FAQ

All electric bikes can be pedaled, just like regular bikes. But depending on the type of e-bike, you may not need to pedal at all. Some electric bikes have a feature called pedal-assist, where the electric motor gives you a boost as you pedal forward, making your ride easier. The pedal crank bearing senses how hard you’re pedaling. Then, it gives your ride an electric boost until you hit 20 mph. This type of e-bike is called pedelec, and all of Smalo’s e-bikes are pedelec.

This is a massive topic, one that warrants a blog post in itself. Here we’ll focus on two factors to give you a head start: style and price.

First, style. If you adore riding trails and adventuring off-road, you can’t go wrong with an electric mountain bike. If you want to do some serious downhill mountain biking, a downhill electric mountain bike is the way to go.

If your goal is to cycle as a hobby and you ride mostly on paved streets, an electric road bike will tick all your boxes. These are designed for ultra-efficient pedaling and are usually lighter than other styles. Often, you can ride them easily without pedal assist, which is ideal for cyclists that only want a helping hand uphill. 

Consider an electric city bike if you plan on e-biking your daily commute or casually riding around your neighborhood. These are all about maximum comfort and style. Typically, they feature wide, plush seats (yes, please) and higher handlebars that sweep back toward the rider. The pedals generally sit further forward, allowing the rider to rest both feet flat on the ground at stops.

If you plan to put your e-bike in a car trunk or carry it onto the bus or train, a folding e-bike is likely in your future.

And second, price point. The electrical and bicycle components are what make or break your e-bike’s quality. On the lower end of the scale, we have budget e-bikes ($500 to $1,000). These are great for those wanting to experiment with the concept of e-bikes.

One level up, we have the mid-range category ($1,000 to $2,500), perfect for the committed rider that wants quality without the used-car price tag.

Then, we have premium ($2,500 to $5,000). You’ll start to see big-name, mid-drive motors in this category like Bosch, Shimano, Brose, Yamaha, and Panasonic. 

Finally, we’re in the big league. The ultra-premium realm ($5,000 to $10,000) is home to e-bikes designed for serious enthusiasts. There’s no messing around here.

You certainly can! One of the best things about e-bikes is that it still functions like a mechanical bike even if it is out of battery. It’s a win-win.

Absolutely, and we salute your commitment, resolve, and motivation. Smalo e-bikes are water-resistant, so riding in light rain and snow is no problem at all. Just make sure the motor isn’t submerged in water. A lower temperature may affect battery performance and range, so keep that in mind. As always, ride safe!

As a class-1 e-bike manufacturer, Smalo currently carries e-bikes that can boost up to 20 mph when pedal assist is on.

It varies between models, so check each product’s detail page. In addition, several factors will affect the range you can squeeze out of your bike, including:

• Rider weight and cargo
• Style of riding
• Terrain
• Traffic conditions
• Weather

It’s as easy as charging your smartphone. Either plug your bike or connect your battery (if it’s removable) to a power outlet. It’ll take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours to reach full charge, depending on the model and the battery size. For example, it takes 3h40min to fully recharge the LX2.

You can’t remove the battery on the LX2, but you can on the PX2. 

It depends on the combination of some factors. That includes your riding style, the distance of your longest expected trip, the terrain of your regular route, and the total cargo weight you often travel with. Questions still? Not a problem. We’re here to help 24/7!

Here are our top 10 tips for prolonging the life of your battery:

• Reduce weight.
• Use the right tires.
• Ride a variety of terrain.
• Pedal smoothly.
• Don’t regularly fully discharge your battery.
• Use the charger provided.
• Stay away from extreme temperatures. Batteries love room temperature.
• Store your battery in a cool, dry place at 32ºF to 68ºF, and if you’re storing it for an extended period, then leave it 30 to 60 percent charged.
• Don’t jet wash the battery.

The placement of the e-bike motor affects the riding experience, ease of maintenance, and costs. Riding a front motor drive e-bike feels like you’re being pulled forward. The main center of gravity sits behind the front wheel, so you might experience a few issues when climbing hills. On the plus side, because the front motor system is isolated from the rest of the bike’s parts, servicing the bike without interfering with the motor is a whole lot easier. Another pro is the price tag. E-bikes with front motor drive are usually the cheapest.

That being said, rear motor drive often gives you the best bang for your buck. Not only does it have a better-positioned center of gravity, but the resulting pushing sensation also makes riding more responsive and natural. 

Middle motor e-bikes give you the most comfortable ride, thanks to the low, middle-positioned center of gravity. Despite this, climbing hills or cruising over long, flat stretches may feel uncomfortable, as you’ll need to shift gears more carefully. Middle-motor technology demands the least maintenance but is usually the most expensive because of the design requirements.

When it comes to performance, hydraulic disc brakes outshine mechanical disc brakes across the board. Hydraulic disc brakes deliver better modulation, increased stopping power, and less everyday wear and tear.

Servicing-wise, hydraulic disc brakes are more difficult to maintain than mechanical disc brakes but need less regular attention than their mechanical cousins. For off-road riders who want the best braking performance and have a little extra cash to splash, hydraulic disc brakes are the way to go. For casual riders and commuters, mechanical disc brakes will get the job done.

Mechanical shifting systems are fun! Some cyclists prefer the greater tactile feel when shifting. They are cheaper and easier to fix.

Electronic shifting systems provide switches, use motor and electronic signals to shift gears instead of having the rider mechanically move the derailleurs through levers and cables. Electronic shifting systems, on the other hand, require less effort from the riders’ hands. Depending on the rider, some might find clicking switches more fun. They would be more expensive but tend to need less frequent maintenance.

Derailleurs consist of a chain, sprockets of different sizes, and a mechanism to move the chain between sprockets. Hub gears seal all the components inside a unit.

Hub gears tend to be heavier, but are much easier to maintain and chains last longer. Derailleurs need cleaning and lubricating on a regular basis. The LX2 has hub gears. 

On derailleurs, shifting gears is slightly more mechannically efficient. You can get much greater gear range with derailleurs with a lower price, and they are easier to repair. The PX2 is equipped with derailleurs.

It all comes down to your preferences!

Smart Mode intuitively and intelligently adjusts the pedal assist as you ride. It calculates the level of support you need by evaluating both the riding conditions and pedaling effort.

Simply focus on pedaling and enjoying the scenery; Smart Mode will do its magic to keep your riding experience comfortable!

E-bikes are designated as class 1, 2, or 3. These classes vary between state laws and determine where you can ride. Here’s a quick rundown.

Class 1 e-bikes are limited to a top speed of 20 mph, and the motor only fires up when you pedal. Most municipalities treat class 1 e-bikes like regular old bicycles. 

Class 2 e-bikes are also capped at 20 mph, but they have throttles that work when you’re not pedaling. Most class 2 bikes also offer assisted pedaling. Just like class 1, you can usually ride class 2 e-bikes in the same places as analog bikes.

Now, things get confusing. Class 3 e-bikes can go 28 mph and must have a speedometer. They may or may not have a throttle — it varies by state. In California, for example, class 3 e-bikes can’t have throttles. In other states, throttles are permitted but capped at 20 mph, while pedal-assisted electric power continues at 28 mph. In most states, you can ride a class 3 bike in road lanes and bike-only lanes on the shoulder of the road (AKA curb-to-curb). You can’t take them on bike paths away from the road or on multi-use trails shared by pedestrians. In other words, no Sunday sessions riding around your local park.

At the moment, Smalo only carries class 1 e-bikes.

Mostly no but sometimes yes. Some states do require you to have a license to ride an electric bike. Always check with your local authority for the latest updates.

It’s not necessary, but it does offer the very best riding experience. Both Smalo e-bikes are class 1 e-bikes, so they function like a regular bike if that’s what you want. Our app gives you insight into your ride, including your traveling speed, heart rate, battery level, and even weather forecasts. Learn more about our app here. 

Definitely. If you know what you want, you can pretty much customize your ride to your heart’s content. Check back for our range of compatible accessories. 

If you go rogue with other alterations, you will void your warranty coverage. And remember to check and comply with local regulations before you mod your ride.

Nothing too tricky. The mechanical bike components don’t require any special treatment. Simply care for them the same way you would a traditional bicycle. Things like checking your brake pads every 621 miles, when you feel a loss of braking strength, or when you hear a creaking noise. Your local bike shop can perform repairs and check-ups, too.

When it comes to the electric components on your e-bike, there’s no extra work on your end, as long as you purchase from a reputable manufacturer. One of the best ways to ensure your battery stands the test of time is to store it indoors. Batteries drain faster in cold weather. You’ll also want to keep your motor away from the rain.

If you run into any technical issues with your bike’s electronic components, get in touch with our Support team. We’re always happy to help!

By car: If the e-bike does not fit inside the car, you can use a roof or rear bike rack that has sufficient weight capacity and complies with your local laws.

By train: It is best to double check with the train company. For example, Amtrak allows e-bikes under 50lb as checked baggage and on trains with walk-on bicycle service.

By plane: Smalo e-bikes’ batteries all exceed The Federal Aviation Administration’s Lithium-ion battery limits, therefore traveling via passenger planes is prohibited. You should look into shipping methods. Regulations may change, so a rule-of-thumb is to always double-check the regulations before you travel!

It depends on your e-bike. If you get a pedelec (or a class 1 e-bike in most states), then yes, you will absolutely get fit. Remember, you still have to pedal to propel a pedelec forward — you just get the bonus of riding with power assist when and where you want it.

Cars are out. E-bikes are in. 

E-bikes are a great commuting alternative. They are eco-friendly, consuming less energy than cars when traveling the same distance. You can level up your incidental exercise while arriving faster with less effort (and less sweat!). E-bikes are small and nimble, so they navigate traffic jams with ease and need significantly less parking space (less space = fewer and cheaper fees). E-bikes also cost a whole lot less to purchase and maintain than cars.

In short, they’re better for you, your wallet, and the planet. 

Absolutely! E-bikes are as safe as you are, as long as you buy from a reputable manufacturer. That way, you can ride easy knowing your safety-related features, materials, and components, as well as the bike’s structural durability, are tough enough to withstand whatever the road throws its way. 

Keen to take LX2 or PX2 for a spin? We encourage you to test ride at home. If it’s not the ride for you, we’ll happily offer a free refund within 14 days. See our return policy here. 

Alternatively, come say hi at our showroom in San Jose, CA. Give them a call to make sure they have your preferred bike onsite.

There are so many benefits of using e-bikes. They’re a great replacement of cars and they’re fun. Depending on the type of e-bikes you get, they can keep you fit while getting you to places faster and less sweaty.

Press the lock icon on your app to unlock your bike and it will also turn off the theft alarm.