Is Qlife Cityone the Best Budget Electric Bike? In-Depth Review (2025)

2

The Qlife Cityone Electric Bike is a sleek, step-through e-bike designed for urban commuters and casual riders who want a reliable, eco-friendly way to get around. With its 750W peak motor, UL2849-certified removable battery, and 26-inch tires, it promises a blend of power, comfort, and practicality. I’ve been riding this bike for a few weeks, weaving through city streets and tackling light trails, and it’s clear this e-bike is built to make commuting both fun and efficient.

What sets the Cityone apart is its thoughtful design for accessibility and versatility. Launched in early 2024, this model caters to riders of varying heights (5’4” to 6’5”) and supports up to 350 pounds, making it a solid choice for a wide range of users. The step-through frame is a standout, allowing easy mounting and dismounting, which is a game-changer for city dwellers who frequently stop at lights or hop off for quick errands. Qlife, the manufacturer, is a newer player in the e-bike market, focusing on affordable, commuter-friendly electric bikes that prioritize safety and durability.

Since its release, the Cityone hasn’t seen major updates, but it doesn’t need them yet—it’s a well-rounded package for its price point. Qlife has carved out a niche by offering practical features like a rear rack and fenders as standard, catering to riders who need a bike that’s ready to roll without extra purchases. The company emphasizes value, and the Cityone reflects that with its balance of performance and affordability, competing with bigger names in the budget e-bike space.

Is the Qlife Cityone for You?

The Qlife Cityone is designed for commuters and recreational riders who need a reliable, low-maintenance way to navigate urban environments or light trails. It solves the problem of getting around quickly without relying on cars or public transport, offering a 22 MPH top speed and a 40-mile range per charge. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely ride, this bike delivers a practical solution for cutting fuel costs and reducing your carbon footprint.

This e-bike is ideal for adults of all ages, from young professionals to retirees, thanks to its step-through frame and adjustable seat. It’s particularly suited for those who value ease of use—riders who might struggle with high-step frames or want a bike that’s simple to hop on and off. However, it’s not for thrill-seekers looking for high-speed performance or off-road enthusiasts tackling rugged terrain. The Cityone is built for paved roads and gentle paths, not mountain biking.

Budget-wise, the Cityone sits in the affordable range for e-bikes, offering solid value without breaking the bank. It’s beginner-friendly, with intuitive controls and a smooth pedal-assist system that doesn’t overwhelm new riders. If you’re new to e-bikes or just want a dependable ride for daily use, this bike is a great entry point.

What We Like About the Qlife Cityone

The Qlife Cityone shines in its ability to blend practicality with performance. The 750W peak motor provides enough power to tackle gentle hills and keep up with city traffic, hitting speeds up to 22 MPH without feeling sluggish. The step-through frame is a highlight, making it easy to mount and dismount, especially when carrying groceries or wearing business attire. The 26” x 2.1” tires offer excellent stability and grip, even on wet or slightly uneven surfaces, which gave me confidence during rainy commutes. The front fork suspension smooths out bumps, making rides over potholed city streets far more comfortable than I expected for a budget e-bike.

The UL2849-certified battery is another strong point, offering a 40-mile range that’s perfect for daily commutes or longer weekend rides. I found it reliable for multi-day use without needing a recharge, and the removable design makes charging convenient at home or the office. The inclusion of fenders and a rear rack as standard is a thoughtful touch, saving me from extra purchases for carrying bags or staying dry. Overall, the Cityone feels like a bike designed with real-world commuters in mind, delivering a smooth, practical ride at a price that feels like a steal.

What We Don’t Like About the Qlife Cityone

No bike is flawless, and the Cityone has a few quirks. The assembly process can be tricky for first-timers, as the instructions lack clarity on certain steps, like aligning the fenders or securing the rear rack. I spent extra time fiddling with screws that didn’t quite fit, which was frustrating. The throttle also struggles on steeper inclines, requiring more pedaling than I’d hoped for a 750W motor. While the battery life is solid, the 40-mile range drops noticeably if you rely heavily on the throttle or ride in colder weather, which is worth noting for longer commutes.

The bike’s bell is another minor letdown—it’s a basic snap mechanism that feels cheap and isn’t as loud as I’d like for busy streets. Additionally, some users have reported rust on screws after exposure to rain, which suggests the hardware could be more weather-resistant. These issues don’t ruin the experience, but they’re noticeable enough to mention for buyers who expect a fully polished product out of the box.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Step-through frame for easy access	Assembly instructions could be clearer
40-mile battery range for daily use	Throttle underperforms on steep hills
Stable 2.1” tires for varied surfaces	Basic bell feels cheap and ineffective
Includes fenders and rear rack	Some screws prone to rust after rain
Smooth front fork suspension

What’s Included?

• Qlife Cityone Electric Bike (26” step-through frame)
• UL2849-certified 36V removable battery
• Battery charger
• Front and rear fenders
• Rear cargo rack
• Basic assembly tools (hex keys, wrench)
• User manual
• Bell

I’m impressed with the Cityone’s package—it comes with everything you need to hit the road without extra purchases. The fenders and rear rack are practical additions for commuters, keeping you dry and letting you carry bags effortlessly. The included tools get the job done, though a more detailed manual would help. One omission is a front light, which feels like a miss for a commuter bike meant for urban use. You’ll need to buy a separate light for nighttime rides, which is a small but notable extra cost. Overall, the package feels complete and ready for daily use, with just a couple of gaps that are easy to address.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Motor	750W peak brushless motor
Battery	36V UL2849-certified removable
Range	Up to 40 miles
Top Speed	22 MPH
Tires	26” x 2.1”
Frame	Aluminum alloy, step-through
Weight Capacity	350 lbs
Rider Height	5’4” to 6’5”
Gears	7-speed
Suspension	Front fork
Weight	Approx. 55 lbs
Warranty	1-year

Features

• 750W Peak Motor: Delivers solid power for city commuting and gentle hills.
• 36V UL2849-Certified Battery: Removable, with a 40-mile range and safety features like overcharge protection.
• 26” x 2.1” Tires: Wider for better grip and stability on wet or uneven surfaces.
• Step-Through Frame: Easy to mount, ideal for all ages and abilities.
• 7-Speed Gearing: Offers flexibility for different terrains and riding styles.
• Front Fork Suspension: Smooths out bumps for a comfortable ride.
• Rear Rack and Fenders: Included for practicality, protecting against splashes and carrying cargo.
• Adjustable Seat: Fits riders from 5’4” to 6’5” for a customized fit.

The Cityone’s features make it a strong contender in the budget e-bike market. The motor and battery combo delivers reliable performance for daily commutes, and the wider tires provide confidence on slippery surfaces. The step-through frame and adjustable seat are fantastic for accessibility, catering to a broad range of riders. However, the throttle’s limited power on steep hills and the lack of a built-in light are minor weaknesses. Compared to other e-bikes in its class, the Cityone’s features strike a great balance between functionality and affordability, though it’s not perfect for demanding terrains or high-speed enthusiasts.

Final Breakdown

8/10

The Qlife Cityone Electric Bike earns an 8 out of 10 for its impressive blend of affordability, practicality, and performance. It’s a fantastic choice for urban commuters and casual riders who want a reliable, easy-to-use e-bike without spending a fortune. The step-through frame, long battery range, and included accessories like fenders and a rear rack make it a standout for daily use, though minor issues like unclear assembly instructions and a weak throttle on hills keep it from perfection. For beginners or those seeking a budget-friendly e-bike for city life, the Cityone is a solid investment that delivers on its promises.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Qlife Cityone to anyone looking for a versatile, commuter-friendly e-bike. It’s not designed for extreme adventures, but for getting to work, running errands, or enjoying a leisurely ride, it’s hard to beat at this price point. If you’re in the market for an accessible, dependable electric bike, the Cityone deserves a spot on your shortlist.

---