The Motiv Sleek is a step-through cruiser with a smaller frame size that’s comfortable to ride and available in a myriad of color choices with custom frame, rim, tire and seat color choices. An ultra-powerful 500 watt geared rear hub motor offers plenty of power with enough torque to climb moderate hills. The battery pack is mounted mid-frame helping to distribute weight evenly and maintain a low center of gravity and is also removable for charging or transporting the bike. Aside from the dual disc brakes, battery positioning, custom color choices and generous two year battery warranty what really sets this bike apart is its excellent price point under $2,000.
Geared hub motors offer more torque and tend to be lighter weight. In this case, the smaller physical size of the motor has left enough room for a rear disc brake and six speed Shimano Tourney cassette. Considering the modest 48lb weight of the bike, the gears actually come in handy for pedaling and it doesn’t feel like a drag. I should say, the weight of this bike actually varies depending on which battery combination you choose.
Batteries come in three configurations for both the Motiv Sleek and Spark (both cruiser bikes). You get to choose from the less expensive 36 volt 10 amp hour or upgrade its range to 15 amp hours. And if you’re really looking for power you can get the 48 volt 10 amp hour pack. This is the fastest most powerful option but it costs a bit more and adds weight. Still, if you weigh over 160lbs or have a lot of hills, you’ll get more value with the larger pack and it will probably extend your ride beyond the 36 volt 15 amp hour option because at 48 volts, the largest pack won’t struggle.
This bike is really well thought out. The Motiv founders have been working in the ebike space since 2008 with the release of their first models 2011. The Sleek being sold in late 2013 (at the time of this review) is actually a second gen iteration with braze-on rack and fender mounting points with a slimmed down handlebar profile that’s easier to fit through doors. Improvements like this make the bike easier to use and more versatile. I’m also a big fan of the dual disc brakes, mid mounted battery pack and upgradable kevlar lined tires.
In conclusion, for the price it’s hard to beat this bike. It does have some limitations which are congruent with most other cruiser designs out there (no pedal assist, limited number of pedaling gears, upright position with enlarged seat that makes pedaling less efficient, key has to be left in the battery pack when riding). The Motiv Sleek electric bike is really about relaxed neighborhood riding. It’s the kind of bike you can loan a friend without any learning curve or concern for fragility. The bike is simple, solid and with the money you’ll save over most other cruisers you’ll have no problem grabbing a pair of lights, rack or fenders to make it your own.
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Lewis D
11 years agoHow tall can one be and still ride comfortably on the Sleek?
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoHi Lewis, it’s really hard to provide more than an opinion here because the truth is nearly anyone could fit on an average sized bike (anyone who isn’t a small child, say under three feet tall). The step-through Sleek is a bit smaller than the high step Spark from Motiv and I think that attracts women who tend to be more petit than men. I enjoyed riding the bike (I’m 5’9″) and I think anyone up to 6 feet tall would be alright but it might start to feel a bit close (the length between the seat and the handle bars). Still, if you prefer the upright positioning and don’t mind adjusting the seat to be higher, it could work just fine :)
I actually asked one of the co-founders of Motiv for an official response on this and they echoed the general advice I’m giving here stating that “we have riders that are 6ft on the sleek and haven’t had any complaints”. Hope this helps! Again, I think the application of use and rider preference matters a lot when choosing a frame that feels right and ultimately, there is some level of adjustment and adaptation that goes into riding any bike.
ReplyJohn Aldean
11 years agoBest electric bike I’ve ever ridden
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