zap016VOLTAGE
Member
HIGHS:
• Very Quick Acceleration
• Throttle over-ride (read note below)
• Tyres absorb road irregularities while providing a lot of traction/Grippy
• Near instant motor activating when pedaling
• Stiff Frame
• Very good bicycle components
• LCD backlit display (non removable)
LOWS:
• Without PAS pedaling is more strenuous than a conventional bicycle
• Motor surges off and on when max 33 kph speed is reached
• Motor may overheat on long hill climbs
• Iffy plastic hardware
• No motor disconnect (directly wired to motor controller)
• No Power Level - Eco, Normal, Power/Off Road/“Ludicrous” - Modes
With this Voltbike Mariner/eMoto being my very first electric bicycle/ebike, I therefore have nothing comparable. There seems to be a dearth of practical - real world - user experiences concerning electric bicycles. My intent is to use this as a daily commuter, not for recreation. The route taken was known as I had been ridden it before on conversional bicycles. The passage includes hills, descends, bridge crossing widely ranging road surfaces, congested and lightly populated areas making the trip somewhat arduous. Understanding the issues concerning bicycle commuting and by alternately watching video reviews, reading test articles and user comments helped shape my decision.
I would like to thank George at Voltbike for being patient with me, answering my many questions, as well as providing “after purchase” assistance.
NOTE:
My review has been amended to reflect operational enhancements that werebrought about with the installation of a replacement POWER/FUNCTION MODE PAD LCD DISPLAY assembly.
Define Portable:
Ordinarily folding bikes are small and light weight to maximize their portability. Their narrow width tyres and small diameter wheels steer quickly but the bikes themselves can become unstable when ridden fast. The industry terminology for them is “LAST MILE BIKES.” The Mariner is a folding electric bicycle but it is not small. Having a wheel base of 116.84 cm (46 inches) makes the eMoto is longer my fixie which has a frame size of 61cm. Folded, the eMoto’s overall length is 91.44 cm (36 inches) with its width being 43.18 cm (17 inches). While its rims are 20 inches by 4 inches wide. Their overall tyre diameter is 24 inches. They inflate to 20 psi. Weighting in at 25.4 kilos (56 lbs.) the Mariner out weighs conventional bicycles.
Specs:
Its components are standardize by virtue of being a bicycle. There’s no quick release hubs. The motor is wired directly to the motor controller.
Powering the Mariner ON requires first turning the battery’s key to the ON POSITION, afterwards by pressing and holding down the handlebar mounted POWER/FUNCTION MODE PAD on/off button activates its LCD DISPLAY. The Mariner will be in assist level-1. The brakes features motor inhibitors/cut-off. Squeezing the levers, whether the eMoto is moving or no, the LCD SCREEN Displays the EXCLAMATION “!” ICON. Speeds at or above 33 kph (20 mph), activates the eMoto’s speed limiter (“hitting the rev limiter”). In which case the MOTOR INDICATOR ICON flashes as the motor’s power is momentary extinguished. Press and hold the PLUS “+” button on the power/function mode pad will turn on the backlit LCD display and headlight. Press and hold MINUS “-“ with enter WALK MODE.
Mixed Bag:
Clicking through the 6-speed Shimano SIS index shifter and Acera RD-410 Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur is precise. Tektro Novela calipers, 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors are supplied. Artek provide’s their Vigorous brake levers. They incorporate motor inhibitors and appear well made. Thoughtfully provided is suspension seat post. Its spring tension compliancy is adjustable. Rounding things out are Samson Champion 20 x 4 in alloy rims having thick 13 gauge spokes, Quando front hub, Wellgo studded folding platform pedals that are made entirely of aluminum. Much of the Mariner’s bicycle components are robust. Oddly incorporated, for an off road centric bike, is a 52 tooth chainring generally found on road bikes. It’s a low spec component merely being adequate. Powering the Mariner is an 8Fun 500w rated motor with 48v 10.4ah Sanyo Silverfish style battery.
Need for Speed:
Nearly immediate, needing just a half pedal rotation, for the motor to engage before being whisked away due to its 12 magnet cadence sensor. Riding around town necessitates mindfulness as to the assist level you’re in because of its responsiveness. Acceleration can be abrupt. On the one hand its speed is restricted to just 33 kph on the other the eMoto gets there in a hurry. My flat and level Brooklyn block is bisected by two streets effectively dividing it into thirds. Launching the eMoto from a standing start using its thumb throttle, lofting the front wheel, catching a bit of air, the Mariner quickly reached 33 kph before “hitting” the speed limiter. Speed tests were limited to a a third of my block.
All about the tyres:
The eMoto’s large diameter tires which generates a lot of centrifugal force along with their rolling mass provides stability. Being soft, they soak up rough terrain but offer a lot of grip despite being knobby. They aid in making short controlled stops. With the rider is seated upright and centered between the eMoto’s long wheelbase makes for stability whether being ridden fast or slow. Despite it being a folder, its frame is ridge. Neither making creaking noises at its hinge or exhibiting flex. The Mariner is a joy to ride effortlessly breezing about. So long as you are using pedal assist for its tyres are both a blessing and a curse. They’re a big drag on performance. Their heavy nature compounded their low inflation pressure requires a bit more energy to move the eMoto than a conventional bicycle. While accelerating to 33 kph easily, it’s another matter maintaining and exceeding that speed. An example is on long downhill stretches went the speed reaches its high the motor switches off. No longer under power the Mariner’s rate plummets. Shortly thereafter, the motor will reignite again propelling the eMoto back up to its maximum speed. This surging forward followed by plunging backwards cycle is disconcerting.
Regarding its hill climb ability, admittedly, I didn’t know what to expect. My hope was that it could scale the hills in my area with aplomb. Thus far it has. Max speed has been realized on some hills while a low being just 17 mph on the steepest. On one climb just up ahead was one of those bicycle-scooter food delivery things. Using only the throttle, we both climbed at the same rate until the hill steepen only then did I draw closer the other rider.
Dream On:
A couple of omissions could’ve made the Mariner perfect. Commuting sometime warrants speeds greater than its restricted limit. Inability to obtain higher speeds is a glaring absence for an off-road ebike. If only it could’ve been a speed pedalec or should’ve been able toggle between various Power Level Modes. Such as Economy, Normal and Power/Off-Road/“Ludicrous” power levels. Braking is very good, but I wonder if hydraulic brakes might have been a better option. The Mariner has basically good bicycle components but that didn’t carry thru with its chainring. A stouter chainring, more consistent with the other hardware, would’ve been nice. Cell phone integration in which a mobile device app would enable/unlock different power levels as well as provide other capabilities would bring the Mariner into the present day.
Curiouser and curiouser:
After some few weeks, some its items that were made of plastic, POWER/FUNCTION MODE PAD, which is hard wired to the LCD DISPLAY, its accompanying LCD DISPLAY MOUNTING BRACKET and the COMPASS/BELL unit, inexplicably exhibited cracks. Eventually fracturing the power/function mode pad needed replacement. While the LCD display’s mounting bracket and compass/bell unit were salvaged by Crazy Glue. This occurrence has me concern for the lasting durability of the Mariner’s plastic components.
Unexpected consequences with the installation of the new power/function mode pad LCD display assembly were operational improvements. Throttle over-ride had been enabled. It wasn’t originally. Before, there was no discernible change in actual pedaling effort in which each PAS level felt like level-9. Before, the Mariner’s maximum speed was restricted to the PAS level where by each level resulting in an approximate incremental 2 mph increase/decrease. Before, so little pedaling effort was required that there wasn’t a need to shift gears. I rode around in 6th gear (14 tooth sprocket) gear all day. After the installation, PAS speeds became unrestricted (max still being 33 kph). Afterwards, PAS levels dictates the amount of actual motor assistance with level-1 providing the least amount of motor assist, and level-9 providing the greatest. As a result warranted a greater utilization of the Mariner’s 6-speeds. Normalcy has been restored.
At the time of purchase, I hoped that the Mariner’s appearance would be stealthy. It has been anything but. Certainly it has been quite an attention getter. Generally eliciting favorable comments. Even a motorcyclist riding a BIG HOG said that the Mariner was COOL! People often ask questions such as “How fast does it go” but what amuses me is their expressions when I explain that ebike folds!
Happily bicycling, enjoying new experiences due to the ease in which it can be ridden and its range. Living with the Mariner for some months I find it crude but in a good way. Being my first ebike, not knowing what to expect, it has both matched and in some areas exceeded my expectations. My biggest complaint is that I wish that there was a way to make it go faster on those stretches of roads that allowed for higher speeds. Pedaling is advantageous as it will increase the eMoto’s rate. Once I’d achieved, going downhill while vigorous pedaling, 27 mph indicated. If only there was a KERS (kinetic recovery system) “push-to-pass,” “turbo-boost” button. Sharing roads with gassers sometimes demands being able to keep up with them. Traffic lights starts, here the Mariner’s quickness is an asset. I can stay abreast with the gassers. To date I’ve replaced its saddle, with one that is anatomically designed, its bell/compass, with a bell that is audible. Deserving mention is the Mariner headlamp who’s luminosity is somewhat low but its projected light beam does alert others as to your approach. I’ve sourced a bicycle transport bag that can swallow the eMoto.
Perhaps my utilization of the Mariner, that being an urban commuter, maybe out of context for its intended purpose. Indeed its large spongy tyres, long stiff frame makes for stability while the rider’s body positioning and suspension seat post makes for a comfortable to ride. Surprisingly inclusion of road bike chainring on a presumedly off road bike, nonetheless is ideal for my needs. In ways I didn’t imagine at the time of purchased the bike does make for a great commuter vehicle. Certainly those very assets also makes it cumbersome and unwieldy when folded and transported. However its ability to be compacted is useful. I find the Mariner strangely alluring, oddly satisfying.
Electric Summer: Observations/Limitations
My original objective was to utilize the Mariner as a daily commuter. With the warm weather however, I now endeavor to bike the path not taken.
Leaving pave roads behind I’ve taken to wandering about a nearby park’s wooded areas. The Mariner affords me virtually unrestricted access due to its offload prowess. As with commuting, the eMoto’s performance is sometimes “lively.” The eMoto has a lot of power, even the lowest PAS.
• Three words: Throttle Over Ride
• There for you: NOT ONCE has its chain popped off
• Need-For-Speed: Over inflating its tyres a little GREATLY IMPROVES its performance
• INTOLERABLE: Non-locking ergonomic hand grips had to go
• King of Darkness: The headlight is too DIM and its beam width is too narrow
• Trail Capable: YES
• Full blown/Hard core mountain bike: NO
• Very Quick Acceleration
• Throttle over-ride (read note below)
• Tyres absorb road irregularities while providing a lot of traction/Grippy
• Near instant motor activating when pedaling
• Stiff Frame
• Very good bicycle components
• LCD backlit display (non removable)
LOWS:
• Without PAS pedaling is more strenuous than a conventional bicycle
• Motor surges off and on when max 33 kph speed is reached
• Motor may overheat on long hill climbs
• Iffy plastic hardware
• No motor disconnect (directly wired to motor controller)
• No Power Level - Eco, Normal, Power/Off Road/“Ludicrous” - Modes
With this Voltbike Mariner/eMoto being my very first electric bicycle/ebike, I therefore have nothing comparable. There seems to be a dearth of practical - real world - user experiences concerning electric bicycles. My intent is to use this as a daily commuter, not for recreation. The route taken was known as I had been ridden it before on conversional bicycles. The passage includes hills, descends, bridge crossing widely ranging road surfaces, congested and lightly populated areas making the trip somewhat arduous. Understanding the issues concerning bicycle commuting and by alternately watching video reviews, reading test articles and user comments helped shape my decision.
I would like to thank George at Voltbike for being patient with me, answering my many questions, as well as providing “after purchase” assistance.
NOTE:
My review has been amended to reflect operational enhancements that werebrought about with the installation of a replacement POWER/FUNCTION MODE PAD LCD DISPLAY assembly.
Define Portable:
Ordinarily folding bikes are small and light weight to maximize their portability. Their narrow width tyres and small diameter wheels steer quickly but the bikes themselves can become unstable when ridden fast. The industry terminology for them is “LAST MILE BIKES.” The Mariner is a folding electric bicycle but it is not small. Having a wheel base of 116.84 cm (46 inches) makes the eMoto is longer my fixie which has a frame size of 61cm. Folded, the eMoto’s overall length is 91.44 cm (36 inches) with its width being 43.18 cm (17 inches). While its rims are 20 inches by 4 inches wide. Their overall tyre diameter is 24 inches. They inflate to 20 psi. Weighting in at 25.4 kilos (56 lbs.) the Mariner out weighs conventional bicycles.
Specs:
Its components are standardize by virtue of being a bicycle. There’s no quick release hubs. The motor is wired directly to the motor controller.
- 500w rated motor 8Fun motor
- 48v 10.4ah Sanyo (by Panasonic) battery (Silverfish style)
- 8fun C965A Intelligent backlit LCD Display
- Shimano Acera RD-410 Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur
- Shimano MF-TZ20 Tourney, 6 speed Freewheel cassette, 14-28t
- Cassette Cogs: 14, 16, 18, 21, 24, 28 teeth
- Chain: 3/32 inch
- 52 teeth Chainring
- Samson Champion 20 x 4 in Alloy Rims
- 13 gauge Spokes
- Chaoyang Starmon H-5170 20 x 4 inches Fat Tyres
- 100mm Bottom Bracket
- Promax 27.2 suspension seat post
- Wellgo folding pedals
- Tektro Novela Mechanical Disc Brakes (180 mm Front, 160 mm Rear)
- ARTEK VIGOROUS brake levers with Motor inhibitor
Powering the Mariner ON requires first turning the battery’s key to the ON POSITION, afterwards by pressing and holding down the handlebar mounted POWER/FUNCTION MODE PAD on/off button activates its LCD DISPLAY. The Mariner will be in assist level-1. The brakes features motor inhibitors/cut-off. Squeezing the levers, whether the eMoto is moving or no, the LCD SCREEN Displays the EXCLAMATION “!” ICON. Speeds at or above 33 kph (20 mph), activates the eMoto’s speed limiter (“hitting the rev limiter”). In which case the MOTOR INDICATOR ICON flashes as the motor’s power is momentary extinguished. Press and hold the PLUS “+” button on the power/function mode pad will turn on the backlit LCD display and headlight. Press and hold MINUS “-“ with enter WALK MODE.
Mixed Bag:
Clicking through the 6-speed Shimano SIS index shifter and Acera RD-410 Mountain Bike Rear Derailleur is precise. Tektro Novela calipers, 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors are supplied. Artek provide’s their Vigorous brake levers. They incorporate motor inhibitors and appear well made. Thoughtfully provided is suspension seat post. Its spring tension compliancy is adjustable. Rounding things out are Samson Champion 20 x 4 in alloy rims having thick 13 gauge spokes, Quando front hub, Wellgo studded folding platform pedals that are made entirely of aluminum. Much of the Mariner’s bicycle components are robust. Oddly incorporated, for an off road centric bike, is a 52 tooth chainring generally found on road bikes. It’s a low spec component merely being adequate. Powering the Mariner is an 8Fun 500w rated motor with 48v 10.4ah Sanyo Silverfish style battery.
Need for Speed:
Nearly immediate, needing just a half pedal rotation, for the motor to engage before being whisked away due to its 12 magnet cadence sensor. Riding around town necessitates mindfulness as to the assist level you’re in because of its responsiveness. Acceleration can be abrupt. On the one hand its speed is restricted to just 33 kph on the other the eMoto gets there in a hurry. My flat and level Brooklyn block is bisected by two streets effectively dividing it into thirds. Launching the eMoto from a standing start using its thumb throttle, lofting the front wheel, catching a bit of air, the Mariner quickly reached 33 kph before “hitting” the speed limiter. Speed tests were limited to a a third of my block.
All about the tyres:
The eMoto’s large diameter tires which generates a lot of centrifugal force along with their rolling mass provides stability. Being soft, they soak up rough terrain but offer a lot of grip despite being knobby. They aid in making short controlled stops. With the rider is seated upright and centered between the eMoto’s long wheelbase makes for stability whether being ridden fast or slow. Despite it being a folder, its frame is ridge. Neither making creaking noises at its hinge or exhibiting flex. The Mariner is a joy to ride effortlessly breezing about. So long as you are using pedal assist for its tyres are both a blessing and a curse. They’re a big drag on performance. Their heavy nature compounded their low inflation pressure requires a bit more energy to move the eMoto than a conventional bicycle. While accelerating to 33 kph easily, it’s another matter maintaining and exceeding that speed. An example is on long downhill stretches went the speed reaches its high the motor switches off. No longer under power the Mariner’s rate plummets. Shortly thereafter, the motor will reignite again propelling the eMoto back up to its maximum speed. This surging forward followed by plunging backwards cycle is disconcerting.
Regarding its hill climb ability, admittedly, I didn’t know what to expect. My hope was that it could scale the hills in my area with aplomb. Thus far it has. Max speed has been realized on some hills while a low being just 17 mph on the steepest. On one climb just up ahead was one of those bicycle-scooter food delivery things. Using only the throttle, we both climbed at the same rate until the hill steepen only then did I draw closer the other rider.
Dream On:
A couple of omissions could’ve made the Mariner perfect. Commuting sometime warrants speeds greater than its restricted limit. Inability to obtain higher speeds is a glaring absence for an off-road ebike. If only it could’ve been a speed pedalec or should’ve been able toggle between various Power Level Modes. Such as Economy, Normal and Power/Off-Road/“Ludicrous” power levels. Braking is very good, but I wonder if hydraulic brakes might have been a better option. The Mariner has basically good bicycle components but that didn’t carry thru with its chainring. A stouter chainring, more consistent with the other hardware, would’ve been nice. Cell phone integration in which a mobile device app would enable/unlock different power levels as well as provide other capabilities would bring the Mariner into the present day.
Curiouser and curiouser:
After some few weeks, some its items that were made of plastic, POWER/FUNCTION MODE PAD, which is hard wired to the LCD DISPLAY, its accompanying LCD DISPLAY MOUNTING BRACKET and the COMPASS/BELL unit, inexplicably exhibited cracks. Eventually fracturing the power/function mode pad needed replacement. While the LCD display’s mounting bracket and compass/bell unit were salvaged by Crazy Glue. This occurrence has me concern for the lasting durability of the Mariner’s plastic components.
Unexpected consequences with the installation of the new power/function mode pad LCD display assembly were operational improvements. Throttle over-ride had been enabled. It wasn’t originally. Before, there was no discernible change in actual pedaling effort in which each PAS level felt like level-9. Before, the Mariner’s maximum speed was restricted to the PAS level where by each level resulting in an approximate incremental 2 mph increase/decrease. Before, so little pedaling effort was required that there wasn’t a need to shift gears. I rode around in 6th gear (14 tooth sprocket) gear all day. After the installation, PAS speeds became unrestricted (max still being 33 kph). Afterwards, PAS levels dictates the amount of actual motor assistance with level-1 providing the least amount of motor assist, and level-9 providing the greatest. As a result warranted a greater utilization of the Mariner’s 6-speeds. Normalcy has been restored.
At the time of purchase, I hoped that the Mariner’s appearance would be stealthy. It has been anything but. Certainly it has been quite an attention getter. Generally eliciting favorable comments. Even a motorcyclist riding a BIG HOG said that the Mariner was COOL! People often ask questions such as “How fast does it go” but what amuses me is their expressions when I explain that ebike folds!
Happily bicycling, enjoying new experiences due to the ease in which it can be ridden and its range. Living with the Mariner for some months I find it crude but in a good way. Being my first ebike, not knowing what to expect, it has both matched and in some areas exceeded my expectations. My biggest complaint is that I wish that there was a way to make it go faster on those stretches of roads that allowed for higher speeds. Pedaling is advantageous as it will increase the eMoto’s rate. Once I’d achieved, going downhill while vigorous pedaling, 27 mph indicated. If only there was a KERS (kinetic recovery system) “push-to-pass,” “turbo-boost” button. Sharing roads with gassers sometimes demands being able to keep up with them. Traffic lights starts, here the Mariner’s quickness is an asset. I can stay abreast with the gassers. To date I’ve replaced its saddle, with one that is anatomically designed, its bell/compass, with a bell that is audible. Deserving mention is the Mariner headlamp who’s luminosity is somewhat low but its projected light beam does alert others as to your approach. I’ve sourced a bicycle transport bag that can swallow the eMoto.
Perhaps my utilization of the Mariner, that being an urban commuter, maybe out of context for its intended purpose. Indeed its large spongy tyres, long stiff frame makes for stability while the rider’s body positioning and suspension seat post makes for a comfortable to ride. Surprisingly inclusion of road bike chainring on a presumedly off road bike, nonetheless is ideal for my needs. In ways I didn’t imagine at the time of purchased the bike does make for a great commuter vehicle. Certainly those very assets also makes it cumbersome and unwieldy when folded and transported. However its ability to be compacted is useful. I find the Mariner strangely alluring, oddly satisfying.
Electric Summer: Observations/Limitations
My original objective was to utilize the Mariner as a daily commuter. With the warm weather however, I now endeavor to bike the path not taken.
Leaving pave roads behind I’ve taken to wandering about a nearby park’s wooded areas. The Mariner affords me virtually unrestricted access due to its offload prowess. As with commuting, the eMoto’s performance is sometimes “lively.” The eMoto has a lot of power, even the lowest PAS.
• Three words: Throttle Over Ride
• There for you: NOT ONCE has its chain popped off
• Need-For-Speed: Over inflating its tyres a little GREATLY IMPROVES its performance
• INTOLERABLE: Non-locking ergonomic hand grips had to go
• King of Darkness: The headlight is too DIM and its beam width is too narrow
• Trail Capable: YES
• Full blown/Hard core mountain bike: NO
Last edited:
have appeared. The other retailers, in an effort to distinguish their bikes, are offering a larger 20ah battery as opposed to the Mariner's 10ah battery. These clone bike retailers are claiming that their bikes can travel 100 kilometers/62 miles on a single charge!
