Flyer Via E-Bike Review

Flyer Via e-bike: Sayonara, minivan!

Are you e-bike curious, but haven’t yet made the switch? Then consider the Flyer Via, a versatile “gateway” e-bike to the world of electric assist pedaling. The Via offers a quality-built, reasonably priced platform that can easily be decked out with accessories or upgraded as your needs and desires develop.

Versatility, mixed with utility and dashes of fun and style make the Via an excellent first e-bike. The Via is so useful, in fact, that you may say goodbye to the family minivan and hello to the cost and environmental savings of e-bike use.

Speed

The Via is a Class 2 electric bike, with throttle-only speed of up to 20 mph. The slower top speed means that the Voyager can be ridden on shared-use recreational trails. Power assist is seamlessly integrated courtesy of a torque sensor, which measures the twisting force that the rider is putting into forward motion and amplifies it for a higher top end speed.

Power

The Via comes with a 500W brushless rear hub motor that adequately powers the neighborhood errands or school runs that the Via is most suited for. For the rider, the 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain features a single 56-tooth chainring and 12-28 rear freewheel that accommodates a wide range of ride profiles and surface conditions.

Range

The Via’s 48V 15Ah (687Wh) UL Tested Lithium-Ion Samsung 50E 21700 battery pack allows a 30-50+ mile range based on the rider and payload weight and other variables such as weather and surface conditions.

Frame Design

The Via features a step-through frame design in three sizes: Small (for riders 4’10” to 5’10”), Medium (5’3” to 6’3”) and Large (5’10” to 6’10”). The 12” range for rider heights in each frame size means that you can likely find a single size to accommodate all riders in your family. The bike’s weight ranges from 68 to 69 lbs. (S-L) and the length ranges from 75” to 77” (S-L). The maximum combined rider and payload capacity is 400lbs.

Accessories

The Via comes standard with a rear taillight with turn signals, an LED headlight and reflectors, and a rear fender that all enhance the bike’s utility and safety. Powerful Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disk brakes mated with 180mm rotors and a motor cut-off switch ensure quick and secure stops. Front 24″ x 2.4″ and rear 20″ x 2.4″  Kenda Puncture Resistant tires provide a secure, comfortable and reliable road or trail feel.

Standout Features

Family-Friendliness

The Flyer Via is the minivan or family truckster of e-bikes. Leave the van keys at home and load up the youngsters on the Via and take them to school. The Via comes equipped with Flyer’s proprietary Kid & Cargo Carrier Hoop that accommodates up to 2 passengers. Other accessories can easily be added to the bike’s platform.

Flyer recommends the Thule Yepp Nexxt 2 Maxi Seat for passengers 5 years or younger, and you can add a Kid & Cargo XL hauler, front storage basket, a Carry & Go tote bag, and a canopy to shield your passengers from the elements. All of these add-ons are available from your Flyer dealer.

The Flyer App

With an optional phone mount for the front cockpit, the Flyer phone app puts control and information right at your fingertips. The app allows you to control the level of power assist, and includes integrated maps, locations of Flyer service centers, and information about speed, battery level and past trips taken.

Dual- Leg Kickstand

For an e-bike as utilitarian as the Flyer Via, the Flyer Via, the included dual-leg kickstand becomes a particularly salient feature. Stout and stable, the kickstand allows you to load and unload the bike without fear of it toppling over.

Flyer Via E-Bike Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Versatile first e-bike for varied needs
• Class 2 electric bike with up to 20mph speed
• 500W rear hub motor powers everyday errands

Cons:

• Slower top speed of 20mph
• Weight of 68-69 lbs

Overall Impression

As anyone who has been the parent of young children can attest to, kids love bike rides as passengers, and every day trips can become voyages of discovery for young minds exposed to the wonders of the natural world. The Flyer Via ($2,199) is so versatile and utilitarian that you may just leave the steel cocoon of the minivan and its on-board entertainment system behind, and create lasting memories for both you and your young passengers by transforming mundane daily trips into incredible experiences.

Related Long Tail Cargo E-Bikes

1. HOVSCO HovCart E-Bike
2. Xtracycle Stoker E-Bike
3. Fiido T2 Cargo E-Bike