Testing the Kingbull Voyager E-Bike in Jackson, WY | Photo Connor Burkesmith Mountain Weekly News
What’s one thing that separates Formula One race cars from street-legal speedsters? Side view mirrors. These gems of utilitarian technology are what first stood out for us about the Kingbull Voyager E-Bike. They were the first side mirrors I’ve come across on e-bikes, and the entire Mountain Weekly News test team hope the whole e-bike marketplace will adopt them for commuter-specific models. But the useful sideview mirrors were just the first of many things I liked about the Kingbull Voyager.
About Kingbull
A long-haul trucker of a cargo/commuter focused e-bike, the Voyager’s utility, durability and comfort jibe nicely with Kingbull’s overall mission to make e-bikes “a common and preferred mode of transportation for families and individuals,” as outlined on the company’s website. By comprehensively addressing these three critical elements of cargo/commuter e-bikes (utility, durability and comfort), the Kingbull Voyager rises to the top of its crowded class of would-be contenders.
Kingbull Voyager Frame Design
A step-through frame design allows the rider to mount and dismount quickly, which is paramount for a cargo/commuter bike. Kingbull claims that the Voyager’s one-piece cast aluminum frame is twice as strong as most e-bike frames, and it provides a sturdy and stable platform for the bike, which can accommodate a combined rider and payload weight of 450 lbs. All of this sturdiness also results in a plush, comfortable ride, which is enhanced by the CST 20 x 4” wide fat tires, and a front suspension fork.
Speed
The Voyager is a Class 3 electric bike, with power assist up to 28 mph (the rider must also be pedaling in this mode), and a throttle-only mode top speed of 20 mph. The slower top speed in throttle-only mode means that in most U.S. states, the Voyager can be ridden on shared-use recreational trails.
Power assist is provided courtesy of a speed sensor, which matches the rider’s pedaling speed and amplifies it for a higher top end speed. There are five different levels pedal assist power available to the rider.
750W Motor
The Voyager comes with a 750W upgraded brushless geared hub motor with a special inner ring that provides high-speed temperature resistance and which helps dissipate heat. The result is a much longer life for the motor. For the rider, the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain accommodates a wide range of ride profiles and surface conditions.
17.5ah Lithium Batteries on the Kingbull Voyager
The Voyager’s 17.5 Ah lithium ion battery allows 60 mile range on a single charge. An additional battery is available (but must be purchased separately) and can be mounted in the space under the saddle. The additional battery extends the range to 100 miles total.
Accessories
LED front light and rear signal lights are standard, as is a backlit LCD color cockpit display that provides all the salient info such as speed, distance traveled, and power assist level. The display also includes a USB port that allows the rider to charge a cell phone while riding. The aforementioned rearview mirrors, along with a rear rack, bungee cord tie-downs and a sturdy kickstand provide the full-complement of accessories that any commuter bicyclist will need.
Kingbull Voyager Utility Cargo Bike
The Voyager is a workhorse warrior of an e-bike, with an impressive weight capacity (450 lbs) for a bike that weighs 77 lbs. The stout rear rack can hold up to 300 lbs, and with the included foot pegs, a rear rider can join the saddle-mounted pilot. Front and rear fenders protect the rider from the elements, and a double-kickstand setup (one at the rear and another in the middle) keeps the bike stable while parked.
Construction
A sturdy frame made of 6061 aluminum, a total capacity of 440 pounds, and stout mag-design 20-inch wheels are evidence of the Voyager’s overall strength and durability. For a cargo/commuter bike, strength and reliability – the knowledge that you’ll get to your destination and back home without incident – is a prime concern. Riders can rest assured when using the Voyager that mechanical issues or breakdowns are very rare and easily resolved.
Color
Although it also comes in an understated battleship gray color, the Kingbull Voyager’s screaming orange paint option is the very definition of a standout feature. While being distinctive and easy to pick out of a sea of parked e-bikes, the orange paint also provides a very important safety feature, visibility. It’s another assurance, along with the front and rear lights, that drivers will see you on city streets and roadways.
Kingbull Voyager E-Bike Pros:
- Very Useful Features: Includes standard features like fenders, kickstand, lights, and a USB port for charging devices.
- High Weight Capacity: Carries up to 450 lbs (rider and cargo) and has a 300 lb capacity rear rack.
- Long Range: Up to 60 miles on a single charge with the option to add a second battery for 100 miles.
- Comfortable Ride: Step-through frame, wide tires, and front suspension for a smooth ride.
- Safe: Headlight, taillights, and bright orange color for increased visibility. Plus, the first e-bike we’ve seen with side mirrors!
- Durable Construction: Built with a strong aluminum frame, mag wheels, and weatherproof components.
- Multiple Speed Modes: Five levels of pedal assist and a throttle-only mode.
- Powerful Motor: 750W motor for easy climbing and acceleration.
- Passenger Pegs: Allows for a second rider on the back.
- Two Kickstands: Provides extra stability when parked.
- Multiple Colors: Available in orange or gray.
Kingbull Voyager E-Bike Cons:
- Price: At $1499.99, this is a pricier option than some other cargo e-bikes.
- Heavy: Weighs 77 lbs, which can be difficult to maneuver for some riders.
- Large Size: May not be suitable for smaller riders or tight storage spaces.
- Limited Warranty Information: No information on warranty terms was provided in the article.
Overall Impression
The Kingbull Voyager ($1,499.99) gets the job done and then some. You can put a check mark next to each of the three key attributes of utility, durability and comfort. It’s a standard-bearer for the cargo/commuter class of e-bikes. But with the Voyager, Kingbull have designed a bike that meets the bar and then raises it further. The Voyager is more than a utilitarian mule – it’s a category-defying steed.
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