Ariel Rider, a renowned manufacturer of 52v ebikes, released an exhilarating addition to their lineup a year ago: the Kepler. This ebike presents an enticing option for enthusiasts seeking a fat tire ebike that’s under two thousand dollars but that also carries a 52v ebike battery.
Interestingly, the Ariel Kepler marks Ariel Rider’s initial entry into the fat tire ebike segment, as they primarily focus on moped-style ebikes. Referred to as a commuter fat tire ebike, the Kepler introduces a term that may be unfamiliar to many. In this article, we will delve into the Ariel Rider Kepler’s specifications comparing them side by side with other ebikes. Using a detailed spreadsheet analysis, we shed light on its features and potential advantages.
Bike Specs
- MSRP: $1,899
- MOTOR: 1000 Watt Nominal 1800 Watt Peak Power Motor, Bafang
- TOP SPEED: 32+ Mph
- RANGE: 35-75+ miles
- BATTERY: 52V 20Ah – LG Battery Cell
- DISPLAY: Colored LCD Display With Self Diagnostic
- BRAKES: Hydraulic Tektro HD-E 350
- THROTTLE: Half twist throttle
- WEIGHT: 73 lbs
- DRIVETRAIN: 7-Speed
- MAX LOAD: 300 lbs
- PEDAL ASSITS: 5 Pedal Assist Level
- HANDLEBAR GRIP: Ergonomic Faux Leather
- TIRES: CST, 26″x4″, Puncture-resistant
- LIGHTS: Headlight and rearlight with brake light Function
- FENDER: Front/Rear Fenders
Initial Thoughts on the Ariel Kepler
One notable aspect of the Ariel Kepler is its favorable price point. Currently priced at $1899, the Kepler offers an enticing option for those seeking a fat tire, 52v ebike. This ebike impresses with its generous battery capacity, powerful motor, and ample payload capacity.
Another observation worth mentioning is that the Kepler adopts a frame design commonly found in other fat tire ebikes, indicating its adherence to established industry standards. While this may not offer a unique aesthetic, it ensures compatibility with popular components and accessories.
How the Ariel Kepler stacks up against the RadRover 6 Plus and Aventon Aventure
Aventon Aventure | Rad Rover 6 Plus | Ariel Rider Kepler | |
Price | $1399 | $1399 | $1899 |
Motor | 750w Bafang | 750w geared | 1000w geared |
Torque (Nm) | 85 | 68 | 108 |
Top Speed (MPH) | 28 | 20 | 32+ |
Battery | 48v, 15Ah | 48v, 14Ah | 52v, 20Ah |
Battery Watt Hrs | 720 | 672 | 1020 |
Brakes | Hydraulic | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
Derailleur | Shimano Acera | Shimano Acera | Shimano Altus |
Max Load (lbs) | 400 | 275 | 300 |
USB | Yes | Add-on | Yes |
Sizes | 3 | 1 | 1 |
The Kepler stands out in several aspects. It surpasses the Aventure and the RadRover 6 Plus in terms of motor power and battery capacity, solidifying its position as a strong contender in this category. With a sustained 1000-watt motor and an impressive 1800-watt peak, not to mention its 52V, 20Ah battery capacity, the Kepler demonstrates superiority in several areas. Ariel Rider is renowned for producing powerful 52V ebikes, including the dual battery, and dual motor Grizzly, so it’s no surprise that they’ve introduced a formidable fat tire ebike like the Ariel Rider Kepler.
In addition to its substantial motor and 52v ebike battery, the Kepler also features hydraulic brakes, a necessary component for ebikes in this two-thousand-dollar price range. Hydraulic brakes are an essential requirement when you’re talking about high performance fat tire ebikes like the ones we’re comparing, but once we move past these primary components, we start to see the limitations of this 52V ebike.
Some of the Ariel Kepler components are lower-end parts that are more commonly associated with ebikes priced around $1500 or even $1000. For instance, the derailleur and thumb shifters are Shimano Altus, and that’s typically an area where bike manufacturers cut corners to keep the pricing of their ebikes competitive. Furthermore, the bike frame itself follows a typical design seen in various ebikes, distinguishing it from Rad Power Bikes and Aventon, which have opted for more uniquely designed frames.
Overall, the Ariel Rider Kepler offers major upside due to its generous 52V ebike battery, high performance motor and affordable price. However, it is worth noting that the Kepler does not quite compete with these two more popular brand name ebikes in terms of overall build quality and other factors like servicing and warranty. When considering the overall quality and additional aspects, the Rad Rover 6 Plus and the Aventon Aventure probably belong to a different class. It’s important to weigh all these factors collectively.
BeeCool Pathfinder Vs Ariel Kepler
Ariel Rider Kepler | BeeCool Pathfinder | |
Price | $1899 | $1699 |
Motor | 1000w geared | 750w geared |
Torque (Nm) | 108 | 80 |
Top Speed (MPH) | 32+ | 29 |
Battery | 52v, 20Ah | 48v, 20Ah |
Battery Watt Hrs | 1020 | 960 |
Brakes | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
Derailleur | Shimano Altus | Shimano Tourney |
Max Load (lbs) | 300 | 350 |
While the Kepler excels in certain areas, it finds a more suitable and direct comparison in an ebike like the BeeCool Pathfinder. In terms of appearance, price point, battery size, and hydraulic brakes, the Pathfinder closely aligns with the Kepler. The primary distinction lies in the motor power, with the Kepler offering a more robust 1000-watt geared motor compared to the 750-watt geared motor of the BeeCool Pathfinder.
In terms of pricing, the Kepler is listed at $1899, while the BeeCool Pathfinder comes in at $1699, offering a slightly more affordable option. As we shift our focus to the motor, we find that the Kepler outshines the BeeCool Pathfinder with its larger 1000-watt geared motor, delivering potentially higher performance. However, it’s worth noting that the BeeCool Pathfinder still offers a respectable 750-watt geared motor.
In terms of torque, the Kepler blows the Pathfinder out of the water with its 108Nm. However, the BeeCool Pathfinder is no slouch either, delivering an impressive 80 Nm of torque, indicating its ability to handle varying terrains with ease. Moving on to top speed, the Kepler offers a range of 32+ mph, while the BeeCool Pathfinder boasts a slightly lower maximum speed of 29 mph.
Battery capacity is a crucial consideration for many riders, and in this regard, the Kepler takes the lead with its 52V, 20Ah battery, providing a substantial capacity of 1020 watt-hours. The BeeCool Pathfinder, on the other hand, features a slightly smaller 48V, 20Ah battery, with a capacity of 960 watt-hours. Either way, you’re getting substantially bigger batteries with these two bikes that surpass those found in the Aventure.2 and RadRover 6.
Both ebikes come equipped with hydraulic brakes, ensuring reliable and responsive stopping power. The Kepler incorporates a Shimano Altus derailleur, while the BeeCool Pathfinder features a Shimano Tourney derailleur.
In terms of maximum load capacity, the Kepler can support up to 300 lbs, while the BeeCool Pathfinder offers a slightly higher capacity of 350 lbs, making it suitable for riders with heavier loads or additional cargo.
These initial observations based on the provided specifications paint a picture of two closely matched ebikes. While the Kepler showcases a more powerful motor and a 52v ebike battery, the BeeCool Pathfinder offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features such as hydraulic brakes and a big motor. As with any purchasing decision, it’s essential to weigh all factors, including personal preferences, riding style, and specific requirements.
Final Thoughts
The Ariel Rider Kepler is a super powerful and affordable fat tire ebike, offering riders a compelling option in the sub $2000 price range. Its 52v ebike battery along with its high-performance 1000w motor, allows the Kepler to stand out among competitors like the Rad Rover 6 Plus and Aventon Aventure.
In conclusion, the Ariel Rider Kepler impresses with its powerful performance, extensive 52v ebike battery, and attractive price point, making it an appealing choice for riders in search of a high-performance fat tire ebike. While it may not match the overall build quality and other aspects of higher-end ebikes, the Kepler offers a remarkable combination of power, affordability, and features that are hard to ignore. For those seeking a versatile and thrilling fat tire ebike without breaking the bank, the Ariel Rider Kepler deserves serious consideration.
