Ebikes are becoming a thing, like a real thing, from urban commuters to mountain bikers and everything in between; this tech is changing the way we get around. For those living in cities, the thought of having a car is daunting and often impossibly expensive, so public transportation or walking has been the best option for many for a long time.
Rattan’s Quercus long-range utility ebike is the perfect companion for those who want mobility, cargo utility, and compact size to help them get around and get things done. So is the Quercus right for you? Keep on reading for a detailed breakdown of what we loved, liked, and disliked about this premium ebike from Rattan.
Build Quality and Design:
For a direct-to-consumer bike, the Quercus is built well overall, and packaged securely and well-protected. We’ve found that most bikes that come in at a better price point will sacrifice somewhere, and here, it’s the components like the derailer. This bike is heavy, and one of the intelligent things that Rattan has done is add two options for a kickstand. One on the bottom pushes the bike up from the middle, and a traditional side-mounted one with a height adjustment for quick parking on solid ground. Another thing many riders will like with a bike this heavy is that a step-through design makes it easy to mount and dismount, which is essential for smaller riders who would have trouble with crossbars.
The design looks closer to a traditional moped than a bicycle, and the beefy tires, fenders, and headlight give it a nice look. We also love their chosen colors; this bike looks slick compared to other step-through cargo bikes.
Performance:
The Quercus performs the best when using the throttle, and for most people riding this bike, we anticipate minimal use of the pedals. These types of bikes are not great for long-haul pedaling. They are built more like cruisers with a motor, so if you are thinking about using the pedals a lot, this might not be the best orientation for you, as the Quercus requires you to sit up in a way that is not typical when riding a bike.
If you are looking for quick acceleration, fantastic cargo capacity, and a fun all-around cruiser for the beach, downtown, or on your local bike path, you will be happy with this model.
Pedaling – If you are making short trips and want to use a little human power, you will be fine. The shifting was clunky, but the components got the job done overall. However, at this price, the derailers should be a step up. If you are doing a decent amount of pedaling, consider getting an upgrade to your derailer.
Pedal Assist – This mode gives you a little boost when you are pedaling or a lot of boost if you are in the highest setting. The Quercus delivers well in this mode but should only be put into this mode once you are in motion. Pedal assist can cause the bike to jump a bit when the motor engages, so it’s better to be in motion and slowly level up the amount of power you are looking for.
Throttle – The throttle on the Quercus takes a little getting used to as it can be a bit jumpy, so just like pedal assist mode, we suggest getting a little speed with the pedals before engaging it. The Quercus is a class 3 ebike and can easily get to 20+ mph quickly with a top speed of 30 mph, so if you are looking for a quick cargo bike, this one is a good choice.
Battery Life and Charging:
The battery takes about 4-5 hours to charge fully and will deliver up to 80 miles of range, depending on how cold it is and the type of terrain you are on. If you are climbing hills on a day that is freezing, the battery will not sustain that type of power, so it’s always good to get a feel for how long your commute is, etc., before trying to push the limits, or you might just be pedaling up that hill on the way home. Overall the range on this bike is very impressive, as we have older ebikes that come in around the same price and are lighter and can barely do half that.
Ride Comfort:
One of the things we love about this bike is the step-through functionality that allows for easy mounting/dismounting. This feature is an especially nice touch for shorter riders needing extra clearance for a safer and more comfortable ride.
The bike’s orientation will take a little getting used to, as you are seated in a more vertical position, and the handlebars will feel a bit funky at first compared to most traditional bikes. The more upright seating position and turn radius require a little practice to become proficient in maneuvering, but it takes little time to get comfortable.
The Quercus features fat Kenda tires with a front suspension, so you can take the bike on rougher gravel roads and still have a smooth ride, but do not try to attempt anything like a single track or more technical trails, as this bike is not suited for that type of riding. This bike is fantastic for urban cruising, light trail riding, and commuting.
Pro tip – This bike is heavy, so if your commute requires you to carry the bike up flights of stairs, onto a train, etc., you will not be a happy camper and should consider a nimbler bike.
Utility / Cargo Features:
One of the big selling points of this model from Rattan is the cargo capabilities and heavy-duty payload. The bike has a rear mount that can be used in various ways to carry all sorts of stuff, from groceries to pets to food deliveries and even coolers. We don’t see anyone putting the maximum weight on this thing, which is 450 lbs, but it’s nice to know you can carry heavy loads.
You can also mount a basket on the front of the bike for more storage capacity for grocery runs, etc.
Brakes and Safety Features:
The Quercus features hydraulic disc brakes, which provide quick and ample stopping power when going at higher speeds. The brakes engage almost immediately, which can help prevent accidents. If you are shopping for bikes and see a bike with mechanical breaks, keep shopping, as they do not provide the stopping power for a class three e-bike.
The other essential safety features are standard reflectors and front/rear lights, including a front headlight, brake light, and turn signals. The front headlight can used both day and night to help provide visibility when you are riding in traffic, so make sure to turn it on before you head out. The turn signals are triggered from the handlebars to signal when you are making a right or left turn, and the rear brake light engages when you use the brakes to let drivers and fellow bikers know you are slowing down. Overall, this bike has all the necessary safety features to keep you safer when riding with cars; actually being safe is up to you.
Pro tip: This bike is fast, which means you can get severely hurt if you crash at its top speed of 30 mph. Always use common sense when riding your ebike at higher speeds, give yourself plenty of space between other riders, wear a helmet, and pay attention.
User Interface and Controls:
The Quercus has a premium user interface with a large color LCD screen that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Riders can easily monitor battery levels, select assist modes, and access other important information.
There is also the ability to charge your USB devices like a phone, which is excellent for running navigation apps while riding. To use your phone, you must get a phone mount accessory, which is not included with the bike. Rattan has one available here, and many third-party options are available.
The other controls featured on the handlebars include a turn signal switch and the thumb throttle for acceleration.
Star Rating / Pros and Cons:
4.5/5 Star Rating
Pros:
- Excellent value for the money
- Exceptional range and option for dual battery for increased range
- Impressive cargo capacity and options
- Breaking and safety features
- Beefy tires and front fork suspension for off-road terrain and comfortable ride
- Manages hills well
Cons:
- Hefty at 82 lbs, this is not a great bike for commuters who need to carry their bike or load onto trains
- Gear components are entry-level; it would be nice to have components that were a few notches better
Conclusion:
The Rattan Bikes Quercus Premium Long Range Utility Ebike delivers big on value, features, and overall performance. If you are looking for a bike to get you around town and carry some cargo, the Quercus is an excellent option, offering all the essential features we look for in this type of ebike.
For more information and to purchase the Rattan Quercus, visit their website HERE
Features and Details:
- 750w 48V Shengyi Brushless Rear Hub Motor, 1200W (Peak)
- Magnesium Alloy Wheel
- Weight: 82lbs + 11lbs (battery)
- 80NM, High Perfomance of Climbing
- Weight: 82 lbs
- Battery UL 2849 & 2271 Rated, 20AH Samsung 21700 Battery Cells
- Up to 80 Miles with 1 Default Battery, More Than 100 Miles with Dual Batteries.
- Top Speed: 30MPH
- 3 Modes 5 Levels Pedal Assist
- 450lbs Payload Capacity
- Hydraulic Disc Brakes, Shimano 8-speed
- Front Hydraulic Suspension Fork
Magnetic Magazine Testing Standards – All ebikes we review are built and inspected by the team at Epic Cycles in Denver to ensure proper build and safety measures. Any feedback from the mechanics is taken into consideration in all reviews. We test bikes for roughly two hours on various surfaces, primarily road and gravel trails, and occasionally single track if the bike is built for this terrain. Bikes are ridden with throttle (if equipped with one), pedal assist and on their own using human power for 15-20 miles per test.
Ever since I was a little kid, I have been obsessed with media. It sounds strange, I know. When I was just 9-years-old, I created a newspaper and offered my mother the job of editor, which she happily accepted. Distribution was small but that didn’t deter me—I had the Citizen Kane virus. And then at age 23, I started another publication called BPM CULTURE Magazine (eventually dropping the word "Culture"), which evolved into a media company called Overamerica Media Group. I found myself in the media business because I love sharing information—telling great stories, sharing ideas and most importantly, informing people about great music! Like most ‘creative types,’ I dabbled in just about everything—from DJing, to producing, and even to creating a record label. And my list of other interests (hobbies) goes on and on; I will leave that for my autobiography. After Overamerica, I spent some time on the client side in fashion, then consulting for various start-ups, only to lead me back to where I started—a start-up media company. It all happened over dinner one night, a friend said why don’t you start up another magazine about EDM—Magnetic was born.
