Our Experience with Three E-Bikes: What We Learned

Over the past year, we purchased three e-bikes for our kids, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. While we were excited to get our younger kids into electric biking with the affordable Gyrocopter Fury models, we quickly realized that the Ridstar bike we got for our oldest son was a much better investment. Here’s a breakdown of our experience with each bike and what we’d recommend to others looking to buy an e-bike.

The $700 Gyrocopter Fury: Affordable but Lacking Performance

We bought two Gyrocopter Fury bikes for our younger kids, and right out of the box, they had some great qualities. They were super easy to assemble and looked sleek and stylish. However, once we started using them regularly, we found a few drawbacks:

Pros:

✅ Easy to put together

✅ Stylish design

✅ Affordable entry-level option

Cons:

❌ Short battery life – They don’t hold a charge for long, which can be frustrating for longer rides.

❌ Limited speed – They don’t go very fast, making them less fun for older kids who want more thrill.

❌ No suspension – The ride is rough, and every bump or curb sends a jolt through your body.

❌ Uncomfortable – The lack of suspension and padding makes for a bumpy, uncomfortable ride.

While these bikes work fine for short rides around the neighborhood, they aren’t ideal for kids who want speed or longer adventures.

The $1200 Ridstar: A Worthwhile Upgrade

For our oldest son, we decided to invest in a Ridstar e-bike at a higher price point, and the difference was clear from day one.

Pros:

✅ Fast and fun – It has great speed and power, making rides much more enjoyable.

✅ Long battery life – It holds a charge well, allowing for longer trips.

✅ Fat tires & suspension – The ride is much smoother and more comfortable.

Cons:

❌ Higher price – At $1200, it’s a bigger investment.

❌ Larger size – Not as compact as the Gyrocopter models, but that’s expected for a better-performing bike.

The Ridstar has proven to be a much better long-term option. Our oldest son can ride comfortably for extended periods, and the extra speed and suspension make a huge difference in overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Spending More?

After experiencing both budget and mid-range e-bikes, we can confidently say that spending more on a quality e-bike is worth it. While the Gyrocopter Fury bikes were fine for short-term fun, their lack of power, speed, and comfort made them less enjoyable. On the other hand, the Ridstar bike provided a smoother, faster, and longer-lasting ride, making it the clear winner.

If you’re considering an e-bike for your kids (or yourself), we’d highly recommend investing in a higher-quality model with better battery life, speed, and suspension. It makes all the difference in the long run!