Pedego Classic Comfort Cruiser Review

Pedego began making its own electric bikes around 2009 and the Classic Comfort Cruiser was one of the first designs. Prior to this, the founders were using Electra bicycle frames and aftermarket kits to approximate what you see here. Its soft oversized tires, elongated handlebars and large padded seat deliver a comfortable upright ride that’s easy to enjoy around town. In 2014 they introduced a new rack design that fully encloses the battery case and provides more mounting options for bags and panniers. I’ve ridden several variations of this bike including the Classic Step-Thru and smaller 24″ Step-Thru Cruiser and they all use the same powerful drive system and foolproof twist throttle control.

If you’re looking for a more active design and plan to pedal over long distances this might not be the right choice as there is no pedal assist and the seat can chaff your legs. If however, you’re looking for something comfortable, durable and fun for easy rides around town or maybe to use for tours (if you’re a bike rental shop) then this is a great choice. Pedego is known for their excellent customer service and quality components. The high step cantilever design of the Classic Cruiser here is ideal for larger riders and it works great with its strong 500 watt motor and three battery size choices. That said, be sure to check out Pedego’s other large bikes including the Interceptor, which uses a geared motor design and offers pedal assist, and the City Commuter, which is easier to pedal with a more aggressive ride position and pedal assist.

Back to the Classic Comfort Cruiser ebike… This thing comes with a direct drive (gearless) 500 watt rear hub motor that’s practically bulletproof. There are no gears inside so it’s a bit larger and heavier to provide the same torque but it’s also very quiet and less prone to wear. Right next to the motor is a band brake and hub lock as well as a grease intake point (where you can add a bit of grease to keep it running smoothly. The hub lock is neat but make sure you remember to unlock it before riding to avoid damaging the system! The band brake is alright but I prefer the stopping power of disc brakes and thankfully Pedego has included one of those on the front wheel.

The battery pack powering that large motor comes in three size options including two 36 volt with either 10 or 15 amp hours (for increased range) or a 48 volt 10 amp hour (for increased power). If you’re a larger rider, over 180 pounds, or pulling a trailer the 48 volt pack is the way to go! The battery case has been updated for 2014 and now includes an LED light at the rear and power indicator showing the remaining battery level. The entire pack is removable which is great for charging (keep it away from extreme temperatures to help it last, storing inside is recommended). It’s also nice to remove the pack when transporting the bike because it makes it lighter and less rear-heavy.

I love that they’ve included a mounting point for your water bottle cage on the downtube and offer the upgraded Kevlar ballon tires and fenders. Riding this bike is very simple, just insert the key and press a button on the bottom of the battery then press the red power button on the throttle, twist and you’re off. The downsides here are that there is no LCD panel to show your speed, range or precise battery level and that all of the weight is located at the rear, and rather high up. To reiterate the lead in for this review, the Classic Cruiser is built for cruising ;)

For me, the reasonable ~$2K pricepoint on this bike is worth the durability, support and warranty that Pedego offers. There are more sophisticated ebike models coming along every day but it’s hard to deny the pleasure and style of a cruiser. It feels good to sit up straight and look around without having to bend over and stress your back and neck. Even though this operates more like a scooter at times, it still pedals well and blends in. That’s especially true if you decide to add a set of panniers to the rear rack. The tubing is a bit oversized (to add strength) so I recommend something with straps vs. plastic clips. I’ve had good luck with the BASIL Urban or Elements which come in a few different color choices.

Pros:

• Iconic cantilever frame is sturdy and durable, optional matching fenders available
• Pre-Slimed balloon tires absorb shock when riding to add comfort, can upgrade to kevlar lined tires
• Aluminum platform pedals are stiff, wide and grippy for a stable ride in wet or dry conditions
• Saddle is wide and soft, include rubber bumpers for added support, matches padded grips
• Rear rack design surrounds battery pack for added protection, includes a spring latch for quick storage
• Battery pack is removable for convenient charging on or off the bike, features built in LED rear light
• Battery locks to frame for security, key has to be left in when riding
• Available in multiple color options, wires are integrated into the frame for improved aesthetics
• Simple to operate: turn battery on, press power button on throttle, twist and go
• Includes threaded braze on holes on the downtube for adding a water bottle cage

Cons:

• Chain guard can get bent easily if stepped on or kicked, works well but a little fragile
• Basic control console does not show speed, range or precise battery capacity
• No pedal assist mode, only included one disc brake (in the front) rear uses a weaker band brake
• Heavier than most electric bikes, challenging to transport given length (removable battery helps)

Resources:

• Official Site: http://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/product-category/classic-comfort-cruisers/
• More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/cxs8FsNqxW5VJRSA9