Kent Electric Cruiser E-bike review: affordable e-cycling

The power in medium mode setting appears to be a nice, contented middle ground. The assist motor makes the 39.4 lb e-bike feel lighter than its actual weight. While the motor helps to compensate for the extra weight, e-bikes can still be much more difficult to maneuver than standard bikes. This is especially true for tweens and teens who ride adult e-bikes weighing up to 70 pounds. Kid-specific e-bikes are typically lighter than adult bikes, but they are also significantly more expensive.

Schwinn also offers a Mendocino cruiser, though this looks more vintage than beach styled. Speaking of steps, the step-thru frame comes in only one size but should fit most riders five feet and taller. We wisely dismounted on the steepest uphills and also walked one suicidal downhill. Other than my one crash in a deep washout, we survived the worst trail in the area and had a blast. Second, at $500 and with free shipping, these bikes are about half the price of every other similar brand.

Kent currently offers three electric models for adults, plus one for kids. Alongside the 27-inch Kent Electric and Kent Step-Through Electric, the Cruiser is more of a unisex offering and is available exclusively from Walmart. For our third kent hybrid bike eMTB trip, I chose a 16-mile gravel forest service road in nearby Helen, Georgia. The first half was mainly uphill and the bikes performed magnificently. Somehow, we made it the whole 16 miles without a flat and with our brains intact.

If there are any issues with your bike, return it for a full refund or receive a replacement bike for free. Because its battery is mounted underneath its rear rack, SixThreeZero Around the Block e-cruiser has more of that classic beach cruiser look. There is an old 7.6-mile NORBA Championship course at Unicoi State Park that was abandoned several years ago. Reviews claim this trail is the most wild and most raw ride in the area due to extremely steep ascents and descents, boggy mud, sharp switchbacks, and dangerous washouts. Reviews often mentioned bad batteries, broken bike parts, or other annoying setbacks. Because of this, having a 90-day return policy was extremely important for peace of mind.

The medium power mode seems like a nice happy middle ground. Now before I start getting disgruntled comments, let me start by saying this isn’t a small motorcycle – it’s a pedal-assist e-bike. The Shimano drivetrain shifted flawlessly between its eight speeds, and the mechanical disc brakes on the front and rear worked capably in dry conditions.

Although it’s admittedly a little small, this bike is suitable for adults as it has a comfortable seat. The electric bike is obviously not intended for adults as the weight restriction is limited to 100 lbs. The bike has a front suspension fork that isn’t very noteworthy but nonetheless functions well and does contain a certain sporty appeal. The rest of Kent’s mid-drive e-bike fits more in line with the other budget models in its class.

Instead of providing various speeds for each assist level, a “torque simulation” controller should (if it is what it is typically termed) supply a distinct current level. As a result, it is very likely that you will need to change the controller in order to add a throttle. There are currently very few e-bikes designed specifically for kids available (in the US).

kent electric bike

The throttle may always function with full control (which is most likely) or it may only perform in one of the assist modes, or it may be limited to the same speed/etc. The kid must still pedal; it only serves as a slight boost. This is perfect because it is a light-assist children’s e-bike instead of a toy motorcycle. Kent’s Electric Cruiser has plenty of limitations, but it’s doubtful the people buying this bike will care too much. If that’s what you’re looking for, the Kent Electric Cruiser will make both you and your wallet happy. The Kent Electric Cruiser’s 350W rear-hub motor was more than capable on the flat roads and bike paths around my home, easily reaching and staying at 20 mph.

But the motor only adds assist when the rider is pedaling. It appears to be as good as, if not slightly better than, the others. It should be simple enough for most individuals to assemble, as long as you have the proper Allen Key set.