Name: E-Glide SS Review
Item: E-Glide SS
Author: Court Rye

E Glide Ss 350 Watt Henti Geared Hub Motor

E Glide Ss 36v 10 4 Ah Samsung Battery Pack

E Glide Ss Independent Much Mb1 Cycle Computer Throttle And Ebike Display

E Glide Ss 44 Tooth Chainring Single Speed

E Glide Ss Shimano Michanical Disc Brake In Front 160 Mm

An affordable, light weight, single speed city electric bike that comes in two styles (high-step and mid-step), generous one year warranty and 30 day money back guarantee
Clean aesthetic with matching black components and internally routed cabling, the front brake is upgraded from linear pull to disc for improved stopping power and smoothness
Basic LED ebike console with limited battery capacity readouts but you get a separate wireless cycle computer for additional feedback around speed, trip time and trip distance
Controller is mounted separate from the battery pack vs. being integrated, battery must be powered on before display can be activated and removing the pack requires unscrewing a cable vs. other click-in systems that are faster and easier

Make:

E-Glide

Model:

Price:

$1,099 ($1,199 for Plus Model, $75 Shipping)

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive, 30 Day Return Option

Availability:

United States, Canada, Mexico

Model Year:

2017

Total Weight:

41.5 lbs (18.82 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.5 lbs (2.49 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.5 lbs (2.94 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

21 in (53.34 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

21" Seat Tube, 21" Reach, 30.5" Stand Over on High Step and 29" on Mid-Step, 67" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step, Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Matte Black, Metallic Green

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Steel, 11 mm Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

11 mm Steel with Bolts

Gearing Details:

1 Single Speed, 16T Rear Sprocket

Cranks:

Aluminum Alloy Cranks, 44T Chainring (Optional 48T Chainring on Plus Model)

Pedals:

Wellgo Plastic Platform

Headset:

Neco Sealed, 1-1/8

Stem:

Promax, 8° Angle, 80 mm Length

Handlebar:

Aluminum Alloy Mid-Rise, 25 mm Diameter, 23" Length, 80 mm Rise

Brake Details:

Shimano Mechanical Disc with 160 mm Tektro Rotor in Front, Promax Linear Pull in Rear, DE1 Levers with Motor Inhibitor

Grips:

Generic Ergonomic, Rubber

Saddle:

Selle Royal Vega (Selle Royal Respiro for Plus Model, Male and Female Specific Versions Available)

Seat Post:

Promax, Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

270 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Alloy Mid-Dish, Black

Spokes:

13 Gauge Stainless Steel, Black

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Marathon Plus, 28" x 1.25"

Wheel Sizes:

28 in (71.12cm)

Tire Details:

Reflective Sidewall Stripe, Performance Line SmartGuard

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

Optional Carry Racks ($40 Front and $55 Rear), Optional LED Lights, Optional 48 Tooth Chainring, Optional Stem Riser

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, 1.5 lb 2 Amp Charger

Motor Brand:

Henti

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Motor Peak Output:

700 watts

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

10.4 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

374.4 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-Ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

18 miles (29 km)

Estimated Max Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Display Type:

Fixed LED Control Console, Removable MUCH MB1 Monochrome Bicycle Computer (Speed, Time, Trip Time, Odometer, Trip Distance, Max Speed, Avg. Speed)

Readouts:

Battery Charge Level (4 Dots), Assist Level (Low, Med, High)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (12 Magnet Cadence Sensor)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

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For over a decade (as of 2016) E-Glide has been a leader in the powerboard business… they created one of the first and most enduring electric skateboards on the market, the GT combines power and speed with go-anywhere ruggedness that’s well suited to events like Burning Man. The SS electric bike by comparison is more of an urban warrior. A budget friendly single speed with narrow tires that deliver efficient operation on smooth tarmac. At ~41.5 lbs it’s one of the lighter e-bikes and even though the battery isn’t integrated into the frame and the LED display console is stripped down, the bike is purpose built with wires internally routed and an add-on bike computer meant to communicate speed, range and trip time. It’s a compromise that doesn’t quit half way, a cheap bike that’s doesn’t cut so many corners and stands strong with a 30 day moneyback guarantee of satisfaction and a one year comprehensive warranty… something that’s almost unheard of in the ~$1,000 price range.

Before we get too far, let’s acknowledge some of the shortcomings on this bike. The motor isn’t especially powerful or zippy. Offering a very average 350 watts of power from an off-brand internally geared hub, the performance felt more smooth than zippy to me. It’s not a deal breaker by any means and the setup may actually contribute to increased range this way, but it didn’t wow me. The canister style battery pack powering the bike is pretty bulky for offering just 36 volts and 10.4 amp hours. Again, that’s average in terms of capacity and it takes up most of the inner frame triangle while many newer electric bikes have integrated designs or at least combine the controller. The E-Glide SS has opted for a separate controller box which is mounted to the seat tube where a bottle cage might otherwise reside. Thankfully, both items are black which really helps them blend in with the wires, chainring, spokes and motor casing. The overall look is good enough but the utility suffers a bit, one of the really annoying aspects is battery removal. You can of course charge it on the bike, leaving it mounted indefinitely, but should you wish to lighten your load or store the bike separately from your charging station the disconnecting / reconnecting process requires some patience and fine motor skills because the plug screws in at the base vs. a quick snap-in connection. And that area on the bike is pretty tight so reaching through can be difficult. One other gripe on the battery choice is powering it on, there’s a separate switch at the base (near the screw-in plug) which requires activation before a second power on process can begin at the display. It’s easy to forget and requires a big reach or complete dismount if you do. And finally, the bike doesn’t come with a kickstand and the motor power cable extrudes from the axle at the right side, somewhat vulnerable to tips or snags… which could brick the bike.

Okay, none of the complaints listed above are new. I’ve encountered most of them on similarly priced or older ebike models. They are compromises made to use parts that don’t cost so much and for the most part they are easy to work around. Where the bike shines is in its operation, its simplicity and durability. The E-Glide SS is a single speed… that’s what the SS stands for, and this means you don’t have the added weight and complexity of a derailleur. You won’t need as many tuneups and the chain probably won’t drop. This is not a fixie, you can pedal backwards, and E-Glide offers an upgraded chainring with 48 teeth vs. the stock 44 if you prefer a slower more powerful feeling cadence vs. spinning. One major draw of any electric bike is the assistance that motors can provide when starting and climbing and that’s exactly what you need on a single speed. Thankfully, the SS delivers completely by offering three levels of pedal assist in addition to trigger throttle operation that can be activated at standstill. Stop signs and red lights become a concern of the past and to me, it creates a more conscientious riding mindset. Having only one gear and being made to stop can be frustrating but with an electric bike it just doesn’t matter as much.

The display on this bike is pretty basic, using light emitting diodes to roughly indicate battery capacity and one of three assist levels. This is common with lower end offerings and it leaves a lot to be desired in terms of user feedback but is easy enough to reach and understand in this case. It’s another trade-off but one that doesn’t compromise much in the way of operational performance. Thankfully, it doesn’t get in thew way or look terrible and replacing it in the event of damage should be fairly easy. E-Glide could have stopped with this display but they opted to mount a second wireless cycle computer to deliver feedback on ride speed, trip time and distance traveled. Anyone could purchase and add something like this to nearly any bike themselves but having it come pre-installed and mounted cleanly to the stem is a delighter. It’s one of the big things that truly demonstrates the care and commitment to something “better” even though the price remains within reach. Other areas E-Glide is willing to go above and beyond include add-on racks, lights, a stem riser for tall riders and their Plus model upgrade!

For an addition fee the standard SS can be upgraded to Plus which includes a nicer gel saddle from Selle Royal (which comes in men’s and women’s specific designs) and Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires. The tires are a big deal… delivering 5 mm of puncture protective lining and a reflective sidewall that will help this otherwise completely stealth non-reflective bike stand out… possibly saving your life during late evening commutes. Personally, I find the upgrades to be well worth the money and even the racks, chainring, lights, pedals and other areas where E-Glide offers to help are kept within reason and not price gouged. It takes them time and effort to buy and install these parts and none of them feel like a ripoff. It’s not like buying a new computer and having to pay double or triple for extra hard drive space than what you’d be able to buy and install yourself. You’re not having to pay a lot extra for those upgrades here and I really admire that.

Okay, so in closing, the E-Glide SS is a rigid, stripped down electric bike that strives for affordability but truly does stand out. The fact that the front wheel now has a disc brake for improved stopping power (something the original SS did not). The way that even the stock saddle is fairly comfortable, the bars are riser design (for improved fit, comfort and adjustability) and the grips are ergonomic. Even the steel fork which dampens a bit more vibration. The good size of the pedals even though they are plastic and all of the areas where the company acknowledges improvements and is willing to help you get them for a fair price. All of this makes for a bike that I truly respect and admire. No, it’s not the zippiest thing in the world but it works great if you pedal just a little bit. No, the battery and controller aren’t the most refined or integrated designs. No, it only comes in one size and now just one color (black) but they did go for a second style with angled top tube to reduce standover height… if only by an inch or two. You can’t have everything if you aren’t willing to pay but to me they jam packed most things at a price many people can afford. And perhaps the best part is that with an ebike like this you’ll tend to ride more frequently and feel less bad about damage or the possibility theft than if you’d spent $3k. Big thanks to E-Glide for partnering with me for this review.

Pros:

E-GLIDE has produced one of the most affordable electric bikes around at just over $1k, it’s great for getting around town and not worrying so much about how fragile or vulnerable it is when parked at a rack due to the simplicity and relatively low price
You get plenty of drive options with a 12 magnet cadence sensor and trigger throttle that overrides assist so you don’t have to pedal to start or maintain top speed if you don’t want to… this is my favorite kind of drive setup for city riding with stop signs and lights
I like that they introduced a 160 mm disc brake in the front for improved stopping power and ease of use, the rear linear pull brake is fine and both are mechanical vs. hydraulic but it’s still a nice upgrade
Simple tight drivetrain… this is a single speed bicycle with a 16T sprocket in the rear and a 44T chainring up front (or optional 48 tooth for higher speed slower cadence pedaling), the chain doesn’t bounce around and you shouldn’t have issues with it dropping, I like that the rear dropouts are horizontal so you can adjust tension but would have liked a screw tensioner for added strength vs. just bolts on the side
The black hub motor, black mid-dish rims, black spokes, black chainring, black battery and controller, black wires and black pedals all blend into the black frame… the bike looks cool and less cluttered than some competing models, they do sell a metallic green option but apparently it’s a lot less popular and limited in terms of availability
Nice tire upgrade if you get the Plus model for $100 more, the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires should last longer than generic and repel punctures thanks to 5 mm thick SmartGuard lining and I love the reflective sidewall stripes given the “all black” frame and components
The Selle Royal comfort gel saddle, soft rubber ergonomic grips on a riser bar and steel fork improve comfort since this is a rigid frame with narrower tires, consider adding a 27.2 mm diameter suspension post like Thudbuster, BodyFloat or cheaper option if you’re sensitive or ride on a lot of rough terrain
The bike is very light weight at just over 40 lbs and since it uses a traditional high-step diamond style frame it’s easy to lift and mount on some car and bus racks (the hanging style ones) as long as you take the battery off
Even though this is a cheaper ebike and some of the extra cables and control boxes show… it’s still a lot nicer looking than most kits I’ve installed, most of the cables are run through at least part of the frame to reduce snags and clutter
I was impressed that not only do you get a nicer saddle if you upgrade to the Plus model but that they offer male and female specific saddles for an even better fit
Solid one year warranty with a comprehensive 30 day money back guarantee (nice since this is predominantly sold online vs. through shops where you can test ride)
The front wheel features quick release which is handy for moving the bike (just twist the bars sideways to lay it flat in the back of a car etc.) but this also makes theft easier… same with the seat tube collar, consider locking hardware if you plan to park at racks a lot where pieces could get stolen

Cons:

I like that the battery pack is black because it blends in with the frame and wires disappear but am not thrilled that the controller unit is mounted separately on the seat tube, it just doesn’t look as clean or professional
In order to fully remove the battery pack you need to unscrew a plug at the base and this takes extra time and tinkering than a lot of click-in batteries like the Bosch Powerpack or Yamaha pack
The LED display panel for the drive systems on this ebike is very basic so you don’t get speed, range or a deeper look at battery charge level… but I like the solution they came up with, just attaching a basic bike computer to the stem, it still doesn’t show a detailed battery readout but at least you get riding stats
There are no bosses for adding a bottle cage or other bolt-on accessory (like pumps or locks) and at first I didn’t think racks would work but it sounds like thy offer some sort of aftermarket rack (front and rear) if you ask at time of purchase
The frame only comes in one size but there is a “mid-step” style with an angled top tube, the geometry was nearly the same with possibly a 1″ lower stand over height
The bike doesn’t come stock with a kickstand and is a bit vulnerable on the right side because the motor power cable comes through the axle, try not to let it get damaged or you might need to replace the entire rear wheel or spoke in a new motor
Activating and de-activating the bike is a two step process where you have to click a toggle switch at the base of the battery pack and then power on the display panel with another button, reaching the first switch is a bit tricky since there isn’t much space at the base of the battery and it’s much lower on the frame, you might even have to get off the bike to do this and it could be easier to accidentally leave powered on
I didn’t see an easy way to mount full length fenders, there are some quick release plastic ones that just hang there (and a rear rack might act as a fender) but otherwise this bike might be left without and if you commute in a location with rain that could be a bummer, this front fender and this rear fender appear to be the correct size and might work

Resources:

Official Site: https://e-glidebike.com/
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/yyXM1a7MKMBVNAUf8

January 29, 2024 (10 months ago)

E-Glide ST Review

MSRP: $1,699
MODEL YEAR: 2017

An affordably priced urban electric bike that's pavement and packed trail capable, fully outfitted with a rack, integrated LED lights and some fenders... though the fenders are a bit basic. Five levels of pedal assist with three power modes (to optimize torque or efficiency), premium…...

Read Review

Adventure_Some

8 years ago

First, lots of reasons to buy the bike besides price and the weight as Court mentions. The bike is super light in e-bike terms roughly 41 lbs. with battery and 35 lbs. without. I find this a godsend because occasionally I take my bike on the bus. Due to its relatively light weight, it makes putting on the bus much easier especially if I remove the battery.

Secondly, I have owned the bike now for 3+ months traveling over 350 miles and done nothing in regards to repairs. I have added a larger sprocket and replaced brake pads. If I did have any major problems, like Court says, I have the assurance the folks at E-Glide being there for me.

Finally, bike is simple no derailleurs etc. I just use the throttle to get up to a decent cadence. And for me that is less things to worry about breaking or adjusting.

Anyway I could go and on. But will close with this. Yes, I know some will say bike needs this and that, but for me the price, weight and durability closed the deal. I made the right decision the first time. And there were a lot of e-bikes to choose from. Any questions you can ask me. I live in the NW and do ride moderate hills. If power happens to be one of them.

Court Rye

What a great comment! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for this bike and relaying some of your experiences… like how long you’ve had it and how you use it. I agree that it’s a pretty awesome product, light weight and a good deal :)

Schorschico

I wanted to wait to have some miles under my belt to write this review. This is, of course, the right place to do it, since this was my starting point (as it is for many) a few months back when I started to get serious about purchasing an ebike.

I’m not going to go through my purchase decision, but I will share a general thought: Be very mindful of YOUR needs, not anybody else’s. The internet, in general, has a herd behavior and in this topic, if you don’t get a do-it-yourself, minimum 750W, you are going to be told that you are wasting your money. And that may be what YOU need today, or it may not. It may even be what I will need in 3 years, but it is not what I need now, and the SS has been an (almost) perfect match for me.

My needs:

7 miles to work, almost perfectly flat.
Can charge on both ends.
I would love to say, out of shape, but it is more appropriate to say that this is my shape and it will be, and it’s not great.
I tried to do it in my conventional bike and it was too much, hence the move to ebikes.
For the first mile (the only one with some hills) I carry my daughter in the back.

Cons (many of the cons are of course correlated to the low price, so it’s more a wish list than a real con):

No fenders. I have them in my old bike and I miss them. I’ll install some in the near future. Would be nice if they were already there.
No suspension of any type. Again, this would mean $ but after a session of patched road my arms demand that I write this.
The worst things: The only reason I am hesitant about recommending this bike to other people is the battery removal process. Since you do it almost every day it should be as smooth as possible. You need to unlock it (great for security) but also, unscrew the bottom in an area not easily accessible right below the controller. Awful. Of course, if you test it one day, it may seem minor. It is not. Every single day. Not sure what can be done, but something should be done.

Battery. It says 20 miles full-use, 50 miles you help a lot. I get between 25-30 miles, using the highest level of help. That’s around two days back and forth to work. Exactly what I need.
Power/Speed. Those 350W make my trip a breeze, but it is still a bike. I share the bike path with many bikes and I am fast but not weirdly so. The 20 miles per hour is where I want to be. The limiting factor is always going to be intersections, and how many red lights are people willing to skip (in my case, none). I love the help when you start from zero.
Response. There is a minor delay, but I find it very responsive.
Very easy to assemble. Everybody claims that. In this case, it is definitely true. Really trivial. From arrival to the first trip in 20 min.
General design. The bike looks really nice, color is beautiful. I get compliments on the look.
Breaks. The compromise between performance (brake disk front) and price (not in the back) fits me nicely.
Display. Many people want tons of information, I don’t. I want to know how my battery is doing, and what level of help I am getting. That’s it. One of the things I like the most. They also include an extra conventional display with speed/distance/etc. but you don’t have to install it.
Very light (for an ebike). Not a big factor for many, but to access my office’s garage I need to go down a small set of stairs. Every pound I don’t have to carry is welcomed.
I was able to install my Topeka child seat from the previous bike. That was very important to me and was mostly straightforward.
The best things: I love this thing! I’m totally in love with the ebike concept and the SS is a great match for me. In particular as a first-time buyer having a quick response time to my emails was very reassuring, and one of the reasons I chose e-glide. It’s allowing me to bike with my daughter to school when I thought that was off-limits and enjoy my trip to work for the first time in years. I’m saving $5 in my commute every day I use it, that’s a great motivation. Only 220 more day to go to break even! ;-)

Hi Schorschico! Awesome testimonial, thank you so much for taking the time to write it and list out the details of pros/cons in a thoughtful way. You’re correct, everyone has different needs, but those who have similar needs to you will really appreciate your comment. I couldn’t agree more with your point about having to unscrew the battery pack, that’s a big bummer. But I love that the simplicity of other systems and the relatively low price (and great support response time!) made it an overall good choice. And good for you, being healthy and enjoying the outdoors with your child… and even saving money. Rock!

Ronald Solomon

I got an SS-Glide too based on the reviews and I can pretty much say the same as Schorschico, with just a few thoughts:

It is a pain to remove the battery, but after doing it a few times it’s not too much of a pain. I wish I could just leave it on but in SW Florida it gets so hot in the garage that I don’t feel comfortable charging it there.
I’m glad it’s a single speed, besides one less thing to worry about or have to adjust it actually makes riding it a lot more fun since it’s one less thing to think about. However, if I wasn’t in an area that is totally flat I would definitely not get a single speed. Even here there are a few times I wish I had some gears to better match cadence/speed.
I’m only getting about a 30-mile range using only the second level of assist and never using the throttle. This is flat terrain and I weigh about 165 pounds, so I thought maybe I would get a bit more, but there is a lot of wind here and I’m careful never to let the battery discharge too much since that’s so hard on it. I’m happy with the range and at some point I’ll buy a second battery – it’s small and light enough to carry and would double your range if you’re planning a longer ride.
Although I like the tires, I HATE Presta valves! Yet another Euro example of needless complexity. If you have a racing bike where every gram is vital maybe they make sense, but for anything else they are prone to breaking, require you to carry an adapter in case you have to use a gas station air pump and involve extra steps every time you fill your tires. And with the Marathons that should be at 85psi, you’ll be filling them almost every day.
There’s no suspension on the bike which makes it simple and efficient – but if you’re not on a well-paved road you are going to feel every single bump. Even paved bike trails are hard since you feel every expansion joint. I added a cheap seatpost suspension and it helped a bit, but after doing a 30 mile ride where I realized my hands were tingling I’m going to try the Suntour suspension to see if it’s any better. Again, not really a fault of the bike, but something to think about if you plan on taking longer rides on anything but perfectly smooth surfaces.

Hey Ronald, thanks for sharing your comment… I’m glad you’re looking after the battery, heat can indeed shorten the lifespan. And regarding hand tingling, check out ShockStop, it’s a suspension stem that might take the edge off of bar vibration :)

Mike Winston

5 years ago

awesome reviews i just got the bike one quick question when you charge it should that tricky power switch at the bottom of the battery that everyone comments on be on or off or does it matter? thanks anyone

Court

Great question, Mike! I have heard that some batteries should be turned off when charging… but I cannot say for sure, might be worth asking E-Glide and reporting back ;)

thank you i will do that