We had the chance to test out a few pedal-assisted e bikes earlier this year around Palo Alto, which was more than enough to whet our appetite for e bikes. In spite of this, we were rather eager to get our hands on Evelo’s fully loaded Galaxy SL since we wanted to fight this battle on our own ground. In order to find out what the Evelo Galaxy SL was made of, we charged it up and plowed through the not exactly mean streets of Portland, Oregon and the steep slopes of the Tualatins.

The Galaxy SL needs some basic assembly right out of the box, but nothing extraordinary. The process of mounting the front wheel, thru axle, and handlebars, as well as setting the seat and front shock resistance and aligning the stem, took around 20 minutes in total. We merely stepped back to see this ferocious animal after that.

Evelo Galaxy SL

Evelo Galaxy SL

$3,500.00

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Evelo.com

The Galaxy SL appears to operate on human souls rather than electricity thanks to its 750-watt motor, RockShox Reba RL front shocks, and nearly 3-inch not-quite fat boy tires. The matte Space Gray color scheme of the Hardtail diamond frame is accented with vibrant orange pinstriping and strong Robin egg blue splashes along the top and down tubes.

Video Review of Evelo Galaxy SL

Evelo Galaxy SL: Design and Build Quality

You’ll adore the Galaxy SL’s atmosphere if you’re a sentimental who enjoys retro-looking wheelers because it was made to look like any other bicycle thanks to its roomy, comfortable Selle Royal Comfort Springer saddle, relaxed frame, and cruiser handlebars. The Galaxy SL is not exactly feather-light, weighing in at 54 lb (24.4 kg) with the battery attached, but unless you’re planning to lift it up with your bare hands all the time, you won’t feel that weight because the e-bike is easy to handle and “curated to create the best ride feel possible,” to quote the manufacturer.

Evelo’s Galaxy SL features 24″ x 2.4″ tires, a handlebar-mounted throttle, front and back fenders, a built-in rear rack with battery integration, Zoom hydraulic disc brakes, a 3.7″ multi-color display, and integrated front and rear lighting. Since this is more of a city cruiser, suspension is not included.

It’s quite simple to see this 3.25″ display. You can choose between a light or dark background, and the interface comes in a variety of hues. The center of the handlebars are where the display is located. Since it is not detachable, if you run a quick errand, it won’t be stolen off the bike. If necessary, you can gently change the angle to reduce glare. Although not the most comprehensive display, this one offers the essential metrics for riding. Feedback on battery power is provided by a 5-bar battery indicator. You can look straight ahead, see both the road and the display, and control assist with your left hand without lifting it off the grip because the control panel for the display is on the left grip and is within easy thumb reach.

Both the front and rear lights are integrated with the batteries by Evelo, although the front light may also be turned on or off using the display control. (The tail light cannot be turned off for safety reasons.) As you brake, the tail light’s built-in brake function makes it brighter. Evelo offers an optional Safety Package that comes with extra lights, leg reflectors, and a bell. In order to protect the battery, which is well-placed directly behind the handlebars, the tail light is tucked behind it beneath the rear rack. Although you should always check to make sure your cargo isn’t obstructing the light, the light should remain visible if you hang panniers or attach cargo to the rear rack.

The 180mm front and 160mm rear rotor Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes are equipped with the Galaxy. Dual-piston calipers are used on the brakes to ensure even and balanced braking. To prevent unintentionally running the brakes up against the motor, brake inhibitors turn off the motor power whenever te brake levers are tapped. We were pleased that Evelo chose hydraulic brakes over mechanical ones. This makes it simple to control your braking, and your caliper has more “grip” than it would have with a mechanical brake setup.

The Galaxy SL is a little bike, as we’ve already established. This bike is perhaps best suited for short riders because although the frame is made for those between 4’11” and 5’10”, I had to adjust the seat almost to the highest position. Justin and Pierce, both 5’11”, rode well on the ebike but, given their size, would probably prefer the Evelo Aurora Limited. Since the battery is out of the way, it is simple to put on and take off the step through frame. Currently, the bike is only offered in silver with chic brown faux-leather grips and a saddle. The styling is elegant, minimalistic, and has clear lines.

Your options for a basket on the front are limited by a tangle of cables in front of the headtube. Just below the cabling is where the headlight is located. While not our preferred cluster style, it does make servicing the electronic parts much simpler. For a sleek appearance to the entire frame, all cables are incorporated into the underside of the downtube.

The Galaxy SL sports an Enviolo automatic shifting system with an electronically controlled Gates Carbon belt drive, as we mentioned in the Gear Range section above. This is comparable to a car’s automatic transmission. On the exterior of the back wheel, there is a tiny shell that houses all the gears. The derailleur is absent.

These flat Wellgo aluminum alloy pedals include rubber cleats around the outside to prevent your shoe from slipping. These pedals work with any sports shoe, including sandals. The back of the pedal has reflectors that further improve visibility.

To get a feel for things, we put the pedal assistance to its default position. As the pedal turns about a third of a crank, this backend support begins to gradually kick in and lasts as long as you are pedaling. For the pedal-assistance and battery life to be as effective as possible, the right handlebar must be used to continuously keep up with the transmission.

Evelo Galaxy SL: Motor and Driving

The Galaxy SL’s motor produces a steady 500W of power, 95 Nm of torque, and a maximum power of 740W. The electric bicycle has a top speed of 25.5 mph (41 kph). A 36V/13Ah lithium-ion battery powers Evelo’s new bike, giving it a pedal-assist range of up to 50 miles (80 km).

The total experience is a tale of two trips, as anyone who has done their fair share of mountain biking will attest: the glorious descent and the arduous, though necessary, rise. Even though we still have one more freefall in the tank, the uphill can be tiring, and the very thought of it signals the end of the afternoon adventure. The Specialized Turbo Vado comfortably navigated Silicon Valley’s most challenging hills, but could the Galaxy SL withstand the Tualatins? We were adamant about finding out.

The Galaxy SL offers excellent comfort. The gel saddle is the feature we like best. Although it features an imitation leather surface, it is also strong and simple to clean. While you’re riding, the gel padding offers exactly the right amount of cushion. It’s in terrific shape as well. The saddle is not overly wide or too narrow, which could make you uncomfortable or increase your chance of developing saddle sores from “hot patches” on your leg rubbing against the seat. The top of this saddle doesn’t require the addition of a gel cover or anything else. Additionally, there are springs under the seat that help lessen the impact of the ride’s dips and bumps.

The handlebar grips are of a nice size and design. Again, because this bike is made for younger riders, it has somewhat smaller grips and a little extra roughness. Since the grips on most bikes are made for hands that are bigger than mine (I’m 5’5″ for comparison), I personally found the grips to be exceptionally comfortable.

No suspension exists for the Galaxy SL. You don’t have a suspension seat post or front shock, but you won’t really need them. This type of bike is not intended for off-road or rough terrain. As you glide along, the sturdy frame feels supportive.

We frequently decide to disable the pedal assistance when traveling downhill. A sudden shock is the absolute last thing you need when sliding fully inertia down a mountainside, especially when turning. But even though it was absolutely pointless, it was fun to switch to Speed mode and press the accelerator while barreling into a jump at 20 mph. We never even broke a sweat on this monster because we were dressed in flannel and jeans rather than even the most modestly adequate mountain riding gear.

Evelo Galaxy SL: Battery and Range

The battery’s range and power amazed us. A lithium ion 36 volt, 13 amp hour battery with a potential 468 watt hours powers the Galaxy SL. Depending on the terrain and level of assistance, the anticipated range on one charge is 26 to 40 miles. (More hills = greater demand on the motor and battery.) In order to keep it safe and off the downtube, the battery is stowed behind the rear rack. Even when the bike is not turned on, you can press the button to get an approximation of the charge (5 lights Indicate full charge). The charge indicator is located on top of the battery.

Pierce, our 175-pound tester, drove the Galaxy SL along our neighborhood’s trail network as part of our range test. He had to climb “Hell Hole,” a treacherous hill in the middle of an out-and-back path rather than a circle. In just a few minutes, this resulted in an elevation gain of several hundred feet. The ride had a total elevation gain of 935 feet, and Pierce pedaled the entire time at the greatest level of assistance (Level 5/5). He managed to travel 29.2 miles at an average speed of 17 mph.

Evelo Galaxy SL: Conclusions

Evelo’s new Galaxy SL two-wheeler is designed for easy riding, seamlessly fusing the retro vibe with all the modern conveniences of an electric bike. It fits riders measuring 5’10” (178 cm) and under, has a comfortable, upright riding position that keeps the handlebars within easy reach, and is built to fit riders.

Although the Galaxy SL comes 95% built, Evelo requires some assembly because it ships straight to the customer. Attaching the front tire, fender, and handlebars is all that is required. A limited 4-year, 20,000-mile guarantee is also provided by Evelo, which is exceptional for an e-bike.

Riding the Evelo Galaxy SL was fun for us. With the Enviolo drive system and carbon belt drive, this is comparable to some of the high-end ebikes we see coming out of Europe. Here, you get a lot of new and improved features. In fact, several of these features are seen on electric bikes costing $5K or more, so we believe the Evelo represents excellent value at the asking price. The Galaxy SL is almost the ideal bike, but we’d love to see a slightly longer kickstand that’s just a little bit further back behind the pedals to prevent pedal lock! The Galaxy SL is a terrific approach to let you feel carefree and young once more.

The Galaxy SL is offered by Evelo for $3,500, and you can make a reservation on its website. Beginning of shipping is anticipated for late August.

Evelo Galaxy SL

Evelo Galaxy SL

$3,500.00

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Evelo.com

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When I first wrote about my experiences using a Blix Aveny e-bike, I almost exclusively discussed the front basket, the back luggage rack, and the built-in lights, which essentially never need to be recharged. And there’s good justification for that. Even if having electric help is a major, um, benefit, especially in car-centric traffic, I still strongly believe in bikes that are designed for real-world, everyday tasks.

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Soft contact points and a 12-magnet cadence sensor that provides you with steady, smooth assistance from the Shengyi hub motor make it comfortable to ride as well. You have everything you need to mount two large panniers and begin traveling wherever on two wheels, including integrated lights, fenders, luggage decks, and a wide double-kickstand.

It’s a good deal considering the competition, and the package is outstanding. Therefore, I don’t mind saying that I was a little nervous when I went to pick it up.

Video Review of Blix Packa Genie

Blix Packa Genie: Design and Build Quality

Whether it’s day or night, sunny or cloudy, a smart e-cargo bike should always be prepared for anything. A brake light is included in the taillight so that passing motorists and cyclists will be alerted when you are stopping, and the integrated headlight is bright enough to assist you in spotting road obstructions at night. Our pant legs were protected from puddles by two plastic fenders that held their position effectively. You can see the time of day, your speed, battery life, and other information on the display. It also has a USB plug so you can use your bike to charge your electronics.

To help you get the most of your Packa, Blix also manufactures a variety of accessories. The manufacturer produces a variety of rack and basket alternatives, and the bike’s front rack mount is on the head tube rather than the fork, preventing you from turning the weight of the rack as you ride. To make the bike safe for children, you may also purchase seat padding and cages. Yepp child seats work with the back rack as well.

But from what I can tell, it does not let me down. The few trips I’ve made so far, including hauling more than 30 pounds of ice to make up for a broken refrigerator and later picking up a case of beer to commiserate about that very same refrigerator, have shown it to be an incredibly practical machine for heavy load hauling. This is true even though the ride home was surprisingly windy for such a large and long bike.

Fair warning: I don’t have much first-hand experience with e-cargo bikes, so this review should be viewed more as an account of what it’s like to ride this kind of bike than as a thorough comparison of it to the alternatives.

But in that context, I am more certain than ever before that e-cargo bikes could actually devour cars. Ironically, I’m also starting to see why so many people enjoy pickup truck ownership because this feels like a scaled-down version of that. Even while it isn’t necessary for many tasks around town, there is something to be said for being able to just load items into your car and drive away without having to think ahead or make a plan for hauling capacity.

Blix Packa Genie: Power and Range

Instead of a more expensive torque sensor, you receive a cadence sensor. In other words, the amount of force you provide to the pedals does not control how fast you pedal; instead, you control how fast the motor assists you. Because you can spin in an easy gear to generate the most power, cadence sensors don’t feel as intuitive as they should, but there are five pedal-assist levels you can choose from to reduce the resistance. However, it is also connected to the pedal-assist (PAS) mode, so you don’t get full throttle until you’re in the highest PAS level. There is also a throttle that provides power on demand.

A one-size frame with an adjustable stem, a robust but dependable Shimano Acera 7-speed gearbox, and mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulics from Tektro are other cost-cutting features. Only the faux-leather grips (as they are faux leather) really feel cheap, but you can change those for a few dollars.

If you’re not used to handling a huge bike, don’t allow the Packa’s weight deter you because it doesn’t ride like an 80-pound machine. (However, when you carry it, it feels like 80 pounds, so keep that in mind if you need to transport a bike up stairs.) Because the weight is most noticeable when you stop, the low-slung step-through frame design enables you to put your foot down right away. Additionally, you can use the throttle to get off the line and stabilize the bike if pedaling away from a stop is challenging at first.

The Packa is a great cruiser once up to speed. The bike’s comfortable ride is enhanced by its wide tires, which can withstand uneven roads, and its plush saddle and grips. Even with 60 pounds on the rear wheel, the frame feels good and rigid. Additionally, the 24-inch wheels enable the rear deck to be lower than it would be on other cargo bikes, which lessens the effect of weight transfer while changing directions quickly. We weren’t too bothered by the mechanical Tektro brakes’ lack of hydraulicity because they let us to brake fully without having to exert too much force. If you want one-finger full-power braking, it’s a simple update.

In general, the electric assist works well. We didn’t come across any hills we couldn’t climb, but the bike doesn’t climb hills as quickly as a cargo bike with a Bosch system does. The cadence sensor is the best one we’ve used, giving you a steady boost as you cycle and cutting you off as soon as you stop. Since there is no benefit to having five different throttle settings, I would prefer if the throttle were independent of the pedal-assist modes.

Additionally, there is a visible drag produced by the engine if you attempt to peddle or use the throttle above the bike’s 20 mph maximum assisted speed, which is comparable to the drag produced by regenerative braking (which Blix does not tout as a feature). Above 20 mph, using the throttle or pedaling seems to slow you down more than coasting, but once you’re below 20, the electric support turns back on. It’s somewhat awkward, but you can get around it by simply coasting above 20.

Blix Packa Genie: Conclusions

I find it remarkably simple to believe that the Packa Genie can transport up to 200 pounds of luggage, and perhaps more if you add a trailer. I haven’t worried about power yet thanks to the strong motor and long range, and I haven’t worried about riding at maximum boost when I needed to bring the ice home quickly.

The Packa or the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4, the most well-known e-cargo bike in the United States and a device that blew us away when we evaluated the previous iteration last year, is the clear choice.

The quick response is: Opt for the RadWagon over the $1,599, single-battery Packa. However, choose the two-battery Packa if you anticipate riding more than 30 miles in a day (or on a single trip).

The battery is a major factor in the RadWagon’s victory. Both bikes use 48-volt Samsung batteries, although the RadWagon has a 14 Ah battery compared to the Packa’s 10.4 Ah battery, which costs $1,599 more. As a result, the stock RadWagon has 30 percent more range. The latter bike will pull up slopes considerably better because it also has a geared hub motor with double the torque of the Packa.

But with a range of 70 miles, it’s hard to argue, therefore I’d choose the two-battery Packa over the RadWagon. The Blix Packa is a great option if you’re searching for a cheap, reliable e-cargo bike that you can use for long distances between charges.

The odometer has only traveled a little over 10 miles since I bought this. When I originally got on the saddle, the battery indicator was showing a 64% charge, so it’s not too awful that it’s now displaying a 62% charge.

These are still early days. Before I unwillingly hand this beast back, I want to test it out with greater loads and longer hauls. But for now, I think it’s safe to say I’m a fan.

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Long distance cycling might be challenging, but Xiaomi’s QiCycle has an electric motor built in to help you get about.

As long as the rider is over 14, electric bikes like the QiCycle are totally legal to use on UK roads and bike lanes. With a 250W engine and a top speed of 20 km/h, the Xiaomi is considered a standard bicycle under UK law, so a driver’s license, road tax, or bike registration are not required. Of course, we do advise taking safety precautions like using a helmet.

If Xiaomi’s low-cost, high-quality smartphones aren’t enough to propel it to global dominance in the very near future, the company now has a folding electric bike, a superthin laptop, and a drone in its arsenal.

Xiaomi QiCycle

Xiaomi QiCycle

$464.00

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Alibaba.com

The QiCycle isn’t the lightest bike, weighing 14.5 kg (32 pounds). Although it isn’t excessively heavy in comparison to other foldable bicycles, some sacrifices had to be made to achieve this small weight.

Chinese sellers operate under different regulations than those governing us in the EU, which can make it more difficult to obtain a refund if something goes wrong. Naturally, delivery times can also be extended. Before making the purchase, educate yourself about Chinese technology.

Video Review of Xiaomi QiCycle

Xiaomi QiCycle: Design and Build Quality

For starters, the wheels are 16 inches in diameter, similar to Bromptons, so you’ll have to pedal harder than you would on a 20 or 24-inch bicycle. Naturally, it’s not a big deal because the QiCycle has an electric motor that kicks in for an extra boost to make flat roads incredibly speedy and uphill climbs a breeze.

The QiCycle features a high-end appearance and excellent build quality. While we wouldn’t go so far as to call it attractive, it is undoubtedly more attractive than most other electric folding bikes.

Despite having a 5800mAh battery inside, the QiCycle’s chassis is made of an aluminum alloy, making it quite lightweight. It is slightly heavier than the F-wheel DYU D1 at 14.5kg, but it folds up more easily for portability.

Xiaomi created the QiCycle such that the handlebars, seat, wheels, and pedals can all be folded in place, as opposed to keeping everything as small as possible, which doesn’t make for a very comfortable ride. Both the handlebars and the saddle have complete adjustment.

Because of this, the QiCycle has a more adult-oriented vibe to it and is easier to picture oneself using it for longer trips than the DYU.

Of course, the fact that its battery lasts longer also helps in this area. The Xiaomi can travel farther thanks to a bigger battery and pedal force. Although Xiaomi claims it can travel up to 45km, the exact mileage will certainly depend on how much you rely on the motor for assistance.

The motor cannot be started with a switch (though one of the four power modes does allow you to turn it off). When you begin to ride, it automatically engages, employing a torque sensor to detect your own input and output the proper amount of electrical power to support cycling.

In our tests, the system felt smooth and performed quite well. You simply peddle and ride, and it takes care of the controls to support you. In comparison to using a regular pushbike, we discovered that riding up hills was substantially simpler, and overall, trips went lot faster. The one thing that really bothered us about it was the speed restriction when you really want to cycle quickly.

The QiCycle incorporates front and rear brakes, a three-speed gear hub, and other features not seen on the DYU D1. The lack of a kickstand (we really don’t want to toss a £600 bike on the ground) and any mud protection are two obvious design flaws, though.

Okay, so you probably won’t be riding the QiCycle across muddy terrain, but you might give it a try nonetheless thanks to its larger 16-inch wheels and water-resistant construction. However, when the roads are wet, it does cause the wheels to slip and slide a little, so drive carefully.

Xiaomi QiCycle: Motor and Driving

I found myself testing it out in the sweltering Beijing July sun and whizzing along. You can select full-powered assist, eco mode, or completely off using the power assist controls, which are quite straightforward. Even in third gear, climbing hills was simple, and I was able to effortlessly reach 28 kph (17.4 mph) on flat ground. You may track your mileage traveled by pairing the bike with your phone via Bluetooth.

According to Xiaomi, the electric motor is capable of a top speed of 20 kph (12.4 mph) when you aren’t pedaling and are simply coasting. Regenerative braking is absent, and it takes at least 3 hours to fully recharge from a flat battery.

Given that this electric bike is produced by the Chinese company Xiaomi, it’s important to remind our primarily English-speaking audience that setup and use can be a little challenging due to the language barrier. More crucially, the trip computer is also entirely in Chinese. The directions are all in Chinese.

Download the QiCycle app from the App Store or Google Play, then connect it to the bike via Bluetooth by scanning its QR code to set up the QiCycle. This can be found in the trip computer settings or on the underside of the trip computer.

When you start pedaling, the screen instantly changes to an English-language real-time counter showing your speed and mileage. (In the app, you can choose between metric and imperial units.)

Four menu options will be visible while this screen is visible, and you can choose one using the two buttons next to the 1.8-inch display. From top to bottom, these are the power modes: Enhanced (highest aid), Balanced (average assistance), Eco (minimum assistance), and Off (no assistance).

By pressing and holding the up button, you may turn on and off the lights, which is really the only other task you should perform with the trip computer. To make cycling at night safer, a rear reflector is linked with a few on the wheels.

The app is helpful for keeping track of your daily mileage, total number of calories expended, and percentage of battery life remaining. The QiCycle will also keep track of previous data so you can monitor your development over time.

Xiaomi QiCycle: Range and Battery

The bike’s 36V battery is hidden inside the frame and secured there with the use of a seat post hole. I’m not a big admirer of this design because the QiCycle requires you to open two locks in order to alter the seat post’s height.

In addition, the QiCycle doesn’t fold as efficiently as Terns or Bromptons. To fold a bike in half, you must first lift the seat post, move the rear wheel slightly, then lower the seat post once more to support the bike before folding the fork downward.

Last but not least, the front handle bar is a little too low and would work better on a faster bike. Since riding an electric bike is intended to be more relaxing, I prefer to sit comfortably upright rather than needing to bend forward as I would on a more sporty road bike.

Xiaomi QiCycle: Conclusions

The Xiaomi QiCycle is an expensive but exceptionally well-made pedal bike with electronic assistance. Long-distance and uphill cycling is made easier, and it’s simple to track your speed, mileage, and other information over time. Although we would like to see a kickstand and some mud guards added, the Chinese trip computer is really the only thing we have to complain about (clearly not a problem if you speak Chinese).

Nevertheless, $450 feels absurdly cheap for a bike that is extremely well made. You’ll probably need to be willing to import it because the QiCycle bike will probably only be sold in China until Xiaomi decides to start selling more of its products in other nations.

Xiaomi QiCycle

Xiaomi QiCycle

$464.00

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Alibaba.com

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The Moustache Lundi 27.1 is shown here. I actually looked at a very similar model in London in 2018; it was called the Moustache Lundi 26.1. The biggest difference between the two models, aside from the down tube integrated battery, was the wheel size; these wheels are 27.5 inches taller than 26 inches, giving you a lower attack angle and more air volume for comfort. This slightly elevates the frame, but this frame is just so approachable; it’s a deep wave step through.

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They have updated to schwalbe Super Moto X; previously, they were 2.35 by 27.5 inches. We now have a little bit more width, more air volume for comfort, and some side-to-side stability, which, in my opinion, is a good small enhancement. There is still only one frame size available for the bike, but as you can see, the 350 millimeter seat post is adjustable.

The handlebar is really just kind of fixed; there isn’t even a stem here, so you can’t get something that’s steeper or longer. However, the bar itself is really unique; it brings the grips back in this position so you don’t have to reach as far forward and perhaps your hands won’t get as numb because you have these nice locking ergonomic grips that are upright.

Video Review of Moustache Lundi 27.1

Moustache Lundi 27.1: Design and Build Quality

So even a taller rider could raise the saddle, but they’d have a shorter reach than they would if they had multiple sizes of frames. All in all, though, for something that’s just kind of casual to cruise around the neighborhood on a Monday (by the way, Lundi means Monday), I think this is okay to use as a commuting platform because it has integrated lights and a lot of great storage.

I don’t love that it doesn’t point where you steer because it’s built right into that head tube so it looks neat and is kind of unique, but that’s still something that’s a bit of a trade-off. The tires don’t have reflective sidewalls, but they do have some other brighter color frames if you want, and I’m wearing a white helmet today to try to be seen. Back here, we have a single LED on this rear light again really well positioned. 

It has fairly standard gauge tubing so you could use off-the-shelf panniers or you could get these ql3 ortlieb panniers that are highly water resistant and they just kind of clip onto these circular Nubs really nicely down here. You’ll also see a bungee Loop so you could just kind of lash something on really quickly and easily. I love that. 

It’s essentially a derailleur guard, so if you lose your bags or other items, they won’t hit the derailleur, and if you’re traveling through brush or other obstacles, it will provide you with a little extra protection. It’s really sophisticated and cleverly made, and it can hold a maximum weight of 27 kilograms, which is far more than the 20 or 25 kilos I typically see. This makes it 59 and a half pounds, which is perfect for use as a child carrier or other type of utilitarian cargo basket.

I really appreciate that the kickstand is over here; it is tool-free adjustable and slides up and down very easily so you can keep the bike upright on a variety of terrain, whether it is slightly slanted or not. You’ll also notice that there is a quick release down here; this allows you to perform some flat fixes or simpler repairs because the hub spacing on this bike is very standard at 135 millimeters in the back and 100 millimeters up.

That is excellent, then. This was protecting my feet and shins as I rode over here it’s a little bit rainy today I really appreciate the high quality materials used throughout the bike, especially these fenders they’re really well done so these are tubular meaning it’s not just a single piece of aluminum alloy it’s kind of a tube and so you get this extra strength and they don’t rattle around they don’t make a lot of noise and they extend pretty far too

See how clean that looks really nicely done? I also appreciate this plastic chain cover standard 170 millimeter length Craig arms and then these wide aluminum pedals kind of unbranded but they they do really well they have fixed pins they match the rest of the bike I think there’s extra aluminum alloy support going through here that gives additional strength and reinforcement to this rack without having to use extra bars.

Last time I saw this bike, I was like, well, there isn’t a suspension fork and at least it had higher volume tires now the tires are even better the attack angle everything I talked about we’ve got the same saddle here cellular Royal wave kind of a Gel saddle but before it didn’t have a suction fork. I was talking about the single frame size before and how approachable the frame is. 

Therefore, you can modify the preload and prepare the spring for your body weight. I’m a little bit light for a rider, so I think I’ve kind of loosened it to actually get some travel, and if you’re a little heavier you can tighten it so you don’t bottom out. If you’re really small and you want a lower minimum saddle height, you could always switch out this suspension post for just a standard rigid post and you’ll save about two or three inches. The saddle will go a little bit lower for you back down here.

This bike weighs a respectable 57.6 pounds, which is about five pounds more than the 26.1 that I covered in 2018. A portion of that weight is the battery, but I believe the battery is only added perhaps a pound and a half to the battery on this bike I covered earlier. The battery on the bike I covered in 2018 weighed 6.8 pounds and was made of steel. Aluminum forks are typically lighter in weight, but aluminum tends to be a little bit more sturdy.

So again fairly light, with the weight directly in the middle of the bicycle. Because they track rear wheel speed, pedal torque, and cadence over a thousand times per second and provide shift detection, Bosch controllers are quite advanced. Your chain and sprockets are under stress. I want to show you this cover since it clips on nicely and is a bit more dry inside. It has the Moustache and Bosch logo. 

There are five colors for this bike, so in a way, it’s the cover that has to go through extra effort to have these all match in contrast to like the chain cover here, which is black in both cases it’s not color match and if you lose this finding a replacement that matches perfectly might take a little bit more time or money and it doesn’t lock to frame so something I think about but I do really like this bike.

This is a way to quickly immobilize the bike, and I believe you can even insert a chain into the other side and possibly loop it around a post before we unlock it just snaps back into position. I love it when systems are key to like this go ahead and unlock. This is obviously more expensive and higher capacity, but in any case they have AXA keys that work for the frame lock back here.

I believe you could use a higher capacity battery and it would fit in this same space, keeping the weight low and keeping the center compared to the 2018 Moustache Lundi that I looked at. The battery pack as well is a fairly fancy key that’s sort of routed inward we go unlock it and then the battery sort of Springs out a little bit there’s a little push button at the top you can lift this out about six and a half pounds for this almost acts. 

I’m a big fan of this because it can be charged on or off the bike, but my only complaint is that storing it in a cool, dry place would be the best idea. Keeping it between 20 and 80 percent charged will prevent those cells from becoming overworked, and extreme heat will reduce the number of times you can fully charge it. Simply put, lithium-ion chemistry is more difficult to work with.

So if we line this up in the frame, one of my other complaints is that you have to physically twist the key while inserting the battery, something I mentioned occasionally, so this is much easier than, say, bottom mount batteries because it’s the same situation with the Bosch interface, which is extra secure but just requires that you physically twist the key while inserting the battery.

The only issue with this is that it’s very close to the left crank arm so if it’s plugged in and you bump these pedals or you know back the bike up it’s going to pass by and you know unplug hopefully not crack any of these pieces and this is just fairly low this is where dirt and wreckage collect. This is the faster one weighs about 1.7 pounds fairly compact again. I’m a big fan of this. They have a proprietary interface on that plug. 

I’ve turned the handlebar so I don’t bump my head a lot of times. I’ll go down like this and then oh you know I kind of bash myself, so just keep that in mind. And again with the fenders hopefully not a big deal, but you know ideally that would be up high maybe on the right side of the frame so you don’t have to bend down every time to plug it in if you’ve got sensitive knees and stuff.

This is the 27.1, then. The performance line motor, which is somewhat faster and more powerful but has the same drivetrain and a power pack 500, is available if you upgrade to the 27.3. The highest end model, the 27.5, comes with an TR continuously variable transmission and also has the performance line, so the 27.1, if you order it with the 500 watt hour power tube, is a 10-speed drivetrain that I actually like.

It has a 40 tooth Steel chainring with narrow wide teeth that really locks onto this chain so it won’t fall off. If it does, it might be difficult to remount that, especially with the chain cover like this. Back here, we have a 10-speed drivetrain that goes from 11 to 36, which is a pretty good spread. It has a Shimano Dior derailleur long cage that is simple to use the shifters on.

Thus, you can repeatedly push it or pull it. I’m using my thumbs, and then my fingers are up here for the brakes, and then you’ve got a multi-shift going back to those easy gear so it’s it’s all very reachable does have an optical gear window, but I don’t see any labels on it has these locking ergonomic grips that feel nice little flick bail for friendly signaling, and then the brakes this is maybe a two or three finger lever up here hydraulic is nice so when you’re braking at the rear you. 

The wiring is all internally routed down here, it’s really clean, and then up front we’ve got a large 180 millimeter rotor with a dual piston caliper in the rear it’s a little bit smaller 160 millimeter with the same dual piston caliper so when you’re riding as you stop. There’s a little set screw in there so you can bring the lever in. 

Moustache Lundi 27.1: Power and Range

And they have performed admirably. very quiet and effective, let’s check out the display, but first I love that this is detachable. This is the Bosch, which has been around for a while. Its grayscale backlit display lacks wireless compatibility with any of the Bosch smartphone apps, but it does have a small micro USB charging port on the side, which is nice if you already have your phone mounted there separately, though on this particular model. 

I have no idea where or how to mount the phone. We’ve got the display fixed back onto the bike, but I believe these plastic bits are removable, so there might be a chance to do something creative with it, like an extension or a bar attachment. I’ve previously used this display on my own e-bikes, and it does contain something akin to a coin battery, so if you leave the bike outside all winter and you remove the battery and it drains when it gets really cold or hot, you know your display is probably not broken; you might only need to seek assistance from a dealer.

We power it on and it boots up pretty quickly here we’ve got five bars up top for your battery charge level not very precise these days I’m seeing 10 bar infographics I’m seeing percentages but fortunately there is a range estimator built into this so it gives you some idea and again on the battery there’s a little button and you can kind of see how full the pack is independently we’ve got our current speed right there in miles per hour. 

You can change those settings by pressing the plus or minus buttons to move between the different levels of assist, which range from off to Eco Tour Sport and Turbo, which will provide you with up to 50 Newton Meters of torque and 270 percent support from the Bosch Active Line Plus. Then, just to the right, is a small power chart that shows how hard the motor is working. Down here, we have another readout that we can cycle through by pressing either this small rubbery button or I here. Max Speed Average Speed Range of Travel Time. 

Now, this is the really cool one because it currently estimates that we can travel 49 kilometers based on my most recent writing and the battery’s charge level, but if I decrease the level of assistance, it updates dynamically and says that we can travel 55 kilometers, then all the way down to eco 128 kilometers. This motor is once again very efficient and quiet, and even though it doesn’t provide quite the same high RPM support or torque as the performance line Motors, I still find it to be adequate for most uses.

This bike is about $4000 US, but I’ve seen different price points and different geographies, especially since it’s a European bike. I’m reviewing it in Canada, but it’s likely also sold in the US. The number of dealers might be a little bit limited. 

The bike is stable, especially with those wide tires, so let’s go ahead and take it up to yeah I like to do turbo so you can hear the motor and see how loud it would be at its loudest not very loud at all I can hear a little like but it’s very quiet which I appreciate just go down this street here I do sometimes on these active line Motors notice that as soon as I stop pedaling there’s a little bit of a clunk like the pedals want to keep going. 

I’ve mentioned this before, but I don’t think that will work. The motor does freewheel and shouldn’t create any drag when you’re actually pedaling forward whether the bike is powered on or not, but there is just a little bit of extra stick when you stop pedaling. I’m going to take it down to cuddle around just like a normal, albeit heavy, bicycle still. A very upright posture makes it simple to access those gears. 

There was a small hill on the way here and it had no problem there. It’s nice thank you very much narrow enough to fit easily through those posts and doorways back at the shop. I would probably raise the saddle a little bit to really optimize this for myself, but with the power on tap I don’t feel like I’m straining myself to climb any Hills or anything.

Moustache Lundi 27.1: Conclusions

I really like this bike, and I’ve recorded all the statistics back at electricbikereview.com. Guys, I think that’s it. It’s really fun to revisit a bike like this that I’ve covered, oh, four years ago. I want to thank City Cycles in Langley, British Columbia, for letting me come in and test some of the different bikes they carry. I love you and I hope you have fun out there riding safely and we’ll see you next time. 

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Single-speed road bikes, or fixies, have gained a lot of popularity recently. The FLX Babymaker 2 transforms the flat-bar road cycle into an e-bike. Or, to put it another way, it takes time and gets better. In our FLX Babymaker 2 review, we’ll examine the how and why.

A 350W Aikema brushless, geared hub motor and a 360Wh Samsung battery power the FLX Babymaker 2. In terms of absolute numbers, the motor and battery are indeed quite modest. But while a motor’s power is absolute, how much work it can accomplish depends on how much mass it is moving. A 350W motor can suddenly provide fantastic acceleration and sustained speed if an e-weight bike’s is cut in half, say to 35 lbs. from 70 lbs., and we’re delighted to announce that the Babymaker 2 has both in spades.

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The FLX Babymaker 2’s ride experience is its main draw. The sporty handling, covert appearance, and spirited acceleration of this fixie-styled e-bike are its tradeoffs.

But how does this all work out for a biker using the roads? Explore the main portion of our FLX Babymaker 2 review below to learn more.

Video Review of Babymaker 2

Babymaker 2: Design and Build Quality

The simplicity of this e-bike is one of its main advantages. Its lack of derailleurs reduces weight, and using a Gates belt drive reduces weight even further. Additionally, the belt drive never wears out and needs no lubrication. As a result, there won’t be any black markings on hands, legs, or clothing, saving money on replacement costs.

Despite not having fenders, a rear rack, or lights when it is shipped, the FLX Babymaker 2 is compatible with those attachments thanks to mounts on the fork, dropouts, and seatstays. FLX is able to save costs and keep the Babymaker 2 within the $2000 mark by leaving them off.

Riders have a wonderful experience on flat-bar road bikes like the FLX Babymaker 2, which we are now examining. The FLX Babymaker 2 concentrates on the thrilling feel of an e-bike with the heritage of a racing bike thanks to its quick-handling demeanor. The Babymaker has been redesigned with a bigger battery for longer range.

Who is this bike for, then? It is fundamentally a fixie, so anyone who appreciates using some leg (albeit at more fun speeds thanks to the motor). E-bikes, however, have the advantage of casting a wide net. Anyone can utilize the Babymaker 2 if they want to do more than just move about. This bike is supposed to be sporty, which accounts for its rapid handling and concealed battery, but it has other capabilities as well. It’s fantastic for commuting, having fun on the weekends, running errands, and more.

Babymaker 2: Motor and Driving

Using a 350W Aikema brushless, geared hub motor, the FLX Babymaker 2 operates. Once more, while it may appear modest in comparison to some other e-bikes we’ve evaluated, the fact that this bike weighs only 35 lbs means that a smaller motor doesn’t negatively affect it. Similar to this, a 360Wh battery—Samsung or not—would force many bikes to remain in their area and refrain from exploring the city.

Many bikes would find it challenging to accelerate once they have a gear large enough to propel them above 20 mph and a hub motor, but the FLX Babymaker 2 has one of the better cadence sensors we have come across; the cadence sensor engages the motor after just a quarter turn of the pedals.

Our circuit test demonstrated that the motor often only assists in PAS 1 and 2 up hills and off the starting line. However, PAS 3, 4, and 5 saw increases in aid that were evenly spaced apart, allowing for more assistance and faster speeds. Despite being marketed as a Class 3 e-bike, in practice assistance stops around 22 mph; some riders may feel a little more muscle if they are going downhill.

It’s also important to note that the brake levers lack a motor cutoff switch. We frequently fault that omission, but in this e-bike, it’s helpful. This is due to the fact that the simplest method to ride this e-bike at low speeds—say let’s below 10 mph—is to brake while pedaling. By applying the brakes, a rider may maintain their low speed for however long is necessary, and as long as they pedal, the engine will remain powered up. Once the rider releases the brakes, the rider can rapidly regain top speed.

Although there are e-bikes with sharper acceleration, the FLX Babymaker 2 balances the size of the engine and battery with reasonably quick-rolling tires, making for an exciting but not frightful ride.

On our infamous,.3-mile-long hill known as Hell Hole, we did not run a throttle test because the FLX Babymaker 2 is a throttle-free Class 3 e-bike. It’s simple to imagine that an e-bike won’t have much power because its motor is “only” 350W, however this is a mistake. How incorrect such a presumption can be is demonstrated by this e-bike.

The FLX Babymaker 2 flew up Hell Hole in in 67 seconds at an average speed of 16.2 mph during its PAS 5 climb. As though riding a fixie, our tester who conducted the hill evaluation did approach the hill while out of the saddle.

In order to find out what this would be like if I didn’t feel like standing, I went up Hell Hole. The motor gave me the best assistance it could, but the bike had some difficulty climbing the hill.

That finest exemplifies a general rule about single-speed bikes: they work well in areas with gentle slopes rather than steep ones like San Francisco. In comparison, it’s a superb hill-climber if you’re riding it in line with the bike’s style.

Even though the FLX Babymaker 2 has a top speed of 28 mph and is a Class 3 e-bike, riders will still feel the need for strong brakes. The 180mm rotors and Magura hydraulic disc brakes do an excellent job of controlling the Babymaker 2. When someone experiences the acceleration of this item for the first time, that sense of control may be helpful.

In our brake test, the FLX Babymaker 2 came to a respectable stop in 18 feet, 1 inch. We value brakes that offer broad modulation and a light touch, and these Magura brakes performed admirably.

The FLX Babymaker 2’s nimble handling and temperament are not merely a result of the frame geometry. The bike feels nimble thanks in part to the tires’ tiny 28mm width and extremely firm aluminum fork.

The FLX Babymaker 2 isn’t the most comfortable bike to ride when all of these characteristics and the aluminum frame are taken into account. Imagine it as a sports car’s rigid suspension. It’s challenging to create a bike that combines the comfort of a cruiser with the racing bike’s lightning-fast characteristics. They are essentially opposite attributes.

Now, a word about the saddle: Most of the saddles we see on e-bikes are spacious, padded, and generally comfy. The FLX Babymaker 2’s saddle is typical of the saddles we see on fixies: a racing saddle with less cushioning than a startup’s budget. The key here is to purchase proper biking shorts—not just stretchy Lycra shorts, but ones with the pad sewed into the shorts—for long-term comfort on the Babymaker 2. The padding should be placed directly beneath the rider’s caboose, as this is where it should be.

Although the FLX Babymaker 2 comes in two sizes, which usually thrills us, it would have been lovely to have even more options. The problem is that the top tube and seat tube, which determine a bike’s size, are rather long on this type of bicycle. The Small/Medium is unlikely to be suitable for anyone less than, say, 5-feet-7 or so, whereas the Large/XL is likely to fit many taller guys. That’s primarily attributable to the top tube’s 31-inch step-over height, which is present even on the smaller frame.

The FLX Babymaker 2’s tiny display is one of the few things we have to say about it. The display is situated out towards the grip, and the further away it is from the stem, the more difficult it is to read. Compounding that is the fact that almost nothing else can be read while riding aside from the present pace.

Babymaker 2: Battery and Range

Prior to discussing the range of this e-bike, it is important to note that the battery’s concealment and the rear hub’s size make the bike appealing in general. Is it necessary to conceal the battery? Of course not, but it does give the appearance of being stealthy.

Our test rider completed 45.2 miles in PAS 2 in 3:32, with an average speed of 12.8 mph. In PAS 5, the FLX Babymaker 2 traveled 21.5 miles in 1:23, an average speed of 15.5 miles per hour.

What kind of bike would this be if FLX hadn’t decided to conceal the battery? is a reasonable inquiry. Would the extra range that comes with a larger battery that is merely integrated be beneficial to the bike? The bike’s agility, which is one of its best qualities, would probably be diminished.

Babymaker 2: Conclusions

What conclusion can we draw from this review of Babymaker 2? It is possible to create an e-bike that honors the fixie ethos thanks to the hub motor and the hidden battery. We adored this bike’s agility and rapid acceleration. Additionally, we were grateful that hydraulic disc brakes were chosen over rim calipers because this is an e-bike rather than a true fixie. With e-bikes, you want to be ready for anything, and hydraulic brakes’ better braking power is a benefit.

A powertrain with a Gates Belt Drive requires almost no maintenance and won’t ever become dirty that they were able to do this while keeping the bike’s weight at only 35 pounds. 

FLX provides a “touring” kit that includes fenders, lights, a rear rack, a bottle cage, and even a mini-tool for anyone looking to combine exhilarating performance with the convenience of commuting. This makes appeal more accessible to a wider range of consumers.

This bike is designed for the road with tires that are 28mm wide. This bike is designed for cycling in metropolitan areas.

This e-advertising bike’s is targeted towards younger adult audiences, thus it might not first be appealing to everyone who might otherwise like the design. This e-bike, however, can’t help but amaze anyone searching for a quick-handling bike that’s excellent for pedaling and traversing a city if they look past the bike’s moniker and focus on its actual performance. An e-bike like this wasn’t even conceivable ten years ago, and it is so advanced that our team asks, “With e-bikes this good, why wouldn’t you consider about getting one?” This is a victory of technology and ingenuity.

Our testers found the FLX Babymaker 2 review model to be really popular because it can make any ride thrilling. Would you like to purchase one? You may order one and have it delivered right to your door by clicking the button above.

Happy riding! Please let us know in the comments area if you have any queries or if you feel that we have missed anything in our evaluation of the FLX Babymaker 2.

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Hey it’s me, Martijn and this stylus electric city bicycle is the Kakuka K70 and looks, if you ask me completely ordinary, that look is achieved by the hidden battery in the frame and tossed without any visible cables or display mounted on the steering wheel. This electric bicycle has it almost all, an integrated display, a carbon belt instead of a metal chain, amazing looks and so much more. In this article review I will share what to expect of the Kakuka K70.

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The new Kakuka K70 ebike is an elegant and sporty electric bike that was specifically created for urban daily commuting. If you want to get around the city in style and you don’t like to blend in, you should definitely give it some thought.

Video Review of Kakuka K70

Kakuka K70: Design and Build Quality

The new Kakuka K70 2022 e-bike uses cutting-edge, high-tech solutions, such as an integrated electric system and a carbon belt transmission.

These options enable you to obtain a stylish, light electric bike that is enhanced by a contemporary “retro” design.

When compared to the Kakuka K70’s typical chain drive, the wheel is noticeably quieter. There are five different driving modes that can be selected using two easy buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. The display is of the LCD type and embedded in the frame, and it is worth mentioning that the electric motor only alerts the rider when cranking the pedals becomes too difficult, so there are no gears or warnings. Of course, you can set this mode exactly according to your own preferences.

There are no mud guards pre-installed or in the box, but there is a hole to attach one later yourself. Speaking of the box, if you want to pick one up, a link will be available in the article subscription to the manufacturer’s website now once you get your bike. The braking distance is rather 6 meters at full speed, which is primarily due to the fact that the millimeter mechanical disc brakes are pretty standard and the tires are relatively slim.

Using the given tools, I quickly installed the front wheel. In summary, I can say that the Kakuka K70 is a very nice and stylish electric bicycle that is also enjoyable to ride. It’s also comfortable to ride because the saddle has enough cushion to ride longer distances, which is also easily possible thanks to the sufficient battery. Installing the steering wheel was also completed in a matter of minutes. Last but not least are the pedals and of course the seat post.

The K70’s frame is made of lightweight, high-quality aluminum, and as a result, the entire bike weighs less than 18 kg.

The wheelset features high-profile, nimble 700C rims that mix looks and functionality. Semi-slick tires on the wheels complete the vehicle’s quickness and responsiveness on the road.

Mechanical disc brakes with a Power Off sensor, which stops the engine’s assistance when a lever’s pressure is sensed, are used for braking. The disc system guarantees secure braking in any weather.

There are a few things worth mentioning that you have to take into consideration or would have been nice to have, such as an app for more detailed information regarding, for example, your battery status or the possibility to track your bike. It is undoubtedly a city bike with a nice horseshoe kickstand and no suspension, but some more bumpy roads are not a problem at all.

The 32C section CST rubber slick tires are mounted on the 700C wheels. For a long life, these tires provide a high level of smoothness and a high level of abrasion resistance. To improve visibility on the road in low light, the sidewall of the tires is reflective.

It has almost all the bells and whistles except for a rear light, which is required in many EU countries so keep that in mind. The tires are 27.6 inches wide. There are also no unnecessary buttons and switches on the handlebar, making the overall picture pleasingly clean. On the right side, there is one more button, but it allows you to turn on or off the throttle, making your ride even safer so you don’t rotate the throttle handle by accident.

Let’s now look at each component that has been selected for this contemporary urban ebike.

The hydro formed tube and high-quality weld finish on the aluminum frame help to further purify and elevate it. There are two color options available for the Kakuka K70: a Black frame or a Silver frame.

The mechanical disc brakes are fine in case it ever gets stolen, but at this price point, I think they should have chosen hydraulic brakes. Even though the range is adequate, a replaceable battery makes the bike more future-proof, and because it’s well integrated into the frame, I would have expected to see an official ip rating. With all of that in mind, I don’t see these as drawbacks; rather, I see them as a fantastic business opportunity that Kakuka has by developing this product.

Finally, parking is simple because of the useful, sturdy, and steady central stand. A set of reflectors and a white (external battery-powered) front light round out the apparatus.

Kakuka K70: Motor and Range

The Kakuka K70 is propelled by a brushless rear motor built into the hub; the manufacturer used a 250W, 36 Volt XOFO motor. The engine produces a remarkable amount of torque for the class, with a peak output of 50 Nm. Thanks to a contemporary speed sensor that precisely controls the power delivery to the wheel, efficiency and power are achieved.

I was able to travel about 35 kilometers in purely electric mode, but the distance you can travel will also depend on your weight, the weather, and the road conditions. It uses a 7.5 m power one and is efficient enough for you to achieve up to about 55 kilometers of range with a fully charged battery. Its 250 watt motor is concealed in the back wheel hub; astonishingly, it has an out-of-the-box top speed of 32 kilometers per hour.

With 50 newton meters of torque, the motor generates sufficient power to accelerate you swiftly. The belt drive is what distinguishes the cooker K70 from other products of its kind. The old-fashioned chain drive has been replaced with a super-strong carbon strap, so you no longer have to worry about oily pants or any type of maintenance, thanks to the belt drive.

The traditional hand crank accelerator, which enables you to switch on the full electric mode, is located on the left side of the handlebar. For a vintage aesthetic, the handlebars are embellished with faux leather grips with visible stitching. The Black model combines a classic saddle with brown colored grips.

For use in nations with different rules, the speed can be unlocked, and in this case, it quickly approaches and exceeds 30 km/h while unlocked.

The manufacturer claims that the Kakuka K70 is equipped to handle maximum slopes at an angle of 20 degrees, as we can see from the tech sheet. An outstanding outcome for an urban ebike.

The 36V and 7.5AH lithium battery has a total capacity of 270 Wh; according to the manufacturer, the range with a single charge ranges from approximately 30 to 70 kilometers depending on use. Of course, these parameters fluctuate depending on a wide range of variables, such as the cyclist’s weight, the type of surface, the slope, etc.

Although it is built into the frame, the battery can be taken out and replaced. This is a simple procedure, but it is left out when replacing the battery pack, which is offered as a spare.

The battery charger that comes with the bike must be plugged directly to the charging 

Kakuka K70: Conclusions

This is the end of the article, I hope you enjoyed it, don’t forget to give it a like and subscribe if you have any questions drop them down below because I would love to help you out. Thank you for reading and see you in the next one. If you want to own a bike that has even more city bike looks or maybe this typical dutch city bike look then continue on by reading this article over here.

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Since 2019, Eahora, formerly known as Energy ahora, has produced e-bikes under this brand name. Over the years, Eahora has created a number of dual suspension folding electric bike models with the industry-standard in-frame battery. The Eahora Azaria, on the other hand, boosts speed and range in this market by combining a high-powered seat post battery with a 750 Watts rear hub motor.

Eahora Azaria

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The Eahora Azarias and Eahora Azaria are two of their newest models, and what makes them so exciting is Eahora’s attempt to create a full suspension folding e-bike with a seat post battery.

The battery is built into the seat post, there are no visible cables other than on the front handlebars, the bike folds up safely, and the torque-sensing mechanism provides smooth support. I heartily recommend the Azaria if you’re searching for an e-bike for commuting around town.

Video Review of Eahora Azaria

Eahora Azaria: Design and Build Quality 

The Eahora Azaria arrived in a big flat box rather than fully folded, unlike other folding e-bikes I’ve tested.

The front stem was folded down along the right front of the bike, the frame was stretched, and both wheels were fastened.

Assembly was necessary for the pedals and fenders, with the fenders taking me a little longer than anticipated due to the small nuts and some awkward hand acrobatics needed to fasten the mounting brackets for the fenders.

As e-bike riders’ needs have changed over time, folding e-bikes with suspension options have become very popular. Even with a bouncy suspension seat post and underinflated fat tires, trails and off-road e-biking can be taxing on a rider’s physique. The upgrading to a suspension seat post is no longer an option because the seat post in your ebike doubles as your battery. By giving the Azarias a front suspension fork with an optional lock out and a rear suspension with a HLT-100 rear shock absorber, Eahora met the rider’s needs for suspension.

The CST 20 x 3 inch tires from Eahora Azaria are the best fit for this folding e-bike. For some riders, four-inch fat tires can make the bike scary since they stand out so much on city streets. Although 3-inch tires are a great compromise for both street and trail riders, sales of fat tires have dominated the industry for the past few years.

Since the seat post doubles as the bike’s battery, the seat was also out of place. Cables are not necessary, however, to connect the battery seat post to the bicycle. The battery seat post is simply inserted into the frame’s slot at the back, and the clamp is then locked into place. We’ll talk more about this really creative design below, but the opening is intended to connect the battery to the bike’s electronics.

The Eahora Azarias full suspension folder weighs an astounding 25.4 kg even when equipped with all of its capabilities. Lighter is always preferable for folding e-bikes, and at 25.4 kg, the Azarias will be a little more simpler to maneuver and pedal in higher gears.

You must first enter the unlock code on the tiny keypad hidden beneath a cover below the tail light in order to start the bike. It takes some practice to get the technique down, and if you turn the bike on and off frequently, this step could grow tiresome. The bike demands that you follow the method exactly; else, nothing will get done.

The same unlocking procedure must be used to remove the seat post, with the unlock button – the bottom left key on the keypad – being pressed as the final step. Because of this technology, it is impossible to remove the battery and start the bike without the security code. Although it won’t stop theft, the fact that the thief can only ride the bike in manual mode may deter them from doing so.

Eahora Azaria: Motor and Driving

The handlebar cockpit of the Eahora Azarias features a center-mounted display that houses the usual information. On the right side, next to the gear shifter that manages the 7-speed Shimano gearing, is where the thumb throttle can be found.

Mechanical brakes with 160 mm rotors are used. Although this will offer adequate braking, switching to hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors will significantly increase the stopping power for a 750 Watts motor capable of 28 mph.

The majority of the bikes I’ve tested in recent years had a throttle and pedal assist. The Eahora Azaria doesn’t have a throttle, but it does have a seven-speed Shimano shifter to assist you climb hills. It offers the smoothest assist of any bike I’ve ridden so far thanks to the fantastic algorithms Fiido provides with the torque sensor. You don’t jump off the line, but you can feel the aid gradually begin to work to improve your riding. It was a delight to ride the bike, and the shifter functioned perfectly to assist with slopes.

750W rear hub motor is included with the Azarias. As previously mentioned, the 18 Ah batteries are connected to the rear hub motor, which Eahora claims is whisper quiet and can be unlocked to reach speeds of 28 mph. 

The abbreviation E-PAS stands for Eahora Power Assist System. According to the Eahora team, E-PAS is a “patented technology” that, when used, optimizes the motor and precisely controls the controller to achieve high motor efficiency and therefore prevent excessive power loss. The battery life and cruising range of the electric bike can both be increased by preventing excessive power loss.

The highly reliable hydraulic disc brakes stopped on a dime. Although the handlebar grips are comfortable, an ergonomic pad would be useful for riders who spend a lot of time on the bike. The seat is quite simple, but since I’m accustomed to riding bikes, it didn’t bother me in the least. If you desire a saddle that is more comfortable, you may always replace it.

The trails and highways I was riding on were well-lit by the front light, which is tastefully fitted into the frame. The bike was well-illuminated by the rear light, which was mounted above the keypad and was also very bright. The pedals, wheels, and tires are all expertly made and function without a hitch.

Eahora Azaria: Battery and Range

The seat post houses two 48V lithium batteries with an amazing 18 Ah capacity, which can power the bike for more than 70 kilometers.

Additionally, Eahora went above and beyond by integrating a 3A charge, which is 50% faster than the typical 2A chargers.

The battery has an assistance range of up to 80.7 miles. On concrete and gravel roads, the battery lasted roughly 70 miles according to my testing, although I am also close to the bike’s maximum weight load. However, the lights are inoperative in this mode. I also tested it without any assist, and I found it to be a terrific bike.

Eahora Azaria: Conclusions

Folding bikes should deliver a dependable riding experience in town while folding up compactly for convenient storage and travel. Folding bikes are not built for off-road riding and tackling the toughest hills and obstacles with suspension, wide seats, or prolonged ride comfort. The Eahora excels in these areas and also resembles a bike that costs twice as much. Even when the bike is folded, a powerful magnet system on the left side of the wheels keeps it together.

The allure of folding e-bikes with seat post batteries is that they resemble conventional folding bikes more often than not. The Azarias, though this isn’t always the case, does a fantastic job of combining specs from some of the most popular bikes.

When it comes to features, performance, portability, and cost right now, the Azarias foldable bike checks all the boxes. We are interested to see how this folder performs in an industry that is now dominated by a few very sizable firms. We’re eager to see what they improve for version 2.0 when it does succeed in selling successfully.

With free shipping, the Eahora Azarias Full Suspension Folding E-Bike is presently available for just $1299. Both the low step model Azaria and the Eahora Azaria are up for pre-order. 

Eahora Azaria

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A good e-bike doesn’t have to be expensive or sophisticated, as demonstrated by the Ride1Up Core-5. A bike also doesn’t have to be pricey to look amazing.

The Core-5 doesn’t have a ton of high-end components, but it still accomplishes what you need it whole do: help you as you pedal around town running errands. The pricing is excellent, and the ride is enjoyable and pleasant. Although the motor is not the strongest you can purchase, it is still powerful enough to assist you as you travel over flat or gently rolling terrain. If you want to make a little money from an electric bike, this is one of the better options to look into.

Ride1UP Core-5

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By maintaining a lean operation throughout the whole supply chain, Ride1Up keeps the cost of their bicycles reasonable. Although it is of a different nature, efficiency is still very important. For the majority of individuals, efficiency without regard to cost isn’t particularly important. Ride1Up has carefully considered their options and is able to provide high-quality, affordable items that vary from $1095 to $2195.

Although it isn’t the cheapest item in the lineup, it comes close. It became apparent to me during my time with it what story it has to convey. The Ride1up Core-5’s story is entirely around leisurely town riding. Continue reading to find out more about the particulars that contribute to the story’s telling as well as what it feels and touches like.

Video Review of Ride1UP Core-5

Ride1UP Core-5: Design and Build Quality

A wide variety of riding styles are included in the area of electric bicycles. There are competitive race vehicles with pedal assistance available. However, that is not typical and is definitely not the case for the Ride1Up Core 5.

The Core-5 is available with either a regular or step-through frame layout. The top tube is completely removed in the latter, making mounting and demounting simpler. There are three color choices for the Core-5, which according to Ride1Up comes in one size to fit riders from 5’6″ to 6’4″

Although the huge down tube that contains the detachable battery makes it immediately obvious that the Core-5 is an e-bike, the bike itself appears quite svelte. The Core-5 looks high-end despite being positioned as an entry-level e-bike in terms of price and construction thanks to a sculpted top tube/head tube junction.

The 27-5-inch wheels on the Core-5 help to keep the standover height low so that a wider spectrum of riders can use it. The 2.2-inch wide tires on my test bike can be operated at a low tire pressure to improve comfort and compliance.

When carrying the bike with baggage or a child carrier, Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide a lot of stopping power.

Unbranded and located in the rear hub, the motor’s maker is listed on Ride1Up as Shengyi. You have a lot of alternatives for riding both with and without motor aid thanks to its coordination with a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain.

Looking at the stack, reach, and wheelbase values is my preferred method of analyzing bicycle geometry. A rudimentary glimpse of how forward and upright the bike will feel is provided by stack and reach. The wheelbase then adds some context by giving a sense of how stable or unsteady the bike will feel. In the case of the Ride1Up Core 5, the numbers for the stack are missing, and the listed reach is incorrect.

The Core-5 is a Class 3 electric bicycle. It has a pedal-assist option that helps you go up to 28 mph and a throttle feature that helps you go up to 20 mph. The buttons on a black and white LCD head unit positioned on the handlebar are used to operate the pedal-assist settings. Additionally, you may view your current speed, the odometer, and other ride-related data here.

A robust and convenient kickstand is attached to the chainstay. The Core-5 does not, however, have any integrated front or rear lights, in contrast to many other e-bikes even in this entry-level price range.

There are many similarities between the two motorcycles despite the substantially higher price. You can see how Trek offers that particular bike as a very upright, cozy city bike. The geometrical numbers match up rather nicely, as was to be expected.

The comparison to that Trek also contributes to some understanding of sizing. Only one size of the Ride1Up Core 5 is available. The rider’s height ranges from 5’6″ to 6’4″, however there is no description of what size that rider is. Comparing the statistics, I had a hunch that would correspond with what most companies refer to as a size big frame. There are a lot of options with this bike because it is so laid back, but for most businesses, the frame should be about the size of a big.

Ride1UP Core-5: Motor and Driving

The Core-5 should still be possible for you to assemble right out of the box even if you are not skilled with tools or have never built a bike before. But in order to be sure that everything is set correctly, it is best to take it to a specialist. Out of the box, my test bike required gear and brake changes, and all bolts needed to be properly torqued to specification.

Quick release levers are not included with the wheels. You must fasten them using bolts instead. Bolts give riders peace of mind who might not be familiar with how fast release levers function and also make them tougher to steal, but this makes it less practical to load the bike into the back of a car.

A 48V Geared Hub Shengyi Motor with a nominal rating of 500w is used by the Ride1Up Core 5. This can best be explained by saying that they are inexpensive, off-the-shelf components from well-known Chinese brands.

Depending on how familiar you are with electric bikes, you may or may not be familiar with them, but they are a significant player in the market. The brand is typically more prevalent with more affordable options, and their main point of competition is pricing. However, they are a well-known brand that consistently performs well. The Core 5’s motor is a rear hub motor with a pedal assist sensor that is cadence-based.

Using the button on the LCD display unit mounted on the handlebar, the Core-5 may be powered on. From there, you can also change the assist level. The screen is simple to read and clearly shows information such as your speed, total miles traveled, assist mode, battery life, and other crucial ride statistics.

On the left side of the handlebar, the throttle lever is located next to the grip. It activates effortlessly, in fact, so smoothly that it’s simple to punch it a little too hard and start moving extremely quickly. Unless you are starting from a complete stop on a hill, it is better to use a light touch when applying the throttle. It’s best to use the throttle carefully because excessive use will quickly drain your battery.

However, Ride1Up made the smart choice to equip the Core-5 with a 7-speed Shimano transmission. If the help level isn’t quite powerful enough, you can spin more easily up steep hills if you have a low bailout gear.

With a big lever to move in one direction and a big button to move in the other, the shifter is simple to use.

The fact that the Core-5 has disc brakes made me delighted. You will have mechanical disc brakes rather than hydraulic disc brakes at this price point. Although mechanical disc brakes aren’t as strong or reliable as hydraulic disc brakes, I thought the Core-5’s braking power was rather good, especially in rainy circumstances.

Ride1UP Core-5: Battery and Range

The Core-5’s battery is a 48V, 10.4ah Reention Eel Pro battery with LG cells and a Smart Battery Management System, according to the Ride1Up website. The only branding visible on the battery is that of Tian Fu Li, most likely the supplier of batteries to Reention.

To adequately discuss the battery system, it must be divided into several parts. Reention is the organization in charge of the casing and fitment. Another significant Chinese manufacturer of electric bicycle components, this time using the Eel Pro model. The battery cells are an LG product because Reention does not make those particular components. This is a fantastic option because LG is one of the biggest battery producers in the world.

According to Ride1Up, the battery range varies from 20 to 40 miles, depending on your usage of the aid level, among other things. For the majority of e-bikes, this battery range is very common.

I was able to use up more than half of the battery life on my first trip, which was around four miles long, by mostly using the throttle. To test how it would effect the battery, I utilized the throttle on this ride much more than I normally would on any ride.

The size of the battery is the final component in the battery puzzle. The battery size is listed by some businesses in terms of volts and amps. You may see that in this example with 48V and 10.4ah. Although it’s a simple conversion, I find that to be more perplexing than watt-hours. Using the equation (Ah)*(V) = (Wh), we can calculate the battery size to be little around 500Wh. That also exactly matches the range of 20–40 miles that I believe to be extremely probable based on the figures.

Discussions on batteries and motors can rapidly become highly technical.

Ride1UP Core-5: Conclusions

The Core-5 provides a smooth, appealing ride that works well on flat ground. On steeper hills, the motor feels underpowered, although it provides sufficient of assistance while navigating generally flat city streets. (If you reside in a hillier area, you should consider some of the more potent options in our list of the best electric bikes.) When you press the throttle or begin pedaling, the motor starts up instantly.

Taller riders may feel more comfortable on the Aventon Soltera among electric bikes that cost approximately $1,000; but, if you want a 7-speed transmission with that bike, it will cost you more. However, the Core-5 is a fantastic choice if you’re under six feet tall and need an economical, basic e-bike to get you around to

The Ride1Up Core 5 was comparable and, in some cases, much better for only about a fifth of the cost. The smoothness and simplicity of the ride contribute to the great riding quality. The more expensive bike did a better job of being a high-end bike, while the Core 5 was superior for pedal-assist city riding. Without any of the jerkiness some electric bikes have, takeoff is strong.

A bike like the Ride1Up Core 5 is what I picture as the electric bicycle of the future. It has a bike-like appearance, isn’t unduly heavy, rides smoothly and comfortably, and is reasonably priced. Briefly, it’s a wise purchase.

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An expensive premium electric bike, which typically costs $2,000, is not something that everyone can afford. What if, though, you could pay half that amount and yet get a decent-enough e-bike that you can throw into the trunk of your vehicle, roll aboard a train, or bring home to your fifth-floor walkup? With the newest folding e-bike from the Chinese company Wowcat, which has lately started selling straight into the European and North American markets, I was hoping to find that.

Wowcat C1

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The Wowcat C1 checks all the right boxes: it can be purchased for as little as $1439, has a range of up to 100 kilometers, and collapses into a compact transportable package. And it looks good too.

But how excellent is it?

Video Review of Wowcat C1

Wowcat C1: Design and Build Quality

The Wowcat C1 is delivered in a sizable rectangular box that gives you the impression that it will require considerable assembly, probably won’t have big wheels, and will be quite light.

In reality, assembly is quite simple and only involves unfolding the frame, fastening the clasp on the cross beam to keep everything in place, and repeating the process for the handlebar column. The pedals must be attached using the provided tools only. The saddle column must be slid into its slot and secured with the quick-release clip before the process is complete.

Wowcat bikes were hard to find outside of China before the C1. However, the company has just established international operations so that customers won’t have to pay pricey import duties, which could potentially increase the cost of Wowcat’s low-cost e-bikes by several hundred dollars. It should also speed up the delivery of replacement parts to Wowcat bikes in Europe and North America when they require repair, and based on my tests, I believe that this will be the case.

It’s the first electric bike that we are aware of to use this strategy, and in many respects it’s a smart solution, especially given how quickly you can remove it to charge the bike or store it indoors.

However, as there is no locking mechanism, you can’t actually leave your Wowcat C1 locked up in a bike rack somewhere public because it would be too enticing and simple to steal. You should obviously obtain electric bike insurance for this reason alone.

Setting the stage for what follows is opening a direct-to-consumer e-bike that has only been seen in two dimensions on Indiegogo. The Wowcat experience got off to a good start when the C1 box arrived, which shocked me for its small size. In contrast to the full-size e-bikes I typically receive, it is unusually little. However, when I opened it, I found a box full of foam that had been carelessly packed and other harmful things, which immediately dashed my already low hopes.

Although the unboxing experience fell well short of the excellent standard that VanMoof often sets, the C1 also costs less than half as much.

The Wowcat C1 is a good-looking, if rather peculiar-looking, machine once everything is set up. You’d imagine it would flex and wobble without chainstays, but overall it’s quite rigid.

It has a refined and modest appearance thanks to the slate blue and black color combination. However, some of the welding detracts from the aesthetic due to its distinctly industrial aspect. There is a front light in addition to the rear one, but there are none with mudguards to protect your business attire.

My initial assessments of the bike when it arrived in the box were accurate because it had two 20-inch wheels and isn’t too hefty. Wowcat advertises a featherweight 12kg, but that doesn’t include the battery or a number of other obviously necessary components. It actually weighs around 17.5kg.

The bike may be folded back down again in a matter of seconds by simply releasing a few clamps. So it will be simple to get it in and out of the automobile. Its collapsed dimensions are 80 x 74 x 40 cm as opposed to 150 x 110 x 40 cm when it is prepared for use.

I was instantly at a loss for how to elevate the handlebar stem once I was freed from the shackles of the polystyrene waste and the roughly a dozen tie-wraps. Following the English assembly instructions sequentially would have snapped a brake cable because they are at most rudimentary. Fortunately, I caught sight of the handlebar rotation that had occurred while packing or during the trip, causing the brake line to become taut. The handlebar was easily raised into place by rolling it back into place with a flip of the fast release clasp, which left adequate slack in the line. I then fastened the pedals and secured everything. I then put the battery on charge.

It does not include a carrying handle or a way to fasten the folded frame together. While carrying it by the crossbeam appears solid enough for short outings, keeping a bungie in your luggage will address the first issue.

The saddle can be adjusted pretty high, which makes it perfect for our family to share (min and max indications assist you keep within the boundaries). Despite the fact that my wife, daughters, and I are all different shapes and sizes, we were able to find acceptable heights, whether it was a 5’9″ man who weighs about 12 stone or a 5’1″ woman who won’t tell me how much the scales say.

A clasp that loosens to allow you to rotate it back and forth allows you to alter the tilt of the handlebars, which also helps you change the angle of the electronic display that shows your speed and the state of the battery. It displays four bars rather than a percentage, just like on the M1. I was unable to easily convert the speed from km/h to the MPH that is used in the US and the UK. This is primarily due to the lack of a manual.

Additionally, there is a button for switching between the motor’s three levels of assistance.

Two gear-change levers are located next to the right handle-grip. They are difficult to see, and throughout my time using the Wowcat C1, I did discover that I frequently touched the incorrect one, selecting the incorrect gear and necessitating hasty modifications to get back into a rhythm. There was no getting away from my mistakes because the small, mechanical panel directly above the grip reveals which gear is selected.

Additionally, there is a thumb-lever above the right grip that you can press to start the motor. I was really appreciative of its location and ease of use when attempting to climb the huge hills that characterize the area of Cornwall where I currently reside.

The mechanical disc brakes on the front and rear wheels are operated by the brake levers, and both of them were very effective in bringing the bike to a stop. It’s best to use a gentle touch.

Wowcat C1: Motor and Driving

The seat post conceals a useful feature: it houses the rechargeable battery that powers the 36V, 250W motor from the Xiongda brand. The charging outlet, power button, rear light, and wire connecting the battery are all located directly below the saddle itself.

When traveling over smoother terrain, the Wowcat C1 is a pleasant vehicle. Unlike some other bikes I’ve tried, this one’s saddle didn’t feel like it was attempting to carve new crannies into my body, and the sat posture is one that would fit a day of leisurely pedaling or a trip from the train station to the workplace.

With a few rattles here and there, the ride was passably smooth when on the roads. If you do decide to buy a C1, be ready to give it a short check and tighten-up after a week or two of riding because there will be a riding in period where the mechanics settle, just like with any new bike.

I had the chance to test the motor’s torque while riding up a little slope, and the results were excellent. There is a slight jolt when the motor starts up because a cadence sensor is used, but overall it was welcome because I could feel the bike taking on more of the load.

There didn’t seem to be much of a benefit to using the motor in the lower assistance mode, but switching to full power was a blessed relief. I was able to quickly complete the hill while keeping my efforts at a more civilized level by using the motor’s full capacity.

During my first ride, it rode better than I had anticipated, and I couldn’t stop grinning. The C1 has a top speed cap of 25 km/h (16 mph), but that’s okay because it was designed for European city commuters. Wowcat C1 speed limit can be overridden using a cheat code.

The C1 has a throttle that doesn’t require any pedaling at all and three pedal-assist settings. I found that Pedal-Assist Mode 5 (Max) best complemented my aggressive riding style. Even in the lower pedal-assist modes, the motor does whine, but it’s not horrible (I’ve definitely heard worse), and the power delivery can occasionally feel jerky. That’s because the C1’s power delivery is slowed down by using a cadence sensor rather than a more expensive torque sensor. If you don’t mind your quads doing the work, the seven-speed Shimano gearbox allows for quick starts off the line and speeds well in excess of 25km/h.

The cruise control ultimately activates when the throttle is held down, but only after the vehicle achieves the top motor-assisted speed. After that, you can let go of the button and simply enjoy the trip. You can pedal more quickly, and when you slow down again, the motor will eventually turn back on. It’s a very useful feature.

Unfortunately, even in comparison to other 250W motors popular in Europe, the C1’s motor is somewhat underpowered. The little rear-hub motor performs admirably on flat terrain, but it truly suffers against even mild inclines and gusts. According to the bike’s display, the motor on my test unit shuts off at 24 km/h rather than the advertised 25 km/h. However, it felt much slower, so I checked the pace against a Garmin smartwatch, which indicated a speed of 22 km/h. I’d hazard a guess that the Garmin was more precise. However, with just the throttle, that motor has enough torque to propel my 82kg (180-pound) body from a standstill to top speed on level surfaces in 12 to 15 seconds.

Wowcat C1: Battery and Range

The unique feature of the C1 design is the enormous seat post, which holds a relatively substantial 10Ah battery for a bike with 20-inch wheels this size. It takes the battery seven hours to slowly charge from empty to full. A slightly smaller 360Wh battery that charges in under 3.5 hours is included with the Cowboy 3, which is more than twice as expensive as the C1. The speed disparity is most likely explained by Cowboy’s use of more sophisticated 21700 lithium-ion battery cells, which cost more but also store more energy in a smaller volume.

When pulling away from a stop up a hill, the throttle really helps by removing a lot of the strain from your legs. The C1’s battery life is advertised by Wowcat to be up to 100km (60 miles), although actual mileage can vary depending on the level of help you utilize, the terrain, and even the weather.

We were unable to test the claim because we could only test the C1 for a few days.

The C1’s battery was certainly less taxed when used on flatter roads, but once more, we’d need a more precise battery charge display before feeling completely comfortable using it for lengthy rides. Although it takes about seven hours to fully recharge from empty, you do have the option of only removing the saddle column and plugging it into the supplied charger. This eliminates the requirement for the entire bike.

Wowcat C1: Conclusions

The C1 is affordable for an e-bike you might use every day at $1439, but it’s still a sizable investment that raises expectations for durability. Sadly, this is where I have some reservations. After only two weeks of testing, I already have a problem with the saddle: despite tightening it as much as I can, whenever I hit a bump, the seat abruptly and uncomfortable tilts upward a notch. Additionally, the mount is not a stock component I can purchase from any old bike shop because the saddle is integrated into the battery.

The rear wheel also makes a faint metal-on-metal sound as it rubs. Since there doesn’t seem to be a problem with the alignment of the disc brakes, I assume it has to do with the resistance that the rear hub motor introduces. When pushing the bike, it is loud, but when riding, it is only occasionally noticeable as a high-pitched squeak that comes and goes.

There is no shortage of commuter-focused foldable electric bikes. The Wowcat C1 isn’t the best, but it has a lot going for it, including seven gears, a reasonable price, and a readily changeable battery.

If you live in the UK, there is a case to be made for spending a little extra to buy the MiRider One because you’ll get local service and a UK guarantee. But it’s a logical decision if you don’t mind that and prefer the benefits of the C1.

Making warranty claims on the motor, controller, and electronics of the Wowcat C1 as a newcomer to the global market and obtaining replacement parts would probably be difficult even under the best of circumstances. Since there is a shortage of the widely used generic parts for e-bikes like the C1 and couriers are overburdened with delivery, the pandemic further complicates matters. On my test C1, I’ve learned to live with the things that need maintenance, but if I had spent $1,439 and had support needs for a bike that was only two weeks old, I might not be so at ease.

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