This Long Range Bike Has a Huge Battery!

Reviewing the Burchda U8

• The Burchda U8 is a long-distance utility bike with numerous accessories included, such as a bike pump, phone holder, bike lock, and tools for assembly.
• This class 3 ebike offers a variety of features like five levels of pedal assist, a Cadence Sensor, and a step-through design suitable for riders between 5’2″ and 6’2″.
• Priced at $1099, it boasts a payload capacity of 350 lb and comes in black, gray, or white variations.
• The bike’s standout feature is its massive 48V, 15.12 wat hour battery, allowing for an impressive range of up to 110 miles per charge.

“The Birch to8 can go up to 110 miles on a single battery charge, making it a compelling choice for long-distance rides.”

Battery and Charging Features

• The bike houses a powerful 48V, 15.12 wat hour battery with a 48V 315 amp-hour rating.
• Charging can be done on the bike or by removing the battery, offering convenience and flexibility.
• A 3 amp-hour charger is provided, requiring about 10 to 11 hours for a full charge.

“This thing is a beast with its 48V 15.12 wat hour battery, ensuring a robust power supply for extensive rides.”

Bike Features and Controls

• Equipped with a 48V 500W brushless rear hub motor and a seven-speed transmission with Shimano components for smooth gear shifting.
• The Wuxing mechanical disc brake system and 160 mm rotors offer reliable stopping power.
• The display panel provides essential information such as speed, assist levels, and trip data, along with customization options for different pedal assist levels.

“Featuring a 48V 500W motor and a seven-speed transmission, the U8 offers a blend of power and control for a comfortable riding experience.”

Performance During Different Pedal Assist Levels

• The bike offers various pedal assist levels, with pedal assist five enabling cruising at 25 miles per hour.
• The throttle test resulted in reaching 25 miles per hour steadily but not aggressively.
• Combining pedal assist and throttle maximized speed, reaching 25 miles per hour relatively quickly.

“Let’s see how quick we can hit 25 miles hour using throttle only here we go.”

Uphill Climbing Challenges and Performance

• Climbing hills in pedal assist five or throttle only posed some difficulties initially but managed after a bit of effort.
• The bike struggled a bit on the hill climb, requiring additional assistance to reach the top.

“I don’t know I don’t think we’re going to make it doesn’t feel like we’re going to make it… I think we’re gonna make it.”

Battery Power and Mileage Check

• The battery level fluctuated during the ride, indicating a potential issue with consistent power delivery.
• Despite minor issues with battery indication, the bike covered over 15 miles with approximately 80% battery power remaining.

“we’ve gone 15.07 miles and the display is showing the same so that’s a good thing.”

Wind Resistance and Braking Performance

• The bike faced challenges riding against strong wind resistance, impacting its speed and efficiency.
• The mechanical brakes were effective but didn’t provide the expected rapid stopping performance.

“we should be doing 25 M hour but right now the bike can only do 20 mph fighting against the wind… they work just not a huge fan of mechanical brakes.”

Reviewing Battery Performance

• The reviewer encountered a situation where the battery died unexpectedly, even though they weren’t actively using the motor, highlighting a potential drawback of the long-range bike’s power reserves.
• Despite the initial battery issue, the bike managed to cover some distance, struggling against wind resistance before turning back due to decreasing battery levels.
• The reviewer noted that the bike’s performance varied significantly based on environmental factors like wind, showcasing the impact of such conditions on the overall ride experience.

“So, like the battery just basically died, we’re not even spinning a tire… interesting.”

Bike Display Features

• The bike’s display includes a trip meter that can be reset and adjusted for better tracking.
• The display shows voltage levels and allows for resetting trip data.
• The map feature, though not working during the review, is expected to show when riding.

The map feature doesn’t seem to be working, but all the other information displayed is useful for changing parameters and resetting your trip.

Seat Comfort and Design

• The seat, although oddly shaped, provides good comfort for long rides.
• Around 38-39 miles, some discomfort is felt, but the seat performs well during most of the journey.
• Personal preference might lead to some users considering a seat change for aesthetic reasons.

The seat, though unusual in appearance, offers comfort even on long rides, with minor discomfort experienced only after several miles.

Battery Indicator and Range

• The battery indicator may flash when nearing empty.
• Although the bike ran out of assistance at one bar, it continued to operate for quite a while before losing power.
• In a worst-case scenario, the bike is expected to cover at least 41 miles on a single charge.

We ran out of assistance with one bar remaining, showing the bike can go at least 41 miles in the worst-case scenario.