Ecotric Vortex Electric Bike Review: An Ideal Commuter E-bike for $659

Ecotric electric bikes are known for its practical design, budget prices and very good performance considering the fact that Ecotric e-bikes are much cheaper than some competitors like Nakto e-bike or Charge e-bikes.

The Ecotric Vortex is one their best selling models featuring a lot of practical features packed into a reasonably priced e-bike. It is a model urban commuter made for anybody’s wallet, so you won’t need extra financing, for $659 this is one of the most affordable models available on the market and that makes it ideal for new cyclists or those who have been out of the saddle for a while. It also happens to be one of the best designed to ship directly to buyers and unpacked with a minimum of fuss.

The only downside of the Vortex is the fact that it comes as a high-step model only and it is available in matt black and white color. However, it can comfortably accommodate riders from 5 foot 10 inch to 6 feet 3 inches. The Vortex works like most e-bikes using pedal assist mode, but also can go into full-throttle electric mode when needed. Also, it is equipped with lots of useful features like 7-speed Shimano derailleur, 26-inch city tires, mechanical disc brakes, carbon steel frame, fenders, and a 20-mile battery range. Read what else we loved in the rest of our Ecotric Vortex e-bike review.

Ecotric Vortex Electric Bike: Price and availability

The Ecotric Vortex sells for $659.99 and it comes in a high-step model only. It is available in matt black or white (all for the same price). Since this is a full grownup model it suits best riders between 5’9” to 6’3”.

The best thing about Ecotric e-bikes is that these bicycles are specially designed for direct shipping to buyers. It means even newbies can assemble the Vortex bike right out of the box in 10 minutes or less because it is already 90% preassembled. Just pull apart the cardboard and finish assembling according to easy-to-follow instructions.

The Vortex’s carbon steel mean it tips the scales at 51 pounds. The Vortex is not the lightest but far from the heaviest e-bike, so there will be no problems if you’re hauling it up and down stairs.

I liked the fact that the most of the components are better than you would expect when you know the price. Components are good and reliable. The 350 W rear hub motor seemed a good match to the Shimano 7-speed gears and derailer. The handle-twist gears switched smoothly and provided sufficient range for pedaling around town. Front and rear mechanical disc brakes kept me in control. Also, I like the practical additions: a kickstand, front and rear fenders. There is no a built-in rear bike rack, but you can easily install one if you like. After all, rear rack is a practical addition to a city commuter e-bike.

Ecotric Vortex Electric Bike: Performance

The Ecotric Vortex is surprisingly easy to ride for such a big bike. It handles well in urban environment, whether you’re making your way through stalled traffic or swerving around potholes.

The Vortex works just fine in both rough urban streets and smoother bike paths and parkways. Its upright riding stance and wide handle-bar grips also made it feel safer in traffic where riders need to keep their heads up looking for distracted drivers and pedestrians. Disc brakes, front and back, are responsive without being too sensitive or grabby.

Ecotric Vortex Electric Bike: Battery, Speed and Range

The Ecotric Vortex’s lockable battery is removable so you can take it inside to plug in. The company rates it for 20 miles, but as with all e-bikes, your mileage may vary, depending on riding conditions, rider’s weight and terrain. If you twist the throttle, then the battery is going to drain much more quickly than if you keep it set to just assist you at low levels.

I was a bit disappointed noticing that the Vortex uses only low capacity 36 V, 9 Ah battery, but it is expected when you know that it costs only $659.99. Obviously, Ecotric has decided to save on battery in order to achieve such price. Also, this affects battery life meaning that maximum range is only 20 miles on a single charge. However, the Vortex works as regular bike when the battery is empty thanks to a 7-speed Shimano derailleur, so you can use pedal only mode when battery runs out. Also, top speed is 20 mph and you won’t need more in urban environment.

The Vortex’s 350 W motor is powerful enough to give larger riders a boost and help them get to work or across town without breaking a sweat. Better still, the combination of the rear hub motor and Shimano gearing means the Vortex’s electric support is so smooth you’ll think you’re doing all the work yourself.

Ecotric Vortex Electric Bike: Main Features

Ecotric Vortex Electric Bike: Verdict

There are scores of e-bikes on the market and among the competition there are faster 26-inch urban e-bikes, such as the Turboant Thunder T1, but they can easily cost as much as $1,500 or more. Also there are are models with a more aesthetically pleasing design and technical details, such as the Charge XC. But again, you’re going to pay more for such bikes.

If you plan on commuting to work, the Ecotric Vortex may well be the best e-bike available at the moment for the price. Not only does it come with features such as fenders to keep you clean, but it does everything well for a very reasonable price. The Ecotric Vortex comes with all the necessary bells and whistles a commuter is going to want, you don’t even have to pedal if you don’t feel like it.