The Buzz Charter F, which is the newest e-bike from the value-oriented electric bike model Buzz, provides up a low-cost $999 folding mannequin with the battery hidden within the seat put up.
It’s a battery design that we’re beginning to see extra of, and for good motive. It can come in useful in city settings the place riders will doubtless need to take each the saddle and the battery inside with them whereas the bike stays locked exterior.
Those are the 2 mostly stolen elements of an electric bike, so combining them into one easy-to-grab part means riders can head thieves off on the go.
But there’s greater than only a intelligent battery design at work right here on the Charter F.
Take a gander at my video assessment under to see what I imply, then maintain studying afterward for the remainder of my in-depth assessment.
Buzz Charter F video assessment
Buzz Charter F tech specs
Motor: 250W rear geared hub motor
Top velocity: 32 km/h (20 mph)
Range: Up to 64 km (40 mi)
Battery: 36V 8Ah (288 Wh)
Weight: 15.8 kg (35 lb) with battery
Frame: Aluminum
Tires: 20 x 1.75-inch
Brakes: Mechanical rim brakes
Extras: 3 ranges of pedal help, LED dot show, battery constructed into seat, locking seat put up clamp, kickstand
Price: Currently $999
A light-weight folding e-bike
The Buzz Charter F’s specialty is being a light-weight, no-frills folding e-bike.
At simply 35 lb., it’s positively on the lighter finish of the vary of e-bikes I’ve examined. Folding bikes are sometimes notably heavy as a result of further weight of some rugged folding mechanisms, however the Buzz Charter F manages to keep watch over its waistline to take care of its trim determine.
That makes it preferrred for anybody that wants a light-weight folder to carry right into a automotive trunk or carry onto a subway.
That being mentioned, the sunshine bundle comes at a price: energy.
Modest energy
The 250W rear hub motor isn’t the peppiest motor I’ve tried earlier than. In reality, it’s on the decrease finish of the spectrum.
This is a pedal-assist electric bike – no throttle included – so that you’ll be including your personal help. But don’t count on to put down rubber if you draw back from the cease signal on the Buzz Charter F.
The good factor although is it nonetheless will get you as much as the utmost allowable velocity for Class 1 e-bikes of 20 mph (32 km/h). A lot of those small folding e-bikes high out at 15 mph (25 km/h), so the additional velocity is a pleasant profit, even when it takes just a few further seconds to succeed in the highest finish.
The excellent news concerning the low energy is that it helps the quite low capability 288 Wh battery last more. They say you may stand up to 40 miles (64 km) of vary out of the e-bike, however that should be within the lowest of the three energy modes. If you’re driving quicker, count on nearer to 25-30 miles with cheap pedaling.
The incontrovertible fact that the battery is hidden in that seat put up makes up for the small battery although, since it’s so handy to pop out and in if you lock the bike up.
A few compromises
To preserve the bike’s low $999 price ticket, just a few compromises needed to be made.
In addition to the smallish motor and battery, there’s a easy LED dot show. It exhibits you the battery capability, pedal help degree, and that’s it. It’s ok for different e-bikes I’ve loved, and so it’s ok right here, too. But in the event you have been hoping for an LCD display screen with speedometer and different knowledge, you’ll must look elsewhere.
Next, the bike makes use of rim brakes. They have loads of stopping energy, in order that’s not a priority. But they could be a bit extra finicky to regulate over time because the cable stretches. You’ll additionally must align the brake pads every time you modify them, which is a barely difficult process in the event you aren’t used to it. Any bike store may help you do it in a pair minutes although, in the event you don’t need to get your palms soiled your self when the time comes to vary brake pads.
There’s additionally no fender bundle or rear rack. Not solely are they not included, however there aren’t even choices accessible as add-on equipment. You’ll must go third-party if you wish to add these elements. I might like to see the corporate at the least provide a suitable possibility which you could buy immediately as an alternative of looking for your personal third-party elements. When Lectric eBikes not too long ago unveiled the XP LITE and didn’t embody fenders or a rear rack to cut back the value, at the least they supplied them as paid upgrades. So that might be a pleasant factor to see right here.
Lastly, there aren’t any lights on the bike. That means if you wish to journey at evening, you’ll have so as to add your personal. They do provide you with a pair of rear reflectors, which is fairly neat. But true e-bike lights ought to be normal tools, for my part.
So whereas there’s quite a bit to love right here, there are some compromises which were made as effectively.
All advised although, the bike rides effectively and is ultra-convenient for metropolis driving. Just don’t get caught out after darkish with out shopping for an honest set of bike lights so as to add!
FTC: We use earnings incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. More.
Subscribe to Electrek on YouTube for unique movies and subscribe to the podcast.