Smartravel GPS Raptor E-Bike Review

The Smartravel Raptor elegantly blurs the line between electric bike and moped, delivering an enjoyable ride in a futuristic package. Also referred to as the Smartravel GPS E-Bike, this model is compatible with the brand’s app and location tracker that’s loaded with tons more features. A lot is going on with this beast of an e-bike so I’ll walk you through my comprehensive review of the Smartravel Raptor below.

GPS-Equipped Moped-Style E-Bike

The Smartravel Raptor ST202 is a fully loaded electric bike with motorcycle aspirations. This model falls into the moped-style category of e-bikes because of its fixed seat and burly suspension setup reminiscent of mopeds and motorcycles. You could also make the case that the Raptor is also a dirt bike-inspired e-bike due to its off-road fat tires. The go-anywhere setup lets you cruise along the paved routes and explore off-the-beaten-path with plenty of speed.

The non-adjustable seat is more conducive to fun, throttle-powered riding than pedal-assist. That static riding position is not as comfortable while pedaling but you can still toggle through the five levels of pedal assist whenever you like. The one-size frame is fairly large and I had to tilt the bike significantly to get on and off. Since the seat can’t be lowered, I recommend this model for medium or taller riders.

Smartravel GPS App

One of the most attractive features of the ST202 is its compatibility with the Smartravel GPS app. The built-in location tracking lets riders see their real-time location as well as ride history, battery levels, and total mileage. There’s also a unique geo-fencing feature which I assume is a theft-prevention tool so you are alerted if the e-bike leaves a certain predetermined area. Users can also set top-speed alarms and use the app to start/stop the e-bike remotely. For riders who want total control and tracking of their e-bike’s location, this functional app is a huge plus.

Full Suspension

Another highlight of the Smartravel Raptor is the full suspension setup, complete with a dual crown front fork and dual rear shocks. Practically a triple suspension design, it’s rare to see heavy-duty dual crown forks outside of downhill mountain bikes, let alone dual rear shocks! The unique build adds serious heft to the e-bike but provides plenty of cushion and stability over varied terrain. The front suspension fork has 140mm of travel.

32 MPH Top Speed

The Smartravel Raptor really rips. This moped-style e-bike reaches a maximum speed of 32 mph which is higher than the standard top pace of most Class 3 electric bikes. This extra boost comes from the powerful 1200W rear hub motor that also out-specs many other high-powered e-bikes on the market. The motor provides 1500W of peak power and 86 Nm of torque. During testing, I found myself reaching for the twist throttle much more often than the pedal assist levels. This way, the Raptor feels much more like a fun moped or light dirt bike. With all this extra speed, however, you’ll have to check your area’s local regulations about e-bikes and their speed limits on trails or bike paths.

Battery Capacity

The removable 25Ah battery is housed inside the downtube and has a rated range of up to 80 miles on a single charge. That’s an optimistic estimation, especially considering that most riders will be riding in throttle mode the entire time. That said, I haven’t seen a battery capacity of 25Ah on many other e-bikes so the Raptor scores some points in this regard. The battery can be charged on or off the bike— users turn a key to release the battery from the frame along the underside of the downtube.

Weight

Take just one look at the Smartravel Raptor and you’ll know that it weighs a hefty amount. The entire e-bike comes in at 88 lbs. which isn’t the heaviest I’ve seen, but is still quite heavy. Fast acceleration and a responsive throttle mode help make the Raptor feel more nimble and enjoyable to ride once it gets going. The maximum payload capacity is 400 lbs. including the rider. If you want to transport the e-bike with your car, you’ll need a heavy-duty rack specifically designed for electric bikes with room for fat tires, too.

Components

Beyond its powerful electric drive system, the Raptor depends on durable components like 4” fat wheels and hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes are a must for such a heavy bike and provide reliable stopping force in all conditions. The knobby 4” fat tires offer plenty of traction and I appreciate the gold-colored rims that add a dash of visual spice.

The Shimano Altus 7-speed gearing does a fine job but I feel like its quality doesn’t track with the other heavy-duty parts on the e-bike. Then again, riders using the throttle mode won’t put too much wear on the groupset or require frequent shifting. The cushioned seat has a fixed position and feels comfortable. There’s even a convenient cargo box installed at the center of the frame to carry small items and ride essentials.

Technology

In addition to the smart app, the Smartravel Raptor has several on-bike tech features. The e-bike features front and back turn signals controlled by buttons on the handlebars. They are sizable and bright turn signals so you can inform motorists and other cyclists of your next move. It’s an attractive feature that increases rider safety, which is especially important since that the Raptor is capable of such high speeds. The horn is sufficiently loud and the center-mounted horizontal display shows all your standard metrics in full color. There’s a large, bright headlight and rear light that functions as a brake light.

Smartravel Electric Bike — Pros and Cons

Pros

• Moped-Style Design: Cool, futuristic design with fixed seat
• GPS Location Tracking: GPS app with real-time location, ride history, and security features
• Plush Full Suspension: 140mm dual crown fork and dual rear shocks

Cons

• Mixed aesthetic: Elegant, curved design combines with chunky elements
• Heavy Overall Weight: 88 lbs. can be difficult to maneuver or carry on bike racks

Overall Impression

The Smartravel Raptor ($1,499) walks the line between a fully loaded electric bike and a moped, enabling riders to conquer a variety of terrains. The large, powerful e-bike may be too much bike for some casual or recreational riders, but its competitive price tag and long list of features are noteworthy. One of the more fun e-bike that has recently passed through the doors at Mountain Weekly News, the tech-savvy Raptor e-bike empowers riders to travel smarter.

Smartravel Coupon Code: MTNWEEKLY30

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