Lighter and not expensive e-bike suggestions

SiliconChip

I would like to buy a hybrid/commuter e-bike (step-thru would be a good option) that is relatively light (under 20kg including battery, closer to 15kg better) and not inordinately expensive (preferably under £2K). It doesn't need to have huge range or lots of gears, any suggestions for suitable bikes would be welcome.

samn9

You might be interested in the Vado SL: 

https://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/product/19133/2022-turbo-vado-sl-4-0-step-through-eq/

£1.6k on sale. Not all sizes are available though, you may be able to find them on sale elsewhere.

This is the EQ (equipped) version which is £100 more, it includes pannier, mudguards, and an integrated rear light powered via the internal battery. If you can find the non-EQ version you can get the pannier/mudguards elsewhere and buy your own light to stick on the stem I suppose although it would not be connected to the internal battery.

The 'SL' stands for super light, it doesn't show the weight but I think mine (the extra-large version) is around 18kg including battery.

I bought mine last year for £2.8k (the non-step-through) and really enjoy it. 

There is a phone app that works via Bluetooth which you can configure settings with, I only used it to enable a setting which limits the battery charge to 80% max, which preserves the life of the battery for longer.

It is not as powerful as other electric bikes, understandable given its weight, but it definitely makes hills a lot easier and fun to ride.

Happy to answer any questions.

SiliconChip

Thanks @samn9, as it happens that is one of the ones that I'd found in my own research so it's helpful that you own one and are able to say that you like it. I think it'll definitely be one to consider.

To add, the places that have it available all seem to only have it in XL at the moment (and possibly will never have other sizes as I've seen one site that suggests it's a 2021 model). Some sites include sizing guidance, which say that XL is suitable for heights of 6' to 6'4", I'm just about 6' (depending on who's doing the measuring) so I wondered what height you are and how you find the size for you. I've found that it is available in my local Specialized Concept Store so I think I may have to go there to try it out in person.

samn9

I'm 6'3 and have the XL, with a lot of my height in my legs, and find it a smidge small in the seat stem, which I have raised a cm or two past the 'max' height notch. A couple of colleagues tried my bike who are around 5'9 and they enjoyed their brief test ride on it for what that's worth. At 6' I think you'll be happy with the XL.

SiliconChip

I tried it out today and it seems fine, and never having ridden an electric bike before I was quite impressed at how much assistance the motor gave, even though it's not the most powerful. I'm now investigating options for getting a towbar fitted to my car (Toyota Yaris hybrid 2021) and buying a suitable carrier (the bike shop said they usually recommend Thule, although they are quite expesive).