Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Igor Karni
Espin was founded in 2016 in San Francisco, California. It’s a family-owned e-bike company run by a couple, Josh and Yina Liu. The brand’s name is closely tied to Yina’s childhood life in Norway. She was particularly enthralled by the local fairy tale about Espen Askeladden, who prefers non-conformity and “embracing creativity” with every.
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The couple decided to base their company’s name on the character, having been inspired by his “free-thinking spirit”. For the most part, it’s a company that actively delivers solutions, and it won’t be farfetched to assume that its innovations are largely influenced by its deep-rooted philosophy.
Espin e-Bikes Review: Model Lines
| E-Bike Model Line | E-bike Type |
| Aero | City, Commuter |
| Nesta | Cruiser, Fat, Foldable |
| Nero | Cruiser, Fat, Commuter |
| Sport | Commuter, Road |
| Flow | Commuter, Cruiser |
Being San Francisco-based, it’s not surprising that Espin designs models that are primarily made to tackle the infamous steep inclines of the said city. Expect the models to offer decent to superior torque for this reason. Its models are both affordable and reasonably specced, if not entirely a bargain in certain component and design combinations.
As of this writing, its catalog is composed of 5 e-bike lines, which lean toward commuting and urban riding with some light trail riding.
Espin Aero E-Bike Model Line
The Aero is a fairly recent limited-release city/commuter. It guarantees a total of 30 miles (50 km) for every full charge and is powered by a 350W motor. To say that it’s minimalistic could prove to be an understatement for this quality practically bares itself in the general design and the fact that it’s just single-geared.
We admit that it, being a single-speed e-bike, drags its appeal down. It would have been better than the Rad Mission, a model that it’s quite similar to besides Ride1Up’s Roadster, if that was the case. Still, it’s hard to fault it for the price to specs ratio. You get a practical e-bike that will deliver the complete e-bike experience with above-average satisfaction in terms of performance.
We like the smooth integration of the battery and the sleek way in which the displays are included. Indeed, it’s e-bike minimalism done right. The three-year warranty, considering the price, is another undeniable bonus.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Espin Aero electric bike model line here.
Espin Nesta Cruiser Model Line
Like most foldable models, the Nesta is small, and that in itself is already one of its main advantages. It’s compact once folded, but don’t be fooled by its size because it actually delivers what most other e-bike models rarely can. For one, it combines the adaptability and stability of fat-tired models with the utility and comfort of foldable and cruiser e-bikes.
We like to term it as a cruiser because of the step-thru frame and the upright sitting position. The overall design fits the addition of full suspension frames, which adds more comfort if you happen to decide to take it for some easy off-roading.
And who could possibly deny the 750W read hub geared motor that would make most hilly climbs close to effortless? It manages a maximum of 25mph top speed (40 km/h), which is a rare feat for most e-bikes in this price range. You can also get a maximum of 40 miles (65 km) of range out of it.
Read also: How to select the best folding e-bike (with examples)? And, How much does a good foldable e-bike cost?
Lastly, we love that it performs well in essential components like the included fenders and disc brakes, too.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Espin Nesta electric bike model line here.
Espin Nero E-Bike Model Line
Almost any e-bike that claims to be a utility e-bike safely falls under the cruiser and commuter categories in our book. Like most Espin models, it’s equipped with the 750W rear hub motor that can make light work of the hilly portions of San Francisco such as Pacific Heights and Golden Gate Heights. It pairs well with the throttle and pedal assist, and the fact that it’s one of the most powerful fat-tired models at present only makes it more and more of a gem in our eyes.
We also like that, as, in most solid utility options, it doesn’t skimp on the accessories. You get front and rear racks that make it a perfect companion when grocery shopping or fulfilling errands. It also gives you free rein on whether you want to ride it like a standard bike or want more motor assistance.
It packs more range than the Nesta at 50 miles (80 km) total. And need we expound on the perks of fat tires? Overall, this e-bike ticks all the right checkboxes versatility-wise. It’s close to a complete assembly, to be completely honest.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Espin Nero electric bike model line here.
Espin Sport Road Product Line
The Sport is another model that well deserves the “complete” label. True to its name, it’s one of the more performance-oriented offerings of the brand. The 500W geared hub motor and Samsung batteries can give you at least 30 to 50 miles (50 to 80 km) of riding range, which is still well within the brand’s average.
It’s all the niceties you can expect from a hybrid commuter and road model. You get headlights, large fenders, a suspension fork, and a rear rack. The 20mph (32 km/h) top speed earns a checkmark because of how it goes well with the smooth ride and quick acceleration it almost always guarantees. We also like hydraulic disc brakes for obvious reasons.
Another no-brainer perk is the inclusion of the throttle to ensure close to full motor support. This is especially useful on instances when you need to start your ride without having to wait for the cadence sensor to kick in.
Read also: Why fat tires are good news for electric bikes? And, How to select the best hybrid e-bike?
Ultimately, this is another versatile offering from a brand that has never compromised on delivering what riders want.
We invite you to take a closer look at the Espin Sport electric bike model line here.
Espin Flow Road E-Bike Model Line
The Flow is more of the urban counterpart of the Sport. We give a thumbs up to the cruiser-style handlebars and low step-thru frame, which obviously up the riding comfort. Specs-wise, it’s almost identical to the Sport. You get the same riding range, quick acceleration to 20mph (32 km/h), and pretty much the same accessories as well.
On the whole, if you’ve always appreciated the power of the Sport, but want to lean more toward commuting and cruising, go with the Flow. It’s stellar comfort, speed, and power in one fun-to-ride e-bike, and it doesn’t hurt your wallet.
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?
We invite you to take a closer look at the Espin Flow electric bike model line here.
What Do Riders Think of Espin?
Many e-bike riders are naturally attracted to the budget-friendliness of the brand’s models. Equally a lot like that the brand manages to give them what they want. Unsurprising, since Espin focuses on addressing present-day challenges encountered by e-bike riders. Two of these are obviously in the areas of affordability and adaptability. It’s safe to say that its models shine brilliantly in these two essential facets.
What Countries Does Espin Ship To?
As of now, Espin only caters to US residents.
Read also: Check out the most popular e-bike brands.
Take a look at this quick video featuring Espin Sport electric bike:
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.
