The P 350 electric bike kit is the only system with a ~36 volt configuration being offered by BionX for the 2015 model year. All other kits are running at 48 volts which offers more power, efficiency and range. The P designation is a shorter version of PL which was used on the PL 350 and PL 250 in earlier years. In short, what you’re getting is basically the new motor design (which is 2.5 pounds lighter than the old ones) running at a lower voltage. All in all, it’s an excellent system but you’ll be limited to the rear-rack battery style which doesn’t keep weight as low and balanced on the frame. If you can’t afford one of the newer S 350 BionX kits or just don’t need the power then this could be an excellent option.
The motor included with this kit offers 350 watts of power in a high torque configuration. It delivers up to 29.5 lb.-ft (40.0 Nm) of torque with nominal output of 6.6 lb.-ft (9.0 Nm) which is pretty good. I like the new wavy design on the hub casing and have long been a fan of the near-silent operation of these gearless kits. This motor activates very smoothly, relying on a torque sensor built right into the hub. In order to make it go you just choose an assist level and begin pedaling. Alternatively, you can use the variable-speed trigger throttle but the bike must be going at least two miles per hour in order for it to activate. Being gearless, the P 350 motor relies on powerful magnets inside that tend to last longer than plastic gears. These magnets enable regeneration riding modes which slow you down when descending hills or provide an added challenge when pedaling on flats. There is also a standard regenerative braking trigger that activates when you pull the right brake lever. The downsides of gearless direct drive are increased weight and some cogging when the system is not actively assisting.
There is only battery pack option for the BionX p350 which is a 37 volt 6.4 amp hour rear-rack design. Please note that the images shown here and in the video portray a mid-mount pack which is incorrect. The kit I was testing used a prototype P 350 motor and DX battery from another kit, sorry for the confusion. Just look at the main image at the top of this review for a more accurate protrayal. My preference is for the downtube mounted packs because they keep weight low and center to the bike but given the lower price and reduced weight of the P 350 the rear rack design is fine and it even includes an LED tail light. The battery itself locks to the frame but is removable for convenient storage and charging. The cells use Lithium-ion chemistry that is light weight and durable for 1,000+ charge cycles and BionX offers a 2 year warranty standard.
The second generation (G2) display panel used on this and other BionX kits is quite good. It’s large and easy to read, backlit for use at night and symmetrical for easier use by left and right handed riders. There are two buttons on each side of the display which activate the unit and allow you to choose from one of four regen modes, zero mode or four levels of assist. You can operate the system just fine from this main panel but BionX also includes a stand alone button pad that can be mounted extremely close to grips and brake levers for even easier access when riding. This pad includes a + and – button (for navigating assist levels) as well as a red variable-speed trigger throttle mentioned above which can activate the motor without pedaling. It’s a beautiful design and so thoughtfully constructed that it works with all kinds of bicycle cockpit setups, not just standard flat bars. In addition to being easy to use, the display panel is also removable so you can keep it safe from weather, tampering and vandalism.
BionX was started in 2000 as EPS (Electric Propulsion Systems) and was acquired by Magna (a Canadian automotive company) around 2008. Since then it has grown into one of the largest, most trusted high-end manufacturers of drive systems for electric bicycles in the world. The P 350 is a unique model because it basically uses the S 350 motor and runs it at a lower voltage. Sure, you get a limited sized battery that can only be mounted to the rear end of a bike but it still works great. It kind of reminds me of video game consoles that play the same games but get new updated hardware that is smaller and lighter after every couple of years… You get the same PL 350 performance but it’s lighter and better looking this time around. The kit is available in a wide range of wheel sizes including 20″, 26″ and 700C and can also be configured to power third party lighting systems. To get it installed on your bike you’ll need to work with a local shop who can order direct from BionX.
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