Rattan Pinus E-Bike Review

The new Rattan Pinus long-range foldable ebike delivers impressive stamina with its optional second battery— I recently hopped on this euphemistically named ebike to test its actual performance. The ambitious all-in-one design is a beefy one that’s all too common these days, but the just-released Pinus tacks on a few key upgrades for recreational riders and city commuters. If you’re willing to look past the unfortunate name, check out this in-depth review to see just what exactly the Rattan Pinus is packing.

Mountain Weekly News Founder Mike Hardaker Talks about the Rattan Pinus E-Bike

All-Terrain & Foldable

This multipurpose ebike boasts a long list of features— so many in fact, that most riders probably won’t get around to pushing them to their full potential! That said, the foldable design, fat tires, and front suspension are handy traits that make the Pinus an attractive do-it-all ebike. Riders who take on a variety of terrain will like it plus it’s a solid choice for a shared family bike since there’s something for everyone (and carrying a lightweight passenger on the rear rack works in a pinch, too). The frame folds in the middle and the handlebars collapse down for compact storage in a garage or transportability in a large trunk.

The step-thru frame is sufficiently low for super easy mounting. The ebike is rated for riders between 5’3” and 6’4”, but people on the smaller end of that spectrum will be most comfortable— riders 6’ and above will probably want a slightly different setup. The ebike is available in two pleasantly bold colors: lava red and sky blue. I’m still uncertain about the exact pronunciation of this model, but I’d hazard a guess— and sincerely hope— it’s something like “pine-us” or “pin-us” to distance itself a bit from what we’re all thinking.

Suspension

Rattan has decided to include a short-travel suspension fork for even more cushion in addition to the large-volume fat tires. The added travel provides a comfortable ride, especially over rough surfaces or potholes, and has a lock-out function and pre-load adjustments. For such a hefty ebike already, a rear shock would have been a nice addition to really ramp up the off-road performance. Otherwise, forgoing the suspension fork for more of a city or hybrid design would have been smart as well— in my opinion, Rattan got stuck a bit in the middle here.

Rattan Pinus E-Bike Top Speed

This foldable all-terrain ebike is a purebred Class 3 model, capable of reaching 28 mph in both pedal assist and throttle modes. The 750W rear hub motor peaks at 1200W and delivers a maximum of 80Nm of torque that’s sufficient for some decent hill climbing. I was pleasantly surprised by the natural, well-distributed spread of speeds within the 5 pedal assist levels that allow riders to cruise at lower speeds if they want rather than cranking the power even on PAS 1. I’m a fan of this kind of reined-in ebike that can perform as a calm, recreational ride but still act as a rocket ship when you want.

The integrated torque sensor ensures power is delivered according to how hard you’re pressing on the pedals for more natural-feeling assistance. There’s plenty of quick acceleration on this workhorse and riders can press the throttle whenever they want an immediate boost. This speedy ebike might not look like a sleek Batmobile but it sure rips like the best of them! Riders can toggle between Normal, Eco, and Sport modes in addition to easily activating cruise control.

Rattan Pinus Has Optional Second Battery

Probably the most unique feature of the Rattan Pinus is its ability to carry a second full-size battery on the frame, effectively doubling its range. The built-in battery inside the downtube has a capacity of 20Ah as does the optional second battery. Currently, the Pinus is priced at $1,799 for the standard package while the extra battery will bring the total up to just under $2,500.

If you ride with both batteries, the range can approach 150 miles! I can’t think of the last time I needed to ride that long, but such long-range potential can come in handy for the forgetful chargers among us or achieving solid throttle-only range. The integrated battery is fully removable for off-bike charging. I was also impressed with the fast 4.5A charger for even quicker charging, further elevating the standard from 3A chargers and beyond.

Rattan Pinus Total Weight

Some say size matters and the Rattan Pinus weighs in at a hefty 83 lbs. with the optional second battery adding another 11 lbs. I found that, for a fat tire bike, the Pinus is easy to turn and maneuver— I think this is due to its low step-thru design that makes the ebike feel a bit more nimble with less weight being thrown around mid-bike. The maximum payload capacity is a generous 400 lbs. so riders can really load up the sturdy rear rack.

Components

Important smaller parts on the Rattan Pinus include the Shimano 8-speed gearing and hydraulic disc brakes for reliable stopping on such a powerful ebike. Rattan opted for composite mag wheels instead of spoked versions that are more durable but add a bit of weight. The wheels are outfitted with Kenda 20 x 4.0” fat tires with a medium tread pattern for decent grip in loose terrain.

Riders can control illuminated rear turn signals from a controller on the handlebars to safely indicate their next move to fellow cyclists and motorists. The rear light also functions as a brake light but is a bit fiddly to install at first while the large headlight is super bright.

On the color display, there are smart setting adjustments that make sense without overdoing it with endless options— riders can alter levers of acceleration, cruise control, and power settings. There’s even a USB charger integrated into the display unit to power up your mobile phone if needed. Finishing off the bike, the comfortable seat has built-in springs, and the ergonomic grips lock onto the handlebars for an even more secure position.

Rattan Pinus Ebike Pros:

• Long Range: With the optional second battery, the range can reach up to 150 miles.
• Foldable: Folds in half for compact storage and transport.
• All-Terrain: Fat tires and front suspension handle rough surfaces well.
• Powerful Motor: 750W motor with 80Nm torque for good hill climbing ability.
• Top Speed: Reaches 28 mph in pedal assist and throttle modes.
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Provide good stopping power.
• Integrated Lights: Includes headlight, taillight, and turn signals.
• Large Display: Easy to read and offers various settings adjustments.
• Comfortable Seat: Built-in springs for a comfortable ride.
• High Weight Capacity: Supports up to 400 lbs.

Rattan Pinus Ebike Cons:

• Heavy: Weighs 83 lbs (94 lbs with second battery).
• Price: $1799 for the standard package, $2500 with the second battery.
• Overloaded Design: May not need both folding hinge and front suspension.
• Fiddly Brake Light Installation: A bit difficult to install.

Overall Impression

If you’re mature enough to look past the questionable name (I’m not), the Rattan Pinus ($1,699) is a feature-loaded ebike that’s after the hearts of long-distance riders. The overloaded design could probably do without a folding hinge and front suspension, but those capabilities could be just what some riders are looking for. The full-size double battery transforms this ebike into a marathon machine that reaches top speeds with ease— the Energizer Bunny that just keeps on going…

Discount Code: MWN100 (which entitles viewers to a $100 discount off each ebike)

Related Foldable E-Bikes

1. G-Force T7 Foldable E-Bike
2. Flyer 860 Foldable E-Bike
3. Heybike Mars 2.0 Foldable E-Bike