The VELOWAVE Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 Electric Bike is an impressive addition to the world of electric bikes, combining power, versatility, and user-friendly features. Designed for adults and capable of tackling diverse terrains, this bike boasts a 750W brushless motor, a 48V 15AH LG battery, and a robust build that can support up to 350 lbs.
Whether you’re a commuter looking for a reliable ride, an adventurer exploring rugged landscapes, or someone new to the e-bike world, the Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 offers a compelling package that promises a comfortable and thrilling riding experience.
Product Overview
The VELOWAVE Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 Electric Bike is a versatile e-bike designed to meet the needs of various riders. Launched as an upgrade to its predecessor, it features significant improvements in motor power, battery capacity, and overall build quality.
VELOWAVE, known for its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, has engineered this bike to offer a top speed of 28 MPH and a range of up to 65 miles on a single charge. Priced between $1249 and $1399, it positions itself as a mid-range option with high-end features, making it accessible yet advanced.
The bike is equipped with 26-inch fat tires that provide excellent stability and traction on a variety of surfaces, including snow, sand, and rugged trails. Its step-thru frame design enhances accessibility, making it easy for riders of all ages and physical capabilities to mount and dismount the bike. This thoughtful design element is particularly beneficial for seniors and those with mobility challenges.
Who is it For?
This e-bike caters to a wide audience. It’s ideal for commuters who need a reliable and efficient mode of transportation, outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring different terrains, and beginners looking for an easy-to-ride electric bike.
Its step-thru frame makes it accessible for riders of various heights and ages, especially those who might find mounting a traditional bike challenging.
Budget-wise, it offers a great balance of features and affordability, making it a smart investment for many users.
Commuters will appreciate the bike’s robust motor and long-lasting battery, which can handle daily rides with ease. The bike’s ability to conquer slopes up to 35 degrees and its top speed of 28 MPH make it a practical choice for urban environments where hills and traffic are common.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Ranger Step-Thru 2.0’s fat tires and powerful motor ensure a smooth ride on off-road trails, beaches, and even snow-covered paths.
Positive Aspects
The Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 comes packed with features that enhance its appeal:
1. Powerful Motor and Speed: The 750W brushless motor, peaking at 1000W, provides excellent power and speed. It can reach up to 28 MPH with pedal-assist and 20 MPH using the throttle, making it suitable for both city commutes and off-road adventures.
The high-speed brushless motor not only delivers impressive power but is also designed for durability. Its rear-mounted design helps to reduce wear and tear, ensuring a longer lifespan and less maintenance compared to mid-drive motors.
2. Long-Lasting Battery: The 48V 15AH LG battery ensures a long ride, covering up to 65 miles on a single charge. Its lockable and removable design adds convenience for charging and security.
The battery’s high capacity and efficient energy management allow riders to undertake long journeys without the constant worry of running out of power. The option to remove and charge the battery separately adds flexibility, especially for those living in apartments or houses without outdoor power outlets.
3. Durable and Stable Build: The 6061 aluminum frame, combined with 26″x4.0″ fat tires, offers durability and stability across various terrains, from snowy paths to sandy beaches.
The frame’s robust construction ensures it can handle heavy loads and rough use, while the fat tires provide excellent shock absorption and grip. This makes the bike suitable for a wide range of riding conditions, enhancing both comfort and safety.
4. Hydraulic Disc Brakes: The bike features dual hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, providing strong stopping power and control, enhancing safety, especially in emergency situations.
Hydraulic disc brakes are known for their superior performance compared to mechanical brakes. They offer more precise and consistent braking, which is crucial when riding at high speeds or navigating challenging terrains.
5. User-Friendly Design: The step-thru frame design allows for easy mounting and dismounting, while the upright handlebars offer comfort and better control during rides.
The ergonomic design of the handlebars and seat ensures that riders can maintain a comfortable posture during long rides. This reduces strain on the back and wrists, making the bike suitable for extended use.
Negative Aspects
While the VELOWAVE Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 has many strengths, there are a few areas where it could improve:
1. Weight: At approximately 76.94 lbs, the bike is relatively heavy, which could be a challenge for some users when handling or transporting it.
The bike’s weight, while contributing to its stability and durability, can make it cumbersome to lift or carry, especially for those with limited strength. This could be a drawback for users who need to transport the bike frequently.
2. Charging Time: The battery takes about 8 hours to fully charge, which is on the longer side compared to some other e-bikes in the market.
Although the long-range provided by the battery is a significant advantage, the extended charging time can be inconvenient for users who require quick turnaround times between rides. Faster charging options or additional batteries could address this issue.
3. Price Range: Although it offers great value for its features, the price might still be a bit steep for budget-conscious buyers.
The initial investment may be higher compared to entry-level e-bikes, but considering the advanced features and performance, it represents good value for money. Potential buyers should weigh the long-term benefits against the upfront cost.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Powerful 750W motor | Heavy at 76.94 lbs |
| Long-lasting 48V 15AH battery | Long charging time (8 hours) |
| Durable 6061 aluminum frame | Price might be high for some budgets |
| Dual hydraulic disc brakes | |
| User-friendly step-thru design |
What’s Included in the Package
The VELOWAVE Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 comes with a comprehensive set of accessories and tools, enhancing its value. The package includes:
- Electric Bike
- 48V 15AH LG Battery
- Charger
- Headlight
- Spare Screws
- Front Reflector
- Front Axle Skewer
- Pedals
- Instruction Manual
- Allen Wrench
- Open End Wrench
The inclusion of these items ensures that you have everything you need to assemble, maintain, and enjoy your bike right out of the box. The detailed instruction manual makes the assembly process straightforward, even for those new to e-bikes. Additionally, the inclusion of essential tools means you won’t need to make extra trips to the hardware store.
Technical Specifications and Features
- Motor: 750W (Peak 1000W) Brushless Motor
- Battery: 48V 15AH LG Battery, removable and lockable
- Speed: Up to 28 MPH (pedal-assist), 20 MPH (throttle)
- Range: Up to 65 miles on a single charge
- Frame: 6061 Aluminum Step-Thru Frame
- Suspension: Hydraulic suspension fork with 60mm travel
- Tires: 26″x4.0″ fat tires
- Brakes: Dual hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors
- Gears: Shimano 7-Speed Derailleur
- Weight: 76.94 lbs (34.9 kg)
- Payload Capacity: Up to 350 lbs
- Display: Multifunctional color-screen display
- Lights: 48V 10W LED front light, rear reflector
- Throttle: Thumb throttle
- Pedal Assist: 5 levels
- Warranty: 2-year warranty on electrical components, lifetime technical support
Each of these features contributes to the bike’s overall performance, making it a well-rounded choice for various riding needs. The hydraulic suspension fork with 60mm travel enhances the bike’s ability to absorb shocks from uneven terrains, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride.
The multifunctional color-screen display keeps you informed about your speed, battery level, and riding mode, helping you stay in control and make informed decisions while riding.
The Shimano 7-speed derailleur ensures smooth and reliable gear shifting, allowing you to adjust your pedaling effort to match different riding conditions. The fat tires, with their excellent grip and stability, make the bike suitable for all types of terrain, from city streets to off-road trails.
Final Breakdown
The VELOWAVE Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 Electric Bike scores a solid 9 out of 10.
This score reflects its powerful performance, user-friendly design, and the value it offers for its price range. The combination of a high-speed motor, long-range battery, and durable build makes it a reliable companion for daily commutes and adventurous rides alike. The minor drawbacks, such as its weight and charging time, are outweighed by its strengths, ensuring a satisfying riding experience.
In conclusion, the VELOWAVE Ranger Step-Thru 2.0 is a well-designed, versatile, and powerful e-bike that meets the needs of a broad audience.
Whether you’re new to e-bikes or looking to upgrade, it provides a compelling blend of features and performance that justifies its place in the mid-range market. The thoughtful design, coupled with the advanced technical specifications, makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a reliable and enjoyable e-bike experience.
Where to buy: Velowave website or Amazon
