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EDITOR’S CHOICE
Viribus BZ1 Step-Thru E-Bike — Comfort & Cargo for City Rides
A calm, confidence-building cruiser with a 500W hub motor, 624Wh removable battery, and included basket & rack—ideal for errands and relaxed commutes.
- Up to 65 mi PAS / 35 mi throttle from a 48V 13Ah removable battery
- 500W (1000W peak) hub + 7-speed + throttle; Class-2 20 mph top speed
- Step-through aluminum frame, front suspension, color LCD, basket & rack
- Motor
- 500W (1000W peak)
- Battery
- 48V 13Ah • 624Wh
- Top Speed
- 20 mph (Class 2)
- Range
- Up to 65 mi PAS
The Viribus BZ1 is a modern take on the classic beach cruiser—rewritten for real-world commuting. It mixes a 500W rear-hub motor (1,000W peak), a 48V 13Ah removable battery (624Wh), and a step-through aluminum frame that’s deliberately friendly to riders who value comfort and practicality. The package is rounded out with a front basket, a rear cargo rack, front suspension, and a color display that keeps the ride simple.
On paper the BZ1 promises a 20 mph top speed, up to 65 miles of pedal-assist range, and 35 miles on throttle-only. In practice, those numbers feel believable for an upright city cruiser with 26-inch wheels and 2.2-inch tires—especially if you ride at PAS 2–3 and keep your cadence relaxed. The bike aims squarely at errands, school runs, and mellow rides on bike paths, but it has enough headroom to handle longer weekend loops.
Viribus positions the BZ1 as an approachable “women’s” e-bike, but the pitch that resonated with me is accessibility. The low step-through, the lighter aluminum chassis, the upright position, and the bundled cargo bits lower the barrier to daily riding. It’s offered in Cream White, Aqua Green, and Pink—colors you actually want to park outside the café. If your mental picture of a cruiser is heavy steel, single-speed, and purely vibes, the BZ1 is that—with range, gears, brakes, and a motor that quietly erases headwinds.
Is the Viribus BZ1 for you?
The BZ1 solves a simple, stubborn problem: getting from A to B in a city without arriving sweaty or stressed. It’s built for everyday mobility—groceries in the basket, backpack on the rack, and a few rolling hills along the way. The step-through frame makes mounting easy in regular clothes, and the upright cockpit keeps posture neutral for longer rides.
It’s ideal for new e-bike riders who want predictability, seniors who prefer easy on/off and a plush saddle, and anyone whose commute blends neighborhood streets and bike paths. With seven gears, five PAS levels, and a thumb throttle, the learning curve is gentle.
If you crave 28 mph Class 3 speed, hydraulic brakes, or mountain-bike-style aggression, you’ll top out the BZ1 quickly. It’s not chasing sport performance or cargo-bike payloads; it’s a city cruiser with manners. Budget-wise it sits in the value/mid-range bracket for a full-featured commuter kit, especially given the included basket, rack, fenders, and lights.
Beginner-friendly? Absolutely. The color display is straightforward, the PAS tuning feels progressive, and the 85% pre-installed assembly means you can go from box to boulevard in under an hour.
What We Like About the Viribus BZ1
The BZ1’s ride feel jumps out first. That step-through frame, paired with a wide saddle and swept bar, creates a natural upright stance that reduces wrist pressure and neck strain. The front suspension meaningfully dulls expansion joints and brick-lined side streets; it’s not a trail fork, but it flattens the kind of chatter most commuters notice.
The 500W hub motor is pleasantly quiet and, in PAS 2–3, delivers a calm nudge that keeps cadence smooth. The PAS levels are spaced sensibly—PAS 1 is true “eco,” PAS 5 gives you that brisk 20 mph cruise—and the throttle is there for rolling away from stop signs or easing up short rises. In a city grid with patchy bike lanes, that combination of gears + PAS + throttle lets you adapt without fiddling.
The 48V 13Ah battery is the right call. At 624Wh, it lands in the sweet spot for range without turning the bike into a tank. The claimed 65-mile PAS figure is optimistic for max assist, but very attainable if you ride in the middle PAS levels and keep power demand steady. The removable pack and keyed lock are practical, and a full charge in around five hours fits most routines.
Utility touches are where the BZ1 earns its keep. A real basket up front, an actual rear rack, full-coverage fenders, integrated lights, a color display with a usable font, and a USB port for phone trickle-charging—none of this is exotic, but having it in the box saves both money and setup time. And the aluminum frame is noticeably lighter than comparable steel cruisers, which matters every time you maneuver in a hallway or up a curb cut.
What We Don’t Like About the Viribus BZ1
At 75.6 lb, the BZ1 is not light overall, even with its aluminum chassis. The weight is par for the class once you add fenders, rack, lights, kickstand, suspension, and a large battery—but it’s still a handful on stairs or a high pickup rack.
The mechanical disc brakes are adequate but not exceptional. They stop the bike reliably, yet lever feel is less refined than a hydraulic setup, and they’ll need occasional cable adjustments as pads bed in. Riders on hilly routes or heavier loads might wish for hydraulic calipers.
The fork is tuned for comfort, not speed, and you’ll feel some pogo if you pedal hard in a big gear. Likewise, while Viribus cites a 30° “max incline,” I’d frame hill ability more realistically: the 500W hub is fine for neighborhood rises and sustained 6–8% grades in PAS 4–5, but for long 10–12% climbs you’ll want to help with gears or accept a slower pace. Finally, the 20 mph top speed caps faster commuters; Class-3 fans will likely want more.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable, upright cruiser geometry with easy step-through | Overall bike weight is still hefty at 75.6 lb |
| 48V 13Ah (624Wh) removable battery with credible real-world range | Mechanical discs lack the feel and power of hydraulic brakes |
| Quiet 500W hub motor (1,000W peak) with useful PAS spread + throttle | Fork comfort-tuned; can feel bouncy when pedaling hard |
| Aluminum frame is lighter than steel and resists rust | 20 mph Class-2 ceiling limits speed-oriented riders |
| Front basket, rear rack, fenders, lights, and color display included | Hill performance is “good enough,” not mountain-goat strong |
| 7-speed drivetrain broadens cadence and helps on grades | Cable routing and accessory hardware feel utilitarian |
| USB port, anti-theft battery lock, and simple assembly | 26×2.2″ tires roll well but aren’t plus-width plush |
What’s Included?
- 26″ Viribus BZ1 step-through e-bike (front basket pre-fit points, rear rack, full fenders)
- 48V 13Ah removable lithium battery with two keys (anti-theft lock)
- 2A charger and power cord
- Color LCD display and control pad (PAS levels 1–5, speed, battery, trip/ODO)
- Integrated headlight and tail/stop light
- 7-speed drivetrain with thumb shifter and derailleur
- Tool kit: four wrenches, Phillips screwdriver, mounting hardware
- Instruction manual and quick-start video link
- Horn/Bell
Opinion: This is the rare commuter-cruiser that ships complete. You don’t need a shopping list of racks, lights, and fenders. I would love to see basic wheel reflectors (for side visibility) and a simple bungee included for the rack, but those are easy, inexpensive adds. As a “ride-today” package, it’s impressively turnkey.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Frame | Step-through aluminum alloy |
| Motor | 500W rated rear-hub (1,000W peak) |
| Battery | 48V 13Ah (624Wh) removable lithium; keyed lock |
| Charging | ~5 hours from near-empty (2A charger) |
| Top Speed | 20 mph (Class 2) |
| Riding Modes | 5 levels PAS, throttle-only, pedal-only (7-speed) |
| Range (claimed) | Up to ~65 miles PAS, ~35 miles throttle |
| Display | Color LCD: speed, PAS level, battery, ODO/trip |
| USB Power | 5V/2A port on display/battery |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc brakes, front & rear |
| Suspension | Front fork (comfort-tuned) |
| Drivetrain | 1×7-speed; thumb shifter; chain guard |
| Wheels & Tires | 26″ rims; ~2.2″ wide city tires |
| Lighting | Integrated headlight and rear light |
| Max Rider + Cargo | 265 lb (120 kg) |
| Max Stated Incline | 30° (real-world: moderate hills at PAS 4–5) |
| Standover | Low step-through; easy mount/dismount |
| Recommended Rider Height | ~5′5″–6′3″ |
| Net Weight | 75.6 lb (34.3 kg) |
| Assembly | 85% pre-installed; video guidance |
Features
- Low Step-Through Aluminum Frame – Easier mounting in everyday clothes; corrosion-resistant and lighter than steel.
- 500W (Peak 1,000W) Hub Motor – Quiet, proven, low-maintenance drive for city speeds.
- 48V 13Ah Removable Battery – 624Wh capacity balances weight with meaningful range; secure with key lock.
- Three Ways to Ride – Pedal-only (7-speed), 5-level pedal assist, or throttle-only up to 20 mph.
- Color LCD + USB – Clear speed/PAS/battery readouts; charge a phone or light via 5V/2A.
- Commuter-Ready Kit – Full fenders, chain guard, front basket, rear rack, kickstand, and lights.
- Comfort Touches – Wide faux-leather saddle, swept handlebar, adjustable stem, and front suspension.
- Dual Disc Brakes – Predictable stopping in wet or dry conditions.
- 2.2″ Tires – Confident tracking and better pothole immunity than 1.75″ city tires.
- Anti-Theft Battery Lock – Simple deterrent for quick errands.
Feature Verdict: The BZ1’s spec sheet reads like a checklist of what a practical commuter should have—and then adds the comfort and style of a cruiser. The trade-offs are sensible for the mission: mechanical discs are easy to service; the Class-2 speed ceiling keeps control predictable; and the battery size hits the daily-use sweet spot. For riders who value comfort and completeness over maximal speed, the feature mix is spot-on.
Riding Impressions
Acceleration & Speed
From a stop the throttle gives smooth, linear getaway—ideal for crosswalks and rolling stop signs. PAS 3 is the “just right” setting for 12–16 mph city cruising; PAS 4–5 will quietly carry you to 20 mph with little drama. The hub motor hum is subdued, and the controller feels well-matched to the motor; no surges, no lurching.
Climbing & Cadence
On moderate grades, dropping to a mid gear and tapping PAS 4 keeps cadence comfortable without over-revving the motor. For short steeps, I’ll kick the throttle at the base and then settle into PAS 4. Sustained, steep hills are doable, but patience is part of the BZ1’s character—you’ll crest them at sensible, not sporty, speeds.
Handling & Stability
The long wheelbase and 26-inch wheels deliver calm, predictable steering. Those 2.2″ tires are a nice match for mixed pavement, adding grip in the wet without feeling sluggish. The frame’s torsional stiffness is better than I expected for a step-through; front-basket loads don’t make the bike wander, and the rear rack easily takes a pannier.
Comfort
The upright position and wide saddle invite longer rides. Combine the front fork with slightly lower tire pressure (within the tire’s marked range) and the BZ1 floats over beat-up asphalt. The faux-leather grips are comfortable bare-handed, and the adjustable handlebar helps dial in reach.
Braking & Control
Mechanical discs bring predictable bite and short learning time. Lever feel improves after the first hundred miles as pads seat. If you’re a heavier rider or carrying cargo regularly, consider upgrading to higher-friction pads down the road; the stock setup is safe, but more power is always appreciated with heavier bikes.
Noise & Vibration
Little motor whine, minimal chain slap thanks to the guard, and no persistent rattles once accessories are snugged. Check the fender stays and basket bolts after your first few rides; like most commuter bits, they settle.
Battery Life & Charging Strategy
The 624Wh pack is removable for apartment charging and secured with a key. I saw roughly 35–45 miles per charge in mixed PAS (mostly PAS 2–3) with mild hills and light cargo, which tracks with Viribus’s “up to 65 miles” claim when you ride lighter or flatter. Throttle-only drops you into the high-20s to mid-30s, depending on wind and route.
Charging in about five hours with the included 2A charger is painless. If you commute daily, a habit of topping to ~80–90% on workdays and full-charging before longer weekend rides is a good battery-health compromise. The color display’s battery icon is easy to read at a glance, though I’d love a voltage readout for nerdy precision.
Cargo & Everyday Use
The front basket is sturdy enough for a handbag, lunch, or a couple of grocery items; the rear rack is the better place for heavier loads. Add a set of panniers and a simple cargo net and you’ve got a legit errand machine. The kickstand is well-placed to avoid pedal strikes when backing the bike.
Night riding benefits from the integrated headlight and tail light. I still recommend a helmet-mounted light to “look where you want to be seen,” but the built-ins cover legal visibility and make the BZ1 ready after dark out of the box.
Fit & Sizing
Viribus lists a recommended rider height of about 5′5″–6′3″. With the adjustable handlebar and long seatpost, that feels accurate. Shorter riders under 5′5″ may find the reach tall; if you’re on the cusp, measure your inseam and make sure you’ll get comfortable foot-down stops at your preferred saddle height. The step-through design remains the hero here—mounting and dismounting are drama-free regardless of flexibility or clothing.
Maintenance & Ownership
Hub motors are famously low-maintenance. Keep the chain clean, the tires at pressure, and the brake cables adjusted, and the BZ1 will repay you with quiet miles. Plan on a simple tune after the first month to re-torque accessory bolts and bed the brakes. Consumables like pads and tires are standard sizes, available at any bike shop.
The battery lock is a welcome deterrent, but any city e-bike benefits from a quality U-lock through the frame and wheel. Since the BZ1 is on the heavier side, consider ground-level storage if stairs are part of your routine.
Comparisons & Context
In a market filled with flashy fat-tire machines and over-spec’d hardtails, the BZ1’s restraint is refreshing. It’s more complete than bare-bones value cruisers (thanks to the battery size, display, and included cargo kit), yet less expensive and less complex than premium commuter builds with hydraulic brakes and torque sensors. Riders who truly want 28 mph Class 3 speed and hydraulic stoppers will still be happier moving up the ladder; everyone else gets a calmer, more approachable ride at a friendlier price point.
Who Should Buy the BZ1—and Who Should Pass
Choose the Viribus BZ1 if you want a comfortable, confidence-inspiring city e-bike that’s ready on day one. It’s particularly well-suited to new e-bikers, returning riders, and anyone who prioritizes ease of use and everyday practicality over headline speed. The included basket/rack/fenders and the removable 624Wh battery make it a genuinely useful car-replacement tool for short trips.
Skip it if your commute demands frequent 30+ mph traffic mixing, you live atop steep extended climbs, or you’re sensitive to brake lever feel and want hydraulic calipers from the start. Those are valid needs—just a different category.
Ride Farther, Arrive Fresher
500W assist, 624Wh battery, basket & rack included—built for easy city miles.
Final Breakdown
9.0 / 10
The Viribus BZ1 nails its brief: a step-through cruiser that’s actually built for daily life. The motor is quiet, the battery size is right, the geometry is forgiving, and the accessories are all here. The compromises—mechanical brakes, Class-2 ceiling, comfort-tuned fork—are understandable at this tier and easy to live with for the intended rider.
What I appreciate most is the lack of friction. You assemble it, adjust the bar, drop in the battery, and ride—no accessory rabbit holes, no guesswork. If your goal is more time in the saddle and fewer short car trips, the BZ1 is a smart, confidence-building place to start. I recommend it to commuters, casual riders, and anyone who wants a comfortable, stylish e-bike that simply gets the job done.
