EZ Pedaler T300 Review

The EZ Pedaler T300 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 even pedal assist mode vs. throttle only. The price is in line with similar bikes from other leading brands and while availability online is somewhat limited, many local shops carry this bike and will be able to provide good maintenance and service.

The T300 name on this bike signifies how powerful the front hub motor is. The motor itself is geared which provides extra torque on hills but for larger riders, 300 watts might not be enough for steeper terrain. Thankfully, the bike has built in pedal assist mode which lets the rider pedal along with the motor, significantly improving climbing power and range. The motor is built into the front hub on this bike which is atypical for ebikes because it requires a stronger, burlier fork and can be more prone to spinning out. 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.

Back to how the motor works with this bike. In addition to a small thumb throttle on the right handlebar, the rider can use pedal assist and this mode can actually be turned on or off but in both cases the throttle still works! I love this because it means that at a stop sign, you can quickly accelerate from standstill using the throttle and then go back to pedaling with assistance from the motor. Many other ebikes make you choose one or the other. Keep in mind however that the kind of pedal assist offered here relies on a pedelec sensor, not a torque sensor. This means it activates more abruptly (after two pedal rotations) and the motor can sometimes continue running even after the rider has stopped pedaling. For this reason, many people turn off pedal assist in crowded areas or when riding in more delicate situations.

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. Many other electric bikes position the battery pack high up on a rear rack making them less stable. The battery on the T300 is Lithium-ion which is lightweight and powerful. It’s enclosed in aluminum shell and protected by the bicycle frame tubing on all sides. It locks to the bike and requires the key to be in when riding which is a little annoying but the key is not in the way of getting kicked so that’s nice. The battery itself removable but can also be charged on the bike. Offering 36 volts of power and 12 amp hours of capacity, this thing gets upwards of 25 miles per charge in non pedal assist mode and offers good but not super strong torque.

The EZ Pedaler T300 is a well rounded bike in terms of performance but it also offers a lot of comfort. This stems from the larger balloon style tires that help to smooth out cracks and bumps along with the cushy sprung seat and upright handlebars. What really sets it apart from other cruiser style bikes like the Pedego Cruiser is that it actually has a front shock absorber built in! While this adds weight to the bike, it does a lot to improve the ride in bumpy conditions.

Other creature comforts include a built in front light and a AA powered rear light. Both require a manual switch to be pressed in order to activate which is less convenient than fancier LCD computer setups, but again, this bike costs less. The optional fenders are nice for regions where it rains a lot and the standard rear rack works well with panniers. The chain guard is nice and I especially like that they used an internal gearing system on the rear hub because this allows you to change gears at stop and avoid some of the wear and tuning issues that external derailleurs present. I would like to have seen a metal bash guard protecting the rear shifting mechanism but the plastic case works well enough. Overall, this is a solid entry level bike but larger riders or those living in hilly regions may prefer more powerful motor setups.

Pros:

• Rich feature set at a reasonable price
• Balanced weight distribution, front to rear
• Low center of gravity, step-through design is easy to mount
• Lights on front and rear are great for safety
• Simple to use throttle design
• Pedal assist works very well and I love that it can be used in conjunction with throttle!
• 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 riders clean
• Solid double-sided kickstand works well and doesn’t hang down too far
• Adjustable neck and oversized handlebars provide a good range for taller riders
• Tires have large white reflective sidewalls for safety

Cons:

• Medium power and torque offering from 300 watt motor 36 volt battery combination
• Front hub motor changes the feel of steering a bit, can lose traction easier than rear designs
• Rear light requires independent power source, two AA batteries
• Both lights require rider to turn them on with a switch, can easily forget to turn off and drain rear battery
• Front shock is very basic, no lock out options, but gets the job done
• 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:

• Official Site: http://www.ezpedaler.com/
• Official Manual: ez-pedaler-manual.pdf
• More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/qUaVUa9hm9JbYUTZ6