Thanks for the info. I’m looking at getting my first e-bike and my budget is around 5-600$. I know I probably won’t get anything super nice for that price but I’m mainly looking for something to help with my commute to work and back (about 8 miles total). Until this winter when I’ll have enough saved to get a decent little car. So for the batteries, you said something with 20ah? Is there any universal batteries you can get for these things lol?
If your commute is only 8 miles each way, then that 13ah battery will suffice. Your range really comes down to how much assist you want from the bike. More assist = more juice = less range. My Heybike Explore has a 20ah battery, and at assist level one it will go every bit of 70 miles. Ramp that assist up to level 3, which is the highest assist level I can run on flat ground before it just becomes "bionic legs" and my total range drops to about 40 miles.
Obviously your size/weight, the bike, tire type, etc all play a role. Fat tires like mine are a lot more rolling resistance and a much higher moment of inertial for the motor to overcome when accelerating, which increases power use to achieve the same speeds. A skinny tire commuter bike will have better range or speed for the same motor output.
I have heard mixed things about Heybike's customer service and warranty claims. I personally haven't had a problem with my Explore. Something like the "Race Max" would be a good contender for the first bike you linked in price/perfomance.
https://www.amazon.com/Heybike-Race...1-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1
Or th Cityscape, which is a higher end bike, but with a lower power 350w rear motor vs. the Race Max's 500W. Mainly just slightly better components like Tektro brakes, etc. Nothing crazy or that couldn't be upgraded.
The Ancheer brand on Amazon is probably one of the best rated "cheap" bike brands. I've seen a few positive Youtube reviews of their bikes, and most of the Amazon reviews are decent. Maybe a few minor issues with cheaper stuff like many budget bikes, but overall they work and get the job done.
Also, don't forget to check Facebook marketplace or Craigslist for a possible good deal on a higher end bike for cheap. I often find several deals at any given moment, many of which have very few miles on them.
