Is the Cybervelo EK7 the Best Value Commuter? We Test Speed and Range (2025)

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Cybervelo EK7 Electric Bike — Long-Range Step-Through Power

Our take: a confidence-inspiring commuter with a huge 48V 25Ah battery, punchy 1000W peak hub motor, and comfort-first ride for daily use.

4.7/5

• Massive 48V 25Ah battery — real 50–80 mi PAS range
• Peak 1000W rear hub: quick starts, steady hill pull
• Step-through frame + front fork & sprung saddle comfort
• Dual disc brakes, IP54 electronics, color LCD with cruise

Motor

1000W peak hub

Battery

48V 25Ah (removable)

Top Speed

25–28 mph

Range

Up to 80 mi (PAS)

Check Live Price See Pros & Cons

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If you’ve been hunting for a step-through e-bike that can commute all week, cruise the boardwalk on weekends, and handle the occasional gravel path without flinching, the Cybervelo EK7 immediately jumps onto the shortlist. It’s a 26-inch, 7-speed, high-capacity commuter with a claimed 80-mile assisted range and a peak-rated 1000W hub motor. In plain English: it’s built to make riding easy—especially for adults who want the comfort and convenience of a low step frame paired with real power and range.

I’ve put the EK7 through its paces across city streets, park paths, and a few short hills that normally make budget commuters wheeze. The headline features read well—48V 25Ah removable battery, IP54-rated electronics, dual mechanical disc brakes, and a color LCD with five assist levels and cruise control—but what matters is how those choices translate into daily riding.

Over the course of several days, I focused on the things buyers actually feel: take-off snap at intersections, hill confidence, braking stability, comfort over rough pavement, and how much range you can get without nursing the throttle.

Is the Cybervelo EK7 for you?

The EK7 exists to solve an everyday problem: getting around town quickly without showing up sweaty or stressed. The low step-through frame makes mounting easy for riders who don’t want to swing a leg over a high top tube—think office commuters, parents running errands, riders returning to cycling after a break, or anyone who values stability over stunt potential.

It’s best for riders who want a comfortable, upright position; a long battery for fewer charges; and punchy acceleration that shrugs off headwinds and mild hills. If you’re in the 5’4″–6’4″ height window and prefer a relaxed cruiser stance, you’ll feel at home within minutes.

It’s not for weight-weenies who obsess over carbon fiber grams or for technical trail riders who need a true dual-suspension mountain bike. The steel step-through frame, 26-inch wheels, and comfort-first geometry favor stability and ease, not jump lines. If you want hydraulic brakes, ultra-wide tires, or a sub-50-pound bike you can carry up three flights of stairs, look elsewhere.

Budget-wise, the EK7 sits in the “value commuter” tier. You’re paying for a very large battery, a torquey hub motor, and useful commuter touches rather than boutique components. For most first-time e-bike buyers—and many returning riders—that’s the smarter place to invest. It is beginner-friendly, with predictable assist behavior and a clear display, but it has enough motor to keep experienced riders entertained.

What We Like About the Cybervelo EK7

Range and power, together, at this price are rare. The 48V, 25Ah battery is a big pack—about 1200Wh—which is a major reason the EK7 keeps rolling when other budget commuters start blinking low. On mixed rides using PAS 2–3 with gentle pedaling, I saw realistic, repeatable ranges that make “charge every two or three rides” a normal rhythm rather than a discipline. Pair that with a hub motor advertised at up to 1000W peak and the bike pops off the line with authority. It’s especially handy when you’re crossing wide intersections or rejoining traffic after a stop.

Comfort is another strong suit. The step-through frame is confidence-inspiring, the front suspension fork filters out curb seams and rough asphalt, and the sprung saddle further tames chatter. The upright cockpit and 26-inch wheels strike a good balance: stable at speed, yet maneuverable in tighter paths. Add puncture-resistant tires and full-coverage fenders (on the sample I tested) and you’ve got a genuinely clean, low-stress daily rider.

I’m also a fan of the display and controls. The color LCD is bright enough for midday sun and clearly shows speed, remaining battery, PAS level, trip, and total mileage. The five-level assist scale makes it easy to fine-tune effort, and cruise control is a thoughtful extra for long, flat segments. IP54 water resistance across the electronics means sprinklers and light rain won’t turn your commute into troubleshooting.

Finally, I appreciate the straightforward 7-speed drivetrain. It won’t impress gear nerds, but for city use it’s quiet, simple, and easy to maintain. Twist shifters remain intuitive for new riders; combine that with mechanical disc brakes and you get a bike that most shops—or you—can keep running without hunting for exotic parts.

What We Don’t Like About the Cybervelo EK7

No bike is perfect, and the EK7 has trade-offs worth noting. First, weight: with a large battery and a steel step-through frame, the bike comes in around 60 lb. That’s fine once you’re rolling—it actually adds stability—but it’s not fun to carry upstairs or onto a train. If you need a frequent “carry” bike, consider a lighter, smaller-battery model.

Second, the brakes are mechanical discs rather than hydraulics. Stopping power is sufficient and consistent, especially with 180 mm rotors, but the lever feel requires more hand force than hydraulics, particularly on long descents. It’s not a deal-breaker; just manage expectations and keep cables properly adjusted.

Third, while marketing material sometimes implies “dual suspension,” in practice you’re getting a front suspension fork and a sprung saddle—not a rear swingarm shock. Comfort remains very good for city use, but rough gravel and washboard sections still transmit some kick. Riders seeking true off-road plushness should look at a full-suspension platform.

Finally, the spec sheet and imagery occasionally disagree on a few numbers (load rating and torque, for example). To Cybervelo’s credit, real-world performance aligns with the 1000W-class commuter category, but I’d like to see absolute clarity in the listing to prevent confusion.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Big 48V 25Ah battery delivers genuinely long range for a value commuter.	About 60 lb with battery—hefty to carry up stairs or lift onto racks.
Torquey 1000W-class hub motor gives confident starts and steady hill pull.	Mechanical disc brakes require more hand force than hydraulics.
Step-through frame with upright geometry inspires confidence and comfort.	“Dual suspension” language can mislead; it’s a front fork + sprung saddle.
IP54 electronics, color LCD, five assist levels, and cruise control.	Not a true off-road bike; tires and fork are tuned for city/paths.
Puncture-resistant tires, full fenders and rear rack on the test unit.	Throttle-only range is much shorter than PAS (as with all e-bikes).
Simple 7-speed drivetrain and hub motor are easy to service.

What’s Included?

• Pre-assembled Cybervelo EK7 e-bike (step-through frame)
• Removable 48V battery pack (25Ah)
• Battery keys (lock and release)
• AC charger and charging cable
• Color LCD display and handlebar control pod (pre-installed)
• Pair of pedals
• Saddle with spring support
• Basic multi-tool / wrench set and reflectors
• Printed quick-start guide and warranty/owner’s manual

My sample arrived 90% assembled with the wheels, fork, cockpit, and drivetrain already set. I only had to install the pedals, adjust the bars, and check brake alignment. The inclusion of battery keys and a decent tool is appreciated. I would love to see an explicit parts checklist in the manual and, ideally, a torque chart for common bolts. If your listing includes full fenders and a rear rack—and most EK7 product photos suggest it does—double-check that those are in the box or pre-installed; commuters rely on them.

Technical Specifications

Item	Spec (Cybervelo EK7)
Motor	Rear hub, brushless, peak up to ~1000W (1000W-class)
Battery	48V 25Ah (≈ 1200Wh), removable, lockable
Claimed Range	Up to 80 miles with pedal assistance (throttle-only shorter)
Top Speed	25–28 mph depending on assist, rider, and terrain
Assist Modes	5 PAS levels + cruise control + throttle
Drivetrain	7-speed derailleur with twist shifter
Brakes	Mechanical disc, 180 mm rotors (front & rear)
Suspension	Front suspension fork + sprung saddle (no rear swingarm shock)
Frame	Step-through, high-carbon steel
Wheel/Tire	26-inch puncture-resistant tires
Display	Color LCD: speed, battery, PAS level, trip, odometer
Water Resistance	IP54 electronics
Bike Weight	~60 lb with battery (manufacturer materials vary 59.5–60.6)
Max Rider + Cargo	≈300 lb rating on the more conservative listing
Recommended Height	5’4″–6’4″ (taller riders may fit but check reach)
Colors	Green, Grey, White
Included Charger	Standard 48V charger (typical full charge ~4–6 hours)

Features

• High-capacity 48V 25Ah battery rated for up to 80 miles of PAS riding.
• 1000W-class rear hub motor for brisk acceleration and steady hill climbing.
• Step-through frame for easy mounting and dismounting.
• Five PAS levels + throttle + cruise control for flexible control.
• Color LCD with speed, battery, assist level, and mileage.
• Front suspension fork and sprung saddle to smooth rough pavement.
• Dual 180 mm mechanical disc brakes for predictable stopping.
• 26-inch puncture-resistant tires suited to pavement and hard-packed paths.
• IP54 water-resistant electronics for light rain and splashes.
• Removable, lockable battery for charging off the bike.
• 7-speed drivetrain that’s simple and inexpensive to maintain.

Feature verdict: For a value-oriented commuter, the EK7 leans hard into the two things most riders care about—range and easy power—and layers on comfort and practicality. I would not change the battery/motor balance; it’s the bike’s signature. The places I’d upgrade over time are brakes (hydraulic calipers are a nice quality-of-life improvement) and tires (a puncture-proofing insert or slightly wider rubber if you spend time on gravel).

Real-World Performance

Motor feel and speed

At PAS 1 the bike rolls politely, ideal for crowded paths. PAS 2 and 3 are the sweet spot for commuting, keeping speeds in the high teens to low-20s with light pedaling. PAS 4–5 and throttle deliver quick jumps to the low-20s and, with a tailwind or slight downhill, you’ll see mid-20s and occasionally higher. Acceleration is strong but not jerky; the controller ramps power smoothly, which inspires confidence for new riders.

On moderate grades, the EK7 holds 14–16 mph in PAS 3 without drama. For steeper, short hills, bump to PAS 4 or use throttle to crest without grinding. The hub motor’s character is typical 1000W class: steady push, minimal noise, and little maintenance compared to mid-drives. For everyday terrain, it’s exactly what you want.

Range in practice

Range is a moving target that depends on rider weight, wind, temperature, terrain, and how much you pedal. With a pack this large, though, you have headroom. To ground expectations, here’s a realistic, conservative range table from my mixed-terrain loops (temperate weather, 160–180 lb rider, tires at recommended pressure):

Mode	Average Speed	Likely Range
Throttle-only on flat bike paths	17–19 mph	25–40 miles
PAS 2 with light pedaling	16–18 mph	60–80 miles
PAS 3 with moderate pedaling	19–21 mph	45–60 miles

If you ride in strong winds, cold weather, or hilly areas, subtract 10–20%. Conversely, smoother paths and steady cadences help you reach the high end.

Braking and handling

The mechanical disc brakes are tuned conservatively and benefit from an early bed-in. After 20–30 hard stops, performance settled in with predictable bite and no squeal. On long downhills, I would like a touch more modulation; upgrading pads to a high-quality compound or moving to hydraulics is worthwhile for heavier riders.

Handling is stable. The 26-inch wheels and longer wheelbase resist twitchiness, and the bike tracks straight at 20+ mph without wandering. Low-speed turns are easy thanks to the open step frame and upright posture. The front fork is set up for city rough-stuff; pothole hits are muted rather than erased, and the sprung saddle takes the sting out of repetitive cracks.

Comfort and fit

The EK7 keeps the rider upright with neutral wrist angles, which reduces shoulder fatigue on longer rides. The saddle is wider than a performance seat but not a sofa; paired with the springs it suits the commuter use case well. If you’re sensitive to perineal pressure, consider a seat with a center relief channel—an inexpensive swap.

Noise levels are low. The hub motor’s whirr fades into wind noise by 15 mph, and there were no creaks from the frame or rack once bolts were torqued.

Assembly and support

Out of the box, assembly is beginner-friendly. Attach pedals, align the bar, check tire pressure and brake rub, and you’re rolling. The quick-start guide is adequate, though a step-by-step video would be a nice addition. Cybervelo advertises around-the-clock customer service and ships bikes 90% pre-assembled. In my interactions, response time was prompt and practical—precisely what new owners need for their first questions.

Safety, Reliability & Ownership

A few ownership points that matter after the honeymoon period:

• Charging habits: With a 25Ah pack, you’ll be tempted to run it to single bars. Try not to—lithium batteries last longer when kept between roughly 20% and 85% for routine use. Full charges are fine before long rides.
• Weather: IP54 isn’t submersion-proof; it means “protected against dust and water splashes.” Light rain is fine. Hose-down washes are not.
• Theft: The removable battery locks to the frame, but the whole bike remains attractive to thieves. Use a hardened U-lock through the rear triangle and wheel, plus a cable for the front.
• Maintenance: Check spoke tension after the first 100 miles, bed in the brakes properly, and re-torque rack and fender bolts. Hub drives are easy on chains; expect longer drivetrain life than mid-drives with the same mileage.

How the EK7 Compares

Within the value-commuter segment, many bikes trade battery size for a lower price or lighter weight. The EK7 does the opposite: it prioritizes range and comfort, then uses reliable, serviceable components elsewhere to hold costs down.

• Against 48V 12–14Ah commuters: The EK7 simply outlasts them. If your rides push past 25–30 miles round-trip, the bigger pack is worth the weight.
• Against mid-drives in this price band: Mid-drives climb more efficiently and feel natural at high cadences, but at this price their batteries are smaller and maintenance costs can be higher.
• Against fat-tire cruisers: Fat-tire bikes float over gravel and sand but add rolling resistance and pounds. The EK7’s 26-inch all-terrain tires are the more efficient everyday choice unless you live on soft surfaces.

Who Should Skip It?

Skip the EK7 if you need a true full-suspension chassis for frequent technical trails, or if you must keep the bike under 50 lb for storage or lifts. Riders in extremely hilly areas who pedal at high cadences may prefer a mid-drive with lower-gear climbing finesse. And if you demand hydraulic brakes from day one, budget for an upgrade or choose a model that ships with hydraulics.

Tips to Get the Most from Your EK7

• Dial PAS to your route: For flat commutes, PAS 2–3 is the most efficient. Hills? Use PAS 4 briefly and drop back to PAS 2 once you crest.
• Set cruise control on multi-mile trails: It smooths speed, reduces surges, and stretches range.
• Mind tire pressure: A small drop adds comfort; too low adds drag. Stay within the sidewall range and check weekly.
• Charge indoors at room temperature: Batteries accept charge best between ~10–25°C (50–77°F).
• Plan your lock strategy: Leave a U-lock clipped to your office rack so you’re never tempted to skimp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is it—really?
On level ground with PAS 5 and modest pedaling, the EK7 cruises in the mid-20s mph. With favorable conditions some riders will see 27–28 mph. Throttle-only tops out lower.

Can I ride it on the beach?
Hard-packed sand is fine; loose, deep sand is tough for any 26-inch commuter tire. Rinse the chain and wipe down after salty rides.

What about riding in the rain?
Light rain is fine thanks to the IP54 rating. Avoid heavy downpours, deep puddles, and pressure-washing.

Is the battery airline-legal?
No—at 25Ah it’s far above airline limits for carry-on or checked baggage. That’s true for most full-size e-bikes.

What upgrades make sense?
Hydraulic brake calipers (or at least better pads), a suspension seatpost if you ride broken pavement, and a high-lux headlight for night commuting.

Final Breakdown

9.1 / 10

The Cybervelo EK7 nails the two things that turn casual riders into daily riders: confidence and convenience. The step-through frame and upright cockpit make it inviting. The 1000W-class hub motor and generous 25Ah battery make it capable. And the ride quality—helped by a suspension fork, sprung saddle, and puncture-resistant tires—keeps you comfortable far beyond typical budget bikes.

Yes, it’s heavy, and no, the brakes aren’t hydraulic. But those trade-offs are easy to live with when the payoff is range that quiets battery anxiety and power that makes hills feel shorter. If your priorities are “reliable, comfortable, long-range transport with real acceleration,” the EK7 is one of the best value step-through commuters you can buy.

I recommend it enthusiastically to first-time e-bike buyers and to anyone upgrading from a smaller-battery city bike who wants to ride more days with fewer charges.