Hi,
Not knowing anything about electric bikes and being someone confused by reviews and advertising, back in June I bought a Smart e-bike. I would just like to say that these are a lot better than the review would have you believe but, they do have there plus and minuses. So, I thought it may be a nice idea to put a review on the Pedelec community from someone that actually owns one.
The minuses,
One size fits all. I am a little under 5 feet two but, of a reasonable leg lenght so I can ride it comfortable but, cannot quite reach the floor. The frame is shaped in such a way that it is safe to ride as I can go from seat to fram at a stop without damaging myself - but this is mildly annoying. Lots of complaints from people of 6 feet that they can be uncomfortable.
These bikes have not sold terribly well and mine had been on the shelf for a while. Net result, issues with the Magura breaks that apparently had not been set up properly at prepping - apparently needed greasing. This mean't two returns to Mecedes. Bit of a pain but they picked up the bike on both occaisons and, when I had problems for a second time, I was given 150.00 to spend on accessory of my choise. So I now have a nice carrier on the back.
I did not find the saddle as comfortable as promised. It is a gel saddle but, again I think it suffers from one backside size fits all. Padded cycle tights do help a lot.
Customer service was well "interesting". I went through Sytner, Mercedes Benz, Smart and Inchcotes at some point in my journey. They really did try but, they will still definately on a learning curve when it came to the Smart Bike. Inchcotes nearly had heart failure, both Mercedes and Sytner were polite but, had absolutely no technical knowledge. Finally they sent their specialist to a local Smart dealer to show them how to mend my breaks. It will be interesting to see how they have progressed when the bike is due an annual service.
Only has 3 gears. They are the useful ones but, it could do with a forth at least. If you are used to using your legs it does tend to run out of "umph". Kind of feels like you need to go to forth. Note its is UK restricted to 15mph so, at this point your are definately cycling. So it really isn't as "heavy" as the bike reveiws say and the smoothness of the ride compensates for some of the weight.
The Plusses
I bought this to take advantage on brand and its reputation for great engineering. This is the only bike I could find that had a power rejeneration mode, which allows you to rejerate the power by pedalling. Best done on a hill but, allows you to reduce your spead on a hill, carry on pedalling and increase you battery power as well. It does actually work but, you need to be prepared to expend a little energy if using this on the flat. I could not find another one that did that.
It looks great - too good for Grandma (I am one and I am no spring chicken - but I did not want to look like a Grandma).
Has never run out of "umph" on a hill yet.
Is incredably smooth between changing power levels - you do not feel it. Allows you to use the power levels comfortably. If you get it on the wrong level, you may feel a slight woosh or pull. Read the manual on how to use the power levels as it is not just a case of rack it up and go.
Reasonably good range - I would say 40+. The manual says max 62 dependant on riding style. Some reviews say 30 - they are definately applying to much power. 40+ is probably fair and that using lighting as daytime running lights.
Lights are excellent quality and appear like car lights. On a country lane withouth lighting they will actually alluminate the road but, can cause severe shadowing if you are riding behind other riders. My daughter complained that she could not tell if it was me or a car when I was riding behind her.
Eco pro continental plus tires - possibly one of the best tire types supplies as standard.
Carbon belt drive - no chain. No dirty trousers.
I got a special deal on my bike at 1800 new, which I thought was actually very reasonable when comparing with bikes of a similar spec. The deal is still available and the package comes with rear mud guard and light as part of the package.
Comes fully built and can be delivered on request but, make sure it is professionally prepped.
I am generally happy with my purchase and looking forward to the launch of the Brabus - the slightly faster version but, unfortunately I will need a moped licence. So I think I will be keeping my "Sadie" for a while yet
Not knowing anything about electric bikes and being someone confused by reviews and advertising, back in June I bought a Smart e-bike. I would just like to say that these are a lot better than the review would have you believe but, they do have there plus and minuses. So, I thought it may be a nice idea to put a review on the Pedelec community from someone that actually owns one.
The minuses,
One size fits all. I am a little under 5 feet two but, of a reasonable leg lenght so I can ride it comfortable but, cannot quite reach the floor. The frame is shaped in such a way that it is safe to ride as I can go from seat to fram at a stop without damaging myself - but this is mildly annoying. Lots of complaints from people of 6 feet that they can be uncomfortable.
These bikes have not sold terribly well and mine had been on the shelf for a while. Net result, issues with the Magura breaks that apparently had not been set up properly at prepping - apparently needed greasing. This mean't two returns to Mecedes. Bit of a pain but they picked up the bike on both occaisons and, when I had problems for a second time, I was given 150.00 to spend on accessory of my choise. So I now have a nice carrier on the back.
I did not find the saddle as comfortable as promised. It is a gel saddle but, again I think it suffers from one backside size fits all. Padded cycle tights do help a lot.
Customer service was well "interesting". I went through Sytner, Mercedes Benz, Smart and Inchcotes at some point in my journey. They really did try but, they will still definately on a learning curve when it came to the Smart Bike. Inchcotes nearly had heart failure, both Mercedes and Sytner were polite but, had absolutely no technical knowledge. Finally they sent their specialist to a local Smart dealer to show them how to mend my breaks. It will be interesting to see how they have progressed when the bike is due an annual service.
Only has 3 gears. They are the useful ones but, it could do with a forth at least. If you are used to using your legs it does tend to run out of "umph". Kind of feels like you need to go to forth. Note its is UK restricted to 15mph so, at this point your are definately cycling. So it really isn't as "heavy" as the bike reveiws say and the smoothness of the ride compensates for some of the weight.
The Plusses
I bought this to take advantage on brand and its reputation for great engineering. This is the only bike I could find that had a power rejeneration mode, which allows you to rejerate the power by pedalling. Best done on a hill but, allows you to reduce your spead on a hill, carry on pedalling and increase you battery power as well. It does actually work but, you need to be prepared to expend a little energy if using this on the flat. I could not find another one that did that.
It looks great - too good for Grandma (I am one and I am no spring chicken - but I did not want to look like a Grandma).
Has never run out of "umph" on a hill yet.
Is incredably smooth between changing power levels - you do not feel it. Allows you to use the power levels comfortably. If you get it on the wrong level, you may feel a slight woosh or pull. Read the manual on how to use the power levels as it is not just a case of rack it up and go.
Reasonably good range - I would say 40+. The manual says max 62 dependant on riding style. Some reviews say 30 - they are definately applying to much power. 40+ is probably fair and that using lighting as daytime running lights.
Lights are excellent quality and appear like car lights. On a country lane withouth lighting they will actually alluminate the road but, can cause severe shadowing if you are riding behind other riders. My daughter complained that she could not tell if it was me or a car when I was riding behind her.
Eco pro continental plus tires - possibly one of the best tire types supplies as standard.
Carbon belt drive - no chain. No dirty trousers.
I got a special deal on my bike at 1800 new, which I thought was actually very reasonable when comparing with bikes of a similar spec. The deal is still available and the package comes with rear mud guard and light as part of the package.
Comes fully built and can be delivered on request but, make sure it is professionally prepped.
I am generally happy with my purchase and looking forward to the launch of the Brabus - the slightly faster version but, unfortunately I will need a moped licence. So I think I will be keeping my "Sadie" for a while yet
