Last Updated on October 29, 2023 by Igor Karni
Addmotor is a California-based e-bike company that was founded in 2011 in El Monte. Like plenty of other companies of its kind, it had the main goal of offering top-notch e-bike models to the general riding public.
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The brand doesn’t explicitly state what the meaning behind its name is, but one can assume that it’s to be taken literally. Having been founded as a full e-bike company, the name connotes and promises an improvement over the conventional bike.
And, true enough, this aligns with the brand’s vow to continue delivering customer satisfaction by investing in research and development and building their inventory of e-bikes, parts, and accessories included.
Addmotor e-Bikes Review: Model Lines
| E-bike Model Line | E-bike Type |
| Folding | Fat, Folding |
| Cruiser/City | Fat, Cruiser, City |
| Trike | Fat, Trike |
| All-Terrain | Fat, Hybrid |
| Hunting | Fat, Road |
| Cargo (read our review) | Fat, Cargo, Dual-battery |
The company made its mark in the industry with its obvious focus on fat-tire models. All of its models fit the fat category because they integrate the said large-volume tires. From there, the company introduces variety through the specs, design, and components integrated, allowing them to offer models that can also serve as city, folding, hybrid, trike, and cruiser options.
That said, expect their models to be versatile in the terrains they can handle and in the riding comfort they impart. They also offer plenty of options when it comes to frame designs, which lend to more of the latter. Another attractive feature shared by most of their models is their relatively budget-friendly costs which make them all the more good value due to their impressive specs (at least, in the batteries and motors they incorporate).
We’re going to be reviewing the brand’s catalog based on the categories their models belong to instead. The fact that they’ve opted to label all their models as “Motan” doesn’t help as well. At best, the models in the categories are distinguished by their slightly higher (or lower) specs and differences in frame design and geometry to accommodate the riding style and terrain they’re designed for.
Addmotor Folding Model Line
The brand offers both step-thru and step-over folding variations through their M-140, M-150, and M-160 models to suit the needs of any rider. All the models are noticeably powerful thanks to the Bafang 750W rear-mounted motor with as much as 80Nm of torque and 25mph (40 km/h) top speed, so you can expect that they won’t struggle too much in hill climbs.
The batteries are equally capacious, promising up to more than 65 miles (105 km) on every charge. These specs are hard to find in most mid-range models, so they’re a definite plus.
The Kendra 20” x 4” fat tires pretty much make sure that you won’t have any qualms riding these models through rougher and slippier terrain, whether it’s gravelly, muddy, snowy, or wet. It adds to the stability and comfort, too. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes may pale in comparison to hydraulic disc brakes, but they impart adequate stopping power.
The same can be said for the folding capability of the models overall. They’re decent but not that notable, and the comparatively hefty weight doesn’t lend to it. The step-thru models are slightly expensive, which is to be expected as they offer more comfort and accommodate most riders better.
Read also: How to select the best folding e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good foldable e-bike cost?
The display provides the essential parameters in most e-bikes, no more, no less. We do like that most of the models come with both headlights and taillights, besides fenders, a rear rack, and a kickstand.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Addmotor Folding model line here.
Addmotor Cruiser/City Model Line
There are certainly a lot of gems in this line. The M-430 step-thru model, for one, has some solid specs, such as the 750W hub motor, which can conquer a lot of steeper-than-normal inclines out there. That said, it makes a perfect option for riders in hilly cities and towns.
It has the same 48V battery, and thus the same 65-mile (105 km) maximum range, as most of the models in the catalog. We forgot to mention that almost all their batteries are easily lockable and removable for more convenient charging. The same rings true for the models in the cruiser line.
Read also: How to select the best cruiser e-bike? And, How much does a good cruiser e-bike cost?
The step-thru frame is a given for quick mounting and dismounting, and the front suspension gives you more opportunities to get the kind of ride you want with its lockout and preload adjustment. The banana seat, found in some of the models, ups the comfort, but it does negatively impact pedal stroke.
Mechanical disc brakes are used in almost all the options, and as we’ve said, it’s decent but hydraulics are coveted for a reason. All the models don’t fall short on the accessories they incorporate. Each one comes with a headlight and taillight, rear rack, kickstand, and fenders.
The Kendra fat tires may vary slightly in some of the models, but in the end, they all contribute to stability and comfort while riding. Of course, beach cruising and some light offroading will always be viable thanks to them, unlike some of the cruiser options out there that are more like commuter e-bikes.
That being said, the brand also considers its cruisers as city e-bikes, and that’s really not a surprise given the versatility of fat tires and how most of the models are designed. The only pure city model in the catalog is the E-Series CITYPRO, which has a whopping estimated range of over 125 miles or 200 km (thanks to its 48V 20Ah battery).
Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?
Ultimately, it’s the most standout model in the catalog simply because it’s the only one that doesn’t use fat tires. It opts for puncture-resistant 26” x 2.3” standard tires with reflective strips instead.
The curved adjustable handlebar lends itself to comfort since it encourages an upright sitting position. Another highlight-worthy feature is the hydraulic dis brakes used in this model, which as it happens, costs almost the same as its cruiser cousins.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Addmotor Cruiser/City model line here and here. Addmotor Soletan M-66X is a great value electric cruiser bike.
Addmotor Trike Model Line
Addmotor goes all-in on stability (sometimes arguably to a fault since it doesn’t do much to bring down the weight) with their fat-trike e-bikes. In fact, if you’re having trouble balancing on bikes and e-bikes, these models are your best bet. The abounding stability forms just half of the equation, though, as the comfort of these e-bikes can’t be stressed more as well.
What’s equally great is that the brand offers a lot of variety in frame designs. You can choose between step-thru options and a semi-recumbent one, whichever you find the most comfortable riding. The semi-recumbent is especially helpful for those with joint issues.
All the models integrate powerful 750W 80 Nm rear-hub motors and 17.5Ah batteries that can give you up to 55 miles (90 km) of range. The rear rack is noticeably spacious, and each model complements it with a front rack, making them a good regular ride for grocery runs and other similar errands.
Riding these trikes is almost like riding a fully-motorized vehicle because of the powerful motor and the way the half-grip twist throttle works to activate the motor. The top speed is limited to 20mph (32 km/h), though.
Read also: How to select the best e-trike (with examples)? And, How much does a good e-trike cost?
Another noteworthy feature is the inclusion of two mechanical disc brakes at the rear. They provide the appropriate stopping power, but two brakes almost always mean there’s a big chance that one may pull harder than the other.
On the whole, these trikes are not any more or less versatile than other e-bikes in the Addmotor catalog. They’re excellent for cruising as much as for commuting and running errands.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Addmotor Trike model line here. Addmotor Citytri E-310 is the newest model in the e-trike range. Addmotor Grandtan Turbo M-340 is an all-time favourite of the brand.
Addmotor All-Terrain Model Line
The name of this line already speaks volumes about what you can expect from its models. But if most Addmotor e-bikes are already versatile enough because of their fat tires, what difference do All-Terrain models make?
Well, the difference lies mainly in the preload-adjustable front fork suspensions found in these models that make them a hybrid eMTB and city option. Coupled with the standard fat tires, these are models you won’t mind riding through urban streets, sandy beaches, rocky roads, snowy tracks, and muddy trails. Pretty much anything you want in a hybrid, in short.
The fact that they integrate fenders, though, means you can’t really go overboard with your offroading. Don’t expect them to handle any kind of rough terrain that a full-fledged eMTB will make short work of.
It’s hard not to love any e-bike that goes above the limit in delivering power. The M-5500, for one, actually uses a 1250W rear motor, which effectively anticipates the rugged terrain that the model will be handling. The Panasonic battery is not that different from the Samsung batteries in other models because it tops at 60 miles (95 km) as well.
Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?
The fenders mean you won’t have to worry about splattering mud or kicking sand all over. We also like that they threw in headlights because almost all of us have that instance when we tend to get lost in the zone while riding and, before we know it, it’s already dimming outside, right?
If you want to hit two birds with one stone when it comes to e-biking, these hybrid models are ready to provide the essentials for any kind of ride. But, like any jack-of-all-trades, don’t expect them to perform as stellarly as their purer counterparts.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Addmotor All-Terrain model line here.
Addmotor Hunting Model Line
The Wildtan hunting e-bikes in this line are the brand’s high-end offering. They incorporate extra powerful 1000W Bafang mid-drive motors, making them perfect for the offroad conditions and hilly inclines commonly encountered by the average rider who prefers to traverse unsurfaced roads. They pair it with a 17.5Ah battery that can provide up to 60 miles (95 km), which is also above average compared to most.
Again, it’s hard to find e-bikes with specs as stellar as these in the price range that these models are selling at, so that earns another thumbs up from us. Furthermore, it’s not hard to like both models for they incorporate grippy Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, with Shimano shift levers that allow quick shifting, as well as a kickstand, bright headlights (a nifty component for those who like to embark on nightly excursions), and a rear rack.
Moreover, we think both models are paired well with the 9-speed derailleur since they both pack a lot of punches power-wise. The massive tires mean you can enjoy all the stability and comfort you want, regardless of whatever road condition the natural terrain throws at you.
Read also: How much elevation / altitude can electric bikes climb? And, Can electric bikes go up steep hills?
Overall, the models in this line are relatively more well-equipped than their city counterparts. You can’t get more “all-around” than these hunting e-bikes – a quality that more than makes up for the glaring heaviness of these models.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Addmotor Hunting model line here.
Does Addmotor Offer a Manufacturer’s Warranty for Its E-Bikes?
Every e-bike comes with a one-year comprehensive warranty intended for all material and workmanship faults that happen during that entire period. This covers most of the electrical and mechanical parts of the e-bike.
Does the Brand Make a Trial Period Available for Its Models?
As of this writing, there’s no such option yet.
What Do Most Riders Think of Addmotor?
While its e-bikes are not without their major faults (like the apparent heftiness of a lot of the models), as some reviewers and users from e-bike forums can attest, many riders like the value for money that the brand brings. You can seldom get a solid 1000W fat-tire e-bike for a little over $3000, after all, nor can a comfortable yet powerful cruiser can be enjoyed for half that price.
Read also: Check out USA best travel destinations by electric bike.
You just have to be careful in choosing which models to get because the brand has a lot of hits and but equally many misses. If we’re going to compare all of the pros and cons, though, we’ll just say that there’s a big reason why it’s a brand that has maintained its solid reputation.
What Countries Does Addmotor Ship To?
The brand offers free shipping to 48 contiguous states within the US, excluding Hawaii. As for international shipping, Addmotor has stated on record that it only delivers to Canada.
Read also: Check out the most popular e-bike brands.
Take a look at this quick video introduction to the Addmotor hunting series:
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
