Description
Specifications
- BATTERY: 36v10.4ah lithium ion for NZ conditions – superior weatherproofing. USB charge port.
- RACK: Heavy duty rear battery rack, with elastic for luggage.
- BRAKE: Front disc and rear V brake.
- SECURITY: Integrated frame C-lock for easy security (locks the rear wheel).
- GEARS: Shimano Nexus 3 speed internal hub gears and Revo shifter.
- FRAME: Alloy stepthru frame. Centre-mounted adjustable kickstand.
- HANDLE: Adjustable headset. Comfort handgrips.
- MUD GUARD: Polypropylene guards with heavy duty stays.
- TYRE: CST Commuter, Kevlar guard, 26” X 1.9.
- RIM: Colour-matched Alex GX-2100 alloy.
- DISPLAY PANEL: LED console with 5 level assist. Active throttle in all modes.
- LIGHT: Integrated front and rear light powered from the main battery.
- SEAT: Smartmotion comfort seat.
- CABLES: Marine-rated cable plugs on all components for simple and quick servicing/replacement.
- WARRANTY: 2 year warranty on battery and motor, 6 year on frame, 12 months other parts.
Derek Zilich –
I’ve been riding electric bikes for almost 10 years now, so I know a good e-bike when I see one, or to be more precise – experience one. What impressed me when I first hopped on for a test ride is the sturdiness of the frame and the comfort of the seat. You can feel that the Smartmotion Essence was ‘made-to-last’ and it was no surprise to me that the Smartmotion brand of e-bikes are used by NZ Post.
Th ‘Essence model has 3 Shimano Nexus speed internal hub gears and Revo shifter. This was important to me as, personally, I prefer revo shift as opposed to an 8-speed cassette 11-34 gear set (push for up and flick for down) and prefer only 3 gears for the riding that I want to do. What I found, through mounting and dismounting (and it’s one thing to watch out for) when you are walking with the Smartmotion Essence it seems to have a mind of its own and the throttle engages and the front wheel spins without prompting and walks YOU forward. Maybe it’s a personality trait with my e-bike, but I now make sure I hit the on/off switch on the LED console of the handle bars to remind it who’s in control.
In comparison to previous e-bikes I have owned, the ‘Essence model is ‘logical’ as the front and back lights are all connected to the battery and cabling mechanisms – all inclusive and one button turns the lot off when you dismount; then an easy-to-use integrated, frame C-lock for easy lockup (locks the rear wheel) – in my house we call this a ‘Dutch lock’.
The lithium battery (with a 2-year warranty) is well designed and is 36v10.4ah with superior weatherproofing and has a USB charge port. I don’t know whether you can charge the battery this way or it’s there to top up your iPhone or laptop, but it’s pretty cool – a ‘nice to have’. But in my book, a ‘must have’ with any modern e-bike is a reliable braking system, and this e-bike has a front disc and rear V brake.
All-in-all, the Smartmotion Essence is a reliable, sturdy, made-to-last e-bike with useful design and comfort (seat and handle grips) for the asking price. Remember, always test ride an e-bike before you consider it. Better still, try to take one home for the weekend and get to know it well. 4 stars out 5.