Electric Bike Company Model X Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
Electric Bike Company recently introduced their new Model X eCruiser bike for $1,499 and it just arrived for testing & review!
This economical eCruiser has many of the features of the other Electric Bike Company eBikes along with design and assembly in California.
Some of the highlights are a hydroformed aluminum frame, single speed mechanical gear with 5 electric assist gear/speed levels, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Schwalbe tires, and more.
Additionally there are a bunch of ways to customize the colors, upgrade components, and add accessories if you want.
At the same $1,499 price (includes shipping & tax) is the Model Y that offers a step-thru frame & front basket.
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 X 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 X!
The Model X is the step over style frame with the battery on the downtube of the frame.
There is also the Model Y that is the step thru frame style with the battery (48V 10.5ah) housed in the bottom of the front basket for a very clean look.
The stock Model X color is black and the Model Y is white with 3 coats of paint and 2 coats of clear coat.
In addition EBC is now offering a bunch of custom color options for the frame, fork, chain guard, rims, and fenders and it is an extra $399.
Let’s take a closer look at the Model X. The frame is built with curved hydroformed 6061 aluminum tubing that creates the classic beach cruiser styling.
Electric Bike Company states that they use 3mm thickess frame tubing in many areas for extra strength and as such they provide a 10 year warranty on the frame.
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″.
Electric Bike Company designs and assembles their eBikes in Newport Beach California for high quality control. Their bikes ship in a large box almost completely assembled. The only adjustment is rotating the handlebars into position and adjusting the seat height.
The headtube of the frame is a focal point because it offers an attachment point for the optional front basket.
In this view you can see the thick aluminum welds with solid attachment of the top and down tubes to the head tube. Additionally, there is some internal cable routing through the frame for cable protection and a clean overall look.
This is the front basket that is an optional accessory ($99) for the Model X and can support up to 65 pounds of cargo. The front basket comes stock on the Model Y because it houses the battery.
There is a dual LED headlight attached to the head tube and it is powered by the eBike battery.
The steel fork matches the curved tubing cruiser style look of the frame and it features attachment points for fenders.
This is the large arched aluminum top tube that really adds to the classic style of the Model X.
Here is a look at the thick aluminum welds that connect the top tube, seat tube, and seat stays.
In this view you can also see how some cables are routed within the frame tubing just behind the seat tube.
There is also the rear rack (optional) attachment point on the seat stays.
The seat tube has an ovalized profile that adds style to the frame similar to the oval top tube.
Just behind the seat tube area is the LED tail light that is powered by the eBike battery so you don’t have to worry about charging separate batteries for the lights.
The 48V 11.6ah lithium battery is mounted to the curved downtube for a central and low location.
This central location is good for weight distribution and overall handling of the bike.
In this view you can see how the frame mount has been molded to contour to the curvature of the down tube.
The 48V 11.6ah lithium battery uses Samsung cells. There is an option for a 48V 14ah higher capacity battery pack for more range and that adds $299 to the price.
EBC provides a 5 year limited warranty on their battery packs.
In the view above you can see the on/off switch along with the charge port that has been exposed by moving the rubber cover. The battery can be charged on or off the bike.
On the left side of the battery is the lock and battery level indicator.
2 keys are supplied to lock/unlock the battery from the frame mount.
At the bottom left side of the battery is a charge level indicator that is illuminated by holding a small button. There is also a battery level indicator on the handlebar display.
Once the battery is unlocked it slides up and off of the frame mount.
This is a look at the battery removed with the charger plugged in. It takes about 5 to 6 hours to charge the battery from empty.
The battery weighs 7.0 pounds.
When the battery has been removed the bike weighs 45.6 pounds which makes it a little easier to pick up and load onto a car rack.
The total bike weight is 52.6 pounds.
Now let’s take a look at the drivetrain of the Model X. The assist is provided by a 500 watt geared rear hub motor that has peak power of 1,000 watts.
Like other Electric Bike Company eBikes, the Model X use a single speed mechanical drive with 5 speed levels for the pedal assist and throttle as follows:
Level 1 up to 11 mph
Level 2 up to 13.5 mph
Level 3 up to 16 mph
Level 4 up to 18.5 mph
Level 5 up to 20 mph
The speeds above are based on the Class 2 configurations of 20 mph max assist.
There is the option to set the Model X to a Class 3 configuration with pedal assist up to ~25 mph with throttle up to 20 mph.
The frame has a derailleur hanger to work with a derailleur and multiple cogs as an option.
On the other side of the motor is the rear Tektro hydraulic disc brake with 180mm rotor.
Electric Bike Company provides a 10 year warranty on the motor which is impressive!
And this is the Tektro hydraulic disc brake with 180mm rotor on the front.
Now let’s take a look at the control center of the EBC Model X.
The Model X features wide and sweptback beach cruiser style handlebars that have an upright and relaxed ride feel.
The stem is adjustable so that you can dial in the handlebar height and reach that fits your riding preferences.
On the left side of the handlebar is an Electric Bike Company leather grip, control pad, and front Tektro hydraulic disc brake lever.
The leather grips have lock on collars to keep them from rotating.
The control pad adjusts the speed/assist levels with the up and down arrows.
The center button turns the bike on/off and cycles through information on the display. The lights are controlled by holding the up arrow for a few seconds.
On the right side of the handlebar is the Electric Bike Company leather grip, thumb throttle, and Tektro rear hydraulic disc brake lever.
The thumb throttle smoothly controls the assist with a wide spectrum of power 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 while transitioning into using the pedal assist.
Here is a closer look at the Tektro 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 with the set screws on the back side of the brake lever.
The large 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 is a 56t chainring with either a 16t or 18t rear cog.
Most bikes come with the 18t cog but the 16t cog is available if you mainly ride on flat terrain.
The metal chainguard adds style and helps to keep your pant legs clean.
Schwalbe Fat Frank 26″ x 2.35″ tires are used front and rear. They have a ballon style profile that matches the beach cruiser styling and a smooth tread for an efficient ride feel.
The wheels are constructed with 2″ wide Jetset aluminum rims with 13 gauge stainless steel spokes and nipples for a durable wheel set.
Electric Bike Company builds their 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.
Going along with the beach cruiser styling is the leather seat that has a wide profile.
The seat has double springs for a very comfortable ride feel.
Electric Bike Company Model X Specifications
Frame: 6061 Hydroformed Aluminium with internal cable routing. 10 year warranty.
Fork: Steel fork
Motor: 500W geared rear hub motor with 1,000 watts peak power. 10 year warranty.
Battery: 48V 11.6Ah with Samsung cells. The battery weighs 7.0 pounds. There is an optional long range 48V 14ah 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 2 eBike. Can be set to 25 mph pedal assist with 20 mph throttle for Class 3 eBike.
Display: 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 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 2.35″ Schwalbe Fat Frank tires
Seat: Leather cruiser style saddle
Sizes: One size to fit riders from 4′-8″ to 7′-0″. Model Y is the step-thru frame.
Colors: Model X stock color is Black and Model Y stock color is White. Also, many custom color options.
Weight: 52.6 pounds. 45.6 pounds with the 7.0 pound battery removed.
Price: Starts at $1,499 (includes tax & shipping) with many customization and accessory options.
Accessory Options: Front basket, rear rack & basket, leather saddlebags, Woody’s wood fenders & chain guard, suspension seat post, surfboard carrier, trailers, and more.
Now checkout part 2 of the Electric Bike Company Model X 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.
P.S. Don’t forget to join the Electric Bike Report community for updates from the electric bike world, plus ebike riding and maintenance tips!
Reader Interactions
Comments
Trackbacks
-
[…] We’ve recently posted the usual highly detailed part 1 review of this new e-bike. Electric Bike Company recently introduced their new Model X eCruiser bike for $1,499. […]
Sean says
Great review of an awesome bike
Darlene says
Recently we moved to Bend, Oregon from California. This bike is above an beyond anything we’ve seen here in Bend especially the long lasting battery..
Joulia Kallah says
Wow, this looks so cool and I can’t believe all that bike for just $1499!
Logan says
Spectacular bike! Can’t wait to customize mine!
DH says
What a rad bike. Looks super sleek. I’ll definitely picking one up.
Shannon says
My teenage son doesn’t need rides anymore – he LOVES this bike!
DH says
Such a rad bike. Super sleek. I’ll definitely be picking one up.
Ammar says
Looks dope can’t wait to get mine
Kim Koehl says
Wow this price is excellent! Can’t wait to surprise my husband with this! He will be stoked for sure.
Kathy says
Awesome review for an awesome bike! Best value for the price on the market!
Chris says
Great looking bike!