Easy Motion Evo City Review

The 2016 version of Emotion’s EVO City model offers a higher voltage battery pack (48 vs. 36), a more powerful zippy motor (500 watt vs. 360), an updated paint job and costs a bit more. This continues to be one of the best looking, most feature rich electric bike for tall people who want a capable city commuter. Easy Motion is well known for their ebikes that blend in and offer lots of “bicycle” features like 24 speeds here vs. just 7 to 10 on many competing models from other brands. You’re paying more for the style and accessories including fenders, an integrated cargo rack with bungee cords and LED lights that run off the same battery as the motor system (the front light actually runs off of a dynamo hub so that it can always be active regardless of battery fill) but the result is outstanding. With even more power and range than earlier models the 2016 model is very capable of moving taller heavier riders. You still get two drive modes, pedal assist and twist throttle, which let you maximize range and get a workout or opt for a sweat-free ride. And now, you can buy a Neoprene battery cover, Bluetooth module and GPS theft tracking system separately to dial in the experience. Each of these options add to the price and I wish the Bluetooth feature was built in because it requires replacing the LCD screen with a non-readout plastic chunk… and then you have to use your phone which will certainly drain its battery (especially with GPS modes) and there’s no charging port on the bike for a p hone to plug into.

Minor gripes aside, this is a bike that caters to a specific type of rider who has a specific body type. It can be uncomfortable to compromise on frame size… often requiring a DIY kit conversion or sacrifice on features. This e-bike provides everything you need and it looks great doing it. I love that the battery is removable for charging separately (perhaps up in the office if you commute to work) and I’m impressed with how well the cockpit works and how clean it is considering there are two sets of shifters and a bell. The display panel is intuitive and lets you adjust many settings by holding the up and down buttons simultaneously. There are still gripes here like the charging port on the chain stay being too close to the crank arms (vulnerable if you back the bike up while it’s plugged in) but minor improvements like the way the motor is wired in (the wires is protected behind the disc brake rotor and unique quick release arm) combined with the excellent two year upgradeable warranty are redeeming. Easy Motion has created a formula for great looking ebikes dating back to 2013 in the US and this EVO model only builds on that heritage. I do wish they had included bottle cage bosses on the seat tube because it seems like there is plenty of room there (maybe they were worried about frame strength?) and the TMM4 torque sensor software can deliver a laggy experience when you stop pedaling (the motor eases out instead of being more immediate) but the motor inhibitors on the brakes are near instant. You even get a little bell for signaling as you ride around town. Other areas where I feel the bike could be improved are with locking grips vs. the basic rubber ones that can spin and maybe a suspension seat post to further improve comfort. The skinny tires are efficient (and I love the reflective sidewalls) but they don’t offer as much comfort on long rides. The suspension fork locks out but I’d probably ride with it open and I love that both wheels have quick release in case you need to move the bike with your car or perform a quick flat fix on the way home from work. It’s a solid electric bike.

Pros:

• This bike is decidedly large and tall, it would be great fit for someone with long legs who feels cramped on other ebikes, it’s ideal for commuting, urban or city riding
• Beautiful clean aesthetic, the battery is completely integrated into the downtube and paint matched, all wires including shifter, brake and electrical are internally routed through the frame
• The rims, spokes and motor casing are all painted black to blend in, they look great and because the brakes are disc vs. caliper style the black paint on the rims won’t be marred over time
• The battery locks securely to the frame and doesn’t seem to rattle as much as older models, the pack may be charged on or off the frame for convenience and has a small LED readout built in so you can see how full it is off the bike
• Great accessory package for commuting including full length plastic fenders, chain guard, adjustable length kickstand, integrated LED lights and an oversized rear rack with pannier blockers and bungee cords
• The cockpit handlebar area of the bike is very clean and organized despite having trigger shifters on the left and right, I think the Emotion display helps a lot (and I like that it’s removable)
• Reinforced sloping top tube delivers strength and stiffness for great handling off-road but lowers the stand over height making the bike easier to mount and handle when stopped
• Unique ratcheting quick release systems on the rear wheel and torque arm (where the hub motor is), makes changing flats and doing maintenance easier… just be careful to align properly and not over-tighten since it uses a TMM4 torque sensor
• The power cable running to the rear hub motor is tucked in behind the quick release arm and disc brake rotor which is much better than coming out the end of the axle… this is important if the bike tips or is parked close to other bikes at a rack
• Efficient 700x38c tires are smooth and quiet, they help to extend range but are firm so it’s nice that the saddle is an upgraded gel model from Selle Royal and the grips are ergonomic, I also like that the stem is adjustable to improve fit and body position, consider a 31.6 mm Thudbuster or Body Float for even greater comfort
• Hydraulic disc brakes offer smooth, powerful stopping performance and the 180 / 160 mm rotors and integrated motor inhibitors give you control over the drive system and mechanical systems of the bike
• With 24 gear combinations to choose from, this bike is easy to pedal at low speed when climbing or at higher speeds when traveling long distances, it easily reaches 20+ mph in pedal assist mode… I’ve taken it up to ~23 mph in testing
• The battery uses high end 18650 Lithium Manganese cells from Samsung that are light weight and long lasting, excellent energy density here (lower weight, more power)
• Solid warranty offering two years of comprehensive coverage and the option to upgrade to five if you simply register, good network of dealers and lots of compatible batteries out there if yours dies eventually (since most of the EVO models share the same design… but not necessarily the same color)

Cons:

• Not super light weight… with the larger frame and all of the extra accessories (fenders, rack, dynamo hub and lights) the bike is ~59 lbs
• Only available in one large frame size, high-step style and one frame color… this keeps costs lower but might exclude some riders with shorter legs, be careful mounting if you swing your leg around the back as the rack can be easy to clip with your leg
• I love that you can charge the battery pack on or off the bike with the EVO series but it requires a special dongle adapter because the plugs are different and the bike-frame plug is positioned very close to the left crank arm which can collide with it and break it off if you back the bike up while charging BE CAREFUL!
• If you purchase the optional Bluetooth module it completely replaces the LCD display but doesn’t have a display of its own so you have to use your phone… and that’s okay but there’s no charging port to keep your phone from draining rapidly as you use it for GPS etc.
• No bottle cage mounting points on the downtube or seat tube which means you’ll need to add one to the seat post or saddle rails, wear a CamelBak
• The controller on this bike lets the motor run a second or two long after you’ve stopped pedaling, this reduces “surge” (the jerky feeling of power going up and down with each pedal stroke) but makes the bike feel unresponsive at times, thankfully the motor inhibitors in the brake levers are near-instant

Resources:

• Official Site: http://www.emotionbikesusa.com/en/bicycles/ebikes/evo-city-uv406-us.html
• More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/7yHXhSKwJNPN6xQZ9