Testing the Rattan Quercus in Jackson, WY | Photo Rich Goodwin Mountain Weekly News
The new Rattan Quercus is a supercharged utility bike that’s faster than almost any other model I have tested. Its compact, cargo-carrying design delivers serious pace on daily commutes or quick errands around the city. But has Rattan overcooked the specs on this 30+ mph electric bike? We recently tested out the Quercus and have dropped our honest thoughts below.
Mike Hardaker, Author and Gear Tester Talks about the Rattan Quercus E-Bike
About Rattan
Rattan is yet another ebike brand that has thrown their hat in the ring, vying to capture a slice of the growing North American market. Similar to several other brands, Rattan focuses solely on fat tire electric bikes priced below the $2,000 mark and has five models available, at least for the time being.
The bikes’ accessible price point is attractive to riders searching for fast and capable ebikes on a budget, especially as the cost of bikes in general continues to rise. The Rattan brand holds its cards close to its chest in terms of their origin story, but they seem to have a location in Rancho Cucamonga, California.
Rattan Quercus Utility E-Bike
The Rattan Quercus is a Class 3 compact utility ebike designed for urban riding and being loaded up with cargo. The model’s unique name is Latin for ‘oak tree’, presumably making reference to the sturdy construction of the bike. The Quercus has a whopping payload capacity of 450 lbs. so in that sense, I’d say it lives up to its namesake. The entire bike weighs a hefty 82 lbs. so lifting it up stairs or onto a car rack will be a challenge.
Rattan Quercus Frame Size
The step-thru frame is recommended for riders 5’3” to 6’5” so almost everyone can hop on and ride, making it a solid errand-runner for the whole family.
Riders can add accessories like a large front basket or rear panniers that lay over the extended rack at the back of the bike. I appreciate the wooden platform that’s spacious enough to carry a passenger and looks cool with the etched Rattan logo.
The welding and support arms for the rear rack are a bit bulkier than those featured on other utility ebikes, but it’s not a dealbreaker for me. The rack area is painted the same color as the rest of the bike, available in unique pastel colors including avocado green and cement gray.
750W Motor
When it comes to speed, the Quercus’ powerful 750W motor leaves its rivals in the dust. The ebike is rated as Class 3 which typically means a top speed of 28 mph, but even Rattan confess that it travels up to 30 mph. But that’s not the end of it— during testing, we reached a maximum pace of 33.5 mph with the throttle! That blows other ebikes out of the water, especially considering how heavy the Quercus is.
Rattan state that the rear hub motor has a 1200W maximum power output and 80Nm of torque, as well as a torque sensor for smoother acceleration. And I assume that top speed might drop a little with a bunch of cargo weighing down the bike.
How Fast is the Rattan Quercus?
Now, the speed demons out there will love the additional speed of this ebike, but many recreational riders will want a calmer experience on bike paths. Remember that the legal limit on most bike trails is 28 mph and many other paths restrict speed to around 15 mph. There are 5 pedal assist modes as well as a left-thumb press throttle, and even the first assist level nearly reaches 15 mph. The Quercus is most fun when you can let it rip on open roads and take advantage of its sporty and mega-powerful motor.
There’s a 20Ah battery tucked inside the frame’s beefy downtube which uses reliable Samsung battery cells. Rattan advertise an 100-mile range for the model but the fine print reveals that only happens when the second battery is also attached. Riders have the option of installing an additional external dual battery to the top of the downtube to extend the range. Using the included single battery, we’d say the range is closer to 40-50 miles per charge. If you need to go long, however, having the option of a second battery is fantastic.
Tires and Suspension
The additional components on the Rattan Quercus Utility Bike include a 80mm suspension fork and 8-speed drivetrain. The 20” alloy wheels are paired with quality Kenda 4.0” fat tires that can really take a beating, so feel free to take this ebike off road. The short-travel suspension fork helps take the sting out of potholes and big bumps for a plush ride.
8 speeds is quite typical for this category of ebike and there’s a double-sided chain guard to ensure the chain won’t accidentally drop off the front chainring. A major plus is the Fastace hydraulic disc brakes that provide controlled and reliable stopping power, especially when riding it loaded up with heavy cargo.
Rattan EBike Safety Features
The Quercus’ finishing kit is fairly impressive and adds some helpful functionality. The stand-out feature for me is the turn signals controlled at the handlebars and connected to the rear taillight. This way, you can indicate your next move to other cyclists and motorists at night for a bit more safety. Especially if you are speeding down the road at this bike’s top speed, turn signals are a smart idea. The turn signal you select even shows up on the LCD color display, just like a car!
The large, rugged headlight shines really bright for forward visibility. Lastly, I enjoyed the comfort from the ergonomic handlebar grips and comfy seat with integrated springs.
Rattan Quercus E-Bike Pros:
- Very Fast: Powerful 750w motor with 1200w peak power reaches speeds up to 33.5 mph (exceeds Class 3 limit).
- High Payload Capacity: Carries up to 450 lbs of weight, making it ideal for cargo hauling.
- Comfortable Ride: Wide fat tires, suspension fork, and ergonomic grips offer a smooth ride.
- Long Range (with extra battery): Advertised range of 100 miles with an additional battery (40-50 miles with single battery).
- Safety Features: Turn signals, bright headlight, and hydraulic disc brakes for improved visibility and stopping power.
- Multiple Colors: Available in unique pastel colors like avocado green and cement gray.
- Multiple Accessory Options: Can be equipped with a front basket, rear panniers, and frame bag.
- Durable Build Quality: Strong frame and components can handle heavy loads.
Rattan Quercus E-Bike Cons:
- Heavy: At 82 lbs, it can be difficult to maneuver and store.
- Large Size: May not be suitable for smaller riders or tight spaces.
- Very Fast (for some riders): Speed may exceed legal limits on some paths and can be intimidating for recreational riders.
- Limited Warranty: Information on warranty not mentioned in the review.
- Pricey: At $1899, it’s on the higher end for a cargo e-bike.
- Not Ideal for Off-Road Use: Short travel suspension fork may not be suitable for rough terrain.
Overall Impression
The all-new Rattan Quercus E-Bike ($1,899) is built as strong as oak and pleasantly surprised us with its supersonic speeds. This zippy ebike can reduce your commute time or carry cargo all across the city in a flash. Priced at $1,899, customers can choose from a free accessory like a frame bag, front rack, or helmet and get riding straight away.
Unleash your need for speed with the Rattan Quercus and get your errands done in no time— just try to avoid a speeding ticket!
Related Cargo E-Bikes
I have a rattan 750 LM, and it jerks a lot whenever you start pedaling. Does the quercus have a smoother controller?
Hey Dirk,
The Quercus was pretty smooth in our testing. Have you looked at adjusting the pedal assist power levels? I believe this can be done via hacking into the controller by holding a combination of buttons.
-Mike