At present, in the world of electric bikes in America, frame size and fit can feel like a second level consideration vs. motor design, battery size and control interface. There are many small companies joining the movement and it is hard for them to offer variation because it’s expensive. These companies often choose the most popular frame size to build on and focus their energy elsewhere. Thankfully, larger companies like Easy Motion (which is a part of BH, a bicycle company from Spain that has been around since 1909) are filling the gap with bikes like the Neo Jet! This bike is smaller and offers a step-thru frame design that’s easy to mount and stabilize for shorter riders. Simply being able to put both feet on the ground when stopped can improve the sense of control and stability that one experiences when riding; this is especially true if you’re riding with a backpack or using a rack with bags or panniers attached.
Just because the frame size is a bit smaller on the Jet does not mean the motor or battery are weaker. In fact, it uses the same 350 watt geared hub motor as the rest of the Neo line of electric bikes. This motor delivers good torque and comes in a small form factor that provides room for a 10 speed cassette. The Neo Jet actually offers 30 speeds in total with three chain rings at the bottom bracket using Shimano Deore components. In my experience with this and other Easy Motion bikes, I’ve found the motor to be relatively quiet but still powerful and fast. It’s capable of reaching 20 miles per hour in throttle mode and 25+ in pedal assist which is very satisfying!
The battery pack on the Neo Jet uses Easy Motion’s new 36 volt 12 amp hour design with Lithium-ion cells. In short, it’s got a high energy density and can endure 1,000+ charge cycles before degradation begins. You can take care of it by keeping it away from extreme hot or cold temperatures, keeping it charged and topping it off regularly, at least once a month. The pack is removable for convenient charging when commuting, you actually have to take it off the bike anytime you want to charge it which is one of my gripes. Some other ebikes let you plug in without removing the battery pack and this is convenient if you store your ebike inside for safe keeping. The neat part about this pack is that it’s backwards compatible with all other Easy Motion Neo bikes so finding a replacement easy and even using a friend’s pack is possible (even with the original 36 volt 8 amp hour design).
One thing I would have liked to see on the Jet is a water bottle cage mounting point on the top tube. The other Neo bikes all forego braze ons because they would have to be built into the battery pack which could lead to vulnerability. For the Jet, they could have added them right on the metal tubing like other standard bicycles. This would have raised the step-through height but at least the rider could make that choice.
The LCD computer console on this bike is really great. First off, it matches the primary frame color (white) and is removable for protection when parked. It comes with a soft fabric case for temporary storage and runs off the main battery pack so you don’t need separate individually wrapped (wasteful) battery cells. The unit is backlit and water resistant with three rubberized buttons on the left side which are reachable with your thumb during riding. Press the middle button to turn the unit on and use the up and down buttons to navigate through different levels of pedal assist. To use the throttle you have to go down to zero and I wish they would let you use throttle mode in any pedal assist level but it’s a minor gripe and something very few ebikes allow at this point in time. The LCD is monochrome. It shows your speed, range and battery capacity with easy to understand visuals.
Electric bikes offer the benefits of increased range, reduced challenge when climbing or fighting wind and they can even the field when riding with more advanced cyclists. None of this is possible however if the bike doesn’t feel good or fit right. The Easy Motion Neo Jet along with the Pedego 24″ Cruiser, Volton Alation ST and a few others are catering to riders who might otherwise struggle to find the right fit, namely women. The Jet in particular delivers a more aggressive pedaling position that feels good to pedal and coasts efficiently vs. a cruiser design. This is an amazing bike with solid components, good weight distribution and comfort thanks to the suspension fork. The drive system, control interface and warranty are all top notch and it’s a bike I’m happy to see on the market.
Pros:
- Solid two year warranty on the battery pack and up to five year warranty on the bike if you register online
- LCD computer unit is backlit, easy to reach, simple to understand, well sealed against water and dust, does not require separate batteries, is removable and includes woven pouch
- Four levels of torque sensing pedal assist (Eco at 70%, Standard at 140%, Sport at 200% and Boost at 300% rider input) are responsive, smooth, efficient and great for climbing
- Twist throttle mode makes starting from rest easy, rides like a scooter
- Hiqh quality Shimano Deore drivetrain offers 30 speeds for climbing or speeding down hills
- Integrated battery design looks great and keeps weight low and centered on the frame
- Wires and cables are built into the frame keeping them out of sight and out of harms way
- Geared hub motor is quiet and small, it doesn’t stand out or attract attention when riding
- Lockout feature on front fork improves riding efficiency on smooth surfaces
Cons:
- No water bottle cage bosses or braze ons, may have to add an aftermarket solution or use a CamelBak
- Battery must be unlocked and taken completely off the frame for charging
- No indicator for when battery is locked or unlocked on the frame, could make it easier to forget and fall off
Resources:
- Official Site: http://www.emotionbikesusa.com/ebikes/EN714
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/ZVCpvAx9gPJ8Udz89
Susanne says
Hi :-)
I am 6’14 tall woman from Denmark, did love the review of the Neo Jet (and lots of your other reviews, brilliant) but as fare as i can see it will be to small for my hight, what other bike would you recommend insted? With similar features as this – i did like the fact that it looks like a female bike :-)
Kind regards Susanne
Court Rye says
Hi Susanne, in my experience the step-thru frames like the Jet are going to be a bit shorter. Considering your height I’d recommend the Neo Cross which is very similar (700c wheels, front suspension, beautiful design) but has a size Medium and Large which are both longer and larger than the Neo Jet. Hope this helps :)
Dr. Paul Schwartz says
my wife is looking for an electric assit bike and most are medium or larger and she wants to be able to plant her feet solidly on the ground when she stops…she is 5ft 1in…is this NEo jet bike the smallest frame you offer that would fit a small lady as my wife???
Court Rye says
Great question… It’s one of the few bikes designed specifically for smaller riders and women but it is not the smallest around. In my opinion it is one of the most polished and well rounded however with torque sensing pedal assist, throttle, removable display and an integrated downtube style battery. Two other great ebikes designed specifically for petite riders are the Pedego 24″ Cruiser and the eProdigy Banff. The best way to tell which bike she prefers is of course to test ride but if you are not able I hope the videos of me help guide you. Feel free to ask specific questions about each on their pages. Note the Pedego does not have pedal assist and the eProdigy is a more basic mid-drive that’s a bit noisier than the Neo Jet. My first choice would be the jet but the frame may be slightly large for her. You could always lower the seat and perhaps get a swept back handlebar to improve fit :)
Tom P says
I’m 5’11” and weigh 250#. Do you think this bike would be suitable?
Court Rye says
Hi Tom, this bike could work but given your height there are larger frames that might feel more comfortable but still offer low-step configurations. One that comes to mind is the Optibike Pioneer City which has a powerful mid-drive motor that could make it easier for you to go up hills and things. Also Pedego has some nice cruiser style ebikes that are a bit larger but still offer step-thru such as the City Commuter. I hope this helps! The Neo Jet could still work for you but the larger padded seat on the City Commuter might feel better.
Chloe Stratton says
Hi again Court, still been doing a lot of reading, and video watching. So, after careful consideration, and the realization that my new job may not start me out with as many hours as I’d like, I’ve realized that my initial interests may have had more to do with “oooohh pretty” and less to do with getting the job done. SO… I’ve realized I need to figure out just how big of a motor I need to start out with. I’m about 220 or so but I’ll probably make 240 at times with cargo. So, after looking at this bike and getting recommendations on the forums, I’ve decided I’d like to at least consider this one and talk to you about the easy motion bikes, since you own one. So, first, if it’s not too bold, how much do you weigh and how well does it get you up to full speed in both throttle and pedal assist modes on the flats? (florida is mostly flats)
Court Rye says
Hi Chloe! I found your thread and linked part of your comment above to it in order to connect the dots for others who might be in a similar position. I actually really like Easy Motion electric bikes and despite the “smaller” 350 watt motors they use, the power feels good because the frames are light, well balanced and use higher end systems. Also, the use of assist or throttle makes them very versatile and they tend to top 20 mph in throttle mode so getting up to full speed is fairly easy. To answer your question about my body type, I’m ~140 lbs at 5’9″ tall and the Jet fits well and has plenty of power. I bought the Neo Jumper for myself however because I prefer suspension to ease my back and neck riding at higher speeds on a daily basis (have you seen this video). Easy Motion is carried at a lot of shops and you should be able to find one nearby or take a road trip down to South Florida to visit The Electric Bicycle Store which has been around for a long time and has great service. If you need help finding this bike somewhere else or locating a last-year’s model at a discount feel free to reach out to me with this contact form.
Ben says
Hi Court – you have the BEST, most detailed reviews of electric bikes (let alone any product) that I have ever seen – bravo! Just purchased this exact bike in medium (I’m 5’8″, and 170 lbs), and stoked! I’m looking for the most smooth/comfortable/stable ride for road/occasional gravel, with notable rain/cold (I live in the Pacific NW) and hills/some country roads. I’ve heard increasing the tire width may help, as well as certain tire treads (care more about ride comfort/road grip/stability/not slipping vs travel speed). This 2015 Easy Motion Evo Jet has Kenda 700 x 38c tires. What replacement tires would you recommend for this bike fit these needs? Also looking for some comfortable seat/seat stem/other ideas. Also, wondering if there is there any way to raise the handlebar stem to be a bit more upright, to relieve my injured shoulder. Apologies for all the questions, but you are the ‘Zen Master’ in this arena :) Looking forward to your thoughts, Court.
Court Rye says
Hi Ben! One of the things I liked about the 2016 model was the switch to wider Schwalbe Big Ben tires. I can’t say for sure whether they will fit your 2015 model but I believe this is them. Honestly, going in to a local bike shop and having them confirm which tires would work… and even buying directly from them and having them installed professionally could be the way to go. Here’s one alternative tire from Kenda that is just slightly wider than your existing tires and has K-Shield (for puncture protection) that I bet would work. Regarding seat posts, stems and other ideas… I have lots of feedback because my neck, back and shoulders are also sensitive (in addition to my knees). My first suggestion would be a 31.6 mm diameter long travel Thudbuster but make sure you check your weight against the recommended elastomer pads and then really crank the seat post down otherwise it will slip down into the seat tube with each bounce. Body Float is also great and less bouncy but double the cost. I had an LT Thudbuster and really loved it on my Pedego City Commuter years ago. There are short travel versions as well but you might have to use a shim to get them to work. Regarding stem and bars, a short angled stem like this would bring the bar back and up and you could enhance this with a riser bar like this that comes in 31.8 mm diameter (that’s the width the stem uses) and comes in a 3″ or 5″ rise. I just went through this process when building a bicycle for my Mom, I got the stem and bar used at a local “Recycled Cycles” store for $15 each and she loves it :)