Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact Review
- Price: 3299
- Frame: Steel
- Tires: 24 x 2.5
- Gear: 1 x 9
- Battery: 418Wh
What We Like:
- It’s versatile for larger families, and capable of carrying more weight than regular bicycles, such as transporting kids or groceries.
- The electric motor operates almost silently, making for a quiet and smooth ride.
- Its compact design makes it easier to store in the garage and maneuver through city streets.
What We Don’t Like:
- It’s relatively heavy.
- The tire fenders may not provide adequate coverage in wet and rainy weather.
Rating: (4.85/5)
The Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact provides an eco-friendly option for enthusiasts who want to leave their car keys at home. Its impressive load-carrying capacity allows it to handle various daily tasks with ease.
Equipped with a Shimano STEPS E5000 motor and a 418Wh battery, it’s well-suited for the everyday “adventures” of most city residents.
Now, let’s delve into the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications in the second part of this article. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, feel free to follow us.
Riding Experience
I hadn’t come across many electric bikes of this type before, but I had the chance to see the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact at a friend’s place. Upon my friend’s invitation, I gave it a try, and it piqued my interest. Consequently, I ordered one for myself when I got home, and for nearly a month after acquiring it, I hardly touched my car keys.
First Impressions
Assembling it after it arrived was relatively straightforward. It’s worth mentioning that the assembly tools provided in the package were adequate, and I found the task quite easy. Honestly, the orange steel frame doesn’t make it lightweight, but starting it up wasn’t a challenge, thanks to its Shimano STEPS E5000 electric assist drive and 418Wh battery. I rode it to the farthest supermarket from my home and bought plenty of groceries, and it still had enough charge to get me back home. I didn’t charge it right away; I wanted to see how long it could go on a single charge.
During my first ride, I noticed a significant aspect: it wasn’t as sluggish in turns as it might appear. It felt relatively agile compared to similar bikes.
Additionally, the shifting system (Shimano RD-M2000) operated smoothly and consistently, and 1× gearing wasn’t a challenge for a novice like me. Its speed range was also quite broad, perfectly suitable for navigating various city roads for most urban riders.
I also appreciated the freedom to switch between different assist modes, allowing me to adjust based on different road conditions and my energy levels, making the ride feel effortless.
Daily Use
Over the past few weeks, whether it’s been commuting to work or taking short trips to the outskirts of the city, I haven’t used my car at all. Instead, I’ve been relying on the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact. On the first day, my colleagues teased me, but when one of them hopped onto the rear seat, he praised the bike. It’s completely silent while in motion, and it features Kombi Sideboards that allow passengers to rest their feet comfortably instead of dangling in the air. However, he did complain that the rear seat was a bit hard. This got me thinking that if you plan on transporting kids or taking your spouse along, it might be a good idea to add a cushion for extra comfort.
Of course, one of the main things we often pay attention to is the braking system. The Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact uses Shimano Alivio hydraulic brakes, which are known for their reliability. One rainy Wednesday evening, I was in a hurry to get home and didn’t notice pedestrians ahead. But thanks to the Shimano Alivio hydraulic brakes and my quick reflexes, the bike came to a stable stop. So, even in wet weather, it provides a great sense of security.
Out-of-Town Trip
Last weekend, I took my friend on a short ride to the outskirts of the city using this bike, and it went smoothly the entire way. Thanks to the bike’s cargo-carrying capacity, I was able to bring my friend along with plenty of supplies and essentials.
Afterward, when I inspected its Maxxis Hookworm 24”x 2.5” tires, they showed hardly any signs of wear and tear. The 2.5-inch width helped provide a stable ride, even on gravel roads in the outskirts, with minimal vibrations.
In summary, over the past month of riding, this bike has left me with a very positive impression. It’s an excellent low-carbon, eco-friendly travel companion for most families, whether you need to transport kids or carry lots of cargo.
Specifications
The Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact has a steel frame, making it relatively heavy, but its compact design ensures it remains nimble and doesn’t take up too much space. Additionally, its progressive design allows for easy mounting. Moreover, this bike is known for its exceptional carrying capacity, making it suitable for transporting kids or handling substantial cargo.
One minor concern for me was the exposed cable routing on the bike. Although securely fastened to the frame and not causing any issues during rides, some users who prioritize aesthetics might find this a drawback.
Furthermore, the bike’s stem is adjustable, allowing riders to customize their riding position for added comfort based on their preferences and body size.
The 418Wh capacity battery provides a range of approximately 20 to 50 miles under normal conditions. I didn’t provide an exact figure because factors like road conditions, varying riding speeds, and other variables can affect the battery’s range.
Additionally, the bike features two kickstands, providing more stability when parked compared to single-sided kickstands.
In conclusion, this is a great long-tail cargo electric bike that offers convenience and ease of use.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Impressive cargo-carrying capacity
- Excellent electric assist from the battery
- A wide range of speed options
- Compact design that doesn’t take up much space and offers flexibility in handling
What don’t we like about it?
- It would be very nice if the price could be a little lower
- I need a battery that lasts longer.
FAQ
- How long is this bike?
It measures 191 cm in length.
- How much does this bike weigh?
Its weight is 65.0 lbs.
- How many size options are available for this bike?
It’s suitable for riders with heights ranging from 5′ to 6’4” (1.52 m – 1.95 m).
Specs
Build
| Frame | Kombi V1 Electric 24 in. Cr-Mo with Disc TabColor: Orange / Silver |
| Fork | Kombi V1 Cr-Mo 1-1/8 in. threadless with Disc Tab |
| Headset | Semi-Cartridge, 1-1/8 in. threadless |
| Stem | 1-1/8 in. adjustable stem |
| Handlebar | 31.8 mm Yuba City |
| Saddle | Yuba City saddle |
| Seatpost | 31.6 mm, aluminum, 400 mm |
| Pedals | VP-527 alloy |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano RD-M2000 |
| Crank | Shimano FC-E5010 170 mm |
| Shifters | 9-Speed Trigger Shifter |
| Cassette | 11-36T, 9-Speed |
| Chain | KMC E9 |
| Brakes | Shimano Alivio hydraulic disc brakes Hydraulic Disc Brake |
| Brake Levers | Shimano Alivio |
Wheels
| Rims | Alloy Double Wall, 36h |
| Front Hub | Alloy 36h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy 36h |
| Tires | Maxxis Hookworm, 24 x 2.5 |
Electric Components
| Motor | Shimano Steps E5000, 250W |
| Battery | Lithium Ion, 418 watt hours |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame Material | Groupset | Battery |
| Magnum Payload | Click View | 26″ x 2.4″ | 1 × 8 | Aluminum | Shimano | Panasonic 624Wh |
| Flyer L885 | Click View | Front: 26″ x 3.0″Rear: 20″ x 3.0″ | 1 × 7 | Aluminum | ShimanoTourney | 687Wh |
| Yuba Electric Boda Boda | Click View | 26″ | 1 × 9 | Aluminum | Altus, Shimano | 418Wh |
Magnum Payload vs. Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact
The Magnum Payload weighs in at 80.5 lbs, and honestly, I find it a bit on the heavy side. However, I must admit that the substantial weight does provide balance and stability when riding at higher speeds. Additionally, it features a 1×8 Shimano gear system. While it offers a relatively smaller speed range compared to the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact, it’s still sufficient. However, it’s worth noting that the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact has a larger battery capacity than the Magnum Payload.
Another notable feature of the Magnum Payload is its seat post with 40mm of travel, adjustable for hardness through preload adjustment bolts. This allows it to offer enhanced comfort when navigating uneven road surfaces.
That said, the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact with its 24×2.5” tires also provides good comfort when tackling bumpy roads.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a larger battery capacity and stability, you might want to consider the Magnum Payload. However, if you prefer a lightweight option, you can give the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact a try.
Flyer L885 vs. Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact
The Flyer L885 is priced at $1,311 cheaper than the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact, but it’s also heavier by 13.0 lbs. Surprisingly, the Flyer L885 features an aluminum frame, which typically should be lighter. This has raised some questions for me. Additionally, the Flyer L885 uses a Shimano TY300 1×7 gear system. Its design focuses on simplicity and practicality, so it doesn’t match the performance of the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact. It comes with Tektro Aries MD-M300 mechanical brakes, which provide reliable braking power. However, compared to the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact’s Shimano Alivio hydraulic brakes, I prefer the Yuba for its consistent, all-weather performance.
One advantage of the Flyer L885 is its larger 687Wh battery capacity compared to the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact. So, if you’re looking for a slightly larger battery capacity, you might want to give the Flyer L885 a try. On the other hand, if you value relatively higher-performance gears and hydraulic brakes, the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact is worth considering.
Yuba Electric Boda Boda vs. Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact
These two bikes are quite similar, but in terms of appearance, the Yuba Electric Boda Boda has a smoother and more streamlined design. Its top tube isn’t straight but streamlined, making it relatively easier to get on and off.
However, the Kombi E5 Electric Compact has a steel frame, whereas the Electric Boda Boda has an aluminum frame. Needless to say, the Yuba Electric Boda Boda is lighter. Still, the Kombi E5 Electric Compact offers better durability and shock absorption.
Additionally, it uses 26″ tires, which provide faster rolling speed. However, the battery capacity is the same as the Kombi E5 Electric Compact, and it uses the same Shimano RD-M2000 gear system. However, the Electric Boda Boda has a torque of 60Nm, which is higher than the Kombi E5 Electric Compact. This means it can handle steep slopes better and has faster acceleration compared to the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact.
So, if you frequently encounter uphill rides, you may want to consider the Yuba Electric Boda Boda. If you prefer the steel frame of the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact, you can give it a try as well.
Learn More: Is Yuba Boda Cargo Bike a Good Choice? -[Yuba Boda Cargo Bike Review]
Summary
The above is our review of the Yuba Kombi E5 Electric Compact. This is a good long-tail cargo bike that offers users added convenience. Considering all aspects, we give it a high score of 4.83. If you want more information about bicycles, please check out our other reviews.
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