Hi all, hoping for a bit of advice and maybe some shared experience.
I’ve currently got a Peddle STEP low-step e-bike that I bought from Evans back in September when they were clearing them out. It was originally about £1,669 but I paid £679, and I’ve only done around 200 miles on it so far. To be fair, I actually really like how it rides – it’s comfortable, feels decent on the road and the motor and battery were fine up until recently.
Unfortunately I’ve had a few issues crop up. Both pedals worked loose and came off at different points (I managed to have them rethreaded and fitted), the brakes have become really sticky and inconsistent, and now the main problem: the battery just won’t charge anymore. The bike still turns on and runs, but I can’t get any charge into it at all. I’ve contacted Evans and I’m currently waiting to hear back from them. Ideally I’d be hoping for a replacement or a refund at this point.
While looking into it, I also realised I can’t seem to find anything about Peddle as a company anymore. Their website looks like it’s gone and I can’t find any obvious warranty or support info, which is a bit worrying. So I was wondering if anyone here actually knows what happened to Peddle / Peddlelife – did they fold, get bought out, or just disappear?
Second question, in case Evans do end up refunding me: what would people recommend for an e-bike under £1,000? I’m mainly after something reliable and comfortable for commuting and leisure riding, ideally step-through. It also needs to be able to handle steep hills as I live in one of the highest villages in England!
For what it’s worth, before this I had a refurbished Carrera Actuate 1, which I ended up returning because the motor failed after a puncture repair, so I’m feeling a bit unlucky with e-bikes at the moment. It was a good bike but the single drivetrain made it difficult to get it up to speed once the motor had given everything it could.
Any thoughts on Peddle or suggestions for good sub-£1k e-bikes would be really appreciated. Cheers!
by Glittering_Focus_212