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There was a useful thread on here a few days ago about eCargo bikes, but having had a conflab with MrsIHN about it we've decided that we don't need anything that big, we just want something for nipping to the shops for 'stuff' on (down and back up the Big Hill), the Big Shop will still get done in the car.
So, we're looking for something that we can buy on Cyclescheme that
- has decent brakes (did I mention the hill?)
- let's say a load capacity of two/three full carrier bags
- enough oomph for getting said load up said hill
- able to be used by her at 5'6" and me at 6'1".
- isn't too bulky/heavy, as it will have to be lifted up/down a couple of steps from the house
Anyone own and care to recommend such a thing?
You probably need a ramp. Anything ebike that can carry three bags of shopping neatly isn't going to be an easy regular lift.
Job Jobbed! 🙂
HTH
(may struggle with the steps though!)
Tern HSD is the compact, hill friendly, shopper/schoolrun bike of choice around here. Loads of 'em.
You probably need a ramp. Anything ebike that can carry three bags of shopping neatly isn’t going to be an easy regular lift.
Really? I'm only thinking a rear rack with two decent sized panniers, and maybe a basket. When I say carrier bags I mean 'normal', 5p at the till type, bags, not big bag for life bags.
Tern HSD
Ideally under £2k, not the £3.5k and upwards= for the Tern
Was going to suggest an Orbea Vibe... but a £2K price limit rules that out.
Comes close... https://www.sigmasports.com/item/Orbea/Vibe-H30-Electric-Hybrid-Bike-2023/ZVUF
I'd pay more and get the version with dedicated rack etc.
Isn't that pretty much any pannier/rack capable e bike?
What bikes do you already have? What are your storage requirements? Will this new bike replace any other(s)? Off beat thinking perhaps but what about a trailer? I use Thule Chariot cx2 for cargo duties now that the kids have outgrown it. Needs selling, frankly, it's too fancy for lugging shopping about (not a stealth ad, more a reminder to get my ass into gear). Can do a big shop easily in that. And it can/will be dragged up a few steps if need be. A basic trailer (not a cx2!) could be a versatile addition to your existing bikes rather than buying a new bike which has load limitations. Obviously I don't know your circumstances so just saying what works for me, in true STW style. Pros, smaller and cheaper than a new bike, versatile, can be used for other things than just shopping. Cons would be potential hitch compatibility, storage if you didn't have a garage, lugging up steps when hitched to bike.
Isn’t that pretty much any pannier/rack capable e bike?
Well, yeah, probably, I don't think we need anything particularly special (other than being able to fit a range of sizes rider-wise). I'm just looking for recommendations/experiences of anyone who may have such a thing.
Oh, and as for a trailer, no. Like I say, big hill, hence the requirement for e-assist.
Ridgeback Errand? Doesn't come with a rear rack but as it's under budget you could add one of your choice quite easily.
use a bike you have and add a Bafang or other motor to it? yo umay struggle with find a "regular" bike that will accomodate both of you easily
Hmm, that Ridgeback looks interesting... Decent reviews too.
use a bike you have and add a Bafang or other motor to it?
This has been a consideration, to e-shopperise the traditional sit up and beg shopper that we/she already has, but by the time you buy the motor, battery and associated bits it's the thick end of a grand, and something like that Ridgeback can be had for £1500ish, and can be got on C2W.
You probably need a ramp. Anything ebike that can carry three bags of shopping neatly isn’t going to be an easy regular lift.
Are you sure? When I was a lad I used to do the Saturday morning shop on my 3 speed Raleigh. One shopping bag over each end of the bars.
The Serial 1 bikes that Leisure Lakes have on offer look good. Bonkers at near £5k rrp, nice at £2k. Guards, front and rear racks, integrated lights, neat CVT gearing and a gates belt drive.
They do a white version and one with a crossbar rather than step-through.
Wife's ordering a wisper traditional step through, I think it's called £1500.
But it is hub drive, ok where we are by the coast.
Those Serial 1 look interesting, but I'd be worried that I'm buying stuff that's asking to go wrong (like the Gates drive and the CVT gearing) on a bike that's supposed to be pretty utilitarian. Heavy too, especially compared to the Errand
When I was a lad I used to do the Saturday morning shop on my 3 speed Raleigh.
I hate to tell you, but ebikes are heavier than that. Well, affordable ones that'll still do the job will be. Not so heavy that you can't lift them. But heavy enough that if every quick trip out involves carrying back up some steps at the end, the car starts to become overly attractive again. For everyday use, a narrow ramp up the side of the steps will help.
That Serial 1 up there is 59lbs, unladen.
Watching with interest...I think I'd want a step though-ish for shopping. I've been idly looking at this https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/long-distance-500-electric-assist-city-bike-step-through-frame/_/R-p-302285?mc=8526895&c=GREEN_KHAKI
if every quick trip out involves carrying back up some steps at the end, the car starts to become overly attractive again. For everyday use, a narrow ramp up the side of the steps will help.
To be fair, this isn't a terrible idea, and might get looked at
I’ve been idly looking at this> https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/long-distance-500-electric-assist-city-bike-step-through-frame/_/R-p-302285?mc=8526895&c=GREEN_KHAKI
Yeah, same here
I hate to tell you, but ebikes are heavier than that.
Guess what? I wasn't being entirely serious. Other than you don't need a big bike, though I'm not advocating the shopping bags on the handlebars routine. A rack should do the trick, possibly with a big storage box lashed to it. Oh and I accept e-bikes are heavy.
Orbea Katu is the posh Ridgeback Errand but I think it's over budget.
There's a proper lack of nice simple gateway ebikes.
5p at the till
😆 😆 that was a long long time ago, even the cheap paper supermarket bag is 60p.
60p for a bag? How much is a Freddo these days??
Go Outdoors do an electric shopper for £799, I just had a leaflet through my door advertising it. Looks like a hub motor so it won't be as fancy as a BB motor but probably easier/cheaper to replace it it did go wrong.