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Reviewer: Kathryn White

Retailer: electricbikesales.co.uk

Purchase Price: £499

Time Owned: 8 Months

Terrain: Very Hilly

Strengths:
Comfy and sturdy. This bike has got me commuting to work everyday and it is uphill all the way home. I don't have much experience of other electric bikes, but it is smooth and quiet. It will pull a tag along bike / carry a child on the back too. I live in Bristol, which has very hilly bits that the throttle alone cannot manage. But the pedelec has been a serious leg/lung saver.

Weaknesses:
My throttle broke pretty quickly, but it didn't matter to me as I only used the pedelec anyway. I was expecting more from the range, but I guess it must be the amount of hills I have to cover. I am sure it never managed more than about 15 miles. It is really HEAVY. Getting it in and out of a shed / van / door etc is really hard work. I have to admit that I have given it quite a thrashing, and the chain guard has broken off and the cranks make a serious creaky noise. Also, I am on my third set of brake pads - maybe due to its heaviness coupled with my downhill commute to work.

Summary:
Despite being heavy and obviously having pretty basic components, I have really enjoyed this bike. After 8 months my battery is getting to the end of its life and I am considering whether to buy a new one, or now I have my new found cycling legs, just to go back to fully human powered model! I would recommend this to anyone on a budget who wants to get out there and beat the traffic.

Overall Rating: 9