The EZ Pedaler C350 delivers good performance and includes a broad range of features. It’s got three gears for pedaling, an decent sized motor, front and rear lights, optional fenders and a unique pedal assist on/off switch that lets you use the throttle power in conjunction with pedal assist. The price is in line with similar bikes from other leading brands and the quality is good. Some electric bikes cram in extra features without really integrating them to work well. The EZ Pedaler C350 does a great job of delivering an experience that is balanced but also feature rich.
The C350 name on this bike signifies how powerful the front hub motor is, 350 watts. The C stands for “cruiser” and signals the relaxed upright positioning and high top bar. If you’re a little smaller or are looking for a step-through model then check out the T300 series, which includes the T350.
The 350 watt motor on this bike is geared which allows it to provide extra torque for hills and windier conditions. This is the strongest bike offered by EZ Pedaler and if you’re a larger rider I recommend it over the C300. You might also consider a 500 watt electric bike from another brand like Pedego. The front fork mounting design that EZ Motion chose for this bike is a bit less structurally sound than a rear mounted equivalent, especially with the addition of the shock. To address this, EZ Pedaler has installed a torque plate designed to handle the added stresses of motor force. One drawback I’ve experienced when riding this bike is that if the motor is actively pulling the bike forward, the front shock doesn’t slide up and down as easily and this impacts ride quality when going over bumps.
When you do end up in tougher riding conditions with this bike the pedal assist mode significantly improves climbing power and range. Basically, there is a sensor built into the bottom bracket that detects pedal arm movement and signals to the motor to kick in and “assist”. It gives your thumb a break from pushing on the throttle and it also allows you to compliment the electric motor with your own muscular input. Given that the hub motor is mounted to the front of the bike vs. the rear, there is more of a tendency for the tire to spin when riding in dirt or up large hills. There just isn’t as much weight being distributed to the front wheel of bikes in certain situations, but it’s not a deal killer.
Having the motor built right into the front wheel actually offers a lot of benefits in terms of weight distribution across the bike. It also makes servicing the front and rear tires easier because you don’t have to fiddle with gears and wires in the already crowded rear portion of the bike. Finally, it also means you can have a hub gear in the rear which makes shifting at standstill possible and eliminates the need for a gear cassette. This means the chain can be shorter and tighter so it won’t bounce into the frame or fall off as easily.
In addition to pedal assist mode, this bike features a small thumb throttle on the right handlebar. One of the coolest features of this bike is the pedal assist on/off switch which allows you to use both the throttle and pedal assist at the same time. This works very well when you’re pedaling but have to stop for a light or stop sign and then want to get back up to speed. Just use the throttle then transition back to pedaling with pedal assist! Most other bikes require you to choose one or the other and I find that distracting.
The battery powering this bike sits mid-frame and low to the ground which is great for handling and maneuvering at racks and other non-riding situations like walking. It’s also completely removable but requires you to flip the seat up (which is awesome). Many other electric bikes mount their battery packs high up on a rear rack making them less stable. The C350 battery is made with Lithium-ion which is lightweight and powerful. It also gets many more charge cycles before wearing out than Lead acid or Lithium polymer types. The battery is enclosed in an aluminum shell and protected by the bicycle frame tubing on all sides. It also locks to the bike which is nice but requires the key to be inserted when riding which is a little annoying to me because the key can jingle around or get bumped. The battery delivers 36 volts of power and 12 amp hours of capacity, providing about 25 miles per charge in non pedal assist mode.
The EZ Pedaler C350 is a well rounded bike in terms of performance but it also offers a lot of comfort. The larger balloon style tires smooth out cracks and bumps and the cushy sprung seat and upright handlebars positions the rider with “heads up” view and makes riding with a backpack more comfortable. What really sets the C350 apart from other cruiser style bikes is that it actually has a front shock absorber built in! While this does add weight to the bike, it also makes it easier to ride over longer distances or for those with back and neck pain. I also love the fact that this bike has built in water bottle mounts. It’s the little things…
Other creature comforts included on this bike are built in lights (the rear one requires 2 AA batteries but the front one runs off of the main pack). There’s a nice chain guard and fenders to keep pants clean and dry and the internal hub is easy to use and maintain vs. a chain derailleur system which requires more tune ups. Even though this bike only offers three gears, I found that it’s enough for most riding up to 20 mph which is the top speed of the bike in electric mode. This is a good value priced bike that’s well thought out and comfortable to ride and the company has been around and continues to support their bikes well.
An affordable city style electric bike with step-thru frame and smaller 24" wheels that keep the frame low and easy to mount. Offers a complete set of mid-level accessories including full length fenders, chain guard, a rear…...
A low-step city style electric bike with upgraded 500 watt geared motor and three speed internally geared Shimano Nexus hub. Easy to mount and stabilize at stops, less stiff frame, nice accessories including fenders, carry…...
An affordable folding style electric bike with streamlined three-speed internally geared hub in the back and a 350 watt geared motor in the front. Great utilitarian accessories including full length fenders with mud flaps, chain guide, rear carry rack…...
Low-step city style electric bike with basic pedal assist and trigger throttle, powerful 500 watt motor. Good balance with battery pack low and center, front hub motor adds weight to steering…...
Powerful folding electric bike with 350 watt geared hub motor and removable 36 volt Lithium battery. Completely accessorized with fenders, lights, rear rack, padded seat and suspension fork...
Fully featured step-through electric bike offering throttle and pedal assist modes. Good torque and range with 350 watt front hub motor and 36 volt Lithium-ion battery…...
One of the only folding electric bikes I've seen to date with a front shock built in for comfort. Comes stock with front and rear lights, fenders and a rear rack for panniers or…...
Feature rich entry level electric bike, offers pedal assist and throttle mode. Front hub motor and mid-frame battery distribute weight evenly, 58 lb bike...
Fully featured entry level electric bike with throttle and pedal assist. 275 lb carrying capacity, bike itself weighs 56 lbs and is balanced evenly front to…...
Brian Young
11 years agoThis is getting closer to an affordable bike, but my Emmo, which cost $1000 (CDN, even), has most of these performance features and gives me 6-speed transmission. It’s config is a little awkward, but it goes like the wind. We need a Volksbike and we need it now! [Btw, a jingly key-in-socket is not an issue. Ever drive a classic Jeep?]
ReplyBruce Towell
11 years agoHello,
I really appreciate your reviews/I’m new to the world of E Bikes, and very interested in the T or C 350. I’ve talked with the owner Dick Allen, and he’s giving me a good deal on one/but I’m concerned as their are no dealerships in Ohio where I live. What has been your experience with Dick Allen? The only E bike dealership I find close to my home Independence, suburb of Cleveland, zip code 44131/are the I ZIP Currie Bikes, and for some reason they don’t interest me. Any thoughts ? Appreciate any help, I’m almost at a stand still!:-)
Thanks and warm regards, Bruce Towell Independence, Ohio
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoHi Bruce, I understand your situation… EZ Pedaler makes great bikes and offers good support but there is some value to buying a bike from a physical outlet that can service and support it. iZip has several great models (more coming in 2014) and I’m a big fan of the Zuma though it won’t offer the lights, fenders and other accessories as the T or C350.
Reply