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BEST VALUE
5TH WHEEL Mate E-Bike — Lightweight City & Trail All-Rounder
Quick verdict: a simple, confidence-building commuter with a 1000W peak punch, removable 468Wh battery and dial-in comfort via adjustable stem.
- 1000W peak rear-hub assist to 23 mph; steady hill starts and merges
- 468Wh removable battery — ~25 mi throttle / up to ~45 mi PAS
- 50.7 lb aluminum frame, adjustable stem & lockout fork for comfort
- Motor
- 500W (1000W peak)
- Battery
- 36V 13Ah • 468Wh
- Top Speed
- 23 mph / 37 km/h
- Range
- Up to ~45 mi (PAS)
The 5TH WHEEL Mate is pitched as a do-it-all entry into electric riding—part urban commuter, part trail-curious hardtail. On paper it blends a 500W rear hub motor (peaking at 1000W), 26-inch wheels, front suspension with lockout, a removable 468Wh battery, and a color LCD that’s clean and easy to read. It’s a straightforward recipe that should speak to first-time e-bike buyers as well as casual riders who want something light, simple, and dependable.
Over the last few weeks I used the Mate for coffee runs, grocery trips, and a handful of dirt-path detours. I kept coming back to how approachable it feels. The adjustable stem dials in a comfortable reach, the 7-speed drivetrain is familiar, and at roughly 50.7 lb the bike is refreshingly easy to lift onto a rack or carry up a short flight of stairs. There’s no learning curve here—just hop on, pick a pedal-assist level, and go.
While the Mate isn’t chasing record numbers, it nails the basics that matter day to day: reliable starts from lights, stable manners at neighborhood speeds, predictable brakes, and a battery you can pop off to charge under your desk. If you’re shopping your first e-bike or a simple commuter that doubles as a weekend explorer, this one deserves a serious look.
Is the 5TH WHEEL Mate for you?
If you want an uncomplicated e-bike that just works, the Mate fits the brief. It’s built around a light aluminum frame with a manageable overall weight, so it suits riders who park indoors or sometimes carry a bike. The removable 468Wh battery means apartment charging is easy, and the color LCD plus three PAS modes make day-to-day riding straightforward.
It’s best for city commutes, errands, and mixed-surface paths where a front suspension fork with lockout takes the sting out of potholes and gravel. The 7-speed drivetrain keeps cadence flexible, and the hub motor delivers a tidy kick for getting back to speed after stop signs.
If you’re expecting Class-3 roadway pace, long-distance touring, or aggressive off-road sessions, there are better matches. The Mate tops out around 23 mph (about 37 km/h), its coil fork favors comfort over big-hit control, and the 468Wh battery is aimed at moderate-length rides. Consider it a practical, budget-friendly daily rider rather than a high-performance machine.
Budget-wise, it clearly targets the affordable end of the market. And yes, it’s beginner-friendly—assembly is simple, the cockpit is intuitive, and the handling is calm and predictable.
What we like about the 5TH WHEEL Mate
The motor pairing is spot on for city life. The 500W brushless rear hub has a lively, linear feel in PAS 2–3, and that 1000W peak helps the bike gather speed cleanly without any lurchiness. On neighborhood hills and short ramps (think garage exits or bridge approaches), the Mate maintains momentum better than spec-sheet skeptics might expect.
Comfort is another highlight. The adjustable stem is a small touch with big impact: it lets shorter riders bring the bar closer and taller riders open the cockpit, reducing wrist strain on longer rides. Combined with the front suspension’s lockout, you can choose plush for rough streets or locked for efficient pedaling on smooth stretches.
The weight is genuinely low for a value-oriented e-MTB style bike. At ~50.7 lb the Mate is far easier to wrangle than many competitors that cross into the high-50s or 60-plus. That’s a quality-of-life improvement you feel every single time you park, store, or transport it.
Day-to-day usability is thoughtful. The removable 468Wh pack slots in and out smoothly, the dual mechanical disc brakes are predictable and easy to service, and the headlight plus reflectors help visibility for evening rides. The color LCD display is bright, with clear readouts for speed, PAS level, battery, and trip metrics.
Finally, the fit window is sensible. With recommended rider heights from roughly 5'3" to 6'1" and a 330 lb load capacity, most adults will land in the range and feel secure.
What we don’t like about the 5TH WHEEL Mate
The battery is sized for practicality, not marathon outings. If you ride mostly on throttle or live in hilly areas, plan your trips: 25 miles on throttle and up to about 45 miles in PAS are realistic upper bounds under ideal conditions. Cold weather, heavy loads, or stronger winds will trim those numbers.
The brakes are mechanical discs. They’re easy to adjust and maintain, but if you’re used to the one-finger power and wet-weather consistency of hydraulics, you’ll notice the difference. The stock pads benefit from a careful bed-in and occasional cable tune to keep the lever feel tidy.
The fork is a basic coil unit. It takes the edge off rough pavement and light gravel, but it’s not a trail-charger. Push it hard on rocky surfaces and you’ll find its limits. There’s also no rear suspension, so think “comfort hardtail,” not full-suspension all-mountain.
Two more nitpicks: the 7-speed drivetrain is perfectly adequate for city use, yet a wider gear spread would help on steeper climbs; and the cadence-sensor assist (rather than a torque sensor) means the initial on/off feel is less “natural” than on higher-end bikes. It’s not jerky—just a shade more binary.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lively 500W motor with 1000W peak feels strong in city use | 468Wh battery favors moderate-length rides |
| Manageable ~50.7 lb weight makes storage and transport easier | Mechanical discs lack the power/modulation of hydraulics |
| Adjustable stem improves comfort across rider sizes | Coil fork is for comfort, not aggressive trail use |
| Removable battery; simple charging at home or office | Cadence-sensor assist feels less “natural” than torque-based systems |
| Color LCD is bright and easy to read | 7-speed range is fine for flats, limited for long/steep climbs |
| Dual disc brakes and headlight/reflectors enhance safety | Top speed around 23 mph—not for Class-3 pace seekers |
| Stable handling and approachable cockpit; beginner-friendly | Only one frame size; tall riders beyond ~6'1" may feel cramped |
What’s included?
- 5TH WHEEL Mate e-bike (aluminum frame, 26" wheels)
- 468Wh removable lithium-ion battery
- AC charger
- Color LCD display (pre-installed)
- Front headlight and reflectors
- Kickstand (pre-installed)
- Basic tool kit for assembly
- User manual
Out of the box, the Mate is well thought out. The essentials are here, and you won’t need a pro shop to complete assembly. I would love to see a rear light in the package and perhaps a small bottle of thread-locker for pedal/crank bolts, but those are easy upgrades. For commuting, consider adding fenders and a rear rack if your route is wet or you carry bags often.
Technical specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motor | 500W brushless rear hub (1000W peak) |
| Top speed | ~23 mph (≈37 km/h) |
| Battery | 468Wh removable pack (approx. 36V, 13Ah) |
| Estimated range | Up to ~25 miles throttle / ~45 miles PAS (conditions dependent) |
| Display | Color LCD; speed, PAS, battery, trip/odo |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed derailleur, trigger shifter |
| Brakes | Dual mechanical disc brakes |
| Frame | Aluminum alloy |
| Fork | Front suspension with lockout |
| Wheel size | 26" |
| Bike weight | ~50.7 lb |
| Payload | Up to 330 lb |
| Rider height | ~5'3"–6'1" recommended |
| Key dimensions | Total length 67"; wheelbase 39.4"; standover 27.1"; reach 21.7"; handlebar height 37.4"–41.3" |
Note: Real-world range and speed vary with rider weight, terrain, wind, temperature, tire pressure, and maintenance.
Features
- 1000W peak rear hub motor for brisk city acceleration and steady hill approaches.
- Removable 468Wh battery for convenient charging indoors.
- Three riding modes (PAS levels + throttle) to match mood and route.
- Front suspension with lockout to smooth potholes or firm up for efficiency.
- Color LCD console with clear metrics and backlight for dusk rides.
- Adjustable stem to fine-tune reach and posture.
- Dual disc brakes and a bright headlight with reflectors for visibility.
- 26-inch wheels that feel nimble in town and stable on crushed-gravel paths.
In use, the package hangs together nicely. The motor’s assist ramps in steadily, PAS 2 is a sweet spot for conserving battery, and PAS 3 is ideal for headwinds or quick merges. Locking out the fork on smooth pavement makes pedaling feel crisper. The cockpit layout is intuitive, with +/- buttons near your thumb and the display readable at a glance. Nothing distracts from the ride.
Real-world ride notes
Acceleration & Speed
From a dead stop, the Mate eases in smoothly then builds to neighborhood pace without drama. It’s happiest between 12–20 mph where the motor’s efficiency shines. On the flat, nudging 23 mph with a bit of rider input is realistic; holding that for long stretches drains the battery faster, as expected.
Hill Behavior
On short, punchy inclines and 10–12% ramps, staying in the mid cassette and letting the motor’s peak punch help you is the move. The brand quotes a “15°” max slope; in practice, the Mate climbs confidently until the grade becomes long and steep, where you’ll work with the gears to keep cadence in the motor’s comfort zone.
Handling & Comfort
Steering is neutral and predictable. Those 26-inch wheels make it easy to thread traffic or hop up a curb cut. The adjustable stem earns its keep: a slightly higher bar position relieves pressure on the hands for longer commutes. The saddle is average commuter fare—fine for 45-60 minutes at a stretch. I added a dab more seatpost height than I typically do on 27.5" bikes; once set, the pedaling position felt natural.
Braking
Mechanical discs are the right call for a value-minded bike—reliable and serviceable with basic tools. After a proper bed-in (ten or so 15-to-5 mph hard slows), lever feel settled and power was consistent. Wet performance is acceptable; plan ahead on long downhill approaches.
Battery & Charging
The 468Wh pack strikes a balance between weight and capacity. On my errand loop (mixed 15–19 mph pace, PAS 2–3, light hills), 20–28 miles per charge was typical, and PAS-only riding stretched further toward the claimed 45 miles. Charging from low to full took roughly an evening with the included charger.
Noise & Feel
Hub-motor whir is low and quickly fades into the wind. No creaks cropped up; the frame welds are clean and cable routing is tidy. The coil fork is quiet, though it tops out with a gentle thud if you hammer across speed bumps—normal behavior for this class.
Fit & Sizing
The single frame paired with the adjustable stem covers a broad range, especially for riders around 5'5"–5'11". At 6'1" you’re at the upper edge; you can make it work, but a longer post and stem tweak may be needed for full leg extension.
Setup and small upgrades I recommend
- Tires & Pressure: Arrived properly seated; a pressure in the mid-40s psi kept rolling quick while still softening cracks. Drop a few psi for gravel.
- Brake Tune: Cable pinch bolts and caliper alignment benefit from a post-assembly check; five minutes well spent.
- Lights: The included headlight is a good “be seen” option. If you ride dark routes, consider a brighter handlebar light plus a seat-post tail light.
- Comfort: A suspension seatpost isn’t essential but adds plushness on chip-seal roads.
- Fenders/Rack: If commuting daily, they’re worth adding for all-weather duty and cargo flexibility.
Who should buy it—and who shouldn’t
Buy it if:
You want a simple, confidence-building first e-bike. You value manageable weight, removable battery convenience, and a comfortable fit you can dial in. Your rides are typically 5–15 miles each way with mixed pavement and the occasional park path.
Skip it if:
You need sustained 28 mph commuting pace, you regularly tackle long, steep climbs with heavy cargo, or you demand hydraulic-brake stopping power and torque-sensor finesse. There are models purpose-built for those priorities—at a different budget tier.
Troubleshooting & care tips
- Range feels low? Check tire pressure, headwinds, and PAS level. Cold temps can shave noticeable range—store and charge batteries at room temperature.
- Brakes rub after a week? New cables stretch. Re-center the caliper and re-tension the cable; it’s a 3-minute fix.
- No power on? Confirm the frame’s battery latch is fully seated and the pack is switched on before pressing the display power button.
- Fork feels bouncy on smooth roads? Flip the lockout to “lock” for a firmer ride; unlock on rough stretches.
Final Breakdown
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike for Adults - 1000W Peak Motor, 37KM/H Top Speed, 468WH Removable... | $499.99 $429.99 | View on Amazon |
8.8 / 10
The 5TH WHEEL Mate focuses on the fundamentals and gets them right. It accelerates cleanly, rides quietly, and keeps maintenance straightforward. The adjustable stem and relatively low weight make it friendlier than many competitors for daily life—especially if you’re bringing the bike indoors or loading it onto a car rack.
Its limitations are honest ones: a mid-size 468Wh battery designed for moderate-length rides, mechanical discs instead of hydraulics, and a fork that favors comfort over aggressive trail pace. None are deal-breakers for the intended rider. In return you get an approachable, affordable commuter that is easy to live with and enjoyable to ride.
If your priorities are reliability, simplicity, and value—with enough motor punch to make hills and headwinds feel smaller—the Mate is a smart buy. Add a brighter tail light and, if needed, a rack or fenders, and you’ll have a versatile everyday e-bike you won’t overthink—just ride.
