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 DŌST products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the DŌST electric bike forums.
Observations:
- This is one of the only electric bikes I’m aware of that features a mid-drive motor with shift detection and a throttle, dual battery options for long range riding, and Class 3 speed pedelec performance! The drive system is highly configurable, so you can adjust the top speed or remove the throttle to qualify as Class 1 to use on mountain bike trails
- DŌST means friend in several European languages. It’s a relatively new brand, but the founding members have over a decade of experience working in the downhill mountain bike space and the traditional electric bicycle space (making fat bikes, a trail bikes, and two city models)
- Given the very high 750 watt motor rating, with 120 newton meters of peak torque output, this ebike would be a great choice for heavier riders. The bike can handle up to 300lbs of weight including the rear rack, which can handle 100lbs. Most ebikes I see are rated up to 275lbs with racks that can handle ~55lbs of weight
- The DROP and KOPE models use the same motor, battery, and drivetrain components… but they are slightly different sizes with the step-thru DROP being 17.5″ and the high-step KOPE being 19″ for taller riders or those who want extra frame stiffness. Both have high-quality adjustable angle stems to further refine fit
Pros:
- The bike is feature complete, and the hardware they chose is in the mid to high-end vs. basic “check the box” level of quality. You can see this in the wide plastic fenders that use hidden bolts and support struts, the plastic wire wraps and large rubberized gussets where they feed into the frame, the sturdy ergotec adjustable stem (less likely to come loose than cheaper options), the tool-free adjustable length kickstand, and the brighter lights that use two LEDs vs. just one
- Both lights are integrated, meaning that they run off of the main battery pack or packs (if you buy the optional second one to extend range). They’re made by Spanninga and both have two LED to be brighter, the headlight offers 80 LUX and the rear has light pipes to create a wider bright surface
- The wires from the lights, motor inhibitors, power, shifters, and brakes are all bound together and routed internally through the bike frame. This looks nice and reduces the potential for snags. Where wires are exposed, DŌST uses plastic mesh to surround and protect
- I found the plastic battery shield, rubber charge port cover, and rubber dual-battery plug cover to be durable and easy to use compared to some of the tiny flimsy covers on other ebikes. The rubber covers also have leashes connecting them to the port area to keep the caps from getting lost
- The step-thru frame is very approachable, making it easy to mount and stabilize when stopped. It has very low 17-inch stand over height and decent 31.5″ minimum saddle height. I appreciate that they designed the rack far enough back to allow the saddle to get low without colliding with the optional trunk bag or panniers
- While the DROP only comes in one frame size, the adjustable saddle height and longer adjustable angle stem provide great fit options. The stem is designed to be more durable than competing products, so it won’t rattle loose as easily. It’s rated for high speed applications, which is perfect for this Class 3 ebike
- More electric bikes are coming out that allow users to adjust the top speed and remove the throttle. That’s the case here, and it means you can setup the bike to be Class 1, 2, or 3, which makes it versatile. Slower 20mph Class 1 will be allowed on more mountain bike style trails. Class 2 with the throttle up to 20mph is great for people who need help starting or want to take a break from pedaling, and Class 3 is perfect for commuting or just having fun with pedal assist up to 28mph
- Safety is a big focus for me when cycling, especially at higher speeds or if the frame is dark colored, so it’s cool that DŌST has opted for reflective tires and integrated lights. I consider the puncture protected tire upgrade to also be a safety win, and Schwalbe is known for making high quality tires in general
- The DROP provides great comfort with higher volume 25.7″ x 2.4″ tires and a 100mm suspension fork. I like that the fork can be adjusted with compression, lockout, and preload… but it’s not as lightweight, tough, or adjustable as an air fork with a thru-axle. The 1-1/8″ headset isn’t as upgradable as a tapered one would be, so in that sense, this ebike is decidedly hybrid/city vs. trail/mountain
- It’s a small thing, but notice the color-matched decal on the suspension fork! DŌST really went over this bike with a fine-toothed comb, and their past design/industry experience shows in details like this. Also, notice how the front fender mounts directly to the suspension fork lowers vs. using plastic cuffs that can slide around and crack over time
- I really like the drivetrain setup here because it keeps the chain protected and your pants or dress ends clean. DŌST us using a powder coated aluminum alloy chainring guard and minimalist allow chain cover that look great and work well together, almost acting as a chain guide. The 9-speed 11-36 tooth freewheel is good for a range of speeds, and the Shimano Altus derailleur is a couple of steps up from base level.
- In order to protect the drivetrain from wear, given the powerful mid-drive motor, DŌST is using a physical shift detection sensor. I tested it with the throttle and pedal assist, and it would not allow me to mash the gears. This is awesome, because it will significantly extend the life of the drivetrain and reduce broken chains
- I really like that the variable speed trigger throttle overrides pedal assist levels 1-5. It allows you to zip up to speed or add support for climbing a hill without pressing extra buttons, but it only assists up to 20mph… so you’ll need to pedal and click up to higher levels of assist to reach the maximum 28mph top speed
- There really aren’t that many dual-battery ebikes on the market, and many require you to choose the second pack at time of purchase and buy extra mounting hardware. DŌST keeps things simple by always including the mounting points (which double as bottle cage mounts) and adding the plug port to every frame. I think this is cool, and really honors the customer
- If you purchase a second battery, you can choose to drain it and the main pack simultaneously or start with the main pack and then switch the second pack on. There’s a little on/off toggle switch on the range extender pack that lets you decide. In fact, I think you can completely remove the integrated battery and run solely off of the optional external pack if you wish! However, the downtube cover appears to be attached to the integrated battery, so you’d have a big opening below the downtube vs. an empty covered space. Maybe there’s a way to remove the black cover from the battery pack… but it doesn’t seem very convenient or intentionally built with this sort of riding in mind
- I really appreciate that both batteries are removable, so you can charge and store them off the bike. To maximize life, lithium-ion battery packs should be kept cool, dry, and at least half full. Avoid going below 20% and avoid extreme heat because it degrades the cells. Extreme cold may stunt your range temporarily, but isn’t as hard on the cells as heat
- The saddle is comfortable, has a handle, and is co-branded to match the bike. I like the ergonomic grips and appreciate the removable end cap so you can use a side mirror (which DŌST sells as an option). The bright color LCD display is intuitive and offers adjustable-angle to reduce glare
- The display panel has a full sized USB A charging port on the bottom, so you can maintain a smartphone for GPS, music, or phone calls on the go. It’s conveniently located up high on the bike… Along these lines, I appreciate that the main battery charging port is up high on the right side of the frame vs. low or on the left
- Some ebike displays use five or ten blocks to communicate battery charge level, but the Bafang DCP-18 that DŌST chose actually shows a percentage readout… and there’s a dynamic range estimator tool! Just press the i button to cycle to “range” and then use + or – to select any assist level to see range update in realtime
- This electric bicycle has a higher than average weight rating at 300lbs, and the rear rack is rated for up to 100lbs! That’s great for people who want to mount a child seat, and maybe add panniers on both sides too. I feel like this ebike is a capable SUV type of setup that can handle more varied terrain and heavy-duty applications than most other city/hybrid models… especially with the powerful mid-drive
- The DROP is slightly lighter weight than the high-step KOPE at 64.9lbs vs. 65.2lbs. While these weight ratings might sound like a lot compared to a non-electric bike. The addition of fenders, integrated rack, lights, adjustable stem, motor cover, and heavy-duty frame all add up, and are worth the weight trade-off in my opinion… especially if you were going to add these features aftermarket anyway
- The internal battery pack is higher capacity and heavier than the internal. It weighs 8.2lbs while the external is 5.7lbs. By keeping the heavier battery lower, they made the bike slightly easier to handle and lift. Most of the weight on this ebike is centered and low, which is what you want
- I personally think that $3,199 with a two year warranty and free shipping is a reasonable price for such a feature-rich ebike, and I love that the additional battery is only $699 while some competing products are in the $1k range for additional batteries plus mounting hardware that is often required at time of initial purchase
- It’s a small detail, but both wheels use quick release skewers, making it much easier to change flats or pack this bike up into a smaller space. This is possible, in part, because of the mid-drive motor choice vs. a hub motor
Cons:
- I noticed that the Shimano Altus derailleur that DŌST selected for the DROP is slightly upgraded from the ones I see on some other ebikes. The exterior looks great and I suspect it’s the high-end Altus option… though it doesn’t have a clutch lever and the shifters only offer one-way action on the high trigger vs. two-way
- The Bafang BBS02 is known for being reliable, fairly quiet, and very powerful, but it only utilizes pedal cadence signals vs. cadence and torque. This means that motor power output isn’t as fluid or dynamic, based on how hard you push on the pedals. You get more power by either clicking + on the button pad or pressing the throttle. Still, the cadence sensor uses 24 magnets vs. 12 and felt very responsive during my ride tests
- If you hold + on the button panel, you’ll notice that the coloring changes from green to red and the label goes from eco to sport mode. This doesn’t actually do anything different to the motor operation… and is only meant for torque-sensing ebikes. For those who want to change colors, it’s a neat trick, but it could confuse others and is a reminder of the more basic controller design here
- It seems that most ebike displays are not removable, and that’s the case here as well. As a result, you may get some fading or scratches if left outside and at public racks. I sometimes put my helmet over the display to keep it clean and dry, but DŌST said that all of their electronics are IP65 rated meaning “dust tight, protects against water jets from any angle, but do not submerge”
- As nice as the internal cable routing is, you’ll notice the large bundle of cables up front (due in part to the addition motor inhibitors on both brake levers), and near the bottom bracket. Normally, the BBS02 motor is external to a bikes bottom bracket… you can actually buy this Bafang/8FUN motor as a kit, so the wires point forward vs. up. DŌST custom engineered their frame to house the BBS02 to make it look good and add protection, but the wires do still protrude a bit here, which I think looks a bit ugly and could be slightly more vulnerable
- If you opt for a second battery pack, note that it and the main pack have to be charged independently (or you can buy an extra charger). There’s no system for charging simultaneously, and the basic 2 amp charger is fairly slow compared to some newer 3 amp and 4 amp chargers I’ve seen. They probably chose it based on how small, lightweight, and affordable it was
- If you opt for the second battery pack, it will crowd the downtube area and take up the space for mounting a water bottle cage or other accessory. The second battery interface mates to the frame with three bolts for extra strength, but could still take some aesthetic damage if kicked or scratched. I’m not sure that it changes the stand-over height that much, but you just don’t have as much wiggle room to work with, and that’s worth considering
- While the motor offers lots of power and torque, it is heavier than many other mid-drives from Bosch, Brose, Shimano, Yamaha, and even Bafang/8FUN. It weighs roughly 9.47lbs not including the outer covers that DŌST designed. That, compared to 7 to 8lbs for other mid-drives of this generation
- A couple of minor considerations here: the throttle is on the left and some people might prefer it to be on the right… but then it would be pushed further in, towards the display, because of the trigger shifters on the right. The throttle does not work in assist level zero, you must be in 1-5, and this means that any pedal movement will activate pedal assist as well as the throttle… especially since this ebike uses a cadence sensor
- Although the headlight is bright, it doesn’t have side cutouts to keep you visible from more angles. The rear light would be visible from the sides, but the frame tubing around it blocks much of this potential… but at least the tubing protects the light from getting bumped and broken during parking and transport
- The DROP and KOPE each only come in one frame size. The DROP is smaller at 17.5″ and the high-step KOPE is 19″ which would suit taller riders or those who want a stiffer frame
- I would have liked to see a derailleur guard here, it would protect the shifter cables, shift detection splitter, and the derailleur from tips and snags. There’s just more going on with the drivetrain on this ebike, and since it’s rugged enough to go off-road and gets shipped to customers in many situations since they sell direct as well as dealers, that could have been a good little extra
- Please use caution when powering this electric bike on, because it starts in assist level 1 and the throttle is active with full power (up to 750 watts, 120nm). If you bumped it while mounting, dismounting, doing repair work, or loading/unloading the bike, you could get scraped or pinched fingers or the bike could tip. This is a more advanced setup and I recommend keeping it off at all times, unless you’re mounted and ready to ride
James Warner says
Enjoyed your review of this bike, and ordered one for my 5′ 1″ lady. Wish you would add to your review your take on how the advertised max recommended rider height of 6′ seems to play out. Does it still feel like a good bike balance wise? Can one really almost fully extend legs at the end of the down-stroke? Does the geometry feel right as opposed to awkward in some way? Would all the aforementioned work much better on the ‘Kope’, even to my leg injury would be more of a problem?
Court says
Hey James! Sweet, I’m excited for you guys. Having ridden both frame sizes, and being 5’9″ myself, I’d say that the DROP does feel smaller, but that doesn’t impact pedaling much if you raise the saddle. There’s plenty of room to get leg extension, and the quality adjustable stem they chose will also raise the bar or put it out for decent reach and avoid knee strikes. If you’re asking for yourself, like if you wish to use your wife’s bike from time to time, then I think you’ll be just fine. It’s difficult for me to speak about being taller or shorter, and it’s such a subjective conversation based on saddle height, stem, bar setup. However, one of the team leads at DŌST is a 6’+ fellow who has ridden and enjoyed both bikes. He didn’t comment on feeling super squished or uncomfortable, but I didn’t specifically ask. I will keep this in mind more in the future and I appreciate your feedback! I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts once you get the bike ;)
Shannon says
I ordered this bike after doing a lot of research into step-thru e-bikes with frame integrated batteries. I am on the short end 5’4 and on the heavy side, and after your review and speaking with Sam directly (the founder of Dōst) I felt comfortable that the Drop bike would be good for both my height and weight. I had also looked at the Verve+ 3 Lowstep from Trek, but really liked the display on the Drop as well as the Throttle that the Trek does not have. With the demand for these bikes at a high, I am due to receive mine around the early part of June. I am very much looking forward to many adventures with the Drop bike. Based on where I live, I’ll be mostly driving on dedicated bike trails and mostly flat terrain, so I think this bike should do the trick for my commutes. I want to get exercise from my bike, so pedal assist will mainly be utilized, but again, I appreciate the throttle option. I also love that this can be a Class 1 up to a Class 3 bike thus not having to choose one or the other.
Thanks for your in depth review of the Dōst Drop e-bike.
Court says
Hey! So glad you enjoyed this review and spent some time sharing your situation, Shannon. I hope the bike works out great for you, and I agree that Sam and the other DŌST folks seem very cool and genuine about support. There really aren’t that many integrated-battery step-thru models (let alone dual-battery) and I totally agree with your take that having three class options is nice… why not?! I think you’ll be very happy with the bike, but I welcome your feedback here, and in the EBR forums if you care to share how it works for you once June arrives ;)
Shannon says
I finally received my Dōst Drop Bike (Glacier White) the other day. It came 99% assembled out of the box (and what a big box). I only had to put the pedals on, adjust the handlebars and seat and charge the battery. I’m 5’4″ and this bike is a great fit for me.
The ride is smooth and the pedal assist has some real power to it – as does the throttle. I want to get as much exercise with this bike as I can, so based on my initial experience, I’ll be riding in 0 mode most of the time and only using the assist when I find it really necessary.
I ordered the trunk bag and cup holder accessories so that I can make the ride even easier and smoother. I look forward to many an adventure with this bike. Although COVID-19 delayed the arrival of the bike – the wait was worth it.
The whole crew at Dōst was wonderful throughout the process, providing me with constant email updates and videos on the progress of the Dōst bikes. The videos also showed me what to expect when my bike arrived and the steps to follow to set everything up.
Kudos to Dōst on a superior product.
Court says
Wonderful! Thanks for the update Shannon. I’ve also been very impressed with their videos and fun updates. Sam and I have been friends for a while, since he worked for a couple of other ebike companies before starting his own. They did an excellent job with their bikes, from what I could tell during the reviews, and even though the shipping was delayed… it’s so nice to hear that you got yours and that it’s working so well. Rock on!
tonkasman says
Myself and wife ordered two drop ebikes bikes. Here on Vancouver island we have lots of hills, after reading lots we settled on the drop. We also have had to order the bikes which are to arrive in June. Since these bikes are not customers custom built bikes, we find it hard to swallow paying 100% of the bikes cost then waiting two months for delivery. Over $8000.
Court says
Thanks for the update! It sounds like a few brands have had delays due to some of the global shipping challenges recently. I just covered a Riese & Müller ebike (which costs over $9k and the wait time for a build and delivery is something like three months. DŌST has some great products, I hope you and your wife enjoy them a lot, and I’d love to hear updates once they arrive and you can actually test ride them yourselves! Did you get the extra battery option or just stick with a single pack?
tonkasman says
Wow, I did not expect an answer so soon. About the extra battery, yeah I love the mileage. I think to test the bike, if happy order the extended battery. Just happy to ride! We follow your reviews and like your input.
Thanks,
Tonkasman
Cathy says
Hi Court,
I’ve been watching and reading your reviews for a long time now and find them extremely helpful. I had a Dahon Boost a long time ago to commute with and I know that things have improved a lot since then. My dad in the UK had a Giant LaFree I think. Anyway, I took the plunge again and ordered the Drop. I work as a Long Term Care nurse manager and I think this will be needed therapy. Hoping to persuade my spouse to get the Kope.
Court says
Hi Cathy! I’m excited for you, the DŌST bikes really impressed me and the his/hers setup sounds like a blast. My aunt works as a nurse, and I have a very close childhood friend who also works in nursing… but one of my other good friends was in long term care and hospice, and it definitely took a tole. Getting outside for rides, seeing life, getting some energy moving through your body, that sounds wonderful. I hope the bike comes soon for you and welcome future updates! I’ll be out reviewing more stuff, but the DROP is a great choice and one that I prioritized this year because I have known Sam for a while and heard about this project of his since last year! Keep up the great work and thanks again for your comment :)
Michael McDade says
Hi Court, let me first say your reviews and website are fantastic resource for anyone looking at ebikes. Great job!
So, I was looking at the RadRover step thru and I now I’m looking at the DROP step thru. Of course more money, but updated components, longer range and overall seems like a very well made e-bike. I am 6’2″, 210 and in my mid 50s in good shape, but have some knee and back issues. The Step thru Radrover is a bit larger. 18 vs 17.5 frame. Plus I’d be doing more road riding than trails, so I like the idea of the drop tire setup better. Not sure which one is more relaxed ride since I don’t like hunching over due to lower back issue. Your thoughts on fit and ride between the two. Thanks again for this fantastic site!
Court says
Hi Michael! Both of these are great ebikes. I think there’s a delay on the DROP, so if you want something immediately, your best choice would be the RadRover Step-Thru. Given your height and weight, I think both bikes would work well, and I think the approachable step-thru frames are the way to go. The DROP has the potential for a larger battery pack (if you get the optional second battery) and mid-drive motors tend to be more efficient… plus the urban tires will be smoother on paved surfaces (less noise and drag). The other big upgrade I see is hydraulic disc brakes vs. mechanical. I think fit will be okay on either bike, because the DROP has an adjustable seat post height and adjustable angle stem. It’s a tough call, but the biggest trade-off right now is availability. I am only guessing at Rad Power Bikes having more inventory at the moment while DŌST is probably re-stocking and facing some delays. I hope this helps, and I’m sure you’ll have a blast with either bike :D
Michael McDade says
Thank you Court. You’re right, Rad has some bikes in stock and DROP is indicating June for possible delivery. So, I ordered a RadRover and will look at Drop next year.
Court says
Sounds like a great compromise… Rad Power Bikes is a brand that people recognize, so you should be able to sell it used fairly easily (or loan/give to family and friends). I’m definitely rooting for the guys at DŌST, but the season is picking up and life is happening every day. Enjoy your rides and do check back and drop a comment anytime!
Pat says
Can this bike be purchased in the USA? If yes, where? Can you test ride it prior to purchasing?
Court says
Hi Pat! It’s definitely available in the US and I think DOST has some dealers there. I don’t know for certain which ones or where they are at… otherwise, the company ships direct. I suggest visiting their official website and calling the company. They have real people who will answer and talk with you. From what I understand, there’s a bit of delay on units due to high demand and some slower shipping recently. I hope this helps!
Larry Davis says
Hi Court, my wife and I are a couple of senior citizens in our 70’s. Been riding motorcycles and regular bikes most of our lives. After extensive research and your terrific review, we now have 2 of the Dost Drops on order for our first eBikes! Here’s my question… would you please recommend exactly what tools should I insure are on our bikes when we head out for a day? Just what you feel is a “don’t leave home without it” tool? I would presume with this type of eBike the tool(s) and extra links to repair chain would be a most have. What say you?
Court says
Hi Larry! Great question… I like trunk bags for storing gear, because they keep bike weight even from side to side. They are usually large enough to store a good folding lock (I like ABUS, but they do tend to be more expensive, here’s a twin pack for you and your wife). I always bring a full water bottle, and I have a few little tools that are always good to have. Most bicycles use hex wrenches, and there are a few great tools like this that include all of the most common sizes, as well as flat and Philips head. If you bring one of those, a set of tire levers, and a spare inner tube… you’re nearly 100% covered. But! You’ll also need some sort of pump to fill the tube, so I also carry a mini-pump like this with a PSI gauge built in and flexible hose connector so you won’t damage the valve stem and can pump more comfortably with your hands. First aid is another consideration, and there are little portable kits you can buy, like this, that get you pretty well covered. If you have all of these things, you’ll be fairly self sufficient, but then it’s also great to have a cell phone in case you really need help and just don’t have the tools or abilities yourself. Things to consider: there are trunk bags with zipper sides that fold out into panniers (useful for stowing jackets), you might want to lock the trunk bag to your bike or take it off each time, you might also want to use a long cable to circle through both tires when locking the frame, and maybe even a saddle leash cable to loop through the main cable if you get a nice seat post and it uses quick release ;)
Odette says
Hi Court, I’ve just started informing myself on ebikes and discovered all of your extremely well made reviews, many thanks. I’m trying to get back on a bike after a lifetime of back issues. I’m short and carrying excess baggage! So I’m comparing the Dost Drop, the Cube Town sport Hybrid, the Gazelle Medeo T9 Class, the Giant Lafree E+2, Moustache Lundi 26.1 and the IGO Electric Core Elite II. I’m looking for a bike I can ride on country roads and look at the scenery all the while protecting my back and neck. Don’t think I’m going to be doing long trips to start of with, but in the future I’d like something I can upgrade either with a bigger battery pack or a second one. Which would be your top recommendation, if I can ask?
Mille Mercis
Court says
That’s a great list of bikes! I can see why you commented on the DOST DROP first, because it has the second battery pack option. Frankly, it’s one of just two in your list that has throttle on demand (iGO Core Elite II being the other). Both of these are great products, and I believe that both may be backordered. I personally really enjoyed the technology and customized frame that DOST developed, and it would be my first choice. You get the efficiency of a mid-drive, an approachable frame, and a throttle in case you want to ride further but aren’t in top shape. Over time, you could upgrade with a second battery pack to go extra far… or, I think they might have a discount if you order a second battery at time of initial purchase. In any case, I’d rank the bikes as follows for how you described yourself and based on my experiences: DOST, iGO, CUBE, Gazelle, Moustache, Giant. The thing is, Giant and Gazelle are probably best in terms of dealer availability and support. So, if you live near one of them and know that you’ll want extra help with setup and tune-ups, then it would change my recommendations a bit. Still, most bike shops should be able and willing to provide some basic tuneups for your bike for $100. So, factor that in when you consider one of the direct-online products. I hope this helps, and I apologize for the slow reply here ;)
Odette says
Thanks Court. Finally got your response on my way to purchase my CUBE Town Hybrid One from Scooterretti in Ottawa. Got the Cube because it was the best fit for me and was available right away. Would of liked to have tried the Dōst Drop, but the next shipment get’s in by mid-august! I’ll leave a comment on the Cube review when I finally get it after the initial tune up and I’ve gotten the chance to ride it. Can’t wait!
Court says
Sweet! Good for you, Odette. Enjoy the Spring and Summer, thanks for the update :D
Susan Smith says
Can a bike trailer be attached to the rear axle?
Court says
That’s a great question, I’ll mention this to DOST and see if they can reply to you here ;)
Gordon Lai says
Hey Susan!
A bike trailer can definitely be mounted onto the rear axle similarly to how it would attach onto a standard bicycle. Because we use a mid-drive motor, we use a standard quick release axle so that you would be able to mount a trailer :)
Thank you,
Gordon
DŌST BIKES
Anonymous says
Really need some solid advice. I’m a senior, 65 years. I’m 5’3”. I had a knee replacement though I do yoga and am in fairly good health. I have never been a “biker” and I admit to being a bit timid on any electric bike that is not a small frame. I live on a hill in San Francisco (about a half mile up). I want an electric bike that really fits me so I feel safe. I’ll be riding on the street and in Golden Gate Park. I’ll be avoiding the real busy streets until I get more confidence. I have been test riding the pedal assist bikes, but I struggle still to go up steep hills because I don’t have the leg strength to pedal sufficiently in order to get the pedal assist to kick in, even with very powerful mid-drive motors. So I want a Class 2 bike, small or can be adjusted to small, and wider tires if possible. Mostly I’ll be cruising but I have to have enough power to get up my steep hill when coming home. This Dost bike sounds awesome but not sure if lowering the seat will be sufficient. The flat foot technology appealed to me but not finding these bikes meet my criteria in other ways and unsure about the quality. I have read and researched so much that at this point I need some personal expert advice. I welcome all suggestions!
Christine
Court says
Hi Christine! I do think that the DOST Drop would be an excellent choice. It’s one of the very few mid-drive ebikes that even offer a throttle! I understand that you are petite, and I think the step-thru frame and adjustable saddle will work for you. I’m only 5’9″ and had no problem mounting and stabilizing this ebike. They key on hills will be to shift to a lower gear BEFORE you reach the hill and start climbing. If you do this, the throttle will be much more capable for climbing because it leverages the bicycle gears just like you. For almost any mid-motor ebike, if you don’t shift the gears down, the motor will still struggle when climbing. I hope this helps!
steve rim says
I am comparing dost drop with the gazelle cityzen t10. Which is better for a city commuter? By the way, thanks for all your reviews. I get all my information on your website. Much thanks.
Court says
Hi Steve! You’re welcome. I’m so glad the site has been useful for you. As for these two ebikes. I actually like the throttle feature of the DOST DROP. Gazelle uses Bosch motors and other efficient really premium drive system parts that will feel more natural than the Bafang BBS02 from DOST. They are both Class 3 products, both companies have good customer support. With Gazelle, you’ll have a greater chance of visiting a dealer for assembly and support vs. DOST that is just going to ship the bike. Perhaps it comes down to your own style preferences and need for a dealer? Again, I like the throttle and optional second battery from DOST, but the Gazelle is an excellent product with integrated battery and more smooth efficient motor. Now that Bosch is offering Kiox display as an upgrade aftermarket, and will be releasing the Nyon display this winter (in North America), that makes it appealing to me too… but it’s going to be more expensive with some of these upgrades.
Steve says
Thank you. After two months of Endless self debating, reading various Websites and listening to you online, I’ve decided to purchase the dost drop. It was so difficult to decide. You are correct. Both bikes offer the very best, but I chose the dost drop ultimately due to your suggestions and your website. Gazelle cityzen is sexy and luxurious, but I felt the dost offered more character and durability. And most importantly you looked so happy riding the dost. Actually, for bikes in the $3,000 range you looked the happiest.
Court says
Good for you, Steve! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did :D I really like the way you described the DROP as having more “character” than the Gazelle. You’re absolutely right, and I think the team behind DOST has a great moral character, along with an aesthetic and brand that offers an attractive and interesting emotional/visual character. This word is just so versatile… word of the day. Hope it arrives soon and you have some fun rides! Please chime in again once you’ve owned and ridden it for a while ;)
darrell saxe says
I would like to know when to exspet my bike thank you
Court says
Hi Darrell! I only review the bikes here, so I cannot say for sure. However, it seems like DOST has a good response time for customers who call or email. I’d suggest reaching out, because I know they have been backordered for a while now. They are working very hard as a startup, and I think their product is great! But, the international shipping delays and popularity of ebikes recently has resulted in some slower turnaround times for orders. I hope yours comes very soon, and I’d love to hear your thoughts when it does!
Paul Dershem says
Hi Court, thank you for the detailed review!
My wife and I have been renting ebikes in an effort to narrow our choices. So far, we have preferred mid-drive bikes with a “Dutch” riding position (my wrists go numb when I ride a bike that causes me to lean on the handlebars while riding).
One of the things we have noticed is that ebikes that do not have a torque sensor can be “twitchy,” with the motor engaging unexpectedly with the slightest movement of the pedals; on a Pedego bike, the motor engaged and pulled my wife into the path of an oncoming car while she was repositioning the pedals.
I cannot test drive the Dost Drop (nor any of the RAD bikes), and I am very concerned about this aspect of their performance. Can you comment, please.
Court says
Hi Paul, I understand both points you’ve made. Yes, both DOST and Rad Power Bikes use cadence sensing systems. Rad has taken the approach of slowly ramping up power to make it feel more smooth and natural (and saving battery energy). DOST is a bit more twitchy and powerful feeling, if I remember correctly. They have a more powerful motor here, especially at the highest levels of assist, so it could probably feel twitchy at times. Maybe the mid-drive design would lessen this feeling. Given the upright handlebars that Rad has also selected for their RadRovers etc. and their shorter stems, I think they are following that Dutch design philosophy that you describe (and that I also appreciate).
Jenny M says
Hi Court! Thank you for the great reviews. My husband and I are in our 60s. We are considering Ebikes for the first time and so far I have narrowed the choices to the Dost Drop or Trek Verve+ 2, leaning toward the Dost. We live on dirt road in a forested rural setting. There are hilly paved roads nearby and there are interesting dirt roads and two-tracks to explore, as well as paved and packed gravel trails around the region. My interest is in getting a hybrid-style ebike that can handle dirt roads and paved roads. Do you think these two bikes can handle the dirt roads and two-tracks? Do you think one might be better than the other? Thank you!
Court says
Hi Jenny! I am a big fan of the DOST designs, because they are very flexible for on-road, a bit of trail, they have lights and fenders and racks, and the extra battery option. Unfortunately, their popularity has made them sell out! I think there’s a pretty long wait right now, so I’d suggest calling the company or checking their website. The Trek Verve+ 2 has a narrower and lower capacity battery… but you can probably find it at a local shop sooner and get that in-person ongoing support. Trek has several great models of bikes, so you might find something else new that is just as good or close to what DOST is offering (but none will have throttles). One final option that is great for a bit of dirt road and single or double track riding is the Rad Power Bikes RadRover (which can also come in step-thru). The wider tires offer stability, traction, and some extra comfort. My parents bought these because they were affordable and they also have reflective tires, fenders, and some basket options and lights. Hope this helps!
Jenny M says
Thank you for your opinion!
Clarold Rogers says
Looking for a “commuter” sort of eBike for mostly recreational riding in flat Florida. I am 6’2″, 220lbs dressed, 76 yrs old with a 31″ inseam. As time passes quickly, I am considering the Drop for ease of boarding in a few years. My concern is whether I can get proper leg extension due to the smaller size frame? Love the feature set of the DOST bikes and was about to order an Aventon Level Hub drive but willing to spend twice as much fir the DOST if it would fit. Your thoughts? Thanks for your help!!
Court says
Hi Clarold, I do think that the DOST Drop would work well for you. The step-thru frame is very approachable, the mid-motor is very powerful, and I think your inseam is very close to mine at ~30″ and I got pretty good leg extension. Worst case, you could upgrade the 31.6mm seat post to 400mm long vs. 340mm that they ship stock. With the longer post, you can also slide the saddle backward to increase your reach. I think it would work out well… If you really want to get fancy, you could have a dropper post installed so you can sit down easily and then raise the saddle height while riding! It’s a feature that many high-end mountain bikes now offer :D
Roger Crowley says
I’m waiting on a DOST Drop which should arrive in mid-October 2021. Your review helped me decide to go for it. Unfortunately, lately there are owners that have experienced breaks in the frame near the bottom of the seat post near the motor.
At first I thought it was just a rare thing but now 3 people have reported the frame cracking just above the motor drive. Is anyone else experiencing this frame problem on the DOST Drop? How concerned should I be?
Court says
Hi Roger! I can understand your concern, so I reached out to the founder of DŌST to see what happened. It took a couple of days, but he sent the following information:
“We have indeed seen a few frame failures on the first batch of DROP bikes. There was a weld failure on the gusset and the seat tube. Every case has been carefully examined and customers were offered an exchange. We quickly contacted our manufacturing partners to revise the manufacturing processes, and further strengthened the gusset/seat tube to prevent this from ever happening again. It has not been surfaced as an issue for newer batches of bikes.”
I hope this helps to ease your concern, and I appreciate that we got some honest feedback from DŌST. No bike is perfect, all companies have little struggles along the way, but I really appreciate their transparency and willingness to explain.
Kathleen H. says
Hi Court – I love this website and your reviews so thanks. I tried the Dost Drop at the Poco store and road the dikes and it was amazing! First e-bike I tried and it was very smooth, stable and comfortable. Since then have tried the Trek Allante 7 and loved the look of it but while it was a smaller frame size, it felt a bit “clunky” on the shifting and the seat hurt my butt!
Both of these are mid motor and on my sister has a Envo ST which is a rear hub system and went to the North Burnaby Envo and store tried the 15 inch (I am 5″3 and about 135 pounds.) I was impressed with it and it had a throttle (which the Trek Allante doesn’t) but the range not as far. So, a couple of questions/ concerns
I am 62 and active and reasonably fit. I road a touring bike a fair amount in my 20s and 30s (panniers and mountain passes) and when had my children had a “momma cruiser? but since then have done very little riding. I like the feel of the Dost the best but am hesitant about the frame size of 17.5 and also the weight when compared to the other two bikes I tried. I like Envo second and Trek Allante third (which surprised me given its reputation).
I am looking for an e-bike to ride around town, go on some urban trails and dikes, perhaps a gravel road but also to get the hills around where I live (Cariboo Hill being one). My husband is 65 and road racing bikes and fell in love with Dost and is going to get the Dost Kope as he is a big man and he wants the sturdy frame (and he LOVED the throttle!). I know this is a long post but really curious what your thoughts are and what other bikes you might recommend that you might suggest. Thanks so much!
Court says
Hi Kathleen! Glad you’ve enjoyed my website and got to try some bikes in person vs. just looking online. Sounds like your husband enjoyed the DOST, and I agree that throttle is fun to have. Yeah, Trek does a wonderful job, has more frame sizes and colors, but no throttle. I am not familiar with the Envo brand, but I just haven’t had time to cover all of the new bikes out there! Perhaps it’s a good one? I really enjoy hub motors because they keep weight low and center, work with you as you pedal, make it easier to service the wheels and tires because there are not additional power cables going to a hub motor… but the trade-off is usually that mid-motors do not have throttle on demand or shift sensing to protect the chain and drivetrain. This is where DOST is different, they really make a unique product! If you and your husband both get one, you can also share battery packs and chargers. My ranking is probably similar to yours, as long as the bike fits! I like that Trek has the sizes, many shops, and more bike types to explore. DOST has focused on the most popular SUV type of ebike… and if that works for you, then it’s a great product (in my opinion). It’s neat that you live close to the headquarters so you can meet the team and try the bikes, most people probably have to order online and just hope that it works. I hope this feedback helps you!
Kim says
Hi Court, I don’t know where I would be in my research without your reviews! After zoning in on the Dost Drop CVT I have come to find out that they are back ordered. So, I’m pretty sure I am going to pull the trigger on the non-CVT version rather than wait until 2023. I simply have not found another bike with the combination of specs and design. I did consider the Evelo Aurora Ltd but it seems like size wise it will be a stretch. I’m 5’1”.
Just wondering what you think. I got pretty pumped about the carbon belt and CVT but after reading other reviews from much more experienced cyclists than me it seems that there are benefits/pros and cons with either. Can you speak to that? Not necessarily what the differences are technically but how they affect the cyclist. Just to give you some context I am not a serious cyclist but I’m pretty comfortable riding a bike and generally pretty coordinated and athletic. My usage will be bike paths, some sand/dirt trails at our state park and some local roads for errands. It’s pretty hilly where I live on (Eastern Long Island).
I went back to your review of the original Dost Drop (non-CVT) and your enthusiasm kept shining through. As it was the bike checked a lot of boxes for me and I seem to really been drawn to an integrated cargo rack… the rest of the design of the bike really appeals to me too and as much as I don’t want to pick a bike on looks alone I simply could not find one that I loved near as much. Thanks as always and keep doing what you’re doing. You are a big asset to the electric bike world and all of us newbies can really use your help!
Kim
Court says
Hi Kim! It sounds like you’re doing a great job learning about ebikes. Thanks for the compliments, I do my best here and enjoy helping to navigate the space :)
As a cyclist myself, I prefer a chain and cassette setup more than belt and CVT. It saves cost, weight, and shifts faster. Belt and CVT adds a bit of drag and can feel less response to me, kind of mooshy… Since I keep my bikes very clean and shift delicately, my bikes do not squeak or make other noises, so many of the benefits from a belt (clean, quiet, less maintenance) just don’t benefit me the same way. I love that the DŌST bikes have shift detection, which helps novice riders avoid chain mashing and keep the drivetrain from getting damaged. To me, the DROP and KOPE are some of the most unique and “check all of the boxes” electric bikes available on the market right now. For the money, they really stand out as looking good, being made well, having phenomenal customer support, and providing stuff like throttle, higher speed, multi battery. The only downside is that they have been backordered due to popularity and some of the supply chain stuff. I think you’d be happy with the chain version, I know I would be for sure. And yeah, EVELO has some very cool products as well, both companies are great in my opinion :)
Kim V says
Thank you for this feedback. This really helps frame up the whole topic for me. And the lower cost for a chain and cassette setup is a bonus not to mention the availability of this bike over the CVT version. I ordered the Dost Drop and they are anticipating shipping in February. Yay!!
I appreciate your mentioning the shift detection as it eases my concern around making novice mistakes with shifting and potentially damaging the drivetrain or even having the chain fall off. Which leads me to ask about where I can look for a good resource on shifting with an electric bike?
In my initial research I began to form the opinion that a single speed was simply easier for a novice rider. And my concern around getting the bike serviced in general, should I have an issue, led me to think I’d be better off. But, all the while I was pretty sure a bike with gears made much more sense in the long run. I did see you on video saying that you wished you had spent more on your very first bike and I am trying to find that balance between my budget, my experience and anticipated usage, and quality. None of this “cheap” so I’d like to try and get this right if I can. This is a long way of saying I am committed to gears vs. single drivetrain. So, now I need a good education on working gears in the electric bike world. Perhaps this is where Dost’s customer service team can help too?
Thanks again! And again:)
Kim
Court says
Hi Kim, I think you’re on the right track spending a bit more for DŌST or a similar quality level ebike with good customer support. Back when I bought my first ebike, there weren’t as many choices and none of them had shift detection. My first ebike was a mid-drive that was heavy, slow, suffered from frame flex, and the chain and gears were vulnerable to breaking and bending if I didn’t shift carefully. It was a mid-drive with a very simple motor that wasn’t very dynamic and didn’t ramp up smoothly like the new ones do. I think that the DROP addresses every single one of the issues that my first bike had, but I’ll do my best to explain proper shifting for you, to help with cycling in general.
First, I definitely do recommend a multi-speed drivetrain, because you can always pick one gear that’s comfortable and leave it there as a “single speed”… but at least you choose the gear vs. being stuck with a really low or really high one that the company picks. Over time, you might become more confident and enjoy shifting as I do. The key to shifting is that you want to continue cycling the chain so it can change tracks to a different size sprocket in the rear cassette, but not exert a lot of force when you do so. This is why I say “ease off” when shifting gears, because the lower pressure from pedaling will allow the chain to change tracks more easily and without straining the derailleur, chain, and sprocket teeth. With mid-drive motorized ebikes, you’ve got your own muscles exerting pressure on the system as well as a powerful motor! Some motors (cadence sensing ones) cannot tell that you’re easing off of your pressure, they just listen to pedal motion… and you need the motion to continue in order for the chain to change tracks. So, the motor might be pushing hard still, not knowing that you’re trying to shift. This is where damage can occur, and why most of the fancier mid-drive ebikes have multi-sensors that listen to rear wheel speed, pedal cadence, and pedal torque so they can “ease off” as you do. But, you still need to adjust your own pedaling for it to work perfectly. With the DROP, there’s an inline sensor that knows exactly when the shifter wire is moving, and it temporarily cuts power to the motor without the need for additional signals. You could still mash the gears by pedaling hard, but at least the motor will not.
And so, the DŌST DROP and KOPE will protect themselves, and if you just “ease back” a little when shifting gears by pressing more gently on the pedals (while keeping the cranks turning) it will shift seamlessly and almost no additional noise will be made and very minimal wear will occur. I hope this makes sense and helps you!
Kim V says
Thank you so much for the time you took with this detailed reply. This really helps me understand how to protect the bike as well as how the bank is helping me. Thank you! Kim
Court says
You’re welcome Kim :)
John says
Hey Court, I’m trying to decide between Kope and Drop. I’m your height, 5’9″, fit-ish, mountain bike pretty regularly, and need a commuter to get to work and get a bag or two of groceries. I have one pretty steep hill to navigate between home and town. I’m wondering if you have any sense of the value of that cross bar for the rigidity of the frame — is there any shimmy in the Drop? And also just which felt like the right size bike to you given that we’re the same height. When I look at size guides they suggest that a 17.5 inch frame is more appropriate than a 19 inch for our height, but there’s overlap. Thanks for any help,
JA, Montana
Court says
Hi John! Yeah, there is some flex and shimmy with the step-thru frame. If you’re fit and able to step over a high step, it might be worth it… especially if you plan to carry cargo on the rear rack. I’m able to ride medium or large frames, being right in the middle… and I usually prefer smaller road bikes but larger commuting and mountain bikes because they feel more stable. I weigh about 135lbs, but I have a lot of balance and confidence on a bike, which helps for the larger frames too. If you don’t mind the bit of extra weight and length, the large could be a good choice because you can always adjust the handlebar and stem back vs. hanging it way out front. I’d probably get the high-step KOPE in large or medium. Hope this helps, and I’d love to hear your choice and how things work once you get some time in the saddle!
John says
Court, this is super helpful feedback, and I really appreciate it. Thank you very much.
John says
Update: I got the Kope, and while I don’t have a Drop to compare it to it’s clear that the Kope was the right bike for me. The frame is excellently stable, even when I’m hitting 25 on a steep grade. And the top bar is pretty low, easy to straddle at a stop. So the Drop may be equally good but I’ve seen no downside to having selected the Kope. As a more general note after 130 miles, I descend into town and ascend on the way home. I previously tried a respected ebike with 20 inch tires and 50 nm; it was probably fine and just that I’m used to mountain bikes, but to me it felt dangerous on the descent, like a bit of gravel or a pothole was going to put me in hospital, and barely helpful on the ascent. The Dost feels stable and capable on the descent and its 120 nm chews up the ascent at about 17 mph with reasonable effort. Still early days, but I’m very, very happy with it.
Court says
That’s wonderful John! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and share your experience here. I hope the Kope works well for you and provides many years of fun adventures and rides to come :D
Andre says
I purchased the Dost Kope back in the end of 2021, and it was great for about 6 months. Afterwards the battery would die on me after a few minutes of riding and eventually stopped working all together. I contacts DOST where they attempted to replace multiple parts where they paid for the repairs of the bike but after 8 MONTHS of no success they finally took the bike to their shop to repair it. Its a great bike when it works but I would not recommend it as a commuter bike as I have had to spend over a grand on commuting bills that this bike was supposed to prevent. At least they offered me a T-shirt.
Court says
What a bummer, Andre. Thanks for the field report. I replaced my car with an ebike at one point years ago and really depended on it. Riding every day, sun or shine, the bike took some major abuse and the rear rack (which was welded to the frame) actually cracked in half!! Thankfully, the company that made the bike replaced it (this was before DOST was even a thing). Long story short, it’s cool that they tried to help… but sorry for the lost money and time. Perhaps a Gazelle, BULLS, or Trek would be a good replacement. Trek has so many dealers and their bikes are pretty durable and reliable, in my experience. They use Bosch for the nicer models, and that’s one of the best systems that I know of (from comments and shops giving feedback). Good luck!