For 2018, the Electron Wheel electric bike conversion system has been refined and updated. I met with the VP of Marketing and Operations at Interbike, James Parker, to get some information on what is new. Their tagline is “electrify your bike in 30 seconds” and that seems to be even more true now than with their earlier models which had a special leveling system and more hardware to calibrate. The latest iteration still uses a physical motion sensor (wireless pedal sensor) which Velcro straps to your left crank arm (on the inside or outside) and it still requires a smartphone app, but the wheel itself is more streamlined.

Inside the wheel, James explained that a lot has changed with the battery and motor. They now offer a powerful 400 watt motor vs. 250 watt and a 36 volt 7.8 amp hour system vs a 24 volt system. It’s more powerful and efficient, you can get further range (up to 50 miles). The wheel uses a smart sensor which determines how steep terrain is to automatically kick in extra power for climbing. They are focused on the two main wheel sizes for their e-bike wheel system which are 26” and 700c / 28” I was told that the weight of the 26” is just over 17 lbs in weight and the 28” is just over 18 lbs which is lighter than the first generation product. In total, the system is listening for the pedal motion sensor and incline sensor inside the motor to offer pedal assistance.

They recommend using the app to calibrate the system to your bicycle fork angle, but you do not need it to use the Electron Wheel. This product offers four pedal assist modes to help you optimize power and speed or efficiency (off, low, normal, high). It shows realtime battery readouts, speed, duration, and some other stats. The price point has remained the same, you can buy the Electron Wheel for $799 MSRP and find it at some dealers or their official website. Most users achieve between 20 to 40 miles per charge according to James. The company is doing a pre-sale in late 2017 with plans to release the product in January 2018. The top assisted speed is 20 mph.

You can see some of my previous Electron Wheel ebike coverage at https://electricbikereview.com/belon-... and learn more about the company at their official website: https://electronwheel.com/ EBR was paid to perform this review #Sponsored We try to be honest, thorough, and fun! Comparison tools, shop directory, and forums at: ElectricBikeReview.com