E-folding bikes from entry-level brands typically cost around $2799. With a price of $3199 ($2799 with a discount coupon), the Evelo Dash is significantly less expensive. You will learn from this test what the small e-folding bike is capable of and where you might have to make concessions.
Evelo had offered to send us a bike for a review, but by the time these antics began, it hadn’t actually gotten around to sending one. In 2023, a Evelo Dash was finally released.
The history lesson is merely to let you know that this review pertains to the most recent design, in which, in Evelo’s opinion, all problems have been resolved.
| Frame | Aluminum Folding Frame |
| Motor | 350W Mid-Drive |
| Maximum Motor-Assisted Speed | Up to 20 MPH with Pedaling |
| Battery | 36V 10.5AH Samsung |
| Charger | 36V 2A Charger |
| Range | Up to 40 Miles on Pedal-Assist or 20 Miles on Electric-Only |
| Transmission | Sturmey Archer RX-RK5 5 Speed |
| Bicycle Weight (without battery) | 44 lbs |
| Maximum Rider Weight | Up to 275 lbs |
| Folded Dimensions | 37" x 17" x 26" (with seatpost removed) |
Evelo Dash: Design and Build Quality
Thankfully, the Evelo Dash arrives almost entirely put together. It doesn’t need to be dismantled because it folds up into a small, manageable box. The e-bike only requires a few easy steps before it is ready for use. The Evelo was also completely crowded.
The initial impression was excellent. The Evelo Dash is highly processed, has good equipment, integrated lighting, and partially integrated wire routing. The frame appears to be formed of a single piece, and everything appears to be precious.
Magnesium alloy is used to create the frame, which contributes to its light weight of 3 kg. The pedelec still weighs 19.95 kg in total. Though not as light as a feather, it is nonetheless comfortable to wear.
Additionally, Evelo added a minor special feature to the Dash model. Because you need to use a button panel behind the rear light to unlock the bike. So you can use a combination of numbers to protect the Evelo Dash. Although it doesn’t directly combat theft, this at least stops electrical activation. You should still purchase quality insurance.
In this context, the “saddle clamp” is likewise solved unconventionally. The large bracket also makes an electrical connection when clamped because the battery is housed in the seat tube and is also removable. The concept is actually quite well thought out, however I feel it to be a little bit rustic.
Because of this, driving the Evelo Dash in the test was a lot of fun. The e-bike is extremely nimble and quickly reaches its top speed of 32 km/h. This is helped by the athletic seating arrangement as well. I like the size as well. The bike is appropriate for taller persons despite its extremely small form and 20-inch wheels. Evelo even suggests it for persons up to 2 m, though I might not go that far. With 1.80 m, I find plenty room.
I’m actually very happy with the folding mechanism itself, save from the issue with the primary hinge. The hinges can’t open without your intervention thanks to some practical safety clips. I particularly appreciate that magnetic locks are affixed to the front and rear tire axes. Because these are frequently kept, especially with the very inexpensive folding e-bikes. When folded, the bike is kept together by two magnets. This is really comforting, especially when the bike frequently needs to be transported on public transportation or in a trunk.
For instance, hydraulic disc brakes feel far better in use than mechanical brakes that are driven by cables. Most crucially, a torque sensor is included. Cheaper electric bikes merely detect pedaling, which results in a jerky, frightening ride as the engine propels you ahead erratically.
As the name implies, a torque sensor gauges your pedaling effort and instructs the motor to supply power accordingly. To put it another way, softly pedal and the motor will aid you. Pedal ferociously to receive additional support. As you accelerate up slopes and away from traffic lights, this feels much more natural and also makes you feel extremely fit.
However, the bike cannot be set down on a support when it is folded. This is when the seat post is once again useful. You may also park the bike by lowering the saddle. The Evelo Dash being essentially on top of the battery, in my opinion, is not ideal. When the saddle is adjusted, the bike also loses power. Then it must be unlocked once more. To locate the final sitting position, there is a scale, which I believe is fantastic.
Evelo Dash: Motor and Driving
Evelo claims that the 350W version is even livelier than the 250W version, and I have tested the 350W version. However, both engines have the same levels of control and reaction. The e-folding bike supports you in a very comfortable and natural way thanks to the torque sensor. The interaction of the 5 Speed Internally Geared Sturmey Archer RX-RK5 support levels on the bike is also carefully adjusted.
Almost all of the e-bikes I’ve ridden flex in a way that continuously reminds you that you’re riding a fold-up bike.
I did forget I was riding a folding bike because of how sturdy its frame is, there is absolutely no flexing that can be felt.
As a result, ride quality is consolingly good. But there are other elements in play here as well, most notably the nimble electric motor assistance, the grippy tires, and the fade-free disc brakes.
The fact that the majority of the components are from unknown Western brands is unimportant. They are of high caliber.
What most surprised me was how quiet the motor remained even when it was working hard. Some cyclists are virtually silent when traveling over flat roads, but they become audible when traveling up steep hills because that is when they have to exert the greatest effort.
The system is flawless and has a torque sensor incorporated into the bottom bracket. When you reach the 32 km/h/20 mph limit, power gradually goes out. Although it’s still entertaining to utilize the power-draining mode 3 when you want maximum acceleration, I liked the middle of the three modes.
Additionally, there is no discernible motor drag when you choose to ride without any motor aid.
It’s important to note that the Evelo Dash has no throttle and that, in contrast to bikes that employ cadence sensors, it requires some effort to ride. You can’t just let the motor do all the work while you just turn the pedals. The Evelo Dash is a bike that will appeal to people who genuinely love cycling in this regard.
While it is possible to reach a high speed of roughly 20 mph with the 5 Speed Internally Geared Sturmey Archer RX-RK5 system, doing so requires you to spin your legs too quickly for comfort.
Evelo Dash: Battery and Range
Range is fairly decent because to the huge battery capacity. As usual, it’s quite challenging to provide you with a precise figure because it varies on the weather (temperature), your weight, the terrain, as well as a number of other factors, such as the power mode you employ.
Evelo makes claims of ranges of up to 65 km (40 miles). Of course, that is the ideal situation.
In practice, you’ll likely travel between 40 km and 60 km, which is an admirable distance.
The battery needs to be fully charged over the course of about seven hours.
Evelo Dash: Conclusions
The Evelo Dash is a wise choice for anyone looking for a quick, little electric folding bike with a torque sensor. Because it is less expensive than other systems with a mid-engine and has a regular price of $2799, it stands out from the competition. Despite having rear-wheel drive, the Evelo also provides powerful and dynamic support. The Evelo e-folding bike has some decent equipment as well, including powerful hydraulic disc brakes, a sizable battery, and an overall light weight. The Evelo Dash’s main frame’s ease of play is clearly its biggest drawback. I was particularly upset by that, but I am also a mechanical engineer, so I have a sensitive eye for it. Driving scarcely makes a difference.
Even more than I anticipated, I like the Evelo Dash a lot. Contrary to what you may think, it rides more like a full-size, non-folding bike.
Even if some of the parts, like the Radius brakes, don’t have the same reputation as Shimano, Magura, and other brands, they are still of high quality. It’s fantastic to have a torque sensor at this price.
Overall, this is among the best-value folding electric bikes available; the only thing I’d desire is suspension.
