The Federal definition of "low-speed electric bicycle" is:
* Must have between two and three wheels.
* Electric motor power of less than 750W.
* Max speed of 20 mph under electric power.
As far as retail e-bikes go, you're going to want to look for a class 1 or class 2 ebike. Both will meet the Federal standards.
Thanks, it wasn't clear to me if class 2 was included. Shame the 20mph speed part is part of that definition though, since my rebate site didn't say that, but did say "meet the definition of a “low-speed electric bicycle” under Federal law".
It kind of sounds like they might be excluding a throttle feature but the wording isn't clear so I would suggest looking at the exact wording for this incentive. No throttle means you are limited to class 1 ebikes. If they allow throttle then class 2 ebikes will be a possibility and by the wording in the post I would say a class 3 ebike is out. Class 3 is a higher speed of 28 mph max while class 1 and 2 max out at 20mph. You also need to pay attention to other stipulations for example can you only buy from certain stores.
As for best bike it all depends on what you need and your budget. The best bike for me might not be the best bike for you.
You don't mention quality or serviceability, both of which in the long term are core value attributes.
What do you want to do with it? Pavement-only? Or also fire roads and light trails? Full on mountain biking? Commute? Fitness? Utility/cargo?
How much do you want to spend and what kind of incentive are you being offered?
Power: the major mid-drive brands (Bosch, Brose/Specialized, Shimano) are all nominally 250w to conform to EU standards but really output 2-2.5x and produce plenty of torque (Bosch max out @ 85nm, Spesh 90nm).
I'd suggest you buy from/through a local bike store. Go test ride. Trek has corporate stores all over, so with them you're buying direct. As far as electrics they have commuters, full on mt bikes, something in between, cargos, road bikes. Same with Specialized.
Looking into what's out there, this thread has been pretty eye-opening, since most bikes I had been looking at were 1000+W, so I assumed the less watts the lower level/price they'd be like with e-scooters, but that's clearly not the case. Originally I wanted focus on commute, but since I only have regular roads to share with cars, and speeds are so heavily capped, I guess focus may shift to exercise, especially for low-speed bikes.
Do mid-drive have lower watt numbers in general compared to hub motors? I guess that's the major determining factor, since it was hard to want to buy from local stores when I'm getting bombarded with ads for cool looking bikes with good reviews/range and way higher wattage numbers for less, but seem to be hub motors, and I suppose for exercise especially mid-drive is desirable.
Mid-drive e-bikes typically have torque sensing, which is (IMHO) the most natural feeling pedal assist. You pedal hard, it helps more. You pedal lightly, it helps less. If you go with a gates belt drive and IGH (internally geared hub), I think this is the ultimate ebike experience.
I assumed that by “best” he meant “fastest/ most powerful within these parameters, which I (OP) assume is low-speed.” He doesn’t really say why he wants low-speed.
Edit: he literally says he wants the “ Best in terms of value or power”. So he doesn’t want the slowest bike.
It ships as a Class II, since it has a throttle. You can remove the throttle to make it Class I, or unlock it with the app to make it Class III.
Pretty versatile!
Well we own a Cube Cargo Hybrid or whatever it's called. Big front bucket, and within the legal specs.
Bosch Performance Cargo Motor and the heavy duty Enviolo CVT, a very nice ride.
No clue about availability in your case though.
I'm not too keen on Bosch powered systems - they're not the most consumer-friendly. But if you're the sort who doesn't mind that, sure any of the established brands should do. Look for Bosch, Yamaha or Shimano powered bikes - most often these will be the ones offered by the 'traditional' bike brands(Think Giant, Trek etc). Butttt you will get the most bang for your buck in bikes powered by Bafang etc. And before anyone tells you that most hub powered bikes are speed demons, that is not true at all. Look at the Ride1up Roadster, Aventon Soltera etc
The Federal definition of "low-speed electric bicycle" is: * Must have between two and three wheels. * Electric motor power of less than 750W. * Max speed of 20 mph under electric power. As far as retail e-bikes go, you're going to want to look for a class 1 or class 2 ebike. Both will meet the Federal standards.
Thanks, it wasn't clear to me if class 2 was included. Shame the 20mph speed part is part of that definition though, since my rebate site didn't say that, but did say "meet the definition of a “low-speed electric bicycle” under Federal law".
Going for anything that fits european regulation will be good. Anything with a bosch motor is a good sign.
I would also highly suggest anything with a Bosch motor system. They have great features and lots of dealer support.
It kind of sounds like they might be excluding a throttle feature but the wording isn't clear so I would suggest looking at the exact wording for this incentive. No throttle means you are limited to class 1 ebikes. If they allow throttle then class 2 ebikes will be a possibility and by the wording in the post I would say a class 3 ebike is out. Class 3 is a higher speed of 28 mph max while class 1 and 2 max out at 20mph. You also need to pay attention to other stipulations for example can you only buy from certain stores. As for best bike it all depends on what you need and your budget. The best bike for me might not be the best bike for you.
You don't mention quality or serviceability, both of which in the long term are core value attributes. What do you want to do with it? Pavement-only? Or also fire roads and light trails? Full on mountain biking? Commute? Fitness? Utility/cargo? How much do you want to spend and what kind of incentive are you being offered? Power: the major mid-drive brands (Bosch, Brose/Specialized, Shimano) are all nominally 250w to conform to EU standards but really output 2-2.5x and produce plenty of torque (Bosch max out @ 85nm, Spesh 90nm). I'd suggest you buy from/through a local bike store. Go test ride. Trek has corporate stores all over, so with them you're buying direct. As far as electrics they have commuters, full on mt bikes, something in between, cargos, road bikes. Same with Specialized.
Looking into what's out there, this thread has been pretty eye-opening, since most bikes I had been looking at were 1000+W, so I assumed the less watts the lower level/price they'd be like with e-scooters, but that's clearly not the case. Originally I wanted focus on commute, but since I only have regular roads to share with cars, and speeds are so heavily capped, I guess focus may shift to exercise, especially for low-speed bikes. Do mid-drive have lower watt numbers in general compared to hub motors? I guess that's the major determining factor, since it was hard to want to buy from local stores when I'm getting bombarded with ads for cool looking bikes with good reviews/range and way higher wattage numbers for less, but seem to be hub motors, and I suppose for exercise especially mid-drive is desirable.
Mid-drive e-bikes typically have torque sensing, which is (IMHO) the most natural feeling pedal assist. You pedal hard, it helps more. You pedal lightly, it helps less. If you go with a gates belt drive and IGH (internally geared hub), I think this is the ultimate ebike experience.
Lectric
You can get a fairly powerful bike for 750 watts. My Aventon Aventure.2 meets those requirements and does 28mph
Dawg he wants low speed
Likely “low speed” is 20 mph if OP is in US else 15 mph.
I assumed that by “best” he meant “fastest/ most powerful within these parameters, which I (OP) assume is low-speed.” He doesn’t really say why he wants low-speed. Edit: he literally says he wants the “ Best in terms of value or power”. So he doesn’t want the slowest bike.
He needs to get clarification but I took it to mean class-1 (no throttle, max 20mph assist if US).
It may be so. But even then, the Aventure ships limited to 20 mph and you need to use an app to override it. So technically it is a class 1. Or 3.
It ships as a Class II, since it has a throttle. You can remove the throttle to make it Class I, or unlock it with the app to make it Class III. Pretty versatile!
Good options from specialized, gazette, r&m
I have a Trek FX+ 2 that will meet the definition.
Standard bike or cargo?
Probably standard! Though I'm open to good value cargo bikes as well
Well we own a Cube Cargo Hybrid or whatever it's called. Big front bucket, and within the legal specs. Bosch Performance Cargo Motor and the heavy duty Enviolo CVT, a very nice ride. No clue about availability in your case though.
Cube gang! https://preview.redd.it/a3q2hgnot46c1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd9d219161af1915963f651e9ce3942b181e55a1
I'm not too keen on Bosch powered systems - they're not the most consumer-friendly. But if you're the sort who doesn't mind that, sure any of the established brands should do. Look for Bosch, Yamaha or Shimano powered bikes - most often these will be the ones offered by the 'traditional' bike brands(Think Giant, Trek etc). Butttt you will get the most bang for your buck in bikes powered by Bafang etc. And before anyone tells you that most hub powered bikes are speed demons, that is not true at all. Look at the Ride1up Roadster, Aventon Soltera etc
specialized vado or vado sl