However, on Wednesday, April 13, when I drove by the University Inn, I was not pleased to see TWO scooters laying down in the middle of the sidewalk. I have seen them just laying down in the grass beside a sidewalk. These super custom e-bikes were part of the Gates E-Bike Showcase on display at the North American Handmade Bicycle Show in Charlotte, NC.
The Shimano drivetrain shifted flawlessly between its eight speeds, and the mechanical disc brakes on the front and rear worked capably in dry conditions. The bike comes about 75% pre-assembled, and I only needed to attach the front wheel and fender, handlebars and saddle. Things started off on the wrong foot when I realized some of the seat post assembly pieces were missing. (Luckily, my local bike co-op was able to hook me up with the needed parts!) But that was really the only major problem with assembly. I chose the Kent 27.5” from Walmart for a couple of reasons. Reviews often mentioned bad batteries, broken bike parts, or other annoying setbacks, and having a 90-day return policy was extremely important for peace of mind.
Front and rear fenders and a rear rack come standard on the Electric Cruiser, which was a bit of a surprise, given its relatively low price. Most of the people buying this bike will love the wide, padded saddle and upright ride position, but adjusting the saddle angle was next to impossible. If you’re looking for an inexpensive ebike for casual weekend rides, the Kent Electric Cruiser demands consideration. The price means that it lacks some of the advanced features of many electric models, and even more basic ones like quick release, but it looks great and rides well. On my test ride, I chose a 5-mile path that alternated between asphalt and gravel.
The service from Marcus was brilliant, gave us all a very detailed but efficient training session and off we went. All of the bikes worked very well, no technical problems and it was the best way to explore the countryside. Would highly recommend hiring these bikes if you’re planning for something to do whilst in the Biddenden. These are typically 24” kent electric bike or 26” mountain bikes, but the Kent Torpedo is particularly striking because it’s a 20” bike. Kent’s specialty brands, Van Dessel and Univega, this spring will launch the company’s first e-bike models incorporating new Panasonic mid-drive systems. The e-bikes will be assembled in Kent’s South Carolina factory and sold in North America and Europe.
They cost less to produce, and they are basically bulletproof in terms of user error. Walmart has long offered an interesting array of low-cost electric bicycles. Some of the bikes have even dipped down into ultra-budget territory with prices below $400.
The motor is supplied by an adorable little 24v 5.2Ah battery. The motor doesn’t add any assist unless the rider is pedaling, and the assist cuts out immediately when pedaling stops. There’s even a six-speed transmission that makes the bike extra pedal-friendly even without any electric assist.
700 x 40c hybrid tires offer a comfortable and stable ride, while the alloy adjustable stem and quick release adjustable saddle allow for a customized fit. The 350 watt rear hub motor provides a pedal-assisted boost that gives you the power you need to tackle any incline, while the lithium-ion battery delivers long-lasting power. The handlebar-mounted controller display has 3 speed settings, letting you easily switch between electric assist modes, and provides up to 40 miles of boosted range. Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands around town, the 700c Kent Hybrid E-Bike is the perfect companion for an efficient and enjoyable ride.