My observations, the range and availability of e-bikes in Australia is continually improving and the cost falling. Initially I suspect we were paying a premium price because it was new and because in Australia our importers/distributors price to a premium. Part of feeling special riding a $2k or more expensive bike when the kids get around on a $150 from K-Mart. Compared to elsewhere in the world many new tech items can sell for much less than here, often closer to half the price. My nearing 3yo folding e-bike bought from a large Aussie bike chain was around $2k when new. Primitive with a front wheel hub drive and 3 speed rear hub.
Leitner Australia now offer a similar purpose bike with mid drive, and other improvements for around $1400.
A bike with no battery or electric drive!
I admire those who can ride human power only over hill and dale for 100-200km on a Sunday morning.
More precisely though a hybrid bike in context is said to include design features from mountain bikes and road bikes. Does this deliver a bike that is good on the road and on the mountains? Or are the compromises too great, with the product doing neither well?
P.S.
Similar in thought to an unlikely a cross between a Series 70 LandCruiser and Lexus LFA. The inspired Lamborghini LM002 might be a real world contender, despite it’s lack of achievement.
It’s welcome.
For the average cyclist perhaps a bike is just a bike.
Appreciate that there are those happy with the more traditional pedal only power. A ‘hybrid’ bike may be best and what the local bike specialist promotes based on needs.
I can see the appeal especially around Brisbane and other not so flat places for a variety of E-bikes.
I have been given Schwinn Voader 27 with pedal assist as a present. Does anyone have any advice on this bike. Also, I cannot find a manual on how to use or maintain it.
Many bikes do not have explicit model specific manuals. Check the Schwinn ‘Hybrid Electric’ to see if it makes sense with your e-bike.
You will also find various blogs such as this with tutorials for use.
As an aside I am unable to find a Voader ‘27’ just an ‘non-numbered’ model and a Voader 650. Is this non-numbered ‘commuter’ the '27? They look like the same ebike excepting for tyre size and judging by the pricing from different shops perhaps the ‘27’ is a superseded model?
27 is an old wheel/tyre standard size - in inches, sizes such as 700C or 650B or C, in mm, are now quite common size wheels on bikes, so the model numbers perhaps apply just to the tyre size
Thanks Phil
It did - but nothing tells me how to deal with the sheer weight of the bike, when I try to take off at traffic lights! I wobble like a six year old… Should I not have anything on the carrier?
This video is not about your explicit problem but might be helpful anyway although dependent on whether yours is pure pedal assist as I suspect or also has a throttle.
As learned with pushbikes through to motorcycles a bit of speed steadies and when pushing off from a standstill many are reticent to ‘push it’ so start very slowly and wobble. The more weight the more that comes into the equation. A more spirited takeoff might be scary but something to try off-road and with an empty basket, and progressing to your ‘real world situation’ as confidence builds.
I’ve just read the article on Choice’s first e-bike test. I have a Lekker Amsterdam GT. The article only talks about the motor but the GT has 6 levels of assistance PLUS a sliding range of gears activated by the right handle bar. This provides additional assistance on steep hills. The bike is heavy to move around but once you get on and start riding the weight isn’t an issue. I think it’s important to incorporate options like the extra assistance in future reviews.
I have moved your post about e-bike reviews into the topic that covers these reviews. Thank you for your comments, I am sure CHOICE staff responsible for this area of reviews will appreciate the feedback.
One issue that may make it difficult to change some of the reporting is that some reviews are conducted by sister organisations of CHOICE. I believe that the latest reviews were conducted by one of these sister organisations in NZ. If a member of CHOICE, you can leave your feedback on an item at the reviewed item’s webpage e.g., https://www.choice.com.au/products/transport/bikes/electric/focus-adventura-68-2023
