Electric Bike Company Model R Review - $2.2k

The Electric Bike Company Model R is a sturdy, powerful, step-thru cruiser electric bike with 26" or 24" wheels and stable plus sized tires. Assembled and customized in America, great customer service and an industry leading five year comprehensive warranty! Ships fully assembled, 100% ready to ride on day one. Extra emphasis on charger and battery quality, expandable capacity from 556 to 1440 watt hours. Comes standard with bright integrated lights (two 6-LED lights on the rear!) and reflective puncture-resistant tires that improve visibility and safety. Optional rear rack and front basket add utility, plastic mudguard fenders can be paint matched. Powerful 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with thick 2.3mm rotors, quad piston calipers, and large adjustable-reach levers with motor inhibitors help to manage the higher possible speeds and heavier build. Highly adjustable drive modes offer Class 1, 2, or 3 operation (pedal assist, throttle, and 28mph options). The variable speed trigger throttle is easy to use and the sealed 12-magnet cadence sensor performs consistently. Extra large saddle, long steel handlebar, adjustable spring suspension fork, and high-volume tires provide maximize comfort, but EBC also sells an optional seat post suspension for further comfort. The Model R is $500 more expensive than the X and Y, but has a hidden downtube-integrated main battery. It offers higher peak motor output at 1,250 watts and has a higher weight capacity at 380lbs vs. 360lbs. Frame only comes in one size and I'd call it Small-Medium because I couldn't get full leg extension with 31" inseam. Shipping, 7-speed drivetrain, custom paint, racks, alarm system, and other extras all cost extra and shipping is $189.
0:00 Introduction
4:02 Brake details
4:29 Motor details
5:57 Geometry & sizing
8:24 Lights discussion
9:27 Color customization
10:14 Rear rack and panniers
12:53 Battery removal & details
14:50 Drivetrain details
15:45 Battery charger
16:29 Rear rack options
17:27 Display settings menu
18:25 Display walkthrough
19:23 Lights demonstration
21:06 Ride test begins
22:25 Fender options
23:10 Optional alarm system
24:53 Drivetrain ride shots
27:23 Conclusion
Full review with specs and comparison tool: electricbikereview.com/electr...
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR.

[@moma6343]

I purchased this bike with dual battery setup. I absolutely love it! EBC is really great company with excellent customer service.

[@reeread]

I stepped through style frame looks superb

[@reeread]

I love the frame, and the 26 x 3’s with On road tires makes it a great commuter option. I have never ridden a bike from this company, but I have Ordered parts from this company for other E bike builds and the parts were of a very high-quality. Thank you for the video

[@richardhannon1806]

At 66 years old, I ain’t swinging my leg over the seat or a basket mounted on the back of the bike. Give me the step thru every time! At 380 pound of support capacity, you can put a beefy chick on this bike. Wide handle bars, 1250 max motor and all that power on the thumb throttle, turn me lose! Time to start cursing with those 3 inch fat tires and that smooth looking suspension fork!

[@TomSpurlock]

Nice report, THANKS! FYI, you complained about the display brightness, but your demonstration was set to level 3 brightness, and it has options up to 5. The price is an issue, and physical size as you mentioned. With a basket, rack and 7 speed options, it's over $3000! I can almost get a full suspension Hiabike with mid-board motor and torque sensors for that much money. These bikes are about $600 too much IMHO, otherwise I would like them if the frame was a normal size.

[@richardhannon1806]

Tom, I checked out those Hiabikes you mentioned. The handle bars are full forward, no swept back wide easy riding there. That pointed seat would definitely rip you a new one. It would be nice, if the Model r was cheaper, had a larger frame and a mid drive motor!

[@jimwortham8634]

@@richardhannon1806 overpriced

[@melindawiens275]

Great detailed review. Thank you

[@notsofast5495]

When he pointed out how nice the brake handle was and emphasized the neat ball on the end I shut it off. Brake handles have had those ever since I got my first bike in the 70’s.

[@BretLove1]

I am in the final selection stage of my e-bike purchase. I am 61 y/o so for my overall comfort and longterm enjoyment I believe I need a Class 2 step thru frame with at least partial suspension. I strongly prefer a thumb throttle, at least a 500 w peddle assist motor and I would like to cap my search at $3,000.00. I don't believe I will be doing any serious off road riding, but that "off road" look is pretty nice and I wouldn't mind having that option...not a need though. From the videos I have viewed I am leaning towards the Electric Bike Model R and the RadRover 1 or 3, but wanted to ask you if you have any thoughts on these choices, with my needs in mind, or if you feel there are other brands and/or models I should consider.

[@kodiak8472]

I really enjoy your reviews. I would like to hear your thoughts on the Rize RX. It is a mid motor model with a thousand watt bafang motor and large battery. It looks like good value compared to other mid motor bikes.

[@fastfridaysfacts3694]

The MXUS motor with a 26 amp controller has 125 nm of power with a 48v battery. Do they have a 52v battery? if they did it would put out around 140 nm with a 26 amp controller.

[@melindawiens275]

🚴 Hi! I would like some advice! I’m 5’4 and I’m looking for a small bike. Would you recommend this bike with the smaller 24” tires? I’m stuck between getting the rad mini *which I feel is a bit small and this model R which I feel may be a bit big... could you please help? 🙏🏼

[@Dachdogoriginal]

I need your help!! I need the right bike for my situation in South America. And how do you get the batteries down here!!??

[@OldCootProductReviews]

I was so close to getting one of these, but the weight limit killed my plans. Is there a bike out there besides the Day6 Samson that has a throttle option like the EBC Model X or R for overweight riders?

[@sabugdalantx]

Good video, is this a quick release axle?

[@ginacardarella]

I have model R I love it

[@ShadowRifft]

from a business and personal standpoint.. I would have gradual throttle assist to conserve battery & improve rider experience with longer rides. Personally I think it's a good way also to keep riders active getting more health benefits of riding a bicycle. not a negative point imo at all!😝😌👌

[@Filzkiiz]

Not bad!!😎👊👌👍💯!! YesSiRr!!

[@GaryFujiokaSr]

My brethren of western civilization. It's time we disabuse ourselves of the long extinct concept of the "girl's bike" or the notion that low-step frames are for "ladies". Advances in materials compositions and engineering have made the cross tube dispensable. Manufacturers eager to shed the weight are shipping genderless, unisex ebikes across the world, where studies consistently show they are safer, with significantly fewer accidents per aggregate mile traveled. Hey bros, thanks for coming to my TED Talk.

[@nikolasevan3564]

InstaBlaster...

[@2Chickaboom2]

I’m with you. My mountain bike has been killing my back so I ride often on my wife’s Townie. The step-through is great (I’m not as limber as I used to be), the fuschia color is a bit garish for my taste but otherwise I’m old enough to not give a hoot if it’s a “girls bike” or not.

[@mathisbourcier1126]

let me emphasize this, the extra weight of bigger tires is well worth it. I used to ride on 700x32 and oh man when I switched to 27.5x2.25 did it change my life.

[@IamHereAgainDude]

I have had my bike for 1-month charged both batteries the day I got it. Drove 25-miles charged both batteries. Today was the second time I went for a ride, it says 44% charge, I do not know if is telling me for one battery or bopth?. I have another ebike a Velowave Ranger 1-battery I get much more range 60-miles before I need to recharge I know how to charge both batteries. I have a battery in the basket, there is a swith there but I read it is for storage. I have no idea if both are being used at the same time? Can you do a video on if both batteries are working at the same time or do I switch somehow, if so how? I have been looking for sometime many videos from testers and know one explains if both are being used . How to switch between batteries is it in the menue somehere?

[@dcram76]

I was wondering if you could install a longboard surfboard rack on this bike?

[@markrhuett]

Yes you can

[@donnacorson5359]

What is the upgraded model R. Does it come with a 750 watt or 1000 watt.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Donna! I don't recall, perhaps it was the 750 watt version? I did the full writeup with more details here: electricbikereview.com/electric-bike-company/model-r/ it actually said 500 to over 1,000 watt motor.

[@OrlandoStreets]

You're an excellent reviewer. I grew up in Newport Beach and this bike IMHO is designed for beach boardwalk riding, not for offroad. JMO. Also, the $2,200 price tag is lunch money for NB residents.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for the compliment! I appreciate your feedback too. I live HB, used to live in Costa Mesa and surf Blackie’s

[@OrlandoStreets]

@@ElectricBikeReview Really. Wow. Small world. I moved to Hawaii when I turned 45. Built a house on the Big Island. Now I'm in Orlando. It's nice and warm here. 😎

[@gigiis526]

I am looking at it and I live in a rural forest region. The tires being almost puncture proof and wider than 2.3 is why I am considering the R over the Y

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

That is a decent size battery and your getting a big motor by the time you put in a thudbuster any one will be able to cycle it, only thing for me is gears ⚙you need gears .

[@neptune9443]

will you do something like a "top 2020 e-bikes" video by the end of this year?

[@neptune9443]

uh-oh! I just realized you have already done that. 👍

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I’m still working on some videos for different categories, but you can see all of my selections here: electricbikereview.com/best-electric-bikes/

[@neptune9443]

@@ElectricBikeReview thanks!

[@leojonkers3181]

Bicycle looks nice!

[@MrMarkusmulder]

See yah 😀👍

[@franmartinez779]

I would love this, does it come in something cheeper.🙂 I'll go pick it up...I just want something around 1500. Cause in time laws might change.

[@franmartinez779]

@Mr Mr thank you!🙋‍♀️

[@fisherwomanforJesus]

So a suspension post would add 4” maybe ?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I usually estimate 3" but it depends on the suspension post you choose. I often see and test the SR Suntour NCX one because it is semi-affordable and much more adjustable and comfortable than the super cheap ones from Amazon. The nicest ones are from Kinekt.

[@bluzane]

Does this have 24 inch wheels? or 26 inch?

[@markrhuett]

Standard 26 inch but you can order 24 inch wheels.

[@francoislepine4698]

you have to wonder about the throttle is ONLY available in PAS 0.....makes no sense at all. I'm seventy years old, I own two electric bikes. Talk to any five year old and they will tell you that the hardest thing about riding a bike is getting it going from a stop! I NEVER pedal from a dead stop...it's throttle on and then start pedaling when I get some forward momentum going. That system would be a deal breaker for me...but I really like those 26x3 tires. Nice choice.

[@francoislepine4698]

@Mr Mr Ok, my mistake....at around 18 minutes he's said the throttle did not work unless the PAS was at zero.....but now I see that can be changed in the settings....and lots to like about that display alright

[@Svid1701D]

Strange that they're not marketing it as a cruiser with those handle bars. If I wanted something like a trail commuter the Aventon Level seems like a better choice.

[@Rexluna1]

⚠️⚠️⚠️ They take away your right to settle disputes in court in the contract, so take that for what you will. You can settle disputes only with an arbitrator, which is a really business friendly method of settling disputes, and you have to go to orange county, California for it. Then, if you lose the dispute, you owe them for their lawyer fees and arbitration fees. The whole system is a mess for consumers to the benefit of businesses. It shows that they don't stand by their product if they feel the need to take away their customers' right to settle disputes through court during the buying process.

[@IamHereAgainDude]

Did I win a bike? I was asked to pay for shipping which I did. then I was asked to send another $105 did your account get hacked or is this real?

[@911naimplate]

This bike is more expensive than say RAD or Aventure but IMHO, it is 100% American Made with none of the issues associated with cheap parts from China plus excellent customer support. Pricing can get a little steep however as you increase battery capacity plus other options. I still really like it and there are a lot of safety features built into the battery.

[@JQUICK21]

How tall are you?.....Can you raise that seat up high if you want or need to?....Charge time?....Is there a bike you like more in the same price range?.....LOL and now I will actually watch the video....Thanks!

[@douggoble9695]

California Cruiser

[@minniesaab7255]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 it !

[@baileyconners419]

Noice!

[@mathisbourcier1126]

On the other hand, for commuting, suspension forks are a pain. They require too much maintenance. As an ebike delivery guy I strongly recommend going rigid.

[@Noukz37]

I'd call that seat the "Nut Cracker"

[@robgrey2480]

I suspect that this guy does not own a doghouse.

[@bookooc5605]

"It's an interesting bike"= he hated it.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Lol... this was a fun one to review because it’s a great bike in many ways, but yeah, it’s not my personal favorite XD you’re catching on to my lingo ;)

[@bookooc5605]

@@ElectricBikeReview seriously, I was really interested in this bike until this review. Other reviewers liked it, but even with your light welterweight size, I still respect your reviews. I like EBCs quality. Now I am back to square 1.

[@Veedthetg]

Me as well. Got really excited until someone 5'9" thought it wasn't large enough. I'm 6'2".

[@IamHereAgainDude]

Someone hacked your account?????

[@IamHereAgainDude]

People beware this is a scam account.

[@Dark_Vader888]

Nice review. These both seems like low step girls bikes. That cup holder is hideous. The Model Y would be good for the PeeWee Herman look 😛

[@gigiis526]

Many ebike companies sell step thru bikes. They are for both male and females. Think older people (like me) and people with back and knee problems. I know many men who own step thru bikes. They are man enough to pull it off . Haha

[@JQUICK21]

Men do NOT want a basket on the front of the bike!....They need to come up with a better idea there!....LOL Like put the damn battery on the back rack maybe.....

[@bookooc5605]

sorry dude, but you either have to gain about 50 pounds or carry a passenger. Otherwise these reveiws apply to women only as far as judging the power of the bike.

[@EVMacD]

Would be nice to see more road bikes with drop style bars for us roadie old timers looking to keep doing distance rides like when I was younger.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Bert V with the Euro-burn!

[@bookooc5605]

@@ElectricBikeReview Happy Thanksgiving Americans!

[@MShaKaLaKa]

DON'T LET THESE AMATURES BUILD YOUR BIKE, YOU WILL REGRET IT AND CAN BE SERIOUSLY HURT. I am a Shimano TEC, and have worked in bike shops selling and repairing bikes for over seven years. I also own and maintain my own two 1000cc Superbikes. These people delivered to my 60+ year old mother a "built" bike. I went over to check it and first thing I did was to bounce the front suspension and the handlebar rotated down with little effort. The clamp was not equal and the torque was a joke. Then I twist the stem against the front wheel, it rotates with two fingers of force, and no grease on the stem. Pulled the seat tube, no grease. Pulled the pedals, no grease. I could rotate the brake levers with two fingers, uneven clamp force. The rear wheel had not been removed to tension the chain (single speed), check the hub cones and properly torqued to the frame (they trust china). The front wheel didnt have the cones tuned either. The disc brakes hadn't been bedded in for her, and they did not tell her that they needed to be for proper bite and stopping power. That's just the mechanical failures that I found in 5 minutes in her living room. They sold her a bike that was set up 6" too tall for her, she couldn't mount it safely or touch the ground. (She hasn't been on a bike in along time and needs to be able to touch both sides for safety, especially since this is a heavy and fast bike.) They didn't even set it to fit her when they dropped it off, horrible practice for a bike shop, fit is everything. If they can't fit bikes they shouldn't sell bikes. They just made a sale and sent her out the door to crash on a bike that is too big, and put together worse than most walmart bikes I have seen. These people are clowns and deserve to be sued for putting unknowing people that trust them at great risk. These bikes should be held at higher mechanical scrutiny than normal since they are powered like motorcycles and old people are buying them. If she insists to get another bike from them, (she is returning it on my professional recommendation) I will be building it and not let these careless know-nothings touch it. I will also be convincing her to buy elsewhere. I'm so glad she didn't ride it before I checked it out. She would have crashed due to negligence by Electric Bike Company, I'm 100% sure. Please, please have a seasoned professional mechanic build any bike you ride, your life depends on it. Do not buy from this careless company.

[@namednamed2306]

Yeah pretty heavy review. Could of helped to correct thing she when it's all new and parts are hard to get .

[@barryrose7396]

Nice bike but dude you talk to much!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks for the feedback, how can I make it better but still cover the information you want?

[@gigiis526]

Too. Maybe you just have a short attention span which would explain why you didnt listen in class when they taught usage of 'too 'and 'to'. Yes, proper grammar matters and always will! To is a preposition with several meanings, including "toward" and "until."; Too is an adverb that can mean "excessively" or "also.".

[@TheSkskitey]

Sorry , if it looks like a ladies bike it is a ladies bike :-)

[@larrybowers64]

Better than having a crossbar that will turn you into a “Lady” 😂

[@gigiis526]

@@larrybowers64 haha Amen to that!