Are you looking for a last-mile vehicle for your daily commutes or an e-bike to get around your neighborhood? The ECOTRIC 20″ New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike is a good combination of quality and style at the best possible price. To help you make the right decision, let’s go over the main features and pros and cons of this folding electric road bike.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
500W Motor Paired with a Rear 36V Lithium Battery
This folding e-bike has a powerful 500-watt brushless geared motor, which you’ll normally find in more expensive e-bikes. It’s powered by a 36-volt/12 amp-hour (Ah) lithium battery, which offers 18 to 23 miles (electric only) of distance at a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) on a single charge.
The lithium battery is removable, so you can charge it inside your home, office, or wherever to charge for 6 to 8 hours, depending on the remaining power. It’s easy to tell if it’s already fully charge—the light changes from red to green. On a level ground, the battery could last around 2 1/2 hours.
Shimano 7-Speed System
It’s equipped with 7-speed external gears, so it’s relatively easier to tackle flat and moderately inclined terrains. It doesn’t have suspension forks, only a front unicrown fork, so expect to feel the bumps and cracks in the road.
With 20-inch x 4-inch anti-skid fat tires, it’s expected to ride over soft terrains, such as mud, sand, and snow, without problems. The 20-inch wheels are fitted with 160mm mechanical disc brake rotors (TEKTRO Novela), which are best for urban cycling. It also comes with an outage braking system to provide security by making sure the e-bike will come to an abrupt stop.
Sturdy Folding Frame with Linearness Design
The space-saving folding design of this e-bike is one of its most appealing features. When you need to store it, simply pop out the screws and pull them up to fold in half the frame and fold down the handlebar. The exact folding size of this e-bike is 39 inches (length) x 28 inches (height).
This weighs around 51.2 pounds and can carry up to 240 pounds of rider and luggage weight. This is for people who are 5 feet and 2 inches to 6 feet and 1 inch tall.
2 Modes of Bike Assistance
You can use this bike without assistance from the bike’s motor (man-powered-only mode). Or, you can switch from the pedal-assist mode to the throttle mode, or vice versa, depending on your needs.
The throttle is a half-twist type, which is more comfortable than the thumb throttle type. If you need the motor to power and propel the e-bike forward, simply twist the throttle—like you would normally do when driving a motorcycle—according to the amount of acceleration you need.
Additional Details
- Inner tube: 20-inch x 4-inch/4.9-inch
- LED display – shows battery level, pedal assist levels (low, mid, high), on-off button, and 6km constant speed cruise button
- Adjustable handlebar and seat heights
- Front, rear, and wheel reflectors
- Shimano 7-speed shifter lever
The Good
No-Sweat Assembly
The ECOTRIC 20″ New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike is 90% assembled when you get it. The front fender, front wheel, handlebar control module, pedals, saddle, and tires are the only parts you need to attach to the e-bike. You could probably finish putting this together within 30 minutes, more or less.
Powerful and Fast-Charging Battery
The advertised charging time is 6 to 8 hours if it’s completely drained. But, in some instances, it only takes around 2 to 3 hours if it was down to two bars. You do need to charge it frequently, but it still holds enough power if you don’t use it within three months—if it’s fully charged before that.
Some people have been riding it almost daily. And, after 10 to 25 miles of riding it with minimal pedaling, the battery still has 50% to 75% of battery life. You may drain the battery faster depending on your weight, the type of riding you do, and the road condition.
Provides Fun and Effortless Rides
The motor in this e-bike is really powerful. The pedal-assist mode works great in most instances. The e-bike immediately senses when you’re pedaling and engages the motor, so you can take off with ease. It would’ve been nice if it has a speedometer just like the Goplus Folding Electric Bicycle Portable E-Bike.
Looking for a last-mile solution to your daily commutes? Get the ECOTRIC 20″ New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike now.
The Bad
Problematic 810 LED Controller
If this e-bike has a major flaw, it would be its controller. One reason is it doesn’t allow riders to turn off the pedal assist or the throttle. Once turned on, both assist modes are available. Another reason is the “low” pedal-assist mode is too fast that you feel like you’re losing control of the e-bike.
Don’t Let the Battery Die
You could still ride this like a normal bike if the battery dies. However, since this is heavy, your legs will tire easily and the ride is going to be slower.
The Addmotor MOTAN Folding Electric Bike is worth considering. It costs a bit more, but it offers more powerful motor and lithium battery.
Controller Housing Box without Drainage Holes
This is a problem when there’s moisture and water build up inside the housing box. If you don’t fix it, it could eventually damage the controller.
Who Is It For?
The ECOTRIC 20″ New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike is for both newbie and longtime bike commuters. People living in small spaces would also appreciate it.
Since it doesn’t have suspension forks and shock absorbers, it should be used mainly on smooth and flat concrete or asphalt roads. If you’re looking for a folding e-bike for mountain biking, try the ferty Folding 36V 250W Electric Moped Sport Mountain Men Bicycle.
Conclusion
It has flaws. The biggest flaw is the controller. You can always replace it with a new one, which could cost anywhere between $10 and $50, if you want. Overall, this e-bike is built well and is enjoyable to ride, especially on flat roads. Based on the many positive reviews, this is worth the buy.
Get some fresh air or exercise with the ECOTRIC 20″ New Fat Tire Folding Electric Bike. Click the link below to get it today.