Total Weight:
57.2 lbs (25.94 kg)
Battery Weight:
6.9 lbs (3.12 kg)
Motor Weight:
8.5 lbs (3.85 kg)
Frame Material:
6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy
Frame Sizes:
17 in (43.18 cm)Geometry Measurements:
17" Seat Tube, 20.5 Reach, 21" Stand Over Height, 34.5" Minimum Saddle Height (31.5" if You Cut the Seat Post), 39.5" Maximum Saddle Height, 27" Width, 64" Length, 40" Wheelbase
Frame Types:
Mid-Step
Frame Colors:
Blue, Black, Red, Orange, Green, White
Frame Fork Details:
Rigid Aluminum Alloy, 135mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer
Frame Rear Details:
170mm Hub Spacing, 12mm Threaded Keyed Axle with 19mm Nuts, Lock Washer on Left and Right
Attachment Points:
Rear Rack, Fenders, Bottle Cage, Front Light
Gearing Details:
7
Speed 1x7 microSHIFT 26 RD-M26S-7 Derailleur, Shimano HG20-7 12-28 Tooth CassetteShifter Details:
microSHIFT TS71-7R Triggers on Right (One-Way High Lever, Four-Shift Low Lever)
(Optional NuVinci Grip Twist on Right Bar)Cranks:
Forged Aluminum Alloy, 170mm Length Crank Arms, Square Tapered Spindle, 48 Tooth Steel Chainring with Aluminum Alloy Guide
Pedals:
Wellgo B239DU Plastic Platform with Reflectors
Headset:
Semi-Integrated, Zero-Stack, Threadless, Straight 1-1/8" (44mm Outer Diameter)
Stem:
Promax Aluminum Alloy, 6° Angle, 90mm Length, One 190mm Spacers, One 10mm Tapered Bottom Spacer, 31.8mm Handlebar Clamp Diameter
Handlebar:
Promax, Swept Back, Aluminum Alloy, 30mm Rise, 640mm Length
Brake Details:
Star Union Mechanical Disc with 160mm Rotors, Shimano Single Pull Mechanical Calipers, Star Union Four-Finger Levers with Motor Inhibitors and Rubberized Edge
Grips:
Star Union, Flat Rubber, Inner Lock Ring (4mm Hex Wrench)
Saddle:
Velo ZL-3126F Hybrid
(Optional Upgrade Program)Seat Post:
Aluminum Alloy, Independent Steel Seat Clamp (Two Nuts)
Seat Post Length:
350 mm
Seat Post Diameter:
30.4 mm
Rims:
Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, 82mm Outer Width, 36 Hole, Paint Matched
Spokes:
Stainless Steel, 12 Gauge, Silver with Adjustable Brass Nipples
Tire Brand:
Kenda (Custom Made), 20" x 4" (98-406)
Wheel Sizes:
20 in (50.8cm)Tire Details:
5 to 30 PSI, 0.4 to 2.1 BAR
Tube Details:
Schrader Valve
Accessories:
Rear-Mounted Single Side Adjustable Length Kickstand, Flick Bell on Left Side of Handlebar, Optional Upgrade Package Including Matt Black Aluminum Alloy Fenders ($55), Rear Rack ($40, Compatible with Pedego Bags, 25kg / 55lb Max Weight), Integrated Headlight ($40, 40 LUX), Optional Pedego Bags
Other:
Locking Removable Downtube Semi-Integrated Battery Pack, 18 Amp Sine-Wave Controller, Pedego Branded 1.9lb 54.6 Volt 3 Amp Battery Charger, 250lb Max Weight Rating, KMZ Z-Chain Narrow
George
4 years agoYet again, a terrific review Court. I appreciate both the detail in the video review and the work in gathering all specification detail in the written review. EBR is the only place we see that kind of detail.
The short overall length of the Element would likely allow full containment in my Honda Fit without removing the bike’s front wheel. I appreciate the discussion on the cabling at about 13:30 in the video. One aspect of the design I find a bit troubling is the stream of wiring out of the bottom bracket, which could be vulnerable, and, if damaged, could be expensive and time consuming to repair. You mention the chainring should provide some protection. Exposed wiring in the same location is also a characteristic of the Rad Power Bikes RadMission.
I contacted Pedego corporate for specifics on the speeds for each PAS level, and this is what was provided. The max speed for each level of pedal-assist is listed below:
You can’t ask for a much more lovely urban environment than Vancouver, BC to be stuck in during this pandemic! Be safe and best wishes.
George
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi George! It’s nice to hear that my work and attention to detail is appreciated. Thanks for adding to the discussion with your insights about fit in a Honda Element (great car btw), and the pedal assist top speed levels. That’s wonderful! Yes, I’m staying healthy and trying to keep that good attitude and do good work. Thanks again :)
ReplySteph
4 years agoNice review. I think that might be a good size for us short folks! I tried another bike and had to sell it as it was just too big… downside of online purchases that you can’t try before buying. Even with the “test” period, some want 20% of the price back as the restock fee and you have to find a place to take it to ship.
I do wish you would bring a short person along when you are doing smaller bike reviews. Someone who is 4’10 or so as that would really point out the actual rider height. I hope that my localish Pedego shop gets one or two of these in so I can try for myself…
ReplyCourt
4 years agoHi Steph! I hear ya, and I’ll strive for more co-op reviews in the future. The extra safety and sensitivity around health lately has limited some of the filming, but I can say for sure that this is one of the best ebikes I’ve ever reviewed for petite riders. I hope you get to try it, and perhaps you can even chime in here with your feedback about how it works!
ReplyJohn
3 years agoHow does a pedego element handle in winter conditions?
ReplyCourt
3 years agoGreat question John! I haven’t tested it in snow, but I have ridden other ebikes with fat tires like this, and they tend to do alright! Especially if you lower the air pressure. Some people even add spikes to the tire (they screw in special metal studs). Extreme cold tends to limit battery capacity, so your range can be cut in half… and some brake fluids can slow down, but this model uses mechanical brakes, so I think it would hold up pretty well :)
ReplyReg
3 years agoHi Court, very nice review like all your other ones… Thanks! Here in Canada, the Element is $2,450 which feels like lots of cash for somewhat cheapo components that I’ve never heard of before… Who the heck is Microshift? Who the heck is Star Union? I don’t understand how this Element ebike is so popular. I think Pedego should use nicer components.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Reg! I agree that some of the components listed here are on the cheaper end of the spectrum. As a reviewer, I have heard of Microshift and Star Union, but only in the past few years. I think that Pedego started speccing them due to parts shortages from traditional suppliers like Shimano. The increased taxes on Chinese manufactured goods, and global supply chain issues from the pandemic and Suez Canal blockage have made it difficult for some companies… so I think they try to find a similar part and substitute it sometimes. The price of the bike didn’t drop, but the M2 money supply has increased greatly since 2019, so there is probably inflationary pressure informing the prices of many goods (certainly tuition, housing, and healthcare). Hope this perspective helps :/
ReplyReg
3 years agoHi Court, thanks for explaining why Pedego went that way with the components. I was thinking of buying the Element, but only if I can make sure if I can change the rear derailleur and brakes. I have another ebike with Shimano Acera 7 speed rear derailleur and Avid BB7 front and rear brakes. All work great! Do you think I can install these nicer components on an Element? Thanks for your help Court! Greatly appreciated!
Reg
3 years agoHi Court, I finally bought an Element… and to tell you the truth, I’m very, very disappointed. PAS 1 and 2 do nothing, nada. It’s like pedaling a regular non electric bike. I have to always start in PAS 3, to get a bit of power from the motor. Also, the PAS are very jerky, not smooth at all. I’m not very happy with the Element.
I have another ebike, (Canadian version of Qualisports Beluga), and the PAS is very smooth, not jerky like the Element. And last, but not least, the Motor cable is right beside, touching the back rotor. Each time I use the rear brake, the Motor cable gets very hot because the rotor is touching the Motor cable… What was Pedego thinking placing the motor cable touching the rotor… Major screw up Pedego. I’m going to sell my Element.
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi Reg, thanks for the great feedback and insights about the motor cable heating up. I wish I had the review unit in front of me again to see what you mean and figure out a way to zip tie it in a different position or something to try to address this? Sounds like the power at lower levels of assist isn’t performing the way you’d like either… That’s too bad. Selling sounds like a good choice, and I’m glad you’ve got another ebike that’s working well! I liked the Qualisports products a lot when I covered them a while back. Thanks for the testimonial about them ;)
ReplyCK
3 years agoJust wondering how much you weigh? I am thinking of buying an element from Pedego and have only had Sondors e-bikes before. But this offers what I need: a bit lighter, easier step thru design, so why did you sell it other than little power in 1 and 2? It has 5 levels of assist while some only have 4/3. I think I might like varying degrees of power. Court, can you answer any of these questions. like how it compares to the Sonders fold x. I totally love the bike but it weights so much, maybe cause it folds?
ReplyCourt
3 years agoHi CK! I really enjoyed the Pedego Element. It is priced well, sold through dealers, and offers a lot of fun and approachability. I agree that it’s nice to have five levels of assist and a twist throttle! There are many ways to ride the bike and have fun with it :)
David Nelson
2 years agoHi Reg, you said: PAS 1 and 2 do nothing, nada. It’s like pedaling a regular non-electric bike. I have to always start in PAS 3 to get a bit of power from the motor.
I have the current generation of Element (3rd or 4th gen?) and in my experience the PAS levels all work flawlessly. In fact, they work better than on my Avenue. Very smooth throttle ramp-up and very consistent PAS ramping up or engaging/disengaging when going below/over the speed for a given PAS level. It sounds like Pedego fixed the issues you had. It is definitely a fun bike to ride. I have no regrets getting it.
ReplyCourt
2 years agoThanks for the feedback on your bike David, it sounds like things have been refined for the latest builds of the Element.
Carolyn
2 years agoHi Court, I’m thinking about buying an Element. The only thing is, I want to make sure that the parts aren’t manufactured in sweat shops using child labor, as a lot of e-bike parts are, apparently. I’ve searched high and low for info on this, but it’s really hard to find. Do you have any info on this? Thanks!
ReplyCourt
2 years agoHi Carolyn! It is difficult to say, unfortunately. Many ebike companies have left China and now manufacture in Taiwan or Vietnam. The conditions may be unacceptable by our standards, but I think it is still a decent job over there. In fact, many of the manufacturing jobs in the US and Canada no longer exist. I’m not a fan of child labor or sweat shops, but I have friends who have bikes made overseas and the videos they share have all been adults and good working conditions. I can say this of DOST in particular. It may not be the case for every piece of hardware, but the motors, frames, and general assembly seems good. I have not ever seen video or photos from people in the industry showing children, even though almost all hardware is non US or Canada sourced. Thanks for being thoughtful, perhaps others will comment more and have other things to add :)
ReplyCarolyn
1 year agoThank you Court! I ended up buying an Element and am loving it so far — except for the rough ride on our very bumpy roads. I’m heading out now to reduce the tire pressure. I’m not sure by how much, but I guess I’ll experiment. Suggestions welcome!
I asked the owner of the local Pedego shop about the factories in Asia, and he phoned the head of the company, who assured him that he’d been in the factories himself, and that there were adults working in decent working conditions, and as you say, they were considered to be good jobs. So, I trusted them and bought the bike. I hope it’s true!
Julie
2 years agoHi Court, thank you for always doing such a great thoughtful review on everything! I have watched tons of your videos on EBikes and E Bike racks in the last few months trying to decide what to buy. It’s a shame you have not reviewed the new Element V2 or the Platinum Element version with the bigger watt motor. It would have been great to see what you found.
We are in our mid to late 60’s and live in CO, so we want to make sure whatever we buy has good climbing power. We narrowed our list down to Dost, Evelo and Pedego. Of course we can’t test drive Dost or Evelo but we did Pedego and loved the Element V2 but we’re not able to test the 500 watt in a hilly situation.
Unfortunately right now, nobody near us has a Platinum we can test drive and they are hard to come by. So we may have to decide to purchase w/o riding it? And as you are aware, the Pedego prices have certainly went up! So our questions are as follows.
1. In your opinion, would the new Platinum with the 749 Watt power rating, 60 nm torque with 48V 14 ah, really worth spending about a 1K more on the bike than buying the Element V2 with the 500 watt power rating, 45 nm with same size battery (48v 14 ah)? Are we really going to see a difference on power climbing big hills and mountains? We live near some 10-12% grades.
2. Given the price point of the Element, and difficulty of even test riding or buying the Platinum, is there another bike out there with similar characteristics that we should look at?
Thank you so much!
ReplyJulie
Court
2 years agoHi Julie! Yes, I’ve fallen behind on some reviews this past year as I’ve been working on redesigning the site and adding some new tools! It’s wonderful to actually go for some test rides at a Pedego dealer to help make a decision… but there still might not be a hill nearby. The smaller wheel size does give the hub motor a mechanical advantage, but many factors still come in. Those include the weight of the rider and cargo, the tire pressure, the wind, and the steepness of the hill. This might be a good question to ask a dealer or Pedego directly. It’s great that Pedego offers some choices, and I suspect that the regular Element would be okay for me because I’m fairly light at 140lbs and pretty fit. I like to save money… but then again, I do have some knee sensitivity. Once you get a bike, you’re pretty much stuck with the battery and motor power, that’s a big decision. If you’re on the fence, look at the price and think about your own needs to make a good decision :)
Reply