Disabled non-peddler seeks speedy hybrid throttle bike for hills

[Abi-Abster]

Evening All!
Essentially, I’m looking for a hybrid or off-road bike with a throttle, as due to being disabled I can’t always peddle, even without applying real pressure.
Yes, I’m aware of current regulations, but frankly, for me it’s either a throttle or no cycling and no outdoorsiness.
Of course if there’s another option, please let me know - bearing in mind I can be a bit of a speed freak, and I’ll be wanting my bike de-restricted like my old moped days!
I’m looking for a bike to take me off-road on the Sussex Downs, up dirt tracks in Scotland, and also on the roads or along the beachfront with my husband and the kids (9 & 11). Distance is not so important while the girls are young.
So far my weeks of research - including help on here from various forum users and official e-bike sales reps (thanks All!) - has reduced the bewildering choice available on the market down to:

> Wisper 705 SE
> Whoosh Santana
> Cyclotricity Stealth
> Ezee Forza LTS (front or rear wheel drive?)
And if I can also find the following on a 12-month Finance deal:
> Oxygen S-Cross ST (I think?)
> Roo Dog (not sure of model)
> Juicy (not sure of model)

Your thoughts and recommendations please, on a speedy, throttle-friendly, no-pedal necessary e-bike which can also hack hills (ie: does this mean a crank drive motor, or will de-restricted speed kill the motor too soon)?

I have a mobility scooter already, so I’m not looking for something on which to potter around town.

I’m also not cash-rich, so the bike should cost around the £1,000 - £1,350 mark (including any extras) and be available on Finance.

Thanks in advance for your collective input: I actually had to take a week off searching for an e-bike just now because of too much choice...leading to brain overload, total overwhelm and...no bike!

Hopefully amongst you, you e-bike experts can make the decision for me :-D

Cheers!

Abi.

PS: I’m 5’8 or 9” and around 68kg

 

[JuicyBike]

Hi Abi
The Juicy Classic, Compact and Sport all have throttles that can be de restricted and are available on interest free credit.
Restricted throttle or not, our bikes are limited to 15.5 mph.
Rather than take up another week researching on the Internet you really should take some test rides, especially in this wonderful riding weather!
Hope this helps.

 

[Abi-Abster]

Hi Abi
The Juicy Classic, Compact and Sport all have throttles that can be de restricted and are available on interest free credit.

Thanks for this - I’m desperate to start cycling and would love to try one of your bikes. Unfortunately, there’s a very noticeable and surprisingly large Juicy gap around Brighton where I live. Why is this?
I’m not fussed on looks, more need a bike which fits my needs. So which of the above would you recommend for me personally, please (especially for no-pedal hills!)?
Thanks!

 

[JuicyBike]

Sorry Abi, I wouldn't recommend a bike for you. I've no idea what you would find comfortable. And I'm sorry that we have no retailer near you yet.

But I can recommend Drayton Cycles about 1 hour from Brighton and there you will find a range of bikes from several manufacturers and Tony, who is very patient and will help you choose an excellent bike from his range.

I'm sure you'll find other specialist shops nearer to you too, but Drayton is our nearest stockist.

Really, letting others choose for you is asking for a compromise bike that you may not enjoy as much as you should.

I know this sounds harsh and I wish we had a retailer in Brighton. We can send a purchased bike to a bike shop near you under our Click and Collect scheme. And then if you don't take to it you can take it back to the shop for a refund.
But if you can get a friend who's willing to help you get to Drayton that would be so much better.

 

[Abi-Abster]

Sorry Abi, I wouldn't recommend a bike for you. I've no idea what you would find comfortable.
Really, letting others choose for you is asking for a compromise bike that you may not enjoy as much as you should.

Quite right - thank you.
I’m guessing I’m asking for help to narrow down my selection to a Top 2 or Top 3 bike models, from which to choose the most suitable option!
I’ll look up your recommendation Drayton Cycles in Portsmouth.
Thanks for taking the time to reply - it’s appreciated :-D

 

[JuicyBike]

Quite right - thank you.
I’m guessing I’m asking for help to narrow down my selection to a Top 2 or Top 3 bike models, from which to choose the most suitable option!
I’ll look up your recommendation Drayton Cycles in Portsmouth.
Thanks for taking the time to reply - it’s appreciated :-D

Juicys electric bike test ride stockists map.

 

[Abi-Abster]

I know this sounds harsh and I wish we had a retailer in Brighton. We can send a purchased bike to a bike shop near you under our Click and Collect scheme. And then if you don't take to it you can take it back to the shop for a refund.
But if you can get a friend who's willing to help you get to Drayton that would be so much better.

PS: Thanks so much for the above. Good to know there is such a scheme!
Soo... comfort aside, if we looked at your stock purely on factual, paper terms, is there a Juicy model that might be most appropriate for my situation?

 

[JuicyBike]

PS: Thanks so much for the above. Good to know there is such a scheme!
Soo... comfort aside, if we looked at your stock purely on factual, paper terms, is there a Juicy model most appropriate for my situation?

Oh Abi....

I can tell you that our Classic is our most popular bike. But I've no idea how you would feel on it. How long are your legs, arms, how upright do you sit, how confident a cyclist are you, what luggage to you want to carry?

There are so many factors. Many that definitely need a test ride like preferred gearing and cadence. Okay, scrub anything to do with pedaling

I'd suggest going to your local bike shop and asking them to look at all the bikes you've shortlisted and ask them to weigh up what they think is your best bet.

Local bike shops love helping people get onto two wheels and you'd get a warm reception I'm certain. Our Click and Collect scheme passes the sale to them so their help will not go unrewarded.

 

[Abi-Abster]

I can tell you that our Classic is our most popular bike. But I've no idea how you would feel on it. How long are your legs, arms, how upright do you sit, how confident a cyclist are you, what luggage to you want to carry?

I’m 5’8/9” around 69kg or lower (under 11st), a confident cyclist - grew up in Oxford, up in the hills of Scotland every holiday - it’s just that my legs don’t bl00dy work anymore.

Luggage would be just for day trips (we have a campervan!) and I don’t like low handlebar positioning like you find on many mountain bikes.

I'd suggest going to your local bike shop and asking them to look at all the bikes you've shortlisted and ask them to weigh up what they think is your best bet.

Local bike shops love helping people get onto two wheels and you'd get a warm reception I'm certain. Our Click and Collect scheme passes the sale to them so their help will not go unrewarded.

That’s a fab scheme: what a great idea for us buyers and fantastic incentive for the shops!

And thanks, I’ve already visited the two specialist e-bike shops at the bottom of my road (I live in a bike-crazy area of the country!), but their bikes are all waaaaaay out of my price range and only a couple featured a throttle. There’s Giant left, but e-bikes aren’t their area of focus or expertise, plus if I’m going to spend that amount of money I’d rather go to a proper independent.

But thanks for your suggestions - and for your patience and sense of humour regarding my persistent questioning, LOL!

Wishing you and Juicy all the best,

Abi.