I would be grateful if you could help. Cheers Pete 🚴♂️🚴♂️🚴♂️ P.s. keep the good work up, I have learned SO MUCH from all your great videos 👍
I'm just going to say this because I know a lot of people will probably think of it when they view this video. When people are looking for budget device they don't mean $1000 or more they look mean in the range of $500-$800. If you want something in the range of $300-800 for about 3 mile travel and don't care if it's a Escooter or Ebike. Razor Metro tech. $300-$400. If you want a solid bike. Ancheer Ebike $689-$800 depending on place of purchase. Those are the only 2 I like for anybody in the 220lbs or under or 220lb to 250lbs for the Ancheer folding Ebike. If you are really small might as well use an e-scooter for $200-$280 for work travel. To me $1000 and up is for pure fun not necessity anymore or budget or if you got money to blow or want max reliability for parts and customer service.
The most expensive bike I’ve ever purchased was $650 manual 21 speed mountain bike that’s my price point for any kind of bike you and manufacturers don’t understand the term LOW COST $1100 is not low cost for many of us older folks we may be dead before we can save up enough to purchase one of your “LOW COST EBIKES”!
Hi. This was such an informative video. I’m a senior in my 60’s and I’m looking to get and Ebike, nothing too expensive but an Ebike that can assist me when I’m doing neighborhood riding or trails and hills. Thank you again for this was quite helpful
Sorry dude for things almost a grand I can ask for more. Buy a new bike at retail for a hundred bucks. Used bike for a 20 dollar bill. Less than 150 for a motorized wheel, battery, and controller. So Lee than 250 or less you can do it yourself. For 900 and up I expect nicer amenities.
I'm sorry but all three bikes that you can't shift are a joke. There's a lot of other great bikes that are in those price ranges that offer the ability to shift hell my bike has seven speeds and it is not enough to accommodate all the levels of pedal assist. There's no way a single speed bike is acceptable when paired with an electric motor
I'm curious, do we need a license to 'drive' or 'ride' an electric bike or motorcycle? Or dies ut depend on the state you live in. I'm asking because I didn't renew my driver's license in time. I thought I had, but when I discovered that I hadn't it was too late to just walk into the DMV and renew it. I had to take all the tests again. I passed the written test and the driving with no problem, but have not yet been able to pass maneuverability. And it's been several years now. I'll try again of course, but if I fail maneuverability again, well.. I'll either have to save to afford to take a driving class in order to pass maneuverability. In the meantime, I have been thinking about buying a bike. non-electric at first, but now I am considering an E-Bike or an E-motorcycle. So... do you know if I would need to have a license to drive an e-bike? On the upside, if I do need to .. passing maneuverability on a bike or motorcycle would be a breeze. I've also been dreaming about automatic cars, just in case I never am able to pass maneuverability.
Get mid range MTB with (Shimano Deore, etc.) Components and slap Bafang mid drive kit on it. BAM! You have great E-bike that beats all trash listed on this video. Don't need to thank me.
Have you done a video about those $99 ebike ads on Facebook? I have reported the ads, but they keep playing. When you search for "scam or legit" there is no info. Can you once and for all scream "SCAM" to this stuff?
