Ecotric Electric Bike Review: Ecotric Vs Aventon Vs Himiway?

An Introduction to Ecotric E-bikes

Welcome to my blog post where I will discuss the pros and cons of the “Ecotric E-bike Review”. Ecotric is one of the few electric bike manufacturers that cater to the mass market and interest the medium-budget customers who cannot afford the fancy features of luxury bikes. Chances are, you want to know if they’re worth the money and if an Ecotric electric bike is good for you and your commuting, recreation, and riding into the countryside. We write this in-depth review to be much more than just a description of the products we are offering. We’re going to break down their entire lineup, offer you hands-on impressions of a few of their top models, and touch on the important things to know before clicking “add to cart” — so you can get a sense of not only what an Ecotric is, but who it’s for.

More than that, Ecotric sells a wide selection of electric bikes so that you can find a model that suits almost any type of rider and topography. The most accurate way to find the perfect bike and confirm the available options is to get your hands on a few samples. The following is a straightforward summary of their product lines and models:

Ecotric's E-bike Lineup and Hands-On Reviews

Fat Tire Series:

Ecotric FAT26 (Leopard) – The standard, 26-inch fat tire all-terrain bike.
Ecotric Seagull – A 26-inch fat tire mountain electric bike with a built-in battery.
Ecotric Bison – A 26-inch Fat Tire eBike with a Powerful Motor and Full Suspension.
Ecotric Hammer - A retro fat tire e-bike with a 1000W+ motor and a 768Wh battery.
Ecotric Fat 20 - A 20" fat tire foldable e-bike, small size, and easy to carry.
Ecotric Rocket - A Full Suspension 26" 500W Fat Tire electric Mountain Bike.

Commuter & City Series:

Ecotric Dolphin – A 20-inch portable, lightweight folding e-bike with a 350W motor and 36V battery.
Ecotric Lark - A step-thru frame city e-bike in female and male frame styles.
Ecotric Peacedove – A timeless 26-inch step-thru city cruiser electric bike to turn heads.

Tricycle Series:

Ecotric Electric Fat Trike - A 20" Fat Tire Folding electric Tricycle for stability and ease of entrance.

Specialty & Other Models:

Ecotric Vortex – An affordable, classic city e-bike.
Ecotric Tornado – A full-suspension E-mountain bike.

To find out what it feels like to own one of these Ecotric bikes, let’s get beyond the spec sheets and into the features that really matter — the rider experience of their most popular models. We’ve ridden each of these bikes and spent time on them to capture that feel, that performance, as well as the practical stuff you need to know.

The one that always seems to come up first is the Ecotric FAT26. Throwing a leg over this bike, you instantly feel the heft of this machine. With 4-inch wide tires, you're not going to feel like you will tip over. On the road, the ride is shockingly smooth thanks to the enormous tires that handle small bumps and disrepair on the road with ease. Once you hit a gravel or dirt trail, the bike really comes into its own. The 500W rear hub motor offers a nice and instant push when you start the pedal assist or twist the throttle. That’s not a subtle, gentle assist; it’s a sure burst of power that convinces you you can conquer hills and loose surfaces. The perspective from the handlebars is authoritative, allowing you the sightline to see where and how you're heading. The overall sense is of fun and freedom, as if you’re riding a two-wheeled ATV that can handle nearly any terrain.

Next up is the Ecotric Fat 20 in its folding iteration, which provides a different yet equally interesting experience. Its 20-inch wheels are smaller, which makes it feel much more nimble and zippy in more urban settings. The way the bike weaves through city streets feels responsive and direct. The folding mechanism is easy; after a few attempts, you will be able to fold and unfold it in less than a minute. The magic, of course, is how feasible it is. You can take it on the train, fold it up, and carry it onboard. Power delivery is instantaneous and zippy, and the bike is great for stop-and-go city riding, pulling away from a dead stop in short order. As a commuter, it’s a special kind of satisfaction and convenience to walk into your apartment or office and see this bike folded away neatly in one corner.

Lastly, things will feel more chill with the Ecotric Peacedove, offering more of a laid-back, traditional cruiser feel. The easy step-thru frame is very easy and convenient to get on and off, and ideal for running errands or for just a leisure ride. The upright riding position is very comfortable, and it’s easy to take in the views. The motor delivers a soft, natural assistance that supports the work you're doing yourself on your pedals. Riding the Peacedove isn’t so much a sport as a relaxing jaunt with an invisibly helpful hand to give you a shove when necessary. It’s the ideal bike to bring along on a sunny afternoon ride to a neighborhood café or park, representing pure, accessible pleasure.

The Ecotric Ownership Experience

When you're looking at an Ecotric electric bike, the decision-making process transcends the ride itself. You must be satisfied throughout the entire ownership experience. ECOTRIC offers some of the best value (cost to value) of any e-bike brand. And for a fraction of the price of a lot of higher-end brands, you can have a legitimate electric bike. This makes Ecotric an excellent introduction for first-time e-bike riders, or a second e-bike option for something different, without the great expense.

Assembly is another important consideration. Ecotric bikes arrive mostly assembled. In most instances, you are required to do some level of assembly, including attaching the front wheel, handlebars, pedals, and saddle. The instructions are mostly clear, and you can have your bike ready to ride in about an hour using simple tools (many of which are included). This factor of DIY-ing also adds to the brand’s affordability.

There is also a great benefit because of the large number of models. If you’re looking for a tough fat tire bike to tackle the trails, a folding commuter to take on the train, or an ideal tricycle for transporting cargo, Ecotric has a bike for you. This kind of selection is an anomaly at this price. Outside of that, Ecotric has developed a strong community too, so you’ll notice it has a good number of owners around the net. This community acts as a troubleshooting hub, an upgrade collective, and a ride-sharing network, providing you with an extended range of help outside official resources.

Using so many common parts for things like brakes and shifters also means you’re not locked into a proprietary ecosystem, and service and repair should be available at any competent local bike shop. Removable batteries on the majority of models are also a significant positive as they support indoor charging and provide added security for your bike. Taking everything into consideration, you can see that Ecotric is a highly pragmatic and low-risk option for many riders.

Ecotric Electric Bike Parameter Comparison

Ecotric vs. The Competition: A Look at ENGWE

Where Ecotric is a great way to learn about electric bikes, advanced riders who would like to experience the best technology and build quality available may be more appealed by brands like ENGWE. ENGWE is known for putting top-of-the-line features into durable and high-performing styles. A prime example of one such model is the ENGWE EP-2 Boost. The folding fat tire e-bike is designed for urban commuting and all-terrain exploration, with an emphasis on a smooth ride feel. It boasts a street-legal 250-watt brushless motor with an intelligent torque sensor. That sensor is a game-changer; rather than the jerky power supply on some hub motors, it reads your pedaling force and gives a proportional, enviably smooth and natural feeling of assistance. The ride is comfortable and feels natural and responsive. For those times where you need an extra boost to tackle those steep hills, simply hit the “Boost” button and unleash the full 55 N.m at the peak for a much easier ride forward. Built to last, the EP-2 has got you covered with the power to go 120 km on a single charge (no longer will you need to suffer from Range Anxiety). Heavy-duty 20 x 4-inch anti-skid fat tires are mounted to strong alloy rims that allow you to tackle any demanding terrain and provide added stability. Safety and convenience come first, with Front and Rear 180mm disc brakes, a robust rear rack, and an easy collapsible, lightweight frame to bring on your cruise around town or to quickly store away in the peak hour scrum of public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ecotric

To provide yet greater clarity to your decision, here are more in-depth replies to five of the most frequently asked questions potential buyers have regarding Ecotric bikes.

How far can an Ecotric electric bike go in the real world?

Estimates for range depend upon various factors such as rider weight, terrain, rider input, and speed and may therefore vary. With a 500W model and a standard battery, most riders report a practical range in the vicinity of 20 – 35 miles with both pedal assist and throttle. Lower range arises from constant riding on hilly roads, high payload, strong headwinds, as well as cold weather. It's probably a good idea to treat these figures as best-case scenarios and use the maximum range as a best-case scenario when planning for long trips.

How hard are Ecotric bikes to put together?

No, they are easy to build for most who are mechanically inclined. The bikes generally arrive around 85% assembled. The mechanical things like the motor, battery housing, and transmission are already there. The front wheel, handlebars, saddle, and pedals will require some fitting. Ecotric also includes a tool kit and instruction manual. It could help you out a lot if you watch a few assembly videos of your model on YouTube. Or if you're not comfortable, any local bike shop can provide the final assembly for a small fee—a fine value that ensures everything is torqued and tuned as appropriate.

How fast do Ecotric e-bikes go?

The majority of Ecotric bikes sold in the US are Class 2 e-bikes. This means that they can travel at a maximum of 20 miles per hour with either pedal assist or throttle. Although some of the other bikes we tested with stronger engines might feel as if they could go faster, all of those vehicles are in fact electronically capped to comply with the law. This speed is more than enough for the majority of urban commutes and recreational trail riding.

Are Ecotric bikes waterproof?

Ecotric bikes are water-resistant, not waterproof. That means they are engineered to keep out light rain and splashes from standing water, and riding when wet is up to you. The electrical parts, such as the motor and battery, are water-resistant to a point and won’t be damaged by moisture. But don’t fully submerge the bike, pressure wash the bike, or let it sit in heavy rain showers for extended periods. Wipe the bike down with a dry cloth after riding in the rain.

Is Ecotric a good brand for an e-bike first-timer?

Absolutely. In reality, first-time buyers are a staple of Ecotric’s client base. The brand is in the business of knocking down barriers to entry to e-biking. The low price model minimizes the financial risk, suits your choice with its variety, and, with its simple, strong technology, it is safe and easy to use. It's an excellent chance to see if an e-bike is right for you, without the need to jump right to a high-end model. It’s a solid, reliable entry point to start your e-biking journey.

So armed with this complete information, you are all set to make the judgment on whether an Ecotric bike is your ideal jumping-off point for your electric biking adventure in the end.