Amazon ebike showdown: Does a 2019 Rattan 350W beat last year’s Ancheer 250W?
One of the most important categories of ebikes is the low-cost, entry-level sector. What I call the eBigBox models. Obviously, not everyone can’t afford a 7500 Riese and Muller and frankly a lot of people are skeptical on how much they will use and enjoy an ebike. So even if they can afford a few thousand dollars for an ebike, they might not want to put it all down on a category they aren’t sure about.
Last year we found a very low-priced (under 600 at Amazon) bike made by Ancheer. Overall, it made some good compromises to get down to the 600 price point but I had some issues with the build quality, the power of the motor, lack of display on the controller and size of the battery. This year a new low-cost Amazon ebike from Rattan seems to have answered many of my concerns.
Today I’m looking at the Rattan Challenger 350W ebike. It can be found for under 680 at Amazon (after Electrek coupon code 5AIDO2GB) shipped and includes free assembly at a local bike shop. I assembled mine at home however in about 15 minutes with the graciously supplied in box hex tool and wrenches. It is pretty straight forward – the hardest part was bolting the front light on.
Looking at the bike, it is a much more modern and sporty look than last year’s Ancheer with similar geometry. I love the red accents and matte frame. Rattan has also hidden away the controller and a lot of the wiring inside the frame downtube.
My powertrain concerns with the Ancheer were its low power and small battery:
- 250W Rear hub motor was under powered, especially for people over 200lbs
- 36V/8Ah (288Wh) battery was too small for decent trips
- Controller wasn’t user friendly or informative – just a few LEDs
Rattan hit all of these pain points with upgraded specs:
- 350W rear hub motor
- 36V, 10.4Ah battery with LG Cells and buried USB port
- Digital display including speed, battery, assist level and more
The frame of the bike doesn’t just look sportier, and it doesn’t just hide electronics in the downtube. It also inspires some more confidence. Many of these components are still big box level but overall, the bike feels way stiffer and it rides a lot smoother than the Ancheer of yesteryear.
However, this is still a big box quality bike. Don’t expect a 3000 bike quality for under 700. I want to make sure we’ve got the expectations set correctly.
After the assembly you are going to want to go throughout the bike and make sure everything is tight, things are aligned and bolts are locked down.
Rattan Power
So first off, it isn’t fair to compare the power of a Chinese rear hub motor watt for watt with a 250W Bosch or Brose or even a Shimano or Yamaha mid-drive motor. There just isn’t even close to the amount of torque or power on a per watt basis and that’s before we get to controllers. However, comparing the Rattan’s 350W motor to the Ancheer’s 250W motor seems more proportionally correct. Where as I could make it about a third of the way up my driveway hill from a cold start on Ancheer throttle, I made it about 2/3rds of the way with the Rattan, or another 100 feet. On a flat surface, again with throttle only, I hit 20 mph in about 10 seconds with the Rattan. It takes me another 5 seconds to get there on the Ancheer. One note, the battery gauge does bounce around a bit depending on how much it is working. At full throttle you might lose a bar or 2 only to get it back once you coast.
Both bikes have passable cadence sensor pedal assist that kicks in a little late and lets go a little early. Torque sensors are too expensive for this price level so you are just not going to get the same responsiveness as a bike store e-bike. Rattan has 5 levels of pedal assist while the Ancheer has 3. Over long periods of pedaling the PAS evens out or you can just use the throttle.
Rattan Distance
Another big upgrade here is the 36V battery. Instead of the 8Ah that the Ancheer had, Rattan has a 10.4Ah battery. The battery actually looks a lot like this one that goes for 190 on ebay or a little more on Amazon. Rattan tells me it is full of genuine LG cells which seem to perform quite well. On cold days, my 15 km (10 mile) very hilly commute would use up about half of the battery (Ancheer would be dying on the way back home). I imagine someone significantly under my 200lbs could approach the 25 miles Rattan says you can get on throttle alone or up to 50 miles of pedal assist. I’ll just say it was significantly more than the Ancheer.
Rattan Components:
Again, these are base level components here. The Shimano/TX55 gearing is fine for this application level but I have lost my chain a few times in a few weeks. The frame is surprisingly solid aluminum alloy which feels stiffer and lighter than last year’s Ancheer. The supplied front 10W light is very bright, however the back light is charged via USB and has a push button rather than being wired into the controller. The disc brakes are the same no-name brand as the Ancheer but appear to be a size bigger. The fork, while not amazing, is a big improvement in stiffness and give over the Ancheer’s, which scared me a bit.
Overall the whole package weighs just over 50 lbs, which isn’t bad at all for what you are paying for. It comes in a typical bike box with a 2A charger and takes 4-5 hours to charge completely from empty.
Rattan Experience
I did my commute a few times with the Rattan and while I would never give up my “bike store” e-bike for this, it was a worthy substitute. It never gave out on the big hills, nor did I have to brake because I felt the bike was falling apart. The frame is a little small for 6-foot me but it only comes in one size. I really miss the low rolling drag of having road tires however and this is something that both Rattan and Ancheer could improve upon. I don’t think many people are seriously off-roading with these bikes. Put some Schwalbe Big Bens on there!
Rattan Ebike Review Wrap up:
If you’ve got the cash and want to get into ebikes, don’t buy this Rattan. My best advice if you have the money is buy a bike store bike with a Bosch/Brose/Yamaha/Shimano drivetrain. We review lots of them here but I’m currently riding a 2000 Raleigh. If you only have around 1,000 to spend, head to Luna/Rad/Sondors or at least something from a company you’ve heard of with a Bafang motor.
However, if you’ve only got 680 to spend (don’t forget Electrek coupon code 5AIDO2GB) I’d be hard pressed to find a better bike for the money than this Rattan 300W. importantly, it is a significant step up from the less than 600 Ancheer I rode last year (and is still not a bad Amazon ebike). These are a lot of fun.
Rattan E-bike Specifications
- Battery: 36V / 10.4AH LG brand lithium battery
- Motor: Stable 350W high speed brushless gear motors – Mountain Bike Special Design
- Maximum speed: Up to 19.8 mph
- Charger: US standard 2.0A Smart charger
- Charging time: 4-5 hours
- Mileage: 25-30 miles (Electric) / 35-40 miles (PAS)
- Display: Add 3.1 inch LCD display
- Headlights: 10W electric lights
- Tail light: Battery light
- Flywheel: Shimano 7 Speed Gear Shift System
- Rear gear: 7-speed TX55 gear
- Frame: Rugged 6061 aluminum frame for optimum off-road path
- Absorber: spring fork aluminum alloy spring shock absorber
- Brake lever: disc brake lever
- Brake: front and rear 160mm alloy disc brakes
- Tires: 26″ mountain tires
- Product Weight: 52 lbs
- Package Size: 631030 Inch
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Rattan Challenger 2022 Mountain Electric Bike
The new Rattan Challenger 2022 Mountain Electric Bike would conquer all terrains. The light aluminum frame can be easily maneuvered and its motor is powerful enough to get you to your destination quickly.
FEATURES
- 350W High-Speed Brusless Motor
- A High-Quality 48V 10.4 Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
- A High-Performing 26 Tires
- Can go up to 30-50 Miles Per Charge
- Top Speed 20 MPH
- LCD Displayer
- Aluminum Spring Suspension Fork. for maximum shock absorption
- 3 Color Options, Blue, Green Grey
Easy Explore All TerrainsThe mountain eBike Challenger is equipped with a 350W high-speed brushless motor, providing more than enough to power your daily commute, a cruise on the mountain, or a meander along your favorite trail. With speeds up to 20 mph. It will get you everywhere swiftly.
Safer and EasierWith the 48V 10.4Ah Lithium battery, you can reach a range of up to 60 miles per charge, up to 20 MPH. Plenty for a day’s adventure or most trips to travel and back. YOu can charge the battery on/off the ebike with the key at your convenience. No worry about being stolen.
Lower FrameWe upgraded the Challenger 2022 frame which you’ll find is lower in height compared to the older frame, to accommodate more people.
Smooth and Stable RidingFeatures 2.1-inch puncture resisting CST and narrow tires allow the eBike to accelerate more lightly and make less noise with wider tires. Just enjoy the smooth and peaceful travel.
GD 06 LCD DisplayEasily view important info such as battery capacity, speed, pedal assist level, distance traveled, and more. With the touch of a button, you can change the class rating, and switch from the throttle mode to pedal assistance.
SPECIFICATIONS
| MOTOR | 350W High-Speed Brushless Motor |
| BATTERY | 48V 10.4Ah Lithium-IonCharging Time: 4-6 hoursCharger: US standard 2.0 A Smart Charger |
| DRIVE MODE | Pedal Assist or Throttle |
| DISPLAY | LCD Displayer |
| READOUTS | Battery Capacity, USB Charging, Odometer, Speedometer |
| TRANSMISSION | Shimano RD-TY300 7-Speed and Shimano TX50 Thumb Shifter |
| FREEWHEEL | Shimano MF-TZ500 7-Speed |
| RANGE | 30-50M (Electric) | 40-80M (I-PAS) |
| TOP SPEED | 20 mph |
| FRAME | Rugged 6061 aluminum frame for optimum off-road path |
| BRAKE | Front and Rear 160mm Mechanical Disc Brake |
| BRAKE LEVER | Aluminum Brake Lever with Electricity Cut-off |
| TIRES | 26 All-terrain Tires |
| PRODUCT WEIGHT | 55 lbs |
| ACCESSORIES | Fender, Storage Rack |
| WARRANTY | 1 Year Click Here |
Rattan ebike LM750 Review—A better choice than Radmini
The market is flooded with folding electric bikes right now, but the Rattan ebike LM750 gets a little different than the norm because it has all the features that people usually comment and they want to see.
The Rattan ebike LM750 is an electric folding fat tire bike by Rattan. Its sleek and functional design make it ideal for city dwellers who are looking for a commuting bike. The all terrain fat tires and overall durability make it a great option for trail riding. The patent I-PAS technology makes the bike more effective than the regular E-Bikes. Plus, its small size and ability to fold into thirds makes it an ideal ebike for storage and transport, wherever you plan to ride.
0W hub motor
On the LM750, there is a 750-watt hub motor with 65 Nm of torque. The motor of Rattan Lm750 is kind of special which is very different from other electric bikes. The motors of Rattan have what’s called I-PAS technology or intelligent power assist system technology which is supposed to make the motor 83 percent more efficient and save more than 50 percent of the battery power according to Rattan. So the I-PAS technology is going to feed unused kinetic energy back into usable energy into the battery basically going to extend the range.
The bike can switch on cruise control automatically. Any time your Rattan LM750 cruises at the same speed for 5 seconds, it will lock into that speed.
Top speed- 28 miles per hour
The motor is going to bring this bike up to a top speed of about 28 miles per hour which you can reach with the throttle on the right hand side or with the cadence sensing pedal assist.
Battery and Range
The battery on the Rattan ebike is going to be a 48 volt 13AH silverfish style battery for an estimated max range of 80 miles. The battery is removable. If you want to remove the battery from the frame you have to take out the seat post which you can do with a quick release. Once the seat post and saddle are out of the bike. Then you can pull the battery out.
48V 13Ah Lithium-ion Battery.
LCD Screen
The LM750 has a very nice LCD screen and it’s easy to see in daylight. It has a USB port that can actually be used to charge a phone. It’s worth mention that the left side throttle means a bit of reach to access some of the controls but the mode selection that’s in a sweet spot and all that’s really needed.
Backlit LCD with charge indicator, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, wattmeter, and more
Aluminum alloy frame
The Rattan ebike LM750 is an aluminum alloy frame with a curb weight of about 64 pounds which is definitely a little bit heavier than average. This frame is first and foremost it has a dual stage locking mechanism for the folding part on the main tube there. So that means that if it does come undone while you’re riding, that second latching system is going to be like a safety pin that’s going to help prevent the latch from actually opening all the way.
Additionally, there are the two large gussets to add support and strength to the frame that top gusset is also a great place to put your hand. So you can pick up the bike right from that gusset on the top of the frame there and it’s easy to move it around while it’s in the unfolded.
The Rattan ebike is designed to fold into a compact form in order to facilitate storage and transportation. When folded, it can be easily carried into your house or on public transportation. The bike can be easily folded by flipping the switch.
Rattan Ebike Store Reviews
The Rattan 750w lm came in all together and folded up and packaged well. once out of the box and opened up the bike was adjusted properly right out of the box. it was supposed to do 28 mph and on the full throttle was doing 30 mph. very well-put-together bike. very happy with it.
Date of experience : March 15, 2023
My bike arrived with the display not…
My bike arrived with the display not programmed. It worked for a few miles and quit. I could not get anyone from Rattan to help me return it so we played email, text, and phone tag for 3 months until they finally sent me a new battery and display. I just now got everything out together and working again and it’s fun to ride. Ime every off the shelf cheap Chinese ebike is a crapshoot and most have bad customer support. They may have an American address but that is just a warehouse so between the language issues and distance it’s going to be difficult no matter the company. If you buy an ebike online for less than 2k expect to have to learn how to fix most issue yourself and expect huge delays receiving the parts you need.
Date of experience : August 26, 2022
Do not purchase a bike from Rattan the…
Do not purchase a bike from Rattan the problem with Rattan batteries is they are made with poor quality Chinese cells that tend to fail in short order. These guys are crooks they sell you a piece of Boob and when things break down like the battery they want you to purchase another one. Also don’t loose your order number when you purchase a bike they will not do anything to help you with service if you do not have an order number. I can go on forever on negative Комментарии и мнения владельцев about Rattan but the list is too long, but again do not buy from Rattan.
Date of experience : November 04, 2022
Bent rim, throttle does not work
Bent rim, Throttle does not work, PAS dangerously aggressiveRattan Compass arrived with bent rim, throttle does not work and PAS is way to aggressive and scary. On any level above 1. Support does not answer phone calls and message box is full. They do not respond to emails or chat. They do this purposely to push back returns that have a 15 day limit. They also have an unreasonable and expensive return policy. 150 shipping paid by customer and no more than 10 miles. Disgusting company.
Date of experience : June 17, 2022
BUYER BEWARE
BUYER BEWARE. I purchased two Rattan electric bikes. Have loved ridding them until a month ago when one of them caught on FIRE in my garage I burnt my hand putting out the flame on the battery and charging port. The company won’t communicate after numerous phone calls and email to the problem Do your research and buy from a company that will stand behind their products
Date of experience : May 25, 2021
Avoid and go with a more reputable competitor!
Bought the LM750 and an extended battery shortly thereafter. Battery won’t seat properly due to wrong base. Contacted Rattan and they’ve supposedly sent a different bottom and expect me, the consumer, to replace. They’ve been very dodgy, evasive, and slow, to say the least. Not the only issue I’ve had with them, and I’ll update here as I deem necessary.
Date of experience : June 15, 2021
Rattan Customer Service
Customer service with Rattan has been good to me, unlike some of the other reviews here. I find to get a prompt response I:
1) Write my order number in subject line of email (most important)
3) Attach photos/videos if needed
4) Describe thoroughly the problem
5) Give them a possible solution or two that would make me satisfied to resolve the issue.
When I do the above, I get a prompt (within a day) response. Hope this helps some people with their issues with service.
Date of experience : June 21, 2021
I purchased the Rattan Compass on Nov…
I purchased the Rattan Compass on Nov 26, 2020. I rode the ebike a few times and within 3 months it stopped working. I’ve been contacting the company since then including sending video and photo evidence. Phone number doesn’t work and I keep getting the same email asking me to make sure the battery is connected.
Date of experience : March 22, 2021
The motor failed after two months, no customer service.
The motor failed after two months, but I cannot reach Rattan. The company does not answer emails and the one time I got an answer on the hotline, it rang to a local bike shop in the LA Area. I bought the bicycle through Electric Boarding Company, which claims it cannot reach Rattan, either, though it is still taking orders for new Rattan bikes to be delivered mid-July (??). Rattan has also done a major update to its website since the pandemic started.
Date of experience : June 25, 2020
Opened of Christmas eve
Opened of Christmas eve, excited to put it together. I had it ready and charged the battery overnight and so (today) Christmas day i find the battery (even though fully charged) won’t turn on. It does seem to be a manufacturing defect most likely the Lithium ion pack itself. Will be posting this everywhere.
Date of experience : December 25, 2019
I wanted to give them 5 stars but since…
I wanted to give them 5 stars but since my bike arrived DOA I can’t. I received my bike in great shape however it won’t charge past 42% and I really dislike that you cannot call them directly for support. You are left with sending an email message. It would help if their website had DETAILED support documentation and troubleshooting links and online, detailed owners manuals. I will change my rating once someone responds and this issue is fixed. Update: I’ve changed the stars as they contacted me and everything is working perfectly now.
Date of experience : November 01, 2019
Really liking the Rattan customer…
Really liking the Rattan customer service folks already. and I haven’t even received my Ebike order yet! I realized after ordering on their site that I forgot to enter the discount code that would have saved me 200 (total for the 2 ‘Challenger’ bikes that I ordered). I sent them an email about this, and they very quickly responded, thanking me for choosing Rattan and refunding to me the discount! Very impressive!!
Date of experience : August 22, 2019
I used my Rattan ebike a total of three…
I used my Rattan ebike a total of three times and charged the battery twice after the last charge the battery failed, it will not accept a charge. I contacted the company and after a week of back and forth communications received a response that they are unable to do anything since the warranty expired. I will not ever buy anything from this company again and i urge anyone else contemplating a purchase from Rattan to think twice.
Date of experience : April 09, 2022
buy from a reputable company
I don’t know what I was expecting ordering from a Chinese company.
Not only did they send me the wrong color bike, but it had the wrong controller on it. The one I received doesn’t have a speed limit setting which means I literally cannot ride my bike here in Canada without risking getting arrested. I tried contacting them about it and it was the most frustrating back and forth where I sent detailed explanations, a video, photos with markings and text to overcome the language barrier, and they never addressed my issue.
I even ordered the controller I was suppose to get separately on Amazon, and I couldn’t get it to work.
Save your money for a Rad bike or something.
Date of experience : February 24, 2022
Arrived in perfect condition but no assembly instructions or parts list
Received my Rattan eBike yesterday and assembled it in two hours. On a positive note, the bike arrived in perfect conditon, solid packaging, clean and well secured inside the box. I haven’t ridden the bike yet, but plan to ASAP. I’ll review the performance in another writing.This eBike doesn’t have assembly instructions or a parts list. Without general knowledge of bicycle assembly the average person would be lost on what to do. You must rely on YouTube videos to get to final assembly. There’s zero instructions on bicycle electrical operating system. There’s not an on/off button and again YouTube saved the day. Otherwise appears to be a solid bike and great value for the price. Looking forward to riding it often.
Date of experience : November 22, 2019
BUY ANY OTHER BRAND.
BUY LITERALLY ANY OTHER EBIKE. Don’t believe the great reviews on YouTube etc. those ppl are paid plus get swag/Ebikes for thier reviews. The ebike itself is just complete garbage and customer support is a nightmare to deal with. My dumbass ordered one of these in August and the display had no default values entered into it so I first asked for them when I got no reply I asked for a refund. I was only 3 days into the stated 14 day trial period but nobody replied until it was long past so they refused to let me return it. They have a fake phone number that just goes to a VM that has nothing to do with customer service and nobody ever answers or returns messages. After Rattan refused to refund or exchange I asked them for a new display. It’s now November and I’ve spent 150 at a local bike shop, get daily emails, texts, and FB messages asking for the same pics, videos, documentation etc. over and over again and then repeat the same non answers to my issue. They just ship garbage hoping customers will get sick of the run around they get from customer service, give up, and keep the bike so they can concentrate on their more expensive brand Yamee
Date of experience : August 18, 2022
I didn’t do enough research :
Or not enough people knew that this brand wasn’t reputable yet. The battery held no charge, the rear spoke have finally snapped and I cannot get replacements guess 1k is wasted.
Date of experience : September 03, 2022
Do not purchase Yamee/Rattan. You have been warned.
Rattan and Yamee are the same company. I ordered a Rattan and received a Yamee. I was told Yamee is the luxury higher quality product from the same company. My LM-750 arrived defective. Since new the controller reverts to the wrong tire size and pas levels. I have tried multiple times over the last 18 months to get this resolved. Many promises of getting me the replacement parts I needed. Now they say the replacement part is discontinued. 18 months of lies and delays. Now I have to fit a different display and controller. If you buy a Rattan/Yamee bike you are on your own. Don’t expect any after purchase support.
Date of experience : November 10, 2021
Ordered online and got tracking…
Ordered online and got tracking information and received the bike within 5 days. boxed nicely, no damage to the box. Set up the bike in an hour. all good runs nicely. the battery charger port did not fit the battery. Contacted Rattan support via email and received a response, within 24hours, to send pictures of issue. I sent the pictures and got a reply from support, with a Fed X tracking number. The factory had used different size prongs in the port of the battery. Rattan sent the adapter and all is working good now. Note the phone number was not working. I have seen a lot of negative reviews, but this was not my experience. I am very happy with the bike performance and customer service provided by Rattan North America
Date of experience : November 15, 2020
Pleased with our Rattan LM750’s
We have had our Rattan LM750’s for a little over a month now, and quite honestly, despite some of the negative reviews, we love ours. Our Rattan Bikes have made biking an event now, rather than an exercise. My husband and I are spending more time together outdoors because of these E-bikes. We are having a small issue right now with our two bikes, but we are confident enough in the product and the company that we ordered a third bike today. I do believe this company is growing and learning the ropes, and perhaps not the easiest way, but I believe they will get there. Demand is very high and they are trying to keep up, and every business is going thru some issues right now I believe with Covid-19 playing a huge factor. I will continue to support this company and our bikes and post honest and thoughtful Комментарии и мнения владельцев and reviews accordingly.
Date of experience : August 26, 2020
Company activitySee all
Hasn’t replied to negative reviews
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About Rattan Ebike Store
Information provided by various external sources
Rattan was founded on the belief that a business doesn’t have to compromise to create great products at great prices. We hope to pass a positive attitude towards life to all through our products. We are all a little wild at heart, are we not? There is much to be gained from traveling and seeing the world. We should all embrace at least a little wanderlust. But let us not forget the end goal; in the wise words of T.S. Elliot, We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. Now, riding your bike and let’s go for a trip! Becasue you will nerver know how beautiful the world is before you go outside. Then you will find that we are not selling you a cool bike but the amazing scenery along the way. Our team has only been in existence for only 5 years since its inception. During these five years, we have grown a lot and won the praise of many customers. But we still clearly understand that there are many places where we are not perfect. So if you have any suggestions, please be free to contact us, we believe that with your help, we will become better. Thank you again, our lovely customers —— Rattan
Contact
- service@rattanebike.com
- 500 S Etiwanda Ave Ontario, CA 91761
- 91761
- Ontario
- United States
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Rattan Pathfinder ST Fat Tire E-Bike Testing Full Review
Disclaimer: Rattan sent this product to us for free for a review. That does not affect our opinion about the product. In this article, we list both what we like and dislike. Read more about this here.
Is the Rattan Pathfinder 750W E-Bike Any Good?
Electric bicycles have exploded in popularity. Today there are hundreds of companies making them.
Rattan is an e-bike company that’s been around for a while, and they’ve been improving their electric bikes every year.
They started with the classic folding electric bikes that are perfect for urban life and travel.
Now they’re expanding their reach to mountain and fat tire e-bikes that are better for long distances and difficult terrain.
We’ve gotten our hands on one of their newest releases, the Rattan Pathfinder ST, and we’ve really enjoyed testing it on different roads and trails.
In this review, I’ll cover the main features of the Rattan Pathfinder ST and talk about how well it has performed in the time we’ve been using it.
To answer the question, is the Rattan Pathfinder e-bike any good?
I’d say yes, it’s actually a fantastic e-bike.
I’d recommend it to anyone looking for an entry level e-bike with a medium distance range that can handle any kind of road and even trails.
Rattan Pathfinder ST E-Bike Overview
Rattan Pathfinder ST E-Bike
Quick Note: There are two versions of the Rattan Pathfinder, the Pathfinder and the Pathfinder ST. The ST stands for “step through”.
The main features of both e-bikes are the same, the only difference is the bike frame design.
Main Features
- 750 watt Motor
- 1,200 watt Peak Motor Power
- 80 N.M Max Torque
- 720Wh Lithium Battery
- 30-65 Mile Range
- Class-3 E-Bike
- 31 MPH Top Speed
- Shimano 8 Speed (Gears)
- Sine Wave Controller
- LCD Display
- App Control
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Regenerative Braking
- Front Fork Suspension
- Remote Suspension Lockout
- Throttle Pedal Assist
- Cruise Control
- Step Through or Step Over Frame Options
- Microfiber Leather Handlebar Grips
- Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Easy Assembly
- 2 Year Warranty
Dimensions
- Height Recommendation: 5’5″ to 6’6″
- Max Weight Capacity: 400 lbs
- Max Rider Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
- Total Weight: 77 lbs
- Max Seat Height: 39.4″
- Min Seat Height: 33.5″
- Total Length: 77.2″
- Handlebar Height: 45.7″
- Stand Over Height: 17.7″
Dimensions and weight ratings are the same for the step over version.
What’s in the Box?
- Rattan Pathfinder ST
- 720Wh Battery
- 3 Amp Fast Charger
- Manual
- Front Back Fenders
- Rear Rack
- Front Light
- Taillight/Brake Light
- Tool Kit
A Closer Look
Motor
The Rattan Pathfinder’s powerful 750 watt 48 volt brushless motor has a 1,200 watt peak power output. It’s located in the rear hub.
The torque is 80 N.M, which is actually pretty high for this type of e-bike.
They usually average around 65 N.M, but the Rattan has a higher torque to help keep the bike moving up hills and when loaded down.
Battery Charging
The 48 volt 15 amp hour lithium battery locks into the frame of the Pathfinder.
It can be removed using a key, and it has an on/off switch on the side.
Make sure you turn on the battery, otherwise the motor and LCD screen won’t get any power.
You can charge the battery while it’s in the bike frame or take it out and charge it somewhere else.
The charging options make it easier to use multiple batteries or start charging the battery without removing it.
The included charger has a 3 amp output, which is fast for an e-bike in this range. It can fully charge the battery from 0 to 100% in around 5 hours.
It’s not recommended to fully deplete a lithium battery, try to not let it go below a 20% discharge. Doing this will increase its life and ability to hold the full 720 watts of power.
The battery measures 16.75 x 3 x 4 inches (LxWxH) and weighs 9 lbs.
Shimano Gears
There are 8 gears on the rear hub that help with pedaling. It’s a fantastic feature, especially if you run out of battery power before you’ve made it back home.
Pedaling a 77 lbs bike without the help of a motor can be pretty difficult, and the gears help make that easier.
The gears are shifted using a standard gear levers on the right handlebar. They’re easy to use and you can shift multiple gears depending on how far you push in either lever.
One nice touch I really appreciate is a metal guard that sticks out from the derailer and gear assembly. This helps protect the sensitive parts if your bike ever falls.
Shimano is known for its quality. Their bicycle gear systems are used on tons of brands of electric and non-electric bikes.
You may need to adjust the derailer a little when you first get the Rattan Pathfinder, but there are some good instructions in the manual to help you out.
Fat Tires Fork Suspension
One complaint many people have about e-bikes is how rough they are on dirt roads and trails.
Many cruiser style electric bikes, like the Rattan Pathfinder, don’t even have front suspension.
To help reduce bumps and road vibration, the Pathfinders have shocks in the front.
The wide fat tires add stability and help absorb some road bumps.
The fat tires are 4 inches wide and 26 inches in diameter.
They also help with traction on rocks, sand, and snow.
Kinetic Energy Recovery (Regenerative Braking)
One unique feature with the Rattan Pathfinder is the ability to charge the battery when braking or going downhill.
This isn’t something you usually see on e-bikes, especially ones in the same price range as the Pathfinders.
When you engage the brake even a little, or set the pedal assist to 0 when going at least 15 MPH, the bike will start charging the battery.
You can see when this is happening by looking at the watt output meter on the LCD display.
When electricity is being created, it will display a negative watt output, which is the number of watts being put back into the battery.
Kinetic energy recovery isn’t going to completely recharge an e-bike battery right away.
It doesn’t generate a ton of power, but it’s a cool way to utilize braking and coasting and it will increase the range a bit when used strategically.
It also helps take some of the pressure off of the hydraulic disc brakes, which makes them last longer and require less servicing.
Remote Suspension Lock-Out
Mountain bikes and bikes with front suspension forks often can lock the shocks so they won’t move.
When you pedal a bike, some of the downward motion is absorbed by the suspension system. Especially when pedaling hard and fast.
Locking the shocks helps make pedaling more efficient. On an e-bike, that translates to longer battery life and less strain on the motor.
Normally, front suspension forks are locked by turning a dial on the top of the right shock tube.
You usually have to bend down to do it, which can be dangerous when you’re going fast.
To make it safer, Rattan has added a remote suspension lock-out feature.
There’s a small lever on the left handlebar to the right of the throttle.
When you press in the lever, it pulls a cable that’s connected to the lock switch on the right suspension fork and engages the lock.
To release the suspension, you press the lever down. This unlocks the shocks, so they move again.
It’s a really simple system that makes cycling a lot safer and increases pedaling efficiency.
Throttle Button Controls
The throttle is a lever on the left handlebar. You push it down to increase speed without having to pedal.
One nice thing about the Rattan is the speed follows the amount the throttle is pressed, unlike other lower range e-bike that only have one throttle speed.
Near the throttle, there are 5 button controls for every electric feature on the Rattan Pathfinder.
There are. light, power, and info buttons.
The “i” info button shows different info on the LCD display primary screen, like the trip mileage, total mileage, max mph, average mph, and total travel time.
Long pressing the “i” button will switch through the ECO, Normal, and Sport modes.
Use the power button to turn on or off the e-bike.
If you hold the “-” button down for 2 seconds, the walk assistance will activate.
The “” and “-” buttons adjust the pedal assistance levels.
If you hold down the “” and “-” buttons, you can access the setting menu to customize things like the max speed, screen brightness, units, and more.
LCD Display
The LDC display screen is in the center of the handlebars.
It has a simple primary display that shows the battery percentage, current watt usage of the motor, mph, pedal assistance, mode, and info like trip miles and travel time.
You can access all the settings through the LCD screen and the handlebar buttons.
There are a lot of settings you can customize, like wheel diameter, max speed, screen brightness, modes, voltage levels, and even more in the advanced section.
In the advanced settings, you can get more specific with how the motor performs.
For instance, you can change how many pedal assist levels there are and the amount each level will assist you.
You can even make it so the motor engages faster or slower when you pedal.
For people like me who want to make things run exactly like I want them to, I appreciate a lot of options and settings.
But the factory settings are pretty good as well, so you don’t need to mess with any of that if you don’t want to.
App
You don’t have to use it, but the Rattan Pathfinder E-bike can connect to an app called “Key-Disp”
The app helps you access the settings easier. It will also give you more detailed information.
The app also includes navigation and diagnostic tools to help with any issues the Rattan Pathfinder might be having.
The app navigation has a monthly subscription fee, but the rest of the features are free.
It’s also a way to contact Rattan customer service and to read more about the bike.
Included Accessories
You get a lot of value with Rattan e-bikes, especially with the included accessories you get with purchase.
There are front and rear plastic fenders to help keep you and the bike cleaner.
The front light is bright and can be turned on and off via a button on the right handlebar.
The red taillight is also a brake light that shines brighter when you’re braking.
A heavy duty aluminum alloy kickstand is already installed.
Last but not least, there’s a heavy duty rear rack included to help you get the most out of the high 400 lbs weight capacity.
If you want to get more accessories, you can check out the Rattan website.
There are bolt points on the frame for a front rack and water bottle holder.
Rattan Pathfinder E-Bike Testing
Range
Probably the most important aspect of any electric vehicle is how far it can go or how many hours the battery will last.
With e-bikes, the amount of pedal assist used influences the range a lot.
Since the Rattan Pathfinder is a giant 77 lbs electric bicycle, it needs quite a bit of power to move, even if you’re assisting by pedaling.
I did one test using just the throttle at full speed in NORMAL mode and a test with 55% pedal assist in ECO mode.
For the 55% test I was pedaling enough to help the bike, but not enough to make myself tired. Just a steady, comfortable pace.
| Pedal Assist | Total Distance | Total Cycle Time | Average Speed |
| 100% | 26 miles | 80 minutes | 30 mph |
| 50% | 55 miles | 3.5 hours | 20 mph |
I was riding on paved and dirt roads during these tests, there was some uphill and downhill and some stopping and starting because of traffic.
The range on any e-bike can change a lot because of things like weather, rider size, road conditions, stopping/starting, and more.
Distance per battery charge can be different for everyone.
These numbers are mainly to give you a good idea of the battery life and how far the Rattan Pathfinder can go in good conditions with a 130 lbs rider.
Battery
The battery charge percentage is displayed on the LCD display’s main screen in the top left corner.
It uses a percentage and battery graphic to show how much battery you have left.
On my Rattan Pathfinder, the battery percentage is extremely inaccurate.
During the throttle only, full speed test, the battery went from 100% to 48% after only 5 miles of flat road. I kept riding and make it 26 miles in total on that bike ride. That’s 21 miles on the 48%.
Since the battery percentage is so off, I recommend using the odometer to help you judge how much battery is left.
I noticed that if I turned the bike off and then on again, it would change the battery percentage and make it more like what it’s supposed to be.
Hills
Moderate hills are no problem for the Rattan Pathfinder.
If you’re only using the throttle, it will slow down a little on long, steep hills, but it’s easy to assist it by pedaling lightly.
On extra steep hills, like the kind you find on the sides of mountains, you definitely need to pedal.
When going downhill, you can start braking a little or turn the PAS (pedal assistance) down to zero to recharge the battery a little.
Comfort
Even though the Rattan Pathfinder ST looks like an electric dirt bike or a moped, it’s definitely not.
If you’re using pedal assist and moving the pedals, this bike is as comfortable as any other. The cruiser handlebars and seat position make it easy to cycle long distances.
When using only the throttle, your feet have to stay on the pedals which aren’t as comfortable as a stationary foot peg like a motorcycle has.
It’s not terrible to not move your legs, but it’s more comfortable to pedal and keep your legs moving.
Rough Roads Trails
Rough dirt roads with lots of bumps and washboard are still pretty rough feeling, even with the fat tires and front suspension fork.
It is a lot better than other e-bikes I’ve tried.
Because of the stability the fat tires give, I’m not as afraid of hitting rocks when going fast.
If this wasn’t a fat tire e-bike, I would probably be a lot less daring and not go on as many dirt roads.
Review of Rattan Pathfinder ST
First off, I’m 5 foot 4 inches tall. I’m 1 inch shorter than the lowest recommended height, and this electric bike is absolutely huge compared to me.
It’s more like an electric scooter or even motorcycle, and I wasn’t expecting it to be as tall as it is.
Even though I’m barely tall enough for this e-bike, it’s actually still very comfortable and manageable for me to ride.
The step through frame makes it easy for me to get on and off of, and the seat doesn’t even need to be at the lowest height for my legs to pedal comfortably.
The handlebars are a good height too. I really like that they can be tilted up or down to different rider heights.
I really enjoy using this e-bike to get around. I can just pretend it’s an electric moped when I don’t feel like pedaling, or I can go really far distances without having to exhaust myself completely.
The rear bike rack is extremely heavy duty, and it’s easy to load down with groceries and even camping gear.
It has a smooth ride and the fat tires make dirt roads a lot more fun.
One big difference with the Rattan, compared to other e-bikes, is pedaling more won’t change the speed you’re going, it mostly helps out the motor.
Other e-bikes have a lot of speed sensors that adjust the speed according to the amount of pedaling, but the Rattan doesn’t work like that.
For instance, if I set the pedal assist percentage to 50%, the motor will pretty much always try to go 20 mph.
When I pedal, I’m only helping the motor, so the speed stays the same no matter what.
It takes a little getting used to, but once I understood how it works, I’m pretty good at adjusting the pedal assist to get to the speed I want.
You can change the speed sensor levels in the advanced settings. I turned it up as far as it could go (0 to 12). That helped a little, but it still only allows about a 1 mph change.
The Rattan Pathfinder has a lot of speed, power, weight capacity, and stability from the fat tires, but all of that comes at a cost.
This e-bike is super heavy, and it takes a lot of power to move it.
Compared to other e-bikes with a similar speed, weight, and tire width, the Rattan is actually pretty decent.
But if you want a long range e-bike that can take you over 60 miles comfortably, this isn’t the electric bike for you.
For quick trips to the grocery store, or even using as a work commuter bike, the range is far enough.
If you feel like getting a good workout, you can increase the range by lowering the pedal assist below 50% and make it pretty far.
I like the 50% pedal assist level It keeps the bike at 20 mph, which I think is the perfect speed for a decent bike ride.
Fat tire bikes of any kind are not very compatible with most bike racks, platform or hanging.
We have two platform bike racks, and neither one of them can take the weight of the Rattan or the width of the fat tires.
So you’ll need to have a plan B if you want to travel with this e-bike.
I recommend a hitch mount dirt bike carrier. They are often made with lightweight aluminum, have super high weight capacities, and most even have ramps.
They are also wide enough to fit the 4 inch fat tires.
If that’s not a good option for you, a cargo carrier might work as well. Just make sure you strap it down tight.
Parts Quality
This is a very well made electric bike. Most of the parts used work well and seem to be of good quality.
Both of the brakes needed to be adjusted to stop them from squeaking. But once I got that figured out there have been no weird sounds, and I’ve ridden it well over 200 miles so far.
The bike seat has an adjustment feature that makes it so you can tilt it up or down.
The aluminum teeth that are supposed to hold the seat at the angle you want have already completely worn away. So it just stays tilted up no matter how much I tighten it.
I’m planning on getting a different type of seat that stays in the same position.
The battery percentage is also very off. But I’ve found that to be pretty common with bikes in this range.
If you turn off the bike then turn it back on it will adjust the battery percentage and make it more accurate, but it’s an extra step that can be annoying.
Now that I have a pretty good idea of how far the Rattan Pathfinder can go, I monitor the mileage instead of the battery percentage to judge how much further I can ride.
I’ll need to test it a lot more to see how long it will last, but there is a 2 year warranty for a little peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
The Rattan Pathfinder e-bike is a fantastic option for people who want a heavy duty e-bike that doesn’t break the bank.
There are tons of different settings you can adjust, which I really like.
The biggest thing you’ll want to learn how to use is the pedal assist settings.
Since the Rattan Pathfinder isn’t a speed sensor driven e-bike, you’ll need to change the pedal assist percentages to adjust the bike’s speed.
The motor is still working great, and only the bike seat has given me trouble.
I’ve let a lot of people test ride it to see how well it handles different rider weights and sizes. I’ve been impressed with how well the motor has worked, even up hills.
I’ll update this review throughout the summer. I plan on taking the Rattan Pathfinder on longer trips and even camping so I can try out some trails.
So far, I’d recommend the Rattan Pathfinder to people. It’s a great e-bike for the price range and it will get you where you want to go.
Rattan Pathfinder ST E-Bike
What I Like
- Can use pedal assistance or just the throttle.
- Front suspension fork that locks remotely.
- Fits a wide range of rider heights.
- Powerful Motor
- Large Battery
- 8 speed with Shimano gears.
- Lightweight plastic front and rear fenders.
- Heavy duty cargo rack.
- Headlight, taillight, and brake light.
- Adjustable Handlebars
- Simple LCD screen display with lots of settings.
- Can get up to 31 mph.
- Stable fat tires with great traction.
- Step through frame makes it easy to get on and off.
- Great Distance Range
What I Don’t Like
- Very inaccurate battery percentage.
- App GPS feature requires a monthly subscription.
- Very Heavy
- Fat tires don’t fit most bike racks, even heavy duty e-bike ones.
- Bike seat tilt adjust wore out really fast and doesn’t work now.
Have questions about the Rattan Pathfinder ST fat tire electric bicycle? Leave a comment below.
by Jenni
Jenni grew up in a small town in Idaho. With a family that loves camping, she has been towing trailers since a very young age.
