2019 Electric Bike Company Model S Review

Video Review

Written Review

The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike is the ultimate step-thru beach cruiser that’s built from the ground up in the United States with premium components and has an approachable, easy to ride frame.

Electric Bike Company has two models of electric bikes and are known for providing top of the line electric bike at reasonable prices. The Model C is their traditional beach cruiser, which we’ve reviewed here, and this one, the Model S is their step thru beach cruiser. 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. One of the greatest things about the Model S is the step thru frame, which makes it incredibly easy to mount and dismount the bicycle and eliminates the need to swing a leg over just to hop on. The accessories look dope  too— especially the handmade leather saddlebags and custom wood trim — and they are just as functional.

Power — 500 nominal watts, 1,300 peak watts

The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike has an incredibly powerful MXUS geared hub motor that cranks out a whopping 500 watts of continuous power, with the ability to output 1,300 watts of power for brief stints. Although this motor is rated at 500 watts, it feels more powerful than that and is one of the most powerful motors we’ve tested thus far.

Speed  — 28 mph

The The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike has a top speed of 28 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 S 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 17.4 ah, 80 miles

The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike runs on a 48 volt system and has a 17.4 ah battery for an estimated max range of 80 miles with pedal assist. The battery is located on the back of the bike which does make the bike a bit back heavy when trying to carry it. The battery can be easily removed for charging or storage, but one of the dopest things about this bike is the charger built into the battery itself, so there’s no need to carry around a charger. Electric Bike Company also has the option to upgrade the front the basket with an additional battery, increasing the overall range dramatically. 

Pedal assist sensor — Cadence sensor

The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru 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 S step thru 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, 75 pounds

The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike comes in one frame size and has an aluminum alloy frame for a total curb weight of nearly 75 pounds. This is heavier than most electric bikes, but the Model S also has a far larger battery and more powerful motor than most electric bikes. This frame is particularly useful for those who get on and off their bike frequently, who have injuries that make it difficult to mount traditional frames and for those who like to place their feet flat on the ground when at a complete stop.

Suspension —  Solid forks, Suntour seat post suspension

The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru 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 Suntour seat post suspension with approximately 20 mm of travel. 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 S step thru 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 — Shimano, hydraulic disc

The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike uses Tektro Auriga 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 S step thru 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 $2,299

Starting at $2,299 the Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike is competitively priced given it’s abundance of features, including high quality hand stitched leather grips, and adjustable stem, powerful motor and ginormous battery, 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 who want an electric bike for life

This feels like a good choice for those who want quality, beauty and flexibility for the long-haul. This is an especially good choice for those who need a step thru frame either to accommodate an injury, ease of use or just so they can easily keep their feet flat on the ground when at a complete stop. The Electric Bike Company Model S step thru electric bike excels at long-distance commutes and even though it comes with a single gear, it’s a great hill climber and can keep chugging along at top speed for miles and miles and miles. The front basket is a great place to stow gear and because it is attached to the frame itself it doesn’t move when turning the front wheel, keeping whatever is inside from spilling out. The rear saddle bags are also an incredible accessory though they do come at a cost. Overall, this one of the best electric bikes for the money on the market today and is an electric bike that should last for many, many years to come.