If you are thinking about buying the best electronic bike, pause and read about the Ariel Rider C-Class Commuter Bike. It is a mid-sized electric utility bike with classic cruiser styling. Two curving mud guards run in parallel all the way from the back of the rear rack to the front of the bamboo platform and headlight mount. With three sections of tubing to reinforce the midsection of the bike, frame flex is minimized while allowing for lower standover height. The step-thru frame is approachable and surprisingly capable, but that shouldn’t really be a surprise for the best mid-drive electric bike.
Why We Like It – Ariel Rider C-Class Commuter Bike
The Ariel Rider C-Class Commuter Bike is a beautifully styled cruiser-inspired cargo electric bike with integrated lights, reflective tires, comfort grips and saddle, and a stable double-leg kickstand for loading and can handle 400+ lbs of combined rider and cargo weight. But for a bike that you can use in crowded areas and in the park, read the Angotrade electric road bike review.
- Front and aft rack to carry more
- Integrated lights
- One years warranty
- Heavy
Durability & Build Quality
Torque sensing pedal assist is smooth and natural, twist-throttle on demand makes starting easier, and walk mode is useful for moving the 66lb bike across grass or crowded areas, especially when loaded with gear. It makes for one of the best gravel e bikes, too. Swept back handlebar with an adjustable riser stem provides a range of fits; the frame only comes in one size, but the step-thru design is very approachable. Some frame flex because the battery and weight are both in the rear, and smaller 26″ diameter wheels keep the bike close to the ground, and the larger tires provide stability. Read our Pedego Comfort cruiser review for a stable bike.
The Ariel Rider C-Class has an internal gear giving it protection from minor elements and your clothes protection from it. The seat post leaves the rider in an upright, relaxed posture, perfect for taking hold of the handles coming from the adjustable stem, the stem making the bike perfect for taller and shorter people. If you would prefer a more portable option, you can check out the ANCHEER folding bike.
Performance (Speed & Acceleration)
A powerful 500-900 watt geared hub motor from Dapu paired with a 48 volt LG battery pack offers zippy acceleration, adjustable top speed can be lowered to 20 miles per hour or raised up to 28 mph for Class 3 performance. Many electric bikes like the Trek Verve+ have similar mid-drive motors, but the C-Class Electric Commuter Bike has a Dapu M155 letting it go up to 28 mph, while many others struggle to pass 20. Another bike that performs at this level is the one in the Ariel rider ebike review.
Range & Battery
Ariel Rider C-Class has a standard battery pack of 48V 12ah capacity. It isn’t a big battery pack compared to other e-bikes such as the Cube compact electric bike, we have to keep in mind that it has a mid-drive motor. Mid-drive motors are famous for being efficient. Bosch has two battery packs 400wh and 500wh. The Ariel Rider comes with a 576wh battery pack which is around 15% larger than the biggest Bosch battery. If you are looking for a larger battery on your bike, the Bulls e-bike boasts a 625wh battery.
Safety features
The suspension seat post keeps anyone from feeling too much if they drop from a curb to the street, and paired with the Shimano Nexus 8 Speed disc brakes, the C-Class e-bike can stop just as quickly when you add in the cut engine function, it makes this a safe and stylish option over a bike like the Bulls Ebikes. Before you buy any ebike, make sure you ask yourself: should I buy an electric bike?
Value
There aren’t many options for bikes with both a back and front rack alongside the front and rear lights, and with the speed and capabilities of the bike, it’s hard to deny its value as some bikes offer half as much while asking for twice the price. The ANCHEER 26″ electric city bike is another example of a great budget option.
Ariel Rider C-Class Commuter Bike Wrap Up
All in all, it’s heavy for sure, but the Ariel Rider C-Class offers a wide range of benefits for a little, though if compared to a normal bike, it seems like a high price, but the motor means the speed can be maintained longer with less work for the rider.
