Commuter Electric Bicycle Review

Reviewed by: Paddy McCann
Rides: Norco MTB, Principia racing bike, Giant OCR2 Racing bike, Birdy
folding bike, Speed Machine Recumbent

Overview

If you love the idea of cycling but hate the idea of sweating it out on the hills (particularly when you are riding to work), then you are
going to love the all new ‘Commuter’ by the Electric Bicycle Company. Purpose designed as a long distance luggage carrying bicycle, the
Commuter is directly targeted at...well, commuters.

The Commuter is what is known as a ‘pure power’ electric bicycle meaning you get a throttle that lets you pour on the power whenever
you like as opposed to ‘electric assist’ styled bikes where you need to pedal before the engine kicks in. The Commuter is fitted with a
200w electric engine integrated in the rear hub which may not sound like much but it is sufficient power to whisk a rider between 55kg and
90kg along levelish road at a very satisfying 28kph without pedaling. 200w is also the maximum size allowed before ‘bicycle’ becomes
‘motorbike’ and would require registration, license etc so for practicality and performance the Commuter engine is a real winner.

Purpose built as a long distance bicycle you can ride to work every day, the Commuter electric bicycle is suitable for journeys up to 50
kilometers on a single charge but just so there is no confusion, it is intended that you pedal along with the engine to achieve this
distance. If you do commute a long distance to work (or refuse to pedal) the battery detaches from the bicycle in seconds so you can pop
it under your desk and charge it up again for the return trip home.

On the topic of batteries, the Commuter comes with a special lithium battery (the same battery technology in Apple laptops) which offers an
approximate 50% reduction in weight over conventional lead acid batteries. Although the lithium battery does add significantly to the
price (it is a $600 option on other bicycles in the Electric Bicycle Co. range) it lasts more than twice as long with a reported 800
charges compared to 300 charges for the lead acid battery.

What’s in the box?

Considering the Commuter’s relatively low price point (for what it is and does), it comes with an impressive range of extras. Front
suspension, heavy duty luggage rack, solid, full wrap mud guards, a big comfy seat with suspension post are all included as standard. The
tyres that are fitted with the bicycles are as at home on sealed and un-sealed roads and the Commuter even comes with an indicative
speedometer (you need to have the power engaged for the speed to show) and an excellent battery meter to let you know when it is time to
recharge. With all these extras, you really can ride this bike directly from the shop to your chosen destination. You may still need
to spring for a set of lights should you be riding in the winter months and a trip computer if you want the satisfaction of knowing
just how far you are travelling each day and some saddle bags, but that's about it!

On the road

On the road, the Commuter’s large rolling 700C wheels, longer frame and additional weight from engine and integrated battery deliver a
solid feeling that has the effect of building rider confidence in even timid riders. With the electric assist, you can get up to speed in
seconds and for people who have not been on a bike for some time - no more wobbly take-offs. Simply twist the throttle under your right hand
and take-offs are smooth and effortless, even on a steep hill. You may be forgiven for thinking that you do not pedal on an electric
assist bicycle but this is not the case. You do pedal and you definitely get exercise but at a level more akin to walking than
jogging. It is comfortable, fun and unlike walking, fast to get where you are going. Having said that, on all but the steepest of hills, you
can let the electric engine do all the work and simply hang on for the ride but this would get boring pretty quickly and drains the battery.
If you want something where you do not need to pedal and can be jetted along at speed, you may be better off looking at a motor bike.

Testing the limits

While most people might be thinking of the Commuter as a way to get fit, get to work and save petrol and the environment (without breaking
a sweat), I had a different test in mind. You may recall my review of the Kiddy Carrier 2000 trailer (which we subsequently bought) in which
I have enjoyed towing my (now) 3 year old daughter for the past year. Recently she has been joined in the trailer by her younger brother who
is almost the same weight. Just to spell this out, we are talking an 85kg rider towing an 8kg trailer with 26kg of children. The Commuter made
the whole operation as easy as a gentle seaside ride along the Manly promenade. Honestly, I felt like I was cheating - it was so easy to pedal
even with all that weight, it took some time to stop laughing with pleasure and my wife who was accompanying us on her unpowered bicycle
was definitely faltering on the undulating hills by comparison.

Killer hills

It is hard to describe just how wonderful that extra power is and just what a difference it makes. Along the flat, the Commuter is quite fine
to pedal along unassisted. As the road undulates under its huge 700cc wheels, a little power (perhaps 1/4 throttle) is all that is required
to smooth everything out to make it fabulously easy to pedal.
Living in the ‘Hills Shire’ you can well imagine hills are in great abundance. There is one hill in particular between home and work which
has “heart attack” written all over it and has ended the good intentions of many would be cyclist commuters in my neighbourhood.
Complete with trailer, I headed for that hill - ambulance and defibrillators on standby.

When I say this particular hill is steep, vertical would not be much of an exaggeration. It is so steep that I break into a sweat just
driving up it. To date, I have never seen either a cyclist or pedestrian attempting the slope. A ski lift would do good trade on
this hill. Gearing down, I commenced the climb and everything remained easy. As the grade increased, I simply geared down some more - it
basically felt like I had a very, very fit friend pushing me from behind. Unfortunatly, I did run out of gears before I ran out of hill
and I won’t lie to you, for a few brief moments before I crested the peak, my legs did get a little bit of a work out but nothing to write
home about.

Clearly, most people do not tow a 30kg trailer to work and most people do not have hills that are used by abseilers for training exercises so
the Commuter still achieved full marks with me - if you do happen to have this rather challenging mix in your morning commute, your car
still might be the best option. For those of us with a zest for the outdoors, a desire to go faster under our own power than seems right
(try running on one of those moving walkways next time you are at the airport to see what I mean) the Commuter could just be the solution
you are looking for.

Summing up

If you are middle aged, overweight and have no time for exercise, your body will love the Commuter too!

If you're interested in buying a Commuter Electric Bicycle, or any other related products, give Blackman's a call, or come down to the shop.
They will be more than happy to answer any questions and get you a great price on a new bike!

Blackman's Bicycles

OPENING HOURS

PARRAMATTA
8.30-5.30 MON TO FRIDAY, TO 8PM THURSDAY NIGHT.
SATURDAY 8.30-4PM, SUNDAY 10.00-4PM

Address: 382 Church St
Phone: (02) 9683-6555

PENRITH
8.30-5.30 MON TO FRIDAY, TO 8PM THURSDAY NIGHT.
SATURDAY 8.30-4PM, SUNDAY 9.00-3PM

Post note: After seeing how much fun I was having on the Commuter, my wife insisted on having a turn, however the Commuter is not a small
bike. With my better half measuring just a smidgen over 5’3, she could not actually touch the ground even with the seat post down as low as
it could go. It was then that I noticed the Commuter comes with a suspension seat post which adds a good five inches to the minimum seat
height so I simply swapped it out with my MTB seat post and away she went. If you happen to see her, can you tell her it is my turn again
now - fair crack!