The KBO Oasis emerges as an intriguing option in the realm of low-cost cruiser electric bikes, offering riders a blend of comfort, style, and impressive range. Priced at under $1,200, the Oasis positions itself as an entry-level cruiser e-bike that aims to cater to riders seeking an affordable yet enjoyable electric biking experience.
Designed to exude a classic cruiser aesthetic, the Oasis is not just a mode of transportation but a statement piece on two wheels. The stylish design catches the eye, making a visual impact as you cruise through town. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Oasis is engineered to provide a comfortable and pleasant riding experience, making it an accessible option for riders of various preferences and backgrounds.
So, the KBO Oasis positions itself as an enticing option for riders seeking an affordable, stylish, and comfortable cruiser electric bike with an impressive range. Whether you’re a commuter, leisure rider, or someone exploring the world of electric bikes, the KBO Oasis invites you to discover its capabilities and features.
| Bike Frame | 6061 Aluminum frame |
| Hub Motor | Sustained 500W |
| Display | LCD |
| Pedal Assist | 0-5 level |
| Derailleur | Shimano 7 speed derailleur |
| Throttle | Twist the throttle on your right hand to accelerate |
| Tires | 26"x3.0" |
| Sensor | Sensitive cadence sensor and speed sensor |
| Brake | 180mm(Front) / 203mm(Rear) |
| Battery | 48V 15Ah (720Wh) |
| Range | 30-55 miles |
| Total Payload Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Weight | 62lbs |
| Product Dimensions | 78.7"x17.3"x45.2" |
Design and Build Quality
The KBO Oasis is a well-designed and thoughtfully built electric bike that combines style, functionality, and performance. Let’s delve into its design and build quality along with the key components that contribute to its overall appeal.
The Oasis features a sturdy frame constructed from 6061 aluminum alloy, ensuring durability without compromising on weight. This material strikes a balance between strength and weight, making it suitable for electric bikes where both factors are crucial. The frame is available in two designs: a high step with a 33-inch step-over for riders between 6 feet to 6 feet 4 inches, and a step-through model for riders ranging from 6 feet down to 5 feet 4 inches.
The adjustable stem on the bike allows riders to customize the handlebar position, accommodating different body sizes and riding preferences. The mustache-style handlebar, measuring 660 mm wide, adds a touch of retro aesthetics while providing a comfortable and relaxed riding position.
The Oasis is designed with practicality in mind, featuring a rear rack with a 55lb capacity. This makes it a versatile choice for riders who may need to carry cargo during their commutes or leisure rides.
The Shimano Turny 7-speed shifter and the Shimano Altus 14 to 28 cassette contribute to the bike’s smooth and reliable gearing system. The 170 mm cranks connected to a 44-tooth chainring ensure efficient power transfer while pedaling.
The braking system, utilizing the Tektro MD 320 mechanical disc brakes, offers responsive and reliable stopping power. The use of cables for the disc brakes simplifies maintenance compared to hydraulic systems, providing ease of use and consistent performance.
The 26-inch by 3-inch tires with a smooth road tread provide stability and control on dry pavements. However, it’s worth noting that these tires are not designed for off-road adventures; instead, they cater to a more urban or suburban riding environment.
The generously padded 11-inch wide saddle enhances comfort during extended rides, as highlighted by the positive experience of covering 99 miles. The faux leather grips on the handlebar add a touch of luxury while ensuring a secure and comfortable grip.
With a total weight of 72.85 lb, including the battery, the KBO Oasis strikes a balance between being robust and manageable. Its thoughtful design elements and quality components make it a reliable and enjoyable electric bike for a range of riders, whether commuting or exploring the city. For a more in-depth analysis, you can refer to the written review for additional details and insights.
KBO Oasis: Motor and Driving Test
The KBO Oasis boasts a powerful 48-volt 500W motor, a proprietary creation by KBO. This motor integrates seamlessly into the electric bike, offering riders a robust five-level pedal assist system (PAS) in addition to a throttle. The combined functionality allows riders to effortlessly reach speeds of up to 20 mph, classifying the Oasis as a Class 2 e-bike.
To regulate the motor’s power output, the Oasis utilizes a Cadence Sensor. This sensor measures the rotation of the pedals, ensuring a smooth and responsive delivery of electric assistance. The inclusion of a throttle further provides riders with the flexibility to control their speed without relying solely on pedal power.
During a comprehensive speed test, the pedal assist speeds at each PAS level were evaluated. Starting with PAS 1, the bike demonstrated a modest acceleration, reaching approximately 8 mph. PAS 2 and PAS 3 provided incremental speed increases, with the latter reaching 14 mph. PAS 4 showed a more significant boost, reaching speeds around 17.4 mph, and finally, PAS 5 facilitated the bike’s top speed of 20.1 mph. It’s worth noting that the lower PAS levels may not satisfy riders seeking higher speeds, and adjustments to these levels could enhance the bike’s overall performance.
Additionally, the throttle test revealed the Oasis’s impressive acceleration. The bike rapidly accelerated from zero to 20.6 mph, demonstrating the responsiveness of the throttle system.
However, during the non-assisted pedaling segment of the speed test, it became apparent that the bike’s weight, totaling 72.8 lb, and the resistance caused by the 3-inch wide tires posed challenges for manual pedaling. In the lower PAS levels, achieving desired speeds proved more difficult due to these factors.
Despite the initial challenges in the lower PAS levels, PAS 3 and above offered satisfactory performance, meeting the expected speed ranges. The critique focuses on the desire for more balanced speed increments in the lower PAS levels to provide riders with a more versatile and enjoyable riding experience.
Navigating hills can be a challenging aspect of biking, but the KBO Oasis aims to ease this difficulty with its electric assistance. Cruiser e-bikes, like the Oasis, are designed to simplify and enhance the riding experience, especially when faced with steep inclines. In this context, the hill climbing capabilities of the Oasis were put to the test on Southwest Utah’s challenging Hellhole Trail.
During the throttle-only hill test, the Oasis exhibited a steady ascent, though at a notably slow pace. The rear hub motor, while maintaining a consistent effort, faced some struggle on the steeper sections. Impressively, the bike managed to conquer the hill, marking it as the slowest e-bike to do so in the test, with a time of 2 minutes and 56 seconds and an average speed of 6.2 mph.
The second test involved pedaling with the assistance of PAS 5, the highest pedal assist level. In this scenario, the Oasis demonstrated a more competent performance, reaching the top of the hill in a quicker time of 1 minute and 32 seconds, with an average speed of 11.8 mph. This highlights the effectiveness of utilizing both manual pedaling and electric assistance, showcasing the bike’s adaptability to different riding conditions.
In the context of ride quality, the Oasis, with its cruiser-style frame, offers an upright posture for riders. The mustache handlebar design enhances accessibility, and the adjustable stem allows for customization of the handlebar position. The bike’s frame geometry provides a comfortable cruiser posture, reminiscent of Dutch-style bikes.
The absence of a rear shock and the use of a rigid front fork suggest limited suspension capabilities. However, the 26-inch by 3-inch tires, designed for smooth road tread, do their best to absorb bumps. It’s emphasized that the Oasis is best suited for flat pavement and should be kept away from challenging terrains like snow, mud, and ice.
The 11-inch wide and well-padded saddle contributes to the overall comfort of the ride. The motor engagement, experienced in different PAS levels, revealed some unpredictability, with varying speeds and responsiveness. While the top three PAS levels provided a satisfactory riding experience, improvements in engagement consistency were suggested for a more refined performance.
So, the KBO Oasis proved to be a capable cruiser-style e-bike, excelling in certain conditions such as hill climbing with the right combination of pedal assistance and throttle power. Despite some areas for improvement, particularly in motor engagement, the Oasis offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride, especially for those seeking an affordable and versatile electric cruiser.
Battery and Range
The KBO Oasis is equipped with a formidable 48V 720W battery, designed to provide ample power for extended rides. KBO claims that the battery can take riders up to an impressive 55 miles on a single charge. To validate this claim, a thorough range test was conducted to assess the bike’s performance under different conditions.
In the first range test, the Oasis covered an impressive distance of 56.82 miles. Notably, this test was conducted using PAS 3 as the minimum pedal assist level. The decision to avoid PAS 1 and PAS 2 was based on the belief that these lower levels might be too slow for most riders. PAS 3, considered the more practical lowest setting, demonstrated the bike’s capability to exceed KBO’s claim, confirming that the Oasis can indeed go beyond 55 miles on a single charge.
For the second range test, the maximum pedal assist level, PAS 5, was engaged. Even with the increased power demand, the Oasis still delivered a commendable performance, covering a distance of 33.86 miles. This result aligns with KBO’s assertion that the bike should go at least 30 miles on a single charge when using the highest pedal assist level.
The synergy between the 500W motor and the 720W battery was evident in these range tests, showcasing the efficiency of the powertrain in providing a substantial range for riders. The Oasis excelled in the range department, meeting and surpassing the manufacturer’s claims. This outcome is a testament to the effective collaboration of the motor and battery, ensuring riders can confidently embark on longer journeys without the concern of running out of power.
Braking Test
The KBO Oasis employs a mechanical brake system, relying on cables to facilitate braking. This system is noteworthy as it deviates from the more common hydraulic brake systems seen in many electric bikes. The brake system utilized by the Oasis is manufactured by a relatively lesser-known company called Taboka, specifically the Taboka MD 320 brake system.
Despite the brakes coming from a less recognized brand, the performance of the Taboka MD 320 brake system on the Oasis proved commendable. In a stopping distance test from 20 mph, the bike exhibited an average stopping distance of 23 feet and 3 inches. This result is considered quite good for a cruiser-style electric bike, especially considering the unconventional setup of a 180 mm rotor on the front and a larger 203 mm rotor on the rear.
It’s notable that this configuration is different from the typical arrangement where a larger rotor is placed on the front wheel for increased stopping power. However, the results of the braking test indicated effective performance, showcasing that the chosen setup met the necessary safety standards.
The decision to opt for a brake system from a less mainstream company like Taboka may have been a strategic choice by KBO to manage costs without compromising on stopping power. While the results of the braking tests were positive, it’s essential to acknowledge that the long-term durability and maintenance requirements of these brakes remain uncertain.
As of now, the performance results inspire confidence in the braking capabilities of the Taboka MD 320 system on the Oasis. However, the relative unfamiliarity with the brand raises considerations about the brakes’ long-term reliability and how they will fare over extended periods of use. It is advisable for riders to stay attentive to the brakes’ performance and seek professional maintenance if needed, ensuring the continued safety and effectiveness of the braking system in the long run.
KBO Oasis: Conclusions
Overall, the KBO Oasis is undeniably a stylish and attention-grabbing cruiser e-bike. Its design exudes a classic cruiser aesthetic that turns heads and adds a touch of flair to your rides around town. However, when it comes to the bike’s long-term durability and performance over several months or years, there are some uncertainties.
With the exception of the Shimano drivetrain, most components on the Oasis are generic, lacking a direct comparison for quality and longevity. While this doesn’t necessarily indicate a drawback, it does introduce an element of mystery regarding the durability of the bike’s parts. Riders considering the Oasis should keep this in mind, especially if they prioritize a clear understanding of the long-term reliability of their e-bike components.
For riders with simple riding needs and a desire for a no-frills cruiser e-bike for casual rides around town, the KBO Oasis presents itself as a viable option. Its performance in terms of range, hill climbing, and braking, coupled with its stylish design, makes it appealing for those seeking an uncomplicated and enjoyable electric biking experience.
As with any purchase decision, it’s recommended to consider your specific preferences and requirements. If you are intrigued by the KBO Oasis or other models in the KBO lineup, further details and insights can be found in our in-depth written review. Clicking the link below will lead you to a comprehensive review that covers the nuances discussed in this video, along with additional crucial information.
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