@Chalega I've ridden many bikes electric and non-electric in Manhattan and I have tested most of the bike you are mentioning in your post being I am a dealer of Prodeco, Stromer and Easy Motion. I have compiled some brief notes below but feel free to let me know if I can elaborate on anything.
To clarify the comments about the law. The current fine for riding an electric bike in Manhattan is $1000.00 that being said the law that is associated with this fine is questionable. My feeling is the law is designed to be able to target reckless delivery men as they cause a lot of havic. I feel the numbered vests with the restaurant name is the first step in a reasonable control so they can start building some clear and reasonable regulations. I have yet to hear of a bike being confiscated and I have spoken to many city cops and I even have one as a customer that bought a eFlow.
Notes about the different bikes:
Outlaw SS - Powerful and fast bike but as others mentioned this is a downhill mountain bike and it's less than ideal for the city, the position of the forks make it difficult to maneuver in the the tight spaces commonly present in the city. It's also quite heavy with large tires so pedaling the bike without power is quite a task. As others mentioned too I feel it's less than desirable to have the battery mounted on the back as it impacts the balance of the bike. That being said if you are looking for an inexpensive bike relatively speaking (comparing to Easy Motion and Stromer) this could be a good option, but I feel you will be more satisfied with something else given your situation.
Stromer ST1 - Great bike, quality components, well balanced and nice smooth power. I lead with great bike as the Stromer retains the bike characteristics while adding power, there's very little resistance when pedaling without the motor and if handles quite nicely in city environments. It has nice wide tires with a street tread that perform well in the city while protecting you from potholes a little more than the Race would with the road bike tires.
Race - Great bike, quality components, as with the Stromer it is well balanced due to the frame integrated battery. I can generally get the bike up to 25-26mph with moderate pedaling in Pedal assist mode, Easy Motion also offers a throttle which could be important to you based on your earlier comments. That being said riding on the 700X25 tires could be a bit hazardous in the city depending on your riding style, I have a customer that bought one in Brooklyn and got some flats early on but after getting used to riding with high pressure on a low width tire hes been trouble free. If you do go this route you might want to consider a little bit of a beefier tire like a gatorskin, I run them on my track bike (that I ride on the road when I want some exercise) with thin tubes and have no issues and I'm pretty hard on it. You could also run a thornproof tube for extra security against flats, but it will add some weight.
Some other bikes to possibly take a look at - Easy Motion Jumper (Full suspension which is a blast on rough terrain in the city and has all of the other features of the Easy Motion including a 350 watt geared motor which is surprisingly powerful) and the Easy Motion Cross (kind of an in between comfort wise from the Race and the Stromer with tires a little wider than the Race and a front fork suspension)
I think it would make sense to try the bikes out as I think it will help you make an informed decision. I have most of the bikes in stock including the Outlaw SS, Stromer ST1 Platinum and Elite and a wide selection of the Easy Motion bikes along with the Currie and eFlow line. There might also be some retailers closer to you too, although I am just a short car or train ride away
I believe we may have spoken already on the phone but feel free to give me a call or email me if I can be of further assistance or if your interested in testing out some of the bikes.
-Chris Nolte
631-306-4542
chris@longislandelectricbikes.com
edit: I realize I may have been a little late to the party, but hopefully someone else can find this information useful. I had this saved in drafts and realized I never posted it.
Like most places, I bet they don't really care what you ride if you are riding nice.
