Living with both models for several months now and riding extensively through a southern california beach community has given insight into the comfort, utility, and versatility of each bicycle. Before deciding on a new electric bike, take a look at the pro’s and cons of each one.
Electra Cruiser Go!
The initial purchase was in response to my prior ankle injury. After my ankle exploded a few years ago, I found it difficult to ride a bicycle without it swelling up. I didn’t want to completely go the throttle route for fear of becoming too dependent on it, so the Electra Cruiser Go! seemed like a happy medium. It was limited to pedal assist only and no external throttle option. This means I had to continue to do some work no matter what.
Pros:
- Style and Comfort: The Electra Cruiser Go offers a classic cruiser design with a comfortable riding position, making it suitable for leisurely rides along the beach or through neighborhoods.
- Ease of Use: It’s user-friendly, with a simple pedal-assist feature that complements riders’ efforts, making it a good choice for casual cyclists or those new to e-bikes.
- Reliable Brand: Electra is a well-established brand known for producing quality bicycles with a focus on style and comfort.
Cons:
- Limited Range: The Cruiser Go might have a more restricted range compared to some other e-bikes, which could be a concern for families planning longer rides or commutes.
- Less Versatility: It may not be as versatile for tackling varied terrains or steeper inclines due to its cruiser-style build.
Overall Experience with the Electra
The pedal assist is extremely user friendly. The weight of the bike is a factor if you are going to be pedaling. This thing comes in around 45 pounds which makes it nice for transporting it on a standard bike rack. It seemed like the perfect rehab machine for people with bad knees or ankles in my case. A very pleasant ride but the range for me became an issue due to the constant pedaling. I could esaily pedal assist myself several miles but then the ankle would begin to swell. Having to take frequent breaks on the way home and found myself wishing I had a throttle option for this exact scenario. I am confident with more time and rehab my ankle will fall in line, but here I am two years out from injury and still struggling to keep up with the wife and kids.
Electric Bike Company Model C
Pros:
- Customization: The Electric Bike Company Model C offers extensive customization options, allowing riders to choose components and accessories tailored to their preferences.
- Power and Range: It likely provides more power and a longer range compared to the Electra Cruiser Go, making it better suited for longer rides or varied terrains.
- Sturdiness and Performance: The Model C might have a more robust build and performance capabilities, suitable for families seeking a reliable and durable e-bike.
Cons:
- Price: The Model C might be more expensive than the Electra Cruiser Go, depending on the chosen customizations, potentially impacting its accessibility for some families.
- Complexity: Extensive customization might be overwhelming for some buyers or lead to decision fatigue when selecting components
Overall Experience with the Model C
Coming in at just shy of 75 pounds, it makes it difficult to transport on a standard bike rack. I opted to go with an overpriced rack from 1up-USA which accommodates the heavier bikes but I understand this option may be unrealistic for most people. The ride is smooth but the forward position of the crank on Electra felt much more relaxed when relying on pedal assist. The throttle option is exactly what I had hoped for and extends the ride allowing me to keep up with the family. However, I found myself using it more than I probably should due to the slight discomfort of the pedaling position compared to the Electra.
Being a heavier bike, the weight distribution still felt balanced and unnoticeable until putting it on the rack. The customization options when I ordered it were extensive and sometimes unnecessarily overpriced. If ordering it through the companies website, there is an option for things like a suspension seat post from satori. They charge $99 for the seat post upgrade, but you could find the same thing on Amazon for $30. They also charged an additional $299 for metallic paint. Unless they are using actual gold flakes in the paint, it makes it hard to justify the price of that.
Bottom Line
I prefer the Model C given my specific mobility issue with my ankle. The riding position isn’t that much different than the Electra but I would be lying if I didn’t admit the Electra is more comfortable to pedal. The perfect balance would have been adding a throttle option to the Electra Cruiser Go! but unfortunately they do not offer the upgrade as of this writing.
If you want to be lazy and utilize the throttle option, the Model C will serve you well. If you enjoy the effort of pedaling and ultimately just want to dabble in the electric bike world, the Electra is the better option. The price point is fairly close to the same depending on the options you choose for the Model C. Ultimately the Model C is slightly more money, but you get the additional options of things like fenders, baskets, and the throttle. Both bikes are well worth the money so the real question is more about the throttle option.
