FartsWithAnAccent

u/FartsWithAnAccent@lemmy.world
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My strategy has been 1) Ride affordable bikes 2) Use at least 1 quality lock and 3) be strategic about how/where you park or store your bike. Be sure to lock up in highly visible areas covered by cameras if you can and lock to objects that would be difficult to cut through. Most thieves use a battery powered cutting wheel these days.

The locks I use vary depending on the bike/situation but typically, I am using a Skunklock Chemical, Foldylock Forever, or Hiplok Gold (or some combination thereof) and also sometimes a cable and cheaper Kryptonite U-lock for added security. Most of my bikes also fold, so I typically bring them in with me both at home and work (sometimes even into stores - my Portola ebike and Priority Folder bicycle both fit under a shopping cart).

If you have a nice e-bike, you should also get insurance, add trackers, a motion alarm, and brake locks. A good cut resistant u-lock like the Litelock X3 would be a good choice for a primary lock.

In the US throttles are class 2 only and restricted to 20mph but you can also get something that isn't actually an e-bike, but an emoped, emoped, or escooter but you'll have to register it, get insurance, etc. Those can go significantly faster, though the folding aspect kinda goes out the window and the weight increases.

Never heard of that bike and it looks sketchy. Try to stick with actual bike brands (Surly, Marin, Trek, Tern, Priority, etc.) or well established e-bike brands (depends on your market to some degree, but Ride1up and Lectric are examples of US entry level stuff).

Your basic folder like a Lectric XP3 or Ride1up Portola would probably fit the bill without breaking the bank, but you could get something nicer if you've got the budget for it (the Tern Vektron line, for example). The important part is get something you can get service on, so talk to your local shops to see what they have for sale or if they will service drop shipped bikes/what brands they recommend and support.

Even if you are handy, having to do warranty work yourself is a hassle and if you break something, it's on you. No shame in letting someone else take care of it when it's under warranty! If you aren't handy, it's also good to have a place where you can take the bike in for regular maintenance.

Keep in mind, ebikes are water resistant not waterproof, so even if the manual says its OK, you might want to cover up your electronics with something like a shower cap to keep out water and use a bike poncho when it really starts coming down. Inspect wiring regularly too, sometimes covers pop off, gaskets go bad, etc.

That's stock on the Folder. It works OK I guess but it does feel a little janky. I usually leave the bars up and roll it with the frame folded.

I bet you could make or find a pretty good 3D printed composite version. Does the strap hold consistently when it's adjusted? Seems like a pretty good idea as long as it doesn't slip.

It looks like there are other versions still for sale too, not sure how good they are but I might pick some up to see...