Biria Electric City Bike Review

Biria Electric City Bike Electric Bike Review 1
Biria Electric City Bike
Biria Electric City Bike Battery Chain Guard
Biria Electric City Bike Cassette
Biria Electric City Bike Suspension Fork
Biria Electric City Bike Control Console
Biria Electric City Bike Twist Shifter
Biria Electric City Bike Electric Bike Review 1
Biria Electric City Bike
Biria Electric City Bike Battery Chain Guard
Biria Electric City Bike Cassette
Biria Electric City Bike Suspension Fork
Biria Electric City Bike Control Console
Biria Electric City Bike Twist Shifter

Summary

  • Affordable and comfortable city style electric bike with lots of accessories: fenders, rack, adjustable handlebars, removable battery pack
  • Limited run model, it's harder to find and only available in one configuration: 19" frame, high-step, black paint
  • Weaker drive system may struggle with hills in throttle mode, also offers pedal assist mode

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Biria

Model:

Electric City Bike

Price:

$1,150 USD

Body Position:

Upright Relaxed

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban, Commuting

Electric Bike Class:

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

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

20132014

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

55 lbs (24.94 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

18 in (45.72 cm)

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Gloss Black

Frame Fork Details:

Basic Zoom Suspension

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Tourney

Shifter Details:

Grip Twist on Right Bar

Pedals:

Platform with Rubber Tread

Stem:

Adjustable Angle

Handlebar:

Swept Back

Brake Details:

Mechanical V-Brakes

Grips:

Rubber, Semi-Ergonomic

Saddle:

Padded Comfort

Rims:

HJC DA300 Double Wall Aluminum Alloy

Tire Brand:

Kenda Kahn, 26" x 1.75

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Plastic Fenders with Mud Guards, Plastic Chain Guard, Rear Carry Rack with Pannier Blockers and Spring Latch (Rack Limit 50 lbs), Bell on Right Bar, Single Side Adjustable Kickstand

Other:

Removable Silver Fish Style Battery Pack, Quick Disconnect on Motor

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Battery Voltage:

24 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

8 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

192 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

2.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Display Type:

LED Console by E-Moto

Readouts:

Battery Level (1-5), Pedal Assist (on/off), Lights (on/off)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

The Biria Electric City Bike was a limited run model produced around 2013. You may be familiar with their 2012 Easy Boarding electric bicycle which offered a stronger battery, seat post shock and shorter frame that was designed to be easier to mount. The company has been focused on non-electric bikes and offers unique frame designs for city riding and comfortable cruising. This review is meant to introduce the company, describe the bike (which is still available at some independent dealers and may be found used) and set the stage for the possibility of future models.

The Electric City Bike is all about value. At under $1,500 it fits into the “affordable” category here but is one of the more feature rich offerings I’ve seen. From the suspension fork, fenders, rear rack, chain guard, comfort seat, adjustable stem and ergonomic grips to the removable battery design this is a pretty high quality bike! And, it offers both trigger throttle and pedal assist mode so you can relax and cruise around or pedal along (which you might have to do when climbing steeper hills).

Driving this classy bicycle is an efficient 250 watt geared hub motor located in the rear. It’s on par with the standard in Europe but rather small compared to many US ebikes. Still, the gears provide torque and allow the motor itself to be lighter weight and take up less space, providing room for the seven speed cassette (that includes one large ring to make climbing easier). It’s relatively quiet and includes a quick connect that makes removing the rear wheel for maintenance or changing flats easier.

Powering the bike is 24 volt 8 amp hour Lithium-ion battery pack located just behind the seat tube. The position is good, keeping weight low and more centered on the frame. The power and size offered are rather low but the pack itself is removable for easy charging at work or school if you use this to commute. Considering the limited run status of this electric bike, it’s kind of nice that the battery pack is so generic because you should be able to find replacements online when it eventually does wear out and you could always go through Electric Cyclery which carries them.

In closing, this is great value electric bike that’s popular with students due to the low price and high utility. It may have been a limited run, along with the 2012 Easy Boarding Electric but you can bet Biria will be back with a new design in the coming years. There are so many piecemeal ebikes on eBay and other websites that resemble this, and have a similar price, but I trust Biria and had a good experience with this model.

Pros:

  • Excellent price for an ebike with five levels of pedal assist and a trigger throttle
  • Weaker 250 watt motor and 24 volt battery struggle with hills if you don’t pedal along
  • Great functional accessories including chain guard, fenders and rear rack with spring latch
  • Adjustable stem, swept back handlebars, ergo grips and padded seat smooth out cracks and bumps
  • Charging or transporting the bike is made easier by the removable battery pack
  • Battery position keeps weight low and centered on the bike for improved stability and maneuvering
  • Simple LED control console is easy to reach and understand
  • Quick disconnect point in motor cables makes wheel service and changing flats much easier

Cons:

  • Limited production run, bicycle is no longer being produced but is available through some retailers
  • Plastic pedals are less stiff and can become slippery in wet conditions
  • Key must be left in the battery pack when riding, can be noisy or forgotten more easily
  • Only available in one frame size, high step and black paint
  • No lights, the suspension fork is very basic and the front fender could extend lower for more splash protection
  • Relatively heavy at 55lbs considering the smaller motor and battery size

Resources:

More Biria Reviews

Biria Easy Boarding Electric Review

  • MSRP: $2,750
  • MODEL YEAR: 2016

Unique deep-step frame allows riders to mount with less than a five inch leg lift and stand over the bike comfortably, the seat can be dropped very low as well. Utilizes a very high quality motor, battery and display from BionX, a well established company…...

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