27/05/2023
Today we will be analysing a friend's electric bicycle (China-made/German-branded, RRP of 899 euro). Budget e-bikes cost less than quality regular bikes, so e-bike manufacturers make compromises. In this post we will give you an idea of what those compromises are and we hope it will be useful for prospective buyers.
1. The easiest way to cut costs on an e-bike, is to reduce the size of the battery. In this case, they put a tiny 36v/10 AH - just enough juice for 40-45 kms.
2. The second – and more problematic savings – are made on the “invisible” electric parts. The German e-bike has an outdated 6 mosfet square wave controller ("rough rider") and the electric system is fully integrated. A new display or sensor only costs 5-10 euro, but fitting it in an integrated system requires equipment/skills that cost 100+ euro per service.
3. The most problematic savings are made on the mechanical parts. Chain, freewheel, brakes, … are not the KMC, Prowheel, Shimano or Tektro we use at Etrails, but “Best Chain” and “Logan”. Spokes/rims are flimsy and frame/bolts use an alloy that wears like plastic. Wearing parts can be upgraded, but a frame with thread wear = a bike's death sentence.
