kent bikeJust a handful of parts will come from China, Kamler said. To emphasize the point, Panasonic debuted the e-bikes at January’s sprawling International Consumer Electronics Show alongside the new Harley-Davidson electric motorcycle, LiveWire. Kent’s specialty brands, Van Dessel and Univega, this spring will launch the company’s first e-bike models incorporating new Panasonic mid-drive systems.
They are best suited for recreational riding, commuting, and light off-road use. If you’re considering purchasing a Kent Bike, you may have a few questions about the brand and their products. We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
If I ever got a flat on the road, it’s going to be that much more difficult to change the tire. The Kent Electric Cruiser is a very pretty bike, with the removable Samsung lithium-ion battery integrated into the frame. Given the fire-engine red color scheme, 26-inch whitewall tires, and swooping handlebars, I felt like a fatter, hairier Pee Wee Herman pedaling around my city. Kent Bikes are a great option for those on a budget or those who are just starting to ride. They offer a comfortable and smooth ride and are suitable for recreational riding, commuting, and light off-road use.
They cost less to produce, and they are basically bulletproof in terms of user error. Shimano Tourney TX800 8-speed derailleur and shifters are paired with a no-name crank and mechanical disc brakes. Front and rear fenders and a rear rack come standard on the Electric Cruiser, which was a bit of a surprise, given its relatively low price. Most of the people buying this bike will love the wide, padded saddle and upright ride position, but adjusting the saddle angle was next to impossible. The Electric Cruiser offers three levels of electric assist, with a maximum boost of 20 mph. A very basic LED display indicates battery and power-assist levels but doesn’t include a speedometer or mileage counter.
Kent Bikes require regular maintenance, including lubrication, tire pressure checks, and brake adjustments. However, their simplicity makes them easy to maintain for both novice and experienced riders. Panasonic has already made significant entries into the mobility space and has successfully distributed e-bike drive systems throughout Asia and Europe.
kent mountain bikeThe growing market will drive demand for more bicycle models in different varieties, like the mountain and all-terrain styles Panasonic announced. With a price of $1,498, Kent’s mid-drive e-bike certainly isn’t competing with the several thousand dollar models that use German mid-drive motors, and so it likely opts for a Chinese motor. That isn’t a bad thing, as many riders (including myself) have been very happy with lower-cost mid-drive motors. I have a Truckrun motor on my daily rider city e-bike, and it works wonderfully.