Momentum’s been pretty quiet on the Vida E+ front since the last release in 2022, but they’re back with some big changes for 2025. And when I say big changes, I mean they’ve basically started from scratch, out goes the mid-drive and internal gear hub combo from 2022, and in comes a 500W rear hub motor with a traditional 8-speed Shimano Acera setup.
It’s one of those moves that makes you wonder what they were hearing from riders. Maybe the IGH was more hassle than it was worth for most folks, or maybe they just wanted to simplify things and bring costs down. Either way, this isn’t just a fresh coat of paint, it’s a whole new bike wearing the Vida E+ name.
What hasn’t changed is the practical, no-nonsense approach to a reliable e-bike that rides as smooth as it looks. You’re still getting a step-through ALUXX Aluminum frame that’s easy to hop on and off, front suspension to smooth out the rough stuff, and those smaller 26-inch wheels that make the bike feel more manageable in tight spaces. Plus, Momentum has a slew of optional, practical accessories like full fenders, both front and rear MIK racks, lighting, and their Transporter G-2 Pannier Bag.
So, the question remains…
Did Momentum make the right call ditching the mid-drive setup for a hub motor? After spending the last few weeks with the pre-production test unit and spending literal hours in the saddle at this point, I have some thoughts.
My Experience Riding The Momentum Vida E+ E-Bike
Let’s talk about what really matters, how this thing actually rides. First impression? The geometry just works. Momentum nailed the upright riding position with a frame that puts you in that sweet spot between comfortable and engaged.
The slight backward and upward sweep of the alloy handlebars plays perfectly with the frame geometry to create what I can only describe as “effortless” handling. It’s one of those bikes where you just look where you want to go and it flows there naturally, no wrestling with the steering, no stress on your back or wrists, just a relaxed ride that matches the whole vibe of the bike.
I was sent the ‘Mountain Air’ colorway for testing. It’s a mix of sky white and subtle alpine green? Honestly, it’s very subtle and hard to say for sure. Fortunately, if you’re not in love with this color, Momentum also offers the Vida E+ in both Caramel Cinnamon and Abyss Black.
That 500W rear hub motor? Absolutely savage in how quiet it is. I’m talking whisper-quiet to the point where I only really noticed it working when I was asking for full gas on steep climbs or trying to accelerate hard on flats. The torque sensor does exactly what you’d expect from a brand backed by Giant’s decades of bike-making experience. It’s smooth and subtle, giving you that natural lift that doesn’t scream “hey everyone, I’m on an ebike!”
In terms of power, it can peak at up to 750 watts and pushes a respectable 60 Nm of torque leaving me with a ride that feels capable but not overbearing. It’s not going to pin you back in your seat like some torque monster fat tire, but it does have that “just right” feel for this type of bike. Hills? No problem. Flat road acceleration? Plenty peppy. It never felt underpowered for what the Vida E+ is supposed to do.
The 26-inch wheels add to the fun, nimble handling, and paired with those CST tires, you get a ride that’s quiet, smooth, and just plain capable.
But, like all things, it had a subtle flaw: no water bottle cage mounts. I get why there’s nothing on the downtube with the removable battery cover, but there’s plenty of room on the seat tube for a bottle cage mount. It seems like such an easy win that Momentum just… missed. My workaround? I simply tossed my water bottle in the optional G-2 Pannier bag on that MIK rear rack and carried on.
The Tektro 4P brake calipers with those beefy 2.3mm thick, 180mm rotors deliver excellent stopping power, and the adjustable reach levers in the cockpit let you dial in the perfect finger position for a comfy braking feel regardless of hand size.
At the end of the day, this bike is just good at what it’s supposed to be, getting you from point A to point B in a quiet, smooth package that works for a lot of different riders and riding styles. Bottle cage gripe aside, it’s a very well-executed bike.
Range
Estimated Range (from Momentum):
- Pedal Assist: 40 to 55 miles
- Throttle Only: 31 to 43 miles
Real World Range Test Results:
- Eco Mode Pedal Assist: 57 miles (MIN Assist)
- Power Mode Pedal Assist: 35 miles (MAX Assist)
Momentum claims the Vida E+ will get 40-55 miles on pedal assist and 31-43 miles on throttle only, which are pretty typical estimates that usually assume perfect conditions and a featherweight rider.
In our test, a teammate managed to squeeze out 57 miles using only Eco mode in what I’d call pretty good conditions with a mostly flat bike path with only about 600ft of elevation gain over the entire ride.
After a full charge and a good night’s sleep, I set out on Turbo mode to see how much range I could squeeze out of the Vida E+ when asking for full gas and I was able to cover 35 miles before the battery tapped out.
The battery held essentially full power from 100% down to about 6-7%, then started tapering off gradually but stayed usable all the way down to 2%, where the bike could no longer hold any meaningful speed. That’s actually a great performance and better than a lot of e-bikes where you start losing significant power at 15% and many become pretty much useless under 10%.
Your mileage will obviously vary depending on how much you’re pedaling, what assist level you’re using, how hilly your route is, and how much you weigh. But hitting 35-57 miles in real conditions while exceeding Momentum’s own estimates is a good sign that they’re not just throwing out fantasy numbers.
Power (Motor & Battery)
That 500W rear hub motor is the real star of the show here, branded as the SyncDrive Move S, it peaks at 750W and pushes 60Nm of torque.
Giant’s thrown in their adaptive sensor setup, three sensors working in tandem (torque, speed, and cadence), that constantly measure what you’re putting into the pedals to dial in the perfect amount of support.
This is where you really feel Giant’s influence.
The whole system is refined and smooth in a way that screams “legacy bike brands know what they’re doing.” It strikes this perfect balance between natural pedal feel and having some real grit when you need it. Dig into the pedals and you get noticeable acceleration, but it never feels jerky or artificial because those sensors are reading your effort and responding accordingly, not just dumping power at you. It’s quiet enough that you’ll forget it’s there until you’re asking for full power on a steep climb or trying to rocket away from a stoplight, and even then, it’s barely noticeable.
The power delivery just feels right, and that three-sensor setup is a big reason why.
The 687.9Wh battery is where Momentum really thought things through. At 9.1 pounds, it’s substantial but not ridiculous, and more importantly, it’s lockable and removable with the provided keys. But, there’s also an external battery level indicator right on the battery itself, so you can quickly glance without having to haul it downstairs, reinstall it, and fire up the display just to see where you stand.
The external battery cover is this nice black plastic that plays well with the bike’s contact points. The saddle, grips, bars, racks, wheels, and tires all have these matching black accents that tie the whole look together. It’s a small detail, but it shows someone was actually thinking about the overall design. For peace of mind, the battery is also IPX7 water-resistant and UL 2271 certified.
Charging is handled by a 3A fast charger that claims you can charge the bike to 80% in about 4.5 hours and to 100% in just over 6 hours. Momentum also added a frame-integrated weatherproof charge port cover for when you want to top off without removing the battery. It’s the kind of thoughtful execution that makes daily living with the bike just a little bit easier.
Components
The 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain is a pleasant surprise; it’s a nice step up from the bottom-tier groupsets you usually see on bikes in this category. The HG 11-40t cassette paired with that 52t chainring gives you a pretty wide range that makes the bike adaptable to varied rides with more elevation, should you need it. Whether you’re spinning up a steep hill or trying to keep up with traffic on the flats, there’s a gear that works.
The under-bar trigger shifters are crisp and responsive. The 165mm ProWheel alloy crankset comes with a chainguard and basic flat plastic pedals that get the job done. Plus, Momentum opted for a more durable e-bike rated chain, which not all brands do, and while it seems small, it’s those types of little touches that help keep your bike running longer without visits to the local bike shop for a new chain that’s been stressed from a motor it wasn’t designed to deal with.
Those Tektro 4P hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors front and rear are seriously impressive. The 2.3mm thick rotors give you plenty of thermal mass, and the stopping power is excellent without being grabby. What really stands out is how quiet they are, no squealing or grinding, just smooth, consistent braking power. The Tektro alloy levers have Allen key-adjustable reach, so you can dial in the perfect finger position. It’s nice to see some properly beefed-up braking on these 69-pound e-bikes (with all the optional accessories loaded up).
The Luxe saddle is 8 inches wide at its thickest point with micro-adjust rails and even has an underside carrying grip, a nice touch for when you need to haul the bike around. It’s mounted on an alloy seat post with QR adjustability. The ergo platform rubber grips in black tie into the overall design nicely. While the ride is very comfy, I found the saddle a bit stiffer than I’d prefer, but saddle comfort is super subjective, what doesn’t work for me might be perfect for you, and it certainly wasn’t bad.
The 26-inch alloy wheels in black are wrapped in 26×2.4″ CST tires with a commuter-friendly tread pattern. The recommended PSI range is 35-65, and I’ve been running them on the low end for extra vibration dampening and comfort, and works great on mixed surfaces.
Up front, you’ve got an SR Suntour XCM34 fork with 80mm travel, thru-axle support and matching black 34mm stanchions, perfect for smoothing out potholes and rough pavement without being overkill for this type of riding.
Screen / User Interface / App
The 1.5″ full-color RideControl Dash Core display is clean and readable, packing in all the info you actually need without overwhelming you with data. You get current speed, estimated range on your current assist level, total odometer, trip distance, trip time, average speed, max speed, and cadence with your current PAS level in use.
It has walk mode at 4mph, lets you turn the headlight on and off, has adjustable brightness, and connects wirelessly to the RideControl mobile App. You can also change units from mph to kmh by holding the ‘info’ button for 5 seconds, which is handy if you’re metrically inclined.
Speaking of the RideControl app, connecting is dead simple- just power on the bike, open the app, and it finds and connects automatically through a quick scan. You do have to complete a profile and sign in with your email, but that’s pretty standard these days.
Once you’re set up, you’ll need to register your new Vida E+ to enable the digital lock feature, which is actually pretty slick. You can lock and unlock the bike’s motor support right from the app using the Bluetooth connection, no motor assist for would-be thieves, which is a nice theft deterrent. The app also lets you set bike speed limits to either 20mph or 28mph (if local laws allow, of course), which gives you some flexibility depending on regulations or your comfort level.
Momentum Vida E+ Model Options
The Vida E+ comes in two frame sizes – Small fits riders from 5’1″ to 5’9″, and Large handles 5’8″ to 6’3″. There’s a bit of overlap in that range, so if you’re around 5’8″ you’ll probably want to test ride both sizes to see what feels better.
Color-wise, you’ve got three options: Caramel Cinnamon (which is more of an orange-reddish), Mountain Air (off-white), and Abyss Black.
In terms of accessories, the Vida comes in more of a ‘choose your adventure’ package. At $2,480, you get the Vida E+, a 3-amp fast charger, kickstand, and the bike ready to roll. But should you want some extra gear to unlock the full commuter experience like fenders, front or rear racks, or LED lighting, those are available as optional accessories, so keep that in mind when budgeting if you’re set on having them. For some, that might be frustrating, but in a time with production costs soaring, it seems fair, and that’s coming from a guy who has personally stripped fenders and LED lights off a brand new bike just because I didn’t want them.
However, the twist throttle itself is also an optional accessory. Now, I get the modular approach with other add-ons, but most folks are going to expect that throttle to be included at this price point. It’s become pretty standard in the recreational commuter e-bike segment, and I would have preferred to see it bundled in. It’s not a dealbreaker because the pedal-assist system is excellent on its own, but it just feels like a small miss.
That said, the accessories Momentum does offer are genuinely high quality and worth considering. The front and rear rack system is MIK compatible, which opens up a whole world of possibilities for carrying and securing gear with quick-release attachments. The fenders are metal with multiple mounting points, making them rock solid and rattle-free, not the flimsy plastic afterthoughts you sometimes see. And the G-2 pannier bag is actually a really nice piece of kit with several compartments, a shoulder sling for off-bike carrying, and tasteful reflective accents for extra visibility without looking overly tactical. So while you’re paying extra for these add-ons, you’re getting quality stuff that’ll last.
Is The Momentum Vida E+ Worth Buying?
At $2,480, the Vida E+ comes in at a price point where you’d typically expect more included accessories; at a minimum, the throttle would be nice. However, in reality, production of bikes takes time, and in the last year we have had a wild increase in e-bike pricing with trade tariffs, and fenders, racks, lights, and even the throttle all cost extra to be included. So, if you’re set on these options, it’s worth factoring those additions into your budget.
That said, the bike itself is solid. The SyncDrive motor and torque sensor are silky smooth. It’s comfortable to ride, handles hills fine, all while running whisper-quiet. The build quality feels right, and the components are a step above budget stuff. After 100+ miles, I didn’t find myself wishing I was on something else, which, after all these e-bikes I’ve had the opportunity to test and ride, is a testament to a well-done bike.
The missing bottle cage mounts are frustrating, and no integrated lighting on a modern commuter feels like a missed opportunity. But if you’re okay adding accessories as you go, this is a bike that does its job well without needing constant attention, and it’s backed by a brand with decades of successful design and engineering, not some overnight startup surfing the trend of e-bikes, and that has value in my book.
If you’re shopping for a reliable daily rider that won’t wake up the neighbors, the Vida E+ delivers where it counts – just plan to customize it with the accessories that fit your commuting needs. Or grab a frame bag for your water bottle and call it a day.
Pros
- The rear hub motor is very quiet and delivers smooth, natural power that doesn’t feel artificial or jerky.
- Shimano Acera 8-speed drivetrain is a nice step up from typical budget groupsets with a wide gear range that handles hills well.
- The beefed up 4-Piston hydraulic disc brakes with thicker 2.3mm rotors really level up the braking capabilities where I had excellent stopping power in my rides.
- The 687.9Wh battery has strong power output all the way down to the single digit charge numbers, and has a handy external charge indicator for battery levels at a quick glance.
- Comfortable upright riding position with intuitive handling that doesn’t stress your back or wrists during longer rides.
- Step-through frame design makes it easy to mount and dismount, especially when loaded with extra weight.
Cons
- No water bottle cage mounts anywhere on the frame, which seems like an oversight on a commuter bike.
- Some of the optional accessories feel like they should be included at this price, like the fenders, headlight and maybe even a rear rack, and certainly the twist grip throttle, all of which are available as optional accessories at purchase and do not come standard.
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