A sturdy, rigid-frame, folding electric bike with large comfortable tires, full-coverage plastic fenders, and a capable rear rack with pannier blockers and spring latch
Decent Shimano eight-speed drivetrain with intuitive grip-twist shifter, mechanical disc brakes with motor-inhibiting levers, thicker spokes and seat post for strength
The motor and battery are nearly hidden on the frame, the display panel is very basic but easy to use, a built-in USB port on the battery allows you to charge portable electronics
No integrated lights or reflective tire stripes, basic six-magnet cadence sensor is slow to start and stop, steel fork reduces weight but isn't as comfortable as suspension
Video Review
Introduction
Make:
Oyama
Model:
XC E8D
Price:
$1,299
Body Position:
Upright
Suggested Use:
Neighborhood, Commuting, Travel
Electric Bike Class:
Pedal Assist (Class 1), Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Generic Silver Flick Bell on Right, Alloy Rack with Pannier Blockers (27 kg / 59.5 lb Max Weight), Plastic Fenders with Rubber Mud Flaps, Center Mounting Alloy Kickstand
5 Volt USB Charging Port (Left Side of Top Tube Near Head Tube)
Drive Mode:
Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist
(6 Magnet Disc)
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)
Written Review
The CX E8D is Oyama’s first folding electric bike to reach America and it gets several important things right. The bike feels sturdy with a firm folding stem, thick 13 gauge spokes, and rigid Steel fork. It’s efficient and compliant, zipping forward energetically as you pedal in of three assist levels. And even without assist, this relatively lightweight 43.7 lb e-bike is comfortable to ride and pedal thanks to standard 170 mm crank arms and a long 500 mm adjustable seat post. Pedaling feels natural and eight gears let you climb or exceed 20 mph (the top assisted speed) easily. Unfortunately, you won’t know exactly how fast you’re going at any given time because the display panel is super basic… and you might arrive at your destination a bit shaken compared to some competing products because there’s no suspension. While they often cost more and weigh more, some of the competing folders I’ve seen recently offer sprung saddles and even suspension forks with lockout. The CX E8D (electric, 8-speed, disc brake) model is decidedly minimalist in design. It only comes in one frame size and one unisex silver color. I personally like the visibility safety benefits of silver or white frames and my girlfriend, Brandy, thought the bike looked good as well… but if we both got one, the would look exactly the same. Individuality aside, looking the same isn’t so bad when the battery is completely hidden, integrated into the main tube, and even the motor is out of sight (sandwiched between the disc brake rotor and cassette at the rear). This is an electric bike that arrived in excellent condition without scratches or bent parts and really nailed the details (solid folding mechanism with adjustable locking levers, clean fenders that stay out of the way, comfortable gear ratios). I do wish that it had integrated lights, there’s even a light button on the display pad! but adding your own aftermarket isn’t that expensive or complicated. I’d probably add a trunk bag with bottle holster and clip some rechargeable lights like these to the handlebar and seat post.
Driving this bike is a tiny looking 250 watt planetary geared hub motor that’s laced into the rear wheel. It’s made by Aikema, which is a relatively new brand to me, but it performed well on the flats where we tested it and didn’t produce a lot of noice which was a welcomed change. Hub motors benefit from increased mechanical advantage when used in smaller diameter wheels, as is the case here, and the lower nominal wattage design will tend to go further and “sip” the battery vs. draining. Smaller motors also tend to weigh less and that’s surely part of what keeps this e-bike so liftable. There’s always a trade-off with price, weight, and power. As a more active rider myself, and someone who tends to lift bikes and store them inside frequently, I lean more towards lightweight products that are more efficient. If you are looking at bikes to store on an RV, Boat, or transport by private plane, this could be a great option to consider. The Oyama CX E8D appeals to me even though I found the cadence sensor somewhat delayed and wish there was a throttle option (I’m told they may sell a throttle accessory aftermarket at some point). As mentioned earlier, the eight speed drivetrain is plenty for a folding bike and the entry-level Acera derailleur performed well and was intuitive to use for both me and my girlfriend. It has a little window so you know what gear you’re in and it kept the cockpit clean vs. triggers which can sometimes be large and bulky, spacing the brake levers out further.
Powering the bike is an amazingly lightweight standard sized Lithium-ion battery pack. I’m told that it contains Panasonic cells, prized for their reliability, and was packed by DLG, another leader in the battery space. I weighed it at just 4.2 lbs and read the printed spec at 36 volt 10 amp hour. This is exactly average, and possibly a bit large for a folding bike battery. I love how easily it fit into the downtube and that it can be charged on or off the frame. It’s the perfect design for commuting, making the bike easier to lift, or having a spare to extend rides. If you fold the bike, you can see a locking port at the base of the battery that is well protected from water, dust, and other debris. Not all folding electric bikes have locking batteries and sometimes the key port is positioned on the outside of the frame where it’s difficult to reach, or worse, requires the key to be left in while riding. I love that the front portion of the battery can be accessed through a triangular hole near the head tube of the bike. This is where you can plug it in, turn it on, and plug USB chargers in to power or maintain portable electronic devices like phones, music players, or lights. Sometimes, USB ports are positioned in the path of feet and legs or in areas where the wires can get tangled and bumped. The position here is good but not ideal. I think I’d prefer that the USB port be up near the display panel because that’s where I mount my phone to use GPS while riding in new spots. But at least it’s close to the handlebar and the wire could be clipped onto the long stem or bundled with the others (brake lines, shifter cables, and electrical wires).
Part of me is bummed out that the battery has to be clicked on before the display panel can be turned on… but one upside is that the battery can act as a backup power source when not mounted to the frame! You can use that USB port anytime the battery is turned on, and if you turn the pack off it might be safer to travel with and discharge less quickly. Lithium-ion batteries are known for being long lasting and durable. Sometimes I complain about battery packs not having handles on them, but this one was narrow and small enough that it felt easy to grip. I did have some difficulty pulling it out of the frame tube the first time and I also heard it rattling a bit inside the frame when riding on bumpy terrain, but overall I like the design. There’s a balance between being able to pull a battery out vs. having it so tight that there’s no rattling. So, once the battery is charged and mounted, you click it and the display panel on and you’re ready to ride. It automatically switches to pedal assist in Low and you can click the mode button to cycle to medium or high for full power. There’s a four-dot battery readout (which isn’t super useful) and a light button (that doesn’t do anything since there are no lights). You don’t get a speedometer, odometer, clock, range estimate, or anything else with this electric bike. Just a few simple guides about power and battery level. For someone who is new, this can be a good thing because it’s not distracting. There’s only one button to worry about once the bike is powered up and that’s the mode button to get more power… and it cycles back to low when you click beyond high. Upon arrival, almost everything with this electric bike was perfect but I did have to tighten the included flick bell and the display panel was also a tad loose. Check these as well as the tire pressure before riding and fill from 30 to 50 PSI (lower is more comfortable but less efficient).
The biggest trade off I see with the Oyama folding electric bike is between weight and comfort. You can always replace the saddle with something solfter, springier, or larger, and you can even swap the seat post for a suspension post using a shim to match the unique 33.9 mm diameter but it probably won’t be as long and thus, compromise the fit. To me, this is an ebike that you appreciate for its attention to detail, solid feel, relatively low price, and light weight. There are other lighter folding electric bikes but they usually cost a lot more or have smaller wheels which changes the feel. For what it is, the CX E8D is a solid product. I do wish it was slightly less expensive or that it had a throttle and lights (which wouldn’t change the weight) and I feel that the six-magnet cadence sensor is just too delayed by today’s standards, but the motor inhibitors on the brake levers kind of solve this. It may take additional time and effort to get the sensor activated but at least it doesn’t cut out unexpectedly once it’s going. The mechanical disc brakes are another area where I wish there was an upgrade to hydraulic so the levers could offer adjustable reach for small-handed riders like Brandy. For what they are, they do fine and she was more impressed with how narrow and close the bar felt. It provides a more upright body position and is easier to fit through doorways and between cars in crowded cityscapes. Oyama put the extra effort into branding individual hardware pieces on this product so you can tell they are proud of it. They included a velcro strap to secure the bike when folded (reducing noise and damage that might otherwise occur if it rattled and clinked together), and they included extra cardboard, styrofoam, and end-caps to make sure the bike arrived in perfect shape. I’m told that Oyama does their own research and development, hydroforming frame building, testing, and even painting. This allows them to work out the kinks and deliver a tighter end product. Big thanks to Foldaway Solutions for partnering with me on this post and having a demo bike shipped for review. I realize the video here was a bit long but it’s neat to see someone who is new to electric bikes share their first impressions and provide feedback so I hope you found it interesting and useful :)
Pros:
Excellent packaging, the bike arrived in great shape while some others I have received had bent racks, forks,
and scratches, the seat post end cap was especially neat
Many cheaper folding bikes forego any sort of retention system (to keep the bike folded) while high-end products often have magnets or rubber band systems, the Oyama CX E8D had a nice compromise solution, a simple velcro strap
Even though there’s just one frame color combination, I think it works well for men and women, the silver color is going to be more visible to cars at night
The folding joints and levers felt strong (made from Aluminum alloy), there are extra locking points so they won’t get bumped out of position and they are adjustable
The bike is very stealthy, meaning that the motor and battery blend in and aren’t especially loud, I love that you can charge the battery on or off the bike if you’re a commuter or need to reduce weight
Shimano eight-speed drivetrain with an extra large sprocket and oversized 52 tooth chainring to counteract the small 20″ wheels for a comfortable cadence at speed but also good for climbing
I really like the VP folding platform pedals they chose, some alternative designs are more difficult to fold and require two hands but these are great, I also like the plastic chainring guide to reduce chain drops
Even though the wires aren’t internally routed (for easier maintenance and folding), the plastic guide along the base of the downtube keeps them clean and reduces clutter
I conducted this review with my girlfriend Brandy and she’s a bit more petite so it was neat to see that she did not have a problem mounting or handling the bike, she also didn’t complain about knocking her knees on the folding joint (which is slightly wider than the frame tube)
The rear rack is rated higher than most at up to ~59 lbs vs. just 55 lbs or even 44 lbs on many other e-bikes and it is situated well above the fender which provides room for different pannier bag setups
The battery pack has a standard sized USB port on the side for powering your portable electronics and this port is positioned up towards the steering tube, mostly out of the way of your feet and legs while pedaling which is nice
Cadence sensors are easy to ride with because they act more like a throttle, not really measuring how hard you pedal but just that you’re moving the cranks, this can be nice on a smaller bike or for people with sensitive knees… but it also isn’t as efficient as a torque or multi-sensor so range suffers a bit
Even though the motor is only rated at 250 watts, which is the low end for US electric bikes, it performed well and felt zippy because of the small wheels (which offer a mechanical advantage), I like how quiet it was and that it’s well hidden between the cassette and disc brake rotor at the back
Cons:
The six-magnet cadence sensor is very delayed, it takes about one full crank arm rotation to activate and doesn’t cut out for over a second… thankfully the brake lever motor inhibitors are there for more immediate stops
Despite having fatter 2.3″ tires and a vibration-dampening steel fork, the small wheels and Aluminum frame produce a stiffer ride and the fat seat post makes adding a suspension post more costly and involved (you need a shim adapter like this, and most posts aren’t as tall as the stock rigid one so it might compromise fit for taller riders)
The stem feels solid but doesn’t offer height or angle adjustment for taller riders, but the extra-long 500 mm seat post works great, it’s stable because it’s a bit wider and that’s key if you’ve really extended it
Kickstands are great but the mid-mounted design used here can get in the way if you back the bike up (because the crank arms rotate backward and collide)
This isn’t a huge complaint given the relatively low pricepoint but I wish it had integrated lights and hope that they offer a nice throttle option in the future
The motor power cable protrudes from the left side of the rear axle and is more prone to bends and snags than some designs I have seen from Dapu where it’s tucked in closer to the frame, at least it has a disconnect nearby for easy maintenance and a spring support to reduce bending
As nice as the mechanical disc brakes are, for someone with small hands, the levers may seem large and far away, Brandy commented on how the bar was close and not super wide which felt comfortable but the levers do not offer adjustable reach the way hydraulic disc brakes do so that’s an area for consideration
The rack comes pretty close to the seat post and saddle, if you lower the saddle too much it could collide with a trunk bag or an aftermarket light could be blocked (put lights onto your saddle bag or backpack to prevent this)
All of the electrical cables at the front of the bike are press fit vs. threaded with rubber o-rings to keep water out, it’s another sign that this is a value ebike… and I think they can work just fine but can be more difficult to service and could get pulled apart more easily so keep an eye out
The display is very basic, you don’t get a battery percentage, odometer, speed, or range estimates like some of the more premium LCD consoles on a lot of new electric bikes but at least it’s easy to reach and not overwhelming or distracting
The plastic fenders, and even the battery pack inside the frame, can rattle and produce some noise when riding over bumpy terrain, I purposefully dropped the tire to the minimum 30 PSI to dampen the ride as much as possible but I still heard it
Always nice to hear your well researched review(s), but I especially enjoyed Brandy joining you with this review. From a 70 year old guy, you two look like a really great match. I hope we see more of you two in future reviews.
What a wonderful comment Jon and kudos to you for staying active! I’m 33 years old but my knees can be sensitive so when I think about getting older, it’s great to have technology like electric bikes. I shared your comment with Brandy, I feel very fortunate to have met her and I hope it continues to work out well for us. She is a very special woman.
TSA limits carry on batteries to 100 Wh. The battery in this bike is 360 Wh. Can the 18650 batteries be removed from the case in order to be taken on an airplane? Are there any ebikes with a battery configuration that could be taken as carry on? Thanks
Hi Sonny! It seems that TSA restrictions got even stricter in recent years and it has become very difficult to travel with electric bike batteries. One solution, is to buy an e-bike with a mainstream drive system like Bosch, Yamaha, or Shimano because the battery packs are consistent. You could ship your bike and then use a local battery from a shop. I think we may see this a lot in the future… Another alternative would be to ship your own battery to your point of destination using the appropriate hazardous materials packing and support.
Great review, Court. Persuasive enough — after a test ride — that I bought one and am thoroughly enjoying it. The one thing I noted in Oyama owner’s manual that differs is the comprehensive warranty at 1 year rather than the 2 year you referenced. Hopefully, Oyama advised you of the 2 year warranty rather than their reference to a 1 year warranty in their owner’s manual.
Hi Robert, I believe that they did communicate a two-year warranty to me but this review was done quite a while back. I might defer to their printed one-year warranty, but you could try emailing them to double check. My experience with their rep, Ken, was very positive and filled me with confidence :)
Can you comment on how easily it can be transported when it’s folded up? The scenario I’m looking at is a multi-modal commute, where I would be carrying the bike on the subway at rush hour. I couldn’t tell, for instance, if it’s possible to grab this one by the seat and roll it along in the folded configuration. Do you know if that’s possible?
Hi Brett! Yes, I believe that you can roll it along when folded, but not as perfectly as some other products. I would say this folding ebike is average in terms of folding and transport but a little bit easier to lift because it doesn’t weigh as much. I have not been in touch with Oyama for a while now and am wondering if they still sell this model? You could ask around in the Oyama forums for feedback or the help choosing section for more advice on other folding electric bicycles.
liked your review of the OYAMA cx E8D and I am looking for a replacement for my folding TERN D16 24″ Node bike with the BIONX KIT which has died. I was interested in the new series 2 of the Oyama which has the torque sensor and a 350 watt motor and a larger battery and some better components for $1,899. Are you going to review that model anytime soon?
Hi Bob! I hadn’t heard about this model until you just mentioned it but will connect with the company again and see if I can cover it in the coming months :D
Hi Court, when can you cover the Oyama CX ED8 series II?? Is there a problem with the company?
APH
5 years ago
The brakes also work amazingly well. I’m used to mechanical brakes, and had to get used to using just a light two-finger touch on these hydraulic brakes. That’s all that is needed, no more wrestling with the brakes when stopping from high speed.
Court, I have a few questions:
1. Are the batteries proprietary?
2. Do you still own this?
3. When was this video made?
4. Maybe you said this but is there a PAS 0 level (i.e. no motor assist)?
Hi Andrew! It has been about six years since I created this review, but I’ll do my best answering your questions :)
1. I suspect that you can get the same battery, but I’m not sure who sells it. Perhaps you could get the case repacked since it didn’t seem too proprietary.
2. No, I usually do not own the ebikes I review. Usually it’s a temporary demo, shop loan, or I visit the company. If it was donated to me, I usually donate it shortly after.
3. The video was posted on Jul 7, 2017 and I believe that it was filmed within a week or two prior.
4. It has three assist levels: Low, Med, High but there is no PAS 0. If you want to ride without assist, simply leave the bike turned off. It sounds like they might have offered a trigger throttle, but my demo bike didn’t have that option installed. You can see me go through the display in detail by skimming the video to timestamp 23:39 here’s the YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgJhvR_loeg
Jon Geirsson
7 years agoAlways nice to hear your well researched review(s), but I especially enjoyed Brandy joining you with this review. From a 70 year old guy, you two look like a really great match. I hope we see more of you two in future reviews.
Bike lover, Jon Geirsson
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoWhat a wonderful comment Jon and kudos to you for staying active! I’m 33 years old but my knees can be sensitive so when I think about getting older, it’s great to have technology like electric bikes. I shared your comment with Brandy, I feel very fortunate to have met her and I hope it continues to work out well for us. She is a very special woman.
ReplySonny Lawrence
7 years agoTSA limits carry on batteries to 100 Wh. The battery in this bike is 360 Wh. Can the 18650 batteries be removed from the case in order to be taken on an airplane? Are there any ebikes with a battery configuration that could be taken as carry on? Thanks
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Sonny! It seems that TSA restrictions got even stricter in recent years and it has become very difficult to travel with electric bike batteries. One solution, is to buy an e-bike with a mainstream drive system like Bosch, Yamaha, or Shimano because the battery packs are consistent. You could ship your bike and then use a local battery from a shop. I think we may see this a lot in the future… Another alternative would be to ship your own battery to your point of destination using the appropriate hazardous materials packing and support.
ReplyRobert Broberg
7 years agoGreat review, Court. Persuasive enough — after a test ride — that I bought one and am thoroughly enjoying it. The one thing I noted in Oyama owner’s manual that differs is the comprehensive warranty at 1 year rather than the 2 year you referenced. Hopefully, Oyama advised you of the 2 year warranty rather than their reference to a 1 year warranty in their owner’s manual.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoHi Robert, I believe that they did communicate a two-year warranty to me but this review was done quite a while back. I might defer to their printed one-year warranty, but you could try emailing them to double check. My experience with their rep, Ken, was very positive and filled me with confidence :)
ReplyRobert Broberg
7 years agoHi Court,
Emailed Oyama on 12/31. Haven’t heard a word!
Robert
Brett
7 years agoCan you comment on how easily it can be transported when it’s folded up? The scenario I’m looking at is a multi-modal commute, where I would be carrying the bike on the subway at rush hour. I couldn’t tell, for instance, if it’s possible to grab this one by the seat and roll it along in the folded configuration. Do you know if that’s possible?
Replycourt
7 years agoHi Brett! Yes, I believe that you can roll it along when folded, but not as perfectly as some other products. I would say this folding ebike is average in terms of folding and transport but a little bit easier to lift because it doesn’t weigh as much. I have not been in touch with Oyama for a while now and am wondering if they still sell this model? You could ask around in the Oyama forums for feedback or the help choosing section for more advice on other folding electric bicycles.
ReplyBob
6 years agoliked your review of the OYAMA cx E8D and I am looking for a replacement for my folding TERN D16 24″ Node bike with the BIONX KIT which has died. I was interested in the new series 2 of the Oyama which has the torque sensor and a 350 watt motor and a larger battery and some better components for $1,899. Are you going to review that model anytime soon?
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Bob! I hadn’t heard about this model until you just mentioned it but will connect with the company again and see if I can cover it in the coming months :D
ReplyTerre
5 years agoHi Court, when can you cover the Oyama CX ED8 series II?? Is there a problem with the company?
APH
5 years agoThe brakes also work amazingly well. I’m used to mechanical brakes, and had to get used to using just a light two-finger touch on these hydraulic brakes. That’s all that is needed, no more wrestling with the brakes when stopping from high speed.
ReplyAndrew
2 years agoCourt, I have a few questions:
Reply1. Are the batteries proprietary?
2. Do you still own this?
3. When was this video made?
4. Maybe you said this but is there a PAS 0 level (i.e. no motor assist)?
Court
2 years agoHi Andrew! It has been about six years since I created this review, but I’ll do my best answering your questions :)
1. I suspect that you can get the same battery, but I’m not sure who sells it. Perhaps you could get the case repacked since it didn’t seem too proprietary.
2. No, I usually do not own the ebikes I review. Usually it’s a temporary demo, shop loan, or I visit the company. If it was donated to me, I usually donate it shortly after.
3. The video was posted on Jul 7, 2017 and I believe that it was filmed within a week or two prior.
4. It has three assist levels: Low, Med, High but there is no PAS 0. If you want to ride without assist, simply leave the bike turned off. It sounds like they might have offered a trigger throttle, but my demo bike didn’t have that option installed. You can see me go through the display in detail by skimming the video to timestamp 23:39 here’s the YouTube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgJhvR_loeg
Hope this helps!
Reply