Pedego is a pioneer in the electric bike space, especially in the United States where it has been building custom cruiser style ebikes since 2009. The Comfort Cruiser hasn’t changed much over the years; it’s simple, durable and powerful. It has become one of the most popular models for electric bike tours for all of these reasons and now the 24″ version takes it one step further, making it accessible to smaller sized riders. This bike leverages all of the same drive systems used on the full sized cruisers, giving it plenty of power and climbing ability, but sits lower to the ground thanks to its 24″ wheels. The frame is shorter in length and the step-through configuration makes mounting and standing on this bike much easier for people of shorter stature. For this reason it’s popular with female riders and just like the larger versions, it’s available in an assortment of fun colors.
Powering this little cruiser is a rather large 500 watt direct drive (gearless) rear hub motor. It’s smooth, quiet and very tough with no gears inside to create noise or friction. This means it has to be a bit larger to achieve the same power however and it is a rather heavy design. One of the downsides of this bike is that both the motor and battery are mounted in the rear. When you combine this weight distribution with the lack of a top tube it makes transporting the bike with some traditional car racks a bit tricky.
Thankfully, the rear mounted battery pack is removable. This makes it easier to charge when commuting from one destination to another. To really care for the pack it’s best to store it away from extreme temperatures and that’s much easier thanks to it’s portability. The battery design has been updated from the first generation model and now has an integrated LED light for safety. It comes in three sizes with a 36 volt 10 or 15 amp hour for extended range or a 48 volt 10 amp hour for increased power. If you plan to transport more than 180 pounds the stronger 48v pack might be worth considering.
The rear rack where the battery mates with the frame has also been updated and now fully encloses the battery shell, protecting it and adding more color and overall strength to the bike design. It has a spring loaded latch on top and works well with bags or panniers though it does use larger gauge tubing that may not fit all traditional options. I’ve had good luck with the BASIL Elements pack which uses strapping to secure instead of plastic clips. When this bag is slung over the rear rack it conceals the battery and almost makes it look like a normal bicycle.
Using this bike is a cinch, just insert the key, press a button on the underside of the battery pack, press the red button near the throttle, twist the throttle and your off! Three LED lights show your approximate battery capacity going from green to yellow and then red as it begins to run low. It’s an intuitive design and one that doesn’t become distracting when riding. It also means you don’t have to pedal at all to make the bike go and this could be convenient if you’re wearing heeled shoes. Just keep in mind that there is no LCD screen with speed, distance or precise battery level and that there is no pedal assist option (which would help extend range and free up your hand). This cruiser bike is more about scootering around in a relaxed seating position versus actively pedaling over long distances.
Pedego is known for their friendly dealer network, great warranty support, fun color options and relaxed cruiser designs. The 24″ Step-Thru Comfort Cruiser might enable someone who struggles with hills and wind or feels left behind by their friends or significant other to get back into the game and keep up. It’s plenty powerful and now more convenient and durable than ever with the battery updates. It’s not the lightest weight ebike out there but it rides solid and is worth considering if you’re feeling intimidated by full sized ebikes. If you’re looking for a more active experience however, consider the Easy Motion Neo Jet with includes pedal assist and a more forward leaning body position.
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One of the original, most proven, cruiser style electric bikes. With a lower price point, larger dealer network, and the addition of pedal assist in recent years... this ebike stands out from the crowd. Available in two frame styles (step-thru and high-step) two wheel sizes (24" and 26") and three colors (Coral, Blue, or Red).. Beautiful aesthetic with premium paint on the frame, fork, chain cover, and even the rims!…...
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A premium cruiser style electric bike with upgraded suspension fork, suspension seat post, integrated LED lights, a sturdy rack and hydraulic disc brakes. Powerful 500 to 1,000+ watt hub motor from Dapu with high-torque rating and durable protected…...
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Fined fat tire electricbike with balanced down tube battery and purpose-built "extrawide" hub motor for improved drive train operation and torque. Nice LCD display panel with integrated buttons and swivel, includes a USB port for charging…...
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A stripped down comfort cruiser with easy-mount step-thru frame, throttle on demand only, optional fenders, multiple color choices and multiple battery size options from 36v 10ah up to 48v 15ah. Locking removable battery pack is protected in the color-matched rear rack, mechanical disc brakes are…...
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Dan
11 years agoCourte,
A 5 out of 5 rating for a heavy, high center-o-gravity, cruiser? Really?
Your reviews are very enjoyable, good to be mostly positive, fun. But the rating system is becoming a yes/no, go/no-go, up/down system. Either you liketh ebike and they get a 4-5, or you don’t.
That’s cool and enough in many ways. It keeps you on good terms with the community.
However, I woul dlike to see some differentiation with performance. Still give an overall yes/no, buy or not buy, but set up maybe 10 categories and grade the bike 0-10, and get a summary number from 0-100. That give people some margin to compare. Different performance ideas can be the handling or ride – on/off road, acceleration, ie power, accesories like bottle holder/lights, elec display…you name it. Just an idea to get more interest.
Then you get to review those bikes AGAIN with a new focus.
Dan
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoAppreciate the feedback Dan! You’re completely right that the rating has become somewhat broad. This bike got a 5 because there are very few smaller bikes specifically for short people that offer good quality and strong customer support. With the current rating system it’s hard to differentiate between categories of performance but it’s something I’d like to do in the future :)
ReplyJulia Crone
10 years agoI am only 5’2” and 110 lbs. I need an ebike for daily commute to work with a round trip of less than 6 miles but with very steep hills. I fell in love with the Pedego Step-Thru City Commuter. It seems to fit all my needs but probably it is too big for me? The alternative is the Pedego 24″ Step-Thru Comfort Cruiser but it has no pedal assist. So I end up with the eProdigy Banff… However, is the quality as good as the Pedego? In direct comparison which one would you recommend? Are there other options? My priority is very good quality, comfort and safety, as well as a classic design. Thank you.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoGreat question Julia, I love the ride quality, durability and customer support that all Pedego ebikes offer and while it’s a bummer that the 24″ cruiser doesn’t offer assist it’s still a great choice. The eProdigy Banff is solid but noisier and not as satisfying to ride with the more basic mid-drive system (in my opinion). There are other great mid-drive offerings out there but most come in larger frame sizes. If you want the highest quality and are willing to pay a bit more I’d suggest checking out the Kalkhoff ebikes that come in lots of different sizes and have excellent mid-drives that are quieter, more efficient and smarter so they don’t grind gears and stuff.
ReplyCheryl Gilliam
10 years agoIf I am 5’4″ and weigh 120, and have a bad back, should I get a 24″ Pedego Comfort Criuiser or the standard one? Also, since there is no pedal assist, should I opt for the 48v 15ah battery instead of the 36v 15ah? Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Cheryl! I think you’re right in between sizes. The 24″ wheels will make the bike lower, provide mechanical leverage to the motor (for more power) and I think the frame will also be a touch lighter. That said, you might feel a bit more cozy on this bike vs. the standard full sized step-thru model. In my experience riding these bikes, it has felt like Pedego tends to ride large so I guess leaning more towards the 24″ could be good if you want that nice upright feel for your back. regarding motor size choices, I think you’d be fine with 36 volt 10 or 15 ah (the amp hours just let you go further) given your light weight of ~120. If you plan on hauling a lot or really want to feel the power then the 48 volt could be a nice upgrade (also if you have a lot of hills). A standard 36 volt system will be fine even without pedal assist (you can still pedal along to help the motor at times and just modulate the power output using the variable speed twist throttle yourself). I hope this helps! These are just my opinions but I think the 24″ with 36v would be great. If you’re really concerned about your back, there are some other small ebikes with suspension to consider including the BESV Panther, EG Vienna and A2B Octave (or older A2B Metro). I also have some back and neck issues and have found that suspension makes a huge difference. I’ve owned and rented Pedego bikes (and tried them all for the reviews) and despite the large balloon tires, they can still be a little jarring. The long cruiser handlebar and comfort saddle really help and as long as the surfaces are smooth you should be alright :)
ReplyClaire
10 years agoI’m considering one of these as a commuter. I’m 5’4″, and prefer an upright riding position. I will be commuting short distances around the city with a child seat on the front (and sometimes a few groceries). I’m intending to ride in all weathers, and so I want a bike that is going to be reliable and withstand the rain. Do you think this bike is suitable?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Claire! This could be an excellent option given the smaller wheels and low-step frame. Pedego has actually expanded these “mini” designs and now offers a miniature City Commuter as well which comes with fenders and offers a more upright seating position with tighter bars. Check out my review here and note that I was using the full sized version but do mention the mini-Commuter :)
Reply