Electric Bike Company Model A Review, 2024

The range of an e-bike is one of the most important factors to many consumers, so we consider it a critical part of our examination in this Electric Bike Company Model A review. The company advertises a range of 50 miles on a single charge of the bike’s UL-certified, 48V, 576 Wh battery, so we performed our Range Test (explained above) to validate their claim.

As I covered in the previous section regarding our Circuit Test, we observed that the Model A’s motor did not contribute much assistance in PAS 1. For this reason, our first Range Test of the Model A was performed in PAS 2, which we feel is a more practical minimum level of input. In this setting, we pedaled for 54.2 miles. We also tested the bike in PAS 5 to see how far it could go while providing the maximum level of assistance, and traveled a total distance of 30.3 miles.

Overall, our testing supported EBC’s claim for the Model A, although there is one caveat. As I mentioned previously, the bike has been designed so that its throttle will be employed regularly to get up to speed. Once again, we did not use the throttle, and relied only on our own leg power to pedal the bike for the duration of our range tests. As such, our range results are likely a bit greater than they would have been had we used a mix of pedal assistance and throttle.

30-50+ miles is a respectable range on any bike, and these results met – and possibly even exceeded our expectations based solely on the motor and battery specs. With a 500W motor and a 576 Wh battery, the Model A should – in theory – travel for just over an hour in its max PAS setting. We were able to ride for two and a half! This is even more impressive considering that 576 watt-hours is slightly on the smaller side of things in terms of capacity.

For our Hill Test (explained in the graphic above), we pedaled the EBC Model A up our test path in PAS 5, and also took a second trip up using only the bike’s throttle. In PAS 5, the Model A traveled up the slope in 1 minute and 21 seconds. On just throttle power, the bike successfully made the climb in just under two minutes.

Both results are firmly on the slow side when comparing the Model A’s performance to that of similar e-bikes from other brands. Interestingly, however, the Model A lines up very closely with other EBC bikes – likely because they have similar motors from the same manufacturer.

Our test hill is extreme – this is why we chose it – so the fact that the Model A was able to make the climb earns it our seal of approval regardless of how long it took to get there. The bike proved itself to be capable in our demanding test environment, which means that it will likely be able to handle more average inclines with ease.

To touch back on our findings in our Circuit Test, the large chainring and absence of a cassette means that the Model A does struggle on hills in lower PAS settings, but in PAS 4 or 5 (or when using the throttle) riders should not expect much difficulty.

This performance is great, but does the Model A’s feel reflect these results? In general, yes! In our experience, the bike can occasionally lock up and slide a little, but it doesn’t feel like it’s at all dangerous or out of control. Even when skidding, the Model A feels surprisingly stable.

With perhaps the most important safety feature of the bike covered, let’s unpack its other details. This bike, like all EBC models we’ve reviewed, is almost overflowing with small but significant elements that add up to an impressively safe ride; and in my opinion, this is where the Model A truly shines!

First – and speaking of shining – the bike includes an uncommonly thorough light package. The large 8” headlight has both a high and low beam setting for better illumination. It has three taillights for increased visibility from behind; the large taillight includes a brake light, and the two smaller lights on the seat stays function as turn signals.

Second, the Model A includes an electronic horn to better signal pedestrians, motorists, and other cyclists.

Third, each time the bike is turned on, its display requires the acceptance of a user agreement. This helps to protect families who lend their bikes to friends or companies who rent fleets of e-bikes in the event of any unfortunate circumstances. The bike also defaults to a setting that requires holding the minus button to engage the pedal assist system. While I personally kept forgetting about this, I appreciate the fact that it means the bike will never take off unexpectedly on you.

Next, the Model A uses 24”x3” puncture-resistant Rhino tires. These are a full 3mm thick, which helps to repel any sharp debris on the road and reduce the likelihood of getting a flat. We love this feature of the Model A, and would love to see thick tires used more often on other e-bikes!

Additionally, there’s an added level of safety from Electric Bike Company’s general approach to building their e-bikes. They make all of their wheels on-site, assemble all of their bikes by hand, inspect every component, and test each unit before shipping. All bikes even come with an authentication card that includes the name of its mechanic, its serial number, and its date of assembly. This allows for more personal ownership of the work by the EBC team members but also a more human connection between the company and the consumer; I was told by the company’s owner, Sean, that customers can speak directly with the mechanic who worked on their bike when they receive it if they have any questions or concerns.

I’m not currently aware of any other e-bike brand that offers such a comprehensive approach to safety or a similarly personal level of interfacing with their customers. Color me impressed with the company as a whole – but extending this degree of care to such an affordable bike as the Model A is certainly going above and beyond.

To round out this EBC Model A review, let’s examine the rider experience more directly. In terms of contact points, the Model A does well!

Its large pedals accommodate a wide variety of foot/shoe sizes. The pedals also include a rubberized surface for better grip. Speaking of grip, the bike (like all EBC models) features faux / vegan leather grips that are stamped with the company’s logo. We’re not the biggest fans of grips of this style because they tend to be fairly slippery with gloves or sweaty hands – but they do look good.

The bike’s BMX-style riser bar is unusual on an EBC cruiser – these usually include the style’s trademark swept-back handlebars – but I personally much prefer the Model A’s setup. The bike’s stem is adjustable, and the riser bar adds a second point of rotation, so the height and reach of the handlebars are highly adaptable to the rider!

The Model A also comes equipped with the company’s custom, extra-wide, and densely-padded saddle that we’ve come to know and love. We generally consider EBC bikes to be some of the most comfortable e-bikes we have tested, and their saddles are a huge contributing factor to that opinion.

The company could have easily backed off when it came to the features they decided to include on the Model A – but they didn’t. The bike is packed full of tons of elements that give it excellent functionality, an impressive level of trustworthiness, a solid degree of comfort, and uncommonly edgy looks (for a cruiser).

On top of that, the Model A is accompanied by Electric Bike Company’s personal approach, incredible attention to detail, hands-on involvement, and an uncommonly great warranty.

We think the bike’s cockpit layout could be improved, but this is a fairly minor critique when considering how much the Model A offers. We also understand the tradeoff between customization options and price – and we look forward to seeing the combined and much more customizable version of the bike when it is combined with the Model X.

In summary, we think the Electric Bike Company Model A is a great choice for fans of cruiser styling and positioning, but who might want a more aggressive-looking ride. This extends to those looking for a purpose-oriented e-bike for commuting to school or work, but also to those who might just want to take casual, fun rides around the neighborhood.

The Model A is a cool, reliable e-bike that exemplifies EBC’s trademark approach while maintaining a seriously budget-friendly price tag.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Electric Bike Company Model A.