For just a bit more at $1,799, the dual batteries, significantly higher power/speed, hydraulic disc brakes, and a pile of other features blow this Kent bike away. But Lectric’s model is also a folding fat tire e-bike and won’t fulfill the trail bike role that Kent’s offering here claims to satisfy. Walmart has long offered an interesting array of low-cost electric bicycles. Some of the bikes have even dipped down into ultra-budget territory with prices below $400.
An LED battery meter is mounted on the handlebars that also houses the power mode selector. In the case of Kent’s mid-drive electric bike, seen above, it’s not clear exactly which 250W motor is used. Nicer (i.e., more expensive) e-bikes tend to use fancier mid-drive motors like those made by Brose, Bosch, Yamaha, and other major German or Japanese manufacturers. While the battery seems to last kent electric bike for a while on low power mode, high mode drains it quicker. I asked Kent Bicycles about the possibility of buying spare batteries to swap in and make for a longer ride, and they’re looking into offering them on their website. With a fun e-bike like this, kids that may have never expressed an interest in cycling could be hopping onto the saddle and discover the joy of life on two-wheels.
Mid-drive motors, unlike hub motors, actually power the bike through the standard gears on a bicycle. E-bikes have become the favorite transportation method of hunters these days. The reason is that e-bikes have a lot to offer as benefits.
The brake levers that control a pair of V-brakes also have sensors to cut motor power any time the brakes are pulled. Mid-drive motors, on the other hand, are more costly to produce due to their more complicated design. That complication also makes them a bit more touchy, at least for new riders that aren’t used to shifting a bike.
Most of these buyers probably haven’t ridden a bicycle in decades and are looking for a cheap and non-intimidating way to get back on the bike. Retailing for under $700 (around £515/AU$970), the Kent Electric Cruiser was created for them. There are numerous trails in North Georgia with large inclines and several over 15 miles long that we had intentionally avoided.
I realized we could skip the gym to train a couple times a week specifically for these longer rides or we could buy e-bikes. The motor is supplied by an adorable little 24V 5.2Ah battery with just 125 Wh of capacity. In low power mode, the battery is sufficient for 15 miles (25 km) of range. That isn’t a bad thing, as many riders (including myself) have been very happy with lower-cost mid-drive motors.
At this price point, you’re going to have to deal with some compromises. I wish the bike came standard with thru-axles or quick-release kent road bike skewers for the wheels. If I ever got a flat on the road, it’s going to be that much more difficult to change the tire.