eProdigy is an electric bike company based in Vancouver BC, Canada. It’s a joint venture between a motor and battery manufacturer that began in 2008 under the name EPIK Bikes but changed to eProdigy in 2013. The Logan is their top of the line offering that uses a proprietary mid-drive system to leverage the rear cassette for optimized torque or speed. It’s definitely my favorite bike in their line and fairly well priced. It’s a system that keeps the weight of the bike centered and low to the ground creating a natural look, balancing the ride and simplifying maintenance procedures.
I really like the look and feel of the Logan and it’s less expensive sibling, the Whistler. Where the Logan really sets itself apart and above however is with a more advanced control system that offers five levels of pedal assist and a twist throttle! It also features an LCD display with speed, distance and battery capacity readouts. And the benefits continue with an upgraded suspension fork, larger 700c wheels and front and rear fenders. You get all of these great features for just $200 more. It’s a no-brainer in my book.
The Logan isn’t the only ebike out there with a mid-drive system but I like the torque sensor it uses because pedal cadence feels more natural. The pedals and crank arms themselves felt a little less smooth than I prefer but my review was done with a demo bike so I can’t really be sure. This and other eProdigy bikes offer free shipping to US or Canadian buyers and a generous two year battery warranty but it would be nice to test ride first and I’m not sure how well they are distributed, especially in the US. The company itself however is very responsive and accessible through the website and via phone.
The motor driving the Logan offers 350 watts of power which is fairly average for mid-drive bikes sold in the US. While other ebikes offer more watts in hub drive configurations, this motor leverages the rear cassette for optimal torque or speed depending on the gear the rider picks. It’s a clever design used by EVELO, Haibike, Felt and other ebike makers but it does create more tension in the chain and perhaps wear the teeth on the rear chain rings more quickly. I’m always careful when switching gears to ease off the pedals and de-activate pedal assist so as not to create the loud crunching sound of a forced change. One big upside to mid-drive systems is that they make servicing the bike and changing flats much easier than on hub motor systems. They also disguise the fact that the bike is motorized at all and that can be nice, especially for a lighter weight pedal-style ebike like this that’s fun to ride in non-electric mode.
The battery pack is one of my favorite features on this bike. It’s encased in an aluminum cylinder that mounts just like a water bottle would and is easily removable for charging on or off the bike. It’s a system I’m starting to see quite a bit with startup-ish online ebike makers. The pack is made with Lithium-imide cells that are known for being light weight, long lasting and heat resistant. They use Imide which is known for being stable. Charging the pack from empty can take between two and six hours depending on whether you use fast charge. At 37 volts, this pack is middle of the road in terms of power. The 8.8 amp hour capacity is also mid-level and should get you around 30 miles (45km) of range.
Considering the light-weight and well balanced design of this bike it doesn’t matter too much that it features a mid-sized battery and motor. These are the trade offs with any ebike and the price, quality of features and warranty eProdigy offers are a good value. The upgraded controller with five levels of pedal assist and throttle mode are a win in my book and the real differentiator between this bike and the lower end Whistler from eProdigy. While the Logan does lack lights and a mounting point for your water bottle it does include fenders, disc brakes, great pedals, a kickstand and a nice paint job. This would be a great around-town bike for someone who appreciates a lighter, well balanced ride that is actually fun to pedal.
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Fred Bellows
11 years agoagain, you forgot to mention the main benefit to the mid drive is the huge efficiency gain (over hubs) by utilizing the gearing of the bike, and therefore leveraging the power of the smaller and lighter motor and battery to do much more than any similar sized motor/battery can do in a hub motor bike. This huge efficiency gain is why so many people love these types of electric bike powertrain designs, and put up with the slightly louder motor noise. Efficiency is one of the utmost criteria when designing and building any version of the world’s most efficient means of transportation (the electric bicycle).
ReplyEvan
8 years agoNot long ago I moved to Victoria and I recently purchased the e-Prodigy Logan. I am very pleased with this e-bike. I am a retired engineer and have designed and built my own e-bikes so I have a good idea what it takes to make a decent bike. This is one of the best and better than what I have designed in the past. I have now put on about 275 kilometres in the two months since I bought it. I have had no problems with it in operation. There was a very minor issue at the beginning but the people at e-Prodigy were extremely helpful and it was very quickly resolved to my satisfaction. They are very nice people. I highly recommend this bicycle. I most usually ride it in assist mode and always pedal. On level ground I turn off the assist but it is ever so nice to put it on for rapidly crossing wide intersections and climbing steep hills. The control system makes it so easy to kick in the assist without it waiting for the cadence sensor to pick up on pedaling. It is instant on and that is what it takes to get going immediately when you need it. This bike is worth every penny and I would buy it again if had to. Incidentally, it runs up to 750 watts although may be limited in some jurisdictions. I have no complaints at all about this machine. The display is excellent and the gearing system is great. I usually turn down the assist because it is often much more than I need. It also rides very well with no assist. It is also just fine on the gravel trails. And no, I do not work for them. I am new in town.
ReplyCourt Rye
8 years agoThanks for the wonderful overview Evan! Glad to hear you’re enjoying the eProdigy Logan and I’m sure others will appreciate your testimonial :)
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