The bike's quality and value for the price point are quite impressive. It's on the heavier side, which is typical for e-bikes. The packaging was exceptionally thorough, secured with numerous heavy-duty zip-ties, so be prepared with a razor knife, strong scissors, or wire cutters for unboxing.
Putting the bike together was pretty straightforward, thanks to clear instructional videos. Taking my time to ensure everything was done correctly, I completed assembly in less than 90 minutes. Even those new to bike assembly should find the process manageable, especially since all the required tools are provided.
The initial ride brought a bit of a surprise. I had the controller set to Level 1 for minimal assist and started pedaling, only to find the bike accelerating quickly. It turned out I was inadvertently twisting the right handgrip, which functions as a throttle, similar to a motorcycle. After adjusting to this feature, the ride went smoothly. You can select from assist Levels 1 to 5 for pedaling assistance or use the grip to cruise without pedaling. Level 1 offers a gentle boost, whereas Level 5 means the bike is practically doing all the work for you.
Another slight surprise was discovering that the bike simply coasts when you release the throttle, unlike a gas motorcycle that slows down. This, however, is something I anticipate getting used to very quickly.