Name: DŌST DROP Review
Item: DŌST DROP
Author: Court Rye

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DŌST DROP Review

Dost Drop 46 Tooth Steel Chainring With Bash Guard And Alloy Chain Cover

Dost Drop Internal Battery Pack 48 Volt 14 Amp Hours Removable Plastic Cover

Dost Drop Handlebar Grips Trigger Throttle Lcd Display Downtube Bottle Cages Adjustable Angle Stem

Dost Drop Bafang Dcp 18 Color Display Panel With Light Sensor

Dost Drop Trigger Throttle And Bafang Dcp 18 Button Ad

Dost Drop Velo Rubber Locking Grips And Shimano Altus Trigger Shifter Window

Dost Drop Integrated Spanninga Axendo 80 Dual Led Headlight

Dost Drop Step Thru Electric Bike Sr Suntour Xct Suspension Fork

Dost Drop Schwalbe Super Moto X 27 5 2 4 Puncture Resistant Tires

Dost Drop Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc Brakes 180mm Rotors Schwalbe Super Moto X Reflective Tires

Dost Drop Wires At Bottom Bracket Bbs02 Motor Covered By Frame Casing

Dost Drop Integrated Rear Rack 100lb Max Load Pannier Hangers Top Slats

Dost Drop Optional Sr Suntour Suspension Seat Post

Dost Drop Optional Trunk Bag With Bottle Holder Reflective

Dost Drop Integrated Spanninga Lineo Rear Light 2 Leds

Dost Drop Shimano Altus Derailleur 9 Speed 11 36

Dost Drop Black Left Side With Panniers Trunk Bag Extra Battery Pack And Mirror

Dost Drop Black Left Side With Accessories

Dost Drop Optional Waterproof Pannier And Trunk Bag With Bottle Holder

Dost Drop Handlebar With Optional Cup Holder And Mirror

Dost Drop Optional Second Battery Pack Mounted On Top Of Downtube

Dost Drop Internal And External Battery Packs Top

Dost Drop Internal And External Battery Packs Bottom

Dost Drop Internal And External Battery Packs Bottom Interface

Dost Drop Lightweight 2 Amp Ebike Charger

Dost Drop Electric Bike Charger Bottom 2 Amps 1lb

An approachable step-thru electric bike with upgraded components and optional second battery pack. Adjustable angle stem improves fit, 100mm spring suspension fork offers compression lockout and preload, high quality 2.4" wide Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires offer stability, visible reflective sidewalls, and puncture protection lining built-in. Lots of great accessory options including bags, cup holders, suspension seat post, mirrors, and child seat
Powerful 750 watt Bafang BBS02 mid-drive motor blends into the purpose-built frame, alloy housing keeps it protected and reduces noise. With up to 120 newton meters of torque, it's a very capable climber! A physical shift-sensor cuts motor power to protect the 9-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain whether you're in pedal assist or throttle mode
Premium European feel with extreme attention to detail, despite the mid-tier pricing. Two color options with matching fork, subtle accent colors, and decals. Almost all support hardware is black and bolts are hidden under the fenders vs. wrapping outside. Clean minimalist chain cover, smooth hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors, premium integrated lights (bright dual-beam headlight, dual-LED rear light)
Main battery pack is removable, optional second pack can be added and installed anytime in the future. USB charging port built into the color LCD display panel for smartphones and other accessories. Tool-free adjustable kickstand is a nice touch. The step-thru DROP model isn't as stiff as the high-step KOPE but is easier to mount and stand over. Motor uses cadence sensing vs. fancier combined cadence+torque. Fairly heavy build at ~65lbs before additional battery or accessories

Make:

DŌST

Model:

DROP

Price:

$2,799 (Free Shipping in Contiguous US and Canada)

Body Position:

Forward, Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting, Trail

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1), Throttle on Demand (Class 2), Speed Pedelec (Class 3)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive

Availability:

United States, Canada

Model Year:

2020

Total Weight:

64.9 lbs (29.43 kg)

Battery Weight:

8.2 lbs (3.71 kg) (5.7lb Optional Dual Battery)

Motor Weight:

9.47 lbs (4.29 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

17 in (43.18 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

17.5" Seat Tube, 22.75" Reach, 17" Stand Over Height, 31.5" Minimum Saddle Height, 40" Maximum Saddle Height, 26.25" Width, 73.25" Length, 44.5" Wheelbase

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Glacier White Gloss with Silver Accents, Gloss Black with Space Grey Accents

Frame Fork Details:

SR Suntour XCT ATV Spring Suspension, 100mm Travel, Compression Adjust with Lockout, Preload Adjust, 28mm Stanchions, 100mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

142mm Hub Spacing, 10mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Attachment Points:

Fender Mounts, Rear Rack Mounts, Bottle Mounts

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 Shimano Altus Derailleur, Shimano 11-36 Tooth Freewheel

Shifter Details:

Shimano Altus Trigger Shifters on Right (One-Way High, Three-Shift Low)

Cranks:

Lasco Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length, 46 Tooth Steel Chainring with Aluminum Alloy Guard

Pedals:

Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform with Reflectors, CrMo Axle, Black

Headset:

Semi-Integrated, Sealed Cartridge, 1-1/8" Straight

Stem:

Ergotec Octopus (Security 5, 300lb Rated), Adjustable Angle 0º to 60º, 100mm Length, 5mm Headset Cap, Four 5mm Spacers, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter

Handlebar:

MJ, Aluminum Alloy, Low-Rise, 660mm Width

Brake Details:

Tektro Auriga Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Rotors, Three-Finger Tektro Levers with Adjustable Reach and Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Velo, Ergonomic, Rubber, Locking, Removable End-Cap

Saddle:

DŌST Branded Velo with Lifting Handle

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy, Single Bolt Clamp

Seat Post Length:

340 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

HJC, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 38mm Outer Width, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Silver with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Schwalbe Super Moto-X, 27.5" x 2.4" (62-584)

Wheel Sizes:

27.5 in (69.85cm)

Tire Details:

30 to 55 PSI, 2.2 to 4.0 BAR, Reflective Sidewall Stripe, Performance Line GreenGuard Puncture Protection

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Rear-Mount Tool-Free Adjustable Kickstand, Spanninga Axendo 80 Integrated Dual LED Front Light (80 LUX), Integrated Spanninga Lineo LED Rear Light (2 LED), Clear Sticker Slap Guard, Plastic Fenders with Alloy Core (65mm Width), Integrated Rear Rack with Pannier Hangers and Top Support Bars (100lb Max Load), Optional Dual Battery with Mounting Hardware ($699), Optional SR Suntour NCX Seat Post Suspension, Optional Yepp! Maxi Next Child Seat, Optional DŌST Branded Handlebar Mount Cup Holder (Silver), Optional Sunnywheel Side Mirror, Optional DŌST Branded Water Resistant Trunk Bag, Optional DŌST Branded Waterproof Pannier Bags

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack, 1.1lb 2 Amp Charger, 300lb Maximum Weight Rating, Adjustable Top Speed (12km/h - 45km/h), Adjustable LCD Brightness, Adjustable Wheel Size, All Electronics IP65 Rated Water Resistant (Dust Tight, Protects Against Water Jets from Any Angle, Do Not Submerge)

Motor Brand:

Bafang BBS02, 750 Watt Version

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

750 watts

Motor Peak Output:

1000 watts

Motor Torque:

120 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung 18650 35E 3500mAh 13S4P Configuration

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

14 ah (Optional 25Ah with Optional Dual Battery)

Battery Watt Hours:

672 wh (Optional 1200Wh with Optional Dual Battery)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

6 hours

Estimated Min Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Estimated Max Range:

120 miles (193 km)

Display Type:

DŌST Branded Bafang DCP-18, Fixed, Adjustable-Angle, Backlit, Color 3.5" LCD, Built-In Light Sensor, Integrated 5 Volt 1 Amp USB Type-A Port Below Display

Readouts:

Clock, Lighs Icon, Battery Percentage, Current Speed (MPH or KMH), Motor Output (Watts), Odometer, Max Speed, Avg Speed, Range, Calories, Trip Time, Trip Distance, Assist Level (0-5)

Display Accessories:

Independent Control Pad on Left, Buttons: +, -, Lights, Power, i, (Cycle Readouts: Single Press i, Settings: Double Tap i Button, Walk Mode: Hold - Button)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (Sealed Internal 24-Magnet Cadence Sensor, Inline Shift-Detector)

Top Speed:

28 mph (45 kph)(Adjustable, 20mph Maximum with Throttle)

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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

Number of Gears

030

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This in-depth review was facilitated by DŌST and they are an advertiser on EBR. 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 $2,799 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

Useful Resources:

June 22, 2020 (1 year ago)

DŌST KOPE Review

MSRP: $2,799
MODEL YEAR: 2020

A sturdy, highly-functional, high-step hybrid electric bike with upgraded components and optional second battery pack. Adjustable angle stem improves fit, 100mm spring suspension fork offers compression lockout and preload, high quality 2.4" wide Schwalbe Super Moto-X tires offer stability, visible reflective sidewalls, and puncture protection lining built-in. Lots of great accessory options including bags, cup holders, suspension seat post, mirrors, and child seat. Powerful 750 watt Bafang BBS02 mid-drive motor blends into the purpose-built frame, alloy housing keeps…...

Read Review

James Warner

2 years ago

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

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

1 year ago

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.

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 ;)

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.

tonkasman

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

Pat

Can this bike be purchased in the USA? If yes, where? Can you test ride it prior to purchasing?

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

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?

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

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

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 ;)

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!

Susan Smith

Can a bike trailer be attached to the rear axle?

That’s a great question, I’ll mention this to DOST and see if they can reply to you here ;)

Gordon Lai

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

darrell saxe

I would like to know when to exspet my bike thank you

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

7 months ago

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.

6 months ago

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

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!

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!

Thank you for your opinion!

Clarold Rogers

3 months ago

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!!

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

2 weeks ago

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?

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.