e-Joe Gadis Review

E Joe Gadis Electric Bike Review
E Joe Gadis
E Joe Gadis 350 Watt Geared Hub Motor
E Joe Gadis 48 Volt Samsung Ebike Battery
E Joe Gadis Fixed Backlit Lcd
E Joe Gadis Padded Faux Leather Grips
E Joe Gadis 7 Speed Shimano Tourney Pedal System
E Joe Gadis Aluminum Fenders And Cargo Rack
E Joe Gadis Top Gun Suspension Fork
E Joe Gadis Electric Bike Review
E Joe Gadis
E Joe Gadis 350 Watt Geared Hub Motor
E Joe Gadis 48 Volt Samsung Ebike Battery
E Joe Gadis Fixed Backlit Lcd
E Joe Gadis Padded Faux Leather Grips
E Joe Gadis 7 Speed Shimano Tourney Pedal System
E Joe Gadis Aluminum Fenders And Cargo Rack
E Joe Gadis Top Gun Suspension Fork

Summary

  • 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 battery design that's quick to remove, quick release front wheel as well
  • Emphasis on safety with integrated name brand LED Lights, the lights aren’t integrated (running off the main battery) but they work pretty well and the front is adjustable
  • Charging port on battery is near the left crank arm which can be vulnerable, Battery can rattle a bit over bumpy terrain, mechanical disk brakes are good but not great

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

e-Joe

Model:

Gadis

Price:

$1,699

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive, 30 Day Full Replacement

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2016

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

55 lbs (24.94 kg)

Battery Weight:

8.5 lbs (3.85 kg)

Frame Material:

7020 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

18 in (45.72 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

18" Seat Tube, 21" Reach,

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Midnight Matte Black, Vanilla Beige

Frame Fork Details:

Top Gun TGS 046SA Suspension with Rebound Adjust

Attachment Points:

Fender Bosses, Rear Rack Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Tourney, MF-TZ21 Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano SIS Index

Cranks:

Aluminum Alloy Crank Arms, 52T Chain Ring

Pedals:

Aluminum Alloy

Stem:

Quill, Adjustable Angle

Handlebar:

Low-Rise, Aluminum Alloy, 25.5" Length

Brake Details:

Tektro Mechanical Disc with 160 mm Rotors, Tektro Dia-Compe Levers with Rubberized Edge and Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Padded Faux Leather, Stitched

Saddle:

Selle Royal Royalgel with Accessory Connector

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

300 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

Power Circle, Double Wall, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13G

Tire Brand:

Kenda, 26" x 1.95"

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

40-65 PSI

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Aluminum Fenders, Carry Rack with Spring Latch

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, 300 lb Max Load

Electronic Details

Motor Nominal Output:

350 watts

Motor Peak Output:

700 watts

Battery Brand:

Samsung

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

528 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

45 miles (72 km)

Display Type:

XT-LCD W108, Fixed Backlit LCD

Readouts:

Speed (mph/kph), Assist Level (0-4), Battery Level (4 Bars), 24 Hour Clock, Trip Meter (Hold + and - For Settings)

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (12 Magnet Pedelec)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

The Gadis is a value priced active step-thru from E-Joe, a company that has been selling folding electric bikes and some other city models for the past several years. The first thing that jumped out and caught my attention when I saw it in my friend Sam’s shop in Fullerton, CA was the unique triple-tube frame design. The idea behind this frame is that it’s low-step, meaning it’s easier to step over when mounting and to stabilize when stopped, but that it doesn’t compromise stiffness. By using three tubes (two small ones on top and one half-tube on the bottom) they were able to mount the battery without overbuilding the frame or encountering frame flex. To me, that’s actually a big deal because some other step-thru models put the battery way up high on the rear rack (taking up some of the carrying capacity and creating a crack-the-whip feel). In order to make this work, the battery has been designed to slide out from the side instead of clicking directly down. It’s not the only ebike that offers this design, or even this specific battery pack casing, but it does so for a really good price of ~$1,700. Especially when you consider the custom painted fenders, chain guard, front and rear lights and the upgraded saddle and grips.

Operating the bike is fairly straightforward, you can charge the battery on or off the frame… but be careful if you charge on because the port is very close to the left crank arm which could snag or bend your charger connector. Thankfully. Next you hold the power button on the control ring near the left grip and voila! It comes to life showing your speed, assist level, battery capacity and some other tidbits of information. This display is large and easy to read, it swivels to reduce glare, but it isn’t removable so sunlight could take a tole on the plastic over time or it could get scratched at public racks. The button pad mentioned earlier lets you control the bike and you can use the plus and minus buttons here to navigate between three standard levels of pedal assist. Once you’re up at 3, if you press the power button it will go one level higher and hit four which delivers even more power and zip. You can adjust the units on the display (mph to km/h) and some other settings like top speed, screen brightness and clock by holding plus and minus simultaneously for a few seconds. You can hold the plus button to turn on backlighting and hold down to initiate walk mode (so the bike will slowly move itself forward while you walk next to it). It’s an average display as far as these things go, but it’s nice that it’s included at this price because some other ebikes just offer a limited LED readout showing battery and assist only…

This e-bike isn’t especially light but it’s also not heavy or awkward (again thanks to the battery position and compact hub motor). The drivetrain is very basic with Shimano Tourney components but you do get seven speeds which is great for neighborhood and basic urban commuting. I actually think the bike is setup very well to be a commuter because of the rack (which includes pannier blockers and can accommodate 50+ lbs). Having a suspension fork up front really takes the edge off of cracks in the street and potholes and the name brand gel saddle completes the feel. This is the kind of bike that rides well and has some nice creature comforts but isn’t so expensive and nice that I’d be afraid to actually use it. And given the massive battery size which offers 48 volts of power and 11 amp hours of capacity you should have no problem getting 25+ miles, even if you only use the throttle. In my opinion, just having a throttle is a hug win, and this one works in level zero as “throttle only” or as an override for more power during any of the assist levels. One area the bike might be too good is with power and zip. If you don’t want to go so fast you can turn down the top speed in the display settings described earlier and shown on video.

At the end of the day, even with the adjustable angle stem and comfort touch points, this is still meant to be capable of active riding and that’s where the stiffer frame and flatter bar really shine. You get mid-grade mechanical disc brakes that will stop well even in wet conditions and narrower hybrid tires for efficient rolling performance. It’s great that the bike comes in two color schemes (kind of his and hers design) and the black color really hides the battery and cables but might not be as visible from the side if it’s dark. In any case, having lights that come preinstalled is such a great upgrade, even if they aren’t running off the main pack… just remember to turn them off after your rides is over. With the rack loaded, it’s so nice to not have to swing your leg around and accidentally bonk your leg, being able to step-thru is convenient but you don’t lose the performance with this bike. It’s a solid choice at a decent price. Big thanks to Bulls for partnering with me for this review.

Pros:

  • The motor is very zippy, I love that you can use the trigger throttle in level zero as well as override any of the four levels of pedal assist!
  • Even though the lights run off of independent batteries (not the main battery pack) they are pretty nice, both come from Spanninga and provide good reflection as well as some aim adjustability on the front
  • The bike feels comfortable thanks to its basic suspension fork, padded faux leather grips and adjustable angle stem… the handlebar isn’t swept back but that stem can do a lot to keep your back and neck from getting strained by leaning too far forward
  • You get to choose from two colors (midnight matte black or vanilla beige) and the suspension fork is paint matched in both cases! the fenders are also custom painted so the entire thing just looks more refined
  • I love how E-Joe was able to integrate the battery pack without raising the price too high with this electric bike, it blends in especially well on the black frame (since the pack is black)
  • The frame is completely custom with integrated hidden wires, the built-in battery design and a double-tube step-thru design which makes mounting easy but doesn’t compromise frame stiffness as much as a single tube would
  • Lots of convenience with the quick release front wheel, quick release seat tube and removable battery… this makes lifting transportation easier (lighter weight, smaller size)
  • Great utility with this ebike thanks to the lights, fenders, plastic chain guard to keep your pants or dress clean, the kickstand and a rear carry rack with pannier blockers
  • I was impressed that the bike comes with disc brakes and even though they aren’t especially large and aren’t hydraulic, they will still perform better than rim brakes in wet riding conditions and are easier to use with quick-release on the front wheel, I also like that the levers have rubberized edges for comfort and include motor inhibitors for more immediate stopping response
  • The Selle Royale gel saddle is pretty comfortable and I like that it matches the grips but you could take it further by replacing the seat post with a 31.6 mm diameter thudbuster if you plan to ride over long distances or encounter more bumpy terrain, there are some cheaper suspension posts as well that would enhance comfort… just make sure the added height of the suspension doesn’t make the saddle too high for you
  • It’s nice that you can power this bike up directly from the display panel (once the battery is charged and seated), there isn’t a second step like on some other bikes where you have to switch the battery on first
  • I love that the battery has a little USB charging port on the side so you can connect portable electronics and maybe use them while you ride (like a phone for GPS or an extra light), the port is high up on the battery so it’s mostly out of the way when pedaling but consider a right angle USB adapter like this to reduce bumps
  • The size of the battery really impressed me, you get a powerful 48 volt configuration with 11 amp hours and the cells are from Samsung which is higher quality than generic
  • It’s great that the bike offers multiple levels of pedal assist and trigger throttle to start and override for more power, I feel like that really empowers riders, especially given the added weight of an ebike and the trigger design is preferred by some riders with smaller hands because it doesn’t require as much forearm movement
  • Pedal assist was very responsive, it kicked in without too much delay and then cut out almost immediately as I stopped… and of course it’s nice to be able to override with those brake levers with inhibitors too
  • I like the wire management on the Gadis, it all stays organized with clips but isn’t clunky like some of the mesh and plastic wraps I see on other e-bikes

Cons:

  • I love that the front wheel has a quick release skewer because it makes changing flats easier or just making the bike smaller for transport but the fender still takes up space and there isn’t a quick release on the rear wheel
  • The battery design is good because it keeps weight low on the frame and has a nice connection interface but I found that it did rattle a bit when riding on bumpy terrain
  • While the battery can be charged on or off the frame, the plug port is very low on the left side which is right where the crank arm is when it’s mounted! so if you’re plugged in and move the bike or bump the pedal it could bend or break the connector
  • The kickstand is sturdy and adjustable but positioned just behind the bottom bracket meaning that if it’s down and you back the bike up, the left crank arm might collide with it… some newer ebikes are positioning the kickstand further back towards the rear where it is clear of the cranks and pedals
  • Since the lights aren’t integrated, you have to turn them on and off manually (though I believe there is a light sensor on the rear light), this just takes extra time and mindspace and means your batteries could run out faster if you forget
  • For some people, the pedal assist response and power deliver might be too zippy, it’s nice that you can lower the top speed of the bike in the settings if you are a less intense rider

Resources:

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Comments (6) YouTube Comments

Gerry Lamb
7 years ago

Just a question. How do you think this will do on steeper hills, at level 4 assistance? In general?

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Hi Gerry! It depends on your weight and willingness to pedal along. Hub motors aren’t as capable as mid-motors where you can shift gears down to help. The key for any system is to generate some momentum going into a hill and then maintain it. The e-Joe Gadis is going to be easier to pedal up a hill with assist than an unpowered bicycle but I wouldn’t expect the bike to do all of the work… just a good portion or some depending on how steep the hill is ;)

  Reply
Elizabeth Peltz
7 years ago

Hello,

I purchased an E-Joe 2016 GADIS electric bike at the beginning of July 2017, and this review is a summary of my experience with it.

It seemed like a lovely bike, and when it was working well, it was. For the first two weeks it went all as advertised. Then the noises started.

If you want a bike people can hear two blocks away, the clunks and creaks every time you pedal, then this is the bike for you. It has a lovely manufacturer defect that makes the pedal assembly grind against itself, creating every noise you didn’t ever want to hear coming from your brand new bike. And I guarantee you will make friends with your dealer as you go see them every two weeks in a vain attempt to fix an unfixable issue. Thank goodness for that warranty. It ensures you will have free service for a whole year before you are left on your own with a bike that is louder then a thirty year old rocking chair.

Just to make this clear, very unimpressed with this brand. I do not recommend. Buyer beware.

Beth

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Hi Beth! That’s such a bummer, thanks for sharing your experience and I am sorry that my reviews of brand new ebikes don’t highlight or address this sort of issue. I’m thankful that you took the time to share and hope that your dealer can continue to help you… and that you can still enjoy the bike, even with the extra noise :(

  Reply
Narayan
6 years ago

i bought this bike from a dealer in santa barbara, it broke down in 3 weeks of riding it daily, the electric just shut down 10 miles from home. when i called the dealer he through a temper tantrum seriously, then i called the manufacturer they sent a replacement battery and charger after less than a week it all shut down again , the manufacturer sent a replacement bike that i had to take to a bike shop and pay to have it assembled …less than 60 miles and the motor just stopped . I have never wrote a review for a product , after spending 1500.00 dollars plus all my time and effort aND FRUSTRATION … DO YOUR SELF THE BIGGEST FAVOR AND DO NOT BY THIS BIKE UNLESS YOU BY A HOOK TO HANG IT IN THE GARAGE WITH …this is a verified purchase AS I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO DISAPPOINTED IN A PRODUCT IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. this bike is not made to ride it is made for those who think they want to ride …

  Reply
court
6 years ago

Hi Narayan, I’m so sorry to hear about your difficult experience with this bike, the shop, and even the company a bit… though it’s nice to hear that they sent you a replacement and at least tried to make it right. I hope your future purchases and experiences are better, thanks for sharing your story here.

  Reply

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