Electric Bike Company Model C Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs

The beach cruiser style Electric Bike Company Model C just arrived for testing & review and there is a lot to cover!

On the surface this may look like a traditional eBike but there are some unique characteristics that really set Electric Bike Company (EBC) eBikes apart from the pack. 

EBC designs and assembles their eBikes in California and with that they offer a bunch of customization and accessory options. 

Feature wise the Model C has a hydroformed aluminum frame, single speed mechanical gear with 5 electric assist gear/speed levels, a built in charger, alarm system, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Maxxis tires, and more. 

There is also the Model S that is a step-thru frame to make getting on and off the bike easier. 

The Electric Bike Company Model C & S start at $2,299 with many customization and accessory options to choose from. 

In this first part of the testing & review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.

Part 2 of the Electric Bike Company Model C testing & review will give you info on the ride characteristics, results from the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this eBike.

Alright, let’s take a closer look at the Electric Bike Company Model C!

The Model C is the classic step over style frame. 

There is also the Model S that is the step thru frame style.

Both the Model C and S come in white, black, or red color options with 3 coats of paint and 2 coats of clear coat. 

In addition EBC is now offering custom color options that can even match your car! Custom colors cover the frame, fork, chain guard, and fenders and it is an extra $399.  

The Electric Bike Company eBikes come in one size and they state that they can fit a range of riders from 4′-8″ to 7′-0″.

First of all let’s take a closer look at the hydroformed 6061 aluminum frame with its curved tubing that creates the foundation for its beach cruiser styling. EBC provides a 10 year warranty on the frame. 

One of the frame design highlights is the headtube attachment point for the optional front basket that can support up to 65 pounds of cargo. 

The metal basket has sturdy construction with exterior framing and an interior metal mesh to keep small items in the basket. 

Also included with the basket is a front light that runs off of the eBike battery. 

The steel fork has a swooping curved design to match the cruiser style look of the frame.

The top tube is a good example of the curved aluminum frame tubing with an oval shape.

It is also a good example of the internal cable routing found on the frame, which is good for cable protection and a clean look. 

This is the top tube, seat tube, and seat stay junction that also features internal cable routing behind the seat tube. There are the thick welds that are typical of aluminum frames. 

In this view you can also see the connectors to the battery pack that are easily disconnected & reconnected. Many of the components on the Model C are easily swapped out with connectors like this. 

At the back of the bike is the aluminum rear rack that is built into the frame and houses the battery and charger.

One of the unique highlights of the Electric Bike Company eBikes is that they have a built in charger that makes charging on the go that much easier.

The charger is at the front of the rack and battery is housed towards the back of the rack. 

The battery in this test is a 48V 11.6ah lithium pack with Samsung cells. EBC also offers a high capacity 48V 17.4ah lithium battery for longer range.

Check out Part 2 for the range test results of the 11.6ah pack.

EBC provides a 5 year limited warranty on their battery packs. 

This is a closer look at the left side of the charger area with the charge plug concealed by a rubber cover.

Just to the right of that is the battery lock and key along with the alarm remote!

EBC offers an optional alarm (+$129) for their bikes that will make a noise similar to a car alarm is the bike if tampered with. 

Here is a look at the charge plug housed within the charger.

The retractable charger plug is extended from the enclosure and has a length of about 64″.

It will stay in place at the desired length and can be retracted by pulling slightly on the cord. 

Charging time for the 48V 11.6ah lithium battery is 4.5 hours and the 17.4ah is 8 hours.

There is an optional fast charger that will charge the 11.6ah in 2 hours and the 17.4ah in 3.5 hours. 

At the back of the battery is a reflector and flashing light. The front and rear lights are turned on with the control pad on the handlebar. 

There is a battery level display at the back of the battery. The display on the handlebar also provides the battery level info. 

Removing the battery is accomplished by unlocking it with the key (3 supplied) and pulling it out of the charging case. 

Here is a look at the battery removed. The battery weighs 7.5 pounds. 

When the battery has been removed the bike weighs 60.7 pounds (this includes the optional front basket & fenders) which makes it a little easier to pick up and load onto a car rack.

The total bike weight including the optional front basket & fenders is 68.2 pounds.

The bottom of the battery has a charge port for the optional fast charger (left side) and the on/off button (right side). 

The rear rack has sturdy construction for the battery & charger and it also has attachment points for optional cargo accessories like a basket, saddlebags, and a surf board rack!

Providing the assist is a 500 watt geared rear hub motor that has peak power of 1,200 watts for acceleration and hill climbing. 

Another interesting design highlight is that the EBC eBikes use a single speed mechanical drive with 5 speed levels for the pedal assist and throttle as follows:

Level 1 up to 9 mph

Level 2 up to 12 mph

Level 3 up to 14.5 mph

Level 4 up to 17.5 mph

Level 5 up to 20 mph 

Also, note that the speeds above are based on the Class 1 and 2 configurations of 20 mph max assist.

EBC eBikes can also be set to the Class 3 configuration of pedal assist up to 28 mph with throttle up to 20 mph. 

The frame is designed to work with a derailleur and multiple cogs as an option. 

On the other side of the motor is the 180mm disc brake rotor for the Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes. 

Also, EBC warranties their motors for 10 years!

Now let’s take a look at the control center of the EBC Model C. 

True to the beach cruiser style the handlebars on the Model C are swept back and upright for a comfortable and relaxed ride feel.

On the left side of the handlebar is a leather grip, front Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brake lever, and control pad. 

The leather grips have lock on collars to keep them from rotating. 

Here is a closer look at the control pad that adjusts the speed/assist levels with the up and down arrows.

The center button turns the bike on/off and the lights are controlled by holding the up arrow for a few seconds. 

On the right side of the handlebar is the leather grip, thumb throttle, and Tektro Dorado rear hydraulic disc brake lever. 

The thumb throttle smoothly controls the assist from just a little to full power.

The throttle can be used with or without pedaling. It is helpful for getting started from a stop. 

Here is a closer look at the Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brake lever.

There are sensors in each brake lever that will stop the assist when either brake lever is engaged. 

The brake lever reach can be adjusted to fit your hand size. 

The large color LCD display is mounted in the center of the handlebar and it provides information on the battery level, speed, pedal assist mode, odometer, trip distance, max speed, average speed, battery voltage, motor power, and ride time.

The display has a backlight for easily seeing it day or night.

Under the display is a USB port for charging phones on the go. 

The single mechanical gear configuration is a 56t chainring with either a 16t or 18t rear cog. Most bikes come with the 18t cog.

The chainguard adds style and helps to keep your pant legs clean. 

This is a closer look at the rear Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brake caliper with 180mm rotor attached to the rear hub motor. 

And this is the Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brake with 180mm rotor on the front.

Maxxis Gypsy 26″ x 2.1″ eBike rated tires with a puncture protective casing are used front and rear.

They have a ballon profile that matches the beach cruiser styling and a smooth tread for an efficient ride feel. 

Additionally, EBC includes sealant in the tubes to prevent small punctures. 

EBC uses 2″ wide Jetset aluminum rims with 13 gauge stainless steel spokes and nipples for a solid wheel set.

Plus, they build their own wheels (lacing, tensioning, & trueing) at their California facility!

The Wellgo aluminum pedals have a wide platform with a rubber grippy surface and reflectors on the front and back. 

Rounding out the Model C is the leather cruiser style seat that has a wide profile for focus on a comfortable ride. 

Electric Bike Company Model C Specifications

Frame: 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium with internal cable routing. 10 year warranty. 

Fork: Steel fork 

Motor: 500W geared rear hub motor with 1,200 watts peak power. 10 year warranty. 

Battery: 48V 11.6Ah with Samsung cells. The battery weighs 7.5 pounds. There is an optional long range 48V 17.4ah lithium battery. 5 year warranty.

Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels and thumb throttle.

Speed: Pedal assist and/or throttle to 20 mph for Class 1 or 2 eBike. Can be set to 28 mph pedal assist with 20 mph throttle for Class 3 eBike.

Display: Color LCD display with battery level, speed, pedal assist mode, odometer, trip distance, max speed, average speed, battery voltage, motor power, ride time. USB charge port under display.

Drivetrain: 56t chainring with 16t or 18t rear cog

Brakeset: Tektro Dorado hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors

Wheels: 2″ wide Jetset aluminum rims with 13 gauge stainless steel spokes & nipples. Built by EBC in California.

Tires: 26″ x 2.1″ Maxxis Gypsy eBike rated tires and tubes with sealant

Seat: Leather cruiser style saddle

Sizes: One size to fit riders from 4′-8″ to 7′-0″. Model S is the step-thru frame.

Colors: White, black, or red. Also custom color options.

Weight: 68.2 pounds includes the optional front basket & fenders. 60.7 pounds with the battery removed.

Price: Starts at $2,299 with many customization and accessory options.

Accessory Options: Front and rear baskets, leather saddlebags, Woody’s wood fenders & chain guard, suspension seat post, surfboard carrier, trailers, and more.

Now check out part 2 of the Electric Bike Company Model C review with info on the ride characteristics, the range test, pros, cons, and overall thoughts!

-Pete

Review Note: Each company pays a fee for a review on Electric Bike Report because of the considerable amount of time that it takes to provide an in-depth review of each eBike. A lot of time is spent on the full range test with distance & elevation profile, the wide variety of detailed pictures, in-depth video, and the write up with the specifications, ride characteristics, pros, cons, and overall thoughts. The reviews on Electric Bike Report are focused on providing you with a detailed “virtual” look at each eBike to help you determine if it is the eBike for you.

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