Advice on Short-ish commute bike

[JMack95]

Have decided to get an electric bike with terrible traffic and expensive public transport as the alternatives. Commute is 7 miles each way, not too hilly, not completely flat though either. Had shortlisted it down to 2 bikes based on reviews here and on 50cycles. Kalkhoff X27, which is unobtainable now (shame because it looked excellent) the Kalkhoff BS10, which looks perfect except for the fact it's not road legal, and don't fancy getting involved in an accident with it then being sued etc for driving without insurance, tax etc.

Currently only options seem to be the Kalkhoff Impulse Ergo Nuvinci (but I'm put off by the heart-rate monitoring feature) and average looks. Other is the Kalkhoff ProConnect Alpine 8G, looks good but I would want to be sure before parting with a lot of money. Wish somewhere was selling the X27.

Looking for a compromise between something reasonably fast but not having to be constantly recharging. I should also add I'm not set necessarily on a Kalkhoff bike, I've just read good reviews. Price range, £2k-£3k.

 

[D8ve]

KTM has had some good reviews as well.
7 mile commute should be an hour a day.
Just what the doctor ordered.
The more you pedal the less charging you would have to do.
I could get 40 miles easily out of a 36volt 12amp setup.
I got 40 miles out of 26volt 8amp with a lot of work.
Almost any bike could do it.
The BH range is similar as well

 

[RobF]

Seven miles each way is doable on any ebike with a 10ah or larger battery, so you have lots of choice.

As regards recharging, batteries work and last much better if they are used full rather than empty, so you would be wise to recharge each day.

You will need a rack, mudguards and lights for year-round commuting, so best to look for a bike with these already fitted.

That still doesn't narrow your choice a great deal.

A competent dealer is another plus for a bike in daily use.

Worth seriously considering buying something locally, assuming other criteria can be met.

There are more decent, specialist dealers than there were a few years ago, but still not that many.

Post your general location if you want some pointers.

 

[Kudoscycles]

The KTM Panasonic range is about the closest you will get in power to the BS10 and its legal. The new range of KTM bikes has just been released,there is a new e-style P which is the old e-race P but with mudguards.
Where are you located in the UK?
KudosDave

 

[JMack95]

I'm based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Not a great deal of local suppliers.

 

[Kudoscycles]

I'm based in Aberdeen, Scotland. Not a great deal of local suppliers.

Jimod is near Edinburgh,he has 3 e-bikes,2 hub and 1 crank bike,maybe he would air his opinions to your requirement...he is on this forum quite often.
KudosDave

 

[jdallan]

Have decided to get an electric bike with terrible traffic and expensive public transport as the alternatives. Commute is 7 miles each way, not too hilly, not completely flat though either. Had shortlisted it down to 2 bikes based on reviews here and on 50cycles. Kalkhoff X27, which is unobtainable now (shame because it looked excellent) the Kalkhoff BS10, which looks perfect except for the fact it's not road legal, and don't fancy getting involved in an accident with it then being sued etc for driving without insurance, tax etc.

.

I was keen on the Kalkhoff X27 to replace my Rose BionX however as you say it was unobtainable. Instead I bought the KTM EStylep and I'm very happy with it. It's very quick of the mark and a great hill climber. With my usage its range is over 40 miles.

Jim

 

[JMack95]

I opted for the Kalkhoff Pro Connect Alfine 8G in the end. I will post my thoughts after I've given it a spin.