We’re seeing and hearing a lot more about e-bikes lately, and that’s not likely to change any time soon. That’s not because the concept of an e-bike is anything new (the first documented e-bikes date back to the 1880s), but it’s because e-bike technology is finally getting to the point where it’s more user-friendly, and also more affordable. Just check out the new bikes from Vvolt…
Vvolt’s goal is fairly straight forward: create e-bikes that deliver a great ride with last little maintenance as possible, all while priced affordably. Simple, right? It might be simple, but it’s not the easiest thing to accomplish. We’ve seen plenty of “affordable” ebikes, some so terrible, it’s hard to comprehend.
Fortunately for Vvolt, these bikes look very good, especially when you consider the starting price of $1,399. According to Vvolt, they were aiming for bikes that were better than the typical entry-level e-bike, but still very affordable. To get there, they opted for either a 350w rear hub drive motor for the $1,399 Alpha or Alpha S models, and a 250w MPF mid-drive motor for the more premium $2,699 Sirius and $2,799 front suspension equipped Proxima models. Assisted speed is capped at 20mph, but the mid-drive motors can be upgraded to 28mph with a handlebar computer swap.
Each bike features a 375wh Celxpert battery nicely integrated into the downtube that contains LG cells, which supposedly takes 5.5hrs to charge and offers up to 60 miles of range. At this price point, it’s impressive to see four levels of assistance with a torque sensor, Bluetooth compatibility to pair the system with your phone, and a USB outlet on the bike for charging other electronics like your phone on the go.
All Vvolt e-bikes use a Gates Carbon Drive belt system for clean and quiet operation. While the Alpha and Alpha S are single speed, the Proxima and Sirius get the added benefit of the Enviolo CVT internal gear hub.
Models
Alpha – Class 1 (20mph top assist speed)
• Frameset: Vvolt lightweight alloy, alloy fork with fender, rack and accessory mounts
• Motor: Xplova rear hub, 350w nominal power, 45Nm torque, 5 assist levels plus walk
• Battery: Celxpert removable internal-mount, 10.4ah / 375wh
• Drivetrain: Gates Carbon Drive CDN, singlespeed rear freewheel
• Wheel size: 27.5”, max clearance 2.4”
• 2 Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• 2 Colorways- Slate and Chalk White
• MSRP: $1399
Alpha S – Class 1 (20mph top assist speed)
• Frameset: Step-through Vvolt lightweight alloy, alloy fork with fender, rack and accessory mounts
• Motor: Xplova rear hub, 350w nominal power, 45Nm torque, 5 assist levels plus walk
• Battery: Celxpert removable internal-mount, 10.4ah / 375wh
• Drivetrain: Gates Carbon Drive CDN Belt, singlespeed rear freewheel
• Wheel size: 27.5”, max clearance 2.4”
• 2 Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• 2 Colorways- Slate and Chalk White
• MSRP: $1399
Proxima– Class 1/3 (optional class 3 controller offers 28mph top assist speed)
• Frameset: Vvolt lightweight alloy, alloy fork with fender, rack and accessory mounts
• Motor: MPF Drive, 250w nominal / 500w max power, 80Nm torque, 4 assist levels plus walk mode
• Battery: Celxpert removable internal-mount, 10.4ah, 375wh
• Drivetrain: Enviolo CVP gearhub, 380% gear range, Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt
• Wheel Size: 700c, max tire clearance 45mm
• 2 Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• 3 Colorways- Slate, Chalk White, Mars
• MSRP: $2699
Sirius – Class 1/3 (optional class 3 controller offers 28mph top assist speed)
• Frameset: Vvolt lightweight alloy, 100mm travel air-sprung suspension fork w/ lockout
• Motor: MPF Drive, 250w nominal / 500w max power, 80Nm torque, 4 assist levels plus walk mode
• Battery: Celxpert removable internal-mount, 10.4ah, 375wh
• Drivetrain: Enviolo CVP gearhub, 380% gear range, Gates Carbon Drive CDX Belt
• Wheel Size: 27.5”, max clearance 2.4”
• 2 Sizes: S/M, L/XL
• 3 Colorways- Slate, Chalk White, Mila
• MSRP: $2799
Shipping & Availability
Shipped directly to your door, the Vvolt bikes claim to arrive 97% assembled. To build your bike, simply open the end of the box, and slide the whole bike out of the box—no need to awkwardly lift a heavy e-bike out of its cardboard cell. From there, just install the front wheel and pedals using the included multi-tool, and you’re ready to ride.
Now delivering pre-orders, Vvolt also has bikes in stock at Vvolt.com and has begun selling them through an exclusive partnership with Moosejaw. All bikes ship free and include a three-year warranty.
