My existing mid-drive Class 3 ebike weights 95 lbs (43 kg) loaded. What could I replace it with?
My existing mid-drive Class 3 ebike weights 95 lbs (43 kg) loaded. What could I replace it with?
The title describes the gist of things. In 18 months of owning my Bikonit MD750, I've traveled over 2100 km (1300 miles) in day, night, and rain; swapped out four sets of tires trying to lower the rolling resistance; built my own new set of 29" wheels with ebike-speed rated tires; and have taken it on mixed-mode adventures by using light-rail as my range extender.
It's the latter where the weight is a small issue, as the light rail train has three stairsteps onboard, which I have to carry the bike up and onto. 43 kg is kinda a lot, although that does include all the things I will need for a day out. I can pursue getting stronger to lift it more easily, or convincing the transit department to acquire low-floor trains, but I'd like to know my options:
What are some Class 3, mid-drive ebikes currently available in the USA, that weigh less than 43 kg (95 lbs)? Ideally, less than 25 kg (55 lbs) too, as that's the most common weight restriction for buses. I want to see what y'all can recommend, irrespective of price or range or other considerations.
I'm not likely to terminate my investment in this current ebike, as it's provided sterling service thus far. But I wonder if maybe what I have has already been outmoded by the latest developments in this ever-changing slice of the mobility space.
TY in advance!
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95lbs is quite a bit of weight! I totally understand the desire to get something lighter and easier to deal with. It's one reason why I recently got an acoustic folder.
A significant amount of weight comes from the battery and motor. Reducing weight to <50lbs means going for a smaller battery and likely a smaller motor.
In other words, consider going to class 1 or 2. There are more road and commuter bikes in that class which meet that weight target. For example, Trek's FX+ 2 at just over 40lbs. Smaller batteries also mean less expense, so perhaps you'll keep your existing bike instead of selling it. Then you'll be able to choose the right bike for the day's plan. :)
I currently have an acoustic bike and this ebike. What I'm hoping to avoid is N+1 Syndrome, which is the desire to have N+1 bikes, where N is the current number of bikes lol
But I think you're right that the 25 kg target for a Class 3 with appreciable range may be tough to find. I'm in the fortunate position where I can take bus and/or light-rail with the acoustic bike no-problem, or can run the ebike for 20 km to the light-rail station and still have range at the end of the line. It may be too much of a stretch to have the features of both bikes: lots of range plus full compatibility with transit.
Hah! I said "thanks for helping me solve my N+1 problem" to the sales guy at my LBS after walking out the door with the folder. More bikes is always the right answer! 🤣
Yeah, I can see you're trying to thread the needle here. It's going to be tough. Opening up your parameters is at least a decent start towards filling a spreadsheet of potential bikes.