WaltX Spark 1: ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The WaltX Spark 1 Electric Bicycle is built on strong full Alloy frame. The frame geometry is bit unique with a semi-curving top tube. This slight curve on the top tube helps get extra standover clearance, which results in easy getting on and getting off the bicycle and also makes it compatible for women and shorter riders in general. The riding posture is comfortable and the Alloy frame does absorb vibrations of the surface when riding through bumpy surfaces at higher speeds.

The Spark 1 comes with a front suspension fork with an impressive 80mm travel. During the test ride this suspension fork helped riding smoothly over rough roads.

The WaltX Spark 1 comes in a full Black primary colour with Celeste and Grey as the secondary colours for graphics and text. The Celeste shade of green blends well with the Black and Grey, creating an elegant look. The battery pack on the bottom tube has colour coded graphics and is also shaped in such a way that it does not look out of place. The front and rear LED lights were stylish in design and were not only useful features for visibility in the dark but also enhanced the aesthetics of this bicycle.

The Spark 1 which I test rode came with a 1x7-Speed Shimano Tourney rear derailleur. Gears in an Electric Bicycle help in keeping up to the battery assisted speed of the bicycle by adjusting the pressure in pedalling. These gears are also useful when the battery charge is low or if the charge has run out, as one can use it to ride efficiently. During the test ride these gears shifted smoothly and the shifters were easy to operate.

The WaktX Spark 1 comes with a 36V 250W brushless DC motor with waterproof casing and is located at the hub of the rear wheel. This is powered by a rechargeable and detachable Lithium-Ion battery, with a capacity of 7.8Ah. The battery takes around 3-4 hours to charge and can last for 35-50 kilometres per charge on Pedal Assist and 25-35 kilometres on Throttle. The mileage on an electric bicycle can vary according to weather, rider weight and road inclines. Pedal assist mode gives more mileage than throttle mode. The battery pack on the bottom tube is easily detachable and can be carried along for charging.

The E-Bicycle functions on two operating modes, one being Pedal Assist and the second being Throttle driven. In the Pedal Assist mode, there are 3 levels – each level determining the amount of battery push provided for each pedal rotation. Level 1 being the least, and level 3 being the highest battery push. The level 3 Pedal Assist setting allowed me to reach 25 kmph with minimum effort. In the second mode, you can get this Electric Cycle moving by simply rotating the throttle on the right grip of the handlebar, similar to the accelerator on motorbikes and scooters. The maximum speed achievable on this mode is also 25 kmph, however using this mode one does not have to pedal, at all. The pick-up was impressive while using both modes and the electric power was more than sufficient to effortlessly ride on inclines and rough roads.

The WaltX Spark 1 comes with Logan Mechanical Disc brakes at the front and rear. Since Electric Bicycles deliver speeds that require no efforts, braking is an important component, in case one needs to get the bicycle to a full stop as quick as possible and in a balanced manner. During the test ride the Mechanical Disc brakes on this bicycle worked efficiently, giving me the confidence to ride fast in heavy city traffic. Both the brake cables acts as a motor cut off, and it responds quickly.

The Raiser handlebar on this bicycle is 600mm long, allowing for a comfortable riding position. The reach to the console on the left, and the grip accelerator on the right was easy to reach, without straining.

The WaltX Spark 1 comes with DSI 26” x 2.0” MTB tires. The heavy treading on the tires enabled rolling over any hard surface. 26” tires are great in terms of on road performance as they roll fast and can take on potholes and occasional rough and rugged roads. The tires are sure to provide adequate traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

The Saddle on this bicycle is comfortable. It was well cushioned throughout, leaving no room for saddle sores or general discomfort when used on longer rides.