Great power for acceleration, climbing or moving heavier riders with a 500 watt geared rear hub motor and 48 volt Lithium-ion battery combination
Offers twist throttle and five levels of pedal assist for increased range, removable battery for easy charging
Functional rear rack, front and rear LED lights, sturdy kickstand, optional fenders, awesome little bell built into left hand brake housing, larger frame is a good fit for big / tall riders
Bottle Cage Bosses, Welded Rear Rack with Spring Latch
Gearing Details:
7
Speed 1x7 Shimano
Shifter Details:
Grip Shifter on Left Bar
Pedals:
Aluminum Alloy Platform
Stem:
Fixed Promax
Handlebar:
28
Brake Details:
Avid BB7 Mechanical Disc with 160 mm Rotors
Grips:
Padded
Saddle:
Comfort
Seat Post:
Suspension Shock
Tire Brand:
Schwalbe Fat Frank, 26" x 2.35"
Wheel Sizes:
26 in (66.04cm)
Tube Details:
Pre-Slimed
Accessories:
Aluminum Alloy Chain Guard, Bell Integrated Into Left Brake Lever, Single-Side Kickstand, Front and Rear LED Lights Powered by Main Battery, Optional Metal Fenders, Optional Kevlar Lined Balloon Tires
Other:
Removable Battery Pack (Charge on or Off the Bike), Quick-Connect Modular Throttle and Motor Cables for Easy Repair or Replacement
Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle
(Half Grip Throttle on Right Bar)
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)
Written Review
The Interceptor is Pedego’s work horse. It’s large, powerful and sturdy and up until this second revision (known informally as the Interceptor II) it hasn’t really differed from the 48 volt version of the Classic Cruiser. Same frame, same drive system configuration… just a stronger power source. All of that changed in 2014 when the Interceptor adopted the controller and pedelec sensor that were introduced with the City Commuter. The new Pedego Interceptor offers the versatility of twist throttle and pedal assist mode with the ride quality of a relaxed cruiser.
Driving this ebike is a powerful 500 watt geared rear hub motor. The older Interceptor ran a gearless design which was a bit quieter but much larger and heavier. Given the geared nature of this new motor, there are more parts to rub and wear over time but in reality it should hold up fine. It’s the same motor that drives the City Commuter which has been out for nearly two years and had very few, if any, complaints. So it’s lighter, smaller, still provides great torque and provides space for a seven speed Shimano Acera cassette.
The gears on this bike shift smoothly using a twist grip style shifter mounted on the left handle bar and seven speeds is a decent range that provides leverage for climbing hills or pedaling at speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour. A matching chain guard keeps pants from getting snagged or greasy on the chain and I love the new silver circlet positioned in the center of the front chain ring. I assume it’s just for decoration but it also conceals the pedelec sensor (possibly protecting it from dirt and water when riding). As with other Pedego bikes, the pedals are made from solid aluminum, providing a wide surface area with plenty of grip. The LCD controller allows you to easily switch from twist throttle mode to one of five pedal assist levels and see your speed, distance traveled and remaining battery capacity.
A few other changes with this iteration of Interceptor are the rear rack, pedal position and kickstand. Firstly, the rack and battery pack have been reinforced and improved with a built in light. It’s not the world’s brightest but it does run off the main battery (as well as the front light) and can be activated by pressing a button on the battery pack itself. Unlike some of the other new European ebikes, the light is not connected to a dynamo for use if the battery does get drained. That would be nice to see on future iterations and it may be that the more lax regulations in the US do not require it as a standard feature. Secondly, the bottom bracket on the Interceptor and other cruisers from Pedego (and other brands) has been pulled back to align with the seat post tube. This was done to honor Electra’s “Flat Foot” patent. The idea being that pedals which are positioned further forward create a more relaxed seating position. Still, the Interceptor rides great and feels very relaxed thanks to the plush seat and enormous handle bars which are some of the largest on any ebike I’ve tested. Thirdly, the kickstand has been changed to an adjustable single-side design which is lighter and less intrusive than the older double-sided motorcycle style stand. I really didn’t like that kickstand because it seemed to bounce and hang low – also occasionally bumping the tire and pedal arms when riding if not adjusted perfectly.
On to the battery! While the Lithium-ion chemistry and 48 volt 10 amp hour capacity remain unchanged, the casing has been improved. As mentioned earlier, it now features a built in light and mini control panel that displays remaining amp hours when pressed. It’s the same battery design used on the City Commuter and it looks rather nice, though removing the pack can be a bit of work – you have to pull pretty hard the first few times to get it loosened up. The biggest improvement in design is that now the metal tubing that makes up the rack actually encloses the battery, protecting it from bumps and scrapes. It also includes a spring loaded metal arm on top for securing minor articles such as a coat or papers. It also positions the weight of the battery lower than the old design (though possibly more extended off the back). I imagine the new design also provides equal or greater structural strength with support arms that extend directly towards the chain stays vs. curving inward.
All things considered, this is a winning electric bike that’s comfortable, powerful and fun to ride. I love the addition of pedal assist and minor design improvements like the addition of water bottle cage mounting points and front and rear disc brakes! It’s those little improvements that Pedego is known for making along with their dealer network which offer great support. The Interceptor isn’t for everyone, especially because the frame is so large and I believe it only comes in a high step version. For smaller individuals or those requiring less power there is always the regular Cruiser series or the much smaller 24″ Cruiser which is a very thoughtful offering in the world of ebikes. While the price of the Interceptor has slowly risen, the improvements I’ve seen certainly validate the outlay and I love the optional Kevlar tires, matching fenders and three color options.
Pros:
Wonderful extras including the built in bell, front and rear lights and seat post shock
Braze on mounting points on the downtube for adding a water bottle cage
Offers five levels of pedal assist using a pedelec cadence sensor in addition to the standard twist throttle mode
Great power and torque coming from the 500 watt geared motor and 48 volt battery pack combination
Available in bright fluorescent green, brushed aluminum or gloss black
LCD computer controls lights, displays speed, range and battery capaicity
LCD computer is easy to reach for changing modes when riding and rubber sealed for water resistance
Soft seat, balloon tires and oversized handlebars smooth out the ride and create a relaxed upright seating position
Proven frame and components are shared with the Pedego Cruiser lineup, great bike for rentals, larger riders or those pulling trailers as it is very sturdy
Comfortable seat comes with rubber bumpers and is available in leather and colored options
All tubes come pre-Slimed and the optional Kevlar lined tires really fend off thorns and other hazards
Modular electronic systems are easier to replace individually or disconnect for repairs
Battery locks to the frame to deter theft and tampering but key must be left in when riding, thankfully it stays out of the way
Cons:
Avoid lifting the bike by the seat as the seat post shock can be fragile and the seat can twist off due to narrower diameter connection point at tip of shock
Battery pack is mounted high and towards the back which is less ideal than a lower mid-mount design which would be more balanced
Oversized tubing on rear rack is not compatible with all standard panniers and bags, I use strapping to secure mine and recommend those by BASIL
Fenders do not come stock but the rear rack keeps the stripe off your back and you can pay extra for matching fenders
Integrated chain guard can be a bit fragile, avoid kicking or stepping on it
This ebike is heavier than most at ~60lbs but it’s very sturdy and a bit larger than others, to reduce weight when transporting remove the battery pack which weighs eight pounds
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Court, great review. Does the Interceptor have the same “con” that you detailed in the Pedego City Commuter,”Twist throttle does not override pedal assist, can only be used separately”?
I was ready to settle on the Commuter but that con made me cross it off the list.
Just tried this bike as I’m in the market for an ebike, have been using this site a lot. My experience with the Interceptor II was that it DID respond to throttle even in pedal assist mode. I’m new to ebikes, so this might be misunderstanding your question, but that’s my experience based on what I tried today.
Bought a City Commuter yesterday and was expecting having to turn the pedal assist off for the throttle to work. I was positively surprised that the throttle worked in all modes (0-5).
It seems that Pedego also enhanced the battery switch; it now has a clear silicon cover to make it water tight.
I can confirm Meredith’s observation, albeit not on the “Interceptor”: I have just bought a Pedego City Commuter and it has the same behaviour; the throttle does work in PAS mode. I can leave the bike, let’s say in PAS mode 3, and stop for a traffic light. The throttle allows me then to get the bike started before I start peddling and before the PAS kicks in again.
It seems to me that Pedego is continuously improving their bikes. I also noted that the battery on/off switch is modified. It now has a clear silicon cover to make it water-proof.
It would seem logical that the “Interceptor” would also display this improved behaviour.
Hi, I’ve been riding a 1st generation interceptor for two years. Generally, your review is spot on. It highlights the difference between my bike and the new edition.
I have but one quarrel: the pannier bags. I commuted with the pedego bag, the basil, another bag I can’t remember, and ended up with one from ortleib (with a hand towel at the bottom). I needed to carry a battery: 8 lbs of solid, edged weight. I needed to carry my 17″ laptop, not at the same time. The only bomb proof, bullet proof bag turned out to be ortleib. Had it for a year. The basil sent me looking for my laptop on the road one day. The basil actually broke. A linus kept creeping off the rack.
The Ortleib has been there a year and takes the bad roads, the speed, all of it. It also mounts right on to the thick tubing in the rack. I live in Southern California, ride 17 miles in, then 17 back 3 or 4 times a week. Weather was not an issue. I do not ride into bad weather on purpose.
Cool! Thanks for the update Thomas, Pedego is pretty good about improving their products ongoing and sometimes these reviews fall behind a bit. Appreciate the details you’ve shared :)
Great feedback Edward, I also like Ortleib and agree that it might be sturdier vs. style focused. So sorry to hear about your laptop incident! That’s no fun, especially with such an expensive object falling out :(
Actually, the bag came apart at the strap stitching. Somebody found the laptop and told the folks at work, so I got it back. Sometimes the world is a nice place.
The 2015 Interceptor was given throttle override when in pedal assist. Also, a new hi-vis color, fluorescent orange replaced the 2014 neon green. Those are the only changes. I bought one.
Nice! Thanks for the update, I’m excited to see their new kit at Interbike this Fall. Are you enjoying your so far? What’s the best part and how are you using it?
I’m seriously considering the Interceptor II. Do you know, is the geared motor prone to falling apart after awhile? Also, are there other ebikes out there that have pedal assist with direct drive?
Hi Adam, the geared motor on this bike is very reliable (and very powerful). The Interceptor is one of my favorite ebikes from Pedego because it has pedal assist as well as a throttle and the frame is large and strong. If you’re 6ft or taller and a bit larger this is a great option, I wouldn’t worry about the motor… Pedego has great customer service and offers a solid warranty. To answer your second question, yes, there are other bikes with pedal assist and direct drive (gearless) motors like the Specialized Turbo, any of the Stromer electric bikes and the Focus ebikes. All of these also offer regenerative braking and regen modes.
I am trying to decide between the Pedego Interceptor and the Easy Motion Neo City. I’m just shy of 6 feet, 215 pounds. I notice you give a half-point higher rating to the Neo. Just from reading it seems the Neo has a much less powerful motor. Should that be concerning? What earned Neo the extra half-point? Thanks for your site and your help.
Hi Bill, great question! Thanks for providing your height and weight. My recommendation between the two for you would be the Interceptor because it has a larger frame and stronger motor. The Neo City and Neo street were rated higher for a more sophisticated pedal assist sensor, better battery integration (downtube vs. rear rack) and removable display panel. While the motor on the Easy Motion bikes is less powerful, it’s still great for people under 180 lbs and could be fine over that as well but would require more pedaling and not feel as zippy. Hope this helps! The Interceptor is a great bike and Pedego tends to have good customer service :)
The old addage that my home is uphill both ways really does apply in my case here in New Hampshire. The upside is that going from my home is downhill. This bike seems perfect for me but I wonder how well it will navigate our dirt roads and the Rail Trail, which is gravel and well maintained. The Rail to Trail project is over 30 miles long and goes from Lebanon, NH to as far South as Concord. It is easy for me to get to but the ride home is killer on my Trex cruiser. This is why I am considering an Ebike. Can you give me an idea how it will perform going from pavement to well cared for dirt and gravel roads?
Hi Bud, great question. I used to ride a Pedego City Commuter to and from work in Austin, TX and half of the ride was on loose gravel. The balloon tires provided some cushion but I eventually bought a seatpost suspension shock like this and finally just sold that bike and got more of a trail setup with large knobby tires for grip and a proper front suspension fork (the Thudbuster seatpost just kept sliding down over time as I bounced up and down). So depending on your budget, weight and height you might consider either a cruiser with suspension like the OHM XU450 or a more aggressive hardtail commuter trail bike like the Volton Alation Mid-Drive. I must say, the Pedego Interceptor is a solid bike with great features, it’s just not ideal for gravel and I personally like suspension for my wrists (I type a lot as you might imagine). Hope this helps!
Thank you for your advice. I am finding making a choice on purchasing an Ebike quite an adventure. I purchased your Ebook at Amazon and have explored many of your reviews and both have been very useful and informative. When researching a car purchase, the field is narrowed due to personal experience and bias. Not so with an Ebike purchase as the company names and models and history are all so new. At least to me. I have been to 4 bike shops and none carry Ebikes. They all said the electric bike has been slow to sell in the US due to price point and some phobia against riding a pedal assisted bike. Europe and China seem to realize the value of electric bikes vs. car ownership. I am getting closer to selecting the Ebike for me and my geographical,economic and personal needs. Cheers, Bud Baker, Enfield, NH
Hi Bud! I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here… Ebikes are slowly emerging in the US but our road systems are much larger and things are spread out. Cars work very well in the US but if you just want to enjoy cycling, climb easier or commute in a city electric bikes can make a lot of sense (did you see this video I shot?). Sorry that you’ve struggled to find a dealer. If you’re looking for some help with specific bikes just reach out and I’ll try to point you in the best direction.
Was wondering…it’s been said that the interceptor II is good for big folks. I’m 6’7″ and in the market for a sturdy, strong, reliable cruiser type. Advice?
Hi Buzz, I think you’re right on target. The second generation Interceptor comes with a relatively large, sturdy frame. The upsides are many including front and rear lights, pedal assist and throttle, great warranty, nice colors and design elements. The only downside is the rear-heavy layout with battery and motor in the back. If You’re thinking about purchasing this bike and have more questions (or want to share more details about your intended use) feel free to connect with me using this form.
I liked you video of your commute to work; stating the distance and time it took. I noticed that you seem to be fairly young, in rather good shape, and looks like you weigh about 170lbs. How would this bike work for a 62 yr old, outta shape, and over-weight person? I am 6’0′ and weigh about 250lbs. I am retired and just looking to get around in about a 10-15 mile radius. How long to the batteries last and how much does an extra one cost? I live in SW Florida (Cape Coral) and want something that is durable, long lasting battery, and has sufficient speed…to avoid getting stuff thrown at me! lol
Btw… I am new to this ebike stuff, so please understand my premise in your reply. In-other-words, I really don’t know squat! Thanks
Hi! My name is Court and I weigh 135 lbs and am the person in the video (who wrote the review). Pedego sells larger battery options that can go further and provide more power for heavier loads (definitely get the 48 volt pack). If you pedal along vs. using the throttle constantly it will extend your range. I think that with your taller build the Pedego Interceptor would be a great choice as it’s fairly large but also sturdy and delivers a nice relaxed seating position. Hope this quick feedback helps, you found a good bike for the type of person you are and Pedego has a great warranty and excellent dealers who can help fit you and teach you how to ride ;)
Bob
10 years ago
Leaning toward the Volton Alation 500 over Pedego bikes because of its lighter weight and it can go off-road. My only pause is the comment about height/weight. At 6 feet tall 210 pounds, would I feel a power reduction with the Volton versus a bigger, presumably more powerful Pedego bike? Goal is to lose 10-15 pounds on the bike. Local dealership has Volton at $2,200 and Pedego priced down 10% to $2,605.
Hi Bob, there is a 100 watt motor difference between the Interceptor and the Alation 500 but frankly, they are both fairly powerful given the 48 volt battery setup. I’m 5’9″ and the Volton feels good, I actually prefer the mid-mounted battery vs. the rear rack on the Pedego. You’re a bit taller than me but if you prefer the active design and the Alation 500 feels alright when you sit on it and test ride at the local shop it seems like it could work well for you and you’d save some money. Either way, great bikes and I’m sure you’ll benefit from the exercise of getting out more often and being able to go further :)
Amazing Interceptor! According to the comparison chart, for only a few hundred dollars and 4 lbs more than the Commuter, it goes up to twice as far minimum range, and only uses 66% of the battery power of the to do it! I guess what I’m really saying is we need realistic values of non-assisted range at whatever weight you choose to test. Then we can compare fairly which set of electronics and engineering gets efficient use of battery power. We can add and subtract our own range changes based on how hard we plan to work and how much heavier we weigh. I don’t mind pedaling myself home all the way, but I want to get to work in the morning doing only half the work to eliminate sweating and there’s nothing here that makes me comfortable on that point. The $500 Currey Trailz works well for me, but i’m considering changing to a longer commute. I can add a couple spare batteries and stay under $1000 total, but I’d like to have a reason to step up if the numbers add up correctly. Also, the chart is correct that this 48V 10AH battery = 480WH power, but incorrect that the City Commuter’s 48V 15AH is the same power. At that price point I can only guess the battery was trimmed to save cost, but how much? I am interested now to go to your three wheel site and see how the 36V battery applied to a smaller motor generates the same torque. Trouble is, I won’t really know what to believe when I read it, but at least there’s more storage room for an extra battery if needed. It makes it hard to compare with your own models and others when we can clearly see that some numbers are not close to sane. Hope this helps you improve the value of your site, Randy
Hi Randy, thanks for the feedback. I’ve learned a lot about range in recent years and acknowledge that not all specs are accurate. As you probably know, it depends on rider weight, terrain and pedal assist level. A good rule of thumb is to divide the watt hours by 20 for a good estimate of throttle only range. So for the Interceptor with a 48 volt 10 amp hour battery (480 watt hours) you might get 20 miles or so. I’ll be reviewing the 2015 Pedegos soon and I’ll focus on accurate range verses copying what the company listed.
My apologies, I mistakenly thought this was a re-branded Pedego site and I now see it is not. You guys are doing a great job of representing many brands and I’m sure the specs you post are direct from the manufacturers. Please keep up the good work!
No worries Randy, I’m basically a one person team doing the site, reviews, video editing etc. and some of the older content isn’t as refined or in depth as the new stuff. I’ll be reviewing the 2015 Pedego ebikes soon and will add more insights when I do :)
Hi! I’m looking for an electric bike because I’m trying to add some cardio into my daily routine but idk what bike can support me. I’m 6′ 2″ and 320lbs. Is there a bike that could support me. Or a bike that I could get and add spokes or frames or something for it to support me?? Plz get back to me ASAP. Thank you
Hi Alex, sorry for the short delay… In my opinion the Pedego Interceptor is one of your best choices. This thing is built well, offers a lot of power and can be setup for you and serviced by a dealer (Pedego has one of the largest dealer networks out there). Do you know if there’s a shop near your house? I feel like you found the best choice on your own so you must have been doing a bit of research to get here, are there other questions I could answer or models you wanted to compare? This is a cruiser so pedaling isn’t as efficient as a hybrid but it’s going to be more comfortable given your size, more upright and stable feeling which I feel might be important.
We bought a Pedego interceptor and city commuter at the same time and sorry, but they are garbage. An endless string of problems with many different components. I would STRONGLY recommend NOT buying these bikes. It would take pages to list all the different issues we have had not to mention weeks lost without biking waiting on parts and repairs as well as the times we’ve been stranded with a failed motor. Even given a working motor, I have reservations regarding the design again which would take pages to list. Look for another cruiser.
Aww, that makes me sad to read. Sorry about the wasted time, Tom. I do my best on these reviews (and Pedego has improved their products ongoing over the years since I first began reviewing) but it sounds like you’ve been through some difficult experiences. I hope your next ebike works better and I appreciate you sharing here.
we have 2 pedego bikes, the interceptor and city commuter. both have been disasters. they are poorly built and designed and have been in the shop for repairs probably every other month in the 2 years we have owned them. to list all the problems and design flaws with this bike… well no one would take the time to read it but suffice it to say this is singularly the worst, most breakdown product of any kind i have ever bought in my life. repairs aren’t simple either. you will often get stranded with a heavy bike and no assist far from home or worse in the midst of a multi-day trip hundreds of miles from the nearest dealer. it takes weeks to get parts shipped.
Hi Matt, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the Pedego products. What time period are they from? I know that this company has been responsive with a battery recall and has one of the largest network of dealers. Some of their hardware is simple compared to new integrated batteries and motors but I have seen them improving and supporting customers. I’m sorry that your experience has been so rough.
Purchased a Pedego Interceptor in 2020 have had issues with the breaks grinding. I took the bike in and they changed the breaks and said that they got contaminated. The breaks are still having the same issue, very loud grinding on front and back breaks. Does anybody know what’s going on?
Hmm, that’s interesting. Perhaps it’s dust or sand from where you ride? I have noticed that some brakes make a vibrating sound due to the punched out holes (for cooling) when braking steadily with weight or speed. This happens on my mountain bike when I descend a lot. I’m not sure though, would have to hear… maybe you could take a video and post it in the Pedego forums for some feedback and tips?
Mark
10 years agoCourt, great review. Does the Interceptor have the same “con” that you detailed in the Pedego City Commuter,”Twist throttle does not override pedal assist, can only be used separately”?
I was ready to settle on the Commuter but that con made me cross it off the list.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoYeah Mark, I believe that’s the case. you are either in pedal assist mode or you switch down to zero and you can use the throttle.
ReplyMeredith
10 years agoJust tried this bike as I’m in the market for an ebike, have been using this site a lot. My experience with the Interceptor II was that it DID respond to throttle even in pedal assist mode. I’m new to ebikes, so this might be misunderstanding your question, but that’s my experience based on what I tried today.
ReplyThomas
10 years agoBought a City Commuter yesterday and was expecting having to turn the pedal assist off for the throttle to work. I was positively surprised that the throttle worked in all modes (0-5).
It seems that Pedego also enhanced the battery switch; it now has a clear silicon cover to make it water tight.
ReplyThomas
10 years agoI can confirm Meredith’s observation, albeit not on the “Interceptor”: I have just bought a Pedego City Commuter and it has the same behaviour; the throttle does work in PAS mode. I can leave the bike, let’s say in PAS mode 3, and stop for a traffic light. The throttle allows me then to get the bike started before I start peddling and before the PAS kicks in again.
It seems to me that Pedego is continuously improving their bikes. I also noted that the battery on/off switch is modified. It now has a clear silicon cover to make it water-proof.
It would seem logical that the “Interceptor” would also display this improved behaviour.
ReplyEdward Jacobson
10 years agoHi, I’ve been riding a 1st generation interceptor for two years. Generally, your review is spot on. It highlights the difference between my bike and the new edition.
I have but one quarrel: the pannier bags. I commuted with the pedego bag, the basil, another bag I can’t remember, and ended up with one from ortleib (with a hand towel at the bottom). I needed to carry a battery: 8 lbs of solid, edged weight. I needed to carry my 17″ laptop, not at the same time. The only bomb proof, bullet proof bag turned out to be ortleib. Had it for a year. The basil sent me looking for my laptop on the road one day. The basil actually broke. A linus kept creeping off the rack.
The Ortleib has been there a year and takes the bad roads, the speed, all of it. It also mounts right on to the thick tubing in the rack. I live in Southern California, ride 17 miles in, then 17 back 3 or 4 times a week. Weather was not an issue. I do not ride into bad weather on purpose.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoCool! Thanks for the update Thomas, Pedego is pretty good about improving their products ongoing and sometimes these reviews fall behind a bit. Appreciate the details you’ve shared :)
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoGreat feedback Edward, I also like Ortleib and agree that it might be sturdier vs. style focused. So sorry to hear about your laptop incident! That’s no fun, especially with such an expensive object falling out :(
ReplyEdward Jacobson
10 years agoActually, the bag came apart at the strap stitching. Somebody found the laptop and told the folks at work, so I got it back. Sometimes the world is a nice place.
ReplyGator Bob
10 years agoThe 2015 Interceptor was given throttle override when in pedal assist. Also, a new hi-vis color, fluorescent orange replaced the 2014 neon green. Those are the only changes. I bought one.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoNice! Thanks for the update, I’m excited to see their new kit at Interbike this Fall. Are you enjoying your so far? What’s the best part and how are you using it?
ReplyAdam
10 years agoHi Court,
I’m seriously considering the Interceptor II. Do you know, is the geared motor prone to falling apart after awhile? Also, are there other ebikes out there that have pedal assist with direct drive?
Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Adam, the geared motor on this bike is very reliable (and very powerful). The Interceptor is one of my favorite ebikes from Pedego because it has pedal assist as well as a throttle and the frame is large and strong. If you’re 6ft or taller and a bit larger this is a great option, I wouldn’t worry about the motor… Pedego has great customer service and offers a solid warranty. To answer your second question, yes, there are other bikes with pedal assist and direct drive (gearless) motors like the Specialized Turbo, any of the Stromer electric bikes and the Focus ebikes. All of these also offer regenerative braking and regen modes.
ReplyBill Miller
10 years agoI am trying to decide between the Pedego Interceptor and the Easy Motion Neo City. I’m just shy of 6 feet, 215 pounds. I notice you give a half-point higher rating to the Neo. Just from reading it seems the Neo has a much less powerful motor. Should that be concerning? What earned Neo the extra half-point? Thanks for your site and your help.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Bill, great question! Thanks for providing your height and weight. My recommendation between the two for you would be the Interceptor because it has a larger frame and stronger motor. The Neo City and Neo street were rated higher for a more sophisticated pedal assist sensor, better battery integration (downtube vs. rear rack) and removable display panel. While the motor on the Easy Motion bikes is less powerful, it’s still great for people under 180 lbs and could be fine over that as well but would require more pedaling and not feel as zippy. Hope this helps! The Interceptor is a great bike and Pedego tends to have good customer service :)
ReplyBill
10 years agoThanks Court. What a great help and invaluable resource you have been!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoSure thing Bill, ride safe out there and have fun :)
ReplyBud Baker
10 years agoThe old addage that my home is uphill both ways really does apply in my case here in New Hampshire. The upside is that going from my home is downhill. This bike seems perfect for me but I wonder how well it will navigate our dirt roads and the Rail Trail, which is gravel and well maintained. The Rail to Trail project is over 30 miles long and goes from Lebanon, NH to as far South as Concord. It is easy for me to get to but the ride home is killer on my Trex cruiser. This is why I am considering an Ebike. Can you give me an idea how it will perform going from pavement to well cared for dirt and gravel roads?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Bud, great question. I used to ride a Pedego City Commuter to and from work in Austin, TX and half of the ride was on loose gravel. The balloon tires provided some cushion but I eventually bought a seatpost suspension shock like this and finally just sold that bike and got more of a trail setup with large knobby tires for grip and a proper front suspension fork (the Thudbuster seatpost just kept sliding down over time as I bounced up and down). So depending on your budget, weight and height you might consider either a cruiser with suspension like the OHM XU450 or a more aggressive hardtail commuter trail bike like the Volton Alation Mid-Drive. I must say, the Pedego Interceptor is a solid bike with great features, it’s just not ideal for gravel and I personally like suspension for my wrists (I type a lot as you might imagine). Hope this helps!
ReplyBud Baker
10 years agoThank you for your advice. I am finding making a choice on purchasing an Ebike quite an adventure. I purchased your Ebook at Amazon and have explored many of your reviews and both have been very useful and informative. When researching a car purchase, the field is narrowed due to personal experience and bias. Not so with an Ebike purchase as the company names and models and history are all so new. At least to me. I have been to 4 bike shops and none carry Ebikes. They all said the electric bike has been slow to sell in the US due to price point and some phobia against riding a pedal assisted bike. Europe and China seem to realize the value of electric bikes vs. car ownership. I am getting closer to selecting the Ebike for me and my geographical,economic and personal needs. Cheers, Bud Baker, Enfield, NH
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Bud! I think you’ve hit the nail on the head here… Ebikes are slowly emerging in the US but our road systems are much larger and things are spread out. Cars work very well in the US but if you just want to enjoy cycling, climb easier or commute in a city electric bikes can make a lot of sense (did you see this video I shot?). Sorry that you’ve struggled to find a dealer. If you’re looking for some help with specific bikes just reach out and I’ll try to point you in the best direction.
ReplyBuzz
10 years agoWas wondering…it’s been said that the interceptor II is good for big folks. I’m 6’7″ and in the market for a sturdy, strong, reliable cruiser type. Advice?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Buzz, I think you’re right on target. The second generation Interceptor comes with a relatively large, sturdy frame. The upsides are many including front and rear lights, pedal assist and throttle, great warranty, nice colors and design elements. The only downside is the rear-heavy layout with battery and motor in the back. If You’re thinking about purchasing this bike and have more questions (or want to share more details about your intended use) feel free to connect with me using this form.
ReplyPowerfader
9 years agoI liked you video of your commute to work; stating the distance and time it took. I noticed that you seem to be fairly young, in rather good shape, and looks like you weigh about 170lbs. How would this bike work for a 62 yr old, outta shape, and over-weight person? I am 6’0′ and weigh about 250lbs. I am retired and just looking to get around in about a 10-15 mile radius. How long to the batteries last and how much does an extra one cost? I live in SW Florida (Cape Coral) and want something that is durable, long lasting battery, and has sufficient speed…to avoid getting stuff thrown at me! lol
Btw… I am new to this ebike stuff, so please understand my premise in your reply. In-other-words, I really don’t know squat! Thanks
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi! My name is Court and I weigh 135 lbs and am the person in the video (who wrote the review). Pedego sells larger battery options that can go further and provide more power for heavier loads (definitely get the 48 volt pack). If you pedal along vs. using the throttle constantly it will extend your range. I think that with your taller build the Pedego Interceptor would be a great choice as it’s fairly large but also sturdy and delivers a nice relaxed seating position. Hope this quick feedback helps, you found a good bike for the type of person you are and Pedego has a great warranty and excellent dealers who can help fit you and teach you how to ride ;)
Bob
10 years agoLeaning toward the Volton Alation 500 over Pedego bikes because of its lighter weight and it can go off-road. My only pause is the comment about height/weight. At 6 feet tall 210 pounds, would I feel a power reduction with the Volton versus a bigger, presumably more powerful Pedego bike? Goal is to lose 10-15 pounds on the bike. Local dealership has Volton at $2,200 and Pedego priced down 10% to $2,605.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Bob, there is a 100 watt motor difference between the Interceptor and the Alation 500 but frankly, they are both fairly powerful given the 48 volt battery setup. I’m 5’9″ and the Volton feels good, I actually prefer the mid-mounted battery vs. the rear rack on the Pedego. You’re a bit taller than me but if you prefer the active design and the Alation 500 feels alright when you sit on it and test ride at the local shop it seems like it could work well for you and you’d save some money. Either way, great bikes and I’m sure you’ll benefit from the exercise of getting out more often and being able to go further :)
ReplyBen Kopp
10 years agoHi Court, will you be testing the updated version of the interceptor any time soon? Regards, Ben
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Ben! I’m a little behind but all of Pedego’s 2015 models are on my list to review. I’m targeting April.
ReplyRandy
10 years agoAmazing Interceptor! According to the comparison chart, for only a few hundred dollars and 4 lbs more than the Commuter, it goes up to twice as far minimum range, and only uses 66% of the battery power of the to do it! I guess what I’m really saying is we need realistic values of non-assisted range at whatever weight you choose to test. Then we can compare fairly which set of electronics and engineering gets efficient use of battery power. We can add and subtract our own range changes based on how hard we plan to work and how much heavier we weigh. I don’t mind pedaling myself home all the way, but I want to get to work in the morning doing only half the work to eliminate sweating and there’s nothing here that makes me comfortable on that point. The $500 Currey Trailz works well for me, but i’m considering changing to a longer commute. I can add a couple spare batteries and stay under $1000 total, but I’d like to have a reason to step up if the numbers add up correctly. Also, the chart is correct that this 48V 10AH battery = 480WH power, but incorrect that the City Commuter’s 48V 15AH is the same power. At that price point I can only guess the battery was trimmed to save cost, but how much? I am interested now to go to your three wheel site and see how the 36V battery applied to a smaller motor generates the same torque. Trouble is, I won’t really know what to believe when I read it, but at least there’s more storage room for an extra battery if needed. It makes it hard to compare with your own models and others when we can clearly see that some numbers are not close to sane. Hope this helps you improve the value of your site, Randy
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Randy, thanks for the feedback. I’ve learned a lot about range in recent years and acknowledge that not all specs are accurate. As you probably know, it depends on rider weight, terrain and pedal assist level. A good rule of thumb is to divide the watt hours by 20 for a good estimate of throttle only range. So for the Interceptor with a 48 volt 10 amp hour battery (480 watt hours) you might get 20 miles or so. I’ll be reviewing the 2015 Pedegos soon and I’ll focus on accurate range verses copying what the company listed.
ReplyRandy
10 years agoMy apologies, I mistakenly thought this was a re-branded Pedego site and I now see it is not. You guys are doing a great job of representing many brands and I’m sure the specs you post are direct from the manufacturers. Please keep up the good work!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoNo worries Randy, I’m basically a one person team doing the site, reviews, video editing etc. and some of the older content isn’t as refined or in depth as the new stuff. I’ll be reviewing the 2015 Pedego ebikes soon and will add more insights when I do :)
ReplyVB Ebikes
9 years agoLove the Interceptor. My favorite boardwalk cruiser with it’s handle bar USB port for ITunes and Harley like comfort!
ReplyAlex
8 years agoHi! I’m looking for an electric bike because I’m trying to add some cardio into my daily routine but idk what bike can support me. I’m 6′ 2″ and 320lbs. Is there a bike that could support me. Or a bike that I could get and add spokes or frames or something for it to support me?? Plz get back to me ASAP. Thank you
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoHi Alex, sorry for the short delay… In my opinion the Pedego Interceptor is one of your best choices. This thing is built well, offers a lot of power and can be setup for you and serviced by a dealer (Pedego has one of the largest dealer networks out there). Do you know if there’s a shop near your house? I feel like you found the best choice on your own so you must have been doing a bit of research to get here, are there other questions I could answer or models you wanted to compare? This is a cruiser so pedaling isn’t as efficient as a hybrid but it’s going to be more comfortable given your size, more upright and stable feeling which I feel might be important.
Replytom
6 years agoWe bought a Pedego interceptor and city commuter at the same time and sorry, but they are garbage. An endless string of problems with many different components. I would STRONGLY recommend NOT buying these bikes. It would take pages to list all the different issues we have had not to mention weeks lost without biking waiting on parts and repairs as well as the times we’ve been stranded with a failed motor. Even given a working motor, I have reservations regarding the design again which would take pages to list. Look for another cruiser.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoAww, that makes me sad to read. Sorry about the wasted time, Tom. I do my best on these reviews (and Pedego has improved their products ongoing over the years since I first began reviewing) but it sounds like you’ve been through some difficult experiences. I hope your next ebike works better and I appreciate you sharing here.
ReplyMatt
6 years agowe have 2 pedego bikes, the interceptor and city commuter. both have been disasters. they are poorly built and designed and have been in the shop for repairs probably every other month in the 2 years we have owned them. to list all the problems and design flaws with this bike… well no one would take the time to read it but suffice it to say this is singularly the worst, most breakdown product of any kind i have ever bought in my life. repairs aren’t simple either. you will often get stranded with a heavy bike and no assist far from home or worse in the midst of a multi-day trip hundreds of miles from the nearest dealer. it takes weeks to get parts shipped.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Matt, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with the Pedego products. What time period are they from? I know that this company has been responsive with a battery recall and has one of the largest network of dealers. Some of their hardware is simple compared to new integrated batteries and motors but I have seen them improving and supporting customers. I’m sorry that your experience has been so rough.
ReplyMichele Barcot
3 years agoPurchased a Pedego Interceptor in 2020 have had issues with the breaks grinding. I took the bike in and they changed the breaks and said that they got contaminated. The breaks are still having the same issue, very loud grinding on front and back breaks. Does anybody know what’s going on?
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHmm, that’s interesting. Perhaps it’s dust or sand from where you ride? I have noticed that some brakes make a vibrating sound due to the punched out holes (for cooling) when braking steadily with weight or speed. This happens on my mountain bike when I descend a lot. I’m not sure though, would have to hear… maybe you could take a video and post it in the Pedego forums for some feedback and tips?
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