2019 Electric Bike Company Model Y Review

Video Review

Written Review

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike is the ultimate beach cruiser that’s built from the ground up in the United States with premium components and has an abundance of customizable accessories to choose from. 

Electric Bike Company has four models of electric bikes and are known for providing top of the line electric bikes at reasonable prices; this one, the Model Y is their traditional style beach cruiser but is the more affordable version of the Model S. This electric bike has range and power in abundance but more than that it is one of the most well-built electric bikes around, especially for the money, and is a true joy to ride. The accessories look dope — especially the handmade leather saddlebags and custom wood trim — and they are just as functional.

Power — 500 nominal watts, 1,000 peak watts

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike has an incredibly powerful MXUS geared hub motor with a nominal output of 500 watts and a peak output of 1,000 watts with 60 Newton meters of torque. 

Speed  — 25 mph

The The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike has a top speed of 25 mph which can be reached using the pedal assist or throttle, making this a class 3 electric bike. There is also an option to keep it in a more street legal mode of 20 mph, which would make the Model Y a class 2 electric bike. The top speed for the throttle and the pedal assist can be adjusted in the display settings. 

Battery and Range — 48 volt 10.4 ah, 40 miles

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike runs on a 48 volt system and has a 10.4 ah battery for an estimated max range of 40 miles with pedal assist. There’s also the option to upgrade to a 14 ah battery for an additional $299.00 which would increase the estimated max range significantly. The battery is located in the front basket, which is attached to the frame to help minimize felt weight in the basket, and also to help keep contents from spilling out during turns. The battery is not removable and must be charged along with the bike.

Pedal assist sensor — Cadence sensor

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike is equipped with a cadence sensor that measures the rotation of the cranks. Like most cadence sensors, there is some delay from the time the rider starts and stops pedaling to the time the motor activates and deactivates.

Display — LCD

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike has an LCD display attached to the middle of the handlebars with an independent control pad on the left side of the handlebars. This display has most of the necessary electronic feedback including speed, battery level and distance. It also has tons of flexibility for customizing the bike in settings menu

Frame and weight — 6061 Aluminum alloy, 55 pounds

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike comes in one frame size and has an aluminum alloy frame for a total curb weight of nearly 55 pounds, which is an average weight for this style of electric bike. There’s also two stock colors to choose from — black and red — but there’s a virtually limitless selection of custom color options for an additional $399.00.

Suspension —  Solid forks 

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike has solid steel forks which have some vibration dampening qualities and help to soak up some of the shocks. It also has an optional Satori seat post suspension and Suntour seat post suspension for an additional $45.00 and $75.00, respectively. This is an excellent accessory and we definitely recommend going for this or another seat post suspension as it really makes for a silky smooth ride.

Gearing — Single speed

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike uses a chain driven single speed, but the frame does have derailleur bosses already drilled in so a derailleur can be attached if desired. 

Brakes — Tektro, hydraulic disc

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike uses Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors, providing serious stopping power. The brake levers also have motor inhibitors built in, which instantly cut power to the motor whenever the brake levers are depressed.

Warranty — 5 year comprehensive, 10 years frame and motor

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike has a 5 year comprehensive warranty and a 10 year warranty for the frame and motor — one of the best warranties we’ve ever seen.

Price — Starting at $1,399

Starting at $1,499 the Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike is competitively priced given it’s abundance of features, including high quality hand stitched leather grips, and adjustable stem, powerful motor, hydraulic disc brakes, puncture resistance tires, integrated headlight, extremely generous warranty and many accessories to choose from. Not to mention they’re entirely hand built in the United States.

Who’s it for — Cruisers on a budget with an eye for quality

The Electric Bike Company Model Y electric bike feels like a good choice for those who are looking for a great cruiser style electric bike but aren’t looking to spend a fortune. The Model Y is competitively priced given the quality and while this one makes for a great cruiser, it’s also a capable commuter thanks to the 1,000 peak watt motor. The included front basket also makes it easy to stow groceries or anything else you need, and the step-thru frame makes it an incredibly approachable electric bike. The amount of upgrade paths for this bike is also cool as it gives riders an opportunity to really customize their ride. If you need a cruiser style electric bike that will last you for years and years to come, the Model Y is a hard one to pass up.