Name: CERO One Review
Item: CERO One
Author: Court Rye

2022 Cero One Shimano Steps Sc E6100 Ebike Motor

2022 Cero One Shimano Steps Bt E8010 Battery Pack 36v 14ah

2022 Cero One Swept Back Handlebar Adjustable Satori Stem

2022 Cero One Shimano Steps Sc E6100 Lcd Display Removable

2022 Cero One Shimano Steps Button Pad Ergon Gc10 Grips

2022 Cero One Front Wheel Schwalbe Big Ben Plus 20 2 15 Reflective Tires

2022 Cero One Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Front

2022 Cero One Front Spanninga Axendo 80 Two Led Headlight

2022 Cero One Optional Large Front Basket With Liner

2022 Cero One Custom Rear Rack And Plastic Fenders

2022 Cero One Back Spanninga Solo Rear Light

2022 Cero One 39 Tooth Chainring Belt Gates Cdx 175mm Crank Arms

2022 Cero One Abus Shield Plus 5750 Cafe Lock

2022 Cero One Rear Disc Brake 160mm Schwalbe Big Ben Plus Tires

2022 Cero One Rear Wheel Alexrims Gates Belt 32 Tooth Cog

2022 Cero One Shimano Nexus Inter 5e Internally Geared Hub

2022 Cero One Vp 831p Pedals Double Leg Kickstand

2022 Cero One Shimano Ebike Charger 1 8 Amps Small

2022 Cero One Shimano Electric Bike Charger

2022 Cero One Old Model Black Accessories

A compact but very capable ebike inspired by the Japanese Mamarachi bicycle design. The mid-step frame is easy to mount and steer, very well balanced, and surprisingly powerful but quiet. It comes stock with custom fenders, two racks rated to 55lbs each, premium integrated lights, reflective puncture resistant tires, and a two year warranty.
This is the second generation build with Gates Carbon Drive belt vs. a chain, a durable e-bike specific internally geared five speed hub vs. a cassette, and upgraded Shimano STePs E-6100 mid-drive motor. It provides 60nm of peak torque, an impressive 105 mile maximum range, and is more compact than the first gen.
Available in two colors (blue and grey), one frame size with adjustable stem, and lots of upgraded components. Some of my favorite include locking ergonomic grips, Shimano Hollowtech II cranks, hydraulic disc brakes, a large removable LCD display, sturdy double-leg kickstand, nice VP pedals, and Ergon gel saddle.
Included ABUS frame lock uses the same key as the battery, and CERO sells an optional chain attachment. Optional small and large baskets come with special mesh liners. The charger is light and compact, but slower than last generation. The headlight can be a little less visible and doesn't point where you steer because it's mounted under the rack. Only sold direct vs. dealers, where you could test ride. No suspension and smaller front wheel reduces comfort on bumpy terrain.

Make:

CERO

Model:

One

Price:

$3,799

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Urban, Cargo

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Years Comprehensive

Availability:

United States, Canada, Australia, Germany

Model Year:

20212022

Total Weight:

58.2 lbs (26.39 kg)

Battery Weight:

5.7 lbs (2.58 kg)

Motor Weight:

6.35 lbs (2.88 kg)

Frame Material:

6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

18.5 in (46.99 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

18.5" Seat Tube, 14.5" Reach, 21.75" Simulated Top Tube, 20.5" Stand Over Height, 34" Minimum Saddle Height, 43" Maximum Saddle Height, 28.5" Width, 70" Length, 45" Wheelbase

Frame Types:

Mid-Step

Frame Colors:

Halo Blue, Shio Grey

Frame Fork Details:

Rigid Aluminum Alloy, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Slotted Axle, Floating Dropout

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack, Fent Tray, Bottle Cage Mount on Right Side of Tray

Gearing Details:

5 Speed 1x5 Shimano Nexus Inter-5E Internally Geared Hub SG-C7000-5D (263% Gear Range), 32 Tooth Sprocket

Shifter Details:

Shimano Nexus Revoshift with Optical Window on Right

Cranks:

Shimano STEPS FC-E6100, Aluminum Alloy, 175mm Length Crank Arms, Gates Spider (4 bolt 104mm BCD) 39 Tooth Chainring with Aluminum Alloy Guard

Pedals:

VP-831P K1283 Nylon Platform with Sandpaper Grip

Headset:

Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2", Head Tube Angle 68°, SATORI EASY-UP ET, 40mm Base Height, Telescoping Height Adjust (0mm to 70mm) with Twist Function to Save Space, Two 5mm Spacers, One 10mm Tapered Spacer

Stem:

SATORI-UP2, 110mm Length, Adjustable Angle (0° to 90°), 70mm Base Height, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter

Handlebar:

Satori Wien Trekking Design, Aluminum Alloy, Double-Butted, 680mm Width, 20mm Rise, 35° Sweep, Black

Brake Details:

Shimano Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Front Rotor and 160mm Rear Rotor, Dual Piston Calipers, Shimano 3-Finger BL-MT201 Levers with Adjustable Reach

Grips:

Ergon GC10, Ergonomic , 130mm Length, Lock On, Black

Saddle:

Ergon SFC30-S, Gel, Chromoly Steel Rails

Seat Post:

Zoom 3D-Forged, Aluminum Alloy, Single Bolt Clamp

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.9 mm

Rims:

Alexrims MD30, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 35.5mm Width, 20" Front 26" Rear, 32 Hole, Reinforcement Eyelets

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 14 Gauge, Black with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Big Ben Plus, 20" x 2.15" 55-406 Front, 26" x 2.15" 55-559 Rear

Wheel Sizes:

20 in (50.8cm)26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 55 PSI, 2.0 to 4.0 Bar, Performance Line GreenGuard, SnakeSkin, Reflective Stripe

Tube Details:

Presta Valve

Accessories:

ABUS Battery Locking Core Keyed to Match ABUS Shield Plus 5750 Cafe Lock (Optional Chain Connector), Massload Double Leg Kickstand, Sunnywheel Custom Plastic Fenders (80mm Width, Matte Black), Removable Alloy Rear Rack with 14 Threaded Bosses and Pannier Blockers and Yepp! Seat Window (55lb 25kg Max Load), Removable Alloy Front Rack Frame Mounted (55lb 25kg Max Load), Integrated Spanninga Axendo 80 Headlight (80 Lux, Two-LED, Aimable), Integrated Spanninga Solo (One-LED), Nuvo Flick Bell, Reflective Logos (Head Tube, Downtube), Optional Small Basket with Net Liner, Optional Large Basket with Net Liner, Optional ABUS Frame Lock Chain, Optional ABUS NutFix Front Wheel Lock, Optional ABUS NutFix Saddle Lock

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube Mounted Battery Pack, ABUS Plus Code Keys (Match Battery and Frame Lock), Shimano EC-E6002 1.4lb 42 Volt 1.8 Amp Charger, Gates Carbon Drive Belt with CDX Center Track, Maximum Total Weight Rider and Cargo 300lbs (136kg)

Motor Brand:

Shimano STePs E6100

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Peak Output:

500 watts

Motor Torque:

60 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Shimano STePS BT-E8010, 18650 Cells

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

14 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

504 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

7 hours

Estimated Min Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Estimated Max Range:

105 miles (169 km)

Display Type:

Shimano STePs SC-E6100, Removable, Backlit Grayscale Display, Buttons: Select, Power, Lights

Readouts:

Clock, Current Speed, Assist Level (Off, Eco, Norm, High), Shifting Mode (Manual or Automatic), Trip Time, Avg Speed, Max Speed, Cadence, Distance, Odometer, Range, Range Chart, Settings (Clear, Clock, Start Mode, Backlight, Brightness, Beep, Unit, Language, Font Color, Adjust, Shifting Advice, Shift Timing, Exit)

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Buttons: Up, Down, Select, (Navigate to Settings by Holding Select Button), Bluetooth Connectivity for E-Tube and E-Tube Ride Smartphone Apps

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Rear Wheel Speed, Pedal Cadence and Pedal Torque, Power Output Relative to Pedal Input)

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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This review was provided for free using a demo bike and accessories. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of CERO products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the CERO electric bike forums.

Observations:

CERO is based in Los Angeles California, and began in 2015 when the founder Kiyoshi Iwai started researching electric bikes. The name relates to “zero” emissions and sustainability. Model one is their first and only product, which is inspired by the Mamachari bicycles of Japan. They are compact mini-cargo bikes that parents can use for all sorts of tasks. The front and rear baskets provide space for hauling or bringing children along on rides.
The CERO One is a feature-complete electric bike, meaning it has fenders, integrated lights, and racks. It’s very capable and versatile. This is the second generation of the One, which utilizes a belt drive, internally geared hub, and upgraded motor compared to the first generation. Weight has increased by two pounds, cables are now internally routed, and the price has gone up ~400.

Pros:

This is really a one-of-a-kind electric bike design for North America. It’s inspired by the very popular Mamachari bicycles of Japan, and it’s done very well. I trust the Shimano brand motor, battery, drivetrain, and brakes very much, having seen them perform well on other ebikes over the years. Apparently, it’s being distributed in Australia, Germany, and Canada after growing in popularity since 2017 (although the naming and branding may be different in these locales).
Most cargo bikes are long and wide, I love how the CERO One is only ~70 inches long (that’s actually shorter than a traditional bicycle, which are usually ~72″) and the adjustable stem that lets you turn the bar sideways makes it super easy to store in narrower spaces.
It’s neat that CERO upgraded the chain and 10-speed cassette to a Gates Carbon Drive belt and ebike rated 5-speed internally geared hub. These tend to be more reliable, require less maintenance, are cleaner and quieter, and you can shift at standstill. A trade-off is increased weight and cost, but I think a lot of people will enjoy this drivetrain.
Other improvements since the first generation build include internal cable routing that looks nicer, and an upgraded motor that’s more powerful, but lighter and quieter.
The Shimano E-6100 is one of my favorite “around town” drive systems because it’s dynamic and responsive, measuring rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque, but very efficient and quiet. It offers up to 60 newton meters of torque vs. 50nm on the older E-6050, and looks nicer and more compact.
It’s easy to miss, but the chainring has an aluminum alloy guard that protects the belt drive, and will keep your pant leg or dress end from getting dirty or snag. Since there is only one front and one rear sprocket on this bike, the belt is tensioned and won’t slap the chain stay or fall off easily. This is especially true because it uses the CDX center-track design by Gates.
The bike uses all-Shimano parts, and one of my favorites is the Hollowtech spindle that offers improved stiffness and reduced weight. The cranks on this ebike are slightly longer than average at 175mm, which is surprising given the smaller front wheel, but this provides a mechanical advantage to the pedaler and slows the cadence a bit.
While pedaling the bike during my review, I noticed that the motor seems to provide 120+ rotations per minute (RPM) pedal support. This is great for people who like to pedal quickly or when you have to downshift anticipating a hill. Again, I like this motor.
The battery pack is excellent, providing a good level of capacity with 36 volts 14 amp hours totaling 604 watt hours. That’s enough to provide 40 to 105 miles of range, depending on assist level because the motor is so efficient. I like that the battery slides out to the side, so the frame tubing can be tight and provide a low standover. I like that the battery isn’t super long or sharp or heavy! It’s easy to buy a second pack for long-range rides and stow it in a bag or backpack vs. some of the newer long, sharp, and heavy designs.
The battery charger is slower than the first generation, but very compact and lightweight. I love that it uses the same plug interface whether the battery is on or off the bike! This charger is easy to stow and bring along on any ride in case you need a top-off, and since the battery and display panel are removable, you can deter tampering and theft. I’ve been told that storing batteries in cool dry locations is best, and avoid draining to zero or leaving discharged. Between 20% and 80% tends to be easier on the cells.
The same key and lock used to secure the battery pack are used for the frame lock, to secure the rear wheel. It’s a great setup from ABUS and very practical for quick errands into stores. CERO even sells a chain adapter that interfaces with the frame lock so you can loop around a pole or bike rack for extra security.
I really like the display panel used here, because it’s large and easy to navigate. There are dedicated buttons to power it on, turn the lights on, cycle through menus, and also navigate through the four assist levels. The display is black and white, but you can invert the colors to optimize for glare or night riding, and the transflective LCD is easy to read in super bright conditions.
I love that the display shows pedal cadence and range estimate! This is something that only the fancier mid-drives tend to offer, and it seems to be dynamic and fairly accurate. I used both during the review rides. Now Shimano also has an E-TUBE Ride smartphone app with larger readouts and a GPS route planning map. It’s a nice addition to the standard E-TUBE app which lets you adjust the motor performance.
The bike only comes in one size, but the adjustable-height stem provides lots of fit options. At the top of the stem there’s an adjustable angle section, so you can get more height or increase reach. Of course, the 350mm seat post provides good options for taller riders, to maximize leg extension. Another neat feature is that the handlebar can swivel 45-degrees to make the handlebar align with the frame to fit through tight spaces and take less room when storing.
I like that the bike is still being sold in multiple colors, blue and gray. I was told that these were most popular (since the first generation bike came in four colors, including black and white).
I love that safety was considered when adding the bright 2-LED headlight and rear light. Notice the puncture-resistant name-brand Schwalbe tires, and the reflective sidewall stripes that increase your visual footprint. That’s important when the bike sits a little closer to the ground and is loaded with gear.
Even though the wheel sizes are different, they use matching parts! Both tires have the same branding and pressure range (30 to 55 PSI), which can be lowered for comfort or raised for efficiency. The double wall Alexrims are very nice, and feature reinforcement eyelets to minimize cracking.
I was delighted to hear that the maximum weight capacity for this electric bike was raised from 270lbs to 300lbs with the new frame. I noticed some additional gusset welding where the top tube meets the head tube, and thicker downtube. I feel that this would be a great ebike for larger people who want approachability and strength, even if they don’t care about the front and rear racks.
It’s neat that the bike comes with such great racks standard, you don’t have to pay extra. The rear rack has lots of great mounting points and a bungee loop at the bottom. The front tray has a very high 55lb weight capacity and works well with their two basket options.
Very nice custom fenders here, they’re perfectly matched to the wheel sizes, have a cutout for the belt, and are extra wide to provide good coverage. They did not rattle during the ride tests, and plastic tends to be very light and durable vs. aluminum or steel, which could rust if scratched.
The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes perform very well, in some ways, the 180mm front rotor is overkill because you also get a mechanical advantage from the smaller 20″ wheel diameter. These brakes are easy to use and have adjustable reach levers which is great for people who have smaller or larger hands.
The front tray actually has a bottle cage mount on the right side! This is very convenient, whether you use it for fluids, a folding lock, or a mini pump, and it’s super easy to reach without impacting steering. Clever design, well executed :)
Great kickstand choice, it provides a lot of stability for loading the bike up with gear and then stows compact. It does create pedal lock, but since it’s a double-leg design, you cannot roll the bike with it down anyway.
High quality comfort-oriented touch points, the Ergon saddle and Ergon locking grips are durable and active but tend to reduce hand and bottom fatigue, which is key on a bike with no suspension. The VP pedals perform well with large surface area and good traction. The half-grip twist shifter is intuitive for riders of all skill levels, and has a big optical window to show which gear is selected.

Cons:

The price of this ebike has increased since 2017, when I first covered it. You’ll pay $400 more, but you do get something for that extra money: an internally geared hub, a belt drive, an upgraded motor, and a refined frame.
Since CERO switched from a 10 speed 11-42 tooth cassette to a 5 speed internally geared hub, you get a lower gear range of 263% vs. 382% and fewer cadence options. Benefits include being able to shift at standstill, no derailleur hanging down that could get bumped, and a tighter driveline (belt in this case) that is less likely to fall off.
It seems that this updated CERO One model weighs about 2lbs (0.9kg) more than the original, despite having a 0.65lb (0.3kg) lighter motor. I suspect this has to do with the internally geared hub and reinforced frame with internally routed cabling.
It’s pretty cool that the bike comes with a front tray. However, since it’s mounted to the steer tube for strength and the headlight is mounted to base of the tray, it will not point where you steer. I also feel that the headlight is less visible in this position because it’s blocked from above and on the sides by the large tray. There are no side cutouts for light to shine in different directions the way some other lights have… but at least it’s very bright with two LEDs and well protected by the tray.
There’s no suspension on this electric bike and the front wheel has a higher attack angle and lower air volume (which don’t smooth bumps out as much). Depending on where you ride you might want to reduce the air pressure in the tires to improve comfort a bit (the range is 30 to 55 PSI), consider adding a 30.9 mm seat post suspension but note that it will raise the minimum saddle height by about three inches.
I love that CERO has switched from the larger 4 amp Shimano charger to a much lighter and smaller 1.8 amp design… and I love that it doesn’t need a dongle adapter to charge the battery off the bike vs. on the bike, but it does take longer to fill because of the lower amp output. I was told to expect ~7 hours for a full charge from empty.
I wish there was a USB charging port built into the display so you could keep portable electronics charged while riding. Shimano has a great smartphone app called E-TUBE RIDE, which we shown in the video, that provides lots of useful readouts but probably drains your battery.
This ebike used to be sold in four colors including black, white, blue, and grey… but now it is only available in blue and grey. I guess these were the most popular and it simplifies things for the manufacturer, helping to keep costs from rising too much.
The smaller front wheel allows the front tray rack to be lower to the ground for easier loading and handling, but this means you have two tire and tube sizes vs. just one. That’s just more to keep track of and fiddle with vs. having standard tires that could both be replaced with the same part at the same time etc. now you have to stock two different parts.
This is a minor consideration, but the double leg kickstand blocks the pedals from cycling backwards and may get chipped if the pedals do rotate into them. The stand is sturdy, fairly easy to use, and a good choice for a miniature cargo bike like this :)

Useful Resources:

Official CERO electric bikes website

January 29, 2024 (11 months ago)

2017 CERO One Review

MSRP: $3,399
MODEL YEAR: 2017

A compact electric cargo bike inspired by the Japanese Mamarachi, it's easy to mount and steer, very well balanced, responsive, efficient, and capable. Features the new Shimano STePs 504 watt-hour battery pack which offers increased range and a…...

Read Review

David Camp

3 years ago

Thank you for this CERO One e-Bike Review. You help me make the decision. I bought a CERO straight from the company. The people are super nice. They’re honest and forthright. I opted to put the large basket on the front and I can use it to carry my 3 year old beagle. I like the build quality! They also use all Shimano parts. If you’re thinking about it, go for it. You’ll be happy.

Court

Thanks for the great testimonial, David! I agree that the CERO One is pretty special, and the team members are very kind :)

Larry

Question: can taller riders (6’4”) fit on this bike?

Hi Larry, technically yes I think you could fit and be moderately comfortable on this model thanks to the adjustable height stem and longer 350mm seat post. There are extra long seatposts available which measure 400mm or even 430mm if you weren’t getting full leg extension. Reach won’t change much, but the adjustable angle stem can be positioned forward to kind of simulate increased reach. It’s a flexible and unique bike, and you’re definitely on the taller side for it, but that’s probably the case with most bicycles and the differences between frames aren’t actually that much (think 52cm vs. 54cm or 60cm) that’s a small centimeter difference. The big areas of adjustment tend to be saddle position on the clamp (slide it back) and raise the seat post, then swap the stem (this one is already long and adjustable) get a handlebar riser (this one has the telescoping feature already) and maybe swap the handlebars for ones that rise up and can be tipped forward more or are wider so your arms have to reach farther to the grips. I think it’s doable, but these are just my opinions as a 5’9″ guy who is between Medium and Large frames and has had to do some adjustments of my own to really dial things in over the years :)

PEP

I recently purchased a Cero and absolutely love it. It seems to be an amazing value for the money. The bike is very well crafted and a pleasure to ride. My 2 year old and I often go on long rides and she seems to get a big kick out of it.

The motor is smooth and adequately powered to reach 20 mph on all but the steepest hills where we live. The internal hub is also easy to use, but I do wish they offered a premium model with an upgrade to Shimano’s automatic shifting.

I am a long legged 6′ 2″ and share the bike with a shorter partner. So that we could both share the bike I purchased a Cascade dropper post (170mm version) and puget 2x lever from PNW components. This has been a quick and amazing way to share the bike and not get out an allen wrench to change the seat height every day. The dropper post also allows me to fully extend my legs, which I could not do with the stock post.

I got the large basket and am glad I did. I often have either my backpack or groceries in it. I can’t imagine being happy with the smaller basket.

I also considered the muli and e.yoonit, but they are not available in the US. The Tern HSD was also considered, but they weren’t in stock and seemed considerably more expensive for a bike that wasn’t as nice.

Wonderful! Thanks for the great testimonial and tips about your Cascade dropper post. It sounds like you did the research and found a perfect bike. Love that your two year old enjoys going along for the ride and you’re able to share amongst family members :D

Eric Heaton

First – awesome review, per usual!

I’m interested in the Cero One, but need my 7 year old daughter to ride on the back occasionally (under 55lbs). She’s too big for the Yepp child seat. Seems like we could buy a random rack cushion, seatpost-mount handlebar, and wheel guards on Amazon, but…

We’re coming over from a non-electric Yuba Kombi and wondering if any of the accessories would screw into the Cero rack (ex. the “deck”, “ring”, or “monkeybars”). And if it’s a “no” on the Yuba accessories, any specific recommendations on how to have a kid sit safely on the rear rack, if possible?

Cool! I wish I had some tips for you Eric, but this is not an area I’ve explored much. I do know that Yuba and Xtracycle both sell electric versions of their cargo bikes. I think they would be compatible with your old accessories vs. adapting to CERO. Here’s the cargo category so you could explore products that might suit your needs better… that said, they will be longer and much different than the CERO One. You might be able to explore the forums or other sites to get some ideas on alternative racks, or ask CERO directly for input. They seem to be very responsive and open to talking with customers from what I’ve seen :)

Thank you for the reply! I’ll check out the forums and see if others may have solved this issue (or can tell me it’s not possible). Btw, the Cero folks emailed me back — very response, as you said — and their answer was that they can’t comment on any accessory that they don’t sell on their site.

Grant Cornish

2 years ago

Hey Court and Team!

Could you please clarify the weight rating on this new CERO (your review on the previous model listed a “Total Weight”, while this one states a “Total Weight RIDER AND CARGO”). Is the 300lb capacity IN ADDITION to the 58lb. bike weight (for a total of 358lbs)?

Both Yuba and Tern list a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) in their specs, which I think is useful, as cargo bikes increase in popularity.

Best,
Grant =)

Hi Grant! I called Kiyoshi to check on this for you and was told that the 300lb capacity does not include the bike… so you plus all of your cargo could weigh up to 300lbs! He did acknowledge seeing more companies doing the European GVWR rating, but said that is now how he does it. He also says hi!