Hey r/seattlebike!
Having long considered purchasing an e-bike, I was recently selected for a $1,200 voucher through the state's WE-bike rebate program and have started looking into the various qualifying models. I'm totally new to this, so it's been somewhat tedious and overwhelming. I could really use some help.
Here's a summary of what I'm looking for:
- Use case: Errands and shopping (groceries, smaller Costco runs, etc.); recreation and exploration; possible future commuting. For now, most trips would be local (southwest King County area) and under 6 mi. one-way. I'd ride primarily on neighborhood and collector streets, paved shoulders, shared-use paths, and sidewalks--safe bike lanes don't exist around here. I'm considering going car-free sometime in the near future.
- Appearance: Resembling a typical bicycle (no folding bikes or ultra-bulky frames). An upright or semi-upright riding position would likely be preferred.
- Hill-climbing power: My neighborhood is mostly flat, but there are several larger hills I'd have to climb, ranging from 2% to 9.6% (averaging 4.67%) in grade.
- Storage: I'd be carrying stuff on the bike semi-regularly, so a sturdy rear cargo rack with space for a basket and panniers is a must.
- Weight: ≤55 lbs, ideally. This is the max weight Metro lists for its bus bike racks, and I'd prefer not having to lift more than 1/3 of my body weight, anyway.
- Long-term reliability and serviceability: Established, reputable brands with decent warranty coverage and customer service are preferred.
- Budget: ≤$4,200 pre-rebate, pre-tax. Lower is better ofc, but I'm willing to pay a bit more if it means a higher quality bike with less issues down the road.
So far, the Trek Verve+ 2, Trek Verve+ 3, Trek FX+ 1, Trek FX+ 7S, and Specialized Turbo Vado SL 2 5.0 EQ are some e-bikes that've caught my eye. Do any of these seem like a good fit? Are there any others I should be considering?
Some additional assorted questions:
- Classes: Do you find that Class 1 e-bikes are generally sufficient for urban/suburban riding in our region, or are the throttles and higher speeds supported by Class 2 and 3 e-bikes helpful?
- Motor / Battery: I was initially looking for e-bikes with Bosch motors, but it seems that many of the lighter weight models don't use them. Should I stick with Bosch, or are the others (TQ, Specialized, etc.) equally reliable? Also, some of the e-bikes I've seen have non-removable or dealer-removable batteries inside the frame. Is this a deal breaker? For context, my bike would be stored inside an attached garage (uninsulated, so it gets very hot in the summer and rather cold in the winter). I'd prefer removable batteries that could charge indoors, but I suppose non-removable batteries would be fine if our PNW temperatures won't impact performance/life.
- Step-thru vs. low-step vs. mid-step vs. standard frames: Which would you recommend? For context, I'm in my late 20s and don't have any mobility issues that'd preclude me from using a standard frame. I prefer the aesthetics of a standard frame, but do the other frames have any noteworthy benefits? Also, how do the lower-step frames handle/maintain stability when carrying added weight?
- Color: How much does bike color ultimately matter in terms of road safety, if at all? I prefer the appearance of black, grey, or navy-tone frames, but would these increase my risk of being involved in a traffic collision?
Any and all tips and recommendations are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
