EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive Electric Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
The new economical EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive has arrived for testing and review!
At $2,499 this is one of the more economical eBikes in the EVELO line up and some of the highlights are a 750 watt motor, 48V 11.6ah battery, Shimano drivetrain, and Tektro disc brakes.
It has an upright and comfortable ride position, easy get on and go step-thru frame design, and stable 3″ wide balloon style tires.
The $2,499 price also includes free shipping & other incentives.
In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications.
Part 2 of the EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive 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 EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive!
The EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive ready to ride!
EVELO focuses a lot on taking the worry out of buying an eBike online. They offer a 10 day at home trial period, free shipping in the continental US, 0% financing (if you qualify), 4 year/20,000 mile warranty, and support for service and repairs. Plus they have their “Perfect Seat Guarantee”.
The 6061 hydroformed aluminum frame blends in a lot of features like the low step-thru area, central battery, and the integrated rear rack.
The EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive is designed to fit riders in height from 5′-2″ to 6′-2″.
Here is a closer look at the headtube to downtube connection that has a clean look with smoothed welds.
Under the downtube is a reinforcing gusset along with internal cable routing through the downtube.
In this view you can also see the lock for the battery attachment to the frame.
The 48V 11.6ah lithium battery is attached to the downtube with an integrated look that really blends in well with the overall look of the bike.
This low and centered battery location is very good for the balance and handling of the bike.
Here is a look at the large reinforcement gusset that connects the downtube to the seat tube.
This gusset is also the low point of the step-thru area that is about 22″ above the ground.
This is a closer look at the rear rack attachment to the seat tube and seat stays of the frame.
This structure makes for a solid rear rack attachment and it adds some style to the EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive.
The rear rack is constructed with large aluminum tubing that is designed to carry up to 45 pounds of cargo.
EVELO offers bags for the rear rack in their optional accessory line up.
The crankset on the bike features a single chainring with an outer guard ring and a plastic chain guard.
A Shimano Tourney derailleur shifts through the 7 speed Shimano cogset.
This is the 750 watt (1,000 watt peak power) geared rear hub motor that provides assist up to 20 mph with pedal assist and/or throttle. There is an off-road mode that provides pedal assist up to 25 mph.
The throttle does allow you to cruise along without pedaling if you want.
With pedal assist and throttle and max assist speed of 20 mph, the EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive is a Class 2 electric bike.
Now let’s take a closer look at the 48V 11.6ah lithium battery that powers the bike and front and rear lights.
There is a charge port for the battery and a USB charge port on the lower right side of the battery.
The USB charge port can charge a smartphone or other USB chargeable device from the eBike battery.
On top of the battery is a charge level indicator. There is also a charge level indicator on the handlebar display.
The battery rotates to left side of the bike for removal once it has been unlocked.
This is a look at the frame after the battery pack has been removed. The bike comes stock with 3 keys for the battery lock.
The bike weighs 59.1 pounds with the battery removed and the total weight of the bike (with the 7.3 pound battery) is 66.4 pounds.
Here is a look at the battery removed from the bike with the charger plugged in to the lower right side.
The battery can be charged on or off the bike and it takes 4 to 6 hours to charge an empty battery.
This is the SR Suntour XCM suspension fork that provides 4″ (100mm) of travel with a 15mm thru axle for solid lateral wheel stability.
There is a lockout lever that prevents the fork from moving for a more efficient ride when riding on smooth roads.
A quick turn of the dial unlocks the fork for riding on rougher roads.
On the upper left side of the fork is a preload dial that adjusts the spring rate of the fork to fit your riding weight and ride style.
One of the big ride quality highlights are the high air volume 26″ x 3.0″ Innova tires with a Kevlar belt.
These high air volume tires give a suspension effect, especially when they are run at the lower tire pressure range.
In addition, the large tread patch on the ground gives the bike a very stable ride feel.
Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes are spec’ed front and rear with 160mm rotors.
Here is a look at the Tektro Aries disc brake with the 160mm rotor attached to the Bafang geared rear hub motor.
Now let’s take a look at the controls and ride position.
The EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive has an upright and comfortable position thanks to the high rise stem and swept back handlebars.
This is good for a comfortable ride and it is also helpful for seeing everything around you.
On the left side of the handlebar is a lock-on grip, front brake lever, thumb throttle, and control pad.
The thumb throttle can be used with pedal assist for a boost or it can be used without pedaling if you prefer.
The 5 pedal assist levels are changed using the + and – buttons on the left side of the control pad.
There is also a walk mode that will help you walk the bike up a hill or stairs at a few mph. It is activated by holding the minus button on the control pad for a few seconds.
The “I” button cycles through information on the display like trip distance, odometer, max speed, range, etc.
And the light button turns on the front and rear lights.
Each brake lever has a rubber surface that helps with gripping the brake lever.
Both brake levers have sensors to stop the motor assist when either brake lever is engaged.
Additionally when either brake lever is engaged the tail light displays a braking light, much like a car.
In the center of the handlebar is the color LCD display that provides information on:
- Time
- Battery level
- Speed, average speed, max speed
- Odometer, trip distance
- Estimated range based on battery level & pedal assist level
- Pedal assist mode
- Watts the motor is providing
- Calories
Under the display is a USB charge port for charging a smartphone or other USB powered device.
On the right side of the handlebar is a lock-on grip, Shimano Revo Shift 7 speed grip shifter, and rear brake lever.
The Wellgo pedals have a wide aluminum platform with rubber grip surface and reflectors on both ends of the pedals.
The seat has a mid width profile for a comfortable ride while still being efficient for pedaling.
EVELO also offers their “Perfect Seat” Guarantee which is very unique! “If you find another seat that you prefer at a local shop, purchase it, and we will reimburse you up to $40! This is just one of the ways we strive to ensure that you are 100% comfortable and satisfied with your bike.”
The LED headlight is powered by the eBike battery so you don’t have to worry about separate batteries for the light.
The rear light also runs off of the eBike battery and it has a brake light feature when either brake lever is engaged. It is attached to the under side of the rack.
The kickstand is bolted to the left side of the frame and the length is adjustable so that you can adjust the tilt of the bike when it is parked.
EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive Electric Bike Specifications
Frame: Hydroformed aluminum step-thru frame
Fork: Suntour XCM32 4″ (100mm) Travel, 15mm Thru Axle, lock out dial
Motor: Bafang 750 Watt (1,000 watt peak power) Rear Hub Motor
Battery: 48V 11.6Ah lithium battery. Battery weight 7.3 pounds.
Assist Options: 5 pedal assist levels (plus walk mode) and thumb throttle.
Speed: Pedal assist and/or throttle up to 20 mph which makes this a Class 2 eBike. There is an off-road mode that provides pedal assist up to 25 mph.
Display: LCD color display that provides information on the time, battery level, speed, average speed, max speed, odometer, trip distance, estimated range based on battery level & pedal assist level, pedal assist mode, watts, calories. USB charge port under the display.
Drivetrain: Shimano 7 speed, Revo Shift grip shifter, Tourney rear derailleur
Brakeset: Tektro Aries mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors and motor cut-off sensors
Tires: 26″ x 3.0″ Innova Kevlar Belt Tires
Seat: EVELO seat with EVELO Perfect Seat Guarantee
Sizes: One size to fit riders in height: 5′-2″ to 6′-2″
Colors: Desert Sky
Weight: 66.4 pounds. 59.1 pounds with the 7.3 pound battery removed.
Price: $2,499 USD
Offers: EVELO offers 0% financing, 10 day at home trial period, and free shipping in the continental US.
Warranty: 4-year/20,000-mile warranty against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship on its frame, battery, motor, controller, and display. The NuVinci hub, fork, and wheels are warrantied for 2 years.
Service & Repairs: EVELO offers several ways to work on service and repairs in the video below.
Now check out Part 2 of the EVELO Aurora Hub-Drive 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 or not.
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!
Ken Roberts says
I do not see any measurements on the step-thru height or the measurements when folded!