Reviews

Elektron M5X Fat e-Bike review

Stylish FAT e-Bike with superb suspension and ride comfort
The FAT e-Bike feels heavy.
By Kamlesh Malick on September 8, 2019 11:30 am

SPONSORED
PluginIndia collected a service fee from Elektron to make this in-depth review possible.
This is not an endorsement. We always strive to be objective.
Video Review
So the PluginIndia team had received, a new new e-Bike from Elektron Cycles, a startup from Delhi who launched their first Mountain e-Bike back in 2017. 
They have now launched this model, which is called M5X, which is essentially a FAT e-Bike.

Here are some photos of the Elektron M5X

Can the stylish looks match its ride-ability and performance?  Read on!
​

Specifications & Details

  • MANUFACTURED BY:
  • Elektron Cycles
  • MODEL:  
  • Elektron M5X e-Cycle
  • PRICE:
  • Rs 59,999 
  • SUGGESTED USE:
  • Commuting with cities/towns/snow/sand/hills
  • WARRANTY:
  • Battery     - 1 Year
  • Motor       - 1 Year
  • Controller - 1 Year
  • Charger    - 1 Year
  • AVAILABILITY:
  • Shipped all over India  
  • MOTOR TYPE:
  • Rear-Mounted Geared Hub Motor.
  • MOTOR OUTPUT:
  • 250 Watts
  • MOTOR TORQUE:
  • 45 Nm. 
  • BATTERY VOLTAGE:
  • 36 Volts
  • BATTERY WATT HOURS:
  • Watt Hours = Volts x Ampere Hours
  • 36 V x 15 Ah = 280.8 Wh = 540 Units (kWh)
  • BATTERY CHEMISTRY:
  • LiNiMnCoO2 (NMC) - This is standard for most e-Cycles. 
  • LITHIUM CELL Info:
    • Samsung make – 5-7 years battery life.
    • These are Lithium based 18650 cells.
    • 800-1000 cycles are estimated life cycles in this pack.
    • 50000-60000 kms estimated life of the battery pack
  • CHARGE TIME:
  • 5 hours with a 2 Amp charger 
  • ESTIMATED RANGE:
  • 90 km PAS (Level 3 to 5)
  • 60 km Throttle​
  • DISPLAY TYPE:
  • Backlit Monochrome LCD 
  • READOUTS:
  • Speed, Odometer, Battery Level, Average Speed, Top Speed, Pedal Assist Level (1-5), Walk Assist indicators.
    • Cruise control - YES
    • No Regenerative Braking
  • DRIVE MODE:
  • Pedal Assist configured with 12 magnet sensor which offers cadence pedal assist (Our observation, compared to the website which claims it to be a torque sensor)
  • TOP SPEED:
  • 25 kmph capped as per statutory regulations
  • TOTAL WEIGHT:
  • 28 kg
  • BATTERY WEIGHT:
  • 4 kgs   
  • MOTOR WEIGHT:
  • 5 kgs.  
  • LED Light Front and Rear & Electric horn​​

Cycle Information
  • FRAME MATERIAL:
  • 7005 Aluminium Alloy 
  • FRAME COLORS:
  • Red, Yellow, Black and White
  • GEARING DETAILS:
  • 7 speed Shimano Altus Gear System
  • Suspension
    • Front suspension for easy ride on bumpy roads
    • Seat pillar suspension for jerks absorption
  • PEDALS:
  • AL Alloy
  • BRAKE DETAILS:
  • Quality Disc brakes 180mm
  • SADDLE:
  • Leatherite with detailing
  • RIMS:
  • Alloy
  • WHEEL SIZES:
  • 26 in 
ACCESSORIES:  
  • Smart phone top tube bag
  • Mudguards
  • Carrier 
  • Extra seat post 
  • Cable lock
  • Helmet
  • Tools for Assembling the bike
So here is our take on the Elektron M5X Fat e-Bike:

Styling & Looks : 8 out of 8

  • [+1] The Elektron M5X e-Bike just looks fantastic, it’s really easy to see why, everything is nicely integrated, and the wires are completely hidden, if viewed from a distance. 
  • [+1] The FAT tyres look spectacular and really makes this e-Bike standout. 
  • [+1] The battery, controller are mounted on the down tube, making it look elegant. We love the integration of the battery. You hardly feel there is a battery here.
  • [+1] The cables are neatly routed inside the down tube, which makes everything look neat.
  • [+1] The seat bar is nice and long. Adjusting the seat height is very easy and you don't need any tools. 
  • [+1] The backlit digital LCD display with integrated button pad, is nice and large. It’s very easy to read. It has a lot of detailed information about the motor and batteries as well, along with the speed and temperature.
  • [+1] All in all a great looking Fat e-Bike. Many people won’t even realize if it is an electric Fat bike at first sight.
  • [+1] The frame feels smooth, to touch, with top quality paint and fabrication.

Performance & Ride : 10 out of 12

  • [0] The frame is made with 7005 Aluminium Alloy, which is fantastic. But even then the
    e-Bike feels heavy at 28kg. Riding without the motor’s assist is not easy due to the extra weight of the steel frame. There is no such issues on the weight once Pedal Assist or throttle is used. 
  • [+1] Incredible suspension and ride quality due to the
    • Suspension in the front wheel
    • Large tires absorb a lot of the vibration from riding, thus there is less stress on your hands and lower back
    • Suspension provided under the seat, which adds to the comfort.
  • [+1] I was impressed with the cycle components. The mechanical disk brakes, the Shimano gear system, the front suspension work very well. The Elektron team has chosen fantastic components, which a branded e-Bike needs to have to ensure good ride quality.
  • [+1] The BLDC motor is rated at 250 watts and is a geared electric motor which offers decent low speed torque and is  nearly silent. You do listen to a pleasant whine of the motor, especially under stress in increased assist levels.
  • [+1] The controller has a balanced algorithm when user is on the Pedal Assist mode. It takes 1-2 pedal rotations, before the electric motor kicks in with the electric assist. 
  • [+1] Even in pedal assist level 5, the energy is released in a gradual manner compared to other e-Bikes. 
  • [+1] The M5X Fat e-Bike absolutely shines in sandy beaches. We reduced the air pressure to 15 PSI and it gripped the surface very well for most parts and resulted in an enjoyable evening on the beach!
  • [0] The response and acceleration is not zippy on normal roads, compared to the e-Bikes we have tested before. Maybe it's a design decision to keep things measured, to conserve battery.
    • Pedal Assist 0 to 3 are not that comfortable to ride with the extra weight.
      Modes 4 and 5 are great fun to ride as you squeeze more juice out of the battery.
  • [+1] Adjusting the seat height is very easy and you don't need any tools. 
  • [+1] Seat quality with suspension is fantastic which results in a comfortable ride.
  • [+1] Cruise Control mode is a cool feature. We are maintained at a constant speed until we press brakes or accelerate. The value of this feature can really be felt on a longer ride.
  • [+1] The walk mode is performs well as advertised

Efficiency & Range : 6 out of 6

  • [+1]  The large 36V * 15 Ah battery is fantastic, even for a fat e-Bike of this size and weight. 
    • Using the throttle is a lot of fun, but it also is a battery hog. We once did an all throttle ride test and we got a range of around 50 km before the battery died out. 
    • Most of us will use a combination of PAS (Level 4-5) and throttle, that should give you about 60-70 km range before you should start to worry about charge.  Although unlike an electric scooter, with an e-Bike, u can pedal and get home, if the battery runs out.   
  • [+1] The Elektron M5X only consumes 0.54 units (kWh) of electricity to fully charge 
    • Very good economy for those who decide to use it as a means of daily commute.
  • [+1] 7 Speed gears are a boon. When climbing a bridge, many times go to lowest gear and only start electric assist only when i really need it.
  • [+1] Test ride 1: Bandra Kurla Complex to Juhu Beach - 10 km
    A ride with combination of PAS (Mode 5) and Throttle when encountering lots of traffic. 
    I had around 5 bars battery remaining.
  • [+1] Test ride 2: Juhu Beach to Santacruz  - 5 km
         A ride with combination of PAS (Mode 5) and Throttle when encountering lots of traffic. 
    I still had around 5 bars battery remaining.​
  • [+1] So for a short 15 km ride, the battery still showed 5 bars, which ensures if you keep the battery charged, you will never run out of juice for small in city runs. 

Charging : 3 out of 3

  • ​[+1] The e-Bike battery is removable  You can take the battery home or at work to charge.
  • [+1] The Charge Indicator on the LCD shows the exact energy left and is a reliable indicator.
  • [+1] The 2 amp charger is compact and charging at low rates is a good for the life of the battery

Pricing and Availability : 2 out of 4

  • [0] The Elektron M5X e-Bike is kinda expensive @ 59,999.  But you are getting a quality FAT e-Bike.
  • [0] Elektron don't have dealers all over India which can be a disadvantage for service.
  • [+1] Booking can be done online on their website.
  • [+1] ​The e-Bike is available on Amazon, which is a plus.​

Extra Features : 8 out of 8

  • [+1] Intelligent display LCD panel. We like the integrated button pad here.
  • ​[+1] Powerful & very adequate LED headlamp.
    • ​It is able to illuminate the road at night, even when there are no streetlights.
  • [+1] Walk Assist mode is a cool feature
  • [+1] Nice electric horn.​
  • [+1] Shimano SIS index gear system is a blast to use!
  • [+1] Tail & brake lights
  • [+1] Extra comfort handle grips
  • ​[+1] We have never seen an e-Bike bundled in with so many accessories. Great job Elektron team!

Long Term Ownership Details

  • The battery may need replacement every 4-5 years depending on usage. 
    • The cost of an extra battery is not known. We estimate it to be around Rs 18k now and cheaper after 4-5 years.
  • Remote service and support will be provided to all customers as the company does not have dealers all over India.
  • Elektron was one of the first company to sell e-Bikes in Amazon India back in 2017 with innovative pricing.
  • ​We were also told, the company is bring out more Electric Mobility products. So they are here for the long run. 

Final thoughts

So final thoughts, the Elektron team have done a great job in bringing a quality FAT e-Bike for the Indian market. The cycle components are of high quality

Don't buy this e-Bike, if you want to take it to hills, on long rides etc.
If you are a commuter going to work for around 5-10 km, this is a fantastic option.
You can arrive to work in style and everyone will look at your M5X!

As always ride safe and always wear a helmet!  Over and Out!
This is one Fat e-Bike that would appeal to style icons!  Go Elektron M5X!
Thank You!
The PluginIndia review team would like to thank the following people for being very nice and co-operating with us in order to work on this review.
  • Mr Chetan from Elektron Cycles

Other Links
Elektron website
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