Choosing Foldable E-Bikes for RV Travel

[docque]

My Wife and I have been living out of our RV since May. We have had a few cases where e-bikes would be handy.

Now I know that the Lectric bikes are said to be number one. But the more I see, the more I think it is YouTube Influencers behind that.

During our time traveling, I have seen only a few Lectric bikes.

Of course, the bikes I do see I can't catch the brand. I know I see many of the Aventon E-bikes around.

Now I am not a cheap guy but if there is no reason to spend money on something when you can get the same for cheaper, I am all for that.

I am thinking foldable would be best, but some on the smaller bikes I hear the balance is odd for someone 6'4".

 

[Hoopy Frood]

We have the Lectric trike for Peggy, and it has been trouble-free for the last couple years. The price was comparable to any of the other trikes we looked at. It hauls Peggy's son around at the RV park very well, and he weighs in the neighborhood of 225 lbs.

 

[Aleman]

I have the Lectric XP4. It folds and has plenty of power and decent range. The throttle’s a little touchy and the stock seat sucks so I replaced it. Otherwise it seems like a good build. I’m 6’1” and it’s comfortable for me but seems a little short in the wheelbase. I’d call it a compact bike. I’ve seen a few around campgrounds and in my neighborhood. The best selling e-bike thing is just marketing most likely. But they do review pretty well. If interested I’d say try to find a way to ride one before buying.

 

[Jason-Texas]

We previously owned Lectric and liked them and now we have Electra Cruiser and we like them better. Mainly because the ergonomic design of Electra, they are lighter by about 20 pounds, tires not as wide, and the beach cruiser handle bars allow you to sit upright, doesn’t hurt your back. Everyone will have different opinions. Suggest going to a local reputable bike shop and test ride.

 

[Dutchman2]

We purchased (2) Aventon Pace-500 E-bikes after DW convinced me it was a good idea. I will say after over 2,500 miles in the last 5-years it was the best decision I was talked into! We have been on countless trails and have never had an mechanical issue with either bike. The original battery’s still lasts 3-4 days on a charge riding 7-8 miles on average a day. The only thing I replaced has been the brake pads and I consider that a maintenance item. We use the Swagman E-bike RV approved bike rack mounted on the receiver hitch on the back of the trailer with a bike cover. Solid combination over the years.

Dutchman2

 

[docque]

We have the Lectric trike for Peggy, and it has been trouble-free for the last couple years. The price was comparable to any of the other trikes we looked at. It hauls Peggy's son around at the RV park very well, and he weighs in the neighborhood of 225 lbs.

I saw someone with an E Trike yesterday. It was big. Massive tires and a seat that looked like a recliner.

 

[redfernclan]

Consider how you are going to travel. Lots of issues with people hanging them on the back bumper that's not built to haul the weight or causes sway because it lightens the tongue.

 

[kscaddo]

We both have Lectic series 2. Maybe 4 yrs. now. I'm 6'6" and have a blast. YMMV

 

[Daryles]

Many years ago we bought Magnum Classic ii folding Ebikes. We chose them because they are 50lbs (without the battery). I can manage to lift them in/out of the truck.
We keep them folded in the bed of the truck between the hitch and front under the tonneau cover (with a cable lock).

 

[Ross_876]

We have a pair of Heybike rangers and have not had any issues. We fold ours and put them in these tubs for transportation inside of our 22RK. I use mine for transportation at the farm also.

 

[traveldawg]

My Wife and I have been living out of our RV since May. We have had a few cases where e-bikes would be handy.

Now I know that the Lectric bikes are said to be number one. But the more I see, the more I think it is YouTube Influencers behind that.

During our time traveling, I have seen only a few Lectric bikes.

Of course, the bikes I do see I can't catch the brand. I know I see many of the Aventon E-bikes around.

Now I am not a cheap guy but if there is no reason to spend money on something when you can get the same for cheaper, I am all for that.

I am thinking foldable would be best, but some on the smaller bikes I hear the balance is odd for someone 6'4".

Don't know what your take is now that some folks have replied. But our experience is that we prefer a more full size bike. We think the center of gravity is a bit more normal. Or maybe it is just the feel of it. We've had small, foldable ones (not electric) but didn't like the balance and feel of those. We also looked at small foldable electric but, again, didn't feel as good as a fuller size.

 

[BoredWeasel]

Wife and I have lectric bikes, mine is a version 2 and the wife has the orignial trike. I tow our 4 wheeled beach cart with mine with zero issues. we just load them into the bed of the truck, no worrys about bumper issues, weather or theft.

I did break the display on mine and bent a rim. Lectric replaced both no charge or questions asked. So think about the support piece of the puzzle.

 

[docque]

Don't know what your take is now that some folks have replied. But our experience is that we prefer a more full size bike. We think the center of gravity is a bit more normal. Or maybe it is just the feel of it. We've had small, foldable ones (not electric) but didn't like the balance and feel of those. We also looked at small foldable electric but, again, didn't feel as good as a fuller size.

The funny thing about it is that many of the popular E bikes remind my of my mother's bike back in the day, balloon tires and a set off handle bars that stuck way out.

Then you have the Trikes. Lay-Z-Boy for a seat and ape bars (motor cycle reference).

 

[traveldawg]

The funny thing about it is that many of the popular E bikes remind my of my mother's bike back in the day, balloon tires and a set off handle bars that stuck way out.

Then you have the Trikes. Lay-Z-Boy for a seat and ape bars (motor cycle reference).

lol......

We got 26" cruisers (Blix brand). Pretty happy with them. Fenders were a must - didn't want a stripe up my back if I ran through a puddle or any water.

If we did it again we would probably get fat tire bikes in the 24" range. With our 1.5" tires we don't dare go on loose gravel or dirt which is required in a lot of places.

 

[jsm180]

I bought the lectric XP4 750's with no intention of hanging them off the rear of the camper. They fold and fit in 50gal totes and ride inside the camper. Bikes are well designed and constructed.

 

[18CrewDually]

I've wanted e-bikes for awhile. My wife, not as much. So with the recent laws passing in NJ (& other states I'm sure will follow) I noticed the used market increase for reasonable prices.
So with that said, I found 2 fat tire e-bikes, one folding and one standard mountain bike for $400 for both. They only had 23 miles on them. Batteries charge no issues and last me almost 2 weeks riding 2 miles a day so they passed my test. My son & his girlfriend love them too so they are paying off for me so far.
My point is, if you're not sure how you both will like them it may be wise to go used and possibly save thousands of dollars. Also had no issue registering them in NJ even without a receipt of purchase.
Good luck in your choice.

 

[docque]

I bought the lectric XP4 750's with no intention of hanging them off the rear of the camper. They fold and fit in 50gal totes and ride inside the camper. Bikes are well designed and constructed.

This is what I eventually ordered. Turns out it is not one of those items that they hand out to every influencer to say nice things about it.

 

[Knightclimber]

Got my wife a Velotric Fold 1 Plus. She really likes it. Fits in the basement for traveling.

 

[Captcolour]

People next to us at the GD national rally had Jasion ebikes (lectric knock-offs) and a Cravat bike rack for the back of their Reflection. Happy with both.

 

[theclarks]

Here's the option we went with, my wife lost her sense of balance and was afraid to ride a 2 wheel bike. Bought her Sun EZ-Tri Classic 21 speed trike. Ordered a electric conversion kit from Swytch (Electric Bike Conversion Kit - Mountain | Hybrid | Road | Brompton), they have kits to convert most any 2 wheel bike to electric. All you do is replace the front wheel with their wheel and the other parts (took me all of 30 minutes). This way you can convert your existing bike to electric.