In this post, I’m going to highlight the three bikes that made my own personal “short list” of ebikes that I considered prior to making a purchase.  I’ll highlight what I saw as some of the pros and cons of each bike, but I want to emphasize that there are lots of great electric bikes out there to choose from.  I would expect anyone else’s list to look pretty different from mine as there are a number of factors that could impact the decision, including use case, budget, rider’s height and weight, sense of personal aesthetic, riding style, bike geometry, location,  etc.  (For my search critiera, refer to my last post.)

Finalist #1:  eZee Forza/Hebb Electro Glide 500

OK, so these are actually two different bikes from two different companies, but they are grouped together in my mind and I’ll explain why.  Due to the limited number of electric bike dealers in my part of the country, I began my electric bike investigation by watching a number of video reviews.  The best electric bike reviews are done by Peter at NYCeWheels.  After reading and watching a lot of reviews (both from NYCeWheels and elsewhere), it became apparent that this shop also carries quality bikes.  I filled out the selection form on their website and the eZee Forza quickly gravitated to the top of my list.

eZee Forza

Photo Credit: treehugger.com

Pros:

1. This bike met all my above named criteria, except for those on my plus list.
2.  Sport Model priced under $2,000.

Cons:

1. 17″ frame, which could prove a little small for someone over 6′ tall.
2. No dealers in the region so  I would not have the ability to ride before I buy.
3. The Deluxe Model is no longer imported to the US so no computer or integrated lighting.

Photo Credit: electric-bikes.findthebest.com

I found myself wondering if there might be a similar bike to the eZee Forza, that was more widely available in the states, with a little larger frame.  I found what I was looking for, along with an integrated computer and headlights in the Hebb Electro Glide 500 for only a few hundred dollars more than the Forza.  I was struck by the similarity between these two bikes.   I can’t cite the source, but I read on one site that the bikes are made in the same factory, which would certainly explain the similarities.

Pros:

1. This bike met all my above named criteria, except for those on my plus list.
2. Larger 19″ frame available.
3. Integrated computer and lighting.

Cons:

1. No dealers in the region so  I would not have the ability to ride before I buy.

For a full list of specifications on the  Hebb Electro Glide 500, visit http://www.hebbebikes.com/pdf/ElectroGlide-500-electric-bike.pdf.

Video review:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5VD_OEFu10

Finalist #2:  Stromer (Standard Model)

The Swiss-designed Stromer presents as a high end mountain bike.  Unlike the majority of other bikes that I looked at, the battery is contained in the downtube of the frame so you don’t look at it and immediately guess that it’s an electric bike.  The Stromer also boasts a 600 watt rear hub motor and and has a dual power mode, meaning you can switch back and forth between ped-assist and power on demand (throttle).  Riding this bike was a lot of fun.  As someone who has favored a mountain bike for many years, I felt right at home – like me on my best day, only better!

Stromer Standard

Photo Credit : Legacy E-Ride

Pros:

1. Battery integrated into frame.
2. Dual modes of power.
3. Available in multiple sizes, including a 20″ frame.
4. Available to test ride in the region.

Cons:

1. Higher Price point.
2. Does not include rack, fenders, integrated lighting, or computer on this model (but you can install your own).

Finalist #3:    A2B Metro by HeroEco (formerly Ultra Motor)

The A2B Metro is really in a class of its own.  Technically, it’s a bicycle, but it presents more like a scooter or a moped that underwent a major makeover.  Dubbed by some as the “Hummer of Electric Bikes”, this was the bike that I was looking forward to riding the most as it was a totally new experience.  I really enjoyed riding this bike around the streets of downtown Cincinnati, which included some great hills.  Riding an A2B definitely turned heads, which was fun.  I want to give another shout out to Shawn at  roll-n (aka Segway of Cincinnati) for all his assistance.  We really hit it off and I enjoyed talking with him about the various electric vehicles he sells (including Segways and even skateboards).

A2B Metro

Photo Credit: http://heroeco.com

Pros:

1. Unique Design.
2. 500 Watt Engine.
3. Cool integrated computer in higher trim model.
4. Available to test ride in the region.

Cons:

1. Higher Price point.
2. Does not include rack (but you can have one added).
3. Almost all parts are specific to the bike and not standard bike components.
4. Heavier than other models.

For a full list of specifications on the  A2B Metro, visit  http://a2b.ultramotor.com/en_us//metro.

Video review:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkZ-4oFD5A0&feature=pyv

Conclusion

So which bike did I decide to purchase?  Stay tuned for the final post of my electric bike search!