I am a hard core bicyclist for 50 years and I used to commute 20 miles one way to work which means I spend about 4 hours a day bicycling on my Raleigh C200 Hybird which cost around $600. I did buy a cheap E-bike from WalMart for about the same price so here are my E-bike comments:
1. Be careful about buying cheap E-bikes because you can expect lower quality components: Brakes, derailers, pedals, seat.
2. More maintenance is involved due to the increased complexity.
3. Battery does not last forever. Make sure you can buy a replacement battery.
4. There is a feeling for euphoria when you twist the throttle and the bike goes without pedeling. Hills are no longer an issue.
5. E-bikes are HEAVY. I suggest getting the lightest bike available at similar price.
6. If you do not intend to go very far, I recommend the Totem C260 because it is only 44 lbs, foldable, disc brakes, decent components, lithium battery and reasonably price at $729.
https://www.totemusa.com/product-page/cs-260-commuter-series-foldable-electric-bicycle
The main drawback is that it is a 20 inch wheel bicycle to reduce weight. This means you will not win any bicycle races. However the range is 12 miles without pedaling and 75 miles with pedaling...which I find that hard to believe. Totem sells a replacement battery for $159. Other brands, there is a risk that a replacement battery may not be available. I did a lot of research as a hard core bicyclist....and I decided that this will be my next bicycle after I retire my Raleigh C200. I am still using the C200 daily at age 69. When I am in my 70's, I will be riding an E-bike so I can continue to exercise and maintain my fitness.
1. Be careful about buying cheap E-bikes because you can expect lower quality components: Brakes, derailers, pedals, seat.
2. More maintenance is involved due to the increased complexity.
3. Battery does not last forever. Make sure you can buy a replacement battery.
4. There is a feeling for euphoria when you twist the throttle and the bike goes without pedeling. Hills are no longer an issue.
5. E-bikes are HEAVY. I suggest getting the lightest bike available at similar price.
6. If you do not intend to go very far, I recommend the Totem C260 because it is only 44 lbs, foldable, disc brakes, decent components, lithium battery and reasonably price at $729.
https://www.totemusa.com/product-page/cs-260-commuter-series-foldable-electric-bicycle
The main drawback is that it is a 20 inch wheel bicycle to reduce weight. This means you will not win any bicycle races. However the range is 12 miles without pedaling and 75 miles with pedaling...which I find that hard to believe. Totem sells a replacement battery for $159. Other brands, there is a risk that a replacement battery may not be available. I did a lot of research as a hard core bicyclist....and I decided that this will be my next bicycle after I retire my Raleigh C200. I am still using the C200 daily at age 69. When I am in my 70's, I will be riding an E-bike so I can continue to exercise and maintain my fitness.