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Speed
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Acceleration
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Range
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Hills
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Brakes
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Comfort
Eskute Spark X Electric Fat Tire eBike
Price: $1799
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
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Overall Score
Eskute Spark X Electric Fat Bike Review
The Eskute Spark X is an electric fat bike marketed as an "all terrain e-bike" by Eskute. This 750W motor electric bike has some unique features that help it stand out from the crowd.
Motor and Battery
The Spark X is powered by a 750W brushless rear hub motor and a removable 48V, 20Ah Samsung lithium battery. This provides a maximum speed of 28 mph in the highest pedal assist and throttle modes. The battery takes around 5 hours to charge fully.
Top Speed and Acceleration
In testing, the Spark X reached a top speed of 28 mph as advertised. The built-in speedometer was accurate compared to a phone app. There is a useful cruise control feature that engages after holding the throttle steadily for 5 seconds. Acceleration from a standstill takes about one pedal revolution for the motor to kick in. It takes about half a block to reach 20 mph. There's a noticeable 2.5 pedal revolution delay when re-engaging the motor while moving.
Brakes and Suspension
Stopping power comes from Tektro hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors. The front suspension is a adjustable coil spring fork. The 26 x 4 inch CST tires provide cushioning as well. However, the front fork suspension is quite stiff and doesn't absorb bumps very well.
Display and Connectivity
A cool feature is the 3.5" built-in LCD display, which shows speed, battery level, pedal assist mode and more. Though it was hard to see the screen in sunlight. The Eskute app connects to the bike via Bluetooth but has limited functionality - mainly locking the bike remotely.
Hill Climbing Ability
For hill climbing, it takes a mix of human and motor power to crest hills. According to Eskute, the Spark X can handle up to 25% gradients. In testing, a 26% grade hill was challenging but doable. Longer hills may be difficult though.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The handlebars are quite short, which raises the center of gravity and makes tight turns more difficult. Tall riders may feel less stable. However, the saddle is soft and comfortable for long rides.
Range
In a range test, the Spark X achieved 23.9 miles with 1572 feet of elevation gain. The average speed was 22 mph. Eskute claims up to 65 miles of range in optimal conditions. The battery has a handy rubber cap and on/off switch.
Off-Road Handling
The 26 x 4 inch CST tires provide good traction off-road. However, the stiff front suspension doesn't absorb bumps very well at high speeds. Riders need to go slow on very rough terrain. Overall the Spark X performs decently on mild trails and backroads.
Other Features
Some other highlights are the loud horn, motorcycle-style LED headlight, secure battery case, included fenders and rear rack. Overall, Eskute added some nice touches to help the Spark X stand out as a versatile e-bike.
Pros and Cons
Pros: 28 mph top speed, removable battery, LCD display, cruise control, hydraulic brakes, comfortable saddle.
Cons: Stiff front suspension, delay re-engaging motor, short handlebars, hard to see display in sunlight.