The Eleglide M1 Plus Gen 2 offers pretty much everything you would expect from an eMTB for just $800.
We already liked the first-generation Eleglide M1 Plus very much in the test. We’ve driven it about 150 kilometers since then. Our experiences flow into this test. Because the two models are largely identical in construction. At one point in particular, Eleglide improved a lot. Because the Eleglide M1 Plus Gen 2 has a real on-board computer with a display. The predecessor had to make do with a few buttons and LEDs. In addition, the suspension fork is now hydraulic and the handlebars are a bit wider. Unfortunately Eleglide doesn’t have mudguards this time. The predecessor still came with simple plastic protectors. However, these did not reliably keep water from splashing up anyway. Mudguards can be bought later for a few dollars.
Its price is as attractive as ever. The improved Eleglide M1 Plus costs $800 at Geekbuying Shipping is from Europe, so there are no customs duties. The Eleglide seems to meet all the requirements to be allowed to drive legally on European roads. A throttle is included in the scope of delivery, but should not be installed in this country.
We show more about road approval, installation, drive and battery of cheap e-MTBs in the guide to e-mountain bikes under $1500: This is what you need to look out for with cheap off-road e-bikes. If you are interested in foldable e-bikes and still want to ride off-road, you should take a look at the Fiido M1, Fiido M1 Pro or Mate X.
| Brand Name: | ELEGLIDE |
| Model Number: | M1 PLUS |
| Fork Material: | Aluminum |
| Rim Material: | Aluminum |
| Gears: | 21 Speed |
| Fork Suspension: | NO |
| Gross Weight: | 27KG |
| Net Weight: | 21.7KG |
| Wheel Size: | 27.5" x 18" |
| Frame Material: | Aluminum Alloy |
| Braking System: | Front & Rear Disc Brakes + Auto Power-off Design |
| Frame Type: | Hard Frame (Non-rear Damper) |
| Pedal Type: | Ordinary Pedal |
| Length (m): | 1.8 |
| Load Capacity: | 100KG |
| Name: | EU Stock Eleglide M1 Plus Electric Road Bike |
| Waterproof Level: | IPX4 |
| Material: | Aluminium Alloy |
| Slope: | 15° (26.8%) |
| Rated Power & Voltage: | 250W, 36V |
| Max. Instantaneous Power: | 500W |
| Max. RPM: | 210 |
| Max. Output Torque: | 45N.M |
| Capacity: | 12.5Ah |
Eleglide M1 Plus: Design and Appearance
The bike comes in parts. First, the e-bike rider has to assemble the handlebars, the front wheel, the pedals (note left and right!) and the front light. The appropriate tool is included. The box also contains a bracket to protect the gears on the rear wheel and plastic mudguards. Before the first ride, buyers should retighten all screws. In our case, we also had to adjust the brakes, the same applies to the gears.
We like the looks of the Eleglide M1 Plus. The matt black aluminum frame is narrow. The manufacturer prints many small gray and yellow crosses on it, together with the striking yellow Eleglide logo. This pattern is also continued on the battery, which sits on top of the frame and is not integrated.
On the other hand, the cable management is not pleasing at all. When riding through the undergrowth, riders could quickly get caught in the tangled cables in front of the handlebars and damage the e-bike. Before the first ride, buyers should bundle the cables with cable ties or something similar.
Eleglide M1 Plus: Handlebars
The handlebar looks comparatively tidy. We would not have noticed that it has become wider with the new version. We got along well with the shorter variant. There are the usual brake handles for the mechanical disc brakes front and rear. The levers for controlling the 21-speed Shimano gears are also on both sides. There is also a small display that reveals the gear engaged. There is also a bell on the right side.
The new bike computer with display upgrades the bike considerably compared to its predecessor. Now the driver can see how fast he is driving and how far he has already driven. There is also a display of the remaining battery capacity in bars and the selected assistance level. The driver accesses the options by pressing and holding the plus and minus buttons. There he can determine many parameters, including the maximum top speed.
The front light is sufficiently bright, although not as bright as the front light of the Ado A26. A rear light is not included in the package, buyers should order this for a few euros. If you are interested in the topic, we recommend our big guide: Bright bicycle lights with and without battery from 15 euros.
The saddle is sufficiently soft and still doesn’t look like that of a pensioner’s bike. A quick-release fastener fixes it at the desired height. The pedals are made of plastic, but they make a much better impression than the pedals on the Ado A26.
Eleglide M1 Plus: Drive
The Eleglide M1 Plus Gen 2 with its 27.5-inch tires did not look bad in the field test. Its components are not high enough for the tough conditions of a fast downhill ride. However, it is always suitable for taking a curb in the city with momentum.
Despite the inexpensive components, unlike many other Chinese e-bikes, the Eleglide M1 Plus allows you to ride a technically demanding forest trail and also overcome certain inclines without having to dismount. This is mainly due to the decent 21-speed gears. The fact that the motor starts to push along without a minimum speed also helps. This is anything but normal. For example, the motor in Ado bikes such as the E-MTB Ado A26 only provides support from 7 kilometers per hour.
Another improvement compared to its predecessor concerns the suspension fork, which is now hydraulically sprung. This is a real asset, especially on wild trails. It also no longer bangs so unpleasantly loud back into its original position. You can fix them if you want. Our test driver is 186 centimeters tall. However, buyers of the Eleglide M1 Plus should not be much larger.
The electronics of the e-mountain bike are simple. It does not have a torque sensor. This means that the engine only starts to push after about half a revolution and continues to run for about the same time. The run-on can be stopped by applying the brake. Even if the delayed starting of the engine is annoying at first, in our experience you quickly get used to it. You get used to the fine manual motor control via the gas ring, which is included with the e-bike for optional installation, even faster.
How long does the battery last?
The Eleglide 27.5 inch M1 Plus has a large 450 watt hour battery. That’s more than most other e-bikes in this price category offer. Eleglide speaks of a range of 100 kilometers. Realistically, that’s around 50 kilometers on a level road, good weather, around 80 kilograms of payload and mixed engine use.
The battery can be easily removed using the key supplied and taken into the apartment to be charged, while the e-mountain bike stays in the basement. Alternatively, the battery can remain on the bike for charging. The Eleglide M1 Plus comes with an 84-watt, 2-amp power adapter. It takes almost five hours to fully charge.
Eleglide M1 Plus: Price
The Eleglide 27.5-inch M1 Plus Gen 2 costs $800 at Geekbuying. The Eleglide M1 is cheaper again. It costs $700, but has a weaker battery and smaller wheels. Otherwise, the similarities to the M1 Plus tested here are high. For both e-bikes, Geekbuying promises fast delivery from a European warehouse. Customs fees do not apply.
Eleglide M1 Plus: Conclusion
Anyone who spends significantly less than $1000 on their e-mountain bike does not need to reckon with high-quality components. This is also the case with the Eleglide M1 Plus Gen 2. Nevertheless, Eleglide has improved the new M1 Plus in key areas. So it now offers a display and a reasonable suspension fork. The E-MTB is also fun off the beaten track. This is also due to the proper gear shift and the direct motor support in five stages. The Eleglide 27.5 inch M1 Plus is a reasonable e-mountain bike for its low price and better than more expensive models like the Ado A26.
We show more about road approval, installation, drive and battery of cheap e-MTBs in the guide to e-mountain bikes under $1500: This is what you need to look out for with cheap off-road e-bikes. If you are interested in foldable e-bikes, you should take a look at our list of the best folding e-bikes under $1000.
Bought this bike about three months ago and after 350km the assist on the pedals stopped working. I’ve have contacted the company and they said that they want a video of the problem.
It doesn’t sound good, but did you send them a video? Was the issue resolved or what?