Last updated on March 22nd, 2022 at 01:39 pm
Performance and Riding
Like most e-bikes in the UK, the Axon Pro’s motor provides a maximum 250W of assistance and top powered speed of 15.5mph. These are the legal limits for e-bikes in this country. The motor is in the rear wheel hub.
Without gears to worry about, this is a very easy bike to ride. Just push off and pedal, or if you need a little help there’s the thumb-operated throttle on the right. If you don’t use this, there is a notable delay before the power kicks in as you pedal, and this is also evident if you freewheel for a bit and then start pedalling again. The delivery is nowhere near as immediate as the Mark2 ebikes we have tested, for example.
This is fine once you get used to it, though, and there is plenty of push from the electric motor, particularly at top power mode. We tried the Axon Pro on reasonably steep hills and the assistance made light work of them. The steering is precise, and the bike feels reassuringly solid. The brakes are also potent (of which more later).
Range and Charging
The range of the Axon Pro depends which version you buy. The basic Pro and Lite models, with their 5.2Ah batteries, can deliver up to 25 miles. The Max's larger 7Ah battery extends this to 30 miles. Either will be fine for most daily commutes in a city, although the Max just gives you that little bit more if you need it – or more opportunity to use the top power setting if your journey includes lots of steep hills.
Since the battery is integrated into the seat pole, though, you won’t be able to carry a spare with you. This also means you charge the bike directly and can't leave it somewhere while you charge the battery on its own somewhere more convenient. For charging, a 13-amp adapter is supplied, which will take around 3.5 hours from empty to full for the 5.2Ah battery, and more like 4 hours for the Max's 7Ah battery.
Running Costs
Because e-bikes assist rather than providing all the power from the electric motor, they are extremely cheap to run (unless you factor in feeding the rider…). The Axon Pro, assuming our usual 14p per kWh, costs around 0.1p per mile, so even as electricity rates double (or beyond) the running costs will be negligible.
Safety
Disc brakes are standard on all versions of the Axon Pro, which is reassuring and one of the reasons why this bike warrants a higher price. Cheaper foldable ebikes usually use rubber friction pad V-brakes. The hydraulic system on the Pro and Pro Max is even more confidence inspiring.
We also appreciate the built-in lights front and rear, ensuring you will be visible in the dark. The built-in horn is a bit weak, but it's still better than the old traditional bells from bikes you used to ride when you were a kid.
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