Coaster brake bike

[wmich50]

My grandsons arthritic hands make using brake levers unpleasant.
He's around 5'6" and 140 lb.
Hoping to set him up for short (5 mile) excursions.
I have a 36V, 350W, 20 mile, 26" wheel, hilltopper kit.
Our town is a bit hilly, but the climbs are short..
Need a recommendation for a coaster brake bike to install the front hub motor.
My budget is $300 max.

Any suggestions?

 

[LewTwo]

I got a Critical Cycles hybrid with a Sturmey Archer three speed coaster brake hub off Amazon last year for $130 (delivered). It was a small frame in a very unusual unappealing 'coral' color. The price was bouncing around changing every day or so. I just happened to catch it at the right time. Nothing fancy ... just your basic steel frame bike with 700c wheels/tires (as UGLY as home made sin).

http://goldenmotor.com/SMF/index.php?topic=5598.msg31822#msg31822

I note that Amazon currently has a 'used' one (returned by customer) for $195 but it is a large (57cm) frame.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00O6HG8EA

You can also sometime find a bargain at http://bikeisland.com/

keep an eye out and you could catch a deal on what you are looking for.

 

[dogman dan]

I'd say any Schwinn or huffy beach cruiser would be fine. Priced below 150 usually, but still a rugged steel bike that lasts forever. Weight wont matter with the assist.

I sort of like the panama jack ones, or the Schwinn model that has the welded on rear rack.

I'm sure you already get it, but for the others that read, this is the main reason you'd choose a front hub motor. A coaster brake bike, or bike with internal gear shifter rear hub cannot use a rear hub motor.

 

[USAEBIKECO]

Any cruiser bike would work.

 

[MikeT]

See if he feels better by drinking some tart cherry juice daily- the stuff is a natural remedy for Arthur.
My 95 YO mother in law says as long as she drinks it her hands feel OK.
About a coaster brake bike- at any speed over the typical use of a pedaller, it becomes a big safety issue.
You have hills? Down hill (or level) at 20 mph it becomes a death trap, because one day the rider will need to stop NOW!!!! and will not be able to.
At the very least, get a coaster brake bike WITH a front brake ("V" or disc) so that in an emergency- given the choice between a painful hand or broken body- he will chose to us the hand brake with the coaster and be able to stop. Inform junior of the dangers of speed and wimpy brakes.
Every kid on every forum wants to know "How fast will it go".
They NEVER ask "How fast will it stop"?

 

[wmich50]

You're right, MikeT. As a kid, I never did trust coaster brakes, too many close calls.
I certainly do want a second brake on any bike I get for him.

 

[The fingers]

How about installing a handlebar brake lever backwards, so that instead of having to squeeze the lever you just gently lean forward on it to apply the brake. (Might take a little getting used to)

 

[ColinB]

Or install the brake lever normally, but lighten up the spring tension on the brake arms to make it easier to pull.

Can he handle riding a bike though? What type of throttle could he use? A twist, thumb, or pedal sensor type?

Maybe you/he could consider a recumbent? Cruise around on a nice seat, with just a light touch on the bars, instead of leaning your body weight on your hands. Works for me! Can be a different price point, yes, but worth a few test rides maybe?

Colin

 

[ddk]

Since you already bought the motor system, my recommendations won't help you one bit.
But to other forum browsers with the same issues:
Using regular e-bike stuff, not the insane over-powered quasi-motorcycle crap, The Best solutions for people with hand issues that I've used have included:
-recumbent bikes/trikes (helps the most)
-front DD motor with (oh, sacrilegious I M) regen e-brakes, because the motor adds the brake force, not the hands... including a-
-rear coaster brake OR rear DD hub with regen (OMG! 2 motors!)
(rewritten = dual DD motors with regen braking with additional mechanical brakes)

I've no experience with hydrolic-actuated brakes, but V-brakes spring tension is easy enough to lower, or have lowered (by a, gasp- LBS mechanic or other mechanic-minded person)
So far, using v-brakes with at least one motor brake has been a very effective for people with sore hands that lack strength. (most people I'm acquainted with have these issues)

 

[dogman dan]

Good points, I'm not sure where you get a coaster brake bike with an additional front brake, but you can pretty easily swap to a fork that does have it.

One thing I do like about a half way decent disc brake, is it seems like it takes a less hard grip to make it work effectively.

Regen on the front wheel could be a good idea too, and could be activated by a very easy to use push button. And, requires no fork change.