2023 Pedego Element Platinum Review

This is the Element Platinum by Pedego, an Ebike designed for riders who crave versatility, power, and innovative technology. The integration of a peppy motor, an advanced battery system, and impeccable design components make this Ebike an outstanding choice for those desiring a seamless blend of style and efficiency. Let's dive into its specifications to see if it’s worth the $2,995 price tag.

Video Review

Written Review

Pedego Element Platinum Review

Overview

This is the Element Platinum by Pedego, an Ebike designed for riders who crave versatility, power, and innovative technology. The integration of a peppy motor, an advanced battery system, and impeccable design components make this Ebike an outstanding choice for those desiring a seamless blend of style and efficiency. Let's dive into its specifications to see if it’s worth the $2,995 price tag.

Key Features

• Motor: 749W, 48V brushless geared rear hub motor with a torque of 60Nm.
• Battery: Options of 48V 10Ah or 14Ah, with Samsung cells.
• Top Speed: Class 2 mode at 20MPH and a Class 3 mode unlockable to 28MPH.
• Derailleur: SRAM GX 10-speed rear derailleur.
• Display: 3.5” backlit LCD with custom Pedego PedalSense® software.
• Brakes: Dual-piston TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors 

First Impressions

With its striking appearance and hefty frame, the Element Platinum doesn't just tease performance - it delivers it. The 20" fat tires hint at the bike's off-road capabilities, catering to both urban commuting and rugged terrains. This is an Ebike that is probably going to be ridden more on trails than off them, but the tires can definitely handle some tumultuous terrain (that should be some bonus points for diction and alliteration.)  

Performance and Handling

Speed and Motor: The 749W motor is a powerhouse, providing swift accelerations and a top-notch torque of 60Nm. Now, you’re all wondering why it’s 749W, instead of the usually listed 750W. It is sort of semantics. There’s not any real difference between their motor’s rating and the others out there, it comes down to an interpretation of the Ebike guidelines, stating that an Ebike has to have “less than 750W” to be considered a bike and not a Class 4 EV. 

Battery Life: The two battery options are 10.4Ah and 14Ah, now These aren’t incredible when compared to some of the 15-20Ah batteries we come across, but either option is enough to get you 30 or 45, respectively. The use of premium Samsung cells indicates a focus on reliability and longevity, which is good because they offer an industry-leading 5-year warranty.

Drivetrain: The SRAM GX 10-speed rear derailleur is flippin sweet! I’m a bit of a Sram fan, so it was really cool to see them on a few of the recent bikes that I’ve reviewed. Pedego nailed the gearing here and there is no ghost pedaling, which is another common mistake we see manufacturers make on these more compact frame types. 

Display: Pedego's custom LCD is user-friendly, displaying key metrics like battery life, speed, and distance. The integration of PedalSense® software personalizes the riding experience, adapting to your pedaling patterns. (more alliteration, more points for me). The bike has an advanced pedal-assist system, meaning it utilizes speed, cadence, and torque sensors to give you a really engaged ride feel. You can also swap those modes out to go pure Cadence or pure torque, and that is more of a personal preference, although torque only will probably get you 10-15% more range. 

Comfort and Ergonomics

Frame and Cockpit: The aluminum alloy frame, paired with a riser handlebar, ensures the Element Platinum is robust and off-road ready. Its design integrates the battery seamlessly, elevating the whole platform from a looks perspective. 

Seat and Posture: The MTB-style saddle, coupled with a coil-spring seatpost, is comfortable,  even on longer rides. Now, when I test rode the bike in the Woodlands, I used a Kinect seat-post suspension with a larger saddle, and while the included coil-spring seatpost is better than nothing, it is definitely worth the upgrade to a higher-grade seatpost suspension. 

Suspension Fork: The front fork suspension has 80mm of travel, and is great for absorbing sticks and bumps, and things like that. It also has pre-load and lockout adjustments, meaning you can dial in your ride to suit the terrain. 80mm of travel is not going to be ideal for taking on single-track or anything like that, but for general off-road use, it worked really well to smooth out the great outdoors. 

Additional Features

• PedalSense®: Offers customized riding experiences, from torque or cadence-based pedal assistance to throttle-only modes.
• Lights: The Sport LED headlight is 200 lumens, ensuring safety during nighttime adventures. Brake-sensing rear lights and turn signals add additional value to the lights department. 
• Full Fenders: The Element comes stock with full fenders, a necessity for off-roading
• Rear Rack: Beefy rear rack that can tote around 55lbs, and unlocks the platform for further customization

Extras

We had a few extras installed on this one, and I just wanted to clarify what some of the extra items we have here. 

• Trunk bag: The trunk bag here is a really solid bag option! Definitely going to keep this for myself, because it’s got tons of space, and versatility, with dropping pannier side bags to carry quite a bit of stuff here. 
• Mirrors: The bar-end mirrors were installed at Pedego Woodlands, and they are a recommendation for anyone who doesn’t want to keep looking behind them. 
• Lock: The folding lock mounts nicely to the downtube and while it doesn’t come stock with the bike, it’s worth the $120 investment to unlock the 5-year lock warranty that Pedego offers to people who use the lock. If something happens while the bike is locked up, you’re covered tire to tire. 

What Could Be Improved

• Weight: The Element Platinum leans on the heavier side at 63.8 lbs, especially with the MAG wheels, which add an additional 7 pounds to the platform. While this adds to the bike's stability, some users might find it cumbersome if they have to drag it down a flight of stairs every day. 
• Accessories: Features like the fenders, which enhance utility, are available only as aftermarket purchases. 

Final Verdict

Pedego's Element Platinum is more than just an Ebike; it's an experience. In fact, the whole Pedego Experience is different from any brand or Ebike shop I’ve worked with. With a huge emphasis on customer service throughout the whole organization, it’s the perfect place to get educated on Ebikes and if you’re in the Woodlands, enjoy a fresh cup of custom0roasted coffee. This doesn’t say anything about the bikes themselves, but free coffee is always a win. With its blend of power, adaptability, and style, The Element Platinum sets a new standard in the Ebike realm. Whether you're a seasoned Ebiker or a novice, it promises a ride that's smooth, exhilarating, and uniquely tailored to you.

Ratings

• Speed and Motor: 9.5/10
• Battery Life: 9/10
• Comfort: 8.5/10
• Value for Money: 9/10
• Overall: 9/10

What's in the box: The Ebike, your choice of 48V battery, Sport LED headlight, and a custom Pedego tool kit.

Price: $2,995

Looking to elevate your Ebike experience? Dive into the world of Pedego with the Element Platinum. https://pedegoelectricbikes.com/product/element-platinum/?wheels-style=heavy-duty-spokes&battery=48V+10.4Ah 

Note: Ratings and recommendations are based on the reviewer's expertise and extensive experience with Ebikes. However, individual experiences might vary.