Thanks to improved technology, a new generation of bikes with electric motors that provide a boost to your pedaling are being introduced, including models from big names like Schwinn and Giant. Better batteries provide longer range, and their quiet operation and gas-free go-go is touted as an improvement over gasoline-powered scooters.
Would you ever consider riding one of these? Recently we had the chance to try out the A2B electric bike from Ultra Motor. It was lots of fun, sure, and even replaced some trips we'd otherwise take with the car. But is that enough to warrant the $2700 price tag? Read the whole review and find out.
Review: A2B Electric Bike from Ultra Motor
Question: would you ride an electric bike? Comment below!
Comments
If I could try it for a year free and then I may consider half price to buy it
I have seen several electric bikes I would ride if I had one; not many that I would pay the asking price for. I think about $1500 would be my limit.
The one in the article is about the most dorky looking one I have seen; except maybe the one Wally World sells with the motor hanging out beside the rear hub.
I’m almost 60, so a little help up the hills would probably encourage me to use the bike more for errands I presently use the car for.
Who are they targeting this at?
-Most of us ride our bike so we can get more exercise not less. For those of us that ride regularly a 20 mile range is commutable and easy. The fact that this thing weighs 70lbs and can’t give me that pure bike feel is a big minus. If it could go 30-40mph and take me 70 miles and then let me pedal w/o help that would open up a whole world of new routes and possibilities.
-At $2700 I could by a low end scooter that goes faster and takes me alot further if I am not in it for the exercise.
This thing seems like the worst of both worlds rather than the best of both.
I am in the process of thinking through the design for a frankenbike. Looking for an old rigid MTB, like a stumpjumper, and adding both an Xtracycle running a Nexus IGH in the rear and a front wheel with an electric motor. With that setup I figure just about all weekend errands would then be on the bike.
My commute is already on my single speed…
I am 56 with some physical limitations and I recently acquired a Wildfire” cruiser bicycle with a 49cc engine for less than $600.00. It has twin baskets on the rear, enabling me to carry lots of groceries over long distances.
Electric bikes are stupid b/c batteries quickly die-out. The 49cc “Wildfire” bicycle of mine goes and goes and loves to be peddled as well. I feel like a 10 year old kid when I’m riding it. It’s a blast.
I have an Ecolo brand electric bike that runs on a lithium-ion battery that I purchased at Durand in Ottawa last year for 1600.00.
Outside of numerous problems including brakes sticking, having to be constantly adjusted, things rattling, shaking (its heavy)and wobbling ..hit a bump and you feel the bang..as does your wheel which can easily need expecive trueing (as mine did at Durand who charged me $300 to readjust it).
Despite all the above, I do enjoy the speed of the bike. It also helps you maintain a fast speed.
The lithium Ion battery last a year of almost daily use, though now its functioning at about 80%. At $350.00 a pop for a new lith-ion battery, it may turn into to expensive a prospect for me to continue.
So far tho I have been pleased overall. Advice to those considering it, go for lighter if you want to be able to have a bike last you at least 5 years.
Also keep all moving parts well oiled. All the more important on electric. Any kind of drag (including weight) that can be eliminated is best as well.
Short answer, no.
Reasons: too expense and too heavy. Like Bob, I enjoy the way a real bike “feels”. I love the simplicity of bicycles and this would add a level of complexity and maintenance that would take the fun out of cycling for me.
i’d prefer not to choose that bateried bike one, feeling fresh after pedalling can’t be replaced by any sophisticated bateries.
It is a shame about the excessive price tag, you can get electric bikes in china for less that $60 and they hardly ever break down.
I wish the prices were more reasonable over in North America. The street prices I’ve seen on the streets of China top off around 3500 – 5000rm ($500 – $700) for a scooter WITH all options such as Li Batteries, fancy paint job, etc (and before price negotiation. ) Batteries last for about 300-400 charges
Hi guys ,
AS FAS AS I KNOW THE LIFE CYCLE OF LIFEPO4 BATTERY WOULD BE AT 1500 TO 2000 MAY THIS KIND OF BATTERY WOULD BE BETTER THAN OTHERS?
I would, do and will always ride an electric bike. By far the best invention of the last decade.
The future is electric!!
I am 74, I don’t like having things done for me, it’s a sign I can’t hack it anymore. My grandmother made my grandfather quit riding his one speed when he was 78. I mean to beat that, with no damn help from a motor of any kind.
There’s plenty of benefits of electric bikes like being able to beat hills, and headwinds, keep up with traffic easily and not arrive soaked with sweat needing a shower and a change of clothes at the other end.
$300 for trueing a wheel? You got ripped off big time. My electric motor wheel spokes became loose after a while which is actually relatively normal for new wheels so I watched a YouTube video and trued my tire in about 15min with an adjustable wrench.
By the way this bike is an extreme in cost. You can get an electric bike kit sans battery for $400 easily and then you can get a sealed lead acid battery for $150 or a lithium one for $450 or more. You could buy a cheap $200 bike somewhere so for the price of this bike you can have almost 3 lithium powered bikes!!
Phil, with my bike if you want that real bike feel, just don’t press the throttle and pedal. You’d never know it was electric! As for maintenance I had to true my wheel, put on a chain guard, install fenders, and replace my 13 year old chain. Those are all standard maintenance for any bike.