So, I’ve been considering micromobility options recently to help me get out a little bit more and range better. My dog told me he’d appreciate it if I got out a little more on my off-days. I don’t know why he’s gotta be so judgy like that…
Anyways,
-Bike formats are out, it needs to be easier to transport and not take up that much space.
-Balance boards are cool, but I’m not sure that’s quite what I’m looking for either…
Electric skateboards, scooters, mountainboards, etc., what’s good? I’m drawn to the idea of electric boards with (potentially?) off-road capabilities. I’m a mountainbiker and often have access to excellent trails, so I like the thought of being able to ride on those too sometimes but my main uses would probably just be getting around town or going out on paved greenways.
Entry level would be good, I’m hoping for somewhere in the 500-1000 dollar range if it exists but if I have to pay more for something better then so be it.
Also, DIY solutions aren’t completely out of the question for me. I could see myself messing around with a build project if it strikes my fancy.
Thanks for any help, I’m looking forward to seeing what you all come up with!
If it were me, I probably wouldn’t be riding an escooter or electric longboard on the trails. I also love to downhill mountainbike and recently picked up a small electic BMX bike that can fit behind my apartment’s front door (my apartment is 440sqft, this bike can fit in a 2017+ Subaru outback).
No suspension, but it’s fat tires can take a bump or heavy gravel. I REALLY RECOMMEND SOMETHING WITH BIG WHEELS. The number of times I’ve rolled over a pothole at speed and thought “holy shit, that would have fucking killed me on a board, scooter, or roadbike” has already been a handful of times in the last 3 weeks and 150 miles I’ve put on the bike. I’ve almost stopped using my Outback because the transit times are comparable with heavy traffic.
Perhaps a bike might be mission creep for you, but that was (aside from a spendy bidet) the best $1,200 I think I’ve ever spent.
Yeah, I will probably just have to stick to my mountainbike for trails. I just thought the idea sounded nice. Balance boards are kind of popular for this, so I was just thinking something else might also have that potential too.
Nice, what eBMX bike did you get? (is that the proper abbreviation? lol)
That’s not really one I had considered yet, but I could see it maybe working if I was able to fit it inside my vehicle. The price range seems close enough.
I’m really leaning towards an all terrain electric longboard, but again trying to keep my options open. Haven’t made any decisions yet, and I may just end up deciding to save up for something.
Balance boards are cool, have seen a few of those around here. Might be easier to store, though I dunno how owners lock them up if they are grabbing groceries. Make sure whatever you get has a decent range, everything quoted on the spec sheet is usually a very generous estimate based on a light rider, flat ground, and no wind. Having something that can still be moved by hand/foot might be a good idea, whether that is a scooter or a bike or something else. Watch and read reviews of various e mobility devices!
The price keeps fluctuating on mine. They are clearing out overstock from overproducing in 2022, I think. Repairablility is a mixed bag. Not many services repair these bikes, but they are mechanically quite simple, and have reused parts throughout their lineup. So you should be golden on stuff like batteries, tires, spokes, brake pads (generic), etc. I got mine for about $1,189.
https://www.juicedbikes.com/products/ripracer?variant=39361373700160
Edit: not sure on ‘eBMX’, I guess so? I’ve only ever seen this one, haha. Quite fun though, I’ve really been enjoying it and it looks like it should be quite easy to maintain for quite some time.
Several of my coworkers have balance boards, and they all love them. That being said, I’m still not sure they’re for me though. I think I’m just wanting something different.
What kind of repairs have you had to do so far?
I feel like I could definitely see myself rocking one of those. I really like the fat tires, those are sweet lookin’ B)
Thanks for the link, and the feedback
Well, I upgraded the controller and managed to strip the screws. A repair guy got them out by tapping an allen key deeper by hammering it in with a mallet. Had I known that technique, though, would have done it myself.
Other than that, nothing else. Brakes are loud a AF after you bed them, but it’s quite nice, makes cars and pedestrians notice you, which is good for situational awareness. People actively get out of your way, lmao.
My bike was also 2022 inventory and had a bit of rust on the screws on nonstructural parts. I brushed it off and added some oil and threadlocker where needed.
The nice thing about this bike is that you can find the brake pads online, relatively common (smaller size than my mountain bike running guide Rs, but shimano sells the smaller pads too). Tires are standard. Tubes are standard. Chain appears to be standard. Spokes appear standard. Uses mineral oil for hydraulic lines. The battery, though I have not tested it with Grintech 3rd party batteries, appears to be standard with a hot and neutral line, no BMS pin that fucks you. So you may may be able to rock this bike for ages after parts have been discontinued. Uses a standard XLR charger connector. Motor controller upgrades are available through the manufacturer, which can deliver significantly more current than the base controller (be careful with those m3 screws by the crank, they’ve been tightened by the hand of god.)
Only weak spots for this bike: no front shocks (though you can find them online), single speed drivetrain, grips are non locking but can be replaced. Service options aside from velofix are limited.
If those downsides are fine, I’d say get it. This bike is fun as hell and very comfy even if you are 6ft+ and 170+ pounds.
Be careful with the throttle and pedals when you unlock Race mode in settings. Gives 1,200+ watts all at once, which can cause you to do wheelies if you aren’t careful, lol.