I'm in the market to replace my car with an ebike, if only temporarily. However the trends on popular ebikes are, in my opinion, really awful. Here's what I'm looking for, in order of priority, maybe you can help me:
- No apps. I have no interest in fancy features and don't want my bicycle locked behind some fly-by-night company's server.
- Serviceable. Must have standard-sized components.
- 750w power. I'm a relatively fit (I ride MTB regularly) but also big guy (~260lbs) and there are several large and steep hills right outside my door that I have to ride to go absolutely anywhere.
- Narrow tires. I don't understand the fad where every ebike must have fat tires. These lower efficiency/range and just look goofy as hell in my opinion.
- No suspension. In my opinion, for road-ish bikes, suspension is unnecessary, and adds multiple maintenance/failure points.
- Tall tires. These are going to do a whole lot more for ride comfort than fat tires. Standard 700c wheels are preferred.
- Good-looking. I suppose this is subjective but something that looks similar to a normal road/gravel bike.
- Cost-effective. I have zero loyalty to any particular brand. Since it's replacing my car, it's fine if it's expensive, but it shouldn't be exorbitantly so.
If I can't find one, I suppose I'll have to build my own...
Get an analog bicycle frame for not much money, and slap a generic hub motor kit onto it. Done.
That's what I did on my old mountain bike. I actually actively cockle my snoot at the local constabulary and I have a 1000w motor and controller, but 750 is readily available. My kit has no connectivity and no app. Just off and on, and three (IIRC) power modes, the only one of which I ever use being the topmost one.
That's what I might do. I actually already have a good frame. But I looked into it and the kits I found were $1k. So might as well just buy a pre-assembled one at that price.
This was pre-COVID, but I'm pretty sure I put mine together including the battery and all for a little under $500. I bought the motor kit and battery separately, which was cheaper.