Flyer Via Pro Review | Don’t Put the Wagon Before the Horse

We tested the Via Pro’s range by riding in PAS 5 and PAS 1 until the bike’s 48V, 687 Wh battery expired, using Strava to track our mileage. Flyer advertises a range of 30 to 50 miles on a single charge, and our results exceeded both ends of this estimated range; we measured 38.9 and 65.6 miles.

As we continue to test more and more e-bikes, the average range of all the cargo bikes we’ve tested changes, but the current high- and low-end bracket is 32 to 54 miles. As such, the Via Pro’s results were above average in both tests. Furthermore, its PAS 1 result is one of the longest distances we’ve covered on any cargo bike!

There are likely three aspects of the bike that contributed to its success in this test. First, at 75.5 lbs, the Via Pro is on the lighter end when compared to many of the similar models we reviewed. This relatively low weight allowed it to conserve charge.

Second, the bike’s torque sensor naturally made the motor more efficient as it allowed the motor output to vary, in contrast to a cadence sensor which functions more like an on/off switch with no modulation.

Third, the bike seemed to have a preferred range of motor output. Thanks to the torque sensor, it was possible to push beyond that “comfort zone” with more pressure on the pedals, but the bike seemed to return to that level when I did not maintain the increased level of effort.

Based on the Via Pro’s 750W motor and 687 Wh battery, we estimated that the bike’s results in its PAS 5 test would be roughly 16 miles, with the test itself lasting 55 minutes. In actuality, its nearly 40 mile result with nearly 2.25 hours of ride time showed an increase of over 140% in both time and distance. We often recommend equal measures between nominal motor wattage and battery capacity in watt-hours, so the Via Pro’s battery would be small in relation to its motor, but the efficiency shown in this test proves that it is well-specced.

As a caveat, all of our range tests are performed without cargo weight, so riders should expect fewer miles when carrying cargo or passengers. Even with additional weight, the Via Pro’s excellent results should translate to above average performance. It is likely that the bike will still give you more miles than most other available options with a single battery, making it practical for any of the uses mentioned in the opening paragraphs of this review.

On throttle, our tester Justin finished the test in a swift 1:08 while traveling at an average of 16 mph. At the time of writing, this result is currently the fastest result from a cargo bike in this portion of the test!

Using PAS 5, the bike was slightly faster thanks to Justin’s added pedaling effort; he reached the finish line in 1:03 at 17.2 mph. This result was not record-breaking, but well above the current cargo e-bike average of 1:10.

We attribute the Via Pro’s performance to two factors. First, its weight was, once again, an advantage. Second, the bike’s powerful motor was able to outpace many of its peers thanks to its peak of 1100 watts and 85 Newton meters of torque.

As a separate test, I took the Via Pro to our secondary test location called Pilot Hill to measure the differences in power output between its three highest PAS settings. Considering that the bike’s top speed in our Speed Test was the same in PAS 3, 4, and 5, I wanted an objective means of separating their performance aside from the power levels stated in the Flyer app. The bike’s throttle results did not change, but its time and speed in PAS 3 were 1:26 at 13.9 mph. In PAS 4, it finished in 1:09 at 17.4 mph. And in PAS 5, I measured 1:01 at 19.7 mph, showing that PAS 4 was about 25 percent faster than PAS 3, and PAS 5 was about 13% faster than PAS 4.

I also tested the bike’s climbing ability with approximately 75 pounds of cargo between the front and rear racks. Using PAS 5, the bike finished in 1:09 at 17.4 mph, showing a 12% reduction in speed when compared to the unladen results above. On throttle, its results were 1:13 at 16.4 mph compared to an unladen time of 1:02 and speed of 19.3 mph, which shows the added weight reduced its speed by 15%.

In all cases, I was surprised by the bike’s effectiveness. Pedaling was comfortable in PAS 3 with no cargo. Even with the addition of weight, I was able to soft-pedal with little effort in PAS 5.

All of this is to say that the Via Pro is an effective climber and cargo hauler. There are likely to be few hills that will prove to be a challenge with such a powerful motor.

We tested the performance of the Via Pro’s Tektro hydraulic brake system in our Brake Test using the process explained above. The bike’s average after three tests was 20 feet, 8 inches, which is well within the range we consider to be safe and effective.

At the time of writing, the category average for all cargo bikes we have tested is 19 feet, 11 inches, so in the big picture, the Via Pro was slightly slower than average. We would have expected it to be easier to slow and stop than many other cargo bikes due to its weight, but we believe two primary factors may have extended its stopping distance.

First, the bike’s Tektro E350 brake system itself may have been a contributor. This system has been present on a majority of the e-bikes we have reviewed; their performance has generally been good, but it has varied somewhat from bike to bike.

Additionally, the Via Pro’s tires seemed to be another factor; when braking hard, they had a tendency to lock up and skid when braking, though not to an unusual degree. The bike felt stable and well under control when braking, but the tires squealed fairly loudly, and their relatively light tread pattern seemed to extend the bike’s average stopping distance.

In practice, the brakes performed well both with and without added cargo weight. As expected, stopping required more time and distance when carrying a heavy load, but the Tektro brakes kept the bike’s speed managed and controlled at all times.

When it comes to fit, Flyer offers the Via Pro in 3 frame sizes for a massive range of riders: a Small that fits riders between 4’10” and 5’10”, a Medium for those between 5’3” and 6’3”, and a Large with an accommodation range between 5’10” and 6’10”. Our test bike was a Large, and at 5’11”, I was on the small end of the recommended range.

Overall, the bike felt comfortable; I appreciated the cushy Selle Royal gel saddle, the ergonomic rubber grips, and the relaxed wrist position of the mid-rise handlebars. I found the bike’s handlebars to be somewhat low, and I would expect this feeling to be shared by taller riders, though of course individual preferences are different. If you find yourself agreeing with my assessment, you might want to consider a stem with more rise, but a stem is an inexpensive part that is easy and quick to replace.

The upright riding position was generally enjoyable, though our testers felt somewhat pitched-forward by the Via Pro’s relatively steep seat tube angle. The geometry charts for many of the other cargo bikes we’ve tested are not shared publicly by their manufacturers, but those that we could find showed a 68-degree angle that is much more relaxed than the Via Pro’s 73 degrees. We appreciate that this angle maximizes the bike’s carrying capacity, but we suggest that Flyer adjust the angle with the next iteration of the bike for the sake of comfort.

In terms of handling, the Via Pro is one of the best-feeling cargo bikes we’ve tested to date. The combination of its threadless stem, solid down tube, and reinforced frame gave it a stable feel even when carrying weight. The bike also uses a “mullet” (primarily an eMTB term) design with two different wheel sizes to offer comfort and steering control while also reducing the center of gravity when loaded with passengers or cargo.

The larger 24” wheel, 2.4”-wide tires, gel saddle, and suspension fork also helped to cushion the ride effectively. We particularly liked that Flyer specced the bike with a fork that uses thicker-than-average 36mm stanchions which felt more stable and controlled when cornering.

I mentioned the included passenger accessories, but the Via Pro includes an impressive package of safety features and functional accessories as well. As sticklers for safety, we liked the customizable brake lights and turn signals – more e-bikes should have these considering that an electrical system is already in place! We also appreciated the large, bright LED headlight with a light ring for excellent visibility.

With its customization options, we found the Flyer app to be an essential component of the ride. In addition to allowing users to customize the bike’s sensor mode and power levels/speed limits, it is also possible to get turn-by-turn navigation, ride data tracking, instructional information, and even the locations of nearby service centers.

Even with a few areas with room for improvement, we think the Via Pro’s pros far outweigh its cons, and we found it to be an impressive and highly functional bike.

In our testing, we learned that the bike has an effective motor to back up its high carrying capacity, even when tackling hills. It has safe speeds for riding with or without kids or cargo, and the ability to tailor its power and feel to its rider. The bike’s efficient motor and respectably-sized battery give it excellent range. And finally, its brakes have the stopping power we expected based on its function and weight.

We appreciate the bike’s practicality, though we hope for continued improvement in the future. We encourage Flyer to slacken the bike’s seat tube angle to improve comfort, and we also recommend that they equip the bike with a display that is more visible in sunlight.

Otherwise, we are happy to recommend the Via Pro to anyone seeking more time on two wheels. This is a practical, safe, and well-specced cargo e-bike for making deliveries, picking up groceries, or just spending more time with the kids.

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 Flyer Via Pro down in our comments section.