The Work Commute - ebike suggestions?

[dave303e]

I would not upgrade a mtb to an e-bike. I have ridden a specialised e-bike and what I really noticed was how much beefier certain parts are. Stronger brakes, beefier front end suspension, Bigger tyres and sturdy rims more like dh/enduro etc. I think bolting a 500W motor onto a bike and not doing anything to the brakes, wheels, tyres and suspension is potentially going to end badly one day. I may be wrong but that is my cautious approach. 

[Mongoose!]

 

1 hour ago, vir0za said:

I don't want to buy a car again, so I was thinking of getting an ebike.

even riding in rain? 👀

Edited March 15, 2023 by Mongoose!

[vir0za]

Just now, Mongoose! said:

Thought it rains nonstop during winter 

even riding in rain? 👀

I will Uber on those days 

[vir0za]

Is there anyone here that knows what is legal and what is not when it comes to e-bikes? 

[GHOST FACE]

I'm using a 26in Avalanche Luna-e. Retails around R24k and zero problems. easy cruise along at 32kph and around 25kph into that early morning South Easter from Table View. Super maneuverable and does the job. Can even go for a proper MTB session if you want. Laughs all the way past traffic.

[Hairy]

1 hour ago, vir0za said:

Hi all,

I live in cape town's southern suburbs.  I live approximately 7 to 9 km from work.

I sold my car when we went remote, but recently we have been asked to go back to the office 3 times a week. 

I don't want to buy a car again, so I was thinking of getting an ebike.

My two options are:

1) Upgrade my current bicycle, but that costs 28k (250w) to 31k (500w).  It just does not seem worth it

2) Buy something like this: https://pedego.co.za/products/smart-e-maestro-ii

I am also open to suggestions in that 40k budget range.  I really want a bike with both a throttle and pedal assist though. 

Any thoughts?  

Thanks.

a good friend of mine has put many a thousand km on her Darrvin e-bike ... maybe this as an option?
https://darrvinshop.com/ebikes/darrvin-evolve-cross
There is no need for suspension on a short tar ride.

[Hairy]

 

[dirtypot]

1 hour ago, Darkhorse Bikes and Wheels said:

Have a look at our ebikes.

Very well priced and have some demo's available. Available in drop bar or flat bar.

http://www.darkhorsebikes.com

We have a few setups, for commuting many please enjoy the belt drive version.

 

I was going to suggest Darkhorse, and then there it was!  
The single speed belt drive looks like an absolute winner to me for commuting.  That's what I'd do.

[ChrisF]

2 hours ago, vir0za said:

Can you direct me to something that says throttle assists that are limited to 22km or whatever it may be are illegal in SA?  First I hear of that.  And I have been asking.  Even asked chilled squirrel and they said it is legal.

 

SANS 311:2007

 

In SHORT (from 1.3 f), only the following is legal in SA, as a BICYCLE:

- max 250W

- max 25km/h assist  (ASSIST, not throttle)

 

Larger motor, faster assist, or a throttle and it becomes a MOTORCYCLE which must be roadworthied, licenced and registered like any motor vehicle.

 

 

 

 

EDIT - This SANS code is yet another copy paste from the European regulations.  Europe regulates to 25km/h, while America regulates to 20mph (32km/h).  MOST e-bikes imported to SA are tuned to American spec, i.e. 32km/h.   

 

Still no throttle though

Edited March 15, 2023 by ChrisF

[ChrisF]

1 hour ago, Hairy said:

 

 

FANTASTIC bikes.  LOVE mine.

 

Sadly Darrvin is fast being phased out by the new owners, Go Electric.  They are talking about establishing a new brand .....

[Theunissa]

3 hours ago, vir0za said:

Hi all,

I live in cape town's southern suburbs.  I live approximately 7 to 9 km from work.

I sold my car when we went remote, but recently we have been asked to go back to the office 3 times a week. 

I don't want to buy a car again, so I was thinking of getting an ebike.

My two options are:

1) Upgrade my current bicycle, but that costs 28k (250w) to 31k (500w).  It just does not seem worth it

2) Buy something like this: https://pedego.co.za/products/smart-e-maestro-ii

I am also open to suggestions in that 40k budget range.  I really want a bike with both a throttle and pedal assist though. 

Any thoughts?  

Thanks.

I can suggest I nice Corbon dual sus. Light enough and you pedal close enough. Secondhand 

Edited March 15, 2023 by Theunissa

[Theunissa]

13 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

 

SANS 311:2007

 

In SHORT (from 1.3 f), only the following is legal in SA, as a BICYCLE:

- max 250W

- max 25km/h assist  (ASSIST, not throttle)

 

Larger motor, faster assist, or a throttle and it becomes a MOTORCYCLE which must be roadworthied, licenced and registered like any motor vehicle.

 

 

 

 

EDIT - This SANS code is yet another copy paste from the European regulations.  Europe regulates to 25km/h, while America regulates to 20mph (32km/h).  MOST e-bikes imported to SA are tuned to American spec, i.e. 32km/h.   

 

Still no throttle though

So most e bikes are illegal. Because they go from 350-750W

[vir0za]

5 minutes ago, Theunissa said:

So most e bikes are illegal. Because they go from 350-750W

This seems to be the case. Been quite eye opening. I’m despondent now. But thanks for all the info. 

[Theunissa]

2 minutes ago, vir0za said:

This seems to be the case. Been quite eye opening. I’m despondent now. But thanks for all the info. 

I've also looked at it to commute. But my traveling time and type of work make it difficult. I got 25km one way. 

[ChrisF]

3 minutes ago, Theunissa said:

So most e bikes are illegal. Because they go from 350-750W

 

YES, both here and in Europe.

 

 

 

OKAY .... these are ROAD regulations.  So open debate what is legal and acceptable off-road .....

 

 

 

I CAN confirm that 250W is more than enough for a 3:37 Argus time.  It takes me up STEEP trails.  Simply put, the Europeans did their homework when deciding on these limits.

 

Frankly, we would not have the issues with "racing e-bikes" if people just stuck to these very basic guidelines.   Though even this statement is grossly unfair .... I have friends with powerful and unrestricted ebikes, who actually ride responsibly around others.  It is not the equipment, but the operator ......  Limiting the power just helps to limit the potential for disaster .....

 

 

O-well, I am NOT here as the e-bike police.   This started as a "peddle assist" vs "throttle".

[ChrisF]

5 minutes ago, vir0za said:

This seems to be the case. Been quite eye opening. I’m despondent now. But thanks for all the info. 

 

SMILE 

 

 

250W motor will get you to work quick enough, and with minimal sweat !!!  Even doing a 40km detour after work will be FUN.

 

I have only done 11 000 km on my two ebikes, but am confident in saying 250W does the job perfectly