Electric Bike Review – Samebike 20LVXD30

First review on Revolution Electrified and it’s of my first ever Electric Bike Samebike 20LVXD30. To start with, I just wish they had named it something different. Its bit embarrassing if someone asks “Hey you got the samebike?” For which I correct them – oh no, it’s Sam-e-bike.. which its not really. Lol

Anyway this is a kind of low cost Electric Bike found on many e-commerce websites, including Amazon, Ebay and AliExpress. Hence this ebike is also popular on YouTube. So with this review I would like to start straight with negatives and then go to the good stuff as there are so many.

Let’s begin with what’s not to like

The bike I received made a small clack sound going over bumps. After reading many forums found that it was due to battery having some space to move about inside the frame. I fixed it by placing 4 small pieces of craft sponge at the entrance just before locking the battery in place. It completely eliminated the sound.

This bike has 7 Shimano gears and more gears are necessary for any ebike. Because, if you want to go even higher speeds of its electric motor then you will look like circus chimp who’s pedaling like a maniac. This could be fixed if its possible to add 3 additional shifters in front making it a proper 21 gears ebike.

And that’s it, these are all the negatives of the bike and if you are OK with it then go buy it. And if you need more convincing, then read along. As it just gets better!

Amazing bike that’s got everything right

• 350W motor reaching speed of 35kph/22mph – check
• Folding small (80 x 48 x 68cm) and light enough (30kg) to put in car trunk – check
• Range of 40km/25miles with electric power only or 70km/43.5miles on pedal assist – check
• Led lights, electric horn and phone holder that charges your phone – now come on!

To add to this there were some nice surprising features that weren’t even in manual.

• Two set of car like key fobs – This key fobs that really work provide below 3 features.
  1. Anti-theft security alarm – If you click on lock button once the bike is secured. Anyone tries to move or even lift the bike, an alarm will scream at deafening sound.
  2. Remote search – If you can’t find your parked bike on a bicycle stand or just want to check the range of this key fob. You can click the sound button for it to emit a rather gentle beep.
  3. Remote start – The bike can be started without inserting keys. No more dangling ebike keychain, hate to see those.
• Small charging port to insert the charging cable directly without unfolding the bike and removing the battery to charge.

Looks nice and is Comfortable

The two things that really matter. Also size wise its not too small or too big that any teen or adult can use it. Unique alloy wheels design makes it easy to clean and maintain over the typical bicycle spokes that rust in time.

This electric bike looks bit like a BMX style front suspension bike with added mudguards. And the battery is well hidden inside the frame. So apart from a small whinny sound of the electric motor, passer-by wont even realise its an electric bike.

The saddle/seat is little big and comfortable enough for lazy people who don’t wish to pedal when they see a hill climb ahead. Included in the saddle are two springs. Along with a third spring support on the seat post making it a bouncy riding joy over bumps.

Apart from this, the body made with Aluminium alloy shell makes it balanced and good quality built. Adjustable handlebar, sturdy kickstand and bicycle tail stock for adding bag accessories or a child seat.

I purchased a high quality Carrier Fitting Child seat by Raleigh Avenir.

• Save

It seemed almost perfect idea but my three year old’s locked feet sometimes hit mine while paddling. Solely because the size of bike is bit small. I just position my feet a bit further on paddles and it didn’t bother us both.

Driving modes

This ebike got 3 driving styles

• Electric only – To use this mode all you have to do is turn the throttle on right handle bar.
• Paddle Assist – Start paddling and the electric motor will kick in like a punch.
• Manual only – Simply turn off the key and start paddling.

Ebike law for this bike (UK)

You do not need a licence to ride ebikes and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured if it falls under these rules. ^_[1]

• Must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• Should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph

But as this bike is 350W, the manufacturer before sending it to the country sets a limit code to restrict output and speed of electric motor.

Hacks

You can change the speedometer from kph to mph by holding the M button and at same time turn ON the key. Then go to P10 menu by clicking M button 10 times and update value default value by clicking M button again.

And if you have a large private property or a testing track in your backyard – wink. You can remove the limit code too. Do same as above to get to P02 menu instead and update value as below

• 100 (Sets speed limit to 15mph / 24kph) – This is the default limit code
• 150 (Sets speed limit to 22mph / 35kph)

Also you can take it further by updating its tyre size indirectly to increase it speed. Do same as above to get to P05 menu and change default value from 20 to 29.

With all these hacks one can reach the maximum potential of this ebike and top speed around 37kph or 23 mph with pedal assist mode and 24kph or 15mph with electric mode only.

Compiling a list of Programmable modes

Following information is collected from various forums and youtube comments but is not a confirmed list from manufactures of Samebike 20LVXD30. I have just put it for general information incase anyone screws up messing with the settings rendering the bike not working properly, including me.

Revolution Electrified’s Thought

Electric bike sales have grown three times in 2020. Not just because of Covid but we have come to a point when battery cost have come so down that we are seeing new forms of last-mile commute options like electric scooter, skateboards, hoverboards and what not.

Making cycles with electric propulsion takes away all the bad things due to which people are reluctant to use them. What’s left is only FUN! lots of it. It makes you want to go out and cycle more, further distance, higher to that tricky mountain without any challenge.

In my test the bike does average max speed of 15mph even with the hack and with that setting was able to do roughly 45miles per charge. Which really depends on driving style, weight and elevations. But there isn’t full suspension foldable ebike on market with this speed and range that’s uncompromising on quality. And all this for a dodgy price of £600.

Samebike 20LVXD30 has achieved this all of above at an affordable price for an electric bike. Kudos to the people involved in making such affordable ebike. I highly recommend it.

Revolution Electrified’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Manufacturer Website – https://www.gzsamebike.com/

And here is a copy paste of all Specs if you need

Features:

• 350W motor provides the max 35km/h speed and max 30 degree gradient
• 10Ah / 48V Li-ion battery ( included in product ) for max 40km mileage with pure electric mode and 70km mileage with moped mode
• 20 inch inflatable rubber tire for different grounds
• Folding design ( folding size: 80 x 48 x 68cm ) for convenient carrying
• Adjustable heights of saddle and handlebar for different heights of people
• Pedal mode, moped mode, and pure electric mode for choose
• LED front light to ride at night safely
• Aluminum alloy shell for max 120kg payload
• Suitable for adults and teenagers

Specification

– Wheel size: 20 inch – Motor rated power: 350W – Battery rated power: 480W – Battery: 10Ah Li-ion battery – Charge time: 4 hours – Maximum speed: 35km/h – Maximum load: 120kg – Input voltage: 110 – 240V – Brake mode: front / rear disc brake – Transmission: Shimano 7 speed – Turn handle: grip half – Rim: aluminum alloy spoke wheel – Fender: steel fender

Contents

Package Contents: Electric bicycle、Charger、Tool、Specification Package Sizes: 92*38*70cm Package Weights: 30kg