2008 eZip Trailz
Probably my best bargain.
Got this new bike in late 2008 with free shipping for $239.
Sold the SLA "starter battery" and charger for $135.
So I took my $104 bike and built a 25.9V 31.2Ah battery pack out of recycled laptop packs (about $20 for the cells).
25.9V Li-ion - Recycled!
Got a dedicated 25.9V Li-ion charger for $22 more.
Did my 16T freewheel mod for less than $20.
So ...
for about $166 I got me a 22mph capable eBike with a 40+mile, motor only, range@16mph.
5500 miles, so far.
My fair weather hauler.
Only problem it ever had was some broken spokes ... somewhere near 3000 miles ago.
Oem spoke lacing didn't meet my standards anyhow.
Maintenance consists of typical lubrication plus annual reduction gear re-greasing.
Also run a eZip Mountain Trailz over-volted to 37V. 20T motor freewheel and studded tires during the Winter, 16T freewheel and cruising tires for my 30ish mph jaunts - 3500 miles @ 37V so far, with never any problems. About $400 including 36V controller 10Ah 36V pack, 16T freewheel and 30-11T 7spd freewheel.
Picked up a 2009 Trailz LS in 2010 and rebuilt (smaller freewheel, comfort tires, suspension post with comfy seat etc) and have been enjoying "comfort cruising" for 3000 miles +. (About $300 total) (Never any problems)
Except for poor lacing on rear wheels I have never had any complaints - I regard the oem SLA battery as a "starter battery" - to be replaced with better!
Tip:
Precise throttle use moves bike up stairs easier than even the lightest bike.