The e-Joe Epik Lite is one of my favorite folding electric bikes. That’s because it’s very affordable, light weight (at just 37lbs), well balanced with a low center of gravity (it doesn’t use a rear rack for the battery) and offers both pedal assist and throttle mode! Even the little details are impressive on this bike. You get front and rear fenders with mud flaps for extra coverage, front and rear lights (though only the front light is powered from the main battery pack), the battery pack itself is removable and can be charged off of the bike if you’re riding to the office or need a quick charge during an island excursion away from your boat. Folding ebikes are really useful on RV’s, boats or up at the winter cabin. You can toss it in your trunk, store it in a closet and quickly unfold and adjust to accommodate nearly anyone (albeit not as comfortably as a full sized bike) as long as they weigh under 300lbs… including any cargo you strap to the rear rack.
Most folding electric bikes use smaller sized motors, it keeps them light weight and easier to stow. That’s also the case for the Epik here but the motor is geared and located in the rear hub which is ideal for gaining traction. The motor size is 350 watts but peak output is 520 watts and during my ride tests it felt pretty strong and peppy. Top speed is limited at 15.5 miles per hour which is low compared with the 20mph legal limit for ebikes in the USA but that’s probably because the 20″ wheels are less stable at high speed. It also likely helps to extend the range and keep the motor from overheating if you are hauling a lot of cargo.
The battery running that motor is a decent sized 36 volt 7 amp hour Lithium polymer pack. It comes with a one year warranty and I estimate that based on the chemistry you’ll get ~800 charge cycles (given you keep it topped off and out of extreme temperatures). Keep this in mind if you are a traveler who plans to leave your bike for long periods of time. You should really top it off once every month to maximize use. This is easily done however because the battery pack is removable and can be charged off of the bike! I can’t stress how awesome this is, it makes the bike lighter weight to lift if you take the pack out, it makes installing a replacement easy and it means you can bring your charger with you to the office and top the battery off if you’re using it to commute.
The control system on the Epik Lite is very intuitive, easy to access when riding and includes all of the critical info you’ll need to enjoy the bike. There’s a battery capacity indicator and a button to select from three levels of pedal assist as well as an on off switch for activating the throttle. The bike uses a basic pedelec sensor in pedal assist mode which isn’t as smooth or responsive as a torque sensor but I actually enjoy it for easy cruising, you don’t have to push as hard to activate the motor. I love that you can use the trigger throttle in conjunction with the pedal assist mode because that makes starting from stops easier (which is the hardest part for people with hurt knees). I really feel like they nailed the electric drive system with this bike and it makes riding more enjoyable.
Folding electric bikes have to compromise in terms of size, ride quality and features but e-Joe chose well for the Epik. It comes in three colors which is fun and it’s just a functional bike that’s amazingly affordable. The standard setup is a single speed bike which can be tiring if you’re around hills but they do offer an upgrade to a seven speed Shimano cassette in the rear. The front ring includes a nice chain guide to keep it on track and avoid snags on your pants. The biggest complaint I have is that the rear light runs on its own batteries instead of being tied in to the main pack but at least the front light is. Just remember to check that the back light is off when you park the bike.
The pedals fold flat for storage but don’t offer the best traction or rigidity when pedaling… they are simple and light. The rear rack has a spring clasp for carrying jackets and stuff but you’ll probably want a bag or panniers to really put it to work. You might also want to put a bungee cord on the rear rack, for cargo but also to secure the bike itself when folded. Unlike some of the other options out there this folder doesn’t have magnets or bands to keep the bike from coming unfolded. The Epik Lite only comes in one size but is pretty adjustable in terms of handle bar and seat height. This version has medium sized Kenda tires that are puncture resistant and offer a bit of give on bumps and cracks (along with the seat) but the Epik SE actually has a front shock which I really enjoy to smooth out the ride.
A sturdy folding electric bike with wider 2.25" tires for comfort and stability, a highly-adjustable suspension fork with lockout, sturdy cast alloy rims that won't go out of true, and powerful 180mm mechanical disc brakes. Internally mounted battery pack stays clean, dry, and positions weight at the center of the…...
A value priced and approachable step through electric folding bike with a ton of features and fun, comes in a 350 watt ($1,499) version and a 500 watt ($1,699) version as well. Features battery integrated lights in the front and rear, mono shock up front, locking ergonomic…...
A comfortable, highly adjustable, value-priced folding electric bike that's a third generation build with lots of little improvements and refinements like a more durable battery connection point. Color-matched suspension fork and swept-back handlebar with adjustable height improves comfort, integrated plastic fenders, a…...
An active step-thru electric bike with a stiffer frame, excellent weight distribution and decent price point, great for commuters given the rack integration and fenders. Available in two color choices (black and vanilla) with matching suspension, clean integrated wires and…...
A well priced urban-commuter style electric bike that offers lots of useful accessories including fenders, carry rack and LED lights. Purpose built frame is light weight and well balanced thanks to a downtube mounted battery…...
Folding electric bike offering a great combination of utility (fenders, rack, lights, suspension fork) at a low price. Relatively powerful geared motor combined with an impressive battery capacity for good climbing and range...
Step-thru frame with adjustable stem, swept back handle bars and high to extra-low seat tube positioning options fits a wide range of riders, including those with shorter inseams. Lots of drive options including five power modes for pedal assist and a twist throttle…...
A well rounded, smooth riding, upright electric bike with both pedal assist and twist throttle mode. Step-through frame design is easy to approach and offers fenders, a chain guard and lights…...
Affordable, durable, well balanced and smooth with built in front suspension fork. Sporty fenders keep the mud off and stay out of the way but don't offer…...
Carla
10 years agoCan the e-Joe support a bicycle seat for a toddler?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHey Carla, great question… I think it really depends on the child seat you use? Since the Epik Lite is a folding electric bike the front handlebars may not be as sturdy as a full sized ebike. It does have a rear rack that might work but I’m not sure what it’s rated for. You might be better off with a full sized ebike like the e-Joe Anggun for use with a child seat.
ReplyIEC
10 years agoHey man — could you remark on sizing for this bike. I’m 6’2″, 245lb, and I’m considering this bike for the convenience of the folding factor, but I just realized the shape of the frame might not be suited to someone who’s on the taller side? Not sure how tall you are. The other bike I’m considering if I don’t go folding is the larger (and much more expensive) Pedego Interceptor, which there’s a lot more info for online and I’ve heard would fit me fine.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoGlad you asked… The Interceptor is going to be much more comfortable given your height and weight. The frame is sturdier, the handle bars feel more natural and the larger wheels and oversized tires really smooth out the ride. Depending on how far you plan to ride, the e-Joe Epik could work fine and it will be much lighter, easier to transport and less expensive. I’m 5’9″ at ~135 so keep that in mind with all of the reviews you see here… is there possibly a shop nearby where you could test ride some of these ebikes? I know the Pedego costs more but the founders of that company are both relatively large and all of their ebikes tend to fit that body type a little better. Trying it out and maybe comparing it to any folding bike could help a lot.
ReplyIEC
10 years agoGood idea, I’ll try to find a way to an ebike shop and see if I can test some stuff out before deciding. Folding bike is kind of major, so if I can fit on one I want to go with it (need to be able to throw it in a trunk if I get a ride with roommates/other people). Thanks for the input!
ReplyRaju Subbanna
10 years agoI just bought easy motion. Its a great bike but the folding is clumsy. Not sure how this bike folds? What is its dimension after folding? After folding what is the length of the widest part? We need another bike with easy folding and carrying.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Raju! The folding design of the E-Joe Epik Lite is decent but still a little bit awkward. I think the biggest difference between it and the Neo Volt design is that it weighs much less (37 lbs vs 45 on the Volt Sport and 49 lbs for the Volt). Unfortunately I don’t know the exact folded dimensions for these bikes but the Epik Lite should be shorter and fatter while the Neo Volt is taller and perhaps longer. Given the price, removable battery, assist and throttle modes of the Epik Lite it’s definitely one of my favorite folding ebikes. If you want something that’s quieter and a bit higher quality then I’d recommend the Tern folding ebikes.
ReplyTom
10 years agoHey there — it looks like the Epik Lite 2015 is out, are there any notable differences or improvements to take into consideration, even just on paper? I’m looking at ordering something soon to catch potential Cyber Monday deals. Thanks Court!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoI think it has been polished a bit, definitely one of the better and most affordable folding ebikes I’ve tried. I do have some video but it’s going to be a short while before I can publish. I’ll try to get this out soon for you though Tom. Keep an eye on the YouTube Channel.
ReplyTom
10 years agoThanks Court, will do. I don’t see a lot of online retailers carrying these — pretty much just Rakuten and eBay, although I think both are just ads for another online reseller/retailer, Sports by Sager. Anywhere else I should check? There are no local shops where I currently reside (Gainesville, FL) that seem to carry them.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Tom! Yesterday E-Joe launched a new Dealer Locator Tool on their website and it looks like there’s one dealer in Florida called Street Fit 360 at 3311 W. Gandy Blvd Tampa, FL 33611 (813) 319-3735. If you’re specifically trying to order from an online shop I might be able to help you find one, use the contact form to provide your details if so.
ReplyCristine
10 years agoHi Tom! I am Cristine with e-JOE Bike. Thanks for checking out our e-bikes on Electric Bike Review! e-JOE currently has a dealer in Tampa called Street Fit 360 Bike Shop, and you can also make online purchases from shopebike.com. We just added a dealer map at ejoebike.com/dealers to make it easier to find a dealer near you! Please let me know if you have any more questions. I will be more than happy to assist you.
ReplyTom
10 years agoYeah I used the tool and unfortunately, that dealer is a bit of a drive away from here, though I have an email out to them anyway. But I filled out and submitted your form with more details as well. Thanks again!
ReplyDR
9 years agoGood review. I’m glad to know it support riding with high heels. lol.
Replyjohn burton
9 years agoI purchased an epic lite a month ago. the battery connections are poorly designed and the power shuts down without notice.. I am not the only one who has had this problem. (see amazon reviews). apparently, e-joe recognizes this and has redesigned the frame for next year. now, to get someone in the delivery chain to stop kicking the can down the road, and fix this problem…
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThanks for the feedback John, I’ll be visiting e-Joe early next year to check out updated designs and I’ll ask about the connection issues you’ve mentioned.
Replyjohn burton
9 years agoCourt…the problem was handled professionally and I love riding the bike.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThat’s so great to hear John! I do my best to stay independent and create a place for people to report the good and bad of bikes. No hardware is perfect but customer support can go a long way and it sounds like e-Joe really came through for you here. Thanks for the update, ride safe out there :D
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