A compromise between affordability and design with a purpose built frame that integrates wires and the battery pack - spreading weight across the bike for improved handling and balance
Large display panel is easy to read but not removable, independent button pad is easy to reach when riding
Smaller 250 watt geared motor offers a quiet, smooth ride and blends in very well with the rear cassette and disc brake rotor
Shimano BR-M375 Mechanical Disc Brakes with 160 mm Rotors and Artek Brake Levers with Motor Cut Off
Saddle:
Comfort with Rubber Bumpers
Seat Post Length:
305 mm
Tire Brand:
Kenda, 26" x 1.95"
Wheel Sizes:
26 in (66.04cm)
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Plastic Chain Guide, Double Leg Kickstand, Quick Release Seat Tube
Other:
Removable Battery Pack, LED Power Level Readout on Battery (Measure Capacity Without Attaching to Bike), Integrated Cables, Modular Motor Disconnect Point for Service
Speed, Odometer, Battery Capacity, Five Levels of Assist
Display Accessories:
Independent Button Pad
Drive Mode:
Torque Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)
Written Review
The Sport e101 electric bike is an entry level build from GenZe, an ebike subsidiary of the Mahindra Group (an Indian multinational automobile manufacturing corporation headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India). It offers a purpose built frame with good balance, a removable battery pack for convenient charging and easy transportation, pedal assist and throttle mode as well as three frame sizes! Considering the ~1,500 price tag, 18 month warranty and optional suspension fork upgrade in my opinion it’s a pretty solid bike. The components aren’t top of the line, the gear range is limited and the aesthetic is “cheap” in my view but it’s a great option for students and other price sensitive buyers… though it’s still more than 2x the the cheapest ebike I’ve reviewed.
The motor on the GenZe e101 is a 250 watt geared hub that’s mounted in the rear. Being geared, it offers a bit more torque for starting and climbing and is also small and light weight but it’s not as durable as a gearless option or as efficient as a mid-drive. This is your generic, get the job done motor and it shines in this capacity. It’s relatively quiet as shown in the video review above and it practically disappears with the 160 mm mechanical disc brake on the left and seven speed cassette on the right. Overall, this is a fairly stealth bike and I love the battery integration…
Powering the Sport e101 is quality Lithium-ion battery pack with cells by Samsung. It offers 36 volts of power and 8.7 amp hours of capacity which is a touch below average but more than sufficient for a 250 watt motor. You can see in the video that Alex (one of the reps for GenZe at Interbike) does just fine in throttle mode without pedaling and he weighs ~200 pounds. It’s a solid setup and my favorite part is the ability to remove the pack. This makes transporting the frame (perhaps on a car or bus rack where you might have to lift the bike) much easier. It also makes charging easier because you can park the bike outside and just bring the pack upstairs or whatnot. The only downside here is that the display is not removable so you’re more prone to vandalism and degradation through sun exposure.
Using this electric bike is pretty straight forward but you still get a wide range of options. Once the battery is attached you press the remote button pad near the left grip to activate the bike. From here you can navigate up through five levels of pedal assist with each offering more power but using the battery more quickly. Alternatively, you can arrow down to zero and just use the throttle for power. This is fun and can be very useful if you’re trying to balance a load or not put your feed down when crossing a puddle. The LCD display is backlit, large and full of standard readouts such as speed, distance traveled and battery level. I love that it swivels forward and back so you can adjust the view angle and reduce glare.
To me, this bike has a lot of potential. They got the big things right with battery placement, multiple drive modes and a solid warranty. The disc brakes are nice, the kickstand is solid and the standard 26″ wheels are going to be cheaper to service. If the bike was a couple hundred dollars less, the display was removable and there were bosses for a rear rack this would be a grand slam for me. I’d probably immediately re-invest those savings into the upgraded suspension option. But then I’m a fit, light weight rider who can do fine with a smaller motor. I tend to use stuff more often that I’m less worried about breaking and price goes a long way in that regards so this ebike definitely has the potential to reach a wide audience. It would be my pick over a rear-heavy ebike and the padded saddle, double legged kickstand and upgraded brake levers that cut power to the motor shine through as extra value.
Pros:
Delivers well on balance, drive mode options and frame sizing for a reasonable price tag, solid 18 month warranty and service centers in some cities
Battery pack can be charged on or off the bike which is convenient for commuters or if you need to carry the frame up stairs or use it on a rack with weight limitations
The battery pack locks to the frame with a solid metal core so you can leave it at bike racks feeling relatively safe
Front and rear mechanical disc brakes provide great stopping power and tend to work better than rim brakes in wet or dirty environments
Brakes cut power to the motor when activated for improved safety
LCD display panel is large, center and easy to read, it also swivels forward to back which is useful for reducing glare
Optional front suspension fork adds a lot of cushion when riding at higher speeds, great if you use your wrists a lot for working at a computer and don’t like the road vibration, this bike does employ a more forward position which adds to the potential strain
Modest hub motor size blends right into the rear wheel and is mostly obscured by the disc brake rotor and cassette, makes this bike a little more stealth
The motor is relatively quiet and efficient, capable of reaching long distances when used in lower pedal assist modes
Cons:
Lots of generic low end components including the seven speed Shimano drivetrain, they get the job done and keep the bike cheap but may require more maintenance over time
No rear rack bosses, you can easily attach fenders but it would be nice to add a carry rack for commuting with books and supplies
Higher price point for a near entry level electric bike, there are others at the $1K mark but they don’t balance weight as well or offer pedal assist or warranties like this
Smaller 250 watt motor requires pedaling to overcome hills and doesn’t use a quick release so fixing flats, truing wheels and replacing tires requires more effort
LCD display panel is not removable… and looks pretty nice, not a great combination for an entry level ebike that might be left at bike racks on campus a lot
A relatively comfortable electric bike that feels well suited for shorter treks through the city thanks to its Selle Royale Free Way gel saddle, Ergon ergonomic grips, and overall frame geometry. The 350-watt geared hub motor is surprisingly zippy and able to drive the e201 to…...
A good balance of affordable options (weaker motor, entry level parts and one color) with a thoughtful custom design (mid-mounted battery, multiple frame sizes, integrated wires). Large display panel is easy to read but not removable, independent button pad is convenient…...
I’ve tried this bike on a test drive and find it works very well. One issue you miss is the weight which will allow its transport on a train with limits of 50 pounds, a big issue for many urban bike users. The vast majority of competitors do not meet this basic requirement. For the modest price seems like a good option for basic urban transport. Most of the parts are sourced in the US and also built here in the US. Thanks for your reviews, a great resource.
Awesome point Vin! I didn’t realize that many trains are setting this kind of weight limit? This is one reason it’s nice to have a removable battery (which the GenZe Sport ebikes do) to reduce it even more. I included the full weight of the bike ~44 lbs in the basic details above to help people compare.
Correction: the Genze Scooter is mostly sourced in US, not the case for this EBike.
We did buy one recently and so far is working great as a commuter to work 2 to 3 miles and as shopping bike. Many fewer common car trips are a real option with an electric bike like this and at much lower cost. Cars in the US on average cost about $8K a year to own.
Mike
9 years ago
I own two of these now, the 101 and 102. 16″ frame and 18″ frame. This e-Bike for the money is great value, and the smaller frame sizes, relatively light weight, and excellent balance, make these great e-Bikes for riders who are between 4’10” and 5’5″ thus increasing the audience of potential riders significantly ! I was surprised at the zip of this Ebike in throttle mode, and I have to believe that is in part due to the 15 to 17 lbs lighter weight than what most other e-Bikes weigh. It feels much more nimble, and easier to handle than many ebikes I Have ridden, and that my business rents out, which builds rider confidence and overall satisfaction. Contrary to this article, you can add a rear rack and fenders. I’ll provide my clients several options so they can custom choose their preferred style. Also these ebikes will be great for RV travel, or bringing them along on vacations using most standard bike carriers that mount on cars or hitch racks, again due to their low weight, which won’t exceed the ratings of most bike carriers. Very easy to lift and load for most people, especially if you quickly pop out the extremely compact battery. The thoughtfulness in engineering put into this Ebike should not be underestimated, and I would suggest that you are getting a quality and well made Ebike, that is mid level for an entry level price point. $1500 price point is key to persuade many new buyers to enter into the wonderful world of electric assist bikes.
Thanks for the feedback Mike! Which racks are you using with customers? I’ve seen a few beam style racks like this one from Topeak that might work but I’d love to hear your hands-on advice. Also, what’s your shop? Sounds like you carry some interesting brands :)
I’d also love to know what rear racks work for these – I’m not crazy about a seat post mounted rack since I plan to load it up with 40lbs+ of groceries every week.
I bought an 18″ e101 recently, it does have 4 mounting points for a rear rack, but the disk brake on the rear wheel is in the way of trying to fit the rack I’ve used on both my Diamondback bikes.
I’m new to EBR, have a lot of thoughts to share on my e101 from my first ~60 miles riding but I’m not sure if here or in the forum is a better place.
Lars
7 years ago
GenZe is selling these bikes at Costco via traveling road show now. I am considering purchasing one, but I’d like to point out a few differences from the reviewed bike. The biggest difference is that the e101 has a 350 watt motor now, and the cost has decreased two hundred dollars. You will need the larger motor going up big hills because it is a 7-speed.
I was impressed with how they set up their electronic cables. They are designed to resist water, with the control unit inside the frame and all connectors facing downward. There is an electric disconnect near the rear wheel, so removing the wheel should be easier than the cheap e-bike I have with the disconnect at the control unit. There are brazed bosses for a rack, but none for water bottles.
It’s a great bike for the price, but I live near large hills and would rather have something with lower gears.
Thanks for the feedback Lars! It’s always nice to pay less and have a bit more power. I agree that for hills, it can be important to have lower gearing options. You really identified a good point about how the cables are laid out. The aesthetic on this bike is nice but the way they design the controller and connectors will help it hold up over time. What ebike is on your shortlist now if this one doesn’t quite fit?
My wife and I purchased a couple GenZe 101’s at our local Costco road show a couple weeks ago. I have the 18″ sport and she has a 16″. We paid $1200 each. I have a 36″ inseam so even with the 18″ frame, my seat is quite high, but the bike is still comfortable to ride. The motor is surprisingly strong. We live in an area where there are few flat roads, mostly up and down, so riding a standard bike is painful at best, my wife usually walked up the hills and pushed her bike. With only 7 gears I was surprised at how easy it was to adapt from the 21 gears I was used to and in full electric mode (I call it motorcycle mode) it pulls my 215 lbs from a standing stop on a fairly steep hill to about 12mph, as soon as I started pedaling I was up to 18mph with very little effort from me. My wife just twists the throttle grip and zips up the hills and pedals on the flats. Charging is easy both on and off the frame with a keyed lock to remove the battery (you don’t need the key to put the battery back in). One thing I really like is the kick stand setup, it keeps the bike vertical, not tilted so both bikes fit in a smaller area, have less tendency to tip and I don’t have to worry about hitting them with my car door in the garage. My only complaint is lack of a place to put a water bottle.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the bikes Gary! It sounds like you and your wife are having a great time, hope you enjoy the rest of the summer together :)
Hi Ray! It looks like GenZe sells a Suntour XCT 26″ wheel size suspension fork upgrade, which you can also buy and install yourself aftermarket. My guess is that the headset is a standard 1-1/8″ straight, which works with many basic spring forks that fit 26-inch wheel size. I hope this helps and I welcome your feedback if you do install this or get feedback from GenZe or a dealer directly ;)
I just purchased an ex-demo (or as GenZe calls it, “CPO”) e101 with just 18 miles on it for $749. Excellent value for my purpose. I must admit, I wouldn’t have gotten into the e-bike scene if not for this sale, and since I drive a BMW i3 (also CPO), this seems like natural to me! I don’t use it to commute, since I live in the ‘burbs. So it’ll just be tooting around the neighborhood, and if I feel adventurous, I’ll drive to the downtown park (where they have much more extensive bike trails) and explore around there. Interestingly, it’s the same supplier for Li-Ion battery as my i3!
Hi Michael! I don’t know the answer to this one, sometimes it can be difficult to purchase batteries for ebikes that are no longer being made. That said, you can usually get some help re-packing an existing battery if you have the case for it. Check out FTH Power that is in Southern California.
Vin Caruso
10 years agoI’ve tried this bike on a test drive and find it works very well. One issue you miss is the weight which will allow its transport on a train with limits of 50 pounds, a big issue for many urban bike users. The vast majority of competitors do not meet this basic requirement. For the modest price seems like a good option for basic urban transport. Most of the parts are sourced in the US and also built here in the US. Thanks for your reviews, a great resource.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoAwesome point Vin! I didn’t realize that many trains are setting this kind of weight limit? This is one reason it’s nice to have a removable battery (which the GenZe Sport ebikes do) to reduce it even more. I included the full weight of the bike ~44 lbs in the basic details above to help people compare.
ReplyVin Caruso
8 years agoCorrection: the Genze Scooter is mostly sourced in US, not the case for this EBike.
We did buy one recently and so far is working great as a commuter to work 2 to 3 miles and as shopping bike. Many fewer common car trips are a real option with an electric bike like this and at much lower cost. Cars in the US on average cost about $8K a year to own.
Mike
9 years agoI own two of these now, the 101 and 102. 16″ frame and 18″ frame. This e-Bike for the money is great value, and the smaller frame sizes, relatively light weight, and excellent balance, make these great e-Bikes for riders who are between 4’10” and 5’5″ thus increasing the audience of potential riders significantly ! I was surprised at the zip of this Ebike in throttle mode, and I have to believe that is in part due to the 15 to 17 lbs lighter weight than what most other e-Bikes weigh. It feels much more nimble, and easier to handle than many ebikes I Have ridden, and that my business rents out, which builds rider confidence and overall satisfaction. Contrary to this article, you can add a rear rack and fenders. I’ll provide my clients several options so they can custom choose their preferred style. Also these ebikes will be great for RV travel, or bringing them along on vacations using most standard bike carriers that mount on cars or hitch racks, again due to their low weight, which won’t exceed the ratings of most bike carriers. Very easy to lift and load for most people, especially if you quickly pop out the extremely compact battery. The thoughtfulness in engineering put into this Ebike should not be underestimated, and I would suggest that you are getting a quality and well made Ebike, that is mid level for an entry level price point. $1500 price point is key to persuade many new buyers to enter into the wonderful world of electric assist bikes.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoThanks for the feedback Mike! Which racks are you using with customers? I’ve seen a few beam style racks like this one from Topeak that might work but I’d love to hear your hands-on advice. Also, what’s your shop? Sounds like you carry some interesting brands :)
ReplyDaniel
8 years agoI’d also love to know what rear racks work for these – I’m not crazy about a seat post mounted rack since I plan to load it up with 40lbs+ of groceries every week.
I bought an 18″ e101 recently, it does have 4 mounting points for a rear rack, but the disk brake on the rear wheel is in the way of trying to fit the rack I’ve used on both my Diamondback bikes.
I’m new to EBR, have a lot of thoughts to share on my e101 from my first ~60 miles riding but I’m not sure if here or in the forum is a better place.
Lars
7 years agoGenZe is selling these bikes at Costco via traveling road show now. I am considering purchasing one, but I’d like to point out a few differences from the reviewed bike. The biggest difference is that the e101 has a 350 watt motor now, and the cost has decreased two hundred dollars. You will need the larger motor going up big hills because it is a 7-speed.
I was impressed with how they set up their electronic cables. They are designed to resist water, with the control unit inside the frame and all connectors facing downward. There is an electric disconnect near the rear wheel, so removing the wheel should be easier than the cheap e-bike I have with the disconnect at the control unit. There are brazed bosses for a rack, but none for water bottles.
It’s a great bike for the price, but I live near large hills and would rather have something with lower gears.
ReplyCourt Rye
7 years agoThanks for the feedback Lars! It’s always nice to pay less and have a bit more power. I agree that for hills, it can be important to have lower gearing options. You really identified a good point about how the cables are laid out. The aesthetic on this bike is nice but the way they design the controller and connectors will help it hold up over time. What ebike is on your shortlist now if this one doesn’t quite fit?
ReplyGary
6 years agoMy wife and I purchased a couple GenZe 101’s at our local Costco road show a couple weeks ago. I have the 18″ sport and she has a 16″. We paid $1200 each. I have a 36″ inseam so even with the 18″ frame, my seat is quite high, but the bike is still comfortable to ride. The motor is surprisingly strong. We live in an area where there are few flat roads, mostly up and down, so riding a standard bike is painful at best, my wife usually walked up the hills and pushed her bike. With only 7 gears I was surprised at how easy it was to adapt from the 21 gears I was used to and in full electric mode (I call it motorcycle mode) it pulls my 215 lbs from a standing stop on a fairly steep hill to about 12mph, as soon as I started pedaling I was up to 18mph with very little effort from me. My wife just twists the throttle grip and zips up the hills and pedals on the flats. Charging is easy both on and off the frame with a keyed lock to remove the battery (you don’t need the key to put the battery back in). One thing I really like is the kick stand setup, it keeps the bike vertical, not tilted so both bikes fit in a smaller area, have less tendency to tip and I don’t have to worry about hitting them with my car door in the garage. My only complaint is lack of a place to put a water bottle.
Replycourt
6 years agoThanks for sharing your experience with the bikes Gary! It sounds like you and your wife are having a great time, hope you enjoy the rest of the summer together :)
ReplyRay
6 years agoDoes anyone have recommendations on a decent suspension fork or specs needed?
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHi Ray! It looks like GenZe sells a Suntour XCT 26″ wheel size suspension fork upgrade, which you can also buy and install yourself aftermarket. My guess is that the headset is a standard 1-1/8″ straight, which works with many basic spring forks that fit 26-inch wheel size. I hope this helps and I welcome your feedback if you do install this or get feedback from GenZe or a dealer directly ;)
ReplyEvan
6 years agoI just purchased an ex-demo (or as GenZe calls it, “CPO”) e101 with just 18 miles on it for $749. Excellent value for my purpose. I must admit, I wouldn’t have gotten into the e-bike scene if not for this sale, and since I drive a BMW i3 (also CPO), this seems like natural to me! I don’t use it to commute, since I live in the ‘burbs. So it’ll just be tooting around the neighborhood, and if I feel adventurous, I’ll drive to the downtown park (where they have much more extensive bike trails) and explore around there. Interestingly, it’s the same supplier for Li-Ion battery as my i3!
ReplyCourt
6 years agoHmm, that’s awesome! How did you find out about the supplier of batteries? Hope you enjoy the bike, thanks for the update Evan ;)
ReplyEvan
6 years agoIt’s printed on the battery pack – batteries by Samsung.
Michael
2 years agoWhere can I buy a battery for my E101 sport GENZE electric bike
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Michael! I don’t know the answer to this one, sometimes it can be difficult to purchase batteries for ebikes that are no longer being made. That said, you can usually get some help re-packing an existing battery if you have the case for it. Check out FTH Power that is in Southern California.
Reply