this post was submitted on 30 Dec 2023
72 points (86.0% liked)

micromobility - Ebikes, scooters, longboards: Whatever floats your goat, this is micromobility

2338 readers
20 users here now

Ebikes, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, longboards, eboards, motorcycles, skates, unicycles: Whatever floats your goat, this is all things micromobility!

"Transportation using lightweight vehicles such as bicycles or scooters, especially electric ones that may be borrowed as part of a self-service rental program in which people rent vehicles for short-term use within a town or city.

micromobility is seen as a potential solution to moving people more efficiently around cities"

Feel free to also check out

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

It's a little sad that we need to actually say this, but:

Don't be an asshole or you will be permanently banned.

Respectful debate is totally OK, criticizing a product is fine, but being verbally abusive will not be tolerated.

Focus on discussing the idea, not attacking the person.

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] negativeyoda 29 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (3 children)

"I review eBikes for a living" and these are what he chose?

These bikes are all nightmares. Please don't buy those (well, the Yuba is legit, but not the top 3)

These are all consumer direct brands that you buy at department stores. People who put these together are generally not detail oriented. The parts spec (Altus derailleur?) is the cheapest shit possible that was not designed for an eBike application. The weight and torque of the bike is more than the parts are designed for. It will need servicing and the cassette/ chain will be roached every 500 miles or so.

Therein lies the kicker: most mainstream shops won't service these. No name motors (maybe Bafang if you're lucky) and batteries that are prone to catching on fire if you overcharge them means a shop won't take the chance. With all the proprietary parts and propriety firmware for the motor a shop would have a hard time even if they did take them in. I turn these bikes away from my shop every week and a lot of them are built by fly by night companies that fold or don't support the bike 2 years after you buy it.

If you are considering going the eBike route, get something with Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, TQ or similar MID DRIVE motor as opposed to these hub drive bikes. Hub drive bikes have weird cables that you dare not risk ripping out or nicking while taking out the 30lb rear wheel to change a flat and all that weight near the back of the bike makes for a shitty handling one.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Which one of those (Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, TQ) provides parts and service manuals to the end user for dyi repair?

[–] negativeyoda 3 points 10 months ago

Opening any of these motors voids the warranty, but most reputable shops have the firmware and diagnostic tools for these motors (as well as the ability to send them back for issues/service)

If you think something like a Super 73 will be serviceable by anyone, go nuts king

load more comments (1 replies)