The EZ Pedaler F350 folding electric bike is an impressive system that comes with just about everything you need to enjoy a range of riding conditions. Its more powerful (and a bit more expensive) than the F300 and as such, has great acceleration and solid hill climbing ability. While most ebikes set a top speed of 20mph this one is electronically limited to 18 (presumably for safety given the smaller wheel size and folding frame). It’s also a bit heavier at 52 pounds but this is due to the larger motor, battery, suspension fork and rack. Overall, I really like this bike and was impressed with the Shimano Nexus hub, fenders, lights and handy flip-up saddle.
As you might have guessed, the F350 comes with a 350 watt geared hub motor. It’s relatively quiet and light weight but offers solid torque and climbing ability. It’s noticeably stronger than some of the other folding ebikes I’ve tested. The only downside is that it’s mounted in the front wheel which can add some weight to the steering setup. Ultimately, this provided space for the internally geared Shimano Nexus hub in the rear that offers three pedaling speeds. I like how this setup keeps the chain short and tight, allows you to shift at standstill and requires less maintenance overall. Note that the maximum recommended weight for this bike is 250 pounds.
The battery on the F350 delivers 36 volts of power and 10 amp hours of capacity. It’s exactly average in the world of ebikes but at the upper end for folding models. It uses Lithium-ion chemistry that has a higher energy density (making it lighter than other options) and it’s also capable of more charge cycles before degrading. The pack is easily removable which makes transporting the bike less work (lighter weight) and allows you to charge it more conveniently. If you use this thing on your RV or boat make sure to top the battery off every couple of months and ideally after each ride. Also avoid extreme heat and cold to extend life.
The control panel on this bike is very intuitive but lacks some of the fancier features like a speed and distance readout. Instead, it uses LED’s to indicate battery level and assist setting. The neat part is that you can switch the front light on (the rear light has a physical switch and runs on separate batteries). You can achieve the best climbing performance and range by pedaling along in one of the three pedal assist modes but at any time the trigger throttle is there for a dose of extra power or to relax your legs. It’s a great system that’s easy to reach and use when riding.
The EZPedaler F350 is a well rounded and higher quality offering that’s still pretty affordable. Some of the components are lower end, namely the six sensor pedalec system that can feel a bit jerky compared with some of the newer fancier ebikes. It folds nicely and is easy to mount thanks to the low-step design. Some ebikes with 20″ wheels feel jarring and squirrely but this one rides well and I love the suspension, padded saddle and larger tires because they dampen the bumps and cracks. Unfortunately, the front hub motor can create a sticky feel in the front suspension because it’s pulling forward (creating friction in the vertical piston movement of the fork) but it still dampens the ride. Ultimately this is a solid option that rides well.
An affordable city style electric bike with step-thru frame and smaller 24" wheels that keep the frame low and easy to mount. Offers a complete set of mid-level accessories including full length fenders, chain guard, a rear…...
A low-step city style electric bike with upgraded 500 watt geared motor and three speed internally geared Shimano Nexus hub. Easy to mount and stabilize at stops, less stiff frame, nice accessories including fenders, carry…...
An affordable folding style electric bike with streamlined three-speed internally geared hub in the back and a 350 watt geared motor in the front. Great utilitarian accessories including full length fenders with mud flaps, chain guide, rear carry rack…...
Low-step city style electric bike with basic pedal assist and trigger throttle, powerful 500 watt motor. Good balance with battery pack low and center, front hub motor adds weight to steering…...
Fully featured step-through electric bike offering throttle and pedal assist modes. Good torque and range with 350 watt front hub motor and 36 volt Lithium-ion battery…...
Feature rich electric bike offering pedal assist, throttle mode, lights and fenders. Front hub motor and mid-frame battery distribute weight evenly, 59 lb bike...
One of the only folding electric bikes I've seen to date with a front shock built in for comfort. Comes stock with front and rear lights, fenders and a rear rack for panniers or…...
Feature rich entry level electric bike, offers pedal assist and throttle mode. Front hub motor and mid-frame battery distribute weight evenly, 58 lb bike...
Fully featured entry level electric bike with throttle and pedal assist. 275 lb carrying capacity, bike itself weighs 56 lbs and is balanced evenly front to…...
richard
10 years agoI am reviewing folding e bikes as this will be my first. I am in my 70 s but in excellent condition. Will be using bike on mostly hard gravel or smooth dirt roads, conservation areas. Higher speeds not important and will probably never be used. However the power assist will often be used. I like this EZ Pedaler (wider tire/suspension feature) also looking at e-joe Epik SE Appreciate a professional opinion, thanks
ReplyRichard
Court Rye
10 years agoHi Richard! These are both solid options… I’ve been in touch with the owner of EZ Pedaler and he’s a great guy, they are adding a bunch of improvements to their 2015 folding bike that’s much more like the e-Joe Epik SE in terms of design (I think the battery is built into the frame). Is there a dealer for one brand or the other that is located nearby? That could be a good deciding factore, the dealer will tune it up for you and handle warranty issues :)
Replyrichard
10 years agoHope I am not becoming tiresome but I am sincere about buying a unit. In reference to speed control; can the operator increase/decrease speed by simply altering a device or is this done by selecting a speed from say 3 or 7 options with a device ? Incidentally; I began looking at e bikes with the “fat cat folding Hampton” should I be interested or is that something I would want to move up from ? Thanks again.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Richard, I’d stick with the E-Joe Epik SE vs. the Hampton, that bike is more affordable but also much heavier and seems to use lower quality parts (though the unit I tested was 2014 so quality may have improved). Most ebikes are limited to 20 mph top speed and you cannot change that due to legal reasons. If you want more power for climbing, I would suggest looking at full sized electric bikes such as the Volton Alation Mid-Drive. This bike is relatively affordable but offers more strength than the folding bikes because the motor pulls on the chain and you can switch to a lower gear for climbing. Here’s more on ebike motors for you.
Replyrichard
10 years agoThanks for info, I purchased the E-joe Epik SE from Scooter Store. Have not been on a bike in 8 years but love a challenge. Now looking at product “slime” to prevent/ repair flats. If you ever need challenge try R/C model planes and larger high wing models are the way to learn. Stay away from military models. Thanks again Court. Richard
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoNice, I’ve heard of Slime… used to put it in my single speed bikes as a kid. A couple years back at Interbike I got to meet one of their reps and we shot this short video overview. I have also tried remote control airplanes (used to have a Zagi) and they are tons of fun! My Grandpa and I started to build a larger wooden plane but never finished. He also helped me fix an old moped and a busted gocart that a family friend gave me. Good times…
Replyrichard
10 years agoHello; watched slime video, will do this. Meanwhile lola the bulldog listening for the distinct sound of the UPS truck bringing our e bike.
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