The ProdecoTech Stride R is one of the more affordable ebikes I’ve tested and I love that it comes with a front shock to smooth out the ride. The power it offers is good but the drive system is limited to throttle only which tends to reduce range and climbing ability because there’s no incentive to pedal along. That said, it’s zippy, quiet and the battery is removable which makes transporting the bike easier (because the pack weighs about 7 pounds). It only comes in one size that’s sort of medium and one color (white) but the step-through frame is easy to mount and control if you have to stop and put your feet down. The folding pedals don’t offer as much space for your feet (or stiffness for pedaling) and I think they were just added because Prodeco uses them on other bikes. Ultimately, this one’s designed to be an upgrade from the Stride 500 with better components and suspension but it’s still an entry level bike.
The motor driving the Prodeco Stride R offers 500 watts of power in a direct drive (gearless) configuration. It offers decent power and operates smoothly without creating much noise. The drawbacks here are weight and size because the motor relies on big magnets inside to create power. Also, when coasting or pedaling without assist the magnets may create some drag vs. a geared motor with a freewheel system. It also does not take advantage of regenerative braking which some other gearless systems offer.
The battery pack powering that motor delivers ~36 volts of power and 9 amp hours of capacity. That’s kind of average and the pack is a bit heavier than some ebikes because it uses Lithium Iron Phosphate chemistry vs. other Lithium-ion mixes. The pack is kind of large (and you can upgrade it to be even larger but note the limited strength of only one support strut per side vs. two on the higher end bikes. Ultimately, you get power and decent range here but only have a twist throttle to take advantage of it (which is part of why the range on this bike is kind of average). The pack is removable and feels pretty solid but the rack it mounts to is high up and fairly rigid which creates more strain. I listed “no mounting points for cargo” as a con but with the limited support here and somewhat delicate battery interface I think they made the right call.
The low price point makes it easy to get excited about the Stride R but you are trading functionality, range and stability. Prodeco Technologies offers a generous two year warranty but the fine print says it doesn’t cover normal wear and tear on the battery from use which seemed misleading. There aren’t a whole lot of dealers that carry this bike right now, in part because I believe their margins are very low, but it is available online. If you do get it over the Internet there will be some assembly involved and it can take some effort to work with.
I think of this ebike as a refined version of first generation technology in the space. In the early 2000’s many companies were using rear mounted packs because it’s easy and cheap, they didn’t have fancy pedal assist options and the computers were also very simple or non existent. The Stride R brings updated Lithium batteries that are lighter and longer lasting and a variable speed twist throttle that is fun to use. Over time your hand might get tired (and good luck trying to carry it up stairs) but for the money it gets the job done and could be a solid option for someone willing to screw around a bit who fits the frame.
Powerful geared hub motor and high voltage battery pack for excellent torque and climbing ability. Compact folding design with removable battery, comfortable suspension fork and seat post shock...
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…...
Extremely light weight hardtail electric bike with 27 speeds and an efficient friction drive motor. Keyde drivetrain blends in, motor is very small and battery is shaped like a water…...
High speed, off-road only electric bike that's not legal to ride in most states without modification and insurance. Quality SRAM, Truvativ and ZOOM components, hand assembled in the USA, solid two year warranty...
Well priced hardtail mountain bike with light weight titanium frame and larger 29" wheels. Excellent balance and aesthetic appeal with grip drive front hub motor and bottle style battery…...
Inexpensive full sized folding electric bike with 26" wheels and basic suspension fork. Rear-heavy design with hub motor and battery mounted towards the back, single support strut...
Inexpensive full sized folding electric bike with 26" wheels and basic suspension fork. Rear-heavy design with hub motor and battery mounted towards the back, single support strut...
Affordable, high power electric bike with a decent warranty but rear heavy design. Limited suspension, relies on cushy seat and balloon tires to smooth out the bumps...
More solid than earlier Phantom ebikes, does not fold and has reinforced battery pack supports. High end RockShox fork with lockout, upgraded pedals (that don't fold) and hydraulic Avid DB…...
500 watt direct drive motor is quiet and capable but offers less torque and weighs more, no regen modes. Simple to operate with LED console and twist throttle only, no pedal assist or LCD…...
One of the most affordable, but still decent quality, entry level electric bikes. Low step design is easy to mount, adjustable neck and shock add comfort, twist throttle…...
Unstable due to steep long travel shock angle and high battery pack position. Relatively low price but tough to test ride as it's primarily available only online...
An affordable, but heavy, folding electric bike with twist throttle only. Available primarily online, offers solid two year warranty including battery pack...
Peter Dswonyk
8 years agoI have a Stride 400 for almost a month now, and am still working out distance per charge, but meantime I am very happy with all other aspects of my ProdecoTech bike. I am a disabled veteran with no license, and windy days used to severely limit my ability to travel by bicycle
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoThanks for the feedback Peter! It’s great to hear you’re enjoying your ebike… ProdecoTech seems to do a great job building in the USA and offering good prices. Ride safe out there :)
ReplyPhillip Wilcox
6 years agoI really liked my Stride 400 until the battery went bad, after just a few months. They promised a new one in about six weeks. I was not happy about it but what could I do. Eight weeks went by and still no battery a few more weeks I was told. Four more weeks gone still no battery. Now they tell me just a couple of weeks they would have it for sure. Another month gone without a battery. This has gone on now for nine months, just one lie after another. The only way I see is to go to Court. Don’t let this happen to you.
ReplyCourt
6 years agoAww, that’s a bummer. I’m so sorry Phillip! It seems like ProdecoTech has been going through some big changes these past two or three yeas. I haven’t been in touch or filmed many updates during this time. They did invite me out at one point but that fell through. It can feel frustrating and disappointing to have a bike that almost works but battery issues can put a halt on everything and be expensive. You may be able to get it repacked or repaired by using a third party service. Check out this resource I crated after finding one of these companies in California. Hope it helps! So sorry for your struggles :(
ReplyPhillip Wilcox
5 years agoThe battery went bad and I contacted Prodeco. They asked me to send the battery to them for replacement–at my expense, which I did. That was over a year ago and they kept promising to send it. Now, when you call them, Prodeco has a recorded message that you should go online if you need service–they do not even answer the phone. There are so many good bike companies, I would stay away from this scam.
ReplyCourt
5 years agoOh my goodness! They never sent your battery back at all?! For anyone else that is having battery troubles or needs replacement/repacking and still has the battery case, consider using FTH Power which is becoming a specialist at this. I visited their factory and made a post about it here. Sorry again Phillip, that’s just a big bummer!
Reply