Introducing the Spark Bandit, a striking 52-volt electric bike that boldly claims a top speed of 40 mph. What sets this bike apart from the rest is not just its impressive speed, but the fact that it is custom-built right here in the United States. This level of customization allows riders to tailor their own orders, ensuring a bike that perfectly suits their preferences and needs.
A notable feature that adds to the durability and power of the Spark Bandit is its 2,000-watt rear hub motor. What makes it stand out even more is the use of reinforced gears, eliminating the common concern of nylon gears prone to stripping. This design choice ensures that the motor can handle the substantial power the bike is capable of delivering.
But before you rush to place your order, let’s take a moment to crack open the box and explore the intricacies of the Spark Bandit. From the initial unboxing to a closer inspection of its features, we’ll delve into the various components and aspects of this electric bike. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of whether the Bandit lives up to its claims and whether it’s a worthy investment.
So, join us as we embark on the journey of unboxing and examining the Spark Bandit – a bike that promises speed, customization, and a unique build, all within the boundaries of American craftsmanship. Let’s dive in and see if this bike truly lives up to the hype and if it’s worth the investment. Time to unveil the Bandit and uncover the secrets that make it a standout in the world of electric bikes.
| Frame | Aluminum alloy |
| MOTOR | 2,000 Watt Nominal |
| SPEED | 40 mph |
| DISPLAY | 3.5″ Full Color Display |
| FORK | Inverted Suspension Fork |
| LIGHTS | Headlight: 12v 2600lm |
| TIRES | 20″ X 4″ |
| BRAKES | Hydraulic |
| BATTERY | 52V 25AH |
| RANGE | 15-20mph: 50-75 miles 20-35mph: 30-50 miles 35mph+: 25-30 miles |
| Weight | 87lb with Battery |
| WEIGHT LIMIT | 300 LB |
Unboxing and Assembly
Unboxing and assembling the Spark Bandit is a journey filled with excitement, attention to detail, and a touch of anticipation for the adventure that lies ahead. From the very beginning, the packaging is a testament to the company’s commitment to ensuring your bike arrives in pristine condition.
As you open the box, you can’t help but notice the meticulous care taken in securing the Spark Bandit. The snug fit of the packaging leaves no room for any potential damage during shipping. It’s evident that they are not messing around – this bike is well-protected.
Shipping isn’t just about delivering a product; it’s an experience with Spark Bandit. They go the extra mile by sending pictures of your fully assembled bike, allowing you to preview what awaits you. Now, it’s time to dive into the unboxing process.
The initial moments reveal the bike’s front wheel securely wrapped in Saran, ensuring it arrives without any issues. Wood blocks and careful packaging prevent any potential damage, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to delivering quality.
Surprisingly, the Spark Bandit is almost fully assembled straight out of the box, showcasing a level of convenience that sets it apart. As you take a closer look, the 52-volt motor catches your eye – a powerful component promising an exhilarating ride.
Assembly continues with attention to detail, including the inflation of tires and attaching the seat. A slight hiccup with a flat tire is a minor obstacle, but it’s quickly resolved. The bike features a substantial 52-volt system, and the chain ring is an impressive 6-toothed behemoth, ensuring you’ll never struggle to keep up with the bike’s speed.
Opening additional boxes reveals more surprises. The charger, a D power 3-amp, is ready for assembly, emphasizing the responsibility of the rider in preparing the bike for its first journey. Passenger pegs, stylish metal pedals, and a coffee mug add a touch of flair to the unboxing experience.
What stands out is the inclusion of a VIN number – a thoughtful touch for potential future regulations or legal requirements. Spark Cycles has thought of everything, even providing a certificate of origin, resembling a car title, making the whole experience official and exciting.
The unboxing adventure concludes with a look at the battery – a shark-style beauty, hinting at the power within. As you explore the customization options and the array of accessories, it becomes clear that Spark Bandit is not just selling a bike; they’re offering an immersive and personalized experience.
With stickers, a bill of sale, and a discount code for future purchases, the unboxing of the Spark Bandit is not just a transaction; it’s an introduction to a new lifestyle. The anticipation builds as you envision the thrilling rides and adventures that await with this officially presented electric bicycle.
Spark Bandit: Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of the Spark Bandit reveal a meticulous attention to detail, a focus on performance, and a commitment to rider satisfaction. As the unboxing and assembly process unfolds, the various components of the bike showcase a blend of functionality and style.
Starting with the aesthetics, the Spark Bandit is not just an empty frame; it’s a robust and visually striking electric bike. The rear and front are equipped with turn signals, and the presence of metal fenders adds a touch of durability and classic style. The inverted front fork suspension hints at the bike’s capability for off-road adventures, promising a smooth and controlled ride.
One of the standout features is the use of massive brake rotors – a pair of 203 mm rotors at the rear and a similarly large one at the front. This choice emphasizes the importance of efficient braking, essential for a bike with potential high speeds. The build quality is apparent as you throw on the handlebars, noticing the inclusion of ProTaper bars, known for their legitimacy in the world of serious upgrades.
The Spark Bandit comes equipped with Speedster Tires, boasting dimensions of 20 x 4 inches with 120 TPI. Notably, they are tubeless-ready, though shipped with a tube. The tread pattern is unique, signaling efficiency at high speeds. The process of seating the tires on the rims may present a challenge, but the potential for a smooth and efficient ride encourages perseverance.
Moving to the rear, passenger pegs add versatility to the Spark Bandit, catering to those who crave shared riding experiences. The hydraulic disc brakes with the huge rotors ensure powerful and responsive braking. The seat, remarkably long and accommodating, hints at the potential for a comfortable and spacious ride.
Attention to detail is evident in unexpected places, such as the inclusion of heat shrink for the headlight wiring, a rare sight in the world of electric bikes. The dashboard and controls, including round and rubber hand grips, brake levers, and a unique thumb throttle, provide a sense of customization and uniqueness.
The bike’s official appearance is reinforced by the inclusion of a VIN number, mirroring the process seen in traditional vehicle purchases. The Spark Bandit is not just a bike; it’s an investment in a lifestyle, supported by a comprehensive package that includes a certificate of origin, stickers, a bill of sale, and even a discount code for future purchases.
As the bike comes to life, the dashboard’s color display showcases crucial information, including battery voltage, speed, wattage, and power output of the motor. The inclusion of features like turn signals, a brake light, and a powerful headlight further adds to the overall appeal and functionality of the Spark Bandit.
So, the Spark Bandit’s design and build quality live up to the expectations set during the unboxing. It’s not just a mode of transportation; it’s a statement of quality, performance, and a commitment to an enjoyable riding experience.
Driving Test
Test number one of the day involved tackling a challenging 20% grade hill climb with the Spark Bandit, providing valuable insights into its power and performance. With the rider weighing 200 lbs, the focus was on testing the throttle-only capabilities and observing the power output.
Initially, the throttle engagement revealed a gradual power delivery, starting at around 1,000 Watts and reaching up to 1,300 Watts. An interesting observation was that the hub drive motor seemed geared to avoid delivering full power from a standstill, potentially to protect the motor. Despite this, the Spark Bandit effortlessly conquered the 20% grade hill, showcasing its climbing prowess.
After experimenting with pedal assist settings, it became apparent that the bike is geared for speed. The power output increased significantly as the pedal assist level rose, reaching impressive wattages even on higher gears. The Spark Bandit excelled in speed and power, and the combination of a 40-amp controller and a 52-volt system resulted in a bike that “cooks” on the road.
The rider praised the smooth feeling of the bike, attributing it to the high-quality tires and overall build. Noteworthy features included the sturdy suspension that provided a plush ride, even on rough terrains, and the effectiveness of the 203 mm brake rotors, delivering strong and responsive braking power.
While providing a thrilling experience, the rider did offer some personal preferences, suggesting the possibility of choosing handlebars with a slightly higher rise for a more relaxed riding position.
As the Spark Bandit hit high speeds, reaching up to 41.3 mph according to the onboard speedometer, the rider expressed excitement and satisfaction with the bike’s performance. The GPS verification of the speed indicated a consistently high level of speed, making it a formidable contender in the moped-style e-bike category.
During the test, the rider also explored off-road capabilities, although the bike’s design suggested it was better suited for street riding. The tires, while efficient on pavement, lacked traction on sand, emphasizing the Spark Bandit’s focus on speed and performance rather than off-road adventures.
So, test number one demonstrated the Spark Bandit’s impressive power, speed, and smooth ride quality. The combination of a robust motor, high voltage system, and well-engineered components made it clear that this moped-style e-bike was designed to deliver an exhilarating and enjoyable riding experience on the streets.
Battery and Range
The Spark Bandit boasts a formidable 52-volt battery with a substantial 25 amp-hour capacity, providing a total of 1300 watt-hours of energy. This robust power source is a key contributor to the bike’s impressive performance and range.
To calculate the charging time, the rider notes the 3-amp charging rate. Dividing the 25 amp-hour capacity by the 3-amp charging rate, it’s estimated that, if the battery were completely empty, it would take approximately 8 hours to charge fully.
As the rider heads home, they observe the battery voltage, which currently stands at 53.6 volts, indicating that there’s a little over 50% of the battery remaining. The Spark Bandit’s performance under full throttle on the way home is highlighted, effortlessly maintaining high speeds with its powerful motor.
Upon reaching home, the final voltage is noted at 51.4 volts, suggesting that 52 volts is roughly equivalent to a 50% charge. The rider reflects on the range, acknowledging that individual mileage may vary based on riding habits. In this particular ride, covering 19 miles in 38 minutes, it’s estimated that the Spark Bandit could offer a range of approximately 35-40 miles on a full charge.
Spark Bandit: Conclusions
In summary, the Spark Bandit leaves an indelible impression with its exceptional performance, powerful motor, and unique style. It’s evident that this bike is designed for those seeking the thrill of an electric motorcycle rather than a traditional bicycle for exercise.
The Spark Bandit lives up to its name, delivering an exhilarating and fast-paced riding experience. With a robust 52-volt, 25 amp-hour battery, the bike offers both impressive power and a commendable range. The 1300 watt-hours of energy ensure that riders can confidently navigate various terrains with ease.
While the Spark Bandit may not be the ideal choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a pedal-centric ride, it certainly shines as a stylish and comfortable electric motorcycle alternative. Its sleek design, combined with features like the inverted front fork suspension, metal fenders, and powerful brakes, make it a standout choice for riders with a budget of around three grand.
For those interested in purchasing the Spark Bandit, the rider provides a discount link in the description box, offering potential buyers both savings and the opportunity to support the insightful reviews on the channel.
So, if you’re in the market for an electric bike that prioritizes speed, style, and comfort, the Spark Bandit stands out as an excellent choice. Whether cruising through city streets or enjoying scenic rides, this bike promises an electrifying experience that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
