Help needed......!

[Racheya]

Hi, I'm looking into buying an electric bike. I have a rare muscle illness that fluctuates greatly. Up to now I have managed to use my trusty Raleigh bike but last year I went on a Skyride over the Humber Bridge and only just managed the slight incline to get on the bridge. One of the other riders suggested an electric bike and I'm now ready to take the plunge.
However, there are do many questions......and I've read quite a few comments on here and thought you could all help me.
I'm looking to spend about £300 on a second hand bike. I'm currently watching some on eBay....a Juicy Bike and a couple of Powabykes.
I would like to be able to go out with my 2 sons on short to medium journeys (up to about 20 miles) and would like to pedal when I can.
Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Cyclezee]

Hi Racheya,

Welcome to the forum and I'm sure the membership will be able to offer good advice.

To be honest, £300 doesn't buy a lot when you consider the cost of a Lithium Ion battery on it's own is at least that sort of money.

However, a used Powabykes with a SLA battery is certainly an option which would give you lots of assistance.

What frame style are you thinking of?

Good luck

 

[Racheya]

Thanks

 

[Racheya]

I need a step over frame (sorry Cyclezee didn't see your question earlier!!)

 

[Cyclezee]

I need a step over frame (sorry Cyclezee didn't see your question earlier!!)

That question was added after the original post.

OK we are starting to narrow things down.

 

[Cyclezee]

So stepthru frame.

How much assistance are you able to give in terms of pedalling?

Would you like it to have a throttle ?

How far do you want to ride and is the terrain hilly or flat?

 

[trex]

member pdarnett has a few second hand step through bikes for sale.
http://www.pedelecs.co.uk/forum/threads/coming-up-this-week.17492/
Something like this?

 

[Racheya]

On a good day, I can manage flat without any problems but any slight incline and I struggle. I live near Hull but at the top of a slight hill so getting home is always difficult. I expect I could manage to pedal if I was getting assistance. Not sure about the throttle, probably helpful. I'd like to do rides up to about 20 miles, maybe more if I get the bug!!

 

[Cyclezee]

On a good day, I can manage flat without any problems but any slight incline and I struggle. I live near Hull but at the top of a slight hill so getting home is always difficult. I expect I could manage to pedal if I was getting assistance. Not sure about the throttle, probably helpful. I'd like to do rides up to about 20 miles, maybe more if I get the bug!!

One thing is for sure, if you find the right bike you will get the bug.........and probably share it around

 

[Racheya]

Yes, possibly. I'll try and pictures of 2 of the bikes I'm watching....

 

[Racheya]

 

[Racheya]

Sorry, 2 of the same bike....oops!!

 

[Cyclezee]

Sorry, 2 of the same bike....oops!!

Don't worry, we have got the picture

I guess either one of those bikes would work for you, but you need to be careful when buying used from eBay that the batteries are in good condition, if not you could end having to spend the same again on a new battery

 

[Racheya]

The powabykehas nearly a year warranty. The battery quality is a concern when looking at them. I'm being very choosy with the ones I watch.
Think I might need to visit dparnett soon

 

[Cyclezee]

Another and safer option, if you can push the budget substantially, would be to buy new and have some warranty, but you would have to at least double your investment to get a bike like this http://www.wooshbikes.co.uk/?sant-ana and quite a bit more to get one of our entry level eZee bikes like the Sprint Primo LDS http://cyclezee.com/ezee-sprint-primo.html.

Of course they may well be considerably more than you want to pay, so it will have to be used, but make sure you get a test ride and history of the bike.

 

[Racheya]

Unfortunately, I don't think I can afford that much
Although.....I am hoping to start work soon so maybe I could look at the cycle to work scheme.
Decisions, decisions.....will probably be still looking for a while.....

 

[Cyclezee]

Unfortunately, I don't think I can afford that much
Although.....I am hoping to start work soon so maybe I could look at the cycle to work scheme.
Decisions, decisions.....will probably be still looking for a while.....

That's fine, but as with anything used, you need to proceed with caution.

Do some homework, get some knowledge from the members here and when you find a bike you like ask lots of questions and take it for a ride.

 

[Racheya]

Thank you, I appreciate your advice. I may become a bore over the next few weeks!!

 

[Cyclezee]

Thank you, I appreciate your advice. I may become a bore over the next few weeks!!

Don't worry, you are in good company

 

[Deleted member 4366]

Be careful, most warranties are not transferable to a new owner. If the bike is only a year old, the battery is probably OK.