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EDITOR’S CHOICE
Riding’times Z8 Pro Electric Bike — Dual-Battery Range, Full-Suspension Comfort
Our take: a moped-style e-bike with 31.2Ah power, 1500W punch and real 6-layer comfort—great value for commuters and weekend explorers.
- Dual 48V 15.6Ah batteries (31.2Ah) — 75–120 miles per charge; two chargers included.
- 1500W peak hub motor — up to 31 mph; climbs up to 35° with 7-speed gearing.
- 6-layer comfort: dual fork + rear springs + 20×4” tires; long 12–21.5” bench seat.
- Motor
- 1500W peak rear hub
- Battery
- Dual 48V 15.6Ah (31.2Ah)
- Top Speed
- Up to 31 mph
- Range
- 75–120 miles
If you’ve been eyeing a moped-style e-bike that actually balances speed, comfort, and real-world utility—without blowing past the four-figure mark—the Riding’times Z8 Pro is one of the few that hits that brief.
Over the past few weeks I’ve ridden it through city streets, park paths, and dusty service roads, toggling between throttle-only cruising and higher PAS levels to see how it behaves at different speeds. What stood out immediately is the combination of a long, bench-style seat, dual 48V batteries, and a surprisingly solid six-point suspension formula. Together, they make the Z8 Pro feel more like a small moto than a typical step-through commuter.
At its core, the Z8 Pro is a 20-inch, fat-tire, dual-battery e-moped built on a carbon-steel frame with dual (front fork + rear spring) suspension and 160 mm mechanical disc brakes with EABS. Riding’times pairs a 48V system (31.2 Ah total capacity from two 15.6 Ah packs) to a peak 1500 W rear hub motor, quoting up to 31 mph in pure electric mode and a range up to 75 miles (throttle) or 120 miles (PAS) per charge—of course, range depends on rider weight, terrain, and temperature. It ships about 90% assembled with two chargers and a 10.4 L “gas tank-style” rack bag that’s more useful than the marketing name implies.
Riding’times, founded in 2006, has long leaned into rugged, value-forward builds. The Z8 Pro is their latest upgrade and brings quality-of-life touches—brighter lighting with turn signals, an easy-read display, and a gear range that finally matches the bike’s speed potential. Small refinements like better cable routing and a sturdier rear rack bar round out a frame that already felt tough enough to shrug off potholes.
Is Riding’times Z8 Pro for you?
The Z8 Pro solves a very clear problem: how to get true moped-style comfort and battery endurance without paying premium-brand prices or accepting harsh ride quality. The six-layer shock-absorption approach—dual fork stanchions, dual seat springs, and the cushion of 20" × 4" fat tires—smooths broken asphalt better than most hardtail e-mopeds in this bracket. If your commute mixes potholes, curb cuts, and packed dirt, this setup matters more than raw wattage.
It’s ideal for taller riders who want fore-aft wiggle room and for shorter riders who prefer the confidence of a bench seat. With the included extension piece, the seat expands from 12" to 21.5", which lets you slide your hips to find balance under acceleration or when the road gets lumpy. The quoted 35° climbing ability and the motor’s punchy mid-range make short hills manageable in throttle mode; on longer grades, PAS + a sensible gear keeps motor temps happier.
It’s not for weight-weenies or apartment dwellers who must haul a bike up stairs daily. At ~91 lb net weight and a max load of 330 lb, the Z8 Pro is built stout first, light second. It’s also not for riders who insist on torque sensors and hydraulic brakes out of the box. The Z8 Pro uses a 12-magnet cadence sensor and 160 mm mechanical discs—both perfectly usable but less refined than the torque-sensor/hydraulic combos appearing on pricier models.
On budget placement, it’s a budget-to-mid option within the moped-style category, especially considering the dual-battery setup and full suspension. In other words: you’re paying far less than premium class while capturing most of the features that matter day-to-day.
Beginner-friendly? Yes. The display makes speed/power obvious, throttle can be limited, and the 7-speed drivetrain gives newcomers a familiar mechanical control. As with any fast e-moped, confident braking habits and protective gear are part of the package.
What We Like About Riding’times Z8 Pro
The headline is endurance + comfort. Dual 48V 15.6 Ah packs (31.2 Ah combined) plus two included chargers remove the usual “range anxiety” that haunts single-battery e-mopeds. Over mixed terrain with a 180-lb rider, the PAS range stretches long enough for multi-errand days. The fact that you can fully juice both packs in roughly 6–8 hours (from low) is practical: plug both in after dinner, wake up ready to ride.
The 1500 W peak rear hub motor is tuned for real-world acceleration rather than just a flashy top speed number. It lunges cleanly from 0–20 mph and keeps tugging through the high-20s. The 31 mph claim in pure electric mode is achievable with favorable conditions and a charged pack; for everyday riding, it feels happiest in the 18–27 mph window where stability, noise, and efficiency line up.
Suspension quality is better than spec sheets suggest. The dual fork legs aren’t boutique, but combined with seat springs and large-volume tires at sensible pressures (I ran 12–18 psi on dirt, 18–22 psi on pavement), chatter settles down and the front end tracks predictably. You get less “jackhammer” over expansion joints, and the bench seat’s length lets you shift weight to keep the front planted through broken corners.
Ergonomics impress. The 26" handlebar width is wide enough for leverage without door-frame drama, and the long seat means both single riders and occasional passengers can fit. The intelligent backlit display is bright noon-day clear, and little touches—like being able to limit speed to 15 mph for path etiquette or turn the throttle off when riding near pedestrians—show someone thought about real use.
Finally, the lighting and signaling package is a cut above typical budget entries. The vintage round headlamp throws a useful beam, the taillight brightens under braking, and the integrated turn signals add welcome communication when you’re merging or taking the lane at speed.
What We Don’t Like About Riding’times Z8 Pro
At ~91 lb, you feel the mass. It’s manageable rolling across a garage, but carrying it up steps or onto a wall rack is a two-person job. If you’ll store the bike on a second-floor walk-up, think twice.
The brakes are mechanical with 160 mm rotors. They’re fine in dry conditions and easy to maintain, but with a bike this fast and heavy, I’d prefer hydraulics and 180 mm rotors for better modulation and less hand fatigue on long descents. The EABS cut-off reduces runaway risk, but outright stopping authority could be stronger.
The control feel is cadence-sensor typical: PAS engages in a beat rather than instantly, and at higher PAS levels the motor will sometimes over-assist until you downshift or ease cadence. Seasoned riders adapt quickly (select a lower PAS for tight paths, higher PAS on open roads), but torque-sensor purists will miss that “natural” leg-powered ramp.
Claimed ranges—up to 75 miles throttle, 120 miles PAS—are optimistic if you ride in the high-20s or face cold temps and hills. Expect real-world numbers to swing widely with rider weight and speed. The good news: with two batteries, even conservative expectations leave you plenty of cushion for a long Saturday cruise.
A few spec quirks pulled me out of the premium illusion. The display is functionally excellent but more LCD-utility than color-dash glamorous, and the included 10.4 L rack bag—while extremely handy—adds a bit of plastic rattle if you overload it with tools and chargers. Lastly, warranty language can read inconsistently between component and overall coverage; I recommend registering the bike and confirming the latest terms with Riding’times customer support right away.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dual 48V 15.6 Ah batteries (31.2 Ah total) crush range anxiety; two chargers included. | Heavy at ~91 lb; not ideal for stairs or frequent lifting. |
| Punchy 1500 W peak rear hub with confident 0–20 mph acceleration and ~31 mph potential. | 160 mm mechanical discs are adequate but not hydraulic-level power/modulation. |
| Six-point comfort system (dual fork, dual seat springs, fat tires) smooths rough pavement. | Cadence sensor PAS lacks torque-sensor subtlety; engages with a small delay. |
| Long bench seat adjusts to 21.5" for better fit and occasional passengers. | Real-world range is far below peak claims if ridden fast, heavy, or in cold temps. |
| Useful safety kit: bright headlamp, brake light, turn signals, speed limiter, throttle off option. | Basic LCD styling; rack bag can rattle if over-packed. |
| Solid carbon-steel frame, full fenders, 20" × 4" tires for year-round traction. |
What’s Included?
- Riding’times Z8 Pro e-bike (about 90% pre-assembled)
- Two 48V 15.6 Ah removable batteries (31.2 Ah total)
- Two chargers (100–240V AC compatible)
- 10.4 L waterproof frame/rack bag
- Front & rear full-coverage fenders
- Vintage round headlight, taillight, and turn signals
- Backlit LCD display with speed, assist level, odometer, trip, clock
- 7-speed drivetrain with shifter and derailer
- Mechanical disc brakes (160 mm) with EABS cut-off
- Kickstand, pedals, reflectors, bell (varies by batch)
- Basic tool kit & owner’s manual
- Warranty & support info; links to spare accessories (bags, extra battery, phone holder)
Packaging verdict: It’s a generous bundle for the category. The second charger is the unsung hero—it halves your downtime and keeps both packs healthy. I would love to see hydraulic brakes or at least 180 mm rotors in the box, but that’s an upgrade you can add later without touching the wiring.
Technical Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bike type | Moped-style electric bike, adult |
| Motor | Rear-hub, 1500 W peak |
| System voltage | 48 V |
| Battery | Dual 48 V 15.6 Ah (31.2 Ah total), removable with lock |
| Claimed range | Up to 75 mi (throttle-only), up to 120 mi (PAS) |
| Top speed | Up to 31 mph (electric-only) |
| Sensor | 12-magnet cadence sensor |
| Controller | Frame-integrated 48 V controller |
| Charging time | 6–8 hours (with two chargers) |
| Drivetrain | 7-speed gearing |
| Suspension | Dual: front fork + rear spring; 6-layer comfort concept |
| Brakes | 160 mm mechanical discs + EABS |
| Tires | 20" × 4" all-terrain |
| Frame | Carbon steel |
| Lighting | Vintage headlamp, taillight, turn signals |
| Display | Backlit LCD (speed, battery, PAS, odo/trip, clock, settings) |
| Dimensions | Total length 64"; height 45"; wheelbase 40.4" |
| Fit metrics | Seat height to ground 33"; handlebar width 26"; seat length 12–21.5" with extension |
| Climbing | Up to 35° gradient (condition-dependent) |
| Weight | ~91 lb net |
| Max load | 330 lb |
| Compliance | Designed to meet CPSC/EN frame guidelines |
| Notables | Speed limit settable to 15 mph; throttle can be disabled |
Features
- 31.2 Ah Dual-Battery System: Two 48V 15.6 Ah packs, removable and keyed, with two chargers included.
- 1500 W Peak Motor: Confident acceleration and ~31 mph potential in favorable conditions.
- Six-Point Comfort: Twin fork stanchions, twin seat springs, plus the cushion of 20" × 4" fat tires.
- Full-Coverage Fenders: Keeps grit and spray off your clothes year-round.
- 7-Speed Drivetrain: Lets you spin comfortably at PAS 1–3 and keep cadence under control at speed.
- Mechanical Discs with EABS: Predictable stopping, brake light activation, and motor cut-off.
- Backlit LCD + Safety Controls: Speed, range, trip, PAS level; throttle-off mode; 15 mph cap for shared paths.
- Lighting & Signaling: Bright front lamp, taillight, and turn signals improve visibility in traffic.
- Extended Bench Seat: 12" stock, 21.5" with extension; better comfort and passenger space.
- Accessories Ecosystem: Optional side bags, rack bag, extra batteries, and phone mount are readily available.
- Support Network: Multiple U.S. service centers, phone + 24/7 email support, and component warranties.
Feature verdict: The Z8 Pro’s spec sheet reads like a commuter’s wish list: long range, real lighting, and storage out of the box. The only conspicuous outlier is the brake spec. It works, but the rest of the bike rides above its price class, so hydraulics would match the intent better. If you’re upgrading later, 4-piston calipers and 180/180 rotors transform downhill confidence.
Ride Impressions
Acceleration & speed: With a fresh charge and mild tailwind, the Z8 Pro hits 20 mph briskly and cruises 25–28 mph without drama. Above that the smaller 20-inch wheels demand a steadier hand on rough pavement, but the frame doesn’t shimmy and the fork tracks cleanly.
Handling & stability: The carbon-steel chassis has the reassuring heft you want from a moped-style platform. At neighborhood speeds it’s nimble, yet on open stretches you feel planted. The long bench lets you shift back when absorbing hits or forward to keep the front end loaded into turns.
Comfort: This is where the six-point recipe shines. On neglected city blocks, the combined compliance of fork/seat/tires reduces fatigue. The bench foam is on the firmer side (good for longer rides), and the extended length prevents that “locked-in” single-position ache flat-saddles induce.
Braking: Lever force is linear and the EABS cut-off adds peace of mind. Still, sustained downhill braking will warm mechanical calipers quicker than hydros, so modulate early and consider an upgrade if you routinely descend long grades.
Range & charging: Expect wide variance by speed and temperature. Where the Z8 Pro wins is not having to baby the throttle because a second pack is waiting. Two chargers in the box is a quality-of-life upgrade few competitors include.
Noise & refinement: Hub whir is present but low; no creaks developed after shakedown torques. The included rack bag is practical but secure its straps firmly—overstuffing can create a light buzz on sharp bumps.
Fit & Sizing
The 33" seat-to-ground height and 26" handlebar width put most riders in an upright, relaxed position. The adjustable 21.5" bench welcomes a range of inseams.
If you’re in the 5'5"–6'2" band, the Z8 Pro should fit with minimal tweaks. Taller riders often slide back on the bench, which also lengthens the cockpit. Shorter riders can scoot forward—and with a 20-inch wheel, stand-over is friendly.
Safety & Compliance
The Z8 Pro’s frame is designed to meet CPSC/EN guidelines, and the lighting/turn signals improve conspicuity in traffic.
Remember that 31 mph places this squarely in e-moped territory in many municipalities; use the 15 mph limiter and throttle-off setting on shared paths.
Mechanical brakes require more periodic cable stretch checks than hydros—plan on a quick tune every few weeks during break-in.
Upgrades I Recommend
- Hydraulic brake kit + 180 mm rotors. The single most transformative change.
- Mirrors. At 25+ mph, being able to glance and lane-merge is huge.
- Front rack or side bags. Use the included rack bag for small loads; add side bags for groceries.
- Comfort grips. The bar is a good width; bigger palm support helps on longer rides.
- Spare charger at work. Even with two at home, stashing one at the office is a stress reducer.
Who Should Skip It?
If you must carry a bike up stairs daily or you’re wedded to torque-sensor feel, look elsewhere. Riders in rainy, hilly cities who bomb steep grades may also want a factory hydraulic setup.
And if your local regulations cap e-bikes at 20 mph with no throttle, you’ll either be riding limited—or you’ll need a different class of bike.
Real-World Use Cases
- Suburban commuter: 12–18 mile round-trip with mixed roads. Use PAS 2–3 outbound, throttle home. Charge both packs overnight.
- Campus or business park: The long bench doubles well for occasional passengers; use the limiter on shared paths.
- Weekend explorer: Drop tire pressures, take canal dirt, service roads, and light trail connectors. The suspension won’t replace a downhill bike, but it smooths chatter.
- Errand-runner: The rack bag swallows a charger, U-lock, and small groceries. Add side bags and it becomes a car-replacement for short trips.
Maintenance Notes
- Initial torque check after the first week (axle nuts, stem, rotors, crank bolts).
- Brake bedding improves feel; replace pads early if you hear glazing.
- Tire pressures: don’t over-inflate; the 4-inch casings do their best work below 25 psi.
- Battery care: store between 20–80% for weekly use; avoid leaving at 100% for days.
- Cable stretch: expect a bit of lever slack after break-in; a half-turn at the barrel adjuster fixes it.
Final Breakdown
9.1 / 10
The Riding’times Z8 Pro nails the fundamentals that actually matter when you live with an e-moped: a comfortable, long bench; truly useful range from dual 48V packs; lighting and signals that keep you visible; and a chassis that shrugs off rough pavement. The motor’s 1500 W peak punch is fun without being twitchy, and the suspension recipe is legitimately effective for daily abuse.
What keeps it from a higher score is a set of choices that favor affordability over refinement: mechanical discs where hydraulics would shine, a cadence sensor rather than torque sensing, and a weight that makes stairs a chore. None of these are deal-breakers, and the brake/sensor trade-offs are common at this price tier. But they are the parts you’ll notice most if you’ve ridden higher-end setups.
Recommendation: If you want a rugged, long-range, moped-style e-bike with real comfort and speed—at a budget-to-mid price—the Z8 Pro is an easy bike to recommend. It’s a daily-rider workhorse with just enough hot-rod in its DNA to make every shortcut home the long way. Add hydraulic brakes down the road and you’ll have a platform that punches well above its class for years to come.
