The AddMotor E43 is making waves in the electric bicycle community with its impressive power, smooth test rides, and unbeatable value. This commuter ebike offers a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and affordability at its $1399 price tag. We’ve conducted rigorous testing to create this AddMotor ebike review, allowing us to explain the critical aspects of the E43 that could help you decide if it’s the one for you.
Specs of the AddMotor E43
- Cost: $1399
- Color: Cyan, Pearl White, Neptune Blue, Rose Gold
- Battery: Samsung 21700 20AH (960WH) EB2.0 Design Battery
- Range: 125+ MILES (PAS1) Miles Per Charge
- Motor: 48V * 500W (907Peak Watts) Addmotor Brushless Rear Motor
- Includes: Front and Rear Lights, horn, Front and rear fenders
- Tires: Kenda GIGAS Puncture-resistant 26″ X 2.3″ Inches Durable Tires
- Display: Addmotor EB 2.0 Multiple Function LCD Display
- Pdeal Assist: Intelligent 7 Level Pedal Assist, Speed Sensor
- Brake: EB 2.0 Hydraulic Disc Brake
- Brake Disc: 180MM
- Shifter: SHIMANO Right Thumb Shifter 7-Speed, SIS Index System
- Rear Rack: Included 55lbs (25KG) Durable Rear Rack
- Derailleur: SHIMANO 7-Speed
1st impressions: Power-Packed Features and Unmatched Battery Life
This AddMotor ebike boasts impressive specifications that stand out from its competition. First is its powerful 500-watt brushless rear hub motor, offering a peak output of 907 watts. Most other ebikes in this class have 750-watt motors, peaking at the same level, and you feel the extra oomph when riding the E43.Â
Next, an enormous 960-watt-hour battery with a 48-volt, 20-amp-hour configuration sets a new standard for longevity. AddMotor claims the E43 can cover up to 125 miles on a single charge at pedal assist level one—an exceptional range surpassing similar ebikes.
The E43 features a step-through frame design, inviting riders who prefer a laid-back cruiser style with easy mounting and dismounting. A larger counterpart from the long list of AddMotor ebikes, the E53, has a step-over frame option. You can choose from four colors for your E43: Cyan, Pearl White, Neptune Blue, or Rose Gold.
Furthermore, the rear rack is a standard feature on this AddMotor ebike, making it a convenient and ready-to-ride commuter straight out of the box. Additionally, you can add a front rack for more storage and convenience if you use your ebike for grocery shopping or other errands. The E43 has a 250-pound payload capacity, which could help eliminate many car trips from your routine.
Also, it features integrated front and rear lights with multiple light modes. These lights provide visibility during nighttime rides with various safety features, including a brake light, flashing light, and turn signals. Plus, a unique bonus of this bike is a hazard light mode to alert others of roadside dangers.Â
The AddMotor E43’s 26″ x 2.3″ tires allow you to feel comfortable navigating city streets or exploring wild landscapes. They feature large convex glue tread patterns, providing a smooth and anti-slip ride in urban settings, ensuring excellent traction. Also, their durable construction makes them suitable for gravel bike paths or dirt roads. Finally, the quality tires coupled with the E43’s hydraulic brakes ensure reliable and efficient stopping power for that big motor.
Test Rides: Power, Battery Life, and Comfort
Our test rides on the AddMotor E43 ebike impressed us, affirming the bike’s exceptional performance at a great price. We tried it out on paved roads, dirt paths, and even light trails to evaluate three crucial aspects: power, battery life, and comfort.
The E43’s power is a standout feature. Its 500-watt motor is deceptive because it peaks at 907 watts, surpassing the output of many comparable ebikes, such as the RadCity 5 Plus, Aventon Level, and Ride1Up 700 series. The extra power translates into a thrilling riding experience, especially when you turn up the throttle mode. Sitting on the E43, you can feel the zip and enjoy the torquey acceleration.
To achieve this excellent power you need an equally remarkable battery, and the E43 has it. Boasting a substantial 960-amp hour capacity, it outlasts higher-priced ebikes like the Aventon Level, Ride1Up 700 series, and RadPower Bikes RadCity 5 Plus, which typically feature 672-amp hour batteries. While we didn’t complete an exhaustive drain test, AddMotor claims that the E43 battery can last up to 125 miles on pedal assist level one. From our testing, we estimate a real-world range of 75 to 100 miles at this pedal assist level because of variables such as rider size, road conditions, and weather. In throttle-only mode, a range of 50 to 75 miles seems realistic. Indeed, that big battery delivers impressive numbers.
Comfort is a critical consideration for daily commuters, and the AddMotor E43 excels in this aspect. The hydraulic brakes ensure smooth, responsive stopping, offering peace of mind during emergency halts or when navigating traffic. At night, the built-in lights, turn signals, and even a hazard blinker allow you to extend your evenings out while feeling comfortably visible riding home. Also, the E43’s suspension system provides one of the smoothest rides we’ve seen on ebikes, including on dirt trails.
What we don’t like about the E43
One aspect that we found potentially problematic about this AddMotor ebike is the attachment design of the fender and light. A single screw holds both components onto the frame, which, while convenient for installation, could be a bummer if the screw fails. If that screw came loose while you were riding, as sometimes happens from vibrations, the light and fender could fall and get damaged. Then, you’d be without those components until you find a suitable replacement screw.
Also, there are some battery-related drawbacks to consider. First, removing the E43’s battery can be challenging, which may annoy you if you like detaching it for charging or security. Next, its 10-hour recharge time is relatively long, which makes sense since it’s a high-capacity battery. These inconveniences might not make sense for some riders, and you should be aware of them before purchasing this AddMotor ebike.
Final Thoughts
The AddMotor E43 is a great ebike for commuters who want a reliable, powerful, and affordable option. Its specs, including the massive battery, 907-peak-watt motor, and front suspension, make it stand out from other bikes in the same price range. It’s also comfortable to ride on various terrains.
The integrated lights, turn signals, and horn are great safety features that can make you feel more secure on the road during the day or night. The bike’s step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off, especially if you enjoy riding in comfy clothes. The included rear rack is a handy bonus for running errands. Overall, the AddMotor E43 is a solid commuter ebike and gives you some intriguing advantages over similarly priced competitors.