Freedare Eden Review | The Start of Something Beautiful?

We tested the Eden’s range and motor/battery efficiency in our Range Test using the process explained in the graphic above. We tested it as it shipped in its highest-powered riding mode, Sports Mode; the bike’s range in Normal or Eco mode will likely exceed our results—possibly even approaching Freedare’s advertised range of up to 90 miles.

The bike ultimately performed well in this test; we did not expect it to reach such a great distance in its fastest, most powerful mode. Still, when compared to similar fat tire e-bikes we have tested previously, the Eden’s results were roughly average (58.1 miles) in PAS 1 and significantly above average (32 miles) in PAS 3.

We attribute its success to two factors: above-average battery capacity and a torque sensor.

In terms of capacity, the Eden’s 960-watt-hour (Wh) power source greatly exceeded the 812 Wh average for the fat tire category.

Thanks to the bike’s torque sensor, Eden’s motor output fluctuated in response to our test riders’ pedal effort, so it was more efficient than average. Therefore, Eden was able to stretch out its battery charge across a greater distance and time.

Based on its motor and battery specs (a 750W hub motor and 960 Wh battery), we expected our PAS 3 test to yield results of roughly 22 miles over an hour and 15 minutes. Our real-world results were over twice as good. That’s no small feat!

The test wasn’t all ideal, though; during the PAS 3 test, I noticed that the motor output was not consistent due to an extremely sensitive torque sensor (more about that later). The motor turned on and off almost constantly if I didn’t keep the same cadence or pedal pressure at all times, which likely helped extend the range, but it also felt somewhat jerky.

Hiccups aside, we were pleased with the bike’s results. A minimum distance of 50-55 miles (and realistically, the potential to go much further) makes the Eden practical for long leisure rides, commuting, etc. We expect most riders will need to recharge their batteries only once per week—which should take under 7 hours with the included 3-amp charger.

The graphic above explains our Hill Climb Test at Hell Hole Trail. The Freedare Eden successfully completed both the throttle and pedal portions of the test, proving that it is an effective climber.

We expected good results from the bike’s 750W motor, which has 80 Newton meters (Nm) of torque and up to 1200W of peak power—and we weren’t let down. It’s worth noting that we tested it in Sports Mode, so the Eco and Normal riding modes would likely have given us slower results.

Compared to similar fat tire e-bikes we have tested, the Eden’s Sports Mode performance was both above and below average. Its throttle was roughly 7 seconds faster than average, which we attribute to its higher-than-average peak wattage.

It was roughly 12 seconds slower than average in the pedal test, which is likely a result of its torque sensor. The motor’s fluctuating motor output is usually a boon in the Range Test, as discussed previously, but more of a bane when traveling uphill.

Still, the Eden completed the test in good time. Its results show that it shouldn’t be hampered by even some extreme hills. Additionally, riders should have the option to soft-pedal uphill or allow the motor to do all of the work when throttling.

Using the process explained above, we determined the Freedare Eden’s average stopping distance to be 25’3”. The current average for all fat tire e-bikes we have tested is 22’4”, so its brake system proved less effective than average.

The bike is specced with the entry-level, 2-piston Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic brake system, which has made frequent appearances on a myriad of e-bikes we’ve reviewed. Its performance has been best on light to mid-weight e-bikes, while fat-tire e-bikes tend to be heavy. The Eden’s above-average weight of 85 lbs made it even more difficult to slow down.

I did not experience any problems in my testing, though the system’s slower performance was noticeable. The bike felt extremely stable when braking, but the brakes lacked bite; as such, we recommend that Freedare upgrade to a more powerful system with the ability to bring such a heavy bike to a stop more effectively.

As a catch-all term for the many aspects influencing a bike’s feel, ride quality encompasses sizing and fit, comfort, handling, user interface, motor engagement, and other factors. We found a few highlights in this area when testing the Freedare Eden, but we also identified some key areas with room for improvement.

In terms of its sizing, the bike is available in a single frame size advertised for riders from 5’5” to 6’5”. Our team was divided on its fit, but at 5’11”, I found it to be somewhat awkward-feeling. I was unable to extend my legs fully when pedaling—possibly the reason for the extremely sensitive torque sensor—and I found the 650mm handlebars too narrow.

As I stated in the intro, the Eden is one of two models made by Freedare. The brand’s other fat tire e-bike, the Saiga, has a high-step frame with greater saddle height and flat handlebars but is otherwise identical to the Eden. As such, it’s better suited for taller riders; I’m confident the Saiga would be more appropriate for my height and leg length.

We appreciate that Freedare offers two bikes for riders of different sizes, but we encourage them to expand the number of frame sizes offered for each model. This would allow for a better fit—and increase the overall comfort—for riders on the extreme ends of the height spectrum.

I found the Eden’s handling to be relatively predictable, though its size and weight were noticeable (as I’d expect for a fat tire bike). It was appropriately stable, which is one of the style’s most appealing features. In general, the bike handled well, though wider handlebars would likely improve its overall feel.

The bike’s motor engaged quickly and smoothly, and the bike felt controlled when riding at speed, but I noticed that its 7-speed drivetrain resulted in ghost pedaling at speeds above 20 mph. Considering that the bike ships in Sports Mode, where its speed can reach 28 mph, we recommend that Freedare upgrade to an 8-speed drivetrain with a wider gearing range.

An upgraded drivetrain would also likely include a trigger-style shifter, which we feel would be a better fit in terms of comfort, ergonomics, and speed.

As a fat tire e-bike, the Eden includes a suspension fork and knobby 4”-wide tires. These give the bike limited off-road capabilities, making it suitable for multi-use trails, gravel roads, and other low-difficulty areas.

I’ve discussed multiple points of critique, so I want to be sure to balance that as much as possible with kudos where appropriate. I was pleased by the bike’s color display and control panel, but the Freedare app was one of its best features.

In addition to changing the bike’s riding modes, the app can track ride data (speed, distance, time, etc.), create routes, and provide turn-by-turn navigation. Through IoT (Internet of Things) technology, users can also check the status of most of the bike’s major components.

The Freedare app also uses the bike’s integrated SIM card to monitor its location. Users can set the app to send text messages, emails, phone calls, and/or app notifications if the bike is moved—or stolen. We found this feature to be too sensitive (slight jostles would blow up my phone), but the team at Freedare was able to reduce the sensitivity.

Regarding the SIM card, Freedare offers users 500 MB of free data for five years. After that point, users will need to pay an annual subscription fee to maintain its functionality. Pricing data was not available during our review but will be in the future.

The Freedare Eden proved to be an uncommon combination of elements—with both positive outcomes and some areas with less-than-perfect results. Based on its complement of name-brand components and unexpectedly robust app, we believe that it has a solid foundation that Freedare can build upon when improving the next iteration of the bike.

We liked the bike’s stability, its feel at high speeds, and its impressive performance in our Hill and Range Tests. Based on conversations with our readers, these tests are the two that many prioritize the most. We think most riders will also appreciate the security and navigation features included in the app.

Its combination of styles is likely to be fairly niche, but we think the Eden has the makings of a great bike following a handful of improvements. These include the areas of sizing, the drivetrain, the app syncing, and the throttle’s maximum speed.

We intend to work with Freedare to update the bike in the future, and we look forward to testing it again after that process is complete!

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