https://www.ewheelsdealers.com/product-page/ew-step-thru

So let’s skip the branding and look at some other issues associated with direct marketing and buying on the internet.

(1) There is no dealer inspection or prep. That means no one has checked full electrical functionality, spoke tensions, bolt torques, or proper assembly. The sealed box is shipped to your door instead of a shop. That cuts markup and looks like a better deal to the consumer.

(2) Technical support is remote. Unfortunately, regardless of how competent the technician is on the phone, making a correct diagnosis by listening to a client with little or no technical experience or tools is a complete crap shoot. If will often result in a series of parts being shipped out until eventually (maybe) the problem is solved. Which can take months.

(3) Most of major components on the bike are not serviceable:
(a) the motor. That particular model of Shengyi hybrid motor cannot be opened without first removing all the spokes. Which pretty much makes the rear wheel disposable as soon as the wheel bearings start to go – which I’ve seen happen at as little as 4,500 kms.
(b) the battery. The cells are good quality – the BMS not so much and will fail before the cells. Unfortunately the BMS is pretty much impossible to replace.
(c) the wiring harness. The harness is well sealed HIGO type connectors, but a problem with any of the connectors requires removing and replacing the complete wiring harness.

Why do companies build stuff that not serviceable? because most consumers don’t maintain or service their bikes until they break anyway. So it’s better to produce sealed systems that require less short term maintenance. The product will definitely outlast the warranty period. After that? it’s not really their problem any more.

So as a city bike for occasional use in good weather the bike is fine. For anyone interested in using this as a commuter in all kinds of weather – it won’t stand up to multiple years of abuse.