The Pedego Tandem Cruiser offers a sturdy, classic design that’s intuitive and fun to ride with a friend. The oversized seats, elongated handlebars and balloon tires add just enough comfort while supporting an upright riding position. It may lack some of the fancier features like an LED display and pedal assist mode but the simple twist throttle works well and perhaps offers less distraction for a new rider. I’ve ridden this bike with family members on vacation (we rented it near the beach). It’s perfect for sight seeing and takes the edge off when you’re dealing with hills, headwinds or a passenger who isn’t pedaling very much ;)
Driving this bike is a 500 watt direct drive (gearless) rear hub motor. It’s simple, tough and fairly powerful while still being quiet. In the video review you might be able to hear the soft electric whir as I accelerate? Having rented vespas and other gas powered vehicles for sight seeing, I much prefer the quiet ebike as it allows for easier conversation and doesn’t scare animals away. While the motor isn’t powerful enough to push two large riders up a steep hill without some pedaling, it works well enough and can reach 20mph on flats.
The battery pack design was updated in 2014 and now includes an integrated LED tail light. The pack itself is removable for convenient charging (or making the bike lighter during transport). It offers 48 volts of power and 10 amp hours of capacity which is on the larger side for ebikes and provides a lot of boost for the motor. Just insert the key, press the rocker on/off switch under the pack and you’re ready to go. The rear rack has also been updated and now encloses the battery providing more protection and easier mounting for racks and panniers.
The control panel and shifters on this bike are simple. Both are located within reach of the right handle bar. The six speed cassette offers enough variation that climbing or accelerating is possible but honestly, this isn’t a bike that’s setup for long distance pedaling. The oversized seats are comfortable but may rub on your legs a bit more than a performance saddle. I really like the new integrated brake lever bell and am a fan of the matching paint that covers the rack, chain guard and optional fenders. One of the few gripes I’ve got is that there is only one disc brake, on the front, and the rear uses a band brake that feels slower when stopping. For such a heavy bike designed to carry two people it would be nice to have oversized discs on front and rear wheels.
In closing, the Tandem Cruiser is a capable and fun electric bike for two. At under $3K it feels like a bargain given the 500 watt motor and 48 volt pack. The new frame is refined and Pedego’s legendary customer service and warranty (1 year frame, 3 year battery) is easy to appreciate. While it’s not something that I’d buy for regular commuting, it has been a lot of fun to ride with my Mom during vacations and I’m glad Pedego offers it.
Pros:
- One of the only purpose-built electric bikes in a tandem configuration for two riders
- Large balloon tires absorb shock when riding to add comfort, can upgrade to kevlar lining, all come pre-Slimed
- Platform pedals are stiff, wide and grippy for a stable ride in wet or dry conditions
- Saddles are wide and soft, include rubber bumpers for added support, matching padded grips
- Rear rack design surrounds battery pack for added protection, includes a sprung latch for quick storage
- Battery pack is removable for convenient charging on or off the Tandem Cruiser, built in LED rear light
- Battery locks to frame with sturdy metal lock and key, key must be left in when riding
- Available in black and red as of 2014, wires are integrated into the frame for improved aesthetics
- Simple to operate: turn battery on, press power button on throttle, twist and go
Cons:
- No mounting points for adding water bottle cages, have to use a clip on accessory
- Chain guard can get bent easily if stepped on or kicked, works well but a little fragile
- Rear handlebars are mounted fairly low, work well for shorter people but may feel uncomfortable if tall
- 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/tandem-cruisers/
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/2KEyvjncUHbY4Z4z8
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