Hey everyone! I’ve got something exceptional to share with you. I had the opportunity to customize a USA-built e-bike from the Electric Bike Company. And let me tell you, it was an amazing experience! From start to finish, customizing this e-bike was fun but also incredibly personal, making it the most enjoyable e-bike I’ve ever reviewed.
I customized the Model R electric cruiser bike, a popular model with style, comfort, and high performance. I’ll give you the full scoop on this 750-watt, max 28 miles per hour e-bike, including the pros and cons and who this is the best e-bike for. Plus, I’ll show you how to customize your Electric Bike Company e-cruiser to fit your lifestyle and needs.
But that’s not all. I’ve got a surprise add-on that brings this bike’s style AND safety into the new year. It’s time to ride into the world of Electric Bike Company e-bike customization!
Let’s get started with the key pros of the exceptional Electric Bike Company Model R electric bike.
Pros of the Model R
Warranty
Electric Bike Company offers a 5-year battery warranty and a 10-year motor warranty. This is an exceptional offer, especially at its price point!
Custom Color Choices
I was first thrilled to discover their expansive custom color choices. This wasn’t just about picking an e-bike; it was about creating the perfect customized design. With a wide array of 44+ colors ranging from vibrant, eye-catching shades to elegant, classic tones, choosing was so much fun.
What really stood out to me was the ability to extend my color selection beyond the frame. I chose colors for the frame, fenders, suspension fork, chain guard, optional front basket & liner, rear rack, rims, grips, seat, and trim! This level of customization added a personal touch to my bike. I was also impressed by the quality of the paint finish, which tells me that the Electric Bike Company isn’t just about aesthetics.
Choosing from the Model R’s customizable features was like adding a personal signature to my ebike. Here are some of the many other customizable options:
Tires
The Model R offers a choice between two sets of tires. You can select the EBC Rhino 26″ x 3″ for a robust, all-terrain experience or opt for the Schwalbe Big Apple 24″ x 2″ for a smoother, urban ride. I chose the fatter Rhino tires so that dirt and gravel roads would be easily manageable.
Torque Sensor vs Cadence sensor
I selected a torque sensor for a smoother, more natural riding experience. And it did not disappoint. This option makes the Model R the best cruiser e-bike!
Fender Style
The sports fenders were perfect for me, but you can also choose traditional fenders for a classic look.
Custom-Built Battery
Electric Bike Company builds its batteries with an impressive range selection:
- 60 Miles (12 Ah)
- 70 Miles (14 Ah)
- 100 Miles (14 Ah + 10Ah)*
- 140 Miles with their biggest battery (14 Ah + 20Ah)*
This variety of battery choices tailors the bike’s range to your riding habits and needs. Riding up to 60 miles on the included 12-Amp-hour battery was perfect for me.
Basket and Rear Rack
I added both the front basket and rear rack for convenience and style. The large front basket not only looks good but I was able to toss in my jacket, keys, and phone… and store my helmet.
The rear rack is another essential accessory that lets me secure almost anything. It’s sturdy and efficient. I’ll tell you more about this special MIK rack system later in “What You Need to Know”.
Display
Not only is the display easy to read but it’s also simple to use. Here are how some of the features work:
- You’ll know the battery is fully charged at 50V… and when it gets to around 42, it’s time to recharge the battery.
- Push the “on” button once and get your average speed. Push again for your maximum speed.
- Hold the “Up” arrow key to turn on and off the headlight; then toggle the light switch on the handlebars to turn on one or both headlights, depending on the brightness desired.
Additional Style Customization
Here are other equipment features I customized to add style:
- cruiser handlebars
- jumbo seat
- leather grips
- 7-speed drivetrain
- suspension seatpost
- remote anti-theft alarm
- upgraded tech package with lights and turn signals
- advanced braking system
- advanced LCD Display
- repair kit
Watch the video review for details on customizing your electric cruiser bike.
Additional Electric Bike Company Advantages
Here’s a list of other advantages of the Electric Bike Company Model R:
Adjustability for Rider Comfort
With seven adjustment points, the Model R e-bike can accommodate riders ranging in height from 5’0″ to 6′ 8″. This level of customization in seating and handlebar positioning ensures a comfortable ride for people of varying heights and body types. Truly, the Model R is everything I’d hoped for in a comfortable cruiser e-bike!
Lightweight Design
Before adding a basket or rear rack, the Model R weighs in at 56 lbs. This lightweight design enhances its maneuverability and ease of handling. However, see the problems with adding accessories under the list of Cons.
Impressive Weight Capacity
One of the most notable features is its substantial weight capacity of 420 lbs. This high capacity makes the Model R incredibly versatile, suitable for a wide range of riders, and even allows for additional cargo without compromising performance.
Efficient Charging
With the Smart Super Charger, the Model R’s battery can be fully charged in just 2-3 hours. This makes it ideal for riders who are always on the go.
Fully Assembled
One of the most exciting things about EBC bikes is that they ship fully assembled! Pull your full-size e-bike out of the side of the box, tighten the handlebar stem, and you’re ready to ride! Watch how easy it is in the Model R review video.
Custom Bike Helmet
Oh, and here’s the promised surprise: I designed a cool urban helmet customized to match my E-Biking Today-themed electric bike! You can create a stylish bike helmet by choosing from the same 44 color options as the bike. Plus, you can pick the trim, strap type and color, and size. Charge the bike helmet for 1 hour and ride up to 5 hours using five different lighting modes!
Cons of the Electric Bike Company Model R
The primary cons of the Model R electric bike revolve around the added basket. Truly, I love the basket, so what’s the deal?
The first problem is that the handlebars were wedged inside the basket after removing it from the box. In my attempt to get them out of the basket, the basket’s paint was chipped a bit. However, it won’t be a problem if you first remove the handlebars and then tighten them back in.
Next, the basket adds weight and bulk to the e-bike overall, which may be a concern if you’re looking for a lightweight e-bike. Further, you’ll have to get used to watching the wheel turn without the basket following. It’s a little disorienting at first but something I’ve gotten used to.
You can solve all these problems by not customizing your electric bike with the basket. However, after riding several times with the basket, I wouldn’t trade it! It’s deep and sturdy… and it carries so many things. Plus, it’s a great place to drop my helmet when not riding.
Price
The Electric Bike Company Model R starts at a base price of $1699. Beware, you’ll have so much fun customizing your new e-bike that it could be more expensive than you planned for. Play around by adding and customizing what you want and then consider removing features, depending on your e-bike budget.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
There are a few other features you won’t want to miss:
- First, there’s an Easy-to-Read LCD Display.
- Then there’s the M-I-K Racking System that comes on all Electric Bike Company bikes. In a second, I can tightly hold cargo underneath the arm. But the MIK system also lets you attach over 1000 accessories with an adapter plate in one “click” rather than messing with ties, or bungees.
- Another option worth considering is the Anti-theft alarm The alarm uses a handy remote for convenient arming and disarming. It also has a panic button for emergency situations and an electric horn for alerting others.
Is the Model R Electric Bike Company E-Bike for You?
If you want a high-quality, USA-built, customizable e-cruiser that lets you cruise comfortably on long rides at your own pace, then this is the perfect e-bike. Truly, the customization choices offered by the Electric Bike Company have made every ride a personal statement.. Yes, I get a lot of attention when riding down the street.
Check out the e-bike customization link to create the electric bike of your dreams. You can play around with your design as long as you like and even save your design for later. Now, go make your own personal statement and enjoy your ride!
