Vtuvia Bikes sent a sample Vtuvia SF-20H electric bike to the TripSavvy staff so that our professional reviewer may thoroughly test and evaluate it. For our complete product review, keep reading.
Vtuvia Bikes produces the electric folding fat bike known as the Vtuvia SF-20H. Its stylish and practical design makes it the perfect commuter bike for city people, while its all-purpose fat tires and general toughness make it an excellent choice for off-road riding. Wherever you want to ride, it is also the perfect size and shape for storage and transportation due to its modest size and ability to fold in thirds. To find out if this electric bike is suitable for your riding requirements, read more about it.
| Gears: | 7 Speed |
| Range per Power: | 31 - 60 km |
| Frame Material: | Aluminum Alloy |
| Wheel Size: | 20" |
| Max Speed: | 30-50Km/h |
| Torque: | >100 Nm |
| Motor position: | Rear Hub Motor |
| Battery Capacity: | 13.4 Ah |
| Motor: | 48V 750W Brushless Motor |
| Display: | G51 LCD Display |
Video review of Vtuvia SF-20H
Vtuvia SF-20H: Design and Build Quality
The Vtuvia SF-20H’s elegant style is what immediately draws your attention to it. Certainly aesthetically pleasing are its white frame and brown leather accents on the grips and seat.
The low standover height, which is the lowest of any Vtuvia model at 16 inches, is the second item that stands out right away. It makes for a speedy hop-on and hop-off experience and also adds comfort for riders who are on the shorter side. Additional adjustment for your height and leg extension when pedaling is possible thanks to the adjustable seat height.
I adjusted the pedal assist to two or three when I came across a steeper incline, like the approach to a bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, and it still took me very little effort to ascend the bridge.
The bike is especially well-suited for commuters because of these two design features. You can simply get on and off the bike quickly, whether you’re riding to and from work or traveling through a city to run errands and make many stops. On the left brake lever, there is a bell that is barely audible but emits a loud, recognizable ring.
However, I just had a few minor design issues with this bike. The first difficulty is filling the tires with air. The motor on the back tire also presents a challenge because of how many spokes are on both tires, making it difficult for the pump’s nozzle to reach the valve. Second, because of my smaller hands, I have to somewhat relax my hold or let go in order to reach the gear shift levers on the right and the buttons for the display on the left side of the handlebar. Both of these are not deal-breakers for me, and the latter will obviously vary depending on the rider.
The tires on this bike are 3 inches wide because it is a fat bike. They can withstand bumpy city streets as well as some off-road terrain because they have all-purpose tread and are puncture-resistant. The tires’ durability was demonstrated to me when riding through the streets of New York City, where I encountered potholes, various mud and debris, and, at one point (unavoidably), shattered glass. Admittedly, I haven’t ridden this out onto any gravel trails during my testing time. For added defense against any rain you might encounter on your route, this Vtuvia model also has PVC fenders on both tires.
This bicycle has two folding points. The handlebar can fold down to the side by unclipping the first point, which is on the head tube. The front half of the bike can fold in half by rotating 180 degrees, ensuring that the tires are side-by-side when the bike is folded. The second hinge is located at the base of the down tube. The handlebar should come down first and be tucked between the two tires once you fold it at the second point, thus I advise folding those points in that order. You can use a towel in between components to avoid scratches, and the bike comes with a Velcro band to tie it all together.
Even while folding this bike is quite simple, it can be a little inconvenient and difficult because the bike weighs 69 pounds, especially if you’re folding it by yourself. Under the seat, there is a handle that can be used to maintain a firm grasp while working.
Overall though, the folding feature is fantastic because it makes it simple to move and store this bike. You can transport the bike to your destination without a roof rack or hitch rack if you can fit it within the SUV’s trunk. As it would be difficult and time-consuming to fold it up at your office or between errand stops, folding it is less beneficial for city commuting. However, folding has the advantage of making storage easier. I have a little storage space in my apartment building that wouldn’t fit a full-sized bike, but when folded, this Vtuvia fits well. This is a bonus for city living.
Vtuvia SF-20H: Motor and Driving
With a 7-speed bike and an 11-34 tooth gearing, the Vtuvia SF-20H gives you the desirable flexibility you need as you transition from flat to steep terrain on your journey. When you use one of the five levels of pedal assistance, that versatility is increased even more.
With the help of the up and down arrows on the control pad, it is simple to increase or decrease the level of pedal assistance. While riding, you can change the pedal assistance to achieve the ideal amount of comfort or effort.
I mainly kept it on level one for my rides along the flatter streets of New York City to offer minimal help. You might assume that in flat terrain you wouldn’t need any pedal assistance, but this bike is much heavier than a traditional bike, which makes it challenging to ride at an efficient rate on your own. If you want to workout, using at least level one provides for a reasonable speed while still requiring some effort from you.
I adjusted the pedal assist to two or three when I came across a steeper incline, like the approach to a bridge connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan, and it still took me very little effort to ascend the bridge. To make the ascent even simpler, you might, however, turn it up to four or five or use the twist throttle.
Although folding this bike is quite simple, it can be a little inconvenient and difficult due to the bike’s weight of 69 pounds.
The right handlebar has a handy twist throttle that you can use to cruise without using the pedals as long as you’re holding it. To activate, you simply twist in the direction of your body.
Although the throttle is a fun and practical feature, the more you use it, the quicker your battery is drained. I discovered it to be very useful when I needed to start quickly at a stop sign or from a halted position on a slope.
To figure out the finest and most effective combinations for the various situations of each ride, I tried with all three gears, pedal assist, and throttle and discovered that they were quite simple and intuitive to use in conjunction with one another.
Vtuvia SF-20H: Battery and Range
The Vtuvia bike’s 750-watt motor, which is fueled by a 48-volt battery, provides plenty of power despite its compact design. The key that controls the battery has three distinct locations. The first position latches it to the frame and turns on the battery; the second position does the same but keeps the battery off; and the third position unlocks the battery. Note that to switch between positions, you will only need to turn the key once to move from position one to position two, and once again to move from position two to position three.
The amount and effectiveness with which you utilize the throttle and pedal assist will determine how long the battery lasts. Your full battery charge can carry you roughly 45 miles when used sparingly (in situations with primarily flat terrain, modest pedal assist, and little to no wind). Your battery will last for roughly 25 miles in more demanding situations, such as mountainous terrain that requires heavy pedal assistance or acceleration.
A USB charging port is hidden behind the display, which may be useful if you’re using your phone’s GPS to guide you on your bike.
Your battery life is divided down into five increments of 20 percent and displayed on the display screen. You can either remove the battery by raising it up out of its receptacle or charge it with the provided charger while it is still attached to the bike. The charging status is indicated by the red LED lights. One green light and one red light signify that the battery is fully charged after three to seven hours, at which point you can resume riding at maximum capacity.
Be careful to read the attached bike manual before going on your first ride because it contains several pages that go into depth about important battery maintenance and suggestions to increase its lifespan.
Vtuvia SF-20H: Conclusions
The Vtuvia SF-20H is comparable in price to other e-bike companies, especially those of comparable good quality, at $1299, with others. This bike’s price may seem extravagant, but its excellent design and practical features make up for it.
Overall, the Vtuvia SF-20H is a fantastic option for anyone looking for an economical, yet capable folding e-bike that they can store in the trunk of their car or RV and use when they get to their location. And to be honest, portability is one of the main benefits of most folders. If you have little room for storage at home or if you intend to commute and store your e-bike inside the workplace, the SF-20H is an excellent option.
The Vtuvia SF-20H is a respectable competitor if you’re searching for an e-bike that provides adaptability, a smooth ride, and ease of use. At a fair price, it provides premium features including an LCD display, built-in lighting, a fashionable frame, and tough tires.
