Help me decide! I’m looking for a sub-$2500 electric step-through bike (like everyone else in Perth!). I’ve narrowed it down to:
Lekker Jordaan+
https://www.lekkerbikes.com.au/product/jordaan-ebike-womens/
Smartmotion Essence
https://www.smartmotionbikes.com.au/product/smartmotion-esse…
I’ve test-ridden the Smartmotion and enjoyed it. There’s no Lekkers to try in Perth, but I like the look :)
Your vote? Advice welcome :)
Thanks :) I’ll check it out. I was trying to avoid a trip to the city (looks like there’s NCMs at a store there) but I respect Ozbargainers’ recs!
I noticed the Smart Motion has "Front disc and rear V brake". Both only have 3 speed gears, I prefer to have a bit more of a range.
Smart Motion battery is a bit on the smaller side, 374Wh. Lekker is 522Wh. NCM Milano is 624Wh.
The Lekker has a front hub motor, most bikes are rear, I'm not familiar with the functional difference.
The NCM Milano seems better, I recommend trying it out. Go the Milano Plus if you want a larger capacity battery and hydraulic disc brakes.
Check out the NCM Facebook group, lots of riders if you have any questions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/ncmaustralia
Thanks this is really helpful. I’m happy having 3 gears - I’m commuting to work mainly and I like the simplicity :)
I’ve read mixed things about a front hub motor. The big plus is that if you get a puncture its easy to fix it yourself. The others are more difficult to remove the tyres apparently.
And yes the brakes are a big factor but the front is most important for stopping - so hey. I did enjoy riding the Smartmotion - very comfortable and effortless, and the throttle helped a lot with hill starts!
I’ll go check out the Milano tomorrow if there’s any left - bikes are quite scarce in Perth atm. Thanks again!
Wtf so expensive. Arent these just rebadges of chinese made bikes? Just get a Kogan one for half price (probably made in the same factory):
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/fortis-700c-36v-10ah-hybrid-com…
https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/fortis-26-36v-10ah-city-breeze-…
No, they’re not Chinese made bikes - I’m looking for something with hydraulic brakes, under ~30kg, and not prone to rust (I live near the beach). But thanks for the link, I’ll check them out too. I have crossed many cheaper Chinese-made ones off my list after trying them.
Are you sure? The frame for the kogan one and smartmotion looks awfully alike. I'm sure if you look at aliexpress or alibaba you'll find a similar framed one as lekker. They probably just assemble it for you.
Perhaps but it’s NZ-designed :) I’ve tried out a few and this was the most comfortable for me. I also like how it has a throttle.
But the Lekker one is pretty and has good reviews so I’m keen to hear of owners’ experiences.
Kogan trying to rip off the look and feel, but doesn’t mean it’s the same quality
@cloudy: Lol, i reckon you dont understand how these retail items are "designed" anymore. All these companies did were pick pre made parts thats available to everyone and assemble them in australia.
Its like me going to target,big w, Kmart & zara and buying different clothings and accessories. Then wearing the different mix n matches and calling it "my design".
The people who actually did the 3d modelling , stress testing, mould design, etc. Are most probably based in china.
@mrvaluepack: From what I’ve read, the Smartmotion came about because NZ people wanted the electric bikes the posties were using. The designer’s name is also given :)
Fortis 26" 36V 10Ah City Breeze Women's Electric Road Bike is sold out, what's the usual price of that one? It says it tackles hills, and how long it takes to charge, but not how long the battery lasts.
So I ordered the Lekker bike - the shop said if I don’t like it after a test ride I can buy the Smartmotion instead. Great customer service for ppl like me! I’ll report back when it finally arrives ;)
Hi! Did you get your bike? I’m keen to hear how you like it :-)
Unfortunately the statement on Lekker’s order page “will be delivered end of November” changed to October, and then January, so I’m still waiting. I wouldn’t mind so much if the wording had been different, eg “expected delivery” or “estimated delivery”. Patience…*
*too hot to ride anywhere in Perth atm anyway ;)
Ahh patience, the one thing on Ozbargain I can’t buy.
Thanks for the update and good luck!
eagerly waiting for the review, as am looking for one now :)
Hey,
Hopefully you are reading this after having ridden along the beach path on your new bike, on the bench with the bike glistening in the sun, overlooking the water :-)
Has it arrived yet?!?
I'm also looking for an ebike, just not one of those fold up ones… I haven't done any research yet, but I also didn't spend half the money on a new Xbox earlier today. I'm looking to spend about $1500.
I did like the spiel on the those Amsterdam bikes, just not the prices. But you have got me thinking about the front wheel drive and brakes, I hadn't considered those aspects before.
Not sure when I'll have the patience to read endless threads about the batteries on bike forums, it will mainly just be for going round mates' houses 2~6KM.
Oh and let us know how fast you can go ;-)
just get a scooter or normal push bike for your use, would say.
Oh just bought one an hour ago, off a mate, pretty sweet deal.
I used to ride around mates houses before, but I would be covered in sweat…
I'm happy now :-)
So what's you riding now ? Brand ? review pls
@Seven8Nine: My eBike (https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/359797/86811/20210130_…)
I'll get a pic of the battery n add that. Yeah she goes alright, up to 42KM. When the battery is enabled it's "assisted riding"
This is the closest I could find;
(https://www.carousell.sg/p/fat-bike-beinaiqi-cavalier-101387…) but without the electronics.
It's key operated, one turn for motor, next turn headlight, and also an on/off switch on the battery.
I've never rode a fat tyre bike before so turning is taking some getting used too.
I'm pretty happy with it :-)
@pennae sorry to edit this old post, but I'm seeing a Jordaaan ebike for sale second hand at $700.
Wanted to know how you found it after 2 years of riding.
Have you checked out NCM which is sold by Leon Cycles and has other distributors?
The Milano is a popular step through, I was looking at it as the Venice was too large for me.