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 high-step frame is larger than the step-thru DŌST DROP model, but it’s not much heavier! This frame is stiffer because of the top tube, and might hang on some bike racks easier. I appreciate that they designed the rear cargo rack on the bike far enough back to allow the saddle to get low without colliding with the optional trunk bag or panniers… so you still get a decent minimum saddle height of 34″
- While the KOPE 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 KOPE provides great comfort with higher volume 25.7″ x 2.4″ tires and a 100mm trael 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 hills 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. If you decided to swap the tires for knobby off-road use, the bike would probably do fairly well
- 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, and I appreciate that the optional second battery tilts out from the side vs. up and down because this allows the frame top tube to be lower, making the bike more approachable
- 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:
- The KOPE is slightly heavier than the step-thru DROP model at 65.2lbs vs. 64.9lbs. 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
- I noticed that the Shimano Altus derailleur that DŌST selected for the KOPE 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
- 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 KOPE and DROP each only come in one frame size. The KOPE is larger at 19″ and the step-thru DROP is 17.5″ which would suit shorter riders or those who can’t lift their legs as high due to knee or hip issues
- 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
Shane says
You sure you mean Altus and not Acera or Alivio? Altus is only one step up from Tourney… Not exactly high end.
Court says
Hi Shane, you’re correct. Altus as a family of derailleurs is just one step up from Tourney, but it appears that there are a couple of options within this group and a couple of options for Tourney. I’m used to seeing the cheaper Altus but the one DOST chose looked a lot nicer. I was surprised. In any case, I wrote “Shimano Altus derailleur is a couple of steps up from base level” in one of the pros and then “the Shimano Altus derailleur that DŌST selected for the KOPE 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” so I feel like those words are still accurate. I hope the review helped you and that this clarifies the reasoning why I said it that way ;)
Doug Johnson says
A top notch review, Court. Concise and fast-moving, which was really appreciated for such a feature-rich bike. I have been awaiting this review since you did the teaser interview last fall with Sam that indicated how appropriate this bike was going to be for me. This bike checks ALL the boxes for me (6’2″, 225 lbs, 64yo), except for no brake light, enough so that I ordered one directly from Sam after your review and the Dost launch video. I have been reading your site’s reviews and doing A LOT of internet research for a year now, and this is the first bike that has moved me to make a purchase. I cannot wait to get it!
Court says
Hey, that’s awesome Doug! Thanks for the positive feedback on this review and details about your height, weight, and age. I think this will be a great platform for you and I’d love to hear about your rides once it arrives and you have some saddle time. Your comment made my day :D
Brad says
This looks like a great replacement for my Rad City that’s quickly falling apart (at over 300 miles, lots of components are breaking, and the battery is nearly dead). Compared to the anemic acceleration of my RAD, the 120 nM of torque of this bike is something I could definitely use on my commutes (to get out of the way of the cars that seem to want to run me over).
Court says
Hey Brad! Sounds like a good fit. Even the best products have a lifespan, I’m glad your RadCity held up for 300 miles, and it sounds like moving to the more powerful motor and upgraded components of the KOPE could be a solid move. I’d love to hear how it works out for you if you do buy one, after you’ve ridden for some time!
Cheers,
Court
Jerry says
You mentioned water bottle cage. Where and how would you attach one. I see no mounts for one anywhere. Thanks.
Court says
Hi Jerry, there are three threaded bosses on the downtube of both the KOPE and DROP which can be used to position a bottle cage or folding lock (or any accessory that fits this bolt spacing) in either a high or low position. The thing is, if you add the optional downtube battery pack, all three mounting points are used. In that case, DŌST sells an optional handlebar mounted drink holder. I hope this helps, good question ;)
Derek says
Just to add a comment here, if you have use for the DOST trunk bag, it has a water bottle holder at the far end. Not exactly reachable when moving but I don’t need nearly as much (or as frequent) hydration on an ebike as I do on my regular bike.
Court says
Hi Derek, that’s an excellent observation. Thanks for the input! I have seen trunk bags with bottle holsters before, and I agree that they work well for transport. I like that the DOST bag is dark grey and has some nice reflectors and branding. It sounds like you’re liking it!
Mike K says
Always great reviews Court. Your thoroughness and objectivity is really appreciated. I’ve been very interested in this bike since I first saw your teaser video. I have some very steep mountains in my commute… a gain of 2000 feet in 6 miles. That makes me wonder if the Bafang BBS02 is the right choice, or if I should opt for a bike that has the Bafang M620, (like the soon to be released Rize XS). Do you have any thoughts on motor selection for my situation?
Court says
Great question, Mike! That’s a tough one… I think DŌST chose the BBS02 here because it has been so reliable, and is affordable. This allowed them to upgrade other parts of the bike. The frame is custom, designed for strength and improved handling, so that costs a lot. I haven’t spent enough time on the Bafang M620 motor yet to feel comfortable making a call. However, I’ll keep an eye out for the RIZE XS and be sure to comment more then. I did cover the Spark RX last year (which I think used the same motor) and I remember thinking that it was loud sometimes. Here’s the video review for that, check it out and hopefully it will help you get closer to a decision ;)
Mike K says
Thank you Court, for the reply. Looks like the old Spark RX was close to the same bike as the newer Rize XS, except that the Spark you reviewed (thanks for the link) had the older Bafang M600 which was only rated at 500w where the new RIZE has unleashed all 1000w in the M620 motor. But, both motors are rated at 120nm of torque which is what will help me get up my local mountains. I really like the specs of the Dost, and lean in that direction. As you point out, it looks like they did a great job with the quality of the components. I just want to know that the smaller motor with a cadence sensor will be up to the task of my mountain riding. Thanks again, good sir.
Billy M says
As a complete novice to ebikes I started youtubing to see what I could find out. Was amazed at how many youtube videos for ebikes were done by people from the UK…. That being said when I stumbled on EBR I started working through some of your reviews and it was a bit daunting; then watched your “whats the best ebike” video where you mention several different brands and models based on what one was looking for. You mentioned Dost somewhere in there so watched your video, contacted Dost and a nice person named Sam actually answered the phone, fielded a lot of questions from an ebike neanderthal so I made the purchase yesterday. The only thing in your video and written review of the Kope that i don’t get is the shifter offering only one way action. With my Santa Cruz mountain bike the shifter on either side has a large and small shifter. One for moving to lower gearing and one to move back to higher gearing either on the front or back derailer. So not sure what the issue is with the shifter offering only one way action? Anyway your video and written review was instrumental in my decision making. Thank you
Court says
Sweet! Thanks for the feedback, Billy. I realize it can be information overload here… I purposefully go deep, because there’s so much short marketing fluff out there, and I wanted to make a resource for people who had narrowed down and needed the exact details. Plus, if you get one of these ebikes and need info about tire size or seat post diameter later, we’ve got you covered :D
I think you chose well with the KOPE, and Sam is an awesome guy! To clarify on one-way action, I’m talking about the smaller high gear trigger paddle. In this case, the DŌST KOPE is a 1x (one-by) setup, so there’s only a rear derailleur and only a trigger shifter mechanism on the right portion of the handlebar. Okay, so the smaller paddle that moves to higher gears, that lever only pulls back towards the bar. Shimano also makes a trigger shifter that has a high trigger that can be pushed away from the bar (forward) or pulled back… and that allows for index or thumb use. The lower paddle is situated very close to your right thumb and only goes forward, with three-shift steps. You can shift one, or two, or three gears at a time with it. So, my preference is that three or four shifter for low gears (the large paddle) and a two-way high shifter (which only ever offers one gear at a time). DŌST chose a slightly cheaper trigger shifter that requires you to use your index finger vs. thumb to shift to higher gears, so I mentioned it as a trade-off in my review ;)
Jamie says
Thanks for your review, I preordered a Kope yesterday! This will be my first ebike. Although i was looking for the Cube Kathmandu which they are not bringing to North America this year, I was very happy to get the extra battery range, higher power, and more of a dirt road orientation while giving up on the more refined Bosch CX of the Cube. The Dost will replace my commute bike, a steel frame dutch Workcycle, as well as a 27 year old Cannondale hardtail. This Kope looks like the one bike to do it all. Thanks again, for not just this review but all the great reviews that helped me with this choice.
Court says
Wonderful, thanks for the feedback on why you chose the KOPE! I think you’ll be very happy with it, Jamie. This bike brings a lot of value and unique traits that you just can’t get anywhere else. It’s nice to hear that EBR helped you in the decision making process. Be sure to post some comments after you actually get the bike and ride it for a bit :D
Nick says
Hi Court,
I just wanted to thank you as well for a great review and video. I’ve been researching ebikes for a few months and your detailed review helped me choose the Dost Kope which I ordered just now. They have a special on the second battery for only $399 which I snatched up! Also I was super impressed as 10 seconds after I placed my order, I was called by Sam thanking me for my purchase. Wow! that’s a really nice touch! I thanked Sam for the call back and asked him a couple of questions. I can’t wait until they ship in early June!
Thanks again!
Nick
Court says
Nice! I’m so glad the reviews helped you, Nick. Thanks for sharing the feedback about customer support from DŌST, it may help others who are on the fence. I hope the bikes come soon and that you enjoy riding them as much as I did. It’s cool to see a company offering something so unique and well thought out. I hope the extra battery takes you on lots of wonderful ride adventures. Please do report back someday when you’ve gone on some :D
Bobby says
I do not own an eBike, but I am in the market for two. I have watched many of your reviews, and the only thing I can’t find in any of your videos is whether any of these bikes can have a child’s trailer hooked up to them. I really like the KOPE! I know the strong motor and the torque are perfect for pulling a child trailer. What I don’t know is whether a trailer can be hooked up the the KOPE. What are your thoughts, and what other eBikes can you recommend that have the power and torque to pull a trailer? I have a budget of about $3000 per bike.
Court says
Hi Bobby! Great question there. The founder of DŌST actually has a daughter that goes riding a lot. I think they might be using a child seat at the moment, but he has probably explored trailers and would have some insights for you. I’m saying all of this, because you can easily reach him directly via email or phone through their official website… he’s super responsive. I’m almost 100% sure that you can find or construct some sort of adapter for a trailer, but each trailer is slightly different and it might come down to how the axle is setup on the KOPE, as well as the disc brake calipers, and rack supports. Some trailers connect to the chainstay an seatstay triangle at the rear, others connect at the axle, there are special extended axles that some trailers need… Whatever you figure out, I’m sure that the KOPE would be a perfect bike for use with a trailer because not only does it use the mid-drive AND have awesome shift-detection, but it also has that second battery option for if you’re really working the motor. Great find man, I’d love to hear how it all works out and humbly request that you post about your solution, including some pictures and feedback, in the DŌST electric bike forums, because it could really help some other customers and the company. Good luck! And hit me up if you can’t reach Sam, because I can get you his cell phone number if needed.
Asa Weinstein says
Hey Court,
Great review of the Dōst bikes. You hit all the relevant spots, which is why I went to their site and bought 2 of them right after I watched your review! I’m a 55 year old man who switched to an electric a few years ago due mainly to some health issues. I’ve been riding in the city using my bike as my principal means of commuting for 40 years. Since I went pedelec I’ve never looked back!
I’ve been riding the Stromer ST 1 Class 3 for about a year and also before that, the original Stromer ST 1 which were both great bikes. The principal issue with the Stromers are that when you inevitably get a rear wheel flat, it’s very difficult, potentially expensive, and time consuming to fix because of the powered rear hub setup. So, until we have flat proof bike tires this will continually be an issue. I had no problems with the engineering of the bikes as they are fantastic riding bikes; smooth power with the powerful 500W rear hub motor and a very well engineered torque sensor, and electronic setup. They are a little pricey, but they do hit all the sweet spots for a city commuter, coming well equipped with a rack, powered lights and fenders. The components are pretty good too, having Tektro hydraulic brakes and a better than base level drive-train setup. So, when my Stromer got stolen last week; Two guys carried my locked bike down the street in broad daylight! I decided to have a further look around for a mid-drive pedelec.
I’ve been to your site a number of times to see what’s new and have been very impressed with the breadth of bikes that you have reviewed and the thoroughness of the reviews, so thank-you very much for that! The reviews were very helpful in evaluating potential replacements for my current bike and also interesting to see what’s new in this fast growing market.
I started with looking through the best Class 3 bikes for 2020 and immediately saw the Dōst and noticed that it was assembled and engineered in Canada. Since I’m in Toronto, this seemed like a bonus, as I’m always on the lookout for Canadian companies who are doing interesting things. The Dōst has everything that I was looking for in a city commuter bike. As you put it in your review, it has all the components plus some additional useful optional accessories for anyone looking for a sturdy, daily commuter, with the option to go touring with the extra battery setup. I have a good friend in Waterloo who I have been trying to get out of his car and on to an electric bike for his daily 60km commute. The bonus for his is that he can travel on a paved trail almost the entire way! Not too many people would be able to do that, so in my view it’s an ideal situation for him. The Dōst Kope will be another lure! I think he will even be able to deal with the price, since it’s a great bike for the price.
So, that’s my story. Keep up the good work, it is much appreciated!
Best,
Asa
Court says
Hey Asa! I enjoyed reading your comment. So happy that EBR has been useful and thanks for contributing some knowledge and tips about the Stromer. I can totally see how the rear wheel setup with the hub motor and torque sensor could be difficult to work with when changing flats. I’m sorry yours was stolen :(
DOST is doing some amazing stuff, and I admire their team members. They are good people, and the product is very special in my opinion. I love Toronto, and visit occasionally for reviews, so perhaps we will cross paths! Until then, ride safe and thanks for the update, you made my day :D
Don Thorsteinson says
Love your detailed reviews Court! I just sold my Yamaha TMAX scooter after riding motorcycles for close to 50 years. I figured it was time for an E-bike. I live in Vancouver with many hills as you know, so the E-bike will come in handy zipping up those hills. Began to do my DD and listened to many of your reviews. As soon as I saw your review on the Dost bikes I decided that the Kope may be the bike for me. I phoned the office and was greeted by Sam the owner and designer of the bikes. What a great guy. He invited me out to their office to test the bikes. I fell in love with the Kope in white/grey. What a bike. Their office is 5 minutes from a great trail ride along the Fraser River. What a fabulous place to test the bike. Because it was my first ride on a sophisticated E-bike I don’t have much to compare with but I don’t think I need to look further. I am definitely ordering one this week.
Court says
That’s awesome to hear, Don! So glad you found a bike that you like, were able to test locally, and get to meet the founding team! I agree, Sam is a wonderful person. Perhaps we will cross paths out there one day, since I ride and film a lot in Vancouver. Thanks for the wonderful testimonial :D
Saul says
Hi Court
Just started looking at eBikes for me and my wife – we’re both in our mid 50’s. She suffers from Arthritis but likes to ride and I had cervical surgery a few years back with two fused vertebra which causes me to have a stiff neck – making me prefer a more upright position when riding. The DOST review checked all the boxes for us and we’re exited to buy one of each model. My question is with regards to service. We live in Southern California, north of LA and would want to know if there is a dealership or network used by DOST that we could use to service the bikes if needed. Thanks again for your wonderful reviews!
Best,
Saul
Court says
Hi Saul! What a great place to be. I used to spend time in Simi Valley reviewing for IZIP/Raleigh when they had offices there and love the entire Los Angeles area. It’s a great place for riding, and I think the DOST products would be a great fit for you and your wife! Unfortunately, for DOST and most other online direct brands, there aren’t many (if any) shops that carry them. Many shops will help with routine maintenance like gears, truing wheels, brake balancing etc. And, in my experience there’s not much to worry about with electronics if you store the battery in a cool/dry location away from extreme heat. DOST is exceptional in terms of customer care. The founder has gone above and beyond with several other customers who have commented here, so I expect that he will do the same for you. I feel like they’d just send replacements for anything you need if there was an issue. The main parts of the bike are fairly simple to adjust manually yourself, but the big box and initial assembly can take a bit of time. I talk about it and show it in my recent EVELO review here. Hope this helps! You could also visit local shops for test rides, but sometimes they don’t provide great service even when you do buy there. It can really be hit or miss with bike shops, so I’ll just wish you luck and positive encouragement here :D
David Hell says
Please compare the DOST DROP to VoltBike Yukon 750. I need to make a decision. Thanks
Court says
Hi David! The Yukon 750 is a fat tire hardtail while the DROP and KOPE are more traditional hybrids (blending mountain with city elements). They are not fat tire ebikes, which makes them a bit quieter, more nimble, and the wheels are lighter. They are versatile hardtails that could be used on or off road effectively. The Yukon is a bit more trail oriented… but these days, many people are using them on road because they are fun and they look cool. Both are Canadian companies and I think both might be backordered. I feel that DOST has put more emphasis on the style, hardware, and even design. VoltBike offers incredible value, but is a bit cheaper overall. You can see this in the drivetrain components, paint, and limited options. DOST is one of the only companies offering dual batteries and branded accessories of high quality. I would choose based on your riding needs… with style being a close second. I think they will both perform well, but DOST is using a mid-drive vs. hub motor, it’s more powerful if you shift gears appropriately, and it’s also more efficient. I hope this helps, I don’t know which direction to go with feedback because your question is pretty broad. Try using the compare tool or ask around in the EBR forums for more input :D
Steve Utschig says
Really interested in the DOST Drop. Are there any dealers in Wisconsin that carry and or service this bike. I like to support local businesses and have a place to go to maintain it.
Court says
Good call, Steve! Unfortunately, I think DOST is mostly selling direct right now. You could reach out directly and ask the company, because they do have some dealers… but I’m not sure about Wisconsin. Also, these bikes are backordered at the moment. Maybe you could work with DOST to send your shop the bike to assemble, build, and support. It would cost extra, but might feel more comfortable and support your local shop… which is really cool. It’s nice that you’re thinking that way :)
Jerry Orban says
Good Morning!
I would like to thank you for your thorough reviews of the Dost Drop and Kope bikes. Based on your reviews, as well as the overall attention to detail and quality components we recently went ahead and purchased both bikes for my wife and I. Can’t wait for them to arrive in OCT timeframe.
My cousin has a R&M fully loaded which he let me ride for about 10 miles and I was convinced that electric was a way for us to get back riding again since we are both more elderly.
Dost bikes look to have used R&M as benchmarks albeit with more midrange components on their bikes, but they are really priced competitively. We bought both bikes and are still quite a ways under what my Cousin paid for his R&M (10k).
Thank you again for your reviews as they were a large part of our decision cycle, along with the nice folks at Dost that we chatted virtually with as well as the very entertaining Magnificent Dave videos Dost has been putting out.
Have a Great Day!
Court says
Hi Jerry! Thanks for following up. I appreciate your perspective and am excited for you guys. It sounds like you spent some time looking, got a taste for ebikes in general, and chose a good one. It’s nice when two people can have the same brand because parts and battery packs are easier to work with. I like what DOST is doing and agree that their customer service and videos are great. Enjoy the ride ;)
Jerry says
Hey Court, Just a quick update for all. We got our Kope and Drop about a month ago and are duly impressed and really enjoying them! The wait was long with the Covid world we live in but it was worth it. My friend with GIANT full suspension MB rode it and fell in love with the throttle. LOL. For us, besides the quality and how well put together the component’s on the bike feel, having pedal assist and the throttle equals a really versatile bike.
Court says
Fantastic, thank you so much for this update, Jerry! I love hearing that things have worked out and agree that throttle is a great option to have… why not? I think it would be cool if more ebikes offered throttle on demand and some speed adjustment like DOST has done. It seems like they really listened to customers. Have fun out there, and thanks again :D
Luis says
Hi, the claimed 120 miles with 2 batteries sounds great and all, but was is the more realistic range you can get with this bike?
Court says
Hi Luis, I actually got ahold of Sam (founder of DOST) to ask about this and get some realistic numbers. I trust Sam, but he also said that Mikey from Blue Monkey Bicycles would be doing a video showing the real world performance of this bike vs. some others on his YouTube channel soon! The results he gave me are as follows. For a dual battery KOPE or DROP model and a 140lb rider on paved flats with no wind in assist level 1, the 120 mile range is realistic. If you’re a 200lb rider (like Mikey) but still on paved flats and this time using assist levels 4 and 5, expect 65 to 75 miles. If you add in some hills, but all else is held constant, expect more like 55 to 65 miles per dual charge. Hope this helps!
Tim says
Hi, I haven’t seen any other info on the web as far as range of Dost bikes. I am 200 lbs and would be probably using level 2 assist. Any idea on range? Thanks, Tim
Court says
Good question, Tim. I know the founder of Dost from when he worked with two other bike companies, and he’s a trustworthy guy. I’m saying this because I want to defer to their advertised ranges… I think Sam (the founder) is in the 180lb range and he has achieved excellent mileage with the bike during real world tests. They are one of the few electric bike makers that sell dual battery pack compatible frames, and that really extends your ride potential. I suggest calling or emailing them from their official website. They are VERY helpful and even have some video call technology if you want to see the bikes while talking. Sorry I can’t estimate more accurately… you can extend the range of any ebike by keeping the tire pressure closer to the maximum PSI rating on the tire sidewall, using lower assist levels, and shifting gears strategically so you can pedal along with the bike and add support. Wind, wet roads, and hills all play a part… and even having a cold battery pack can reduce your range ;)
Steve Rim says
Just received my Kope. purchased it on June 28, 2020. Received it last Friday. Blame it on the pandemic. It was a long wait. But well worth it. I test drove several Class 3 Ebikes. Kope has more character. It’s powerful. It’s comfortable. I’ve been riding a little less than 25 miles per day for 7 days. Today, I climbed a hill 1,185 ft. It was easy and exhilarating. The bike can easily reach 28 MPH on any flat roads. Going downhill at 34 MPH was a bit fast but the bike was stable and secure.
My life has changed. I am having so much fun riding this Kope. I look forward to my rides. Google maps told me that it should have taken me about one hour and 40 minutes to climb up to the destination on a bike. It took me 34 minutes. I’m 49 years old.
And yes, you still burn calories. Yesterday, I rode my Kope for 24.9 miles in one hour and 14 minutes. I burned 1235 calories. And lastly, what CLASS 3 Ebike can haul 100 LBS on its rear rack? I’m going to load it up and have FUN!!!
Court says
Sweet! Sounds like you’re having a blast, thanks for the testimonial here, Steve. yeah, the DOST bikes are pretty special in my opinion. Sturdy, comfortable, and very versatile. Good for you, getting out for some fun rides! 34mph is pretty impressive, lol. Hope it holds up well for you, glad it finally arrived. I know they have been working super hard to get the bikes out quickly, and some of their shipments of parts were delayed or even unexpectedly cut short (I heard that last month) so it must be frustrating for everyone. You were patient, and it paid off ;)
Dan Levy says
I am an ebike novice looking for a long range bike and Dost has, for good reason, appeared prominently on the radar. But, I have a general question regarding this–and probably most ebikes manufactured by small outfits with limited distribution: How do you get warranty repairs? Other general repairs particular to your model bike? Thanks!
Court says
Hi Dan! I can’t speak directly for DOST, but my experience seeing them launch and hearing from some of the early customers is that they are very proactive about sending replacement parts, talking on the phone, even doing video conferences with customers. They care a lot about their reputation and really about ebikes and their customers. This is a smaller company, but packs a lot of experience and integrity. This is why I’ve ranked them highly here on the site with my “best of” articles and videos. I trust them. You may still need to work with a local shop for tune-ups, and if DOST went out of business one day, you might have to get a third party to repack the battery (someone like FTH Power in California) but the good news is that the bike is fairly standard with their hardware and they do not use proprietary controllers and display stuff that could lock you out of a later hardware upgrade or fix. Hope this helps you to see the potential costs and trade-offs, but I definitely see DOST, Rad Power Bikes, Specialized, Trek, and the Electric Bike Company as leaders in the space. Some charge more than others, but these are companies with great customer support.
joshua jovanovich says
My buddy Jon Okeefe and I have been a huge fan of yours for a long time. This site is definitely the best for sifting through all the bikes. My first bike was a Rad Rover which I love, but I decided I would like more torque, range, and comfort. I cant believe I will be getting the Dost Kope next week. I am going to be using the ugly stick to pull a Kayak from my house in Sebastopol California to Tomales Bay 27 miles. I have two questions, first it seems like Bafang gets a bad rap compared to Bosch, Brose etc… I think this engine in particular has awesome specs, and the Bosch I have rode seem not as smooth as the Bafangs. My Bafang has been rock solid, its like a Panzer vs T-34 in WW2. The Panzer might be a more refined version, it is more expensive and is over-engineered where as the T-34 gets the job done, cheaper and is far more powerful, but not pretty. What do you think? My second question is since I have been looking at kayaks; the big thing is pedal driven kayaks, but what is missing is electric pedal assist kayaks. Is any of the big companies looking to branch out is this market?
Court says
Hi Joshua! I love the idea of an electric assist paddle kayak… that sounds like a blast! Unfortunately, no I have not seen or heard of that before. Maybe this is your chance to build it. I’d love to test and review if you do someday :D as for the motors, I do think that Bafang is a leader in terms of volume and quality for a Chinese manufacturer. They might get a bad rap because they offer a range of motor types (and quality levels) with somewhat limited customer support (historically speaking, from a US and Canadian perspective). They work with companies like Luna Cycles, who then perform shipping and support plus customization options. There’s just so much variety when it comes to their motors compared to Bosch, which is super focused, and Brose, which has an even more limited line of products right now. That’s my two-cents ;)
Tom Warner says
This looks a lot like the next bike for me. I have a Giant Quick-e. I’ve put about 17,000 miles on it in 34 months and the reliability is what I’m looking for in my next bike. the Quick-3 doesn’t have front suspension, nor a throttle. There have been times when I’ve gone 30 or more miles and would like to go further but would like the option of taking a break and just ride for a few miles without peddling. This looks like the perfect option.
I don’t know anything about this brand and want to know if you think It will hold up as well as my Giant. In 17k I’ve only replace the chain and battery besides the usual tires and breaks. Thanks for your reviews, I used them to find my wife’s Rad City step through which she absolutely loves. This looks like my next one.
Court says
Hi Tom! Thanks for the background, I’m glad to hear that your wife is enjoying her RadCity… those are great starter ebikes and really offer a lot for the money. Okay, DOST is a brand that only launched a year or so back, but they are doing awesome because the founder worked for two other ebike companies before this and was a semi-pro mountain biker before that. He always chooses great reliable hardware and was trying to do something special with the KOPE and DROP. These are some of the only ebikes I am aware of that offer the suspension, mid-drive, throttle, and some higher speed options. The price is more than Rad Power Bikes, and he only has one store outlet (in Vancouver Canada), but they offer online zoom calls to answer any questions, are meticulous with packing, and do a great job with support (from what I’ve seen). I’m very impressed with the bike, but I think there’s a wait time to get one now due to supply chain issues due to COVID. Check it out, feel free to post updates here or in the forums and see what others are saying.
Dan Ford says
Court, loved your review of the Dost bikes. Very thorough as always. You are my primary source for all things ebike. I had one question which I hope you can answer. I’m here in Canada and the Dost websites specs the motor at 500w, although they seem to be referring to the same Bafang model. Are there different motors for the US and Canadian markets or can the apparent power differential be solved in the settings? Very interested in purchasing this bike but a Class 3 speed option is important to me. Cheers, Dan.
Court says
Hi Dan, that’s a fuzzy area for me… I think the companies are marketing to the US audience (more potential customers) so I end up being fed that info and giving the Canadian spec more lightly or only in written form. I believe the motors are the same in terms of hardware, but they may program them differently. Perhaps if you ask, and mention that you want to use the bike for off-road private property settings, they could work something out. I’m just guessing here, and I do believe they are pretty backordered with some parts shortages we saw in the past year. Thanks for the props, doing my best here ;)
Derek says
Something I posted on the DOST Facebook group page after waffling back and forth between the DOST Kope and the Rize RX. Spoiler alert: DOST won.
Hello everyone,
More and more comments are starting to pop up comparing DOST to RIZE, particularly the RIZE RX, and I think this is going to continue happening as would-be buyers continue to do their comparisons between lots of different e-bike products.
For that reason, I put this compilation of comments together that swayed me over to DOST in the end. I’m hoping it’ll help others in their decisions depending on what aspects of this decision are most important to them.
Here goes!
While it appears to be annoying to some in this group that references are being to other bike brands and models, I think it’s unavoidable and just a reality of smart comparison shopping. If I’m not mistaken, this group is for those who are either considering purchasing a DOST bike OR already own one and want to share their experiences (ie. details re: trips, distance they’re getting from their batteries, speed etc).
Anybody with a brain wants to get the best bang for their buck. I originally thought I was doing that with DOST until I saw the RIZE RX (which was also slated to arrive in late August vs. the DOST coming in October, hence adding to the temptation to go with RIZE).
I have since changed my tune completely. I cancelled the RIZE order and re-ordered the DOST (with apologies to the customer service people in both companies for the hassle – Jenny at DOST was wonderful and very understanding as was Diane at RIZE).
Now, to the meat and potatoes…
If one looks at specs alone, then yes, the RIZE RX appears to be the better value. Like DOST, it’s a handsome-looking bike with higher wattage and torque (different model of Bafang motor). It’s a more generic-looking bike in my opinion. Smart-looking but not nearly as distinctive-looking as a DOST. From a distance, the RX could be many types of e-bikes. From a distance, a DOST only looks like a DOST (which I like). Remember the days when you instantly knew the car make and model by looking at a car from a distance? I find now that cars have become so generic-looking that only a few stand out enough to know what they are (for those of you into cars). The same can be said for e-bikes. I see tons of them that could be any brand. The other day I was sitting in a restaurant having breaking with my mom and a couple went by on DOST bikes. They were pretty far away from where we were sitting but I instantly knew that they were DOST bikes. She was in front on a glacier white Drop and he was behind her on a space grey Kope. I like that these bikes are unique and that they stand out from the crowd :)
After I read the posts from Andy Zenczak (group member), Sam Atakhanov (Company Founder), and Gordon Lai (also from DOST), I realized that I wasn’t looking at the comparison in a truly holistic manner. This is not apples to apples, by any means.
Different things are important to different people but the aspects included in the comments below were of great importance to me in making my final decision.
I also really appreciated how Sam handled my argument for RIZE and the fact that at no point was he defensive at all or negative towards RIZE or any other bike companies. He comes from another company himself and understands the value and necessity of healthy competition. He made a good case for why DOST bikes stand out as did Andy and Gordon. Sam also chimed in on a Saturday night which I thought was impressive and speaks to the degree to which he lives and breathes his company. He also made a point of positively acknowledging my comments, Andy’s comments and others who posted, thanking us for our trust in the product and the company. That means a lot to me.
All of this and the fact that I think the DOST bikes are the most handsome of the lot! Hope this helps those of you who are comparing the two models. I think the RIZE RX is probably a very good bike but I think the extra cost of the DOST is worth it.
The person’s name eludes me now (please chime in if/when you see this), but there’s a bike shop owner in this group who said that when customers come in with issues on their RIZE bikes, parts availability is often a problem. My bike is my daily work commuter so if I’m out of commission for a week or longer, it’s not great. DOST apparently doesn’t have this problem and regularly has stock which can be shipped out in a day. That’s a big consideration.
I think those of us who are or have decided to be DOST bike owners like the idea of being part of a boutique start-up company. There’s a personal feel to it. It’s a more intimate feeling, especially when the founder personally chimes in and provides updates. There’s a degree of personal accountability with a boutique business that is lost when a company is too large (ie. think Mom & Pop restaurant versus a chain restaurant – very different animals).
Last but not least, I’ve not read a single review where anyone regrets their buying decision. On the contrary, everyone raves about how much they love their DOST bikes and a common refrain is “it’s worth the wait”. That says a lot, especially when you consider that many have waited six or seven months! If you’re going to have a bike for years and years, you want to ensure that it’s well-built enough to stand the test of time, and if you’re going to have a bike for years and years, what’s a few months of waiting time, really?
Even if I’ve made the wrong decision in the end (which I’m sure I haven’t), I know I’m getting a great bike!
Andy Zenczak – Group member
My takeaways from this:
Sam Atakhanov – Company Founder
Hi Derek, healthy competition is a good thing. I ride mountain bikes and always been stuck between Norco and Santa Cruz mtb geometries. I love both companies. What you might want to consider is – design and engineering in Canada costs, high quality parts that you don’t see on the bike (sealed bearing, Stainless steel parts, CE approved electrical connectors, robust wiring harness and most importantly on any ebike – Quality battery cells. I’ve been designing eBikes for 10+ years since my time at Surface 604 bikes, and I can tell you that visually we can keep the bike the same and get it for $800 cheaper by not using highest quality components.
You are welcome to visit our manufacturing page to learn more: https://dostbikes.com/manufacturing
Gordon Lai – DOST employee and group admin
Admin
I appreciate the nicely laid out comparison Romy. We’ve done a lot of research on both motors, in fact, we had built a sample with both the M600 Motor and M620(G510). The results were not promising.
When the comparison is only made on how much watts a motor can output, as a consumer myself I think: “wow that must mean more power!” but it’s not always the case and will be dependent on how the bikes are geared and equipped. There are also the things that you can’t see, such as how reliable a system is. There is a reason why we did not go for the M620 motor and have stuck with the workhorse of the BBS02.
All in all, I think it is always important to get feedback from real riders that have experience with the bike because how a bike handles, and its comfort is truly important. Hope you the best of journeys in your eBike hunt!
PS. Just to keep all in one place, I appreciated Sam’s response after I posted my thoughts:
Sam Atakhanov
Thank you so much for your kind words, Derek. We really appreciate you taking the time out to share your experience with us — and we agree, a healthy competition is a GOOD thing! It sure keeps us on our toes! We count ourselves lucky for customers like you. We look forward to working with you again in the future!
Court says
Wow, I read your entire comment, Derek. I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to recognize a company that is doing good things for its customers. I definitely got that good feeling too, when visiting their headquarters and looking at their bikes. I hope you enjoy yours, and I appreciate your positivity and willingness to share :)
Derek Gagnier says
Hi Court,
Thanks a lot, I appreciate that!
I hope to be receiving my Kope in October (possibly November) but we’ll see. As you know, the shipping issues plague all companies these days – it is what it is.
I’m super excited to be getting the bike and I feel really good about my decision. On the Facebook group, I’ve read many posts from people saying that in the rare cases where something went wrong and they needed a part or some help from DOST, the company jumped right on it and made it right. I think that’s really impressive. We tend to sometimes forget the value of post-purchase support. It’s huge. Lots of companies just want to “make the sale” and then you’re pretty much on your own.
Have a great weekend!
Derek
Vancouver, BC
Paul Henderson says
The bikes come in from British Columbia, Canada, and are shipped via FedEx air freight (at least to me in Virginia, USA). This presented a lot of problems for me. The bike was out for delivery on a semi tractor trailer truck, so delivery in the city was very difficult, and the driver refused to deliver to my address. So I had to call FedEx to schedule the delivery. I had to meet the driver at a nearby wide avenue, then drag the bike onto the top of my car (at 65 pounds, that’s very heavy), then take it off when I got home. The box is immense, and if you want to save it for possible return or to send back for repairs, you’ll need a lot of space to store it. These are things to consider, especially if you would have difficulty handling a heavy large box. It may be better to ask a local bike shop to accept delivery, then pick it up there?
Court says
Hi Paul, thanks for sharing your perspective here. I’m sorry the truck wasn’t able to come to your house. Even then, you’re right that the box is large and even unboxing can be a challenge given how heavy bike frames are. I hope that now you can just enjoy the bike, and not have any problems. I do think that DOST makes a really good product, feel free to share any updates as time goes on. Thanks again.
Eric Allaman says
Hello Court, I’ve enjoyed your extensive and thorough review. I’m new to this market, so it is a bit daunting with all of the options out there in the electric bike market. Once you look into one bike, you are hit with tons of advertisements from many other competitors. (Thanks Mark Zuckerberg for selling our info.) One concern I have is the common complaint people have of how long it has taken them to receive their DOST bikes. I have read many angry comments about being charged immediately and then several people waiting months before the bikes show up. What’s are your thoughts and assessments on this issue. Thanks, Eric
Court says
Hi Eric! That’s a great question… and yeah, I see ebike ads all the time too :P
It does appear that DOST has had some delays, and I even interviewed the founder about supply chain and shipping costs last year… it was really interesting and I appreciate that he spoke openly about the challenges. I’ve seen the company design something really unique, and that was what really impressed me initially. It’s difficult to find a Class 3 with throttle, dual battery option, and now CVT and belt drive. I think the bikes look good and their customer service seems good too. What seems to happen is that they sell an entire batch and then have a period of waiting until the next batch arrives. Some of the arrival times must have been stretched out due to shipping delays. It wasn’t that long ago that the Evergreen ship was blocking the Suez Canal. Compared to a larger company with more products, more stores, and a larger budget… it’s probably difficult to smooth things out. I do feel that DOST is an honest company with a founder who cares. I also feel that their design is durable, using high quality parts that will last. I setup comments and forums here to be open, so conversations can happen, I guess you can take individual feedback and make a decision, keeping in mind that some people are more extreme and emotional when communicating online vs. the reality. I don’t currently know the status of DOST product availability, but I still like the bikes :)