I Fixed Amazon's Smallest E-Bike - Sailnovo Electric Bicycle

I had been looking for a small folding bicycle to take with me on trips, so I decided to use it as an opportunity to hop on the e-bike craze. Did I make a mistake by buying such a tiny bike? I describe my initial impressions of the stock bike, along with the modifications I made to turn it into the experience I wanted out of it.
For a better Scooter, check out my review on the Ausom Gallop: • Ausom Gallop - Best Va...
For a better E-Bike, check out my review on the Engwe X24: • Engwe X24 is my New Fa...
Update: A few people asked about the custom 7-magnet disks, so I made them available for purchase if you do not have a printer: www.pilothobbies.com/product/...
0:30 - Features
1:42 - Initial Impressions
2:28 - First Ride
3:02 - Problems & Fixes
6:38 - Improvements vs Stock
7:30 - Conclusion
Product Links (Amazon Paid / Sponsored Links)
Sailnovo Electric Bike: amzn.to/3Tii4aL
Rear Bag: amzn.to/36DvQeR
Front Bag: amzn.to/3ifI0Qp
Upgraded Pedals: amzn.to/36Dw2e5
Sprocket and Crankset: amzn.to/2TfkElo
Chain: amzn.to/3ksrU8z
Disk Brake Lock with Alarm: amzn.to/2TfkJFI
Longer Seat Post, you may have to cut to length: www.ebay.com/itm/293146853960
Modified Magnet Disk: www.thingiverse.com/thing:491...

[@JohnnysCafe_]

Who cares if it looks small, it's the performance that matters and getting 30+miles from one charge is excellent 👍

[@blackmask494]

I'm 5'11 and I just bought two for my 9 and 12 year old and I'm comfortable riding it with the seat at the lowest and both bikes get up to 18mph

[@JohnnysCafe_]

@@blackmask494 that's awesome mate, your kids are enjoying the fun Ebikes give them. Ever since I got a basic 36v 250w motor bike I have been driving a lot less.

[@donnong1281]

may i ask which one you bought because the link in the description is noit working@@blackmask494

[@uursullla]

​@blackmask494 lmaoo i got it becuase it small i didnt want a big bike but performance is great too

[@christiansh1266]

Extremely tall people like me

[@cubanvip]

I appreciate the detailed review! I just bought mine and can't wait to try it out.

[@Sjrick]

You have done way more than anyone I've seen on youtube do to their bikes. Amazing is the only word i can think of. I dont know anyone that literally 3d printed something that they needed. Plus the mids you did were way more then i would think of doing. Ive got 2 swagcycles and i just put them both in for repair. I shouldve shipped them to you LOL

[@Jademyheart]

💯 your review is appreciated, great help , I bet those mods make it so smooth...

[@harryo3773]

Awesome conversion ..

[@runcycleskixc]

56-tooth sprocket conversion and the magnet hack is great, glad it was doable! If this was foldable I could take this on a train, not sure if can take it as is.

[@jacqueslaurent]

That looks so cool. Does not look wierd at all. want one!!!

[@1620GarageAndFarm]

Nice setup, I would consider one for camping with more off road worthy tires.

[@Somong]

Super cool review!

[@markzanetti6228]

excellent review. thanks

[@eyon1189]

Good tutorial 👍🏽

[@charliemacreviews]

I came to see if this would work for a tall person like me and nowwwwwwww stuck in watching alll the cool upgrades you made awesome Vid

[@WebbyStudio]

i got this ebike last month. love it. since i'm in the usa, the LCD panel shows MPH. so they updated that. :) for me, the speed maxes out at 18.6MPH but i suspect that is exaggerated. i have another ebike and when my fam and i ride together and we match speed at 18.6mph, my other ebike shows closer to 16mph... and my odometer app on my phone shows around 16mph also. the lcd for the sailnovo seems to under report the distance miles travelled. so i had to tweak the wheel size and dial down the P03 speed corrector and now looks more accurate.. when comparing to odometer app and google maps. i also bought bmx handlebar parts today and will be installing them on this bike :)

[@joseluisprieto3438]

Hello, could you post photos of the handlebar you placed? Thank you

[@Snowdog216]

Hi, one I am working on shows MPH also. And the menu options appear to show 8 options, not the 7 shown on his screen. If someone has a newer listing with 8 options and they could post that, that would be great.

[@carlbroadnax1774]

Did you replace the handle bars

[@JohnEdwa]

Check the motor controller again, if it has a single wire loop with a connector in the middle (usually grey or white), that is what limits the speed to 25km/h.

[@Pilotgeek]

Yeah, I checked and traced down what each wire does, but nothing I could find as far as the single wire limters. I tried comparing a ton of different other ESCs to it as well, but no real matches. I wound up tearing it apart at one point to see if there was a potentiometer, jumper, or anything else obvious too, but nothing I could find.

[@CreativeRob]

Great video. I am thinking about getting this same bike.

[@johnblaws8133]

Have you seen the gyroor c3 e bike. It looks like this one but faster and a bigger motor. 450 watt one 👍

[@Smaug1]

For converting to a scooter, could you just replace the cranks & chainring with a shaft to act as foot pegs and weld it in?

[@fingers215]

I just bought one it came in MPH it is a cool fun little bike get yourself a cloud 9 seat you butt will thank you

[@jamesjudd9482]

Hey buddy nice vid , question do you know how to use or set up the lcd display? I noticed there are numbers like P0 ,P1,P2 and so on. There is nothing in the Manuel for this

[@DannyBoehning]

Thanks so much for a great detailed review. Good call on increasing the gear ratio. Is the battery removable on this bike?

[@Pilotgeek]

It's "semi-removable". There's no quick release, but if I remove three screws, the tail light and battery all slide out the back of the frame.

[@Lovelife86nj]

I really like how u setup the buke

[@damionewilliams7695]

Awesome vid on review & upgrade. I'm a tall guy thinking of getting one and was wondering could you tell me the seat post diameter. Thanks and keep th good work.

[@ligegeorge]

I've had mine about 4 months. Max speed 15mph range 17 mi. I ride 3.5 mi every day on it. Brake pads wear easy

[@dyllanmiller1881]

U never lied about that

[@maxk6517]

How did you make the brakes tighter? Especially in the back tires. And can you attach the links of the different attachments and modifications you made?

[@GMaker0507]

I'd be interested in seeing some more mods videos about this

[@WebbyStudio]

i just today order bmx handlebar parts for this bike. it should improve handle/stability. ping me again next week and will tell you how it goes.

[@joseluisprieto3438]

@@WebbyStudio Hello, could you post photos of the handlebar you placed? Thank you

[@JoeTalks]

Hey! Thank you so much for this review. I ended up buying some of the parts in your description and I have a question about install: the new gear set that you suggested has a problem on the left hand side. Does the left hand bar usually scrape across the side of the bike tire or is there some proper way to install the new arm that I am missing?

[@Pilotgeek]

Are you referring to the crank arm on the non-gear side? It's hitting the tire? That seems very abnormal, I'm trying to imagine how that would happen. You could maybe send pics or contact me at [e-mail] if you want me to help troubleshoot.

[@bladeRoller]

So cool

[@Piff_TV]

I just got one and it’s awesome 😂 thing actually fly’s I hit 18.5 miles on this bad boy

[@uursullla]

Do you need it to be registered??

[@jin8684]

I yolo'd this bike as well. Now about to watch the rest of your video 🤣

[@jsboelk]

So how good is the range on it using it like a scooter? Like you said using the pedals to start up and assisting in hills but mainly using them as foot rest?

[@thewizardofodds6839]

15 miles with hills

[@ivanwk7722]

How is it working for you after 1 year of use?

[@deanhandley556]

Great video do you have a link for the lcd settings pdf file thanks

[@ckdunahee4478]

Get the jasion eb3, it can go 19 to 21 mph and has a super long seat

[@trozbotthirteen7512]

Just ordered mine as well thanks for the video. This will be my first ebike. Do you have any recommendations for making the bike better at climbing hills?

[@saucyisreal]

Is it a good bike?

[@thewizardofodds6839]

​@@saucyisrealpretty decent c aught a flat on it recently I travel 8 miles a day on it. Fun ride. But please replace the seat.

[@MistaSCARY]

Seat post link doesn't work. Any other link for one similar? Thanks 👍🏼

[@justinm4363]

This video is awesome I just ordered one of these bikes last night, thank you for the good ideas. Can you please sell me a couple of the 7 magnet sensor's?

[@Pilotgeek]

Contact me at [e-mail] , I've had a lot of requests for these so if you're still interested I can print you a disk with magnets included. Cost should be around $10 including shipping within the USA.

[@romyfrancisco5959]

I think you’re a genius!!! Can you please send me all the links in doing that modification for that sailnovo bike. I want to know how are you modify with magnets in the steps please. Thanks

[@carlbroadnax1774]

Yes please

[@VerbalGenius09]

Great review! How would you compare this to the Jetson bolt pro?

[@Pilotgeek]

I believe someone has a project available for this now, try searching for PiModem.

[@MR2004SRT4]

How does this handle hills? My ride to work is a 10min scooter ride on the local ride share scooter. Downhill to work and uphill back. its a fairly good incline that the city scooter handles but i dont know what the power comparison to this bike would be.. Great video!!

[@Pilotgeek]

It's just okay on hills. I think it feels a bit less powerful than a typical rideshare scooter, but will pull up a 6-8 degree grade doing maybe 10-12mph.

[@Snowdog216]

Great info thanks! I am working on one of these for friend. It took a fall down some stairs, owner was moving it, but not riding it. After the fall it quit working. Display screen comes on. Battery is full, headlight is bright, horn works. The visible damage was the pedal speed sensor wheel with the magnets was loose. I pushed is back against the sensor, adjusted the sensor as that appeared to be bent out of position. Bike did not work, or and when pedaling there is no speed listed on the display. Since that only shows the pedal speed, the motor should turn on and turn the rear wheel, regardless of if the pedals are being moved. Right? Throttle looks like its working, wiring looks ok. So is odd not sure what the problem is. Any info is appreciated. Thanks.

[@Pilotgeek]

Check the wire going into the motor axle. They are rather fragile. If it is broken, you may be able to splice or find a new motor. The lack of speed reading seems to me that the motor connector is broke somehow.

[@dropletmoth]

What happens when you change the crank set but not the pedal sensor magnets?

[@SoundscapesSoothingMusic]

Thanks for the video! What can of tool can you use to tighten the left pedal? It is very loose and cannot use it.

[@Pilotgeek]

It should just take a universal pedal wrench. If you have a thin enough wrench, I believe it's 15mm. Watch out, the left pedal is reverse threaded, so you lefty-tighty on that one.

[@jakobegoniwicha3342]

Does it makes a noise when while riding using only electric mode?

[@Pilotgeek]

@@jakobegoniwicha3342 it's almost silent. I'm pretty sure it's direct drive so no gear noise and it has no high pitched whine like some other bikes.

[@everywherelocal]

cool clip 🤘

[@BlissVA]

how did u install the Sprocket?

[@johnmichaelrodriguez352]

Hey since you have one and me too , can you teach us to work the control unit inside the Frame underneath it controls speed and what not

[@Pilotgeek]

I've taken it apart a few times and tried to see if there was a way to either program or hack it, but I have not been able to get any more functionality out of it.

[@KrisWard-xs2pr]

Qst let me start by saying I got 2 fantastic deals on electric bikes although not as small as that abomination lol I have a Jetson atlas and a flyer m880 . I thought I would much much more like the flyer, yet surprisingly I've ended up finding the Jetson a much handier I actually just leave it in my trunk and it's surprisingly fun to ride. About gamf the Weight and size it just works 4 me

[@mrmrjims3865]

how does it compare to Wheels ebike that are shared publicly

[@agc7076]

What size bike seat post? I have the bike on order. Wanna replace post asap. Lol

[@seedpod107]

I got one of these and there a great little ebike i just recharged it a and now its not holding a charge and im gutted is there anywhere that you can buy new parts for this bike thank you for your upload

[@Pilotgeek]

It is a somewhat odd battery and I unfortunately never found a direct replacement. I would see if there is someone local to you who can test or rebuild battery packs, as that may be the best option. You could pull the pack and try to search part numbers online as well.

[@chuckhenderson7266]

i need a throttle for my kids bike.. the spring unwound in the half throttle.. and can’t find any parts anywhere.. have you found anything anywhere for these??

[@Johnwoo302]

I have a err 7 code coming up on my lcd display. Should I switch out the controller?

[@jefecaseclosed7498]

Bruh sounds like you need e bike sponsorship lol you go hard

[@maddpreecha1]

Mod…GOD 🥳

[@britneyolmo4407]

Does the front wheel turn 25° to the right and not a full 170° like it dies when u turn it to the left? Cuz mine does and isk if that's supposed to do that or not. Please help

[@cindydong1020]

What lock do you recommend?

[@lynnirene1009]

I dont have a 3d printer... Is it worth upgrafing the sprocket if I can't switch to 7 magnets? Or is there a way to get the printed part from you?

[@Pilotgeek]

Email me at [e-mail] , I've had enough requests for them I might print a batch to sell. I estimate cost with shipping to be around $10 within the US.

[@uursullla]

Yeah the box is huge when i got it

[@carlbroadnax1774]

What size crank set did you get is there a link

[@Jkasper908]

Hi, My question is are the Sailnovo EBike batteries replaceable ? I notice that a lot of listings I’ve seen say they are removable, I just purchased one and recieving it tomorrow. Thanx in advance. Jim

[@Pilotgeek]

The battery is removable pretty easily. There are 3 screws that hold the taillight on, and you can pull that and the whole battery module out the back. I have not found an exact replacement, but I believe it's the same pack used inside those 10.4AH "bottle battery" packs.

[@CopperD5]

​@@Pilotgeek is It possible you can show me a link for an example of a bottle battery? I wish to buy one if I need a replacement but I want to know if it fits

[@equiplist]

Question: Can the battery be charged when it is removed? I would think so, but need to confirm. Thanks for your in depth video, very much appreciated!

[@Pilotgeek]

The entire taillight assembly slides out with the battery, including the charge plug. You have to remove a screw to pull it all off, but yes it can be charged out of the bike.

[@equiplist]

👍

[@KAYTONE1]

Help? I brought a new throttle I can’t find where to connect the cord from the throttle to the bike? I ordered it from Amazon. Can you help me please?

[@tribe_of_benjamin9746]

I have the same bike but I can’t even pandle I’m not sure if its the crank or the sensor

[@everywherelocal]

yeah! 🙃

[@jamesjudd9482]

Does the charger get hot is this normal

[@seedpod107]

I would love to get a spair battery for this bike mine is not holding charge to the battery now im in the uk any help would be great many thanks

[@waynethegr8]

Which brake pads should I get? I bought two. Very fun ebike.

[@Pilotgeek]

I used the stock ones. It took about 150 miles for them to wear in, but I have to be careful on the front brake not to go over the bars now.

[@astayready]

how do u change the mode to a 8inch tire

[@michaelstrauss7723]

I just bought used sailnovo and love it. Been doing a lot of research but have 2 questions: 1. Does anyone have a digital user manual they can send me? I didn't get one. 2. The handle bars are not lined up with the frint wheel. Does anyone know how I can align them? By looking at it, it looks like I just losen the hex bolt on the bottom part of the steering column and that would allow me to move the wheel freely. Does that sound about right?

[@ACStrong1982]

Hello. Just asking. What’s the seat post size. I want to buy one and I’m a tall person. Thanks

[@Pilotgeek]

I believe it was a 33.9mm seatpost. I think i just bought the longest one I could find on ebay and cut it to the length I liked.

[@paultony2039]

How far are you with the V3 of the maverick?

[@Pilotgeek]

I've been working more on my Chimera shotgun, which I have basically completed the plans for. Hoping to do a summary video this fall.

[@180bbc]

vsauce music when doing the math was a cool touch lol

[@markoside9448]

Wow great job, you need to build your own bike and sell👍$$ Going to probably buy a used one in my area in great shape👍$300

[@carolb3327]

Can you replace the battery? I am poor. I could definitely use a bike like this, but I can't afford to buy a new bike just because the battery dies. Have you been able to replace the battery and if so, could the average person do it. Thanks

[@Pilotgeek]

The battery is removable but I never found an exact replacement.

[@tribe_of_benjamin9746]

The back part where you charge the bike fell off my ebike can someone assist me in finding a replacement

[@littleblunt2787]

My sailnovos throttle broke when I got hit by a car lol. How can I replace the throttle and lcd ?? I can’t find parts anywhere and don’t have the order number or anything

[@Pilotgeek]

I think the throttle should work with almost any hall sensor throttle, but I've never been able to find exactly what controller this takes so an lcd might be tricky. I'd almost just replace the whole controller system unfortunately.

[@JerzNu]

Hey where did you get the seat extension

[@Pilotgeek]

In the description, it's an ebay link near the bottom. Any 33.9mm seat post should do. I bought a 450mm length one but had to cut it shorter.

[@JerzNu]

Thank you I appreciate you

[@daamazingdizzzy0163]

I have this ebike and the controller broke and i cant find a replacement or anywhere to contact them for a new one.. so i guess its broken forever 😢

[@trossbossinit]

Is P3 "Speed Correction" set to the maximum 110 value by default? This is a value for the top speed of the motor, right?

[@Pilotgeek]

I've done a few GPS runs with mine, and the speed correction made absolutely no change to actual speed. I believe it's used only for speedometer calculations.

[@trossbossinit]

@@Pilotgeek thanks for the reply! Since writing this, I've bought a Sailnovo bike of my own. I noticed P3 by default(105 iirc) had the limit set to 18.6 mph, and 110 shows 20.4 mph. I can hear the motor is slightly higher pitch as well while holding the rear wheel up and hitting the throttle, but it's hard to really feel the less than 2 mph difference once riding, if there truly is one at all. Take care man 👍

[@Pilotgeek]

@@trossbossinit you must have got one of the good ones, I know they unlocked new ones for USA whereas I think the older units were all UK speed limit.

[@trossbossinit]

@@Pilotgeek yes I believe you're right! A lot of the reviews for this bike are 1+ year old and all show kph by default, whereas some newer reviews show mph just like the bike I received. I figured there must have been some unspoken changes made since the initial release.

[@michellecrawford9847]

I just bought my bike and the problem I'm having with it is that the handle beer bars keep coming loose when I'm riding it and I don't know how to fix that

[@Johnwoo302]

On the lift up release tighten the gold bolt at the bottom.

[@uursullla]

Too much money for ppl keep having problems it makes no sense

[@jbflow]

I just got mine yesterday and my mom doesn’t want it in the house she thinks is going to explode. What can I do to convince her that is a safe bike ??

[@davidchantapanya746]

We purchased this Vivi 27.5” electric bike and a Tentaquil 26” electric bike for our 13 and 14 year olds. kzbin.infoUgkxUiL0GnyDjP32RJdd660sP8mZk4CRLTCJ The Vivi was much easier to put together. With the Vivi, there was a video link to assist with assembly which made the process easier to follow (we did put the handlebars on upside down, but it was a quick and easy fix). With the Tentaquil, the assembly was not as simple to follow, but after we messaged the company for an assembly video, it was easier and they did respond quickly. The other major differences were that the Vivi has a grip throttle on the right handle (like a motorcycle) and the Tentaquil has a push throttle that you use your thumb to activate. The monitors were also different, so if you’re looking for something specific in terms of changing the bikes functions, pay attention to what the monitor offers. We were really impressed with the overall quality and functionality of both bikes, but if you’re looking for more power and an easier assembly, definitely go with the Vivi!

[@Lesterpaje]

Hi. Have you experience having an error on your sailnovo and the throttle doesnt work?

[@Pilotgeek]

I have not had that problem, sorry.

[@Lesterpaje]

@@Pilotgeek thank you. I have bought mine a week ago and on my 2nd try there was an ERR showing on the display. Although I tried pedalling it and it worked again but today the ERR came back. Btw you have a great video! 👍

[@mirandagaither6351]

Do you have any clue how to change the back tire? Our son has this same bike and a bike shop wants to charge $100 to change it.

[@Pilotgeek]

You could try another bike shop, but if you want to try it yourself, look at a generic tutorial on changing a bike tire. You will need tire levers and the proper wrench size for the axle nuts. Take note of the order of washers, they need to go back in the same order to center correctly.

[@jakobegoniwicha3342]

Does the bike make any noise while riding on only electric mode

[@Pilotgeek]

Almost none, I think the motor is direct drive and the it's a sinewave controller. The clicking of the freewheel ratchet is louder than the motor.

[@blackmask494]

I just got two for my boys and both go 18mph

[@MikeHunt-zh6lt]

Swag master

[@wonkyjkdd]

jetson is more tiny then this bike but i perfer this cuase its more modern style

[@zzo9683]

I have a gyroor c3 very similar, any recommendations on how to make it faster? It goes 18mph right now

[@johnblaws8133]

Hold down the m button and power button together to get to maintenance mode. Same as he showed. Only difference is you have a power button where he got a key. Mines go 22 mph

[@zzo9683]

@John B Laws after pushing the power with mode what do you set yours to that makes it faster? Mine has stock sprocket

[@johnblaws8133]

@@zzo9683 p3 and put in on 110 and hold down m and the number will stop flashing. Then power off.👍

[@Lee-jh3rv]

My assist mode is quite an issue now, it gets heavier during paddling. Do you know why_

[@Pilotgeek]

Did you modify the gearing? The assist is calibrated for the stock gearing, and you need to modify it using different numbers of magnets to trick the computer.

[@Lee-jh3rv]

@@Pilotgeek Thanks for replying. I have no idea how to modify the gear. I had the bike fell off my hand the other day. Then I had the problem with assist biking... Any tips I could try?

[@Chuyi-du3mr]

56 tooth, but what size chain?

[@sandramichelsen4447]

i will buy it...not change it... but use as it is

[@kennethupson2443]

Within a week kickstand failed, within two weeks battery wouldn't charge bike, had to order battery charger on Amazon ( only 18 plus dollars, wasn't fazed), buuuuut , handlebars had slack...decided to collapse them prior to leaving work- machenisn that locks handlebars failed- all I could think was ( had I been riding, I would have killed myself), so I am presently awaiting a ' tech' from Amazon to assess the bike- it's actually a beautiful thing. I just didn't expect this much

[@diegomaradonarodriguesvita9513]

Meme brasileiro.. pra quem não conhece.. essa é a "Nazaré Tedesco" (conhecida por sequestro, assassinato e empurrar os outros da escada)

[@catguy5425]

You used the wrong formula, but got the right answer... 1mph = 1.609kph, not 0.621!

[@Pilotgeek]

Whoops, never noticed that 😅

[@jewelm9251]

Can you put a basket onto the back or front

[@horsewhite7560]

You can set up a basket in the front, but don't set anything in the back. If you climb a hill, the whole center of gravity will move back, which will be very dangerous.

[@GoldenStateKid]

How did you adjust the shock?

[@Pilotgeek]

You can't on this unfortunately. I eventually put on an aftermarket one.

[@raymonedavis7172]

How much is this bike

[@isaactavarez3622]

Can you replace the battery of this bike ?

[@johnblaws8133]

Yes.

[@nativeamerican1690]

How many teeth on? the new crank set?

[@Pilotgeek]

I believe it was 58t.

[@bridgebolt51]

what happened if you change the voltage on po2 setting?

[@dirkgabrielpunzalan1102]

What is the size of the seat post you bought?

[@Pilotgeek]

33.9mm diameter x 450mm length

[@dirkgabrielpunzalan1102]

Another thing,is it the same seat post size of niubility b14s?because it looks like the same..thank you for the reply..❤

[@dirkgabrielpunzalan1102]

Do you think a 31.6mm diameter will fit in it?

[@Pilotgeek]

@@dirkgabrielpunzalan1102 No, it won't clamp if it is too small.

[@dirkgabrielpunzalan1102]

Ok..thank you..very informative..new subscriber here.