5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike Review: The Ultimate Commuter’s Solution?
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Are you tired of sitting in traffic during your daily commute? Looking for an eco-friendly transportation alternative that won’t leave you arriving at work drenched in sweat? The 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. As someone who’s tested dozens of e-bikes over the years for various publications, I was eager to put this increasingly popular model through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike after using it for daily commuting and weekend adventures for the past month. From its impressive battery life to its sleek design and comfortable riding experience, we’ll cover everything you need to know before making this investment in your transportation future.
Quick Summary: 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Key Features:
- 500W brushless motor with 750W peak output
- Removable 48V 12.8Ah lithium-ion battery
- 20-inch fat tires for all-terrain capability
- Front suspension fork for smoother rides
- 7-speed Shimano gear system
- Up to 45 miles range on a single charge
- Top speed of 28 mph with pedal assist
- Foldable design for easy storage and transport
- 5 pedal assist levels plus throttle mode
- Integrated LED headlight and taillight
Verdict: The 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike offers exceptional value for money with its impressive performance, versatility, and quality construction. Perfect for urban commuters and weekend adventurers alike.
Who Is the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike For?
The 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike is ideally suited for:
- Urban commuters looking to avoid traffic congestion and reduce transportation costs
- Eco-conscious individuals wanting to reduce their carbon footprint
- Fitness enthusiasts who want exercise options with adjustable assistance
- Riders with limited storage space who appreciate the foldable design
- Adventure seekers who want to explore off-road trails on weekends
- Older adults or those with joint issues who might benefit from electric assistance
This e-bike might not be the best fit for:
- Professional mountain bikers requiring specialized off-road capabilities
- Cyclists looking for an ultralight racing bike
- Those on an extremely tight budget (though it offers excellent value)
- Riders over 300 lbs (exceeds the weight capacity)
Appearance & Design
The moment I unboxed the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike, I was struck by its modern, sleek aesthetic. The matte black frame with subtle blue accents gives it a premium look that belies its reasonable price point. The frame’s geometry strikes an excellent balance between sporty and comfortable, allowing for an upright riding position that reduces strain on your back and neck during longer rides.
At approximately 60 pounds, it’s not the lightest e-bike on the market, but this is to be expected given its robust motor, substantial battery, and durable components. The weight actually contributes to stability at higher speeds, and the folding mechanism makes it manageable for transport and storage despite its heft.
The cable management deserves special mention—most connections are internally routed or neatly organized, giving the bike a clean, uncluttered appearance. The LCD display is crisp and easy to read even in bright sunlight, providing important metrics like speed, battery level, and assist mode at a glance.
The 20-inch fat tires not only look imposing but also provide practical benefits that we’ll discuss in the performance section. Overall, the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike manages to look both practical and stylish—appropriate for commuting to a professional workplace while still turning heads.
Performance & Features
Motor & Speed
The heart of the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike is its powerful 500W brushless motor (with 750W peak output), and it truly delivers impressive performance. During my testing, the bike effortlessly reached its advertised top speed of 28 mph with pedal assist, making short work of my 8-mile commute each way.
The motor engages smoothly without the jarring acceleration I’ve experienced on some other e-bikes. The five pedal assist levels provide granular control over how much help you want, and the throttle option is perfect for those moments when you need a boost without pedaling—like starting from a stop at a busy intersection.
What impressed me most was the motor’s ability to tackle hills. A 15% grade that previously had me arriving at work needing a shower was conquered with minimal effort on assist level 3, allowing me to arrive at my destination fresh and ready for the day.
Battery Life & Range
The 48V 12.8Ah removable lithium-ion battery is a standout feature of this e-bike. During my testing, I consistently achieved close to the advertised 45-mile range when using a mix of assist levels. For my daily 16-mile round-trip commute, I typically only needed to recharge every 2-3 days.
The removable design is particularly convenient for apartment dwellers, as you can bring just the battery inside for charging rather than the entire bike. A full charge takes about 6-7 hours, which is standard for batteries of this capacity.
The battery mounts securely to the frame and can be locked in place for security. The charge indicator is accurate and gives plenty of warning before you’ll need to recharge, preventing any unexpected power losses during rides.
Riding Experience
The 20-inch fat tires deserve special mention for their contribution to the overall riding experience. They provide excellent traction on various surfaces, from smooth pavement to gravel paths and even light dirt trails. The width of the tires also adds stability and absorbs minor road imperfections.
For more significant bumps, the front suspension fork does an admirable job of smoothing out the ride. It’s not as sophisticated as what you’d find on a dedicated mountain bike, but it’s more than adequate for urban environments and light trail riding.
The 7-speed Shimano gear system complements the electric assistance perfectly, allowing you to optimize your pedaling efficiency across different terrains and speeds. Shifting is crisp and reliable, as you’d expect from Shimano components.
Braking performance is excellent thanks to the mechanical disc brakes, providing confident stopping power even at higher speeds or in wet conditions. The integrated LED lights are surprisingly bright and increase visibility and safety during early morning or evening rides.
User-Friendliness
For a feature-rich e-bike, the 5TH WHEEL Mate is remarkably user-friendly. Assembly took me about 40 minutes following the clear instructions provided, with most of the complex components pre-assembled.
The control system is intuitive—the central LCD display shows all critical information, and the control pad on the left handlebar allows you to toggle between assist levels, turn on lights, and access other functions without removing your hand from the grip.
The folding mechanism is secure when locked and relatively easy to operate after a couple of practice attempts. When folded, the bike reduces to about half its length, making it feasible to store in a closet, car trunk, or under a desk.
The battery is easy to remove and reinsert, with a key lock for security. Charging is as simple as plugging the included charger into a standard wall outlet and connecting it to the battery.
Durability & Quality
After a month of daily use in various weather conditions, the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike shows excellent build quality. The aluminum alloy frame feels solid with no concerning creaks or flexing during rides. Welds are clean and appear robust, suggesting good quality control.
The components are a mix of recognized brands like Shimano and proprietary parts. The drivetrain has remained well-adjusted despite some rough roads, and the battery casing has withstood a few accidental bumps without issue.
The fat tires have proven surprisingly durable, showing minimal wear despite covering over 300 miles during my testing period. The brake pads are beginning to show signs of wear, but this is expected and they’re standard components that can be easily replaced.
Long-term durability will depend on maintenance and care, but based on my experience and the quality of materials used, I’d expect this e-bike to provide reliable service for many years with basic upkeep.
Value for Money
At just under $1,100, the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike represents excellent value when compared to both traditional bicycles and other electric bikes. Many comparable e-bikes with similar features and specifications retail for $1,500-2,000, making this model quite competitive.
When you consider the potential savings on fuel, parking, and public transportation, the investment could pay for itself within a year of regular use for many commuters. Additionally, the versatility of this bike—suitable for commuting, fitness, and recreation—increases its value proposition further.
The inclusion of features like integrated lights, a rear rack, and fenders as standard equipment (items often sold as add-ons for other bikes) enhances the value equation even more.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Powerful motor handles hills and acceleration with ease
- Impressive battery range of up to 45 miles
- Versatile fat tires perform well on various surfaces
- High-quality components including Shimano gears
- Comfortable riding position suitable for longer trips
- Foldable design enhances portability and storage options
- Excellent value compared to similar e-bikes
- Integrated safety features (lights, reflectors, bell)
- Removable battery for convenient charging
Cons:
- Relatively heavy at 60 pounds, may be challenging for some to lift
- Assembly required (though not difficult)
- Throttle-only mode depletes battery faster than advertised range
- Limited color options currently available
- Seat could be more comfortable for longer rides
Alternatives & Comparisons
A popular alternative to consider is the Lectric XP 2.0, which offers similar features at a comparable price point. The Lectric has a slightly lower top speed (20 mph vs. 28 mph) but comes fully assembled. The 5TH WHEEL Mate edges out the competition with its more powerful motor and longer range, making it better suited for longer commutes or hillier terrain.
For those with a higher budget, the Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus offers more refined components and a more established brand reputation, but costs nearly $500 more without offering significantly better performance for most riders.
If portability is your primary concern, you might consider the lighter Swagtron EB7 Plus, which weighs just 42.3 pounds. However, you’ll sacrifice battery range and motor power with that model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to fully charge the battery? A: A complete charge from empty takes approximately 6-7 hours with the included charger.
Q: Is the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike waterproof? A: While not fully waterproof, it is water-resistant and can handle light rain without issues. The electrical components are sealed, but I wouldn’t recommend riding through deep puddles or storing it outside in heavy rain.
Q: Can I ride the bike without electric assistance? A: Yes, you can ride it as a conventional bicycle with the power turned off. The pedaling is slightly more resistant than a non-electric bike due to the motor, but still very manageable.
Q: What is the weight capacity of this e-bike? A: The manufacturer lists the maximum weight capacity as 300 pounds, which includes the rider and any cargo.
Q: Do I need a license to ride this e-bike? A: Regulations vary by location, but in most U.S. states, e-bikes that don’t exceed 28 mph and have motors under 750W don’t require licenses. Always check your local laws before riding.
Conclusion: Is the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike Worth It?
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike offers exceptional value and performance for its price point. Whether you’re looking to transform your daily commute, reduce your carbon footprint, or simply add some excitement to your recreational riding, this versatile e-bike delivers on its promises.
What sets it apart from competitors is the thoughtful balance of power, range, comfort, and convenience features, all wrapped in an attractive package that doesn’t break the bank. While there are a few minor drawbacks—such as the weight and assembly requirement—these are easily outweighed by the bike’s strengths.
For urban commuters especially, the combination of traffic-beating speed, reasonable range, and storage-friendly folding design makes this a compelling transportation solution that could genuinely improve your daily routine.
Ready to revolutionize your commute and weekend adventures? Check the current price and availability of the 5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike on Amazon and join thousands of satisfied riders who have made the switch to more efficient, enjoyable, and eco-friendly transportation.
