2023 Qualisports Beluga Review

The Beluga is an affordable, folding Ebike that's no fish out of water (this description is to prepare you for all the fish puns that are coming). It folds up into a nice little package, and packs enough specs to warrant the price, in our humble opinion of course!

Video Review

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Written Review

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Introduction:

Buckle up, folks, because the Qualisports Beluga Ebike might just be the whale of a time you've been looking for! At a price point of $1,400, this folding bike is the perfect catch for commuters and urban riders. With its Class 2 throttle on demand and sleek design, the Beluga will have you cruising through the streets in style.

Motor:

This Beluga is no fish out of water, boasting a powerful rear-mounted MXUS geared hub motor with 500 watts of oomph and 40 Nm of torque. It swims down bike paths and flat surfaces and can easily be controlled with the throttle or the cadence-sensing pedal assist.

Battery:

This bike's got stamina, with a 48-volt Samsung battery and 10.5Ah of juice that should net you about 25-30 miles on a single charge. Charging takes around 5 hours, so pretty standard recharge time here.

Frame:

The aluminum frame is sturdy and durable, while the folding and mid-step design makes it perfect for city living. With a weight of 64 lbs (29.02 kg), it's not the lightest fish in the sea, but it's certainly manageable. Plus, with attachment points for fenders, a rear rack, and a front basket, you can accessorize to your heart's content.

Suspension:

The Beluga doesn't have traditional suspension, but with those fat 20" x 4.25" Innova tires, you'll feel like you're gliding on water. Now disclaimer here, you shouldn’t ever attempt to ride an Ebike across a lake or something. Just don’t do it, folks! It's not built for off-roading, but it's perfect for cruising along bike paths and city streets.

Brakes:

This Beluga's got some bite, with mechanical disc brakes and 160mm rotors that can bring you to a stop pretty quickly. Obviously, we’d love to see hydraulic brakes on future versions of the bike, but the mechanical brakes worked well here. The four-finger levers with motor inhibitors are a great safety feature, and the brake levers also have a bell built in to let people know you're coming. As long as they aren’t listening to the new Bon Jovi record at full blast in their Airpods.

Drivetrain:

The Beluga comes with 7-speeds and a Shimano Tourney derailleur. How does she pedal? Well you’ll have to stay tuned for the ride test to find out! Shifting is smooth and easy, and the plastic chain guide is a nice little touch.

Extras:

The Beluga has a 5-star integrated headlight, independent rear light, flick bell, and aluminum alloy fenders, making sure you’re safe and dry when you get to wherever the heck you’re getting to. And if you need even more carrying capacity, you can opt for the rear rack or front basket.

Cockpit:

The Promax flat handlebars are comfortable and easy to grip, and the Velo rubber grips are like a gentle caress from a dolphin's fin. Did I go too hard with the puns on this one? Vote now, in the comments below! The display is fixed and backlit, with readouts for battery level, trip timer, speed, and more.

Use Case:

This Beluga is perfect for anyone looking for an easy and fun way to get around town. It's great for running errands, packing up in the RV for a weekend getaway, or just enjoying a leisurely ride. It's not built for serious off-roading, but it can handle some light gravel and dirt paths if you’re in the mood.

Conclusion:

All in all, the Qualisports Beluga is a whale of an Ebike. Need I say more? You’re all probably tired of the whale puns…the votes aren’t in yet, but I’m betting it’s gonna be an overwhelming YES. Thanks for riding with us, and we’ll catch ya on the next one.