Lighter, Better, Cheaper: KBO K2

Overview of the KBO K2 E-Bike Features

• The KBO K2 is a Class 2 e-bike with a 20mph top speed and five levels of pedal assist, a Cadence Sensor, and a thumb throttle on the left hand. It supports riders weighing up to 280 lbs.
• Priced at $699, it features a 48V 500W brushless gear hub motor with 45 newton meters of torque, a 7-speed transmission, and a 52-tooth front chainring.

The KBO K2: “Your best choice for your first ebike.”

Detailed Bike Specifications and Components

• The bike comes with a 48V 10.4 amp-hour battery, 20×3 inch puncture-resistant tires, front and rear mechanical brakes, and adjustable front fork suspension with 45mm travel.
• It includes a 2-amp charger for a 5-hour full charge, a key-lock battery system, foldable metal fenders, a back rack with a 55 lb capacity, and a quick-release seat post.

“This bike has a 52-tooth front chainring which is great…”

Folding Mechanism and Bike Dimensions

• The unfolded bike is 78.7 inches long, while folded, it measures 35x20x28 inches. To fold, lift the latch, drop it down, and flip the clip forward to fold the bike in half.

To fold the KBO K2: “Lift the latch, drop it down, and fold the bike in half.”

Cockpit Operations and User Interface

• The bike’s cockpit features a basic black-and-white screen with battery indicators, speed display, pedal assist levels, odometer, trip mileage, time, and max speed. To operate, use the buttons on the left for power and on the right for operating the headlight, brakes, and gears.

“To start the walk feature, hold down the negative button until it engages.”

Riding Experience and Performance Evaluation

• Riding at 10 mph without assist felt comfortable due to the bike’s seating position. With pedal assist level one, the bike reached 9 mph, providing a subtle assist, with level two offering a noticeable boost.
• The KBO K2 provides a user-friendly riding experience with accurate speedometer readings and varied assist levels.

Riding the KBO K2: “Pedal assist number two felt a kick from there, this bike is…”

Performance Testing of Pedal Assist and Throttle

• The KBO K2 electric bike can reach speeds of 20 mph comfortably using pedal assist level 5.
• Throttle-only mode also propels the bike to its full speed quickly.
• The bike showed capability in both off-road endeavors and hill climbs, even on steeper inclines.

“Yeah, she kicks either way when either the pedal assist kicks in or the throttle.”

Uphill Challenges and Bike Features

• Climbing a steep hill with pedal assist level 5 was challenging but manageable, showcasing the bike’s climbing ability.
• The bike also performed well when solely using throttle or a lower pedal assist level on the hill climb.
• Not breaking speed records, the KBO K2 demonstrated satisfactory performance on a budget.

“Oh gosh, you are not breaking any land speed records climbing up this hill, but at least we made it.”

Safety Additions and Brake Testing

• The reviewer added safety features to the bike, including extra lights and a lock for security.
• Testing the bike’s brakes at 20 mph displayed the effectiveness of mechanical brakes.
• Despite the small pedals, the bike’s braking capability proved to be sufficient and reliable.

“Cranking this thing up to 20 miles an hour, these tiny pedals, let’s go.”

Battery Performance and Voltage Accuracy

• Knowing the voltage of the battery is crucial for accurate range estimation.
• The KBO K2 maintained 45 volts even with three bars left, indicating good power output.
• Confident in the bike’s range, proving its reliability for longer rides.

The voltage is the ultimate indicator of battery capacity, crucial for estimating remaining range accurately.

Display Visibility and Performance Assessment

• The black-and-white display remains visible even in direct sunlight.
• Impressed by the bike’s nimbleness and stability on various terrains.
• Confidence in the bike’s performance and ability to handle different riding conditions.

With exceptional visibility under direct sunlight and impressive performance, the KBO K2 handles various terrains with ease.

Range and Riding Experience

• Underestimated the bike’s range, reaching unexpected distances.
• Exploring the bike’s performance under throttle and pedal-assist modes.
• Impressed by the quiet motor and smooth climbing ability with pedaling effort.

“I severely underestimated the range of this bike and this battery right here.”

Component Durability and Usability

• The bike exceeded expectations in terms of mileage due to its front chainring design and gearing.
• Minor issues like a hard and narrow seat can be easily replaced for comfort.
• Ensuring component security like fenders ahead of rides to prevent unexpected issues.

“This bike went a lot farther than I thought that it would.”

Final Verdict and Recommendation

• The KBO K2 outperforms bikes in its price range, making it a worthy choice for budget-conscious buyers.
• Highlighting the durability, performance, and value proposition of the KBO K2.
• Providing additional information and links for those interested in the KBO K2 and its accessories.

“This one outperformed a lot of the other ones in its price range.”