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Anyone seeking an affordable folding e-bike will soon stumble upon the Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus. This bike is ideal for commutes, campus riding and other short journeys.
In this article, we’ll explore this bike more deeply and show you some alternatives.
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Gears: 1-speed
- Range: 15.5 miles (throttle mode)
- Motor: 250W
- Battery: 36V 7.8 Ah Li-ion
- Weight: 37 lbs.
- Max. load: 264 lbs.
Who The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus Is Aimed At
The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus is aimed at anyone who could use an e-bike for short journeys of a few miles. The folding aspect makes it great for multimodal commutes or placing in the back of a car for vacations or days out.
You can also use this bike for local trips to shops, the school, or visiting friends.
This is not the ideal bike for heavy riders who live amongst steep hills. Bigger motors are always helpful in that scenario, and the motor on this bike relies on your pedal power to climb hills, even if the benefit is mutual.
Top Features Of Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus
Below you’ll discover some of the virtues of the Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus.
Aluminum Frame
The aluminum frame helps to keep this bike lightweight for an e-bike and gives the frame plenty of strength. A new feature in this model is the integrated carry handle between the crossbar and top of the seat tube.
Motor, Modes, Battery & Range
The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus has a 250W motor that rides comfortably on flat roads and can get over most hills fairly easily with a little help from you.
You get three modes with the Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus: manual (regular pedaling), pedal assist and electric/throttle mode. The pedal-assist mode has one level only.
One hazardous downside of this bike lies in the way it lurches forward when you start pedaling in pedal-assist mode. Be aware of this!
The EB5 Pro Plus has a stated range of 15.5 miles, which you can reach in 60 minutes at the 15.5 mph top speed. You can go farther than this in pedal-assist mode.
Note that the battery on the EB5 Pro Plus is removable and swappable, so you can also extend range by carrying an extra battery with you.
Wheels & Size
Small 14” wheels do help the EB5 Pro Plus fold to a compact 26” x 15.6” x 23.6” size. They will make rides on uneven roads feel bumpy, however.
Video: Small Wheels & The Angle Of Attack
Brakes
You don’t get disc brakes on the EB5, but you do get a powerful set of V-brakes. While they’re not as efficient as disc brakes, they do the job and weigh less.
Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus Alternatives
As good as the EB5 Pro Plus is, there are alternatives at around the same price.
1. Swagtron EB5 Pro Folding Electric Bike
The Swagtron EB5 Pro Folding Bike differs to the Pro Plus in its black finish and lack of carrying handle or removable battery. It’s also interchangeably called the EB5 and EB5 Pro – an inconsistency perpetuated by Swagtron.
Since a removable battery is usually beneficial, a reason to buy this bike instead of the Pro Plus might be its low-key black finish. The battery is harder to steal, also.
This bike gives you manual, pedal assist and full electric modes.
What We Like
- Lightweight – same weight as the Pro Plus.
- Secure – a screwed-in battery is not easy to steal.
- Stealth – some will prefer the black finish.
- Modes – three ways to ride the bike (same as Pro Plus).
What We Don’t Like
- Range – you can’t extend the 15.5-mile range with a spare battery.
Another notable mention is the Swagtron EB7 Elite which is also worth checking out.
2. Sailnovo 14” 350W Folding Electric Bike
The Sailnovo 14” Folding Electric Bike offers excellent value for money. To highlight some minuses, this is not a bike that folds normally by its frame, and it’s heavier than the EB5 at 46.3 lbs.
Other features of the Sailnovo bike are more competitive, like the 350W motor, 18-mile range, and 18.5 mph top speed. You also get an LCD dashboard. It even has suspension and disc brakes.
What We Like
- Motor – good to have a 350W motor at the price.
- Range – slightly bigger range and faster speed than the Swagtron bike.
- LCD – onboard display for battery status and speed.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – heavy for its size.
- Fold – folds by its handlebar stem, so it’s less compact when folded.
3. Ancheer 16” 250W Folding Electric Bike
A budget-priced alternative to the Swagtron EB5 Plus is the Ancheer 16” Folding Electric Bike. This bike has the same three basic modes as the Swagtron, but it also has three pedal-assist levels.
Some downsides compared to the Swagtron bike include a heavier weight of around 47 lbs. and a conspicuous battery.
The bigger 16” wheels of the Ancheer give it a slightly plusher ride on bumpy surfaces, though this wheel size is still better suited to smooth roads. A surprise at this price is the dual disc brakes.
What We Like
- Range – incremental pedal assist levels allow a longer max range.
- Brakes – disc brakes beat the EB5’s rim brakes.
- Wheels – bigger wheels add comfort.
What We Don’t Like
- Weight – a steel frame adds to this bike’s weight.
- Battery – looks less sleek with its prominent battery.
Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus: FAQs
Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the EB5 Pro Plus.
What Is The Range/Distance Of The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus?
The range is 15.5 miles in electric mode, but you’re likely to get more than that in pedal assist mode, depending on factors like terrain and rider weight.
Can The EB5 Be Used Off Paved Roads?
This is definitely a bike intended more for road use because it has small 14” wheels and no suspension. You’re likely to encounter a juddery ride if you go off-road.
How Long Does The Battery Last?
The battery should last 1-2 hours on flat roads depending on the mode you’re in and how fast you go. As for lifespan, expect 3-5 years or up to 1000 charge cycles.
How Easy Is The EB5 To Carry?
The EB5 Pro Plus is easier to carry than the original EB5 as the frame has an integrated handle. It’s also reasonably lightweight for an e-bike.
Is The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus Waterproof?
The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus is resistant to splashing water like rain, but you shouldn’t submerge it in deep puddles or shoot high-pressure jets of water at it.
Is The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus Folding Bike Any Good?
What We Like
- Portable – a lightweight frame and handle make the EB5 Pro Plus easy to carry.
- Choice – three riding modes to choose from.
- Range – fair range in pedal assist mode, extendable with the swappable battery.
What We Don’t Like
- Hazard – pedal assist kicks in abruptly.
- Levels – only one pedal assist level versus three in many e-bikes.
The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus is undoubtedly a good bike for the money. The way it leaps into action in pedal assist mode is mildly hazardous, but apart from that it’s a solid performer offering the usual three basic modes.
The Swagtron EB5 Pro Plus works well for commuting, riding around campus, shopping trips and social visits. You can check the bike out here.
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