Vvolt Alpha E-Bike Review

The Vvolt Alpha is a Class 1 ebike that stands out with its belt-drive system and ultra-sleek look. This entry-level model is perfect for a weekend joyride or pedal-assisted commuting, all without sacrificing on style. Dive into the details of this ebike from Vvolt and see if the Alpha is right for you.

Vvolt is a young ebike brand that has burst onto the scene with their simple and straightforward design philosophy. The brand was founded in 2019 by Kyle Ranson, the owner of cycling apparel brand Showers Pass based out of Portland, Oregon. Vvolt currently offers four distinct ebikes and they all run belt-drive systems rather that standard chains. The Alpha is the Vvolt Electric Bikes flagship entry-level ebike, but riders can also choose between two higher-end models with mid-drive motors.

Vvolt Alpha Frame

The Vvolt Alpha is built around a lightweight alloy frame that’s much more streamlined than rival ebikes, neatly housing the battery in the downtube. The frame has a relaxed geometry that’s comfortable and still looks sporty. It’s available in two sizes and colorways— I especially like the chalk white paint job as a chic alternative to the standard gray/black look of so many ebikes today. The Alpha is also available as a step-through model. Another plus are the various mounting bolts on the front fork and rear triangle if you want to install extra bottle cages or a rack.

Pros of Vvolt Alpha E-Bike:

• Sleek Design: Lightweight alloy frame with a streamlined downtube that hides the battery.
• Low Maintenance: Belt-drive system requires no messy chain lubrication and reduces drivetrain strain.
• Simple to Use: Single-speed with five levels of pedal assist and no throttle for a straightforward ride.
• Comfortable: Relaxed geometry, lightweight frame, and a comfortable saddle.
• Relatively Long Range: 20-40 miles on a single charge depending on use.
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Strong and reliable braking even in wet conditions.
• Affordable: Competitively priced at $1,299 with a 3-year warranty.
• Lightweight: S/M model weighs only 44 lbs.
• Multiple Colors: Available in two colors including a stylish chalk white.
• Step-through Frame Option: Easier mounting and dismounting for riders who prefer it.
• Accessory Mounts: Allows for adding racks and fenders for customization.
• Removable Lights: Reduce weight and improve the sleek look if not needed.
• Bluetooth connectivity and USB outlet: Allows for phone pairing and charging devices on the go.

Cons of Vvolt Alpha E-Bike:

• No Throttle: Relies solely on pedal assist, which may not be ideal for everyone.
• Limited Gears: Single-speed may not be suitable for hilly commutes.
• No Suspension: Can be a bumpy ride on rough terrain.
• Lacks Integrated Lights: Lights are removable, but some riders may prefer a more permanent solution.
• Not for All Terrains: Designed for smooth surfaces like city streets and bike paths.

Vvolt Alpha Motor

Riders get their boost from a 350W Acer rear hub motor connected to a quiet Gates belt drive. That’s a moderate amount of power that’s perfect for city and recreational riding. Vvolt boasts that opting out of overpowered 500W or 750W motor is an advantage, and I would agree— it keeps weight down to preserve a natural bike feel and is still plenty powerful.

Speed

Riders can toggle between five levels of power, but— and again, simplicity is the goal here— there isn’t a throttle mode. With a top speed of 20 mph with pedal assist, this bike falls into the Class 1 ebike category. That said, speed demons or riders looking for a Class 2/3 bike that packs more of a punch are best off looking at the more powerful models from Vvolt.

There’s a 375Wh Celxpert battery with LG cells tucked away in the downtube that’ll last 20-40 miles on a single charge. I takes 5.5 hours to fully charge, which is a decent but not outstanding stat, and the slim downtube leaves room for a water bottle mount, too. The relatively lightweight battery helps keep the total heft of the bike down to a minimum. The S/M model weighs a total of 44 lbs. and the L/XL bike comes in at 46 lbs.

Drive Belt

One of the main features of this ebike is the maintenance-free belt-drive system. You won’t have to worry about a dirty, gunked up chain or drivetrain strain due to the motor. It’s a single-speed setup so there’s only one gear, but in my book, that’s another good less-is-more design choice from Vvolt. Riders will probably be using the pedal assist almost the entire time, so there’s no need for a wide range of gears. If you live in a very hilly area, though, this bike might not be an ideal choice.

The rest of the componentry goes along with Vvolt’s simple but effective design philosophy. There are reliable Radius hydraulic disc brakes mounted to strong 27.5” wheels. The bike comes with 2” Chaoyang tires and, if you pass on installing fenders, there is enough tire clearance for 2.4” rubber. The onboard computer features five levels of pedal assist plus walk mode, bluetooth pairing, and a USB outlet to keep your devices topped up.

Vvolt Alpha Suspension

The ride feel is surprisingly natural for an ebike which I chalk up to the weight savings from the frame and simpler drivetrain. It’s a rear hub-drive model so you’ll have a bit of that ‘pushed’ sensation, but that’s part of the thrill of an ebike. The moderate tire tread and rigid frame make the Alpha perfectly suited to speeding along the concrete jungle and other smooth terrains while still being comfortable.

The one thing this bike does not offer is any suspension. Which for an e-bike is sort of a must have. If you plan to ride on smooth rides this setup won’t be an issue. If you want to rip around on gravel or there’s pot holes in the road maybe consider another commuter e-bike with front suspension instead.

In terms of accessories and finishing kit, this Vvolt E-Bike has a comfortable seat, sturdy kickstand, and rechargeable lights. The included front and rear lights are not built-in like on many other ebikes. There’s none of the extra cabling you get from integrated lights and I appreciate the fact you can remove them if, for example, you only ride during the daytime—a way to save some weight and preserve the frame’s sleek look. The bike arrives 97% assembled in its box with eco-friendly packaging that uses less plastic and no Styrofoam.

Vvolt Alpha E-Bike Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Sleek Design: Lightweight frame with streamlined downtube.
• Low Maintenance: Belt-drive system, no chain lubrication.
• Relatively Long Range: 20-40 miles per charge.

Cons:

• No Throttle: Relies solely on pedal assist.
• Limited Gears: Single-speed may not suit hilly commutes.
• No Suspension: Bumpy ride on rough terrain.
• Lacks Integrated Lights: Lights are removable.
• Not for All Terrains: Suitable for smooth surfaces.

Overall Impression

The Vvolt Alpha was created with a no-nonsense design philosophy in mind and performs excellently around the city and on bike paths. It isn’t an all-terrain ebike nor does it try to be; riders will enjoy the belt-drive and lightweight frame built to conquer the urban environment. Priced competitively at $1,299, the Volt is an accessible way to get into ebiking and the impressive 3-year warranty ensures it’s a great investment further down the road. Mount the Vvolt Alpha and hop on the exciting trend of belt-drive ebikes.

Related Commuter E-Bikes

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2. Priority Current E-Bike
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