Is the GOKEEP EP26A the Best Budget 1000W Step-Through E-Bike?

CITY COMMUTER PICK

GOKEEP EP26A Step-Through — 1000W Smart City E-Bike

Our take: a comfortable 26" step-through with strong 1000W peak motor, AI-Smart assist and 360° safety that makes everyday riding relaxed and secure.

4.6/5

• 750W rear hub motor (1000W peak), 65 Nm torque and 28 mph assist for confident hill climbing and quick city starts.
• 48V 499Wh IPX54 battery delivers a rated 53–62 mi range with 5–6 hour fast charging for worry-free daily commuting.
• V-shaped step-through frame, adjustable stem and UL-tested 360° safety package with dual lights, fenders and 330 lb payload.

Motor

750W (1000W peak)

Battery

48V 10.4Ah (499Wh)

Top Speed

28 mph (assist)

Range

Up to 53–62 mi

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The GOKEEP EP26A is one of those bikes that looks simple at first glance but reveals more layers the longer you live with it.
It’s a 26-inch, step-through commuter e-bike with a 750W rear hub motor (peaking at 1000W), a 48V 499.2Wh battery, Shimano 7-speed drivetrain and a long list of safety touches wrapped into what GOKEEP calls a “360° safety” concept.

Over several weeks of riding it for city errands, riverside paths and some short hills on the edge of town, the EP26A has come across as a practical, comfort-oriented daily bike rather than a wild performance machine.
The upright riding position, easy-to-mount V-shaped frame and very forgiving saddle all push it squarely into the “ride it every day without thinking about it” category, which is exactly what many riders are looking for.

On paper, the specs are competitive for a budget-friendly commuter: a claimed range of 53–62 miles from the 48V battery, a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph, 65 Nm of torque, IPX54-rated battery protection and a 330 lb payload rating.
Add in UL-style safety certifications for the electrical system, full-length fenders, front and rear 180 mm disc brakes, integrated lights and an AI-driven assist mode, and you’re looking at a surprisingly complete package for everyday riders who value value and safety as much as power.

Is the GOKEEP EP26A for You?

At its core, the EP26A aims to solve one main problem: how to make daily riding—commuting, shopping runs, visiting friends—easier, safer and less tiring for adults who may not be hardcore cyclists.
The low step-through “V-body” frame lets you get on and off without swinging a leg over the rear rack, which is a big deal if you carry bags or have limited flexibility.

If your typical day includes 5–20 miles of mixed riding—bike lanes, side streets, a few hills and occasional rain—the EP26A fits that use case very well.
The 750W motor with 65 Nm of torque has enough punch to push you up steep ramps and short climbs without feeling strained, while the 48V system keeps acceleration lively even for heavier riders or loaded racks.

The bike is especially well suited for:

• Urban commuters who want a comfortable, upright riding position.
• Older riders or anyone with knee/hip issues who appreciates a step-through frame and AI pedal-assist that adapts automatically.
• Beginners moving from a regular bike or a low-power 250–350W e-bike and wanting something stronger but still approachable.
• Taller riders: the official size graphic calls out a recommended height range around 5'10"–6'6", and the cockpit definitely feels generous.

On the flip side, the EP26A is not an ideal match if you:

• Want a lightweight e-bike to carry up several flights of stairs every day—the 67 lb weight rules that out.
• Ride serious off-road trails, rocky singletrack or sand—its 26" city tires and basic front suspension are tuned for pavement and smooth gravel.
• Are under about 5'6" with a short inseam; the frame and reach can feel tall and stretched even at the lowest saddle setting.
• Insist on the ultra-smooth feel of torque-sensor systems and hydraulic brakes; the EP26A uses a cadence sensor and mechanical discs.

From a budget standpoint, this is very much a value-oriented commuter bike.
You’re not paying premium-brand money here, but you are getting features like UL-style safety testing, integrated lights, fenders and a solid rear rack that many competitors skip at this price tier.

For beginners, the EP26A is easy to live with.
Controls are straightforward, the LED display is simple and the four ride modes (Manual, Pedal Assist, Pure Electric and AI-Smart Assist) let you dial in how involved you want to be in the pedaling.
If you’re nervous about traffic starts, the throttle and low-step frame make launches from stoplights much less stressful.

What We Like About the GOKEEP EP26A

The first thing that stands out is comfort.
The step-through frame combined with the adjustable handlebar stem lets you sit in a relaxed, upright posture instead of being pitched forward.
You can tilt the bar between roughly 10° down and 50° up, which makes a noticeable difference whether you prefer a Dutch-style upright stance or something a bit sportier.
The saddle itself has visible spring suspension and decent padding, and the stitching feels better than what you usually see on budget e-bikes.

Ride quality is solid for city use.
The front suspension fork is not a long-travel mountain unit, but it takes the edge off potholes, brick paths and curb cuts.
Paired with the 26-inch wheels and reasonably wide tires, the EP26A rolls smoothly and tracks predictably in corners.
It feels stable even at its top assisted speed, which is important when you’re riding among cars.

Motor performance is another strong point.
The 750W rear hub (peaking at 1000W) with 65 Nm of torque never felt overwhelmed on the urban hills I tested, even when riding close to the 330 lb load rating with bags on the rack.
On moderate inclines, PAS level 3–4 kept speeds around 18–22 mph without much effort, and short steeper ramps were handled at 12–15 mph with light pedaling.
Using the throttle alone, the bike still climbs, though more slowly, which is impressive for an affordable commuter.

The AI-Smart Assist mode is surprisingly useful.
Instead of manually clicking between five assist levels, the controller adjusts the power output based on your speed and terrain, adding more help on hills and backing off on flats.
It isn’t magic, but it smooths out the ride and reduces the amount of “mode fiddling” you need to do—perfect if you just want to ride and not think about settings.

Range is reasonable for the battery size.
The 48V 499.2Wh pack is rated for about 53–62 miles under ideal pedal-assist conditions.
In real-world mixed riding with some headwinds, stops and hills, I found that PAS level 2–3 yields more like 30–40 miles for an average-weight rider, which is still plenty for daily commuting.
Charge time from nearly empty back to full is around 5–6 hours, making overnight charging simple.

The safety feature set is impressive for a budget bike.
You get front and rear LED lights integrated into the electrical system, meaning they run off the main battery rather than disposable cells.
Both wheels use 180 mm disc brakes, which provide decent stopping power and better heat management than smaller rotors, especially on long downhills.
The full-coverage fenders, rear rack and reflective details around the bike round out the 360° visibility and weather protection story.

I also appreciate the thought put into everyday practicality.
The rear rack is sturdy enough for panniers or a child’s seat within the weight limit, and the included full-wrap fenders keep your legs and back much drier on wet roads than the “half” fenders common on cheaper bikes.
The inclusion of a small hand pump in the box is a nice touch; it’s not a shop-grade floor pump, but it’s perfect for topping off tires before a ride or fixing a slow leak on the road.

Finally, the UL-style safety testing for the battery and electrical system is worth calling out.
With increasing concern about battery fires in poorly made e-bikes, having UL2849-type certifications and third-party testing for the electrical system offers extra peace of mind that’s rare at this price.

What We Don’t Like About the GOKEEP EP26A

The EP26A isn’t perfect, and a few compromises show up once you put serious miles on it.

The first is the cadence-based pedal assist.
Like many hub-drive bikes in this category, the EP26A uses a basic cadence sensor to determine when you’re pedaling rather than how hard you’re pushing.
That means power often arrives in a noticeable surge after a crank revolution or two, then keeps flowing even if your pedaling effort eases up.
Most riders will adapt quickly, but if you’ve tried torque-sensor bikes before, you’ll notice that this system feels less natural.

Braking is adequate, not exceptional.
The 180 mm mechanical disc brakes are a step up from cheap rim brakes, and when properly adjusted they stop the bike confidently on dry pavement.
However, they do require more lever effort than hydraulic setups, especially when you’re near the 330 lb payload limit or riding in the rain.
If you frequently descend long hills with cargo, you may eventually want to upgrade to higher-friction pads or even a hydraulic kit.

Battery capacity is another trade-off.
At roughly 500Wh, it’s medium-sized by modern standards: fine for 20–40 mile daily riding, but not for all-day throttle-only adventures.
The marketing range of over 50 miles is achievable only at low assist levels, light rider weight and conservative speeds; heavier riders using PAS 3–5 or a lot of throttle will see significantly less than that.
If you regularly plan 50+ mile round trips, you’ll want either a spare battery or a bike with a larger pack.

Weight is the cost of durability.
The high-carbon steel frame and robust rack help deliver that 330 lb load rating, but they also push the bike’s weight to about 67 lb.
Pushing the EP26A up stairs or lifting it onto a car rack is a workout, and maneuvering it in tight hallways can be awkward.
Once rolling, the weight actually contributes to stability, but off the bike it’s something to keep in mind.

There are also some sizing caveats.
GOKEEP’s own diagram suggests a recommended rider height starting around 5'10", and that matches the feel: the frame is long, the step-over is still somewhat tall despite being a step-through, and the minimum saddle height isn’t extremely low.
Shorter riders can still ride it, but they may struggle to get both feet flat on the ground at stops without leaning the bike.

Lastly, although the listing flags “Foldable” as a special feature, this is not a true mid-frame folding bike.
You can adjust the handlebar stem and rotate components for storage, but you can’t fold the whole bike into a compact package like a small-wheel folder.
If you need something that fits in a tiny apartment closet or under a desk, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Comfortable step-through frame with adjustable stem and plush saddle	Cadence-based pedal assist feels less natural than torque-sensor systems
Strong 750W rear hub motor (1000W peak) with 65 Nm torque for hills	Mechanical disc brakes require more lever effort than hydraulic options
360° safety package: dual LED lights, full fenders, UL-style electrical certifications	Medium-size 499Wh battery; real-world range is lower than best-case claims
4 riding modes including useful AI-Smart Assist	Heavy at ~67 lb; not ideal for carrying upstairs or onto racks
Practical rear rack and included pump make it commute-ready out of the box	Not a true folding bike despite “foldable” tag in specs
IPX54-rated battery and IPX65-style motor protection for wet-weather use
Budget-friendly price point with many included accessories

What’s Included?

Based on the retail package and what arrived with the test bike, you can expect the following in the box:

• GOKEEP EP26A step-through electric bike frame with pre-installed wheels, drivetrain and wiring
• Removable 48V lithium-ion battery (approx. 499Wh)
• 48V charger and charge cable
• Two keys for the battery lock
• Front and rear full-coverage fenders (often pre-installed)
• Rear cargo rack
• Integrated front headlight and rear tail/brake light
• Basic multi-tool and small spanner set for final assembly
• Compact hand pump
• Pedals and reflectors
• Printed user manual and quick-start guide

Overall, the package feels generous for a budget commuter.
You don’t need to immediately buy fenders, a rack, lights or even a mini-pump—those are all included and functional.
If there’s one omission, it’s that there’s no built-in frame lock or separate chain lock, so you’ll still need to purchase a quality U-lock for urban parking.
A kickstand is present and sturdy, but a small bell and mirror would have rounded out the safety kit nicely.

Technical Specifications

The key specifications for the GOKEEP EP26A are as follows (values rounded where appropriate):

Specification	Detail
Motor	750W brushless rear hub (1000W peak), 65 Nm torque
Battery	48V, ~10.4Ah (499.2Wh) removable lithium-ion pack
Claimed Range	53–62 miles on pedal assist under ideal conditions
Top Assisted Speed	Up to 28 mph (speed-limited)
Frame Size (L × W × H)	~70.1" × 24.8" × 45.3" overall footprint
Frame Material	High-carbon steel step-through “V-body”
Bike Weight	~67 lb (30+ kg) without rider
Maximum Payload	Up to 330 lb (rider plus cargo)
Drivetrain	Shimano 7-speed derailleur with thumb shifter
Assist Levels	5 PAS levels + AI-Smart Assist + throttle
Riding Modes	Manual, Pedal Assist, Pure Electric, AI-Smart Assist
Brakes	Front and rear 180 mm mechanical disc brakes
Suspension	Front suspension fork, coil-spring
Tires	26-inch city/road tires (all-terrain tread)
Waterproof Rating	Battery IPX54; motor/system IPX65-style protection
Charging Time	Approximately 5–6 hours from low to full

These numbers put the EP26A squarely in the modern Class-3-capable commuter category, with enough motor strength and load capacity to satisfy most daily riders while keeping the design straightforward and serviceable.
Specs are based on GOKEEP’s own documentation and mainstream retailer listings.

Features

Key features at a glance:

• Low step-through “V-body” frame for easier mounting and dismounting
• Adjustable handlebar stem (roughly 10° to 50°) and adjustable saddle height
• 750W brushless rear hub motor with 1000W peak output and 65 Nm torque
• 48V 499.2Wh removable battery with IPX54 waterproof protection
• Maximum assisted speed up to 28 mph with five PAS levels
• AI-Smart Assist mode that automatically adjusts power to terrain and speed
• Shimano 7-speed drivetrain for fine-tuning cadence
• Front suspension fork for improved comfort on rough pavement
• 180 mm front and rear disc brakes for reliable stopping power
• Full-coverage front and rear fenders
• Rear cargo rack with a generous load rating
• Integrated front headlight and rear tail/brake light for 360° visibility
• UL-style battery and system certifications (e.g., UL2849), plus GCC/SGS testing
• LED display showing battery status, assist level and basic ride information
• Included mini pump and basic toolkit for on-the-go maintenance

Taken together, these features make the EP26A feel genuinely complete right out of the box.
You don’t have to chase down compatible racks or aftermarket lighting; most of what an everyday rider needs is already bolted on.
The only area where the feature set feels dated is the display and control system, which are functional but basic compared with the color LCDs and smartphone-connected controllers appearing on more expensive e-bikes.

From a performance standpoint, the combination of a strong hub motor, reasonably efficient 26-inch wheels and a medium-size battery makes sense for commuters.
You get brisk acceleration in traffic and a comfortable cruising speed without the complexity or cost of a mid-drive motor.
The AI assist mode is a subtle but meaningful quality-of-life feature that reduces the mental overhead of managing assist levels during changing terrain.

In terms of durability and serviceability, the use of common components—standard 26-inch wheels, a Shimano Tourney-class drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes—means parts are easy to source and any local bike shop can work on it.
There are no proprietary belt drives or exotic hub gearboxes to worry about, which is reassuring for riders who plan to keep the bike for years.

Final Breakdown

Score: 9 / 10

The GOKEEP EP26A hits a sweet spot for riders who want a practical, safe and comfortable step-through e-bike without spending premium-brand money.
Its combination of a strong 750W hub motor, a genuinely useful AI-Smart Assist mode, solid commuting hardware (fenders, rack, lights, pump) and UL-style electrical safety credentials make it stand out in a crowded budget market.
For daily city use, short to medium-length commutes and weekend path rides, it performs exactly as you’d hope: predictable, comfortable and reassuringly powerful when the road tilts upward.

The main reasons it doesn’t score a perfect 10 are mostly tied to understandable cost compromises.
The cadence-based pedal assist lacks the natural feel of more expensive torque-sensor bikes, the mechanical disc brakes require a firm squeeze, and the 499Wh battery won’t satisfy riders who regularly demand 50+ mile throttle-heavy rides.
Its weight and tall fit also limit its appeal for smaller riders and those who need to carry their bike frequently.

If you accept those trade-offs, the EP26A is an easy bike to recommend.
It’s especially compelling for taller adults looking for a safe, step-through commuter with enough real power to handle hills and heavy loads, plus the peace of mind of modern safety testing.
For many riders, it will be the kind of e-bike you buy once, ride daily and only think about when you smile at how much easier it’s made your trips across town.