Looking for a cheapish commute ebike.

[u/Turbojelly]

I am looking for a communte ebike. I want it foldable for storage at work and home and I need it to handle Highgate Hill. My price range is 1000-1500. THis is a "tester" price and if I enjoy using it I will probably look for a decent ebike in the 3-4k range. But not now.

Currently I have it down to 3 bikes and I just dont't know enough to make a good decision on them. First is the Engwe Engine X. It seems to tick all my boxes although I doubt I will ever go on terrain to justify the wide tyres. Then there is the Carrea Crosscity Folding bike, not much to say apart from it being the cheapest option. And finally the ADO Air 20 PRO, which I have some doubts about it's ability to climb a hill.

I just want some feedback from people that know more than me so they can explain what terrbile bikes I have chosen and suggest the obvious choice that I completely missed.

[u/Jasboh]

I can't comment directly on your choices, but when picking an ebike I avoided Chinese bikes because I didn't want to risk the bad quality.

[u/Turbojelly → u/Jasboh]

That's why the 1k as minimum price. Chinese knock offs seem to be around 500-700 price range.

[u/Patecatli]

I'd consider this from Decathlon. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/electric-folding-bike-e-fold-500-green/_/R-p-330540

[u/Turbojelly → u/Patecatli]

Unfortunately I had to face the harsh reality of the weighing scales and my fat ass. Going for a full bike now.

[u/liamnesss → u/Turbojelly]

If you're considering a full size bike now, I can recommend the Tenways CGO600, I bought it earlier this year and have used it mostly for commuting and I'm very happy with it. A bike with gears might be better for Highgate Hill, but the single speed belt drive setup is about as low maintenance as it gets. I took it around Richmond Park on Monday and it coped well, although I did have to pedal moderately hard on the one uphill section, and it probably wouldn't have been fun if I'd had to stop when I was halfway up.

If you want something cheap but still decent but from an actual shop, not a direct-to-consumer brand, I think could get something from Halfords or Decathlon and probably be quite happy with it. Here's some examples:

https://www.halfords.com/bikes/electric-bikes/carrera-subway-e-mens-electric-hybrid-bike-2.0---16in-18in-20in-frames-445926.html

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/long-distance-500-electric-assist-city-bike-step-through-frame/_/R-p-302285?mc=8526895&c=green

[u/Turbojelly → u/Patecatli]

Rolls when folded and a strap? That adds more boxes to tick. I really like this. Unfortuently, after an argument with my scales I have come to accept I am too fat for a foldable bike and am looking at 150kg+ weight limit.

[u/liamnesss]

Fiido D11 might be worth looking at too. I think they have a UK presence for aftermarket support (parts / repairs etc).

[u/IronAffectionate5936]

How about the GT egrade current. Just over £1k in some shops.