5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike EB17 Review Powerful Motor and Removable Battery Test

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Unpacking the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike for Adults

Testing out the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike for Adults with 1000W Peak Motor and 468WH Removable Battery has been quite the ride—literally. As someone who enjoys both commuting and recreational cycling, I was eager to try out this electric mountain bike with its 7-speed gear system and front suspension. It’s a bike that promises a lot, and while it delivered in many areas, there are definitely some things to consider.

Design and Build Quality: Lightweight Yet Sturdy

The aluminum frame immediately stood out to me. This bike is surprisingly lightweight at just 50 pounds, which makes it easier to handle despite its electric components. Despite the light frame, it feels robust and stable, even on rugged trails. The adjustable handlebars and seat are thoughtful additions, making it easy to tweak the bike for optimal comfort. At 5’10”, I had no trouble finding my sweet spot, and a friend who’s 6’2” also found it comfortable after a few quick adjustments.

The 26-inch wheels are well-suited for a variety of terrains, whether it’s gravel, snow, or smooth roads. And I have to say, the dual disc braking system is both responsive and confidence-inspiring. Whether you’re stopping on a steep incline or in wet conditions, the brakes perform flawlessly.

Performance and Speed: A Thrill for Enthusiasts

This bike is equipped with a 500W brushless motor, peaking at 1000W, which provides a noticeable kick. I could easily hit its top speed of 23MPH on flat roads, and the motor’s power really shines during climbs. Hills that I’d normally dread on a traditional bike became manageable, even enjoyable.

The 7-speed gear system adds versatility, allowing you to adjust resistance and effort based on the terrain. I found this particularly useful when switching between pedal-assist and throttle modes. The three riding modes—electric, pedal-assist, and manual—make it adaptable for various situations. For instance, I used pedal-assist during a long weekend trail ride and throttle mode when I was short on time and needed to zip through traffic.

Battery Life and Convenience

One of the bike’s standout features is its 468Wh removable battery. It offers a range of up to 25 miles in electric mode and 45 miles in pedal-assist mode, which is more than enough for daily commutes or casual weekend rides. The fact that the battery is removable is a game-changer for me. Charging it indoors at home or work is much more convenient than dealing with outdoor charging setups.

However, I did notice the battery takes a bit longer to charge than I’d like. If you’re planning to use the bike multiple times in a day, you’ll need to plan your charging schedule carefully.

Key Benefits

• Powerful motor with excellent climbing ability
• Durable yet lightweight aluminum frame
• Versatile 7-speed gear system for varied terrains
• Long-lasting, removable battery for convenience
• Dual disc brakes that ensure reliable stopping power

Digital Features and Safety Enhancements

The color LCD display is a nice touch, offering clear and easy access to essential riding data like speed, battery life, and mode selection. It’s bright enough to read even in direct sunlight, which is a small but important detail.

Safety isn’t overlooked either. The adjustable front suspension does a great job of absorbing shocks, making bumpy rides much smoother. Riding at night felt secure thanks to the bright headlight and reflective elements, though I did feel the headlight could have been slightly brighter for pitch-dark conditions.

Areas for Improvement

• Battery charging time is longer than average
• The headlight could be brighter for nighttime rides
• Assembly, while 85% pre-done, still required time and patience

Competing Brands

Comparing this model to others in its category, I looked at popular options like the Rad Power RadRover 6 and the Aventon Aventure. Both are solid e-bikes, but they come with trade-offs.

The RadRover 6 offers a better battery range and a more intuitive display system, but it’s significantly heavier and less nimble than this bike. Meanwhile, the Aventon Aventure has a more powerful motor but lacks the lightweight design and removable battery convenience of the Mate electric bike.

What sets this bike apart is its balance of features. While it may not lead in any one category, it performs consistently well across the board. The lightweight frame and adjustable components make it more accessible to a broader range of riders.

Cost Efficiency

In terms of value for money, this bike holds its own. The performance you’re getting with the 500W motor, dual disc brakes, and removable battery makes it a strong contender in its price range. It’s not cheap, but the features and build quality justify the investment. If you’re someone who wants a reliable e-bike for commuting and occasional adventures, this bike delivers without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Testing this bike was an enjoyable experience, and it’s clear that it’s designed with versatility and convenience in mind. While there are areas that could use improvement, like the battery charging time and headlight brightness, these are minor issues compared to the overall performance. For anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of electric bikes, this one is worth considering.

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