While I absolutely appreciate the virtues of premium e-bikes, I also understand that spending a few thousand dollars on an e-bike is not an easy task for many people.So with that mindset in mind, I reviewed the $799 e-bike to see what e-bike can offer on a budget.
I am optimistic about all new e-bike riders looking to get into the hobby on a small budget.
Check out my video review of the below.Then read on for my full thoughts on this electric bike!
First, the entry price is low.It’s only $799 on, making it one of the most affordable electric bikes we’ve covered.We’ve seen plenty of e-bikes under $1000, but it’s rare for them to drop this low.
You get a fully functional e-bike with a top speed of 20 mph (though the bike’s description claims a top speed of 15.5 mph for some reason).
Rather than the traditional battery bolt-on-somewhere design we usually see in this price range, this bike has a very nice integrated battery and frame.
even Power Bikes are still using bolt-on batteries instead of the nifty integrated batteries found on most $2-3,000 e-bikes.
Has designer disc brakes, Shimano shifters/derailleurs, heavy duty rear rack with spring clips, includes fenders, front and rear LED lights powered by main battery, well-wound cables instead of mouse-hole wires, and adjustable stems, for more ergonomic handlebar placement, etc.
The Cruiser is only $799 and has many features normally reserved for e-bikes in the four-figure price range.
Of course, budget e-bikes are going to have to make sacrifices, and the Cruiser certainly does.
Perhaps the biggest cost-saving measure is the battery.Only 360 Wh, lower than the industry average capacity.
If you keep the at the lowest pedal assist level, the has a range of up to 50 miles (80 km).Under optimal conditions this may be technically true, but with moderate pedal assist the real world range could be closer to 25 miles (40 km), and with the throttle alone the actual range could be would be closer to 15 miles (25 km).
While you get name brand bike brand parts, they are not high end.Brakes, gear levers, etc. are all low-end parts.That doesn’t mean they’re bad — it’s just that they’re not every vendor’s premium gear.They’re the parts you get when a company wants a bike that says “Shimano” on it but doesn’t want to spend a fortune.
The fork says “STRONG”, although I don’t believe its words.I have no problem with it, and the bike is clearly designed for normal leisurely rides, not sweet jumps.But the fork is a basic spring suspension fork that doesn’t even offer lockout.Nothing fancy there.
Finally, acceleration isn’t super fast.When you turn the throttle, the 36V system and 350W motor take a few seconds longer than most 48V e-bikes to reach a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).There’s not as much torque and power here.
When I look at the good and the bad together, I’m pretty optimistic.For the price, I can live with a lower grade but still name brand components and slightly less power.
I could trade some battery capacity for the slick looking integrated battery (looks like it should be more expensive than it is).
And I’m grateful that I didn’t have to spend $20 here and $30 there to add accessories like racks, fenders, and lights.Everything you need is included in the $799 price tag.
All in all, this is a great entry-level electric bike.It gives you fast enough Class 2 e-bike speeds for everyday riding, and it actually looks good in a package.This is a cheap e-bike that doesn’t look like a cheap e-bike.finally.
is a personal electric vehicle enthusiast, battery nerd, and author of bestseller  Lithium Batteries, The Electric Bike Guide, and The Electric Bike .