Jupiter Electric Bike Review: Pros And Cons

Electric bikes have revolutionized transport in our increasingly congested cities and become the alternative-transport industry's cash cow. Burley is proud to deliver its own offering in this rapidly expanding market. There are a lot of options available, but one brand that stands out as a unique player in the field is the Jupiter series, offering innovation and most importantly, accessibility. When it comes to electric bikes, it can be hard to make sense of the features, models, and real-world performance for those considering such a purchase. This ultimate review is aimed at separating the wheat from the chaff, taking a deep dive at what is behind the curtain with the Jupiter e-bike. We’ll take a look at the full range of products offered by Jupiter, as well as specific reviews of some of the top models and cover all the essentials you need to know before deciding to purchase an electric bike, allowing you to decide whether or not a Jupiter electric bike is right for you.

A Jupiter E-Bike for Every Rider

There is an electric bike for everyone with the Jupiter Bike line of e-bikes. Understanding which models belong to which model lineup is the first step to finding your match. The models are loosely split based on application, with smaller profile-folding bikes for urban commuters, and burlier models for the aspiring adventure-seeker. Check out the list below to see everything the brand currently sells:

Discovery Series

Discovery X7
Discovery X5

Folding Series

Defiant
Galileo
Summit

Fat Tire Series

Atlas

In-Depth Reviews: The Discovery X7 and Defiant

Now let’s leave the catalog and enter the line of fire. Close examination of a company’s best-selling models tells you the most about a brand. We’ve had a lot of wheel-time with two of Jupiter’s best-sellers, the Discovery X7 for daily runabouts and the Defiant for maximum portability. First impressions: The Discovery X7 is a handsome-looking machine, and its tidy, contemporary design makes for a solid start. The frame seems solid and the welds are tidy, indicating a decent standard of fabrication quality. Where the X7 truly stands out for the class is the riding experience. Once triggered, the hub motor delivers a subtle but perceptible boost, particularly when climbing gentle hills. On level city streets, the ability to achieve and maintain cruising speed is second nature. The gears are easy to change and the brakes offer plenty of stopping power – crucial when tackling unpredictable urban traffic. The seat position is quite upright and comfortable for a ride of around an hour and is great for that daily commute or a quick ride to the shops. Thanks to the integrated battery, the bike has a clean appearance, sidestepping the bulkier, tacked-on appearance of some other e-bikes. The digital display is large and bright, and is easily visible, even in the sunlight, and the essential information is easy to find in an instant.

The Jupiter Defiant meanwhile is the cyclist's equivalent of convenience personified. Its key feature is its compact, folding nature – and it does this superbly. The folding process is simple, the learning curve a matter of a couple of tries, and you’ve got the bike all folded up and ready to go in your car trunk, office corner, or other mode of transportation. It offers a stable, zippy ride for being such a small-wheeled and framed bike. The ride is stiff, as you would expect for a folding bike with small tires, but it is right for around-town jaunts up to medium distances on pavement. The motor has a nice, peppy acceleration that’s actually really enjoyable, and it was always quick to keep up with city traffic from a stop. It’s the type of electric bike you pick when your commute includes several modes of transportation or there’s minimal space to stash your ride at home or work. It’s a problem-solving product, made for the practicalities of modern city living. Both of its models show Jupiter’s commitment to designing practical electric bikes that appeal to their intended audience.

Key Considerations Before You Buy

Before choosing to buy a Jupiter e-bike, there are very important points the buyer should take into consideration, beyond simply taking a test ride. Firstly, you want to consider the quality of production and robustness over time. Jupiter builds with good quality frame material and components that are built for their intended purpose. The frames are sturdy and the shifters, etc., are trust-inducing, from known makers. Battery capability and actual range is another important one. Jupiter gives you real range estimation, and you need to know that the final distance may be influenced by the terrain, the weight of the rider, the weather, assist level, etc. The beauty of Jupiter battery systems is that they are neatly installed and are easy to remove to charge. Also, the mounting and servicing is a vital point. Jupiter bikes are easy to assemble. Mostly pre-assembled out of the box, the instructions are simple. For regular maintenance, their use of standard bike parts means that any neighborhood bike mechanic can service it, which is a huge plus when it comes to long-term ownership. This brand's after-service and warranty is also a good point, as numerous people who have received defective items had a positive experience and quick response from the service, which is quite important for this kind of investment. Finally, the brand’s ecosystem such as accessories and community is a plus. With plenty of positions for multiple accessories, you can outfit your Jupiter Bike to your exact specifications-for taking children to school or bringing home groceries.

Exploring Alternatives: The ENGWE P275 SE

While Jupiter has options aplenty for a wide range of riders, the e-bike world is a big place, and for those who want the ultimate in refined tech within a city-focused form factor, there are options that blur the line between top-notch performance and ride feel. One such standout is the ENGWE P275 SE. This electric bicycle is built for the discerning commuter that demands the highest level of performance and technology in an e-bike. The highlight of it all is a superior torque sensor, a tech feature that in reality distinguishes it from many of its competitors. The smart sensor responds in just 50ms to your pedaling pressure, providing you with power that feels natural and perfectly matched to your effort. This results in an extremely smooth and natural feeling ride, like riding a bike, only with a motor helping you along, instead of a noticeable "kick" like other hub motors. Driven by the exclusive E-SATs algorithm of ENGWE, it guarantees that this smooth power delivery is absolutely constant and stable! With a stunning stated range up to 62 miles (100 km) on a single charge, you never have to worry about getting where you need to be on your way to work or weekend adventures. Comfort is the underlying design principle in this bike with elements of a Dutch upright sitting position and the ergonomic swallow handlebar. Safety is looked after by the mighty hydraulic disc brakes, 160mm on both ends, that guarantee a safe stop in all conditions. It has a 250W brushless motor which is powerful and follows EU regulations. From the intelligent app connectivity and readout to the practical chain guard and useful front basket, everything has been carefully thought through to create a superior, low-maintenance, and highly capable city electric bike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Following are five frequently asked questions asked by prospective buyers about Jupiter electric bikes, and some detailed responses to help you decide.

How hard is it to set up a Jupiter e-bike when it arrives?

Jupiter bikes are sent out mostly pre-assembled in order to make their final assembly as easy as possible. All you usually have to do is attach the front wheel, the handlebars, pedals, and saddle. The package offers a complete set of tools and a clear user guide with step-by-step installation instructions. Nearly all users can assemble it in one hour or less. This is a very simple procedure, meant for everyone, not just biking experts.

What is a practical, in-the-field range that I could expect for a Jupiter battery?

The published range is for ideal conditions: no wind, flat ground, a lightweight rider, and the least aggressive pedal assist. Of course, in practice, your range will be different. Your range will be a little lower if you're heavier, ride on hilly terrain, or use a lot of higher levels of assist. And even for something like the Discovery X7, a practical range of 30-50 miles (based on mixed-use commuting) is still more than enough for the vast majority of daily commutes. It's probable that you'll want to anticipate something in the 70-80% of the maximum range for a cautious real-world estimation.

Can Jupiter bikes handle steep hills?

Jupiter e-bikes, especially models such as the Discovery series, are perfect for moderate urban slopes and rolling hilly terrains. These hub motors give significant help which makes climbing so much easier compared with a regular bike. But on very steep, long climbs, the motor is going to be put to the test. For hills, the multi-speed gearing models are better since you can go into a lower gear to help out the motor and pedal more effectively. The fat-tire Atlas, fitted with a more powerful motor, is the best bike in their lineup for venturing into slightly more challenging, hilly terrain.

So what are the warranty and customer service policies at Jupiter like?

Jupiter usually provides a standard warranty on the frame, motor, and battery which lasts for one year or so from the date of purchase against any manufacturing defects. This is common in the industry, which is good for your investment. Overall, user comments suggest that customer service is a strong suit for Jupiter. The support staff is also noted as responsive and helpful, and they’ll make every effort to assist customers in sorting things out, whether it’s a simple assembly question or a warranty issue. This kind of trustworthy after-sale support is a very valuable asset that helps the brand grow.

Is it OK to use the Jupiter e-bike in the rain?

Yes, Jupiter electric bikes are water-resistant and you can ride them in light to mild rain. The motor, battery, controller, and other electric parts are all waterproofed. They will often be rated with an IP number (such as IPX4, or higher) which indicates their water resistance. That said, riding through deep puddles, blasting the bike with a high-pressure wash, and keeping it outside in a torrential downpour for hours on end are not recommended. When you ride in the wet, it’s a good idea to wipe the bike over after your ride to avoid any long-term corrosion.

In conclusion, Jupiter has a great and easy-to-understand family of electric bicycles that can satisfy a broad range of consumer profiles.