Evelo Atlas Review | A Powerful, Tech-Savvy Ride

Evelo advertises up to 60 miles of range from the Atlas’ 720Wh battery. We didn’t quite hit that mark in our tests, but with some mindful riding, it seems achievable.

Kept at Class 2 speeds, our results were:

Interestingly, the Turbo test proved more efficient than our commuter category average (19.8 Wh/mi vs 21.7), while the Eco test was less efficient (15.6 Wh/mi vs 11.8). As we noted in the Speed Test, the Atlas doesn’t taper power output at certain speed thresholds, so with consistent pedaling, we likely pushed it harder than most riders would—leading to lower mileage. In real-world use, I’d expect many riders to comfortably see 50+ miles.

Evelo also offers a solution for extending range: a rack-integrated battery upgrade that adds 696Wh of capacity. That nearly doubles your mileage potential, while still leaving room for cargo thanks to the rack’s 55-lb weight rating (48 lbs once the second battery is mounted).

Not every e-bike allows for a dual-battery setup, and those that do often provide much smaller add-ons. The Atlas’s nearly double-capacity option sets it apart, making it a strong choice for long-range riders if you can afford the upgrade.

The Bafang M600 is one of the more aggressive mid-drives on the market, delivering 120Nm of torque. Evelo’s programming reins it in just enough to keep it from feeling like a rocket, but it still climbs with authority.

On our test hill, the Atlas recorded a 2:22 throttle-only time with a 12.8 mph average. With pedal assist, that improved to 2:02 at 14.9 mph. Mid-drives with throttle aren’t common at our new test hill, so comparisons are limited, but making the climb at all is impressive—throttle-only performance on mid-drives can be hit or miss. Against other mid-drives in pedal tests, the Atlas was about 15 seconds faster than average.

Steeper climbs do highlight a small learning curve with the Enviolo CVT. I occasionally shifted too light and spun at a higher cadence than intended. With a little practice, though, it’s easy to find the sweet spot, and once you do, the system feels smooth and intuitive.

Overall, the motor’s power strikes a great balance. Riders looking for easy hill-flattening will appreciate the punch, especially heavier riders or those who feel they’ve “lost a step.” At the same time, dropping the assist lets fitness-minded cyclists turn climbs into a workout.

The Evelo Atlas is equipped with Tektro Auriga hydraulic brakes paired with 180mm rotors. In our standardized brake test, it posted an average stopping distance of 23’5”. That’s slightly longer than our all-bike average of 22’, though still well within a safe margin and comfortably short of our 25’ “danger zone.”

There wasn’t an obvious reason for the longer result. We recently tested the same brake setup on the Evelo Galaxy Lux and saw excellent stopping power. The Atlas’s larger-diameter tires may have contributed, since they generally require a bit more distance to stop, but otherwise the components performed as expected.

On the road, the brakes felt reliable and confidence-inspiring, with smooth engagement that didn’t require excessive hand strength. Tektro is one of the most common brake brands in the e-bike world, so replacements and service should be straightforward at virtually any shop.

Evelo also features thoughtful safety elements, including integrated head- and taillights. The rear light mounts to the seatpost collar, which means shorter riders might partially block it, but it’s still a welcome addition—and a cleaner, hardwired solution than the clip-on lights we sometimes see.

One of the most common e-bike wheel sizes is 27.5”. It’s large enough to maintain speed without pushing standover height too high, while still offering good maneuverability. Bigger wheels also smooth out cracks, seams, and driveway lips for a more comfortable ride. The Atlas uses 27.5” rims with wide 2.8” tires—some of the largest we’ve seen spec’d on this wheel size, and a fitting choice for a bike with touring potential.

Wider tires improve comfort in a few ways. They can run at lower pressures, which softens the ride, increases traction, and helps ward off punctures. The 2.8” width also gives the Atlas stable, predictable handling—more SUV than compact car.

Evelo adds comfort with a Suntour XCM coil suspension fork and a Selle Royal gel saddle. The fork may not have the fluid feel of a pricier air/oil model, but for mostly road riding, and occasional lighter dirt trail it does the job. The backswept handlebar encourages a more upright posture than a flat bar, though not quite as relaxed as a cruiser bend. It shortens the reach, but riders under a certain size may still struggle; the 28” standover height makes this less approachable for smaller riders. For them, Evelo’s step-thru models like the Galaxy Lux or Omega are better fits.

The drivetrain is a standout. With the Gates belt and Enviolo CVT, it’s easy to operate, smooth, and virtually maintenance-free. The 380% gear range is broader than most commuter drivetrains, giving you usable ratios for climbing, flats, and even some downhill pedaling.

The Bafang 4.7” full-color display is crisp and customizable, with different layouts and essential ride data. The settings menu is somewhat limited, but you can still adjust speed caps where Class 3 riding is allowed. Full-coverage fenders are another plus—even if the glossy finish shows smudges. Touchpoints are all solid too, with ergonomic grips, Wellgo pedals, and that cushy saddle. A couple of things missing at this price are turn signals—which are becoming more common—and an included rear rack.

Finally, Evelo’s warranty deserves special mention. The Atlas comes with a 21-day at-home trial (just pay return shipping if it’s not for you) and a 4-year, 20,000-mile warranty covering the frame, motor, transmission, display, and controller. The battery is covered for 2 years, with prorated replacement options beyond that. For a bike packed with premium tech that isn’t cheap to replace, this kind of coverage offers real peace of mind for long-term ownership.

The name “Atlas” conjures two fitting images: the mythological figure bearing the weight of the world, and the map books we once relied on before GPS. Both ideas suit this bike, as it’s powerful, and built to carry you far and handle just about anything.

The Evelo Atlas is a powerful, tech-forward e-bike. Between its smooth Gates belt drive, intuitive Enviolo CVT, and punchy Bafang motor, it feels refined yet easy to ride. Whether you’re throttling up a hill or pedaling for speed, it delivers performance that’s a step above the average.

Comfort and versatility round out the package. With wide 2.8” tires, suspension fork, and ergonomic touchpoints, the ride is stable and inviting. Add the optional second battery and you’ve got the range to stretch into long commutes or all-day adventures.

For the premium price tag, a few extras like a rear rack, turn signals, and more frame or color options would have been nice. But if the fit and style work for you, the Atlas offers impressive power, smooth handling, and a drivetrain built for years of low-maintenance use. Evelo’s industry-leading 4-year/20,000-mile warranty further cements its value, ensuring you’ll keep enjoying the ride for miles to come.

In short, the Atlas is a great match for riders who want a strong, adaptable e-bike that’s easy to live with, yet capable of delivering serious performance when called on.

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