Magnum Premium 3 Low-Step Review, 2024

When predicting how an e-bike will perform before we test its range, we compare its motor and battery specs – particularly its motor’s nominal Watt output and its battery’s Watt-hour rating. We have a full guide to e-bike batteries that goes more in-depth on the subject, but we typically like to see a one-to-one ratio between the aforementioned numbers. A bike with such a ratio should be able to travel for at least an hour in its maximum PAS setting on relatively flat ground.

In the case of the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step, the 48V, 720Wh battery’s capacity (and 500W motor) exceeds our desired ratio by roughly half. Because of this, we expected the bike to travel for roughly an hour and thirty minutes before its battery expired. Considering the bike’s top speed in Boost mode (about 24-25 mph), we expected to cover around 35 miles when drawing maximum power in this setting.

Magnum advertises a range of between 30 and 50 miles, which they calculate using similar but slightly different math. We performed a real-world test to evaluate their estimate; see the graphic above for an explanation of our process. Due to the limited amount of assistance in Eco mode, we decided to test the bike in Tour and Boost modes.

In Tour mode, we achieved a distance of 55.1 miles, which is even better than Magnum’s estimate. Our result in Boost mode had a similar result when compared to the bike’s advertised range of 30 miles; we traveled 33.2 before the battery gave out.

We are extremely satisfied with our results for a few reasons. First, it’s great to see that Magnum’s calculations and advertisements were accurate (and maybe a bit conservative). Second, it means our estimate was also close. Third, since we tested the bike in Tour mode instead of Eco mode, its maximum range is potentially even greater. Finally – and most importantly – it means that when you’re using the bike, you can be confident in knowing that you can adventure all day without worrying about running out of juice.

I’ll cover more specifics about its contact points and sizing later in this Premium 3 Low Step review, but I have to reiterate that it’s a very comfortable e-bike. In my rides outside of our measured testing, I pushed the Premium 3 to its limits by going off-road on some rocky dirt roads that felt jarring on other less-cushioned folding bikes. Its mostly street-appropriate tires handled the dirt far better than I expected, and its front suspension fork and saddle did a surprisingly excellent job of making the ride comfortable. Of course, I have to note that our test bike came with a suspension seatpost that is not included in the base model. Magnum does not currently have this for sale on its website, but it can – and should be, in my opinion – picked up at one of their physical locations.

Before I wrap up this section, I want to mention one more feature of the Premium 3 Low Step’s battery. Similarly to a few other e-bikes we have tested (we’re looking at you, Lectric) , the battery on the Premium 3 requires that its key remain inserted and turned to the “On” position for the bike to function. This feature comes with a few tradeoffs; it is an added step that takes time, it at least feels like it could get lost easily, and if it’s on a keyring with other keys or a keychain, it can be noisy when riding. But from a certain point of view, it is no different than keeping a car’s key or fob on your keyring, and it is an added layer of security that could help to deter potential thieves from pedaling away with the bike. That said, we’d prefer the ability to remove the key once the battery is turned on – but we know that’s getting pretty nitpicky.

The location for our Hill Test (explained above) is uncommonly steep, and is likely not an incline that many riders on a traditional bicycle would attempt to pedal up. Even some of the e-bikes we test lack the ability to power up the trail, but we consider any that do to be successful regardless of how slowly they go. This test isn’t meant to be a gauge of whether an e-bike is good or not, but rather to communicate just one part of its full picture!

We tested the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step on our test hill in its maximum pedal-assist setting (Boost mode) and with just its throttle. On throttle power alone, the bike traveled uphill in 1 minute and 34 seconds, with an average speed of 11.5 miles per hour. In Boost mode, its time dropped to 1 minute and 17 seconds, and its speed increased to 14.1 mph.

The Premium 3’s performance when compared to other folding e-bikes was nothing groundbreaking, but solid; its data on throttle power landed in the middle of the pack, but its max assist numbers fell toward the top of the list.

For the sake of consistency, we have one rider, Justin, who typically performs all of our measured hill tests. At just over 200 lbs, I am about 25 lbs heavier than he is, and on my trip up the hill, the bike’s performance was expectedly slower. Its throttle did seem to struggle at least a little, and I had to pedal somewhat harder than I expected in Boost mode. That said, I’m also more used to riding e-bikes with 750W motors – so with that in mind, I don’t think the Premium 3 Low Step’s performance was out of character for a 500W unit.

Overall, the bike did very well, and shouldn’t have a problem with the hills most riders will encounter – especially if you’re willing to contribute some effort!

With a spectacular average stopping distance of just 18’-11,” the Premium 3 Low Step is (at the time of writing) our best-performing folding e-bike. Even better, the bike’s test results are better than our current running average across all of the e-bikes we have tested, which is an even 19’.

In addition to great performance, the bike’s brakes have a motor cutoff feature that stops motor output when the brakes are applied. Other included safety features are the Premium 3’s headlight, taillight with brake lights, and standard reflectors – nothing unexpected, but all are appreciated.

When it comes to ride comfort, the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step is one of the most comfortable folding e-bikes I have ridden. Let’s dive into all of its contact points: the grips, pedals, and saddle.

The Premium 3’s faux leather grips are comfortable, but they can feel slippery when sweaty or with gloves, so we typically prefer ergonomic rubber grips instead. Additionally, the faux leather grips included on the Premium 3 are press-fit on the handlebars, and at least on our test bike, they moved around fairly easily. Personally, I’d prefer to see grips with end caps or clamps that tighten for better security – but replacements are inexpensive and easy to find.

The bike’s pedals are on the small side when compared to those on a full-size, non-folding model, but are pretty standard for a folding e-bike. Like the frame and stem, these also fold to reduce the bike’s overall size by a couple of inches – but that could easily make the difference between fitting in a tight space or not!

I found the Premium 3’s saddle to be well-shaped, nicely padded, and very comfortable. As I mentioned in a previous section, this includes a modest integrated suspension to help absorb bumps. Despite not being included on the base model, the suspension seatpost added to our test bike made a huge difference on rough, unpaved surfaces too – I think it’s a worthwhile upgrade if you want even more freedom and comfort. Magnum advertises that the bike is suitable for light trails, and I agree even on the base model; a suspension seatpost is just the icing on the proverbial cake.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Premium 3’s overall ride feel and performance. In my experience, folding bikes often do come with a few tradeoffs in either comfort or power, but the “Falcon” had no such issues. To be fair, it’s on the heavier side – which makes it slightly more cumbersome to fold and lift – but in my mind, this is a worthwhile compromise for a bike that felt able to do just about anything.

The bike is fast (and feels more powerful than it actually is), it’s comfortable to ride, it has great range, and it can stop on a dime. These are great features on any e-bike, but on one that can fold down to fit in a trunk or camper, they matter even more.

As with many folding e-bikes, we’d love to see an included method of securing the Premium 3’s halves together when it’s folded, but a strap or bungee is something that can easily be found at a hardware store or purchased through Amazon. Additionally, we think it might be a bit more practical for the bike to ship as a Class 2 e-bike with its motor-assisted speed limited to 20 miles per hour, with the option to unlock it to faster speeds at the discretion of its owner.

Otherwise, we think the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step is a well-equipped, versatile, and comfortable e-bike that would be a great adventuring companion for your next road trip. We guarantee you’ll have fun seeing where it can take you!

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step.