Electric Bike Company, known for its American-made e-bikes and extensive customization options, has introduced the Model R, its take on a premium, all-terrain electric cruiser. It’s a ride focused on comfort, stability, solid build quality, and versatility, a balancing act few companies have nailed down in the electric cruiser e-bike market.
With a super-easy unboxing (it came around 95% ready to ride aside from tightening up the handlebar), I was eager to review the Electric Bike Company Model R to see how it performed.
The Model R has a 500W motor, a step-through frame, and an upright riding position. But it stands out with its near-endless customization options and proud “Made in USA” heritage, setting it apart in a crowded market.
My Experience Riding The Electric Bike Company Model R E-Bike
During my rides, the Model R’s ride quality was just as impressive as its build and aesthetics. The 26 “x3″ inch tires, combined with the 80mm of travel in the front suspension fork, team up to give the bike more versatility and an overall smoother ride.
The step-through frame design allows for easy mounting and dismounting for riders of various heights and mobility levels. This is especially nice, considering the bike’s overall weight.
Despite the size of the Model R, the bike still handles really well. The cockpit layout is simple yet functional, providing all necessary controls within easy reach.
True to its cruiser design, the riding position is comfortably upright, giving a nice wide field of view of the path ahead. The back-supported version saddle on our test model had a non-adjustable backrest that I thought felt a bit far from the seat, creating a slight dilemma between proper riding position for pedaling and back support. However, this may not be an issue for all riders, and EBC offers various seat options at purchase, allowing you to choose one that works best for you.
Riding this bike at 5’11”, I found the frame and bike’s overall fit to be excellent, with plenty of room for adjustment in either direction. This supports the claimed rider height range of 5′ to 6’10”, though the upper limit may require some in-person verification as even on my most confident days, I cant pass for 6′ 10″.
Despite the minor seat issue, the Model R felt like a well-balanced, smooth-rolling bike that would give many comfortable rides over the years. Its overall comfort and stability make it a pleasure to ride, living up to its cruiser persona.
Range
Standard Battery Estimated Range (12 Ah): 60 miles
Upgraded Battery Estimated Range (14 Ah +399): 70 miles
Upgraded Battery Estimated Range (21 Ah +998): 100 miles*
Upgraded Battery Estimated Range (30 Ah +1,198): 150 miles*
*Requires a Dual-battery setup with the additional battery stored in the basket.
When it comes to range, the Electric Bike Company Model R offers several options that fit different needs and budgets. This is a nice setup as it allows you to have some say in how far you can go on a single charge on the Model R. Maybe up to 60 miles is more than enough, or, maybe you want to go over a hundred miles, you can choose as you see fit.
The Model R ships with a standard 12 Ah battery setup that has an estimated range of ‘up to 60 miles’, which should be plenty for most daily commutes or leisure rides. For an additional $399, you can bump up to a 14 Ah battery, increasing the estimated range to 70 miles. This moderate upgrade could be worth it if you frequently find yourself pushing the limits of the standard battery.
For serious long-distance riders, there are two more substantial upgrades available. The 21 Ah battery ($998 extra) claims to offer up to 100 miles of range, while the top-tier 30 Ah battery ($1,198 extra) boasts an impressive 150-mile range estimate.
It’s only fair to remember these are estimated ranges from Electric Bike Company, so your actual mileage may vary depending on factors like weight, gear, terrain, and how much you’re using the motor. In my experience, I’ve found that real-world range can fall a bit short of the estimates, so it’s wise to factor in some wiggle room when planning your rides or choosing your battery.
If you’re on the fence about which option to choose, I recommend just thinking about how often you ride and how far, as those two factors alone will help you determine what you need and how often you have to charge the bike. Also, if you opt for the child seat or pet carrier, you could easily add 50-100 extra pounds of weight, which will also impact your range.
While the extended range of the larger batteries is tempting, they do come with a considerable price hike. For me, the standard or maybe the 14 Ah upgrade might be the sweet spot between range and cost.
Power (Motor & Battery)
The Electric Bike Company Model R ships with a 500W rear hub motor that I found to give confident acceleration and, surprisingly (in a cruiser), speeds up to 28 mph. The power delivery feels nice and linear across all five levels of pedal assist as you progress through each level.
A quick couple laps up and down a steep hill near the office here helped shed some light on how the Model R performs when it has a climb to deal with. The first run, I only used throttle (no pedaling) and the bike held at 13.5 mph during the climb.
Then, I did another run up the hill using PAS 5, and on this run, it maintained 15.5 mph when my legs were mixed in with the pedal assist activated. I did notice on steep hills, I couldn’t feel much assistance with PAS 1 and 2, but when I upped the PAS to levels 3, 4, and 5, it had no issues getting me up the hill. I do like how the Model R manages to balance power delivery. It has all the power I need, such as on hills, but doesn’t overwhelm the rider while cruising on flats.
Overall, the Model R’s motor is really nice, it’s able to walk the line between being a laid-back cruiser while still being able to tackle longer jaunts or steep hills whenever I needed it.
Components
Components on the Model R are as vast and varied as you would expect from a brand that makes its name on customization. From the front tire of the bike all the way back to the taillight, EBC has a customization option for nearly every component to make this bike your own.
One of the coolest things about EBC bikes is that they have their own in-house custom wheel shop where they build, true, and paint all the wheels that go on their bikes.
The Electric Bike Company Model R that we tested has a straightforward and low-maintenance drivetrain. As a fixed-gear bike, it consists of a 58T chainring, a stainless steel chain, and a 16T freewheel. Personally, I prefer this on a cruiser as its not a performance-minded bike, it shines in relaxing, comfy cruising, not racing, hill climbs or sprints where you need a certain range of gearing.
The absence of a derailleur and shifter also means fewer components to maintain or potentially fail, resulting in a simple, reliable system that aligns well with the bike’s purpose. But, of course, should you want the flexibility of some gears, you can opt for the 7-speed drivetrain option.
Braking is handled by the 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors. While not branded, these brakes felt great on my rides, with reliable, confident braking in all situations I encountered.
When it comes to contact points (seat, grips and pedals), EBC offers several options for each and since these are so subjective to the individual when it comes to style and comfort, you should have no trouble finding what works best for you.
Also, because all the bikes are painted, assembled, and ultimately inspected at the Electric Bike Company headquarters in California. So, if you have an issue when you get your bike, they can reach the specific builder that made your bike to help resolve the issue, and that is very cool!
Overall, the components on the Model R are well-rounded, offering everything you would need and leaving the rest up to you as you can customize the ride to your needs or wants; I’m not judging.
Screen / User Interface / App
The Electric Bike Company Model R features a centrally mounted, full-color display that provides riders with essential information at a glance. The screen layout is straightforward but still has key ride data like:
- Current speed
- Ride time
- Pedal Assist System (PAS) level
- Battery level
- Ambient temperature
- Odometer reading
While the display covers all the necessary bases for most riders, the interface does have a slight learning curve. For instance, turning on the headlights was not as simple as I expected as there were no buttons or menu options in the display, but, once I did a little search online, I found it requires a long press of the PAS up arrow button.
At the time of this review, the Electric Bike Company does not offer a phone app for the Model R or any of the EBC lineup. Fortunately, everything I needed for a typical ride, like battery life, speed, and PAS levels, are all right there on display.
Electric Bike Company Model R Options
The Electric Bike Company has made its name in the e-bike market with its huge array of customization options, allowing you to create a truly personalized ride. From the moment you start configuring your Model R, you’re presented with a wealth of choices that span from looks to performance and everything in between.
Storage solutions range from various front baskets to rear racks compatible with the MIK system for easy accessory attachments. For those heading to the beach, there’s even a specialized surfboard rack.
Safety-conscious riders can opt for additional lighting features, including a basket-mounted front light, an integrated rear light with brake activation, and even turn signals for increased visibility on the road.
Comfort is a key focus, with upgrades available like a suspension seat post, back-supported saddle options, and a choice between leather or rubber grips. You can even select custom helmets designed to match your bike’s color scheme.
I mean, just a quick glance at the Electric Bike Company site and its really impressive just how many features you have a say in when ordering your bike. And thats another point, when you order your bike, you know your getting a custom built cruiser just for you, they cant foresee and stock all the configurations customers might pick, so they have some quick ‘grab and go’ Model R’s or pick each part to your taste and let them build it for you.
Performance options aren’t left out either, with options from the standard single-speed to a 7-speed drivetrain for increasing your capability. A torque sensor can be added for a more natural riding experience, seamlessly integrating motor assistance with your pedaling input.
The customization extends to nearly every visible part of the bike. Handlebars can be swapped between BMX riser style and classic cruiser bars, and even the tires can be color-coordinated to match your chosen frame color. For those concerned about security, anti-theft systems, including locks and tracking devices, are available, as are repair kits for on-the-go maintenance.
This huge range of available options truly allows buyers to build the Model R from mild to wild, tailoring it to their exact specifications. However, it’s worth noting that all these accessories ultimately contribute (or even add) to the bike’s 73-pound weight. It’s this level of personalization that sets the Electric Bike Company Model R apart, offering an e-bike customization experience that’s rare in the industry.
Is The Electric Bike Company Model R Worth Buying?
So, should you buy the Electric Bike Company Model R? Well, it depends, and it’s just as annoying for me to type that as it is for you to read it, but hear me out. When considering the Model R as your next e-bike, it’s a good idea to sift through strengths and tradeoffs before spending your hard-earned cash. So, to recap:
Pros
- Unparalleled customization options allow you to design the look of your e-bike, from front to back and nearly everything in between.
- It is an exceptionally comfortable ride thanks to its well-padded custom EBC saddle, 3″ wide cushioning tires, and suspension fork.
- The powerful 500W motor provides good speed and ample muscle to support the 420 lbs payload capacity.
- This is one of the best warranties, with ten years against manufacturer defects for the motor and frame and two years for the battery.
- It is nearly entirely American-made, and customer service representatives can consult directly with the bike’s actual builder to resolve any potential issues once the bike is received.
- Unique accessory options include an anti-theft alarm with a keyfob, turn signals, and high/low beams, plus thicker brake rotors and even a handlebar-mounted handlebar-mounted bell with a hidden airbag for tracking your bike should it move without your knowledge.
- The bike arrives in a larger-than-typical box nearly 100% assembled, requiring minimal setup from the buyer – a rarity among direct-to-consumer brands that significantly eases the ability to get out and ride as soon as it arrives.
Cons
- At 78 lbs (with standard battery and optional front basket), it’s one of the heavier cruisers on the market. This weight may impact maneuverability and transport for some users.
So, with all that in mind, here’s my recommendation:
Yes, the Model R is absolutely worth considering if you’re in the market for a beach cruiser that’s built to last, you value extensive customization, and you appreciate American-made quality. Its powerful motor, customizable options, and a plethora of accessories set it apart from the pack in the crowded e-bike market.
However, the Model R might only be suitable for some. If you’re new to e-bikes and looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Model E might be a better choice.
Ultimately, the EBC Model R represents a premium, highly customizable e-bike that aims to please. With a 10-year frame, 2-year battery warranty, nearly complete assembly upon delivery, and it’s ‘American Made’ ethos, the Model R should appeal to those looking for a low-fuss, long-term e-bike that folks can say is all their own.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a top-tier cruiser that you can truly make your own and plan to keep for many years, I think the Model R is a solid investment. In fact, I can’t think of a better option.
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