Vvolt Alpha E-Bike Review, 2024

Through the process explained in the graphic above, we tested Vvolt’s claimed range of between 15-40 miles on the Alpha. Our test results differed from their claims; we measured a bracket between roughly 25 and 30 miles depending on the amount of motor assistance used.

Based on the bike’s 375 Wh battery and 350W motor, we expected to travel roughly an hour in PAS 5 before expiring, but surprisingly, we were able to pedal for an extra 40 minutes (66% longer than expected). This distance included over 800 feet in elevation gain, which is even more surprising; most range claims are made with the assumption of traveling on flat ground.

Overall, these figures mean that the Alpha’s motor was more efficient than expected – but likely not due to the motor itself. I attribute these results to the fact that the bike requires human input to function; since we were contributing our own power, the motor drew less power from the battery and allowed the bike to travel for an extended amount of time.

When compared to similar city bikes we tested previously, the Alpha’s results are mixed. With the maximum amount of assistance in PAS 5, the bike did well, but in PAS 1, it was left pretty far behind the others. The results we saw make sense in the context of our Speed Test; without much variation between its speeds, the high and low end of its pedal-assist system didn’t have much of an effect on the bike’s range.

This is one more reason we’d like to see some adjustments to the Alpha’s pedal assist system. Greater differentiation between the bike’s PAS settings would allow the bike to travel farther in PAS 1 even though it might reduce the capabilities in PAS 5 (or PAS 3, following our recommendation to “trim the fat” when it comes to the number of settings).

Despite the differences between our results and Vvolt’s claims – as well as the current PAS system configuration – the ability to cover a range of 25-30 miles is decent.

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Vvolt Alpha’s brake system, we performed a Brake Test through the process described above. The Alpha comes equipped with Radius hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors on the front and rear wheels, which proved to be highly effective in our testing.

Based on three sets of test data, we calculated an average stopping distance of 21’-10” for the Alpha. When compared to similar city e-bikes we have tested, the Vvolt Alpha’s results are better than average by just over a foot. In my rides outside of this formal test, the brake system’s effectiveness was completely noticeable; they responded quickly and slowed the bike faster than I expected!

This great performance is likely due to a combination of factors; most notably the fact that the Alpha uses hydraulic disc brakes, but also that its tires have a hybrid tread pattern. Hydraulic brake systems are more responsive and effective than mechanical brakes due to their improved ability to disperse and dissipate heat. The Alpha’s tires have a heavier tread – much different than the smoother road tires that we often see on city bikes – that allow them to grip the road better when decelerating.

Overall, we were impressed by the Alpha’s performance and can easily deem its brake system to be safe.

We climbed Hell Hole trail on the Alpha in 1 minute and 46 seconds at an average speed of 10.2 miles per hour, which places the bike toward the bottom of the (fairly short) list of similar e-bikes we’ve tested. That said, its results were not vastly different from some of those other city bikes, and ultimately, its motor fulfilled its purpose; our test hill is steep enough that we would have likely been unable to make the climb without its help.

There are three major elements of the Alpha that affected its performance: its 36V, 350W motor, the distribution of motor power through its controller, and its single-speed drivetrain. As I mentioned previously in this Vvolt Alpha review, 350 watts is relatively subtle when it comes to e-bike motors, so the motor simply lacks the raw power needed to tackle steep inclines without added human power. Additionally, its 36V electrical system naturally delivers power less readily than a 48V or 52V system. Again, this is a bike that requires you to contribute effort!

In terms of comfort, I think the Vvolt Alpha could benefit from some improvement and fine-tuning, though there were a few features that I appreciated. I experienced some discomfort during my test rides relating to elements of personal preference, but also due to the bike’s geometry and rider positioning, as well as its gearing.

As a city bike, the Alpha positions its rider with a moderate forward lean; this is common and expected. I found the 660 mm handlebars to be a comfortable width, and their slight ergonomic sweep made for a good fit.

The bike’s stem felt too low, however, and quickly found my hands going numb even after adjustments to the angle of the ergonomic grips. I appreciate that the Alpha comes in two frame sizes with a fairly broad accommodation for riders of different heights, but considering that I fall toward the middle of that spectrum, I’d like to see an adjustable stem included with the next iteration of this bike. This would allow riders to find a comfortable height and reach distance to meet their own preferences.

In my experience, the bike’s gearing (previously discussed in the Speed Test section above) also affected its ride feel. I found myself struggling to keep up with the drivetrain at about 17 mph, and in order to continue contributing my own leg power, my rapid pedal cadence created sort of a hopping motion on the saddle. This is honestly something I have never experienced previously, but it is one major contributing factor to my recommendation to increase the size of the bike’s chainring.

I think the current state of the bike is a good start for Vvolt, but ultimately, some improvements are needed for it to reach its full potential. First, while a larger chainring would have an impact on the bike’s ability to climb hills, I think it would be a worthy tradeoff for a better overall ride feel, especially toward the higher end of the PAS. The Alpha would benefit from adjustments to its controller and PAS, too; three settings with more variance between them would match the bike’s overall theme more closely.

Despite a few things to potentially improve upon, keep in mind, it’s crazy affordable at just over $1000. I do appreciate the Alpha’s clean, low-maintenance drivetrain; this is a great foundation to build on, but it is also a difficult thing to balance. The bike’s excellent motor engagement is also something worth remarking on – it’s relatively uncommon to find a cadence sensor that feels this good!

Bottom line: I’d recommend the Alpha to anyone looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly bike that isn’t overpowered. If you like to pedal and and feel a pleasant boost, I think you’ll have some fun on this bike!

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 Vvolt Alpha.