Cheetah Electric Bike Review: Cheetah Ebikes - Anyone Have One? If So, How Do You Like It?

Is the Cheetah E-Bike Right for You?

So you are thinking about a Cheetah e-bike, and here you are looking for some honest reviews/concerns. You're probably drawn to their unique retro-motorbike style, which is radically different than other e-bike designs currently available. It’s a look that says more than just a lift; it also speaks a statement. But aside from the head-turning style, what you really want to know is whether the substance matches the sizzle. So, is a Cheetah e-bike a good daily rider or a fashionable weekend cruiser? That’s exactly the question this complete review is here to address. We’ll also go beyond the product marketing talk and look at the entire product line, take a deep dive into what it’s like to ride these bikes in the real world, consider some of the most important pre-purchase considerations you should have before investing in an electric bike, and answer some of the most critical questions you have, helping you to figure out whether or not the Cheetah is the right e-bike for your journey.

Cheetah has really grown a niche with its vintage-inspired look. Knowing what they’re capable of allows you to explore the perfect model for you. Each bike shares an aesthetic design DNA but is created for subtly different riders and riding. Here’s a quick roundup of what they offer at the moment:

Cheetah Original Series (Aka: The Cheetah)

Cheetah Cafe Racer Series

Cheetah Explorer Series

Cheetah Mini Series

Cheetah Hunter Series

The Real-World Riding Experience

Transitioning from what's written on the box to the riding experience itself is where we'll begin in this review. What’s it really like flying one of these things? We’re going to look at two of their most popular and representative models, the Cheetah and the Cafe Racer, to give you a flavor of how they go and what they’re like to ride. The experience is also about more than the squiggly letters and numbers on a spec sheet: It’s about the emotion that the bike pulls out of you from the moment you swing a leg over it. The second you see the original Cheetah, you'd notice its presence. This is not a mild-mannered electric bike. A huge motorcycle-style headlight, the distinctive faux "gas tank" that ingeniously houses the battery, and the broad and sweeping handlebars all result in a commanding and relaxed riding attitude. Hit the pedals and the rear hub's powerful motor snaps in with a satisfying wave of smooth power. It’s not aggressive or abrupt, but a strong nudge that helps you feel like you’re in control. On the road, it is a bit of a dream, pulling you up to pace and keeping it up with minimal force. The ride quality is superb, with the gigantic padded saddle and fat tires skimming over minor road imperfections in a way that does, indeed, make you feel like you are riding on air. What you see from the saddle is a clean line, with the minimum amount of information conveyed via a small LCD display – and without bombarding you with too much at once. It’s a bike that gets noticed; get ready to receive questions and compliments on it. People are curious about the design, and you should be ready to explain everything!

The Cafe Racer, however, despite being based on the same basics, gives a different feel. The lower, racier bar position and marginally firmer saddle are quick to push your position slightly forward into a more active, sportier position. It's more nimble and responsive than its cruiser brother. When navigating corners, the bike feels planted and ready to respond, inspiring a more aggressive approach. Motor power delivery feels punchy and immediate, very appropriate for the bike’s athletic personality. That’s the model for the vintage-loving rider who would also like an extremely active and responsive ride. It’s still comfortable to ride as a city commuter, but unrestrained open roads are where the responsive handling excels. It provides a visual statement to the rider from the saddle that you are DOING, rather than just tooling around ON, a classic motorcycle. The braking on both models is rock solid and confidence-inspiring, and the construction feels tough and strong, further fueling that sense of riding something of real substance rather than a flimsy toy.

Pre-Purchase & Long-Term Ownership Considerations

The test ride is over, and now you are looking at your purchase. It is crucial to look beyond that initial test run and take some long-term ownership thoughts into consideration. These are the elements that typically decide whether you love an e-bike once you’ve lived with it for a while. First, think of the bike’s weight and the practical rider. Cheetah e-bikes are, of course, going to be heavy because their frame is absolutely solid and their components are large. This leads to a stable ride but also makes them difficult to carry up and down stairs or to load onto a conventional bike rack. If you live in a walk-up, this is a serious consideration. Second, consider assembly and maintenance. Since they are generally sold directly to consumers, you can expect some home assembly. This setup is pretty easy, and it only requires simple mechanical skills. For longer-term support, think about what you can get locally. Will your local bike shop (LBS) service a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand with hub motors? It is worth asking beforehand. Finally, understand the target audience. Cheetah bikes are designed for the fashion-forward rider who wants comfort and to look good. Ideal for inner-city commuting, relaxing weekends, and stylishly making your presence known. They are not, for all that, high-performance mountain bikes or ultra-lightweight, foldable commuters for multi-modal living. Understanding who the bike is for — and whether that person is you — is the secret to a successful purchase.

Considering Alternatives: The ENGWE EP-2 Boost

For others, Cheetah's retro-cool is just one part of the appeal; many riders gravitate towards its unique all-terrain, all-purpose capabilities and advanced engineering that pays homage to old-school simplicity in a more compact body. For those buyers, it's worth looking at alternatives that play to different strengths, like the ENGWE EP-2 Boost. This is a different philosophy of e-bike design. Its smart torque sensor is highly responsive and offers a very intuitive ride, adding power in a way that feels like a seamless extension of your instincts to pedal. For taking on hills, its Boost button is just brilliant for a power-boost as and when required on an incline, with 55Nm of torque from the 250W motor making a short climb feel less taxing. The electric bike EP-2 Boost offering is a collapsible bike, which is a game-changer in terms of storage and transport. The usability is complemented by a detachable 48V 13Ah battery which can be locked, unlocked, and removed to charge out of the bike. With its 20x4.0 fat tires and front suspension, it is ready for all surfaces, from smooth pavement to rocky trails. In addition, it also complies with toy safety standards, and the riding experience includes high-power features such as upgraded 180mm dual disc brakes for the ultimate braking experience and one-piece wheels for a robust and low-maintenance ride, unlike some other spoked products. Equipped with a large ride range of up to 120 km and a sturdy rear rack, it’s capable of being your weekday commuter and your weekend explorer.

To make it easier for you to get a really close look at the options available within the Cheetah brand specifically, I've added the following table which breaks down the critical stats of the top models that the brand has to offer. This way, you will be able to compare the models' performance, their design, and functioning, which makes it easier for you to decide which one fits you best.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last, we’ll discuss the five most frequently mentioned and most important questions that a potential buyer will have. Receiving good, truthful answers to these will give you the last layer of confidence that you need in order to make the decision.

How hard is it for me to assemble the Cheetah e-bike when it arrives?

Assembly is a concern for direct-to-consumer bikes. The standard Cheetah e-bikes come out of the delivery box approximately 85% assembled. Assembly is usually just adding the front wheel, handlebars, pedals, and seat. The company offers its own tools and instructions, and the work is not daunting to anyone with moderate mechanical skills. I would definitely suggest watching a few YouTube videos of the assembly of your model before starting, as this can certainly make the process easier. If not, I would recommend budgeting for professional assembly at a local bike shop for safety and peace of mind.

These bikes look heavy. If I have stairs, are they manageable for regular use?

Yes, they are heavy. Your typical Cheetah e-bike is already much heavier than a regular bike; we’re usually discussing about 70-80 lbs here. This girth seems insignificant in the saddle; in fact, it helps provide stability and a planted feel. But it is a big consideration for portability. They are very heavy - lugging one up a set of stairs is really hard for one person. If you have to pick up the bike every day, this should be a very serious limitation. They are ideal for ground-floor living or buildings with elevators and secure, accessible bike storage.

What is the true battery range to be actually achieved?

Manufacturers’ range calculations are more or less all under ideal conditions: flat terrain, a lightweight rider, and using the lowest level of pedal assist. A Cheetah e-bike is unlikely to achieve the maximum range promoted in the real world. Your weight, hilly terrain, how often you use the throttle, higher assist levels, and stop-and-go riding will diminish the range. Most users say they can go a solid 30-40 miles on an electric bike per charge, which is more than enough for daily commuting to work, trips to the grocery store, or a spin in the park. But if you’re comparing it to regular bikes, the impressive figure of 30-40 miles still leaves something to be desired.

How much can I customize or tune my Cheetah e-bike?

This is one of Cheetah’s strong points. They have that retro motorcycle appeal which just shouts out for customization. Owners can always turn to the strong and active community of owners on the internet to exchange ideas about project modifications. Since most come with standard parts that are easy to customize, your options are really limitless, from switching out the saddle and grips for something more your style, adding saddlebags or luggage racks, replacing the headlight, or even kicking it up a notch with custom paint and decals. The platform is stout and well-suited for you to make it your own.

What is the customer support, and how do I obtain spare parts or service?

As a DTC brand, your main support contact is likely to be from the company, generally over email or a telephone call. It’s always worth taking a few moments to look for newer reviews that mention customer service, as this can fluctuate. You will need to order them directly from the manufacturer for spare parts such as batteries, controllers, or motors. For wear-and-tear items like brake pads, tires, and chains, most local bike shops can offer service and accessories, even if some are unwilling to service the electrical components on brands unfamiliar to them. And as with any good habit, it’s not a bad idea to develop a relationship with a local e-bike-friendly shop early on.

Conclusion: If you’re looking for a bike that will turn heads while cruising in comfort and style, then the Cheetah electric bike is a great option.