ProdecoTech Phantom X2 Review

Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Electric Bike Review 1
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Direct Drive Motor
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Lithium Ion Battery
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Twist Throttle
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Avid Disc Brakes
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Kickstand Cranks
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Electric Bike Review 1
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Direct Drive Motor
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Lithium Ion Battery
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Twist Throttle
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Avid Disc Brakes
Prodecotech Phantom X2 V4 Kickstand Cranks

Summary

  • Full sized electric bike with unique mid-frame folding feature for easier transport and storage
  • 500 watt direct drive gearless motor is quiet and strong but only operates on a throttle, no pedal assist
  • Quality components including Avid hydraulic disc brakes, RockShox suspension fork and Wellgo folding pedals
  • Rear heavy design with rack mounted battery and motor towards the back, rack cannot be used with bags

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

ProdecoTech

Model:

Phantom X2

Price:

$1,699 USD

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Comprehensive, 30 Day Replacement

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2014

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

58 lbs (26.3 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Types:

High-Step, Folding

Frame Colors:

Matte Black

Frame Fork Details:

RockShox XC28 with 120 mm Travel and Lockout

Attachment Points:

Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

8 Speed 1x8 SRAM X7, 11-28T

Shifter Details:

SRAM X7 Grip Twist

Cranks:

44T x 170 104BCD Aluminum

Pedals:

Wellgo Folding Aluminum

Headset:

Integrated Cartridge Bearing

Stem:

Promax 31.8 mm Adjustable Angle

Handlebar:

Promax 31.8 Flat Bar 580 mm

Brake Details:

Avid DB1 Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm HS1 Rotors

Grips:

Kraton with Alloy Lock Rings

Saddle:

Velo Plush Sport Vented

Seat Post:

Promax

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

27.2 mm

Rims:

Triple Box Wide 32 mm

Spokes:

18/8 Black Stainless Steel 12G

Tire Brand:

Continental Traffic, 26" x 2.1"

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Double Leg Kickstand, 43.8V 2 Amp Charger, Aluminum Bash Guard on Front Ring, Bell on Left Bar

Other:

Removable Battery Pack

Electronic Details

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Gearless Direct Drive Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

500 watts

Motor Peak Output:

720 watts

Battery Voltage:

38.4 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

12 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

460.8 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), 24 Cells

Charge Time:

5.5 hours

Estimated Min Range:

25 miles (40 km)

Estimated Max Range:

40 miles (64 km)

Display Type:

LED Console

Readouts:

Battery Level (Green, Yellow, Red)

Drive Mode:

Twist Throttle

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

The ProdecoTech Phantom X2 is a unique electric bike, it’s one of only a few full sized bikes I’m aware of that can be folded to save space (electric or otherwise). This is both a blessing and a curse… it saves you space but adds weight and weakens the frame. Overall it’s an elegant design that works well as a scooter. The Phantom X2 only comes in one size (kind of a medium but you have to step over the higher top bar) and one color (flat black with red accents). It’s fairly affordable but also rear heavy and kind of basic in terms of drive modes and display settings. Compared to older versions of the X2, the version 4 shown in the video review and images here has some upgraded components. The RockShox suspension fork with lockout works great, the Avid hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors are awesome and the folding Wellgo pedals are solid providing good stiffness and power transfer when riding.

The motor powering this bike is powerful 500 watt nominal ~720 watt peak gearless hub located in the rear. It’s relatively quiet and durable (no gears rubbing inside) but also very heavy. One of the possible benefits of gearless direct drive hub motors is regenerative braking but that feature isn’t offered here. It’s just a simple but reliable motor with variable speed output. To make it go you twist the throttle and it responds instantly.

Powering the motor on the X2 is large 38 volt 12 amp hour Lithium Phosphate battery pack. It’s fairly large and heavy compared with a Lithium Ion alternative but it is a bit less expensive and longer lasting (in terms of charge cycles). ProdecoTech suggests that this battery will endure 2,000 cycles which is quite a few… That may be possible but you’ll have to keep it away from extreme temperatures and top it off after each ride (and once every couple of months if you haven’t ridden). While the actual battery is solid here the way it’s mounted isn’t my favorite. It’s placed high up and towards the rear (adding to the weight of the hub motor). This bike is rear heavy and wile the battery features a built in light and is removable for convenient charging it doesn’t allow you to add a bag or panniers for storage. It also requires you to leave the key in when riding which isn’t my favorite thing because it jingles a bit and could be forgotten more easily. Also, if the bike tips, the plastic shell around the battery is exposed to more dings than if it were mounted lower and surrounded by tubing.

The Phantom X2 is very easy to operate, just charge the pack, insert the key and twist, press the red button on the control dashboard (connected to the twist throttle on the right handle bar) and twist! The are three LED’s on the dashboard that help you estimate remaining battery capacity and they might actually change from green to yellow to red if you’re climbing a steep hill even though there is plenty of juice left in the pack. This is because the LED’s are basically a readout for a voltmeter and your voltage drops when you strain the motor. What I’m trying to say here is that while the display and twist throttle are simple, they aren’t the most sophisticated or useful ways to ride. There are no pedal assist options, no speed indicator or odometer and you really don’t have a great idea for what kind of juice is left in the tank when riding.

All things considered the Phantom X2 v4 from ProdecoTech offers a lot of bang for your buck. The company has been making ebikes since 2010 and are doing all of the assembly (and even some fabrication) in South Florida USA which is cool. The two year warranty is solid and if you are looking to save space this model could be a good choice. The folding mechanism works well and event he pedals fold in so it does save considerable space. If you like what this bike offers but don’t need the folding feature, consider the X3 which could handle a bit more stress and light trail riding but basically offers the same experience.

Pros:

  • Unique full-sized folding design makes this ebike easier to store and transport
  • Larger hybrid tires and suspension fork add some cushion when riding over bumps and cracks
  • Solid components including SRAM X7 drivetrain, Avid hydraulic disc brakes, RockShox fork and Wellgo pedals
  • Water bottle cage braze ons added to the top tube so you can carry a bottle (bit of an awkward position)
  • Battery pack is removable for easy charging on or off the bike and to make the bike lighter for transport
  • Gearless rear hub motor is quite powerful and rugged, operates fairly quietly as well/li>
  • Solid two year warranty on bicycle, drive system and battery with a 100%, in-stock replacement parts policy
  • Simple control interface, just turn the key in the battery, press the red button, twist the throttle and go

Cons:

  • Only offers twist throttle mode for “power on demand”, no pedal assist options
  • LED battery level indicator isn’t as precise as an LCD display, no speed or distance readouts
  • Battery and hub motor are located at the back making the bike rear heavy, battery is also high up
  • The rear rack and battery mount are not designed to work with bags or panniers (could overload it)
  • Despite having a nicer suspension fork this bike isn’t really designed to handle off-road, the folding point and battery mount design could be vulnerable at higher speeds over bumpy terrain
  • The key must be left in when riding (can jingle around) battery is vulnerable to damage if the bike tips
  • Only available in one size (standard medium) with a high-step top tube but the seat is adjustable up and down

Resources:

More ProdecoTech Reviews

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ProdecoTech Phantom X3 Review

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Comments (12) YouTube Comments

George Sears
10 years ago

The Scorpion does move Prodeco away from the gripes you have. Triple the price.

  Reply
Court Rye
10 years ago

Yeah, the price is definitely a LOT more on the Scorpion and Titanio than the more traditional “rear rack” style ebikes they’ve been making for years. I would definitely prefer these bikes over the others but it might be hard to justify with a limited budget :)

  Reply
abetter
9 years ago

Buy a prodeco and fall like a pro. And then prodeco simply does no answer. My pantom brokes by the held. Uses just About 1000 km. Nevera Buy a prodeco again.. if you want pics… Ill post IT.

  Reply
Court Rye
9 years ago

I’m sorry to hear that your bike hasn’t been performing well… I’ve heard about some issues with this model (especially the plastic batter pack design). Feel free to share your experience (in an objective way, try not to get too upset or cause a scene) and include your pictures and stuff back at the ProdecoTech forums here.

  Reply
MrPeto
9 years ago

I have a Phantom V3 X2. I love this bike, it’s so much fun. I get 40 miles no problem with peddling and battery together. I have over 1000 miles on this bike and little battery degradation, it runs flawless.

  Reply
Court Rye
9 years ago

That’s awesome! I’m glad to hear it’s working well for you and appreciate the quick testimonial. Ride safe :)

  Reply
Kevin
8 years ago

Hi, would you recommend this bike for steep climbing? or what would you recommend the bike for steep climb in $ 1000~1999.

  Reply
Court Rye
8 years ago

Hi Kevin! There are a lot of factors here like how heavy the load is and whether you’d pedal along to help. I think the Phantom X2 would do well given its larger motor but since it’s gearless you might need more speed going in. Starting from zero with these motors is a challenge in my experience. If you want feedback on other bikes in this price range and are willing to share more about yourself (like weight, distance desired, how steep etc.) then try this forum area, people usually chime in :)

  Reply
John copko
7 years ago

Have 300 miles on phantom2 electric bike. Bike performs as advertised. I live on a sailboat & this bike is my primary land transportation. Folding feature allows for storing aboard when traveling. I get 20-25 miles running at various speeds. I like this bike alot. One improvment i will make is ashock absorbing seat post

  Reply
Court Rye
7 years ago

Hey John! How awesome, I bet it’s really cool to live aboard a sailboat… always been curious about that sort of thing for myself. Do you mostly stay docked or travel around? Anyway, the foldability of the Phantom X2 sounds like it really makes it a good fit for you. Good call on getting a suspension seat post, any one in particular that you’re looking at? Looks like I measured this bike at 27.2 mm for the post diameter, that’s a very common size so you should be able to choose from several, I like the SR Suntour SP12-NCX for a balance of quality and price at around $100.

  Reply
Chapotot
5 years ago

Bonjour,

Je vis en France a BIARRITZ et je possede 2 velos phantom X2 acheter par mon patron en 2013. Il me faudrais

  • Une batterie ( SLIDING BATTERY )
  • Deux jeux de clés avec leurs neimans ( unlock,on et off) ( un pour chaque vélo)
  • Un chargeur de batterie
  • Un embout de béquille démontable
  • Une sonnette

Merci beaucoup.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Chapotot, in order to reach ProdecoTech for support, you will need to use their official website and you can call them with this phone number 800-943-6190. I hope this helps you out! I am just a website owner trying to help with information about the bikes, I do not sell anything :)

  Reply

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