Ecells Five Star Review | 35 MPH+ for Under $2k

The Ecells Five Star is one of the best most affordable dual suspension and fastest ebikes on the market.
Use code CCR100 to get $100 off yours.
ecells.com/product/five-star-...
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[@MontanaEbiker]

Hey there! New subscriber here. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Have you heard that the price will be going up to $2,295 in a couple of weeks? Unfortunately, the cost of most e-bikes are likely to increase due to new tariffs being suddenly imposed on Chinese imported e-bikes, lithium batteries and other products. As far as I know, this is fairly recent news and still not 100% clear. However, David Cleveland confirmed the price increase in his Five Star Facebook group.

[@logitech12345678910]

Yeah on Facebook he said effective Tuesday, May 28th, all new orders that are not in stock will cost $300 more. One more solid win for the government.

[@user-ht3hm9ng8s]

@@logitech12345678910 Thank You Dems and Joey Biden. By-the-way, they want your vote.

[@ChrisCrossed]

Thanks for the sub! Yeah i heard about the potential tariffs, unclear whether it will affect ebikes because they are considered consumer products, wait and see right now.

[@scottl.5212]

David Cleveland attempts to be transparent and he announces this when the Biden administration was about to announce it with essentially no warning that the EXEMPTION for the extra 25% tariff on items like this for China would NOT be renewed.

[@stevegriffith7236]

Yeah, and before he let anyone know, it was too late to get an order in before the tariff.

[@IMBruceECLECTIC]

Great review! Great video work. That is an outstanding value.

[@ChrisCrossed]

Thanks for watching

[@orlandocedeno16]

Wow thats an awesome bike Chris. Hope to see it in person on another group ride maybe take a quick spin on it.

[@Trailtested]

Just tested this bike on my channel and it sends!! Good vid

[@KenPurcell]

Love that they have studs for a water bottle cage. The basket mount probably not be used by too many people but it looks damn sturdy.

[@ChrisCrossed]

Already got my bottle cage on

[@johnstafford220]

I don't know what all the c5 Numbers mean. I know some slowly ramp up the power, but still give full power. But i think others don't give full power. I feel like for the hill test and high speed you should have it set to 10, just for all out power. I feel like most reviewers say the max power output is more like 2k watts vs the 1500 you said on the hill test. Still good to see how it handles on c7 though! Thanks for the video, so ready to get mine!

[@metallicknight2]

The C5 number represents how fast it ramps up to full power, depending on your other settings. To pull go just as fast with C5 at 2 as your will with c5 at 10. You'll just get there a bit slower, and more predictable acceleration.

[@user-ht3hm9ng8s]

Good Morning Chris, Do You plan on attending The Electrify Expo in Long Beach on June 1 and 2??? E-Cells E-bikes and David Cleveland will be there at Booth 806. A chance to meet David, ask questions, and Test Ride E-Cells full line of E-bikes. It would help if you Promoted The Electrify Expo in Long Beach so your viewers in So. Calif. can come by and meet David and Test Ride E-Cells Bikes and have the Experience of riding an E-Cell E-bike. Have Fun at The Expo!!!

[@ChrisCrossed]

Unfortunately no, I am based on the east coast.

[@damonjenkins3798]

Nice review!!!

[@ChrisCrossed]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@user-ht3hm9ng8s]

Chris, you have done reviews on E-Cells and Soul E-bikes. How would you compare the two???

[@ChrisCrossed]

Ecells is faster and more truck like, while the Soul ebikes are more like cadiillacs you dont want to get dirty.

[@stevesteve9719]

Hi. Great review. Question , when talking about the torque sensor option you said you werent sure why one would want a torque sensor on such a big bike. I'm ordering soon and considering the torque option. I've never had a bike with this option but wanted to try . What are the downsides , in your opinion , for this bike specifically?

[@ChrisCrossed]

I prefer big ebikes like this to have a cadence sensor which takes more advantage of its speed. In my opinion, torque sensors are best for lightweight ebikes where you want to get more exercise and its easier to pedal. Though with the Five Star you've got that full throttle anytime even if you have a torque sensor, might not be that bad. Really comes down to personal preference I guess.

[@stevesteve9719]

@@ChrisCrossed Thanks for the reply!

[@scottl.5212]

If you want a more traditional, linear non-Ebike experience the torque sensor helps. It will give you more range if you pedal more. Or, the harder you pedal the more power you get the less you pedal, the less power you get. But you can still override that with the throttle. There is cruise control above 12 mph on all Five Star bikes, whether torque or cadence sensor. The cadence sensor - no matter how light or hard you pedal doesn’t affect the power. The throttle does. That’s why I like the torque sensor. It gives the best of both worlds. Depends whether I want a work lift or not. Plus the high quality torque sensor here is supposedly better than most brands use… and many brands charge $200-300 or more for the lesser torque sensors. So it’s a great value too.

[@stevesteve9719]

@@scottl.5212 thanks for the input. Actually I did opt for the torque sensor when I ordered. Looking forward to giving it a try. Seems like it's going to be a great bike.

[@glynpayne4393]

Good review!

[@ChrisCrossed]

Thanks!

[@JeremiahMcintosh]

Great video Chris! Better zip up that tool bag before you loose some of your tools! 😄

[@ChrisCrossed]

Zippity do da!

[@sall4320]

Chist, It looks like the DNM shock is hitting and scraping the battery 5:31. Will that cause any damage to the battery?

[@ChrisCrossed]

Yeah i tried to remove the bolts to turn it around but they are really embedded. I added a piece of tape to the battery to help with scratches.

[@scottl.5212]

Some people reversed the DNM. The design had been changed and I believe new metal pieces can be retrofitted later to fix the issue the first batch off the line had.

[@JohnBabcock-qy1cs]

Very nice. Lovely

[@Commoncents1000]

Ya, as some have mentioned, C5 on 7 will limit your max output. I put mine on 2. Starts out smoother, then ramps to full power. 0 thru 2 are ramp-up power settings, but manual says they end up at max output. 10 is max output right away. 3 is half power. 3 through 10 just keeps getting higher power as you go up. Just looked it up. C5 on 7 is max output divided by 1.20

[@ChrisCrossed]

I tried putting it on 3 but felt too muted so put it on 6, good push at that number

[@Commoncents1000]

@@ChrisCrossed Yrs, #3 is 50% power. Try #2, I think you will like it. Smooth start then full power 🔋

[@terryrccrazy6993]

Nice video, awesome bike

[@ChrisCrossed]

Thanks!

[@kevincrump5861]

Hey there! So I'm about to pull the trigger on this bike. How do you feel that matte paint will hold up? I love the look, but would like it to stay looking good

[@ChrisCrossed]

So far so good, i think gloss black might be more prone to scratches which is why i went with the matte

[@kevincrump5861]

@@ChrisCrossed how tall are you? Does the bike feel like you're riding a horse? Lol

[@ChrisCrossed]

@@kevincrump5861 six feet, you do feel a bit like riding a horse but that translate into a nice ride quality

[@kevincrump5861]

@@ChrisCrossed thanks for all the info. I'll be sure to use your code if you have one

[@ChrisCrossed]

@@kevincrump5861 CCR100

[@akyerit]

this bike is DOPE! I do wish they offered it in a slightly more svelt package tho. Like a true commuter style with 2.5 inch wheels/tires. That might also really open up their market to such a larger crowd too. From delivery guys, to weekend warriors, to actual commuters, that dont have the space for a HUGE honkin bike lol. That's the only thing holding me back personally. Im in NYC where space is a luxury, so something this honkin aint doin it for me unfortunately. And I can only imagine that goes for most city dwellers. Also it would a been cool if they blacked out the logo on the matte black version. I mean who doesnt want a murdered out vehicle, am I right??? and lastly, and an fyi, Wired Freedom now offers a dual battery standard for less than 2k. Thats actually kinda insane tbh

[@ChrisCrossed]

Agree, thie aint for city dwellers, its a big ebike. I will prob removing the stickers for a cleaner look.

[@akyerit]

@@ChrisCrossed oh word up. Didn't know you could remove them. That would definitely be clean!!

[@ChrisCrossed]

@@akyerit heat gun, easy as pie

[@akyerit]

@@ChrisCrossed Nice!! Good idea!!

[@DriverJ-N]

i dont think it would stand out if u pick all black and u remove the stickers and get the 24" tires

[@Mike6string]

Did you have to take out a spacer for the mirror?

[@ChrisCrossed]

Nope

[@Mike6string]

Ty!!!

[@alanmeasures8337]

Do they ship to the UK

[@ChrisCrossed]

No

[@MrMajinbu]

Is this everything that comes on the bike for 1,995 bucks ?

[@ChrisCrossed]

Correct although if you buy one not in stock you will have to pay the new higher price

[@MrMajinbu]

@@ChrisCrossed so just to be clear before I order the one you tested is the stock bike ? lol I just wanna be 💯 before I buy 🧡

[@ChrisCrossed]

@@MrMajinbu yes i just have the stock bike, no customizations

[@MrMajinbu]

@@ChrisCrossed thanks for the info 👍

[@IMBruceECLECTIC]

Matte Black is nice color....

[@darinsmith2458]

i like your mirror

[@ChrisCrossed]

thanks, subtle placement there and it give me good viz

[@darinsmith2458]

@@ChrisCrossed I don't want my mirror to stick out to the side because I know that I will hit things with it..

[@robertcarazo8839]

👍✌️

[@Bobhurley-cf5xd]

Velotric bikes always burn out their motor controllers, and the company tries to deny warranty claims. Next time I buy an E Cell.

[@jfly2249]

Look like the e cells torque sensor is a massive fail. The KT controller they are using is not designed for a torque sensor and the e cells version is janky as f.

[@ChrisCrossed]

Not a fan of torques on big ebikes anyway, I’ll stick with a Cadence

[@jfly2249]

The proposed solution is in part to nerf the bike by dialing the power back. Kinda of defeats the purpose of buying a high power bike. The power based cadence sensor of the KT controller is excellent and I completely agree that it is better for most than a torque sensor. It just points out that e cells is quite a bit of smoke and mirrors without any rigorous testing before selling new models. All new models from every manufacturer have issues, hopefully minor, but if I bought a e cell with a torque sensor, it would be returned. Anyone who has tried a good torque sensor will be extremely disappointed with the implementation on the e cell.

[@ChrisCrossed]

There is such a thing as too much power, to each his own...

[@JohnBabcock-qy1cs]

You legitimately got on a road for a couple minutes flat ground and say 35mph?

[@JohnBabcock-qy1cs]

Kevin Nash by the way here.. New phone and all. Just to let you know.

[@ChrisCrossed]

More speed tests to come...

[@scottl.5212]

Better to get to know the bike and let the motor get a bit more miles under for 50-200 miles as it does get faster and you learn how to handle the bike better. Plus, do it in deserted roads like this … but that are designed for 40-45 mph, not on 25 mph roads. Not cool to do that for a wide variety of reasons.

[@stevegriffith7236]

What's up Ecells. You guys just jacked your price up?

[@psavar97]

Tariffs. American companies aren't capable of competing with Chinese ones on the new electric vehicles so the American government is trying to give themselves a leg up...a decade to late to matter, whatever. Point is E-bikes and other electric vehicles in general are going to go be 15-30% more expensive going forward as a whole until the powers at be think better.

[@scottl.5212]

New $300 tariff!! Contact Biden administration and Congress to reverse this BS!

[@markpack1111]

Its 9k to raise the SEAT 😂🎉 every E bike rider never raise the SEAT lolol....

[@benchoflemons398]

Now that it’s 2300 it makes no sense to get this over the new wired

[@scottl.5212]

Wired is about $2500 or more with tax, shipping and that stupid $75 insurance BS. Plus they’re a me too copy of Wired that’s been making AWD bikes with essentially this overbuilt frame. It’s an apples to oranges comparison.

[@benchoflemons398]

@@scottl.5212 don’t get the insurance. Just purchase with a credit card that has insurance. It’s 2300 after tax in a 5% sales tax state. Not sure what you smoked to think it’s at least 2500. They didn’t “copy” wired. Neither of them actually manufactures anything. You can get the *exact* same ecells awd bikes for less elsewhere. Also wired has a better controller, a better battery, and a 35ah battery vs 20ah and their shock doesn’t hit the battery

[@blazblue831]

Your perfect bike is now 2300$. And 300$plus if you want any type of modifications and there’s no 19 inch frame or dibble wall tire options on the site 👏

[@scottl.5212]

$300 is the new tariff unless we can get Congress to pressure the Biden administration to stop it. All other options and colors are still there. Not sure where you’re getting your information.

[@jfly2249]

Looks to be much slower than the new Wired bikes, not in the same league anymore.

[@ChrisCrossed]

"Much slower" dont think so. Going from 40 to 45 amp controller aint that big of a jump.

[@jfly2249]

Citizen Cycle is getting 3200 watts. The controller is Wired branded but has a peak of almost 50 amps with a change in the BMS to accommodate the draw. What is the highest peak you are seeing from the e cell? About 2200 watts? What I am saying is fact and you will see it in the next few weeks as the production models arrive. The Wired bikes easily outperform on every performance metric including 4-5mph higher top speed, faster acceleration, and better hill climb. Not sure why e cells won’t copy the thru axle, much safer on a fast heavy bike.

[@scottl.5212]

Damn, misconceptions and truths here. Way off base. Don’t fall for thatz

[@jfly2249]

How is it that you have 10k subs with 2 million views but that connected EV guy has 101k subs on 600k views? TailHappy has 100k subs with 38 million views. Do you think connected EV is a fraud and buying subs from a troll farm? Or is he 60x better than every other reviewer?

[@ChrisCrossed]

Probably buying subs, my channel is all organic, achieved thru hard work.

[@jfly2249]

No doubt, your metrics are genuine. E cells may import a nice bike, but there is a stench coming from DC squared. Btw, the price is now $2900 for the dual star vs. $1999 plus shipping for the Wired.

[@ChrisCrossed]

@@jfly2249 something about tariffs but no ruling yet on whether e-bikes will be exempt

[@jfly2249]

They apparently allowed the exemption to expire on Friday and will impose a 25% tariff on June 15th, they being the Biden administration. Really sticks it to the bike companies who have thousands of pre orders arriving after June 15th and now have to eat it. I’m not sure what Wired is thinking keeping the price the same but at $1999 it’s a steal. Maybe Wired is becoming a not for profit😀

[@scottl.5212]

Your prices are all wrong (taxes, shipping and insurance on Wired) and don’t take into account the original vs the me too Wired. Where did you get $2900? Because you added customization that you can’t get in Wired? For $2500 pre tariff it’s not only a far better base bike the extras you get on Ecells are far better.

[@ytpremium7649]

Looks hideous I'll go with Heybike Hero