The electric bike market is heating up — and it’s getting more budget-friendly and delivery-friendly: Vvolt is now shipping four new ebikes direct to consumers.
So who is Vvolt and why does it matter?
Vvolt was launched by some of the same people behind Showers Pass, which is a cycling company that produces high-quality — often waterproof — cycling clothing. We’ve reviewed several pieces of Showers Pass gear at Man Makes Fire, and the level of quality has all been extremely good and competitive.
In our experience, people who produce high-quality gear in one segment tend to produce high-quality gear in new segments. Let’s take a closer look:
Availability & Delivery
Availability of traditional bikes and ebikes has been hammered by Covid-19: We’ve seen huge increases in cycling interest and consumer demand as well as many supply chain issues around the world. The fact that Vvolt is now shipping directly to customers is pretty important.
All models and sizes are now in stock at Vvolt.com.
Most bikes that now ship directly to consumers are pretty easy to assemble, but Vvolt has gotten the assembly process down.
“It’s amazing to deliver our initial orders after we’ve had such great feedback on our pre-production units from consumers and media, but one of my favorite parts about this is that we finally get to debut our packaging,” says founder Kyle Ranson. “We’ve designed a fairly unique box enabling our riders to receive their bikes 97% assembled, only needing to install the front wheel and pedals before topping off the battery and enjoying their first ride.”
In addition, Vvolt ebikes now ship in boxes that reduce packing waste and let consumers simply pull the mostly assembled bike out of one side of the box. If you’re curious about the assembly process, take a sneak peak at the assembly instructions here.
If you don’t want to receive a Vvolt bike directly, though, you can have it shipped to one of the independent bike shops in Beeline Connect’s nationwide network for an additional charge.
All Vvolt ebikes are backed by a 3-year warranty.
Four New Electric Bike Models
Vvolt currently offers four ebike models aimed at everyday riding, as well as longer rides on pavement and trails. Electric bikes generally adhere to three ebike classes that states and cities use as they make ebike cycling regulations:
- Class 1 ebikes offer pedal assistance with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2 ebikes are throttle-assisted but have a maximum speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3 ebikes are pedal-assisted and do not have a throttle but do have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
In general, Class 1 ebikes can be ridden in the most places — and in most places regular bikes are allowed.
Vvolt Alpha
Vvolt’s Alpha is designed as a simple and easy-riding Class 1 ebike for everyday travel. It’s priced at a very competitive $1,399. It has a pedal-assisted 375wh battery that delivers up to 60 miles of range through a rear hub drive. The Alpha features 27.5″ wheels with 2.5″ tires, which are designed to deliver versatility over both pavement and gravel.
The Alpha is also simple to ride — it doesn’t have traditional gears, so you don’t have to shift gears. All you have to do is select your level of motor assistance to adjust how hard you want to pedal.
Vvolt Alpha S
The Alpha S is basically an Alpha ebike with a step-through frame. You would choose this frame for greater comfort if you prefer to step over the frame to get on your bike. In addition, a step-through frame can be handy if you intend to add a rear rack to help you carry cargo.
Vvolt Proxima
The Vvolt Proxima uses a more powerful mid-drive motor. Vvolt says the Proxima is designed for long commutes and sporty weekend riders. The Proxima runs on gravel-bike style wheels to deliver speed and versatility across multiple terrains.
The Proxima is a Class 1 or Class 3 ebike. How’s that work? If you decide you want more speed, you can upgrade the Proxima with an alternate handlebar computer.
Vvolt Sirius
The Vvolt Sirius is basically a trail-ready Proxima: You get beefier tires and an air sprung suspension fork with 100mm of travel. It also ships as a Class 1 bike but like the Proxima, you can upgrade it if you want more pedal-assisted speed.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Vvolt Sirius.
Showers Pass Cycling Gear Reviews
- Showers Pass Apex Merino Tech Shirt Review
- Showers Pass Gravel Shorts Review
- Showers Pass Refuge Jacket Review
- Showers Pass Elements Jacket Review
- Showers Pass Crosspoint Waterproof Beanie Review
- Showers Pass Ultralight Wind Jacket Review
- Showers Pass Apex DWR 12″ Shorts Review
