Partially disabled rider needs help choosing - Thanks!

[CharlieD]

Hi there everyone!
Really pleased to find this site - it is like an AutoTrader for electric bikes!
Hoping you can help me make the right choice of bike as I now am struggling to use my conventional bike on anything but a flat road. I have a massively reduced use of my right calf muscle - I can still walk with an aid of a stick but stairs and hills present a real problem. So to keep as mobile as possible I thought an electric bike would be an ideal way to get around.

My requirements are as follows:
1. Step through - I struggle to lift by right leg very high
2. Hybrid - Throttle control - so I can let the electric motor take the strain on steep hills.
3. Battery mounted on rack (just prefer the way it looks!)
4. Something powerful for me about (I am a 6ft 44 year old man @ 80kg) - I will ride on country tracks also
5. Well built / reliable / good warranty & after sales / Preferably around Hertfordshire - Budget up to £950

My shortlist;

Cyclotricity Sahara
Woosh Big Bear LS
Alien Ocean Etinene
EBCO D-Cycle Discovery 7

I am thinking the EBCO Discovery looks the best....

What do you think? Has anyone had any experience of the above? Or have I missed a better choice?

Any views much appreciated!!

 

[JuicyBike]

All those bikes should do your job Charlie. Best thing you can do is to try some. There's a good shop in Codicote:
Flat Earth, 121 High Street,Codicote,Hertfordshire,SG4 8UA 01438 829 239
Our bikes are seat tube batteries for a low centre of gravity, but as you say, you prefer a rack-mounted.
You'll need to understand the new laws on throttles which have been explained elsewhere on these forums.
Good luck and welcome!

 

[Lancslass]

I was after a step through with a rack battery by preference but I test rode the Juicy Classic which is step through but has the battery behind the seat tube (as Bob has said above). I liked the ride so much that I bought it. I think Bob still has plenty of throttle bikes left and it climbs all the steep hills around where I live with no problems.

So give as many bikes as possible a go, and try to be fairly open minded about the details of what you want on a bike and I'm sure you'll land yourself the perfect buddy like I have!

Good luck.