Looking for Recommendations: Buying an E-Bike for a Tall Person in Tokyo – Has Anyone Bought One from China?

5 comments

1. I’ve seen people who bought it. Works normally though I imagine if some parts break it’ll be a pain to get repaired. Also some of them aren’t street legal without a license, so be careful.

   Although the e-bikes you’re probably thinking about have started popping up in Japan for a while now. Probably better to buy from there in the long run.

2. I’ve researched the Japanese brands, and it’s not great.

   The largest model is the “salaryman” bridgestone. Sorry I don’t recall the actual model name/number. The downside is that it’s heavier than their other models and the tech looks old. Also since it’s for salarymen, I think it’s only available in black.

   My s.o.’s mamachari is a different branch and the 2nd largest from the catalogue across brands according to recommended rider height, and I can’t imagine what I’d have to do to fit on the bike properly… I feel that the idea of mamachari is that it’s not a bicycle and you’re trading fit for safety, where safety means “won’t tip over” even when the rider doesn’t know what they are doing. Which kinda makes sense if the bike is loaded with a newborn and a toddler!

   I’ve looked at Taiwanese brands that are present in Japan and didn’t find anything great either.

   So, I’m riding a muscle-powered bike, tada!

3. Panasonic has a 26 inch wheel model. Also 6 foot and a similar model works pretty well for me:

   https://ec.cb-asahi.co.jp/catalog/products/0FDF8E5866DB40A49F23707ACB0D127C?utm_source=google&utm_medium=pla&campaignid=19338168922&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgOefBhDgARIsAMhqXA5HwZ8_POI8ek-B0iuGxO_gKknKr001bcv9CKOWgJxfARf_E5Od73oaAl0sEALw_wcB%20&gclid=Cj0KCQiAgOefBhDgARIsAMhqXA5HwZ8_POI8ek-B0iuGxO_gKknKr001bcv9CKOWgJxfARf_E5Od73oaAl0sEALw_wcB#

4. Trek has sizes for you but sadly are quite expensive imo.

5. Panasonic Velostar

   Bridgestone