EZ Pedaler C300 Review

Ez Pedaler C300 Electric Bike Review 1
Ez Pedaler C300 Black
300 Watt Front Hub Motor C300
Three Gears In Rear Hub
Handle Bars Assist Switch Throttle
Ez Pedaler C300 Electric Bike Review 1
Ez Pedaler C300 Black
300 Watt Front Hub Motor C300
Three Gears In Rear Hub
Handle Bars Assist Switch Throttle

Summary

  • Feature rich entry level electric bike, offers pedal assist and throttle mode
  • Front hub motor and mid-frame battery distribute weight evenly, 58 lb bike
  • Average power from the 300 watt hub motor paired with 36 volt Lithium-ion battery pack
  • Large soft tires, front shock, soft sprung seat and adjustable neck add comfort

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

EZ Pedaler

Model:

C300

Price:

$1,895 USD

Body Position:

Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

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

Warranty:

3 Year Frame, 1 Year Components and Drive Systems

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2013

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

58 lbs (26.3 kg)

Frame Material:

7075 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Black, White

Frame Fork Details:

Zoom Double Crown Suspension

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses

Gearing Details:

3 Speed 1x3 Shimano Nexus Internally Geared Hub

Shifter Details:

Grip Twist on Right Bar

Pedals:

Aluminum Alloy Platform

Stem:

Adjustable Angle

Handlebar:

Zoom Aluminum Alloy, Swept Back

Brake Details:

Mechanical Disc in Front, Roller Brake in Rear, Levers with Motor Cutoff Switch

Saddle:

Velo Comfort with Flip-Up Lever

Rims:

Double Wall Aluminum Alloy

Spokes:

13 Gauge Stainless Steel

Tire Brand:

Kenda

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

Puncture Resistant, Reflective Sidewalls

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

LED Headlight Powered by Main Battery, LED Rear Light Powered by Two AA Batteries, Optional Plastic Fenders with Mud Flaps, Plastic Chain Guard, Rear Carry Rack with Pannier Blockers, Double Leg Kickstand, Bell on Left Grip, LED Charge Level Indicator on Battery

Other:

250 lb Maximum Load, Removable Silverfish Style Battery with Fuse, Handle and Keyed Lock, Torque Arm on Front Fork Connected to Hub Motor Mount for Strength

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

8Fun

Motor Type:

Front-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

300 watts

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

12 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

432 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

4 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Display Type:

LED Console

Readouts:

Battery Level

Display Accessories:

Pedal Assist Toggle Switch on Left Bar

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

The EZ Pedaler C300 is an entry level ebike that delivers average performance but includes a broad range of features. It’s got three gears, an average sized motor, lights, optional fenders and a unique pedal assist on/off switch that lets you use the throttle power in conjunction with pedal assist. The price is in line with similar bikes from other leading brands and the quality is decent but will wear out faster if used in bumpier off road settings.

The C300 name on this bike signifies how powerful the front hub motor is, 300 watts. The C stands for “cruiser” and signals the relaxed upright positioning and high top bar. If you’re a little smaller or are looking for a step-through model then check out the T300.

The 300 watt motor on this bike is geared which allows it to provide extra torque for hills and windier conditions but this should not be considered a “strong” bike. If you’re a larger rider I recommend upgrading to the 350 model or a 500 watt option from another brand like Pedego. The drawback of geared hub motors is that there are more moving parts inside which creates friction when coasting and can also wear out faster over time. Even on lower powered motors however, the front fork mounting design is a bit less structurally sound than a rear mounted equivalent. To address this, EZ Pedaler has installed a torque plate designed to handle the added stresses of motor force. It’s silver and you can see it in the picture below:

When you do end up in tougher riding conditions with this bike the pedal assist mode significantly improves climbing power and range. Basically, there is a sensor built into the bottom bracket that detects pedal arm movement and signals to the motor to kick in and “assist”. It gives your thumb a break from pushing on the throttle and it also allows you to compliment the electric motor with your own muscular input.

The motor on the EZ Pedaler C300 is built right into the front hub which is atypical for ebikes because it requires a stronger, burlier fork and can be more prone to spinning out. Most ebikes put the motor on the rear wheel because the frame is reinforced there and designed to handle rider derived input via pedaling. The downside of rear-hub designs is the complexity of adding a hub where there is already a set of gears and derailleur. One benefit to the front-hub design is that it balances out the weight of the bike more evenly from front to rear and makes servicing tires easier. In the case of the C300, it also allowed EZ Pedaler to use an internally geared rear hub which makes shifting from standstill possible and decreases the length of the chain which in turn makes it harder for the chain to fall off.

In addition to pedal assist mode, this bike features a small thumb throttle on the right handlebar. One of the coolest features of this bike is the pedal assist on/off switch which allows you to use both the throttle and pedal assist at the same time. This works very well when you’re pedaling but have to stop for alight or stop sign and then want to get back up to speed. Just use the throttle then transition back to pedaling with pedal assist! Most other bikes require you to choose one or the other and I find that distracting.

The battery powering this bike sits mid-frame and low to the ground which is great for handling and maneuvering at racks and other non-riding situations like walking. It’s also completely removable but requires you to take the seat off. Many other electric bikes mount their battery packs high up on a rear rack making them less stable. The C300 battery is made with Lithium-ion which is lightweight and powerful. It also gets many more charge cycles before wearing out than Lead acid or Lithium polymer types. The battery is enclosed in an aluminum shell and protected by the bicycle frame tubing on all sides. It also locks to the bike which is nice but requires the key to be inserted when riding which is a little annoying to me because the key can jingle around or get bumped. The battery delivers 36 volts of power and 12 amp hours of capacity, providing about 25 miles per charge in non pedal assist mode.

The EZ Pedaler C300 is a well rounded bike in terms of performance but it also offers a lot of comfort. The larger balloon style tires smooth out cracks and bumps and the cushy sprung seat and upright handlebars position riders with their “heads up” and make riding with a backpack less uncomfortable. What really sets the C300 apart from other cruiser style bikes is that it actually has a front shock absorber built in! While this does add weight to the bike, it also makes it easier to ride over longer distances or for those with back and neck pain. I also love the fact that this bike has built in water bottle mounts. It’s the little things…

Other creature comforts on this bike include built in lights (the rear one requires 2 AA batteries but the front one runs off of the main pack). There’s a nice chain guard and fenders to keep pants clean and dry and the internal hub is easy to use and maintain vs. a chain derailleur system which requires more tune ups. Even though this bike only offers three gears, I found that it’s enough for most riding up to 20 mph which is the top speed of the bike in electric mode. This is a good entry level value priced bike that’s well thought out and comfortable to ride.

Pros:

  • Balanced weight distribution, front to rear
  • Low center of gravity with battery mounted behind seat tube
  • Lights on front and rear are great for safety but use independent on-off switches which can be annoying and easily left on
  • Simple to use throttle design
  • Pedal assist can be used in conjunction with throttle or turned off
  • Upright positioning is easy on the back and keeps rider’s view up and alert
  • Oversized tires absorb bumps and compliment the front shock and sprung seat nicely
  • Lithium battery is well protected, long lasting and light weight
  • Chain protector and fenders are great for keeping you clean when riding
  • Solid double-sided kickstand works well and doesn’t hang down too far
  • Adjustable neck and oversized handlebars improve comfort
  • Tires have large white reflective sidewalls for safety
  • Bolt-on rear rack accommodates most panniers because it uses standard gauge tubing

Cons:

  • Medium power and torque offering from geared 300 watt motor 36 volt battery combination
  • Front hub motor changes the feel of steering a bit, can lose traction easier than rear designs
  • Front shock is very basic, no lock out option for reduced bobbing when pedaling
  • Bolt-on style rear rack can get rattly over time but much less so than ebikes with batteries mounted to them
  • Battery requires key to be left in when riding, can be jingly when going over bumps
  • Adjustable neck can get loose over time, especially riding over bumps and curbs
  • Basic pedals offer small surface area and can get slippery in wet riding conditions
  • Wires are not integrated into the frame

Resources:

More EZ Pedaler Reviews

EZ Pedaler T350 Review

  • MSRP: $1,795
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

An affordable city style electric bike with step-thru frame and smaller 24" wheels that keep the frame low and easy to mount. Offers a complete set of mid-level accessories including full length fenders, chain guard, a rear…...

EZ Pedaler T500 Review

  • MSRP: $1,895
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

A low-step city style electric bike with upgraded 500 watt geared motor and three speed internally geared Shimano Nexus hub. Easy to mount and stabilize at stops, less stiff frame, nice accessories including fenders, carry…...

EZ Pedaler X350 Review

  • MSRP: $1,695
  • MODEL YEAR: 2015

An affordable folding style electric bike with streamlined three-speed internally geared hub in the back and a 350 watt geared motor in the front. Great utilitarian accessories including full length fenders with mud flaps, chain guide, rear carry rack…...

2014 EZ Pedaler T500 Review

  • MSRP: $1,870
  • MODEL YEAR: 2014

Low-step city style electric bike with basic pedal assist and trigger throttle, powerful 500 watt motor. Good balance with battery pack low and center, front hub motor adds weight to steering…...

EZ Pedaler F350 Review

  • MSRP: $1,679
  • MODEL YEAR: 2014

Powerful folding electric bike with 350 watt geared hub motor and removable 36 volt Lithium battery. Completely accessorized with fenders, lights, rear rack, padded seat and suspension fork...

2013 EZ Pedaler T350 Review

  • MSRP: $1,895
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013, 2014

Fully featured step-through electric bike offering throttle and pedal assist modes. Good torque and range with 350 watt front hub motor and 36 volt Lithium-ion battery…...

EZ Pedaler C350 Review

  • MSRP: $1,895
  • MODEL YEAR: 2014

Feature rich electric bike offering pedal assist, throttle mode, lights and fenders. Front hub motor and mid-frame battery distribute weight evenly, 59 lb bike...

EZ Pedaler F300 Review

  • MSRP: $1,479
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013

One of the only folding electric bikes I've seen to date with a front shock built in for comfort. Comes stock with front and rear lights, fenders and a rear rack for panniers or…...

EZ Pedaler T300 Review

  • MSRP: $1,895
  • MODEL YEAR: 2013

Fully featured entry level electric bike with throttle and pedal assist. 275 lb carrying capacity, bike itself weighs 56 lbs and is balanced evenly front to…...


 No Comments YouTube Comments

Be the First to Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.