Do Electric Bikes Charge As You Pedal?
Electric bikes have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reasons.
They are sustainable, convenient, and allow you to travel faster and further.
Many people are curious if you have to pedal the entire time when you ride an electric bike or if it will charge as you go.
Generally, the answer is that electric bikes do not charge as you pedal. However, there are a few exceptions to this answer.
For some models, you don’t have to pedal constantly; you can stop pedaling at any time, and the bike will continue to run.
However, don’t stop pedaling for too long because the battery will eventually die.
With other models, the throttle can take you the distance without any pedaling necessary.
If you’re looking for an electric bike that will charge as you pedal, there are a few options on the market.
However, these bikes are more expensive and may not be widely available. Do your research to find what type of electric bike is right for you and your needs.
What Is an Electric Bike?
An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that can be used for propulsion.
E-bikes can be classified into two main types:
These bikes are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Europe and Asia. In 2016, global sales of e-bikes reached over 6 billion.
This number is expected to grow as more people become interested in this type of transportation.
Throttle Electric Bike
Throttle models require the rider to twist the throttle to activate the motor.
The throttle allows the rider to accelerate using the handlebar grip instead of pedaling, which is an excellent feature for those who want to get up to speed quickly or who live in a hilly area.
Throttle electric bikes are also considered more powerful, which can be a bonus when traveling long distances.
Pedal-Assist Electric Bike
Most e-bikes sold are pedal-assist models, which require the rider to pedal to engage the motor. A pedal-assist has a motor that assists the rider only when pedaling, making it much more like a traditional bike than an electric scooter or motorcycle.
Pedal-assist electric bikes, or PAEBs, are growing in popularity because they are:
- A great way to get around town without breaking a sweat.
- Perfect for people who want to ride but might not be able to do so because of health issues or age.
- Eco-friendly!
- Just plain fun to ride and still help you get some exercise.
Regenerative Braking
Some electric bikes have a feature called regenerative braking, which allows the bike to recharge the battery while you are riding.
This feature is most commonly found on throttle models, as it is difficult to pedal and brake simultaneously.
When you use the brakes on a bike with regenerative braking, the motor acts as a generator and produces electricity. This electricity is stored in the battery, which the bike can then use to power the motor.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Using an electric bike with regenerative braking has many pros and cons.
However, this may be the perfect option for you, depending on what you are looking for in an e-bike.
Advantages:
- Brake pads and braking equipment in the bike are not frequently used and therefore require less maintenance.
- The range of your electric bike will increase, allowing you to travel greater distances.
- Fuel efficient and energy saving.
Disadvantages:
- It can add weight and bulk to the bike, making it more challenging to maneuver.
- The regenerative braking system is not as effective at slower speeds because when you need to brake at a lower speed, a lot of energy is not required. Therefore, less energy will be charging the battery pack.
- The brake pedals work differently. As a result, you may need to apply more force on the brakes to stop faster and on time.
Regenerative braking is not very common, as it is only found on a few models of electric bikes. However, it is a useful feature if you are interested in lengthening the range of your e-bike.
Speed and Range
Electric bikes are a great way to get around. They’re fast and have a range that can take you anywhere you want to go.
The speed of an electric bike depends on the battery and the motor.
Batteries come in different capacities, so you need to find one that fits your needs. The higher the capacity, the faster the bike will go.
Likewise, the more powerful the motor, the faster it can go. The range is also vital to consider. Electric bikes can go anywhere from 20 miles all the way up to 100 miles on a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding electric bikes and how they charge.
There is a lot of discussion on this topic because there are many ways to keep your electric bike charged for your journey ahead. Some electric bike models charge their battery while you are using the throttle. Other models use a procedure called regenerative braking to charge and lengthen the life of your electric bike battery.
- RadCity Step-Thru Electric Bike from Rad Power Bikes.
- Evelo Aurora Electric Bike from Evelo.
- Izze Folding Electric Bike from Izze.
- Ancheer Power Plus Electric Mountain Bike from Ancheer.
- Consider what type of terrain you’ll be riding on. Any pedal-assist bike will do if you stick to relatively flat surfaces. But if you plan on tackling hilly terrain, you’ll want to opt for a model with a stronger motor.
- Think about how much range you’ll need. If you only plan on using your bike for short rides around town, you can get away with a smaller battery. But if you’re looking to ride long distances, you’ll need a bike with a larger battery that can last for hours.
- Consider your budget. There are plenty of great electric bikes on the market, but they vary widely in price. So if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, do your research before making your final purchase.
The Zero Emission World electric bike and the Evelo Quest One electric bike are the most popular. These models offer a great ride and a wide range of features that make them perfect for anyone looking for a full-throttle electric bike. The Zero Emission World electric bike is a great choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly option. This bike is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which makes it completely emissions-free. The Evelo Quest One electric bike is another great full throttle model. This bike also comes with a lithium-ion battery, which makes it environmentally friendly. With its powerful motor and long-range capabilities, the Evelo Quest One is perfect for anyone who wants to get the most out of their electric bike.
Yes, electric bikes come with pedals. However, a few models come with a throttle-only option, which means that the bike will move forward without any pedaling required.
The price of an electric bike can vary greatly depending on the model you choose. Electric bikes can range from only 600 to more than 8000.
Closing Notes
Electric bikes are becoming more popular, especially in this day and age. People are looking to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint.
But do they really work? Do electric bikes charge as you pedal?
Generally, electric bikes typically do not charge as you pedal. However, because this is the case, knowing all the information you need when purchasing your electric bike is essential.
Although your e-bike may not charge while you pedal, there are other ways your bike can keep its charge during use.
There are many electric bikes to choose from If you are interested in purchasing one. There are various options to choose from depending on the terrain you would bike on. Do your research on at least a few of the best-valued electric bikes you can purchase on the market now.
Jason Hawkley is a biking enthusiast, which is a nice way of saying he’s a total nerd when it comes to bikes. One day while mountain biking through the woods in New Hampshire, the idea came him to create Our Streets as a way to share his biking passion with you.
Evelo Aurora Limited Spec Review – 2022
Welcome to our spec review of the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bicycle. Due to the high demand for the brand new EVELO Aurora Limited, we haven’t had the chance to ride the eBike ourselves.
So, while we can’t offer a full ebike performance review, we can provide our spec review of this premium electric bike. By comparing the Aurora Limited to other EVELO bikes we’ve ridden, and by noting the components and specs it shares with other eBikes we’ve reviewed, we can develop a full spec review for the Aurora Limited.
We hope to provide some general impressions about the performance, handling, and overall feel of the brand new EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike with our spec review.
The EVELO Aurora Limited is a real premium electric bike that stands out from most competitors for several reasons. The high quality 6061 aluminum alloy frame is highly durable, providing over 350 lbs of weight support to accommodate all types of adult riders. The powerful Dapu motor provides up to 105 Nm of torque, making it one of the most powerful motors we’ve reviewed. And it’s paired with an advanced battery that helps the eBike travel up to 60 miles on a single charge.
A unique feature of the Aurora Limited is its Enviolo Continuously Variable Transmission, a belt based drivetrain that provides smoother shifting and virtually unlimited gearing options.
Long-lasting Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, the Velo comfort saddle and saddle guarantee program, a luminous headlight, and taillight system make this an impressive bike. Several other features and extras all further increase the value of eBike.
If you’re looking for a truly premium eBike experience and are especially interested in an eBike with a CVT setup, you need to read our full review of the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike!
Who It’s For: Cyclists looking for a unique, premium eBike able to be ridden comfortably anywhere. If you want to check out a CVT eBike, the Aurora Limited is especially worth checking out.
Bike Specs
- FRAME: 6061 High Strength Aluminum Alloy
- UI/REMOTE: EVELO C800 IPS Multi-Color 3.7″ Display
- BATTERY: 672 Wh Battery with Advanced Battery Management Software
- CHARGER: 2 Amp Charger
- MOTOR: Dapu Mid-Drive Motor 750 W/ 105 Nm Torque
- CHAIN: Gates Carbon Belt
- SHIFT LEVERS: Enviolo Harmony Electronic Manual Automatic Grip Shifter
- CASSETTE: Enviolo Continuously Variable Transmission
- CHAINRINGS: Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt Chainring, 55 T
- DERAILLEUR: N/A
- RIMS: HJC DA-45 Aluminum Alloy Double Wall 36 Hole Rims
- TIRES: Puncture Resistant Innova 26″ x 2.8″
- SADDLE: Velo Breeze Comfort Saddle with Memory Foam
- STEM: EVELO Stargazer, 110mm
- HANDLEBARS: Zoom TR-AL-28, Swept Back, Aluminum Alloy Handlebars
- GRIPS: Rubber Ergonomic Locking Grips
- BRAKES: Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 180 mm / 160 mm Rotors
- PEDALS: Wellgo Comfort Aluminum Alloy Platform Pedals
- KICKSTAND: Rear Mounted Adjustable Length Kickstand
- BELL: Flick Bell on Left Handlebar
- HEADLIGHT: Spanninga Kendo Integrated LED Headlight
- TAIL LIGHT: Spanninga Lineo Integrated LED Backlight
- FENDERS: Plastic Fenders
Cons
Features
- 6061 High Strength Aluminum AlloyAn extremely durable eBike with a large weight capacity well suited for short or tall adults alike. Only one frame size currently, so very short riders may have to consider another option. Weighs 70.2 lbs fully assembled.
- 672 Wh Battery with Advanced Battery Management SoftwareEasy to install battery that sits below the handlebars on the bike. Advanced battery management system maximizes battery life without excessively weighing down the frame. Can travel up to 60 miles on a single charge.
- 2 Amp ChargerThe industry standard charger that is included with many eBike models. Small and compact for easy cargo carrying, but a bit slower compared to larger chargers. Full recharging time from 0% can take up to 7 hours.
- Dapu Mid-Drive Motor 750 W/ 105 Nm TorqueA powerful motor system that takes advantage of the CVT drivetrain. With 105 Nm of torque, you won’t have any trouble climbing any hill you encounter with the EVELO Aurora eBike. Fast acceleration as well, helping you keep up with traffic.
- EVELO C800 IPS Multi-Color 3.7″ DisplayHuge and colorful display that has a large number of readouts, metrics, and customization options. The display even has a password setting, allowing you to lock down the eBike when not in use for increased theft protection.
- Enviolo Continuously Variable Transmission DrivetrainOne of the first eBikes on the market to feature a CVT drivetrain, providing smooth and practically unlimited gear shifting thanks to the belt drive system. Features manual and automatic shifting, both of which are great for optimizing your personal riding experience.
- Puncture Resistant Innova 26″ x 2.8″ TiresSuperior puncture-resistant tires that can be ridden on almost any surface. 26’’ height with 2.8’’ width provides superior stability when traveling over uneven terrain and bumpy roads—20 to 45 PSI range.
- Zoom TR-AL-28 Handlebars with Suntour XCM32 Suspension ForkSwept back handlebars for comfortable cruising around the city. The 100 mm travel front suspension fork provides great shock absorption and helps you ride the EVELO Aurora almost anywhere you go.
- Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes with 180 mm / 160 mm RotorsA balanced braking system provides great stopping power up front where it’s needed while cutting down on weight in the back where it isn’t. Hydraulic disc brakes are longer lasting and more durable than most mechanical disc brake setup.
- Wellgo Comfort Aluminum Alloy Platform PedalsVery sturdy large platform pedals that can take the occasional fall without shattering. Features a rubberized grip combined with the aluminum alloy pedals for improved traction support with minimal wear and tear on your shoes.
In-Depth Review
Frame
Like many other eBikes, the EVELO Aurora Limited frame is built with 6061 aluminum alloy. The Aurora Limited uses an especially tough, hydroformed alloy that provides even more excellent protection and support. As a result, the EVELO Aurora Limited is a bit heavier at 70 lbs, but it provides over 350 lbs of weight support as a result.
Taller, heavier adults who have struggled on other eBikes should feel comfortable when riding the EVELO Aurora. Additionally, unlike with many other bicycles where positioning saddle lower blocks the rear cargo rack, it’s been positioned so that shorter and lighter riders can take advantage of the full rear cargo rack.
The Aurora Limited also integrates most of its electrical wiring and provides greater security and protection for the key components that make the drivetrain and motor system work.
One of the few complaints we have about the EVELO Aurora Limited is it’s only available in one size. While some components can be adjusted and customized, the EVELO Aurora Limited is meant for those who are 5’2’’ and taller.
If you’re shorter than 5’2’’, EVELO offers a similar eBike in the Galaxy 500 for those within 4’8’’ to 5’2’’. Otherwise, most adult riders should find the Aurora Limited to be a comfortable bike. Still, we’d like to see more frame sizes in the future for greater rider compatibility.
Motor Battery
The EVELO Aurora Limited is a class 2 eBike, with pedal and throttle activated motor assistance up to 20 MPH.
EVELO certainly hasn’t spared any power with the Aurora Limited. It features a fantastic Dapu 750 W / 105 Nm torque mid-drive motor. With 105 Nm of torque, you have more than enough power to tackle any challenging hill and more motor power than you’ll find in many dedicated, heavy-duty mountain bikes.
The EVELO Aurora Limited features a belt based continuous variable transmission, rather than a traditional chain based limited drivetrain. The Dapu motor works great with the CVT system, requiring less energy overall to move the belt compared to a chian. Furthermore, while chains typically get chewed up quickly by eBike motors, belts are known for lasting far longer by comparison. If you want a powerful eBike, you’re getting one with the EVELO Aurora Limited eBike.
For the most part, we’re satisfied with the battery system as well. The Aurora Limited has an EVELO branded 672 Wh Battery with advanced battery management software as part of its stock model. The advanced battery management system maximizes the energy usage by the motor system, allowing you to travel up to 60 miles on a single charge despite the heavy motor energy drain.
While 60 miles should be more than enough for the typical bike ride, the downside is the basic 2 amp charger included with this bike. 2 amp chargers are the most basic kind. The Aurora Limited can take seven to eight hours to charge from 0% to 100%. We highly recommend upgrading the charger if you purchase the EVELO Aurora Limited, even if you don’t intend to drain the battery often.
Display/Assist Modes
Mounted in the middle of the handlebars, you have a large EVELO C800 IPS Multi-Color 3.7″ display you can use to keep track of riding metrics and changing motor settings. This is one of the few displays that use a full-color system. And at a 3.7’’ size, this is one of the most straightforward displays to read and control while riding your eBike.
The display is fixed. It isn’t meant to be taken off the eBike, but it does have an adjustable angle if you want to point it away when you don’t need to look at it or if the screen glares. In terms of the readouts and settings, you can expect the following:
EVELO Aurora Limited Display Riding Readouts, Metrics, and Settings:
- Assist Level (Five Settings Walk Mode)
- Battery Level (Five Bars)
- Current Speed (In MPH or KMH)
- Trip Distance
- Odometer
As a class 2 electric bicycle, you can rely on either the pedal assistance system or activate the throttle to turn on the electric motor. The Aurora Limited’s motor system will help you travel up to 20 MPH before it shuts itself off (a speed limit included with the eBike to make it street legal without requiring additional licensing). By pedaling manually, you can travel faster than 20 MPH, but the motor itself won’t turn on again until your drop below 20 MPH.
Additionally, you also have five different pedal assist levels to choose from while riding the EVELO Aurora. Higher pedal assist modes will help you hit the speed cap faster, besides providing a stronger push when facing a particularly tough hill. However, higher pedal assist modes will drain your battery more quickly, shortening the total travel range to just 30 or 40 miles.
If you want to maximize your range and travel over 60 miles on a single charge, pick one of the lower pedal assist modes. The lower pedal assist modes don’t provide as much power to the motor, but they drain the battery far less quickly to maximize your travel range. Changing these pedal assist modes is easy, but be aware that the throttle will always provide full power, even when you picked Eco or one of the other low pedal assist modes.
Handling
- On Streets- The EVELO Aurora Limited is designed to be ridden almost anywhere, but it’s going to perform best when you’re out riding on city streets. The Aurora Limited has tall but wider tires that help it travel fast while still providing excellent stability and traction due to its Custom Innova tires. With a 100 mm travel SR Suntour suspension fork, you’ll find the Aurora Limited enjoyable and comfortable even when you hit gravel and cobblestone roads. In town, it’s a great time riding on the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike.
- Turn Radius- We like the 2.8’’ width as it provides great stability without ultimately compromising on the eBike’s turn radius. Whether you need to try to fit it through a doorway or have a switchback you’re trying to cut across, the Aurora Limited handles well enough to easily maneuver around most corners. Take your time and be careful, and the Aurora Limited has a tight enough turn to navigate almost anywhere.
- Low Speed Handling- Because the Aurora Limited weighs over 70 lbs fully assembled, this is not a comfortable eBike to handle at low speeds without motor power. With the motor on, though, you have two options to choose from to make low-speed handling significantly easier. While riding the eBike, just set the pedal assistance to the lowest level of pedal-assistance, and you’ll get a small boost to your pedaling that will help you FOCUS on your handling. Alternatively, if you have already dismounted from your eBike, make sure you take advantage of the walk mode as it will push your eBike along without pedaling. Both options make low-speed handling significantly more manageable, so always keep some reserve energy for effective low-speed eBike handling.
Gears/DriveTrain
We recommend going with the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike over other premium models because of the Enviolo Continuously Variable Transmission drivetrain.
Unlike many other traditional and electric bicycles, the Aurora Limited has a CVT belt setup, which provides many significant performance advantages over conventional chain drivetrain systems. The CVT belt system has more dynamic shifting, providing a practically unlimited number of gear options that can be automatically set with the electronic shifting system.
Gear shifting is practically noiseless with the Aurora Limited, and you can’t suffer a chain drop while shifting due to the CVT system operation. With a belt cover and full fender coverage, the belt system will stay clean of debris.
Belts are typically lasting longer since they aren’t worn out as fast by the motor system as chains are. While it may feel a bit different compared to riding a traditional bicycle, you’ll immensely enjoy the performance advantages that come with riding the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike and its CVT drivetrain system.
Brakes
Just as important as a good drivetrain and motor system is having reliable brakes. That’s what you have with the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. The Aurora Limited has 180 mm sized rotors in the front, where greater braking power is needed, and 160 mm rotors in the back, which cuts down on the bike setup’s total weight.
While they both have different advantages, we typically like hydraulic disc brakes over mechanical disc brakes since they last longer, are more durable, and have excellent brake customization options. Additionally, the Aurora Limited has an integrated braking motor system. As soon as you pull on the adjustable brake levers, the motor system will cut off automatically.
Not only does having an integrated braking motor system help you come to a quick stop, but because the motor and brakes aren’t competing against each other, it’ll extend the life of both components as well.
Suspension
You can ride the EVELO Aurora Limited can almost anywhere, in large part due to the SR Suntour XCM spring suspension system. With 100 mm of travel, the Suntour XCM fork also has a hydraulic lockout, preload adjustment, and compression adjustment for even more personalized shock absorption.
Not only can you ride over cobblestone and gravel easily, but you can definitely take the EVELO Aurora Limited out on light and moderate mountain bike trails as well. This is not a dedicated mountain bike, so we would avoid taking the EVELO Aurora Limited out on serious mountain biking trails, especially since you would need wider tires.
Everywhere else, though, is open for you. You’ll have a fantastic time on the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike.
Pedals
While they might not seem like a significant component, the pedals are often how you can spot the difference between a mid-tier and premium level eBike. The EVELO Aurora features Wellgo comfort aluminum alloy platform pedals. These are our preferred pedal setup over typical plastic platform pedals.
Aluminum alloy pedals have greater traction support, making it easier to maintain your foot grip as you ride, and are far less likely to break when you suffer a crash than plastic platform pedals. As an added benefit, the EVELO Aurora Limited also has an extra rubber grip to its pedals, reducing the wear and tear on your riding shoes as you hit challenging mountain biking trails. These are fantastic pedals, and they serve to attest to the overall premium build of the Aurora Limited electric bike.
Grips and Saddle
The grips, saddle, and handlebars all contribute to the Aurora Limited’s overall comfort. The ergonomic rubber grips are very nice and cushy to hold. The ergonomic design is built for several hours of straight riding without irritating your hands.
The grips are locked onto the handlebars and provide a tighter hold while being easier to replace than glued on grips.
The handlebars themselves are swept back for relaxed upright hold, with a 650 mm length so that tall riders can enjoy riding the Aurora Limited just as much as shorter riders.
The Velo Breeze comfort saddle is built with memory foam and is large enough to support almost any rider size. EVELO even offers a ‘perfect seat’ guarantee and will help you find a saddle that will match your riding preferences. If they can’t provide you with the riding saddle, they’ll reimburse you up to 40 to help you find your favorite saddle from your local bike shop. EVELO wants you to have a comfortable riding experience, and they stand out as one of the top companies in the eBike industry to go out of their way to help every eBike customer they have.
Wheels and Tires
We’re glad to report that the EVELO Aurora Limited has tires that match the high quality set by the rest of the eBike. The tires are custom made by Innova and measure 26’’ by 2.8’’, mounted on HJC DA-45 36 hole aluminum alloy double-wall rims.
Both the front and back tires have matching stainless steel 13 gauge spokes, with a recommended 20 to 45 PSI inflation range. Deflate your tire to the 20 PSI range if you intend to go trail riding or hit the beach. 45 PSI is better suited for better acceleration when you’re commuting to work or around town. With Aramid puncture protection, you’ll rarely suffer a flat either, helping you travel far on the EVELO Aurora Limited without wasting much time trying to maintain it.
Accessories/Upgrades
The EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike is stacked with a large assortment of accessories and upgrades, to the point that most riders don’t need to add more outside of their initial order.
A powerful headlight and taillight are both included out of the box, and this is one of the rare eBikes to come with a loud, effective bell you won’t try to replace immediately.
Full plastic fender coverage helps preserve the CVT drivetrain. Other features like the adjustable kickstand and rear cargo rack further highlight the great value of the EVELO Aurora Limited eBike.
In terms of must-have upgrades, the only thing we recommend is some reflective taping for the tires since it makes it much easier for others to spot you when coming at your side. EVELO does have a few other official accessories that make the riding experience even more enjoyable, including the following:
- EVELO Rack Top Pannier Bag
- EVELO Smartphone HolderQuickLock
- EVELO Rear Rack Basket
- EVELO Bar End Mirror
- EVELO Aluminum Water Bottle Holder
- EVELO Cane Creek Thudbuster Seatpost
- EVELO Bike Cover
Recommendation
Experienced cyclists and newcomers to biking can benefit from having a premium eBike model that provides excellent performance while lasting for many years to come.
That’s exactly what you’ll find with the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike. The many stellar parts make it a highly durable and practical electric bicycle.
The hydroformed high-strength 6061 aluminum alloy frame is incredibly sturdy while providing generous weight support for adult riders and their cargo. A rear cargo rack is included in the base model.
Not only is the eBike stable enough to support a large weight capacity, but it has the motor power to support it. The 105 Nm torque Dapu mid-drive motor is among the most robust motors we’ve had the chance to review.
The Smart charger needs an upgrade, but we definitely appreciate the EVELO branded 672 Wh battery that helps the Aurora Limited travel over 60 miles on a single charge. The Aurora Limited’s main draw is the Enviolo Continuously Variable Transmission drivetrain, with unlimited gear shifting and a longer-lasting system due to its reliance on a belt drive. Throw in the Rapid stopping Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, the Velo breeze comfort saddle, the headlight, and taillight combination, and all of the other extras that come with the Aurora Limited, and you wind up with one of the most feature-heavy eBikes out on the market.
If you want one of the best electric bikes available on the market and want to try one of the latest innovations in the biking industry, you should absolutely consider buying the Evelo Aurora Limited electric bike!
Thank you for reading our spec review of the EVELO Aurora Limited electric bike. If you would like to see a performance or video review from our team, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know any other questions you may have!
Common Problems With Evelo Bikes (Do This Before…)
According to a fair number of consumers, Evelo has one of the best customer service departments in the world. Unfortunately, many have less positive things to say about their e-bikes. But what are the most common issues they encounter?
Based on complaints made to forums and to Evelo themselves, the pedal assists, brake sensors, and battery display all tend to malfunction easily. Additionally, their e-bikes are prone to bad connections at the rear wheel hub, as well as clicking and rattling sounds throughout.
Fortunately, at least a couple of these issues have easy solutions for those in need of them.
Bad Connections at Hub
Some users complain that Evelo bikes are prone to loose connections around the rear wheel hub. This complaint seems particularly prevalent with Evelo’s Aurora model.
The main cable running into the rear wheel hub becomes loose or dislodged, sometimes creating problems with the throttle or controller. Sometimes the cable frays, revealing loose wires.
In the event that the cable becomes damaged, it often needs replacement. Since this particular cable can cost as much as 60, those who encounter this issue tend to find it particularly frustrating.
- First, disconnect the shifter and see where the cable passes through the down tube.
- Find a thin, durable rope and tie it to the end of the problem-causing cable.
- Pull the cable through the down tube, leaving a visible length of rope exposed on the end facing the handlebars.
- Tie the exposed end of the rope to the new cable and tighten it to hold fast while merging the cable ties.
If the cable is simply loose but undamaged, you can begin with the first step and simply tighten the connection yourself.
You may still wish to use a bit of rope to hold it in place and prevent the issue from reoccurring.
Clicking and Rattling Sounds
A number of Evelo’s customers have complained about clicking and rattling sounds emanating from their bikes, particularly while accelerating. Unfortunately, this complaint takes far too many forms to accommodate a single diagnosis.
For instance, one complaint details a ticking sound from the rear axle on one of Evelo’s Compass trike models. Another complains of rattling sounds in the motor component of the Galaxy 500, possibly from a loose screw.
In both of these cases, Evelo replaced the bike entirely. Unfortunately, both users complain that the replacements suffered further issues.
The lack of a unified diagnosis or solution makes it virtually impossible to recommend a single course of action.
Those who lack mechanical knowhow will need to consult with an e-bike mechanic or contact Evelo’s customer service and hope for better luck with their replacement.
Delayed Pedal Assist
This issue only occurs in certain Evelo models that utilize cadence sensors as opposed to torque sensors. When the pedal assist system operates on a torque sensor, the motor puts out more power as the rider pedals harder.
A cadence sensor does the opposite. In theory, this should make for an easier riding experience, as less pedaling is required.
However, Evelo bikes that operate on a cadence sensor don’t always kick in as soon as the rider stops pedaling.
This issue isn’t technically unique to Evelo as a brand, but the complaint stems from the fact that this delay will specifically occur just after the rider pedals enough to activate the sensor.
To understand why this is a problem, imagine pedaling uphill. You pedal hard to engage the motor, yet the pedal assist isn’t quite kicking in as you’re mounting your seat, leaving you unprepared if you momentarily slide backward.
Some experienced bike users will argue this is simply a matter of knowing how to work with the type of pedal assist your bike utilizes. Essentially, it’s a matter of taste.
The best solution is to simply know your own riding style and avoid models with a sensor that doesn’t suit your preferences.
Faulty Brake Sensors
Evelo bikes contain sensors on each side of the brake lever. This sensor’s purpose is to disengage the motor when squeezing the lever. Unfortunately, this sensor does not always work as intended. It may fall out of adjustment or may simply be faulty.
The good news is you don’t need to crash in order to diagnose this issue. It will show on your bike display as Error 25.
Note that some users have complained of receiving new bikes with air in the brake lines. However, Error 25 indicates you should check the sensors before looking at the brakes themselves.
- Disconnect one of the two brake lever plugs and power on the bike again. If the problem goes away, you’ve discovered the root cause.
- If the problem persists, reconnect the plug and disconnect the other one to see if the error is resolved.
- Having identified which plug is causing problems, contact Evelo to have it replaced.
- If the error continues to present itself after testing both plugs, take the bike to a mechanic or contact Evelo for further assistance and potentially a replacement bike.
Inaccurate Battery Display
Some customers complain that the battery indicator and bike display do not always align. While the battery light indicates a full charge, the display will show a charge of below 100%.
Evelo claims this is normal for newer bikes, and that the solution is to run the battery down to 0% before charging it fully again, which should resolve the issue.
If this solution fails, there may be a problem with the battery itself. Battery issues are actually one of the more common hassles with electric bikes in general. They sometimes fail to hold a charge, especially when damaged or exposed to extreme temperatures.
It may be worth checking for a blown fuse or another issue before having it replaced outright.
Conclusion
Evelo dedicates themselves to customer service and rarely charges restocking fees on replacements. However, a number of users complain about replacing a bike with one of the above issues, only to receive a bike with the same issue or others.
If the above hassles seem reasonable, stick with a brand that values customer service.
If, however, you’re a new customer looking for a consistently dependable brand, or a frustrated Evelo user who encounters these issues frequently, the solution may simply be to take yourself out of the game.
Some of these issues won’t be going away any time soon.
EVELO Atlas.
The EVELO Atlas is ready for the trip, and offers all of the features needed to complete such an epic journey. Years of research and development has created a powerful, long range, and reliable electric bicycle, perfect for breaking a world record.
Why Robert Chose EVELO Atlas
A lot goes into the selection of the electric bike that you’re looking to take on a multi-country, 8,000 mile journey.
I knew that the eBike I chose for this challenge would need to be able handle the journey and I had 3 non-negotiables for it.
Its motor and performance had to provide a smooth ride with little to no maintenance. We don’t have a local bike shop where we’re going
I need power, power and more power. I have some pretty steep hill climbs planned and I want to make sure the bike can handle getting me to the top!
After a lot of research and comparing many eBikes, I selected the EVELO Atlas as the perfect companion for this journey.
I found that the Atlas has the perfect balance of performance and power. Not only it would give me all the power I needed and then some, but also a smooth ride.
The extra bonus is that I can add a secondary battery system with a rear rack for the longer days. Boosting my range up to 100 miles means that there won’t be any days when I need to worry that the battery is going to die on me mid-ride.
Combined, the batteries offer up to a 100 miles of real world riding. When utilizing both batteries, the system will automatically switch from the main integrated frame battery to the secondary battery seamlessly, meaning I don’t need to get off the bike and mess around. As such, can keep my momentum and keep riding uninterrupted.
EVELO Atlas also got a powerful mid-drive motor giving me the power to get up any hill with ease. EVELO has teamed up with the engineers at Bafang (the worlds largest eBike motor Manufacturer) to release a custom tuned version of their M600 motor system, providing a whopping 1200 Watts Peak Power top speed of 28mph right out of the box.
On top of all of that, the EVELO Atlas also features an Enviolo CVT Hub with manual shifting. This means I get more mileage with less maintenance. The manual shifter gives me direct control and infinite gearing so I am always in the best gear possible.
When riding 70 miles per day, the weight of the bike and maintenance become a challenge. SInce the Atlas has belt drive system it reduces the overall weight of the bike plus eliminates any maintenance. such as the need to lube the chain,
Belt Drives are the perfect component to pair with Mid Drive motors and Internally Geared Hubs, such as the Enviolo CVT, since there are no external gears to deal with.
All this translates to the smoothest, cleanest, and longest lasting bicycle drivetrain possible. Which is exactly what I need to set a new Guiness World record and enjoy the process.