Lessons Learned From My First E-Bike

 

When I finally pulled the trigger on my first e-bike, I recognized that I might eventually trade up from  the REI Co-Op Generation e1.1.  I had been keen on buying a  REI Co-Op Generation e1.2 as it had a larger battery and a front rack.  However,  it wasn’t available in store on purchase day.  The e.1.1 had front suspension and cost $240 less.  Granted it only had 417 ah and an estimated range of up to 40 miles. 

So my plan was to try it out to determine if I really needed a front rack and how much the lesser capacity battery mattered.   Because of REI’s one year satisfaction guarantee for Co-Op members, I figured that if I was unsatisfied, I could bump up to the e.1.2 or perhaps a refreshed new model from REI.

After three months of ownership in the winter and early spring, I came to some conclusions:

• Front shocks are great for bumpy pavement urban cycling

• A  front rack is preferable for stowing a bag

• Fenders are desireable for rainy rides

With a budget rear hub motor e-bike, ghost peddling is commonplace.  Granted the Co Op cargo e-bikes had a 350w motor, which seemed underpowered going up steep hills. Unsurprisingly, the range was significantly lower than advertised. 

E-bike range estimates are often overly optimistic.  Manufacturers estimates are based on optimal conditions, using a light weight rider cycling on flat terrain. I knew that the 40 mile range was “adverteasing” but I thought that I could squeeze about 30 miles to a charge.  But range anxiety loomed large.  Once my tripometer hit 20 miles, it seemed like there were only two bars and the ever-present threat of having to push the e-bike home without power.

The discontinued status became distressing.  Six months ago, the e1.1 and e1.2 were put on 40% discount and labeled discontinued.  Often such  news indicates  that a new and improved model was forthcoming. Although no one  knows for sure, but the REI staff suggested that there were plenty of those e-bkes in  back-stock as well as acknowleding some first generation e-bike shortcomings. 

Sometimes consumers get great deals on close outs.  But the problem for the e1.1 is that there are really no accessories available.  Supposedly, a third party produced fenders which could be used for the e1.1 and e1.2 but feedback is that they needed significant modification to work and then the cost of installation for non-mechanics.   

During REI’s big spring sale for members, I considered getting a charger for the e1.1 bike, with the thought that I could have a home and business charge set up.  The e1.1 charger was already at 51% off.  The special savings should have been another 20%.  But because it was not in the outlet section, the discount didn’t apply.  While it only would have saved $4, it was the principle of the matter.  Had I gotten that one accessory, I would not have felt free to switch.

Although I was generally satisfied with the REI e.1.1 after 100 days of riding, some niggling quibbles remained, including:

• Constant range anxiety

• Long charge times (up to 7 hours for a 2 amp charger)

• No front rack (nor an ability to install one)

• Limited payload capacity

That being said, I could have accepted the shortcomings  as the price of a bargain e-bike.

Unfortunately, as I was taking a normal urban ride, I found that the bracket for my cockpit computer came loose on the handlebars and quickly deteriorated. The Bafang computer (shaped like a plastic personal pedometer) worked, but I had to hold the unit so that it did not fall off. Since I was near my local REI, I stopped by for a first adjustment.

For this visit, there was no wait at REI and the staff was quite courteous. Initially, I was assured that my immediate issue was just a couple of screws, but I was warned that they might have to order another computer.  The Bike tech could not find appropriate screws (and could not cannibalize a floor model).  The REI repair shop would have to order the part, which would be delayed over the weekend and then two to three business days.  It was unclear if this minor repair would be costly or gratis.   

This snafu occurred the same day when I attended a e-bike event promoting the DC E-Bike Initiative.  At that event, I saw an ebike model on sale with better specs and only cost slightly more than my deep discounted e1.1.  

Exercising my REI Satisfaction Guarantee, I was able to get a compete refund.  While I appreciate my REI membership, the e-bike selection currently does not work for me.  I intend to use them as a close by and reliable local bike shop, it was surprising that a seemingly quick fix would take over a week. 

Even though my first e-bike was not quite right for me, I still recommend considering REI for their nationwide coverage and satisfaction guarantee on purchases.  But the sales floor can be sparsely manned and service may not be speedy. 

The biggest lesson learned from my first e-bike was related to range. Despite thoroughly researching e-bikes before purchasing one, the range anxiety was underestimated.  One should be chary about overpurchasing (e.g. “More Power”), but reliance on manufacturer’s  irrationally exuberant range estimates skewed my judgment.

 I anticipated using the e-bike mainly for a short (4 mile round trip) weekday commute.  But after three round trips on mostly flat terrain, the battery seemed near exhausted.  Pleasure trips of more than 20 miles would be perilous. 

Since I suspected the e1.1 could be a starter e-bike, I did not invest in accessories which would be hard to transfer to another bike.  I looked before I leapt, as I had a lead on a comparably priced but better e-bike.  If that sale does not work out, the e1.1 remains at my original 40% off purchase price.

Editor's Note:  As of Memorial Day 2024, REI no longer lists the REI Co-Op e1.1 for sale.