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.
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mark
11 years agoCourt, I noticed that the motor makes much more noise than the also gearless 2014 IZIP E3 Dash. Is it just the microphone not picking up or amplifying the sound or are there other reasons for one motor being audible while the other seems noiseless?
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoGood question Mark, I think that the motor I was testing here was just louder. It might come from a different manufacturer.
Replytom knudson
10 years agoI was looking at the bikes at their store talked with one guy he mentioned maybe getting the female bike easier to step through. I am 6’0 265 lbs. 64 years old. still work out but he thought the frame might be smaller! will the female bike be has sturdy as the boys.? Also when I was in the store a big guy came in heavy rider a lot of miles, and his back spokes had broken for the second time! I heard they where going to come out with a solid like six spoke back rim that can be ordered on the new bikes what are your thoughts on that? thank you for your time tom knudson
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Tom, the step-thru frames should be nearly as sturdy as the high-steps but will likely flex and bend more easily as you ride. They are also easier to mount as you describe but tend to be smaller which might be a limiting factor considering your height of six feet. I’ve also heard stories about spokes coming loose or breaking but haven’t experienced it myself… and this could happen on high-step or low-step ebikes. One bike that I believe has very sturdy wheels is the Juiced Riders ODK V3 which is also a low-step frame. This could be a perfect setup for someone like you.
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