Name: Electric Bike Company Model R Review
Item: Electric Bike Company Model R
Author: Court Rye

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Electric Bike Company Model R Review

Electric Bike Company Model R Electric Bike Review

Electric Bike Company Model R Mxus 500 Watt Geared Hub Motor 60nm Torque

Electric Bike Company Model R Removable 48 Volt Downtube Battery Pack

Electric Bike Company Model R Large Steel Cruiser Handlebar With Locking Grips Adjustable Angle Stem

Electric Bike Company Model R Kt Lcd 8h Color Display With Usb Charger

Electric Bike Company Model R 80mm Spring Suspension

Electric Bike Company Model R Blaze Lite 2 Led Headlight Integrated

Electric Bike Company Model R 180mm Hydraulic Disc Brakes Extra Thick Rotors Quad Piston Calipers

Electric Bike Company Model R 12 Magnet Sealed Cadence Sensor

Electric Bike Company Model R Adjustable Kickstand Optional Rear Rack Sks Compatible

Electric Bike Company Model R Deep Wave Step Thru Frame Approachable

Electric Bike Company Model R Grand Star Extra Large Comfort Saddle

Electric Bike Company Model R Integrated 3 Led Rear Lights

Electric Bike Company Model R Large Aluminum Alloy Wellgo Pedals

Electric Bike Company Model R Large Gusset Weld Rigid Downtube 170mm Crank Arms

Electric Bike Company Model R Optional Rear Rack With Integrated Light

Electric Bike Company Model R Single Speed Drivetrain Alloy Chainring Guard

Electric Bike Company Model R 3 5 Amp Ebike Charger Optional Bluetooth Speaker

Electric Bike Company Model R Optional Basil Pannier Bags With Mik Interface

Electric Bike Company Model R Advanced Display Settings Kt Lcd 8h

Electric Bike Company Model R Stock Step Thru White

A sturdy, powerful, step-thru cruiser electric bike with 26" or 24" wheels and stable plus sized tires. Assembled and customized in America, great customer service and an industry leading five year comprehensive warranty! Ships fully assembled, 100% ready to ride on day one. Extra emphasis on charger and battery quality, expandable capacity from 556 to 1440 watt hours.
Comes standard with bright integrated lights (two 6-LED lights on the rear!) and reflective puncture-resistant tires that improve visibility and safety. Optional rear rack and front basket add utility, plastic mudguard fenders can be paint matched. Powerful 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with thick 2.3mm rotors, quad piston calipers, and large adjustable-reach levers with motor inhibitors help to manage the higher possible speeds and heavier build.
Highly adjustable drive modes offer Class 1, 2, or 3 operation (pedal assist, throttle, and 28mph options). The variable speed trigger throttle is easy to use and the sealed 12-magnet cadence sensor performs consistently. Extra large saddle, long steel handlebar, adjustable spring suspension fork, and high-volume tires provide maximize comfort, but EBC also sells an optional seat post suspension for further comfort.
The Model R is $500 more expensive than the X and Y, but has a hidden downtube-integrated main battery. It offers higher peak motor output at 1,250 watts and has a higher weight capacity at 380lbs vs. 360lbs. Frame only comes in one size and I'd call it Small-Medium because I couldn't get full leg extension with 31" inseam. Shipping, 7-speed drivetrain, custom paint, racks, alarm system, and other extras all cost extra and shipping is $189.

Make:

Electric Bike Company

Model:

Model R

Price:

$2,199 ($189 Shipping in Lower 48 US Fully Assembled)

Body Position:

Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Cruising, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2), Speed Pedelec (Class 3)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

5 Year Comprehensive, 10 Year Motor and Frame

Availability:

United States, Canada, Worldwide

Model Year:

20202021

Total Weight:

57 lbs (25.85 kg) 66.4lbs as Shown in Review with Rear Rack and 14ah Battery Upgrade)

Battery Weight:

7.5 lbs (3.4 kg) (Upgraded 48v 14ah Battery)

Motor Weight:

8 lbs (3.62 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

15.5 in (39.37 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

15.5" Seat Tube Length, 25.25" Reach, 19.75" Stand Over Height, 32" Minimum Saddle Height, 38" Maximum Saddle Height, 32.25" Width, 49" Wheelbase, 77.25" Length

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Colors:

Gloss White, Gloss Black, Gloss Red, (Optional Custom Color $399)

Frame Fork Details:

Electric Bike Company Branded Spring Suspension Fork, 80mm Travel, Compression Adjust with Lockout, Preload Adjust, Boost 110mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

135mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Keyed Axle with 18mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Front Basket

Gearing Details:

1 Single Speed, 18 Tooth Sprocket, (Optional Shimano Altus Derailleur with 14 to 28 Tooth Freewheel)

Shifter Details:

Optional Shimano Triggers on Right (One-Way High, Three-Shift Low)

Cranks:

Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Crank Arms, Square Tapered Spindle, 56 Tooth Aluminum Alloy Chainring with Aluminum Alloy Guard (Aluminum Alloy Guard Included for 7-Speed Upgrade)

Pedals:

Wellgo Aluminum Alloy Platform with Rubber Tread

Headset:

Integrated Cartridge Bearing, Threaded Quill, Straight 1-1/8" Diameter

Stem:

Aluminum Alloy Quill, Adjustable Angle, 0° to 60°, Adjustable Height, 100mm Length, 25.4mm Clamp Diameter

Handlebar:

Steel, Oversized Cruiser Style, 710mm Width

Brake Details:

Tektro Dorado Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Extra Thick 2.3mm Rotors, Tektro E23 Quad Piston Calipers, Tektro Dorado Four Finger Levers with Motor Inhibitors, Adjustable Reach, and Ball Ends

Grips:

Padded Stitched, Inner and Outer Lock Rings

Saddle:

Grand Star, Oversized Comfort with Rubber Bumpers

Seat Post:

Aluminum Alloy with Tapered Top, Separate Single Bolt Saddle Clamp

Seat Post Length:

250 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.4 mm

Rims:

JetSet, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 36 Hole, 40mm Outer Width

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge, Silver or Black with Brass Nipples

Tire Brand:

Custom Electric Bike Company GMD Rhinoceros, 26" x 3" (72-559)

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

40 to 65 PSI, 3.1 to 4.2 BAR, Reflective Stripes, 3mm Premium Puncture Protection

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Massload Center Mount Adjustable Kickstand, BL3002 Blaze-Lite Integrated Headlight (2 LED), Two Integrated 3-LED Rear Lights (Solid), Color Matched Touch Up Paint, Integrated Star Union Rear Light with Optional Rear Rack $129, Optional Aluminum Alloy Front Basket with Steel Mesh Insert and Battery and Light (50lb Capacity, Necessary for Maximum Battery Upgrade), Optional SR Suntour NCX Suspension Seat Post $99, Optional Plastic "Sport" Fenders (Can Be Painted), Optional Flick Bell Light $35, Optional Floating Cup Holder $35, Optional Waterproof Handlebar Mounted Bluetooth Speaker $87, Optional Locks (U-Lock, Chain Lock, Folding Lock), Optional Side Mounted Adjustable Kickstand (Eliminates Pedal Lock)

Other:

Locking Removable Downtube-Integrated Battery Pack with Replaceable Fuse, Smart BMS Overcharge Protection Limit, 2.3lb 3.5 Amp Charger, 380lb Max Weight, 26 Amp Motor Controller

Motor Brand:

MXUS XF15R (48 Volt)

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

1250 watts

Motor Torque:

60 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Samsung 29E or 35E 18650 Cells

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

11.6 ah (Optional 14ah or 30ah Upgrade)

Battery Watt Hours:

556.8 wh (Optional 672wh or 1,440wh Upgrade)

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

3.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

100 miles (161 km)

Display Type:

KT LCD-8H, Fixed, Adjustable Angle, Backlit, 3.5" Color LCD

Readouts:

Battery Charge Level (4 Bars), Battery Voltage, Brake Inhibitor Icon, Lights Icon, Ambient Temperature, Assist Level (0-5), Motor Watts, Current Speed, Average Speed, Max Speed, Total Time, Trip Time, Trip Distance, Odometer

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left, Buttons: Up, Power, Down, Press Power to Change Speed, Avg Speed, Max Speed, Hold Up to Activate Lights, Hold Down to Toggle Assist On/Off, USB Type A Port on Back Right Side of Display (5 Volts, 500mA), Independent On/Off Toggle Switch on Right Side of Basket Bracket, Hold Up and Down Just After Powering On for Settings Menus

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle (12 Magnet Sealed Sensor)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)(Can be Lowered or Raised to 28mph)

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Make or Model

Model Year

Body Position

Suggested Use

Frame Type

Drive Mode

Availability

Price Range

$0 (0 €)$18,000 (16,920 €)

Total Weight

0 lbs (0 kg)227 lbs (103 kg)

Top Speed

0 mph (0.0 km/hr)50 mph (80.5 km/hr)

Battery Watt Hrs

0 watt3,456 watt

Frame Size

0 in (0.00 cm)432 in (1,097.28 cm)

Motor Power

0 Newton meters250 Nm

Number of Gears

030

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This review was not sponsored by the Electric Bike Company, it was provided free of charge using a demo bike that they sent. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased with you, this video and writeup are not meant to be an endorsement of EBC products. I welcome your corrections, additions, and feedback in the comments below, and the Electric Bike Company forums.

Observations:

The Electric Bike Company is based in Newport Beach, California and employs quite a few people who assemble and customize the bikes. They have a spoking machine, a paint shop, design facility, and accessory + shipping center! It’s heartwarming and pretty unique, because many other companies in this price range focus on supply chain optimization and cost cutting vs. building a culture and really personalizing the products. These ebikes are about as “American Made” as you can get, but they also feel like citizens of the world because the founder is from South Africa and they donate back to some global communities in need.
The Model R is purpose built. It features an internally mounted battery pack and cables that keep it looking streamlined and beautiful. They only sell it in one frame size, but the bike can be purchased with either 26″ or 24″ wheels. The smaller wheels lower the frame a bit, making it even more approachable for riders starting at 4’8″ tall. Pretty clever! In my experience with the bike as someone who is 5’9″ with a 31″ inseam, the bike itself is on the smaller size and I feel like I’m at the upper limit if you want to get full leg extension.

Pros:

For those who are willing to spend a bit more, there are very few cruisers (or any ebikes for that matter) that offer so much customization! You can choose any color, even metallic, and they will paint EVERYTHING. That includes the frame, suspension fork, plastic fenders, and even the basket liner and basket! You can also get a water resistant speaker, a fancy cup holder, bags, a security system… it’s crazy, and it’s fun :P
For me, comfort is a big deal, so I appreciate the upright body position because it offers a more relaxed ride. The Model R has stable and vibration-dampening 3″ wide plus sized tires tires, the long swept back handlebars keep you upright while dampening vibration, the adjustable angle stem improves fit for many body types, padded grips, oversized comfort saddle, and the suspension fork all combine for a great experience. For those who want to go even further, the Electric Bike Company sells a suspension seat post.
With a very high max weight capacity of 380lbs (while their other bikes top out at 360lbs), it’s nice to see that they really overbuilt the frame. Notice the welded plates where the downtube connects to the seat tube. Each of these design decisions helps to reduce frame flex and improve overall strength. Also, they spoke the wheels in house and use 36 hole vs. 32 or 24 and they use thicker 13 gauge spokes with corrosion resistant brass nipples.
The customized GMD Rhinoceros tires are great, providing reflective stripes and puncture resistance with 3mm of rubber (like a moped tire). The wider 3″ plus sized design also provides stability on gravel and additional cushion.
It’s pretty cool that this ebike can be purchased with 26″ or 24″ wheels. You’ll get a smoother ride with the larger wheel size, because it lowers the attack angle and provides increased air volume (and air is squishy). The smaller wheel size will be extra sturdy and lower the standover height and effective minimum saddle height of the bike. I was told that the smaller wheels can comfortably accommodate riders starting at 4’8″ tall, which is unique.
Safety is an important consideration for me, so I’m glad that one of the stock color choices is white and I appreciate the reflective tires and premium integrated lights. Seriously, the lights are a big upgrade from what I usually see because the headlight has two LED’s and reflector and the rear lights have two 3-LED lights on either side of the frame that are highly visible from the sides and rear. If you get the optional cargo rack, it comes with a built-in flashing light because the two smaller lights could get blocked by pannier bags. Very thoughtful, extremely good attention to detail here.
Unlike the Model X and Y, which are available in Black and White by default and cost extra to change… the Model R comes in Black, White, or Red by default! That’s great, because you can buy a pair of bikes that don’t look the same without having to spend extra. I was amazed that they color match the fork on these default colors for free too! That’s usually not the case with suspension forks.
The stock single-speed drivetrain is super quiet and it’s highly unlikely that the chain will come off. This is not a drivetrain that will require much if any maintenance, and it’s workable given the strong 1,000 peak hub motor. For those who enjoy choosing different pedal speeds or plan to climb frequently, it’s great that you can pay just $149 extra for a 7-speed Shimano Altus derailleur with basic 14-28 tooth freewheel. They didn’t used to have this as an option, but it’s something that I personally would pay for if I were to buy one of these for myself.
Given the heavier build of this ebike and all of the cargo potential (50lbs on the rear rack and 50lbs in the optional front basket… though I’d go a little less than that up front so it won’t impact steering too much), it’s great that they provide such high quality brakes. To me, the 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with extra thick 2.3mm rotors and quad piston calipers are overkill, but you don’t see that reflected too much in the price. Large four finger brake levers offer adjustable reach to fit a range of hand sizes, and both brake levers have motor inhibitors to override assist and throttle instantly. This brake system is perfect.
During my ride test with the Model R, I didn’t experience any speed wobble and the weight of the motor and battery pack really balanced out the fork. The bike feels steady and weight is positioned well.
I prefer the rear mounted single side kickstand that my demo model came with, because it doesn’t cause pedal lock and doesn’t hang down as much… but EBC does also sell a mid-mounted double leg kickstand for those who prefer… and it can be pretty useful if you get the rear rack and use a child seat or really load up the optional Basil pannier bags.
The older Model X and Y used grayscale LCDs that I thought were fine. The new ones are color, making them a bit easier to read, and they have a USB A charging port built into the back right side so you can maintain your smartphone or the optional Bluetooth wireless waterproof speaker. I also appreciate that they leave the settings unlocked and you can adjust the top speed and change how some of the controls respond (throttle activation, for example).
The pedal assist sensor is sealed, making it durable agains dust and water, and positioned behind the chainring for protection. It performed well during my rides, starting quickly as I pedaled and cutting out almost immediately. The trigger throttle behaved as expected and I appreciate that you can change how it works in the settings menu (offering full power override or being limited based on the chosen level of assist).
There are lots of options in the display panel including speed limit from 12mph up to 28mph, you can turn off pedal assist, change the units, or adjust how much power the throttle offers. Check their website for more info on which settings to adjust. Get into the menu by holding up and down immediately after powering the bike on.
I’m very impressed with the optional basket battery upgrade. This is a creative solution and will double range for those who are carrying more cargo or riding for long distances.
Very powerful hub motor that looks great. This is an MXUS motor rated at 500 nominal and 1,250 watt peak. It provides up to 60 newton meters of torque and feels satisfying for flats or climbs. Of course, the best approach for climbing is to gain some speed going in and then pedal along (or shift to lower gears if you get the optional 7-speed drivetrain). The motor isn’t super loud and it’s almost hidden behind the disc brake rotor (and optional freewheel cassette).
The battery technology for all EBC ebikes use high quality cells and have fuses built-in to reduce the potential for failure and short life. They actually partnered with their battery cell supplier and specify that each cell have an individual fuse vs. just one for the entire pack. Like the brakes, it’s almost overkill but hasn’t drastically increased their price compared to the competition.
The founder of this company, Sean Lupton-Smith, is super friendly and authentic. All of his team is based in America and they assemble and customize all of the parts domestically, sourcing locally whenever possible. The support team is easy to get ahold of via phone or online (in my experience), and their 5 year comprehensive 10 year frame and motor warranty is one of the best that I have ever heard of. The Electric Bike Company has been around since 2013, and I’ve covered many of their products. They are even working on an ebike program for South Africa based on the products being sold in America.
Excellent charger choice for these ebikes, you get a faster 3.5 amp Constant Current Constant Voltage CCCV type charger with a metal case, fuse, and inbuilt fan. It’s another premium/reliable part.
This is a little thing, but it made a big impression on me. The charing port on the frame is up high on the right side! This means that plugging the bike in to charge does not require you to bend down and search. It’s easy to see and use!
The model R is more powerful than the Model X or Y because it utilizes a 26 amp controller vs. a 20 amp controller. This is why it is capable of outputting up to 1,250 watts. They market it as a trail bike that’s off-road capable, and that’s true to an extent… but I see it as a powerful and comfortable cruiser with stable wheels and durable hardware. If you do go off-road, just make sure that the adjustable angle stem doesn’t start to get loose ;)
The folks at Electric Bike Company read my review and provided the following clarifications. To me, that shows they care, and I wanted to preserve what they shared: We measured the bike weight at 58lb for the Model R when using the regular battery and no back rack. Even though we do charge a bit for our shipping, one of the main advantages is that the customer gets it fully assembled, which could otherwise cost $75 to $100 extra. We did design the bike to accommodate shorter riders, and we recommend the suspension seatpost upgrade for taller riders, since that is a longer seat post. It is tricky to have one frame to fit all sizes, but with the six adjustment points on the handle bars and seat, and with the longer suspension seat post option and the smaller wheel options etc., we feel that we almost covered 90% of the market.

Cons:

This is a fairly heavy electric bike, especially if you add the front basket, rear rack, and fenders. Electric Bike Company had to reinforce the frame for strength (to reduce any flexing) and to guarantee the maximum 380lb weight rating and support the front rack etc. but that puts the bike at ~57lbs without any racks or fenders etc. and I weighed the demo model from this review at 66.4lbs. Thankfully, you can remove the battery to shave off about 7.5lbs before lifting or transporting with a car rack.
As nice as the battery pack looks, hidden in the downtube, it can be difficult to remove. You have to insert the key, twist to unlock, then press this spring loaded black slider thing below the downtube and pull the battery downwards! It’s actually wedged in there pretty snug, and the top part comes down with the lower part being connected to a ledge inside the downtube. So you’ve got one hand pressing the spring latch lever, the other pulling down, and you want to be careful not to pull so hard that the battery tumbles out and hits the hard ground. I’ve seen better solutions out there, to be honest, but the good news is that you don’t have to remove the battery pack to charge the bike, because there’s a plug on the right side of the main tube to plug in. Also note that extreme heat is hard on lithum-ion batteries and extreme cold will temporarily stunt their range (halving it usually), so if you cannot park the bike somewhere with cool dry temperatures, you’re back to having to remove it carefully.
The included charger is great in that it has a durable case and built-in fuse for safety, but it’s also really large and fairly heavy. This makes it less fun to tote around, but at least it offers 3.5 amp output for faster charging (most chargers I see are just 2 amp). Another trade-off is that the built-in fan can be kind of loud. Also, if you opt for the secondary basket mounted battery pack, you need to charge it separately from the main battery (or get two chargers to fill them simultaneously).
As great as the 2-LED headlight is, they mounted it directly to the steer tube (or basket if you buy one), so it doesn’t turn as you steer. I still think this is a good solution, because it won’t be super low on the fork or get blocked by cargo if you get the basket… but it does compromise how your path is illuminated. The headlight has a reflective surface and wide lens that spreads the light out pretty well, so it does a good job with safety.
This is a minor complaint, but the frame doesn’t have any bottle cage bosses. To bring a drink, you’ll either need to pay extra for a rear rack with some sort of trunk bag bottle holster or purchase their “Ultimate Beverage Holder Liquid Caddy” accessory. It clutters the handlebars a bit, but does tilt as you steer and brake, and it works best with cans or smaller cups vs. actual bike bottles.
This ebike was designed as a single speed, which has the benefits of reduced weight, noise, and complexity but limits how easy and efficient it is to pedal. It also uses more electricity because the motor has to work harder. Thankfully, they do offer a basic 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain upgrade now for $149, and that might be worth getting if you’re a more active pedaler :)
The handlebar is made from steel, which is strong, dampens vibration, and tends to be quiet, but it can start to rust if it gets scratched. Thankfully, the front basket is aluminum alloy (along with the main frame and fork), so they won’t rust ;)
The frame only comes in one size, and it’s on the small side, but they include a 0-60 degree adjustable stem and the the handlebar can be swiveled up to accommodate different body types. The seat post also slides up and down to accommodate a wide range of riders, but it’s kind of short at 250mm by default… which surprised me. I was actually very impressed with how low the saddle could go, and that they sell smaller 24″ wheels that lower the entire frame and makes it more approachable for people who want to put their feet flat on the ground when stopped.
Despite the thicker main tube and additional gussets, there is still some frame flex when you pedal hard, turn quickly, or stand up and pedal on this ebike. This is especially true if the front basket or optional rear rack are loaded with cargo. Frankly, I think they did better than average with frame strength here, this is just a general trade-off for most deep wave step-thrus.
You can angle the display to reduce glare but it isn’t completely removable, this means that it could get scratched at a public bike rack and take more weather wear when parking outside for extended periods. The screen is plastic.
Be careful with the right side of the rear axle because the motor cable protrudes here and could get snagged or bent if the bike tips over, this is a design vulnerability than many hub motors experience and just something to be considerate of as the owner. Some ebikes have derailleur guards, and this is something that could possibly be added aftermarket or that EBC could build for future models.
The trigger throttle power output is limited by the chosen level of assist. I prefer the when throttles let you access full power at any time, so that you don’t have to click any buttons on the display pad. This is because I like to save power and use lower assist when pedaling but then override with the throttle to climb hills or catch up with friends. Thankfully, this can be adjusted in the display settings (along with top speed). You can reach this menu by holding up and down immediately after clicking the power button.
It can be a little confusing when starting the bike because pedal assist may not be active. You have to hold the down arrow to activate it each time you start the bike. Many competing bikes just always have PAS active as well as the throttle, but I guess you could look at the EBC design as more options. I just wish it stayed put once you selected it ;)
For as nice as the battery pack is, and all of the upgrade options, I wish that the display showed 10 bars vs. just 5, or maybe a percentage readout. This way, you would have a much more precise readout and be able to estimate your trips better. Also, I feel that the color display is a bit dim at times, and can be more difficult to read than some of the simpler cheaper grayscale models.
Considering that they call this their trail bike, and label it as “rugged”, I wasn’t super impressed with the Boost hub spacing up front that only has a 9mm axle quick release skewer. Almost all of the other 110mm fork dropouts (called Boost, which accommodate the wide 3″ tires) use 15mm thru-axles that are much sturdier and tougher.

Resources:

Official Electric Bike Company webpage for Model R ebike.

December 19, 2020 (9 months ago)

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Doug Schafer

10 months ago

Thanks for this review, I’m pretty settled on this Model R. I’m 60 and just looking to cruise round on a comfortable bike. I really like the hidden battery, that sold me on this… Very clean looking.

Court

You’re welcome! I’m glad it helped you, and I hope you enjoy the bike. I was pretty thorough and a little critical about the size and “rugged” marketing, but it really is one of the best cruiser ebikes I’ve tested, and it is a step up in terms of ruggedness, so I hope that I wasn’t too hard on it. Have fun, and feel free to come back and leave a comment one day after you’ve gone on some rides!

John

9 months ago

This sentence is confusing since “380lbs is written twice… please clarify the max weight capacity specs:

“With a very high max weight capacity of 380lbs (while their other bikes top out at 380lbs),…”

Thanks John! Another typo here, the other bikes top out at 360lbs. I’ve made the correction ;)

Rich

Thanks for the thorough review on the EBC Model R. I have spent a couple of weeks researching eBikes. Although your “pros” mirrored the opinions of many other other reviews, I really appreciated the “cons” you documented. That said, non of them are deal killers, and I am strongly considering the Electric Bike Company Model R!

Cool, glad this helped! I do my best to cover a wide range of perspectives and cover insights that might be obvious or just not that important in general, so people can consider the bike from multiple angles. I realize that these cost a lot and not everyone has been riding lately or is as up to date with the hardware that’s available now. I appreciate your comment and hope you enjoy whatever you get, Rich!

Sue

I’m pretty sure I will be purchasing this bike, although it is out of my price range, especially after upgrading to custom colors (too cute not to!), back rack, basket, and possibly 7 speed (still debating if this is necessary for me, as I don’t have too many big hills to climb). What sold me on it was your frequent complaint in the video review that the frame is small! Don’t forget to point out that this is a benefit for us shorties! I’m just 5’ tall and it seems I should be able to fit on the standard 26” wheels…? I am a bit concerned about the handlebars being super wide. I have found the cruiser style bikes with wide handlebars to be difficult to turn/maneuver…

Hi Sue! I’m glad to hear that you’re excited about the Model R. It really is a great bike, from one of my favorite companies. I think they even have a smaller 24″ wheel size now for people who wish to lower the frame. I agree that the customization options are beautiful. My Aunt really enjoyed that part of the purchase process for her bike from them. Handlebars can be swapped pretty cheaply aftermarket (look for bars on Amazon, I think you’d want 25.4mm bar thickness vs. 31.8mm). This is something you could even ask Sean or another team member when ordering. Since you’re petite and the bike is meant for you, maybe you could ask about handlebar options or a special setup so you wouldn’t have to mess with it as much yourself? They are the kind of company that is open to feedback like this, and I agree that sometimes the really big bars can be difficult… especially when walking the bike through a doorway. Good luck, hope you have a blast :D

Thanks so much for your reply. I have been trying to get some answers from EBC for a week now, via email and online chat to no avail. I’m going to try calling on Monday to see if that helps. I’m a bit disappointed in their support/responsiveness. I started an online chat the other day about various things and the person I was chatting with didn’t seem to know the answers (about the 24” tires he said he didn’t know if they were offered on the R and when I asked if I could talk to someone else, because he was giving me lots of vague answers, he said he checked and the 24” tires are not available on the R. He also said it is recommended you be 5’2” for the R, but then sent me specs stating min height is 4’6”.) I got so frustrated that I ended the chat. Then I sent a detailed email asking specific questions and the reply I received today didn’t answer my questions, he just said I could see the bike in person in their Ca bike store, which isn’t very helpful since I live in NY. What’s up with this poor customer service? I’m telling you this because you seem to like the company.

Robi Schmiedlin

6 months ago

Hi Sue, I read your comment about being 5′ and feeling like the Model R might be a good bike for you. I am also 5′ and I bought one of these bikes. I like it but it feels a bit big for me. The wide handle bars are what makes it feel big. I just ordered an after market set of handle bars on Amazon which I think will solve the problem. I also don’t like the handle bars that comes with the bike because of the hand position – you hold them more like a hammer – what’s called a neutral grip rather than an overhand grip. The handle bars I ordered from Amazon will require more of an overhand grip. Other than that, I love this bike. I love the big tires because I can go off road/trail with it into fields (like where some people ride their quads). I love the throttle mode… I pedal without pedal assist but when I need help going up a hill I just hit the throttle. I love the displays and the rack on the back. I got a crate for the back and the MIK adapter… love that! The motor has a lot of power and I got the slightly bigger battery – the one that still fit into the frame. I understand what you are saying about not getting answers to questions. At first customer service seemed to be very good but getting answers to a couple of more technical questions seemed to be a little problematic.

Great feedback Robi! Thanks for taking a moment to chime in and suggest the shorter overhand swept back handlebars vs. the huge cruiser ones. I’ve found that those bars can be difficult to fit through doors and just feel too big at times, but they also allow you to sit more upright vs. reaching forward in some cases as well. Anyway, I enjoyed reading your comment :)

Hi Robi! I did order the bike. I decided to go with the front basket instead of the back rack. I also decided to skip the gears. I hope I don’t miss them. Would you mind sharing the link to your after market handlebars? I’m fairly certain I will not like the super wide bars. I wish EBC offered an option for that!

Robi

Hi Sue, glad my comments were helpful. I ordered the 60mm and the 100mm riser handle bars (black) and will decide when they arrive tomorrow. 620mm width is a few inches shorter in width and the EBC handle bars and the hand placement is different – which I feel will help me feel more in control. They are 1 inch in diameter so it will fit the EBC stem and the grips can be transferred to them. I don’t know what the “sweep” measurement is… but the other measurements fit what I was looking for.

I hope you enjoy your bike. I am liking mine a lot. I love putting it in throttle mode but then pedaling it like a normal bike… and just use throttle when I need help getting up a little hill if I am still finding it hard to pedal in 1st gear. I live in Western PA and there are a lot of hills so that is why we went with the 7 speeds. With pedal assist or throttle, on fairly flat trails you will probably be fine with one speed. Here are the handlebars I chose.

Hi Sue,
Just wanted to follow up…the handle bars I ordered seem to be too short of a rise. If I put them on the bike I would be leaning too far forward. So I am still shopping for a solution.
I will keep you posted when I find a solution.

Frank

5 months ago

Hi Robi, I’m in the same boat as you with trying to find a good replacement handlebar. Any luck so far?

I am waiting for these handlebars from Amazon. All others I ordered were too short.

Posted a comment/reply to one of the other comments but will put an additional comment here. I love the new handlebars I got on Amazon. I feel I can make tighter turns and I feel more balanced with my hands and arms a little closer to my body. I got the SUNLITE Medium Hi-Rise Hbar Sunlt Hi Rise 27.5

Thank you for all the reviews you have done on all the bikes. The reviews and your website are EXCELLENT. It was so so helpful when shopping for a bike.

My husband (5’7″) and I (5′) both purchased the Model R and for the most part we like our bikes – love the rugged tires, the suspension in the front, the display, hydro. brakes and the 7 speeds. We especially like the ability to pedal unassisted but use the throttle when needed in a pinch to get up a hill. The motor seems to have good power – and we have taken it on some good size hills in western PA.

One major thing I would mention is that I don’t think the bike is more suited for a smaller person. It feels big to me. I think the main reason for this is the very wide handle bars and the position your hands need to be on the bars (more of a neutral/hammer grip rather than an over hand grip where your palms face the ground. I did not find that very comfortable when riding for over an hour or more and I also think it makes me feel a little less in control or balanced. I feel my arms are reaching out rather than more straight forward. We are going to buy after-market handle bars (kind of between mountain bike and cruiser style) that are about 3 inches less wide and we think that will be better. EBC should offer that as an option – especially for shorter people. Even my husband at 5’7″ feels they handle bars are wide… and maybe that is because we are using the bikes more for the rugged type trails and not simply cruising streets and beaches.

One other comment – the EBC website is really good for purchasing the bike and customizing. There are a few confusing things like it not being clear if you need to buy a kickstand or if one comes with the bike but generally a really good site for purchase of the bike. When buying accessories, the descriptions could be better by providing more detailed information – size specs, what’s MIK ready and what needs the MIK adapter, etc. We found it best to call if you have questions. You don’t seem to get a reply to emails you send and you seem to get the round around on the chat.

Great feedback here, Robi! Yeah, it’s cool that you and your husband can offer these insights since you’re slightly different sizes and have ridden on different terrain and up some good hills. Glad that the Electric Bike Company helped, and appreciate that tip about calling vs. using their chat ;) hope the bikes continue working well for you!

Robi, thanks for the info and let me know which bars you choose If I had read your comments before ordering I may not have. Those handlebars were my biggest worry and the reason I kept looking at other bikes but I really like the other features a lot. I hope I can find a local bike shop to help me swap them out.

Hi Sue, I finally got the handle bars – it took a while for them to ship. And today we had time to do the switch on the bike, it took about 1 hour 15 mins – we took our time starting with the middle pieces and then worked on one side at a time to get everything moved over. We actually only had to cut one wire tie. I think I like them better… it feels like I can make sharper turns on the bike with better balance and it feels like I have more stability when going down hills when leaning forward. My husband thinks he likes them better too. So this is what I got. It was $50 but I think worth it. SUNLITE Medium Hi-Rise Hbar Sunlt Hi Rise 27.5w

Thanks! It’s hard to tell from the pic of the handlebars on Amazon. Can you please post a pic of them on the bike or post one in the forums they have here.

Hi Sue, I am trying to post to the link you sent but I don’t have privileges. I asked to be able to comment… so waiting for them to grant me access to post a comment. I took some pictures and happy to send them to you. My husband’s bike is next to mine so you can see the difference of the two handle bar styles.

Hi Sue, See this post in the forums. I wrote the post and added several pictures comparing the two handlebars side by side on two bikes. I LOVE my new handlebars. LOVE THEM!

Thanks so much for posting about this. I don’t have the bike yet but I’m pretty sure the handlebars will be a problem for me. I’m assuming a local bike shop will be able to switch them out for me. Now I’m also worried about the color. Someone on another forum posted a pic of her bike that she ordered in vino, which is a dark wine color on their web site but instead they sent it in bright pink! I ordered mine in pale pink with vino basket and fork. I hope they got it right!

4 months ago

I’m wondering how you got a demo Model R with a rear mounted kick stand. Mine is center mounted, which is very annoying, and when I called the company they said all of the kickstands on the R are center mounted. I’m also disappointed that there is no walk mode. There is a steep incline taking my bike out of my building and it’s a workout out just to get it out to the street. I tried using the throttle but that was pretty jerky. I’m also kind of regretting not getting the gears. I had to put it in PAS 5 to get up a hill, but it did get up. I guess I could have used the throttle also. Having said all that, I thought I would hate the handlebars but I don’t. It’s a very comfortable upright position, and the bike rides like a dream… very smooth due to the wide tires and fork suspension.

Hi Sue! Well, I’m happy that you’re enjoying the bike overall, but I’m not sure about the kickstand placement differences? Perhaps they changed the design since I covered the bike since some time has passed. Maybe the were limited on parts due to the recent supply chain challenges in the world and switched? I wish I had a solid answer for you, and I’m also surprised that it didn’t have walk mode. I review bikes with the Electric Bike Company team on a regular basis, visiting them in Newport Beach, but I haven’t been out for a while.

Yes, it’s great overall. I do notice that I need to be in PAS 2 to get the same oomph as I get with PAS 1 on my Blix Bike. I guess because of the fatter and larger tires, it’s heavier? Plus, Blix has little nice perks like rear kickstand, walk mode, and bell. But EBC has a more stable and comfortable ride. Nothing’s perfect!! I do wish I had listened to you and gotten the gears. It was tough going up hill without them… had to quickly go to PAS 5.

Mike M.

3 months ago

What are your thoughts on the motor (brand)? I hadn’t seen this one before, and looking it up it seems to be a bit on the cheap side for what otherwise is a bike with a lot of quality put into it. I’ve been slowly looking around for my ‘next’ eBike and was looking at these until I realized a similarly rated Bafang would give ~33% more torque (which I need for hills as a larger guy). Maybe I’ll stick to looking at mid drives for my next endeavor.

Hi Mike, great question. My experience with the Electric Bike Company products is that they feel very powerful. Pedego stands out as another powerful cruiser brand, and I believe that most of their motors are Dapu now. Rad Power Bikes uses Bafang, I think, but has them custom tuned. Perhaps you could get more feedback in the EBR forums about reliability for the Model R and other EBC products, my own experiences have been great :) mid-drive is a great consideration, but most of the European brands forego throttles. If that’s important to you, consider DÖST.

Al

This is the first review that I’ve read that has indicated this bike may not work for taller riders. Thank you for including this concern! I am tall (6’3″), but have very short legs (30″ inseam) for my height. I am wondering if this bike would work for me. I want a step-through that doesn’t look to “girly” and I need a hefty max rider weight as I am over 300 lbs (looking to commute with an E-bike to help change that).

Hi Al! Sorry for the slow reply here. I also have a 30″ inseam (just re-measured to make sure), even though I’m closer to 5’9″ and the bike felt a little small to me, but was definitely rideable. It sounds like you’ve got a taller upper body, so you might be very upright on this model, but that’s not a bad thing. I like the power of their motors, the style of the frames, and the higher weight capacity. Other brands to consider would be Pedego, RIZE, and DOST.