Kent E-Bike Hybrid

The Kent E-Bike Hybrid has an 8-speed cassette and an upright seating position. One of the least expensive e-bikes CR has tested, it shows many of the functional hiccups that can come in this price range. For starters, it has a hub-mounted motor with a noticeable lag in the electric assist—both when you begin pedaling, and when you stop. For the uninitiated, this can be alarming, because when you stop pedaling, the motor still provides thrust for a second. The bike also has cable-operated brakes, and although they work well, the cables will stretch over time, reducing brake performance. Hydraulic disc brakes are a better option for heavy e-bikes, and they are standard on many other models. The Kent’s display is rudimentary—just a couple rows of red LEDs to show battery charge and assist level—but it’s easy to see, even in bright sunlight. There are three power levels. The first level doesn’t do much; the second one is good for flat-ground cruising; and the third is what you’ll need on anything other than a slight grade. The bike is relatively easy to pedal on flat ground without assistance from the electric motor, but it can be a chore to pedal up big hills. Despite having a front suspension fork, bigger bumps in the road surface are telegraphed through the seat. In short, this model is decent, basic transportation for the price. It offers a stable, relatively comfortable ride, but this Kent e-bike lacks many of the attractive features that can be had for even a few hundred dollars more, including hydraulic brakes and a built-in speedometer and lights.

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CR Expert Take

How did it perform in our expert lab testing?

What goes into the Overall Score?

Ratings Scorecard

EXPERT LAB TESTS

Range

/ 5

Acceleration

/ 5

Control response

/ 5

Braking

/ 5

Hill climb

/ 5

Unassisted hill climb

/ 5

Unassisted cruising

/ 5

Portability

/ 5

About

The Kent E-Bike Hybrid class 1 electric bike is, overall, a very good choice.

Features & Specs

Features

Motor

Hub

Trip computer

Headlight

Battery removable

Yes

Quick-release front wheel

Quick-release rear wheel

Seat type

Comfort

Brake type

Cable pull Disc

Specs

Type

Hybrid

Weight (lbs.)

Range (Miles)

Watts

350

Battery capacity

10.4Ahrs, 374 WHrs

Tire size

700X40

Number of gears

Assist levels

Price & Shop

Electric Bikes

Kent E-Bike Hybrid

CR Expert Take

What goes into the Overall Score?

Ratings Scorecard

EXPERT LAB TESTS

About

Features & Specs

Features & Specs

Features

Specs

Price & Shop

Price & Shop

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