The title describes the gist of things. In 18 months of owning my Bikonit MD750, I’ve traveled over 2100 km (1300 miles) in day, night, and rain; swapped out four sets of tires trying to lower the rolling resistance; built my own new set of 29" wheels with ebike-speed rated tires; and have taken it on mixed-mode adventures by using light-rail as my range extender.

It’s the latter where the weight is a small issue, as the light rail train has three stairsteps onboard, which I have to carry the bike up and onto. 43 kg is kinda a lot, although that does include all the things I will need for a day out. I can pursue getting stronger to lift it more easily, or convincing the transit department to acquire low-floor trains, but I’d like to know my options:

What are some Class 3, mid-drive ebikes currently available in the USA, that weigh less than 43 kg (95 lbs)? Ideally, less than 25 kg (55 lbs) too, as that’s the most common weight restriction for buses. I want to see what y’all can recommend, irrespective of price or range or other considerations.

I’m not likely to terminate my investment in this current ebike, as it’s provided sterling service thus far. But I wonder if maybe what I have has already been outmoded by the latest developments in this ever-changing slice of the mobility space.

TY in advance!

  • @litchraleeOPEnglish
    0•21 days ago

    When I first got my bike, I had never even taken my acoustic bike onto a bus. But now that I have, I realize that transit circling the metro area is an asset for longer bike rides. But since this isn’t for a regular commute, I think a folding bike might be unnecessarily small – size wise – if I assume the bus’s bike rack is always available.

    You’re absolutely right that if I had to board a bus or train regardless of crowding, then the compact, folding frame would be paramount.

    That said, if a folding Class 3 ebike is already in the 50-70 lbs range, then perhaps a lighter, fixed frame wouldn’t save appreciable weight. That might be why my particular requirement to keep below 55 lbs might not be readily available.

    Nevertheless, thanks for the data point about your ES-2 Pro!