Recently, I received a lot of eBikes for review. I’m a bit different with my Eleglide T1 Walk Through reviews. This is because it is a step-through design, which makes it ideal for individuals with mobility impairments and is often targeted towards women.
Specification
- Material: Aluminum Alloy
- Suspension: Lockout and Mechanical Damping
- Motor 250W (Rated Voltage: 36V; Ins Maximum Power 500W; Max Output Toque 50N.M).
- Motor Brand: ANADA
- Support Protect System: Battery: 450Wh, 36V 12.5Ah
- Maximal Range (Assist Mode), 100km
- Max speed: 25 km/h
- Charger Output: 42V 2A
- Charging time: 4-6 hours
- Derailleur: Shimano Gear 7 Speeds
- Maximum Load: 120kg
- Maximum height for cyclists is 155 to 195 cm (5.09ft-6.39ft).
- Height of saddle: 810mm – 990mm
- Waterproof rate of IPX4
- Brake System: Front & Rear Disc Brakes + Auto Power-off Design
- Front & Rear Brake: Mechanical Disc-160mm Rotor
- Tires: CST 27.5″*1.75″ Pneumatic Tires
- Display: 3.5″ LCD
- Fork: Hydraulic Lockout with Lockout-80mm travel
- Saddle: Selle Royal (SR)
- Weight: 26KG
UK Road Legal
A number of bikes that I’ve recently reviewed do not conform to UK regulations regarding eBikes on Public Roads. You should technically register your bike as a moped with the DVLA, L1e-B.
Eleglide T1 is in compliance with law.
You will receive a throttle. This is not recommended for use on public roads. However, it is possible to install this.
The motor’s power is 250W. It can cycle at maximal assist but not more than 25 km/h. However, the throttle is adjustable to increase speed.
Construction / Setting up
Recently, I received four bikes. It is fascinating to observe how different brands approach the assembly.
Although the build of Eleglide T1 is fairly straightforward, it took a bit more time. The package arrived well packed and was in perfect condition. However, removing the cable ties and padding can take some time.
You can attach the pannier rack, rear wheel and kickstand all together.
Connect the handlebar to the steering wheel and turn the front stem the correct way.
The bike is not pre-fitted with the computer. Optionally, you can install the throttle. Both can be done easily.
The front wheel, rear light, front light and front mudguard will need to be attached. The front light and the mudguard proved to be a little fiddly for me. A bit of scraping against the brake pad caused by the front wheel required adjustments.
The Ride Experience
It is the only bike I’ve reviewed with a more conventional design and geometry. Although it isn’t exactly a road or hybrid bike, the full-sized tires are full-sized and have normal dimensions.
Although it is 26kg heavier than other eBikes, this bike weighs in at 26 kg. This design is similar to a non-electric bike that weighs in at 16kg. Other step through eBikes, which weigh 22 or 27 kg, would also be suitable.
It is a city bike that can go through a lot of traffic. The handlebars are adjustable, so you can adjust the height and position. You can adjust your riding position from being relaxed and forward-leaning to a more upright position. With the adjustable seat, I could move with my legs and be able to easily ride the bike even without using electric aid.
It uses a Shimano 7-speed gearset like most other bikes. Although it is basic, the bike does a good job. It is easy to ride with a little effort by leaving it in the highest gear. I also only change gears when the bike has difficulty going uphill.
These wheels have a full-sized standard width and a normal width hybrid tyre. The low rolling resistance makes it easier to ride on than fat tyres or knobbly mountain bikes tyres. While it’s not as smooth as a regular fat tyre but is better for riding on roads, I prefer this design.
Although the front suspension is capable of absorbing bumps, it can also provide comfort. But, again, when riding on the roads, I prefer to use these for better power transfer.
Although the electronic assist can only be triggered at speed, if there is a throttle connected, it’s possible to make an instant start. The bike is limited to 25km/h in the UK. This bike is a little slow to pedal at maximum assist, considering that most bikes in the UK exceed this speed limit. Personal preference is 20mph/32 km/h. It is possible to accelerate your bike up to 32 km/h. However, this has not been tested.
While most of my cycling happens on fairly flat roads I decided to take the bike up to my standard steep hill test. The throttle is used to get it about halfway up the steep hill. The steepest portion of the hill is the most difficult. However, by decreasing the gears I was able cycle this section with little effort.
This bike computer features a bigger than average display and good visibility. The weather isn’t great up north right now, but it was clear enough to be able see the numbers when I used it.
Electric assist controls have up and down buttons. A wired front- and rearlight are also available. A wired rear light, which you won’t normally see on bikes, will illuminate whenever you brake.
Eleglide claims that the pannier rack can support 25kg. This should make it more suitable for commuters.
Based on my own personal tastes, the overall riding experience with this bike was better than average.
Batteries and range
It is good for about 100km in the assist mode. My usage should get 75km, though this will depend on how much assist is used and the hills. This range is good for me. There aren’t many situations where my battery will run out.
The range will be significantly decreased if you throttle the engine with the full electric. It is only about 50km.
Pricing
The Eleglide T1 Step Through has an RRP of €1018.99, which is about £880 (they display it in GBP on the front end and then charge Euros.
Using the code XMAS50 provides 50 off and takes the price down to €970 or £840, which I think is quite reasonable.
Eleglide offers a T1-style trekking bike in normal style. They list it as the same weight. This is priced a little bit lower at £840.
They also have a more premium Citycrosser bike, priced at £972. It features a crossbar that eliminates front suspension and places the rack at the front. It is lighter at 22kg and shaves off 4kg.
All in all
The Eleglide T1 Step Through is a great bike. Although it is not my usual choice of bicycle design, I believe that this bike would be a good fit for many people. It’s great for urban cycling and commuter riding.
It is sensible to also price. Once you get over £1k, I start to become a bit fussier over minor gripes.
It isn’t light but 26kg feels lighter than 30kg+ fat tires I bought this year.
Personal preference is for it not to have front suspension. It would allow it to reduce weight.
