A Closer Look at the Pedego Element Electric Bike
If you’re digging through “pedego element reviews” to understand what this eBike brings to the table, we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it down for you.
Quick Takeaways:
- Popularity: Highly visible on roads, more so than other brands.
- Design: Cool electric blue color with standout colored rims.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of rider heights (4’11” and up).
- Comfort: Praise for its stability and lack of rattling.
- Service: Strong dealer network for test rides and personalized service.
The Pedego Element Electric Bike has captured the interest of many eco-conscious, tech-savvy riders. This eBike stands out for its vibrant design, solid build, and customizability. Whether you’re commuting or hitting rugged trails, this versatile bike aims to deliver a seamless ride.
Chris Crossed, an experienced reviewer, has highlighted both its strengths and weaknesses. While the bike receives high marks for comfort and design, it also poses challenges in handling and power delivery, especially for less experienced riders.
With this article, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview, delving into the features, performance, pros and cons, and how it compares with other Pedego models. We’ll also tackle common questions to give you a complete picture.
Key Features of the Pedego Element
When it comes to electric bikes, the Pedego Element shines with a blend of power, design, and practicality. Let’s explore what makes this bike a standout choice.
Motor
The Pedego Element is powered by a 749W motor, which delivers quick accelerations and a robust torque of 60Nm. This motor ensures that you can handle various terrains with ease, whether you’re commuting in the city or exploring off-road trails.
Battery
You have two battery options to choose from: 10.4Ah and 14Ah. While these may not be the largest batteries on the market, they offer a respectable range of 30 to 45 miles, respectively. The use of premium Samsung cells ensures reliability and longevity, backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty.
Top Speed
The bike can reach a top speed of 20 mph, making it a solid choice for both leisurely rides and quicker commutes. This speed is typical for Class 2 eBikes, ensuring you stay within legal limits while still enjoying a fast ride.
Range
Depending on the battery choice, the Pedego Element offers a range of 30 to 45 miles on a single charge. This range is sufficient for most daily commutes and weekend trips, giving you the freedom to explore without constant recharging.
Weight
One of the surprising aspects of the Pedego Element is its weight. Despite its robust build, the bike is reasonably light, making it easier to handle, lift, and transport. This is particularly beneficial for riders who need to carry the bike up steps or load it into a vehicle.
Brakes
Safety is crucial, and the Pedego Element doesn’t disappoint. The bike features mechanical disc brakes, providing reliable stopping power in various weather conditions. These brakes ensure you can ride confidently, knowing you can stop quickly when needed.
Tires
The Pedego Element comes with fat tires, which contribute to a comfortable and stable ride. These tires are great for absorbing shocks from uneven terrains, making your ride smoother even without a suspension system.
Extras
The Pedego Element is packed with additional features that improve its versatility and convenience:
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PedalSense®: This advanced pedal-assist system adapts to your pedaling patterns, offering a personalized riding experience. You can switch between torque or cadence-based pedal assistance, or even use throttle-only modes.
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Lights: The bike includes a 200-lumen LED headlight for night rides, along with brake-sensing rear lights and turn signals for added safety.
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Full Fenders: These come standard and are essential for keeping you clean and dry during off-road trips.
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Rear Rack: A sturdy rack capable of carrying up to 55 lbs, perfect for commuting or grocery runs.
Overall, the Pedego Element is a well-rounded eBike that offers a balanced mix of power, comfort, and extra features. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or new to eBikes, this model has something to offer.
Next, we’ll dive into the performance and ride quality of the Pedego Element to see how it fares on the road.
Performance and Ride Quality
Let’s talk about how the Pedego Element performs on the road and what you can expect in terms of ride quality.
Handling
The Pedego Element is designed to be nimble. Its short wheelbase makes it easy to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. However, some riders have noted that the bike can feel a bit “twitchy,” particularly at low speeds or when coming to a stop. This is something to keep in mind if you plan to ride in areas with lots of stop-and-go traffic.
“Handling under most all circumstances is extremely sketchy and twitchy.“
Power Delivery
One of the standout features of the Pedego Element is its 749W motor, which delivers a peak power of 1,000W. This motor provides quick acceleration and can handle hills with ease. However, the power delivery isn’t always consistent. Some users have reported that the power comes on strong initially and then levels off, which can be a bit jarring if you’re not prepared for it.
Throttle Use
The throttle on the Pedego Element is both a blessing and a curse. It’s great for those moments when you need a quick burst of speed, like getting up a hill or crossing an intersection. However, it does have a slight delay, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. The throttle is also designed to be safe, requiring a full twist to activate, which adds to the delay but ensures you won’t accidentally engage it.
Pedal Assist
The Pedego Element features a PedalSense® system that offers both torque and cadence-based pedal assist. This means the bike can adapt to your pedaling style, providing a more personalized riding experience. However, like many cadence sensor bikes, it requires a half revolution of the pedals to engage, which can be problematic if you’re in a tricky situation where you need immediate power.
Ride Comfort
Despite lacking a suspension system, the Pedego Element manages to offer a relatively comfortable ride, thanks to its fat tires. These tires do a good job of absorbing shocks from rough terrain, but you will still feel the bumps when you leave smooth surfaces. If you plan to take the bike off-road, be prepared to use your knees as natural shock absorbers to keep the ride comfortable.
“When riding sand and trails, I spent a lot of the time rising out of the saddle and using soft knees to keep the ride nice and comfortable.”
In summary, the Pedego Element offers a mixed bag when it comes to performance and ride quality. It excels in power and versatility but has some quirks that may take a bit of getting used to. Next, let’s weigh the pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right eBike for you.
Pros and Cons
Let’s break down the strengths and weaknesses of the Pedego Element, using insights from pedego element reviews and user experiences.
Pros
1. Lightweight Design
One of the most appreciated features is its light weight. Despite having a robust frame, the bike is easy to lift and maneuver. This makes it convenient for riders who need to carry the bike up steps or load it into a vehicle.
2. Fun to Ride
The Pedego Element is described as “ridiculously fun” to ride. The quick acceleration and high top speed, especially at Level 5 assist, make it an exhilarating experience. The fat tires also contribute to a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and providing stability on varied terrains.
3. Customizable Features
The bike offers several customization options, including fenders, a rack, and a suspension seatpost. This allows riders to tailor the bike to their specific needs and preferences.
4. Attractive Design
The vibrant colors, especially the electric blue, and colored rims make the Pedego Element stand out visually. Its clean, low-profile look is another aesthetic plus.
5. Comfort
Despite the lack of a full suspension system, the bike’s fat tires and optional suspension seatpost provide a comfortable ride. The upright riding position is also comfortable for those not used to more aerodynamic positions.
Cons
1. Handling Issues
Handling is a significant concern. Many users have found the bike to be twitchy and unstable at low speeds or when stopping. The small wheels and upright riding position contribute to this instability, making it challenging to maintain balance.
“Handling under most all circumstances is extremely sketchy and twitchy.”
2. Inconsistent Power Delivery
The power delivery can be inconsistent. The motor tends to provide a strong initial burst of power that then levels off, which can be jarring. This inconsistency makes it difficult to predict how the bike will respond to pedaling input.
3. Throttle Delay
While the throttle is a useful feature, it has a noticeable delay. This can be frustrating when you need immediate power, such as when starting from a stop or climbing a hill.
4. Pedal Assist Lag
The PedalSense® system requires a half revolution of the pedals to engage. This delay can be problematic in situations where immediate power is needed.
5. Stability Concerns
The bike’s design places almost no weight over the front wheel, making it tough to maintain balance. This is particularly challenging for older riders or those new to eBikes.
“I would caution older riders and/or inexperienced riders from buying this bike without a longer demo ride.”
User Experiences
User reviews provide a mixed bag of experiences. Some riders enjoy the bike’s fun and customizable features, while others struggle with its handling and power delivery.
“The bike is very, very twitchy and power delivery is not in any way linear with pedal input.”
Overall, the Pedego Element is a versatile eBike with some standout features, but it does have its quirks. If you’re considering this bike, it’s crucial to test ride it to ensure it meets your expectations and comfort level.
Next, we’ll compare the Pedego Element with other popular Pedego models to give you a clearer picture of where it stands in the lineup.
Comparison with Other Pedego Models
Pedego Element vs Avenue
The Pedego Element and the Avenue cater to different types of riders. The Element, with its fat tires and rugged design, is built for versatility and off-road capability. It’s perfect for those who want to explore trails and uneven terrains. On the other hand, the Avenue is more suited for city commuting. It features a more relaxed posture and is designed for smooth rides on paved roads.
Design and Color Options:
- Element: Vibrant colors like electric blue and colored rims.
- Avenue: More subdued color options, focusing on a sleek urban look.
Off-Road Capability:
- Element: Excellent, thanks to its 20″ fat tires.
- Avenue: Limited, as it’s primarily designed for city use.
Pedego Element vs City Commuter
When comparing the Element to the City Commuter, the differences become more pronounced. The City Commuter is optimized for those who need a reliable bike for daily travel in urban environments. It offers a more traditional bike feel with larger wheels and a focus on efficiency and comfort over long distances.
Riding Comfort:
- Element: Comfortable with fat tires and optional suspension seatpost.
- City Commuter: Designed for long-distance comfort with a more ergonomic frame.
Performance:
- Element: Versatile with a more rugged build.
- City Commuter: Efficient and smooth, ideal for daily commutes.
Pedego Element vs Platinum
The Element Platinum is an upgraded version of the Element, designed for those who crave more power and advanced features. The Platinum model is a step up in terms of motor power, battery capacity, and overall performance.
Key Features:
- Motor: Element Platinum has a 749W motor with 60Nm torque.
- Battery: Offers options of 48V 10Ah or 14Ah with Samsung cells.
- Top Speed: Class 3 mode open upable to 28MPH.
Brakes:
- Element: Standard brakes.
- Platinum: Dual-piston TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors.
Overall Quality:
- Element: Solid for casual riders.
- Platinum: High-end features for advanced users.
In summary, the Pedego Element stands out for its versatility and fun ride, while models like the Avenue, City Commuter, and Platinum offer specialized features for different riding needs. Whether you’re looking for a rugged trip bike or a reliable city commuter, Pedego has a model to suit your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pedego Element Reviews
How fast is the Pedego Element?
The Pedego Element has a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h). This makes it a Class 2 e-bike, which is ideal for those who want a balance between speed and safety. The motor is a 500W continuous, 1,000W peak rear geared hub motor, providing quick acceleration to reach that top speed efficiently.
What is the difference between Pedego Element and Avenue?
The Pedego Element and Avenue are designed for different riding experiences. The Element is built for versatility and off-road capability. Its 20″ fat tires and rugged design make it perfect for trails and uneven terrains. In contrast, the Avenue is custom for city commuting with a more relaxed posture and smooth ride on paved roads.
Design and Color Options:
- Element: Vibrant colors like electric blue and colored rims.
- Avenue: Subdued color options focusing on a sleek urban look.
Off-Road Capability:
- Element: Excellent, thanks to its 20″ fat tires.
- Avenue: Limited, as it’s primarily designed for city use.
Does the Pedego Element have a throttle?
Yes, the Pedego Element features a throttle. This allows riders to engage the motor without pedaling, which is especially useful for getting started from a stop or tackling steep hills. The throttle power ramps up slowly for safety, but this can be a bit frustrating when you need immediate power.
Battery and Brakes:
- Battery: 48V 10Ah (480 Wh), offering an estimated range of 20-40 miles depending on usage.
- Brakes: Shimano BR-M375 mechanical disc brakes, providing reliable stopping power.
Gears and Display:
- Gears: 7-speed drivetrain with Microshift transmission.
- Display: Backlit LCD screen that shows key metrics like battery life, speed, and distance. There is also a USB charging port for added convenience.
In summary, the Pedego Element is a versatile e-bike that combines off-road capability with practical commuting features. Its throttle, robust battery, and reliable brakes make it a solid choice for various riding conditions. Whether you’re hitting the trails or cruising through the city, the Pedego Element has you covered.
Conclusion
The Pedego Element is a versatile and stylish electric bike that caters to a wide range of riders. With its vibrant colors, clean design, and customizable features, it stands out in the crowded e-bike market. Pedego Element reviews highlight its excellent build quality, comfort, and ride stability, making it a popular choice among casual riders.
Summary:
- Design and Colors: The electric blue color and colored rims add a unique aesthetic appeal.
- Versatility: Suitable for riders of various sizes and offers optional features for customization.
- Comfort: Suspension seatpost and rubber grips ensure a smooth ride.
- Performance: The 500W motor provides quick acceleration, and the 20″ fat tires offer stability on various terrains.
- Dealer Network: Pedego’s extensive dealer network ensures excellent customer service and support.
Recommendation:
If you’re considering an electric bike that offers both style and functionality, the Pedego Element is a strong contender. Its balance of performance, comfort, and design makes it an excellent choice for casual riders and those looking for a reliable e-bike for different riding conditions. We highly recommend taking a test ride at your local Pedego dealer to experience its features firsthand.
For more insights into e-bikes and to explore other reviews, visit Doot Scoot. Find why Pedego Element is a favorite among e-bike enthusiasts and find the perfect electric bike for your needs.
By focusing on the key aspects that make the Pedego Element a standout choice, we aim to guide you in making an informed decision. Happy riding!
