2014 EZ Pedaler F350 Review

The EZ Pedaler F350 folding electric bike is an impressive system that comes with just about everything you need to enjoy a range of riding conditions. Its more powerful (and a bit more expensive) than the F300 and as such, has great acceleration and solid hill climbing ability. While most ebikes set a top speed of 20mph this one is electronically limited to 18 (presumably for safety given the smaller wheel size and folding frame). It’s also a bit heavier at 52 pounds but this is due to the larger motor, battery, suspension fork and rack. Overall, I really like this bike and was impressed with the Shimano Nexus hub, fenders, lights and handy flip-up saddle.

As you might have guessed, the F350 comes with a 350 watt geared hub motor. It’s relatively quiet and light weight but offers solid torque and climbing ability. It’s noticeably stronger than some of the other folding ebikes I’ve tested. The only downside is that it’s mounted in the front wheel which can add some weight to the steering setup. Ultimately, this provided space for the internally geared Shimano Nexus hub in the rear that offers three pedaling speeds. I like how this setup keeps the chain short and tight, allows you to shift at standstill and requires less maintenance overall. Note that the maximum recommended weight for this bike is 250 pounds.

The battery on the F350 delivers 36 volts of power and 10 amp hours of capacity. It’s exactly average in the world of ebikes but at the upper end for folding models. It uses Lithium-ion chemistry that has a higher energy density (making it lighter than other options) and it’s also capable of more charge cycles before degrading. The pack is easily removable which makes transporting the bike less work (lighter weight) and allows you to charge it more conveniently. If you use this thing on your RV or boat make sure to top the battery off every couple of months and ideally after each ride. Also avoid extreme heat and cold to extend life.

The control panel on this bike is very intuitive but lacks some of the fancier features like a speed and distance readout. Instead, it uses LED’s to indicate battery level and assist setting. The neat part is that you can switch the front light on (the rear light has a physical switch and runs on separate batteries). You can achieve the best climbing performance and range by pedaling along in one of the three pedal assist modes but at any time the trigger throttle is there for a dose of extra power or to relax your legs. It’s a great system that’s easy to reach and use when riding.

The EZPedaler F350 is a well rounded and higher quality offering that’s still pretty affordable. Some of the components are lower end, namely the six sensor pedalec system that can feel a bit jerky compared with some of the newer fancier ebikes. It folds nicely and is easy to mount thanks to the low-step design. Some ebikes with 20″ wheels feel jarring and squirrely but this one rides well and I love the suspension, padded saddle and larger tires because they dampen the bumps and cracks. Unfortunately, the front hub motor can create a sticky feel in the front suspension because it’s pulling forward (creating friction in the vertical piston movement of the fork) but it still dampens the ride. Ultimately this is a solid option that rides well.

Pros:

• Shimano Nexus geared hub is clean, requires less maintenance, can be shifted at standstill and keeps the chain shorter and tighter so it won’t fall off as easily
• Front and rear LED lights are convenient and improve safety when riding, front light can be activated from the control panel
• One of the strongest folding electric bikes I’ve reviewed, fast and capable climber
• Suspension fork, padded seat and larger tires cushion bumps and improve ride quality (though the suspension fork doesn’t slide up and down as easily when the motor is actively pulling the bike forward)
• Front and rear fenders look great and keep you clean when riding in wet conditions
• Rear rack uses standard sized tubing which works with most packs and panniers
• Battery is removable for convenient charging or to make the bike lighter when lifting for storage, the seat also swivels up which makes it easier to get the battery pack off
• Double leg kickstand is extra stable which helps when adding items for storage on the rear rack

Cons:

• Simpler cadence sensing pedal assist with six magnets can feel jerkier than systems with torque, speed and cadence sensors
• Hub motor weight in front wheel creates gyroscopic centripetal force that impacts steering a bit
• Rear light has to be switched on manually which makes it easier to forget or leave on, it also runs on separate batteries
• Band brake in the rear doesn’t stop as quickly as a v-brake which is what they used up front
• Top speed of 18 miles per hour vs. 20 on some other folding ebikes
• Heavier than some folding ebikes at 52lbs due to larger motor, battery and suspension fork

Resources:

• Official Manual: ez-pedaler-manual.pdf