EPV recommendations from your experience please (Electric Personal Vehicle)
5TL;DR? I need an electric vehicle for local errands. I want to spend less than $500. Skates, skateboards and hoverboards won’t work for me.
So last year I moved my mother from out of state, and got her a house very close to mine. It’s close enough to be a quick trip, but far enough away that walking, especially in the summer heat, or if I need to hurry, is just a bit too far.
I stop by to check on her several times a week. Rather than hopping in my truck and burning up dinosaurs every time I pop over to her house, I’m contemplating some form of electric conveyance. I suspect electric bicycles are probably above my current budget, so I’m likely limited to scooters.
Electric skateboards, hoverboards and the like are not in consideration because my bones are much more brittle than they were when I was 19. 
I need something with at least two wheels. Range should be 4-5 miles or more. I’m not looking to set any land speed records, but it would be nice if it would do at least 8-10mph. Oversize tires would be a welcome addition as well due to street conditions on the route between our houses.
And I want to spend less than a hunnert bucks. 
No, really, I realize I will have to spend more than a hundred, but it would be nice to trip into something reliable for a few hundred. $500 would be about the top of the mark for me to justify. I’m all for saving the planet and reducing my carbon footprint, but my budget hasn’t exactly signed on to that plan yet.
Anyone who has experience with EPVs as a commuter, please share your experience. I’m happy to hear from everyone, but if your experience is limited to “I rode my buddy’s scooter around the park once” I’m not sure I can glean much useful information from that.
- 21 comments, 88 replies
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You might be able to find an electric bicycle or scooter for less than $500.
Check sales and CL and the like. Ask at bike shops. Ask at bike clubs. Some of these places have bulletin boards.
Also so bike clubs have bulletin boards.
Also “bike people” know where to go to buy or find out about used bikes if good condition.
Don’t forget commuter/folding electric bicycles.
@f00l @ruouttaurmind
PS. Too bad golf carts prob don’t meet your budget, and aren’t street legal for neighborhoods.
@f00l Basic beat up golf carts on CL are often available for $200 to $300 in my area, but ya, the street legal thing is an issue. It’s possible to get it licensed for street use, but that’s more trouble than I’m interested in.
I have seen the Segway Ninebot series for under $500, and less than $400 refurb, but I’m not sure if I’m coordinated enough to master the whole no-handlebar knee control bit.
Just finding a deal on something isn’t necessarily what I’m seeking right now. I’m interested in finding a deal on something that’s not going to fall apart next month, so that’s really my main motivation for posting here.
@ruouttaurmind
I think I remember seeing electric-assisted bicycles for less than $500 on sale. Not sure, it’s been some years since I looked into this.
Re bike clubs:
Those people won’t steer you to junk. And you can always have a bicycle checked out before you purchase.
Around here some bike clubs refer to local “amateur/prof repair shops” (that are very dedicated and quite good) for newbies looking into bike purchases. The biking community lives to help people get into it, and some talented and skilled sorts bolunteer their time to repair/refurbish used bike that have decades left in them it treated properly.
This is all done, more or less, out of love.
That’s why I recommend you contact biking groups and clubs. Then will send you in good directions that you will never find on your own.
And they may also have sources for electric-assisted bikes or for scooter/vespa-type vehicles.
Re golf carts: are they legal on sidewalks? Do you have decent sidewalks in your area?
I sometimes see people in golf carts - they never seem to get in trouble - but it’s only in selected hi-end neighborhoods.
It just occurred to me.
I hadn’t considered the possibility of converting one of my bicycles to electric motorized power. I’m sure there must be kits out there for such a thing.
@ruouttaurmind was just going to suggest this. I have zero talent but I know you have some. I know servers people around here have a small motor rigged up.
@ruouttaurmind Kits, yes. Worthwhile, maybe not. Batteries are rarely included is because that’s where the major expense is.
@narfcake @ruouttaurmind I see them with a small gas motor. Not sure if that defeats the purpose or is using enough less gas.
@narfcake I have been researching the kits and quickly came to the conclusion that it’s just not worth it. I would be at my budget threshold of $500 for the kit and a cheap battery. A better quality battery puts me above $600 pretty quickly. I guess at that point I’m not that far from splurging on a turn-key solution.
@speediedelivery I did a 2-stroke “Whizzer” kit conversion on an old beach cruiser several years ago. I wound up selling it off at a tag sale because I had other toys to occupy my time. It was surprisingly easy to do the conversion, and of course it was a hoot to ride. I see eBay has the 2-stroke kits for just a bit over $100, and 4-stroke kits for about $200.
I only have experience with the Bird/Lime/Lyft on demand scooters not an owned scooter. All of the above seemed to ride and operate about the same and were speedy and fun enough.
Walmart has the Bird ES1 on sale for what seems like a good price to me of $299. Not sure if this is the same model they were actually using for the on demand business or not.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bird-ES1-300-Electric-Scooter-300-Watt-Motor-Ground-Effect-Lights-Front-Shock-Absorption-UL-2272-Approved-15-5-MPH-Mile-Range-Ultra-Lightweight-Scoot/413774345
@Ignorant It looks like the Bird on demand fleet was mostly comprised of the Xaomi Mi/Segway Ninebot scooters until recently. These start around $500 and up. It seems maybe the ES1 might be a Walmart exclusive model. Possibly a stripped down version of one of the other scooters Bird has licensed over the few years they’ve been around.
@ruouttaurmind I’m guessing a Bird branded version of the Segway ES1
https://store.segway.com/segway-ninebot-kickscooter-es1-g2?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIwNL60oyo6gIV6R-tBh2h8wtwEAAYASAAEgICCfD_BwE
@Ignorant Walmart has the Hover-1 Transport for $100. Low-end specs, but for a Franklin, maybe an option for dipping my toe in.
Max weight is rated at 150lbs, which I just clear. As long as I’m not carrying 10 pounds of stuff in a backpack or whatever.
@ruouttaurmind definitely easier to drop $100 than $300. Like you said lower specs for speed and range but they both fit with what you needed, might as well try it out.
Do you really need a street legal golf cart? I have people that drive those through my neighborhood all the time. If there’s a sidewalk they drive on that.
@RiotDemon Only if I want to follow the letter of the law. One of my neighbors has designed themselves as our neighborhood compliance official and never bypasses an opportunity to call the city or the police on me. I’m pretty sure it stems from the flashy, noisy hot rods “parading around our formerly peaceful community” (as stated in an unsolicited letter mailed to every address within a couple blocks of my house). This isn’t an HOA community, but she’s still dedicated to keeping the neighbors in line. She even monitors solid waste and recycling bins at each house for unbagged refuse, and items in recycling bins which haven’t been properly cleaned. She’s a real Mrs. Kravitz busybody.
One of my buddies got himself one of those electric unicycle wheels for zooming around his downtown work. I can’t see it as practical but he loves it. But you said no danger so I’ll drop it.
If your budget suddenly doubles, be aware that rad power bikes just introduced a sub-1k budget model. 500W versus the 750 their others have but still looks to be a serious piece of gear. If nothing else, you can go drool over their bikes: https://www.radpowerbikes.com/products/radmission-electric-metro-bike?variant=32397510246496
@djslack Dig it!
Need a laugh? A $900 brand new car bought on Alibaba.
https://jalopnik.com/heres-what-the-worlds-cheapest-electric-car-is-like-to-1843904305
@blaineg Checking freight costs now…
It’s likely to land at 3x my original budget, but I’d be the first kid on my block to drive a Changli.
@ruouttaurmind Torchinsky lays out all the details in
a series of articles & videos, but the short version is $900 base, $300 more for batteries (but they’re just regular lead acid car batteries, so you might do better buying them here), and all in with freight & fees about $3500.
Ah, here it is: https://jalopnik.com/this-is-how-much-buying-the-cheapest-new-car-in-the-wor-1843396488
@ruouttaurmind Another important point, Jason’s kid, pictured above, beat the Changli in an uphill drag race.
@ruouttaurmind On the other hand, the range is 27 miles.
@blaineg
I’m thinking someone with a well-stocked toolbox, an old 2,500 watt generator, and a little creativity might be able to hybridize that car and bump the range well above 100 miles.
@blaineg After purchase price, freight, sourcing batteries locally, MCO registration and inspection with DMV, vehicle registration and state sales tax (DMV accesses a use tax if no sales tax was paid at purchase) it comes in a bit over $4,500.
For that price I’d probably be better served picking up a second hand Prius which are occasionally available locally for under $5K and has air conditioning.
@blaineg @ruouttaurmind I’m pretty sure that cars less than 25 years old have to comply with U.S. safety standards to be street legal. This seems… unlikely.
And if you can’t get enough Changli, check out their scooter names.
https://jalopnik.com/you-need-to-take-a-moment-to-appreciate-these-translate-1844069403
Would you go for the War Wolf or the Small Pudding?
@blaineg Small Pudding. Definitely. Gotta set the bar low so every achievement seems like a milestone.
@blaineg idk I’ve always wanted a Maybach myself. It will give me street cred.
@blaineg
OMG I want one of each!
@ruouttaurmind, I think you’d better get one of these. Pref a 2-seater, so that mom can always have to option to back-seat-drive your entire life for you!
/giphy backseat driver
@f00l
When brought her here from TN, I drove her in her RV. About 1,800 miles. I didn’t keep count, but I’m pretty sure I didn’t drive a single mile without some kind of criticism coming from the passengers seat. A 38 foot long RV with 10 seats to choose and she had to spend every bit of the trip planted in that passengers seat. FML. The odometer said 1,800 miles and I promise you, I felt every mile.
@ruouttaurmind
/giphy pain
Just saw the other day that Segway Ninebot is running a Kickstarter for a new scooter. Barely over your budget at $569 and selling fast. I’ll leave it up to you to peruse the specs.
@cinoclav Thanks for the linky.
Ninebot is sure proud of their scooters, innit. Sure, it has a very refined look, and likely advanced electronics, but at that price point (even with the KS discount) the specs don’t look as attractive as the cosmetics. 12mph max speed, 7.5 mile max range, no forward-facing lighting, semi-solid tires and no suspension.
The GoTrax G3 at $500 MSRP has much better specs: 300 watt motor hub, 18mph max speed, 18 mile max range, front and rear disk brakes, larger pneumatic tires, full lighting package including headlight, brake light and front and rear marker lights. Heck, it even has cruise control for those truly inspired “hold my beer” moments.
I’m wishing now I had grabbed up one of the Xiaomi M365 Pro scooters before they dried up. They claimed over a 25 mile range and 16mph speed at about $400.
@ruouttaurmind Thanks for doing the research on the specs. Now I don’t want one either.
@ruouttaurmind The Xiaomi M365 Pro scooter appears to be still for sale… at least according to google…
@Kidsandliz Still for sale, definitely. Available for delivery from a reliable source at $400… not as much. The supply of many of these Chinasian scooters and e-bikes has dried up from reputable retailers. Best guess is it’s related to the Coronapocolypse? But I’m just speculating.
Lemme ask the stupidest question.
What’s wrong with using a bicycle for this mini commute?
Is it just too damned hot much of the year?
(If the commute is pretty short, the bicycle-addiction folks have come up with way to deal with heat, provided you are healthy enough to be riding or walking in that weather.)
@f00l Maybe @ruouttaurmind only has one functional leg. Pedaling with one leg would suck.
@cinoclav @ruouttaurmind
/giphy pedaling suckage
@f00l I play Uber driver for my mom many times throughout the week. Taking her to medical appointments mostly, and the occasional trip for groceries. Usually she will just give me a grocery list and I shop for her, but sometimes she just wants to get out of the house. I get that.
Anyway, if I’m taking her to medical appointments, the bank, her lawyer, I have to maintain a presentable appearance and relatively neutral odor. When it’s 110* or 112* or hotter outside it doesn’t take much pedaling to become disheveled and stinky. If I was playing chauffeur in my own vehicle it wouldn’t be a problem. But since she’s a chain smoker and I won’t let her smoke in my vehicles, we take hers everywhere.
Also, I spend at least two days a week working on her house for 7 or 8 hours. After an exhausting day of climbing around in the attic or pushing a lawn mower, the last thing I feel like doing is pedaling my sorry butt home in the extreme heat.
@ruouttaurmind
If you got a two-seater whatever:
Wouldn’t having her as a constant backseat driver for your entire life be so wonderful that it would compensate for all else?
/giphy no escape
You really are an awesome son.
POPSOCKETS! COURT DOCKETS! FOLK ROCK HITS! AWESOME!
@ruouttaurmind
Btw
What’s the Uber policy on allowing passengers to chainsmoke? does she get a ride just Uber driver or can Uber drivers control that?
@f00l THIS Uber driver has no control. It’s something I tolerate because she’s my mom. I can’t stick her in a real Uber or Lyft because she would be terrified. Remember, this is a lady who spent the last 35 years in a very rural setting, seldom leaving the farm for all that time, and only being exposed the occasional neighbor pop-in.
@ruouttaurmind
How do you control how much smoke you have to beathe?
I’m guess I’m lucky neither of my parents smoked
@f00l I insist she lower her window a few inches, and lower the window behind her. This does a modest job of sucking most of the ambient smoke out the windows on her side. It’s not ideal. But like I said, she’s my mom. It’s not like I can refuse to take her to the doctor, innit.
@ruouttaurmind
Do you control how much smoke you breathe when you’re at her house?
@f00l Yes!
Before I moved her into the new house I had a very long discussion with her about the wisdom of refraining from smoking inside the house. What really sold her on that plan? I took her into the storage room where I had been stockpiling her stuff as I moved it here. The cigarette stink was so bad it made her eyes water and after a minute she was getting nauseous. And all this stuff had been in storage for over six months. I told her that’s what her old house smelled like every time I walked in the door. She has been in the new house since September and hasn’t smoked inside once.
@ruouttaurmind
Really happy to hear that. I feared you would get some awful effects from working in a smoke-permeated residence.
@f00l I was a club DJ for years and years before my state banned smoking in public places. Unfortunately I’ve had plenty of exposure to clouds of second hand smoke.
I’ve been researching the Razor scooters. They have a few different models that look interesting. These have reasonable specs and an attractive price. My only concern is Razor still relies on lead acid batteries. Cheap enough to replace, but less performance and heavier weight than Li-ion system. Retrofitting to Li-ion is not an economical solution.
The only advantage I can think of for lead acid cells is the relatively inexpensive cost and wide availability to replace.
Should I consider this battery tech a showstopper?
I don’t know the exact circumstances do you live within a mile of her would you have to cross any major streets or can you stay with in residential areas?
If you can stay within strictly residential areas can you use sidewalks the entire way?
If the answer is yes then I’d just get a golf cart
it’s easier to manage
Shaded!
Your neighborhood will envy you
you’ll enjoy it more
Less worry about accidents
If you would like to go the golf cart direction but are worried about your crazy neighbor then you could talk to the police department and see if it’s legal on sidewalks before you cross that off
@f00l Golf carts are not legal on sidewalks here. They must be operated on the street, and must be licensed to operate on the street.
@ruouttaurmind
Is getting one licensed terribly painful or expensive?
you mentioned you could get one for 200 bucks
@f00l Over $500 by the time the inspections are done and fees are paid. For that amount of money I would prefer the flexibility of an electric scooter or folding bike. Much easier to store than a big golf cart.
Why the emphasis on EPV?
@f00l To avoid burning dinosaurs as much as I can without major expense or large inconvenience.
Have you thought about a horse?
@therealjrn
Donkies/ponies/burros fit better in a suburban backyard
/giphy my little pony
@therealjrn I considered a Great Dane or a Mastiff but ruled it out when I realized they eat pounds of food a day. And what does pounds of food today turn into tomorrow? Pounds of
On Monday I decided to just cheap out and get the Hover-1 scooter from Walmart for $100. As I was checking out I realized if I waited until Today, July 1st, I could pay with my Discover via PayPal and save another $5.
And of course today the price is up to $120.
No worries! I had a standby plan. Same deal with Discover 5% bonus cash back for PayPal, but this one is at Target. A Jetson Bold mini e-bike. On sale for $350, with my Discover 5% that comes down to about $330. And today Target is sold out of the Jetson Bolt.
So I’m still looking.
/image Jetson Bolt
@ruouttaurmind
Target is sold out nationwide?
If not, did you use Brickseek?
Btw is that steet legal or is it for sidewalks?
@f00l Well, not sold in stores, at least in my region. Out of stock for shipping. I signed up for an in-stock notification, so maybe it will come back before the discount price expires.
This is considered a e-bike, and just as street legal as any bicycle. In most jurisdictions in my state, bicycling on sidewalks is technically unlawful and restricted to bike paths or the street.
@f00l
Target now has this back in stock. Also, Amazon now has a couple in stock (but no Discover Card 5% / $17.50 bonus cash back).
I may opt for Amazon and forgo the additional discount in favor of having it Friday versus next Tuesday.
@ruouttaurmind
That’s intriguing. I thinking I’m starting to cover one.
(I don’t need one at the moment)
/giphy WANT
So Chase Freedom cashback category for Q3 includes Amazon. I have a Chase Freedom card, plus I can apply any reward points I have to an Amazon purchase, so double bonus.
Unfortunately Amazon sold out while I was in the checkout process. New stock expected in late July or August.
No worries. Ordered a Jetson Bolt e-bike from Target with a projected delivery date of next Friday, 7/10.
Here’s a linky to the manufacturer’s product page. You can purchase the Bolt directly from their website for the same $350 price using discount code SUMMER20 on checkout.
Here’s a linky to the Target product listing in case you’re just dying make the switch to an e-bike.
And the Amazon product listing in case you want to make the switch to an e-bike, but aren’t in any hurry.
Why I chose this particular option:
Specs are more than enough for my needs:
Potential cons I see:
Overall, based on the features/price/performance formula, I’m satisfied with my choice. At least until this model is discontinued and they flood the market for $200.
Anxiously awaiting Friday the 10th!
Here’s a pic of the previous generation Bolt fitted with a nifty basket:
@ruouttaurmind Looks nifty!
@therealjrn I’ve been reading online and watching YT reviews for this bike. One thing I discovered is the max speed stated on Jetson’s website is incorrect. They state the max speed out of the box. But in its default factory settings, they set a speed governor to limit the speed to the stated 15mph. If you download the Jetson app and pair to the bike via Bluetooth, you can remove the governor and set max speed to 19mph. Zoom!
@ruouttaurmind ZOOM!
@therealjrn Zooming so fast it seems to have left the img behind.
@ruouttaurmind weird. It’s a picture of the Jetsons of course
@therealjrn
ZOOOM!
@ruouttaurmind @therealjrn webp files no worky with iOS for now. Should be added with the upcoming iOS 14.
@ruouttaurmind I have a scooter with 12" tires. They get inflated to 90 psi and roll like the dickens. Enjoy the new ride!
@ruouttaurmind did you see the bikes on morningsave? Also there is a 20% off coupon today!
https://morningsave.com/events/electric-mobility-by-gopowerbike-1
@tinamarie1974 I was just looking at those. The GoBike Govelo seems to be a rebranded version of the Dyu SmartBike D1, very similar to the Jetson I just ordered from Target. Price would be $50 less than I paid from Target (after including my Discover Cash Back bonus).
This is a tough call. $50 is nothing to sneeze at. But if there is an issue with the bike when it arrives, it’s so much more painless to deal with Target than the mediocre system. With the defective items I’ve received from previous mediocre purchases I was told to deal with the manufacturer for warranty service.
I do dig that GoPower folding bike though. It rolls up into a wee little package:
@ruouttaurmind that is supa tiny and would be easy to store in the garage! But I get what you are saying about Target vs Meh. Likely made the right choice
@tinamarie1974 I also just noticed the warranty on Morningsave: 90 day MorningSave Warranty versus 1 year manufacturers warranty and free tech support if I stick with Target. Plus no mobile app for the GoPower models.
I do love a $50 savings though.
@ruouttaurmind @tinamarie1974 And using meh you may not get it for a month+. And it may have been drop kicked a few times before arrival.
Go Target! My Jetson Bolt was delivered this morning via FedEx. No curious tours around the country, no prolonged visits to Greenville, just a direct line from San Bernardino to my front door.
Fixin’ to unbox and charge the battery after I take the hounds out then give them some supper. If all goes well I will be able to make my maiden voyage before bedtime.
Unboxing: First reaction? This thing is extremely well packaged. It was overboxed in a brown cardboard shipping box with a glossy retail box inside. The bike itself was boxed with much attention to preventing packaging and shipping wear or damage.
Lots of bubble wrap and foam wrap, plus some high density foam rubber blocks attached in strategic locations. Zero styrofoam packing.
Instead Jetson opted for recyclable cardboard folded and die-cut to firmly hold everything in place, paying attention to ensure all contact points between cardboard and bike were well wrapped in bubble wrap or foam wrap. Cosmetically everything is pristine.
Once unpacked, it’s obvious the bike is shipped approximately 99% assembled. The only real assembly required is to thread on the foot pegs, push on the seat, and attach the rear fender with the included screw using the included hex wrench. Total unbox and assembly time was a few seconds over 4 minutes.
I’ve connected the battery charger, and will read the owner’s manual while it’s charging. Jonesin’ for the test drive!
@ruouttaurmind
Nice write-up.
Maybe you ought to start a deals and product review blog called
“Shopping for Mom”.
@f00l I don’t think there is enough persuasion in the history of mankind to convince mom to ride this thing.
Although she was a terror on the zero-turn riding mower, so…
@f00l IDK, remember we are still waiting for the final miniature report from@ruouttaurmind lol
@ruouttaurmind
I conceive of the “Shopping For Mom Blog” to include info not only re what you get for her or persuade her to get for herself;
but also what you buy or contemplate buying for yourself, so that you can cope with her being nearby, and with her “being herself”.
@tinamarie1974 Ya, sorry about that. I kinda dropped the ball on that one. Her current medical situation has consumed a significantly larger portion of my time than I anticipated. That one is still on the back burner awaiting my return.
@f00l I gotcha now. All aspects of dealing with her and her momness. I could even throw in tips to make doctors lobby waits less excruciating, tuning out backseat driver criticisms, the most efficient way to do prescription refill runs or grocery shopping trips (spoiler alert: leaving mom at home is key to painless grocery trips)… all things elder parent related.
@f00l @ruouttaurmind oh I forgot about her situation. Sorry!!
Hope things are at least moving in the right direction.
Heck yes the battery is charged! I was hoping to attach my GoPros and get some first ride vid, but it’s dusky right now and the GoPros struggle in intermediate lighting. Daylight is good, nighttime works well, dusk… and they choke.
Anyway, out of the box it’s speed-restricted to 12mph. I chose to leave the setting untouched for now. A quick zip up and down my street yields 12mph in around 35-40 feet, easily maintaining that speed, occasionally creeping up to 12.4ish. I attribute the fluctuation to minor variations in elevation or rolling resistance on less-smooth sections of pavement.
It’s really, really quiet. Except for the whisper of the tire treads rolling on the street, it’s basically silent.
@ruouttaurmind
So … is it fun???
@f00l I just turned max speed up to 18mph. Surprisingly, it actually exceeds that, holding a stable 18.5mph.
@ruouttaurmind
Super
/want!
@f00l FWIW, I had one of my researchers contact GoPower RE: the GoVelo bike offered at MorningSave. Although that model doesn’t have any Bluetooth interface, it is still possible to increase the maximum speed beyond the advertised 15mph. GoPower told her it can achieve “up to 19mph max speed depending on road conditions, ambient temperature and rider weight.” This can be done using the LCD display interface on the bike.
Brought me a minor twinge of regret for passing on this weekend’s coupon discount.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Real World Review: Jetson Bolt Electric Bike
Yesterday afternoon was my first real ride of the Bolt e-bike.
Here’s a TL;DR bullet point review with some explanations in the section below if you are looking for more info.
Good:
Bad:
Summary:
Adequate local runner, probably suitable as a campus cruiser or neighborhood errands, but choose the Dyu or GoPower branded flavours first because they have dual brakes for around the same price. Fitting this with a front brake isn’t a huge or expensive undertaking, and should be considered if the Jetson is your choice. However it will increase your purchase price by around $25, so keep this in mind when contemplating overall value.
So will I keep it? If Target will accept it back without much fuss, I will return it. I feel like the inadequate brake system is a potential safety hazard (Note: The GoPower GoVelo offered for sale at MorningSave and elsewhere does not share this design gaff; it’s equipped with front and rear brakes).
The wonky geometry is my other primary dislike. The HTA and FRA are modest to start with. It probably would be functional enough at that. But in order to accomplish the folding handlebar feat, the (very tall) steering stem has a defeating angle. This orients the stem extension nearly vertical. Turning the handlebars doesn’t really rotate the bars, but rather results in a sort of sweeping motion. It’s difficult to describe, but at higher speeds on uneven pavement the headset tends to get a mind of it’s own. If you’re used to traditional bicycle or motorcycle steering geometry the Bolt will definitely seem a little squirrelly. The high-and-forward COB amplifies this effect. If you’re a MC rider, compare it to riding a Harley cruiser with it’s low, rearward COG vs. a Katana with a much higher, forward COG. It’s not a huge deal at 18mph, but on a longer ride I can easily see this becoming tiresome. No lazy riding on a long commute. Not a deal breaker for me since my use case is sub-2 mile rides, but not ideal.
Ya, and I’m back to shopping for a better solution. If this was, dunno, a $200 e-bike I would definitely be keeping it. I’m all in closer to $380 so I expected a bit more safety for nearly four Bens. If Target gives me any grief RE: returning it, I’ll keep it and add a front brake, making it a very functional solution for my needs.
@ruouttaurmind
Thx good stuff.
Target accepted my return without question and issued a cash refund. I guess they do that for PayPal purchases. In and out of the store in about 5 min.
I’m continuing my search. In retrospect, I guess I should have taken a chance on that MorningSave coupon deal. /shrug
So I’m still looking for anyone who has experience with e-scooters and e-bikes to chime in. Also, if anyone spots what looks like a decent deal, please tag me here or in the deals topic.
@ruouttaurmind This has your name on it.
https://www.thisiswhyimbroke.com/electric-off-road-rollerblades/#:~:text=616 saves-,Electric Off-Road Rollerblades,miles on a single charge.
Note the name of the site.
Edit: Damn, the selling site is no longer working. I guess you were too slow to buy one, @ruouttaurmind.
@Barney @ruouttaurmind
For the click-impaired and the lazy
I’d like him to travel to mom’s place in one of these
/giphy WWII army tank
The latest tanks are too high tech. He’ll want something basic.
@Barney @ruouttaurmind
Giphy hates me right now. I’m stopping there.
/image WWII tank
@Barney @f00l Oh ya, those skates have cranial trauma written all over them.
Then there’s the polar opposite, the Sherman tank. As much fun as that may be, 0.7 miles per gallon is a wee bit off putting.
@Barney @ruouttaurmind
Let mom cover operating expenses. She’ll love it.
@f00l @ruouttaurmind I’d let you borrow my bike helmet.
@f00l She would be too worried about what the neighbors would think. Boy, she sure shed her rural independence don’t care what others think attitude pretty quickly.
@Barney, Kind of you, but I’m more of a summer tone. Purple tends to leave me looking washed out.
How about a DIY speed demon?
https://hackaday.com/2020/07/06/the-spin-cycle-washing-machine-motor-converts-10-speed-to-e-bike/
@ruouttaurmind I’d let you borrow my bike helmet.
@djslack SIXTY EIGHT MILES PER HOUR?!?!
@ruouttaurmind i know. The last time i did those kinds of speeds on a bicycle i wound up in the hospital. But you’d sure get there in a hurry.
Hey. This is a little out of your preferred price range; but for mom, you’d do anything. Right?
So:
Tritow Electric Kids Ride On Cars 12V Battery Power Vehicles W/Wheels Suspension Seater Remote Control Motorized Simulation Model SUV Music& Story Playing Colorful Lights https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TRVPL6H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GU5cFb9BN35JQ
For mom, you’d diet down to under 110 lbs and scrunch yourself way down in order to fit. Right?
A bargain at $2079.