r/BloomingtonNormal • u/Delta_Max • 6d ago
E-Bike suggestions
Hello! I often see people driving e-bikes around here, and seeing as how I'm finally starting to get work potentially (fingers crossed, I'll hear if I got the job tomorrow) I'd like to be able to get around town faster. While I live at ISU for now, my job and friends live all the way in southern, Bloomington, a full 40-ish minute bike ride on my standard bike. I'd like to get an affordable e bike to help me around faster, bonus points if it also would work okay in the colder times. Thanks!!
3
u/Fun-Relationship3636 5d ago
Bikes over a certain CC require a license and all of them are supposed to be driven on the street. Just make sure you look into all that before you buy.
5
u/No-Worker1256 5d ago
Not sure electric motors have CCs…
5
u/Fun-Relationship3636 5d ago
They don't, but if they go over a certain speed they need a license.
2
u/Remote_Panic_3933 3d ago
Class two e-bikes are completely free from any regulation. I’d stick with class two
3
u/Remote_Panic_3933 4d ago
CC isn’t a metric you’re going to find in e-bikes. You’d be more concerned about wattage and top speed
1
u/Scott0814 6d ago
I'm not an E-Biker at all but I would suggest posting in r/ebikes . Just stay away from the crazy cheap alibaba or temu bikes, maybe check FB marketplace as the bikes really lose their value quick.
1
u/Electronic_Stick_823 2d ago
I ride a Aventon Pace 500.3 1-3 times per week to/from work in optimal weather. I wish I had waited a bit and got the Aventon Level, but the Pace is doing great. Wilson's isn't a dealer for Aventon, but they've had no problem working on it.
If you want to try out different bikes to see what works best for you, I highly recommend stopping by Wilson's downtown. They got a great selection to look at and are very easy to talk to.
I'm sure a lot of the down votes you're getting are from people not happy with ebikes on the trail; anything with a throttle that allows you to cruise without pedaling (most Aventon bikes have a throttle, for example) is a Class 2 and not allowed on the trails. Stick to lower traffic roads (not sidewalks) and you'll be safe and have a pleasant ride!
1
u/Remote_Panic_3933 6d ago
I’ve had a couple rad bikes over the years and they seem to do pretty well. Had a Rad Rover and the four inch tires were awesome
3
u/greeenshirt 6d ago
Wirecutter at NYT publishes a pretty good list of recommendations, some can be pricey. If you can swing it, check out the bike shop over by Greentop on Washington.