eBikes.org is supported by readers. When you buy with our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

SONDORS Smart Step E-Bike Review

robb dorr
By
Robb Dorr,
Co-founder
Images from manufacturer's website

40 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

4 hrs

CHARGE TIME

65 lbs

WEIGHT

Rear Hub

MOTOR TYPE

Sponsors keep us charged up

SONDORS Smart Step E-Bike Review: Takeaway

All in all, the Smart Step is a highly functional and stylish ebike for those interested in relaxed city or neighborhood riding. With its lower price point, it’s also one of the best budget electric bikes.

 

Ideal for...

Comfortability
Urban biking

E-Bike Overview

With an upright and relaxed seating position, gel saddle, mid-rise handlebars, and ergonomic rubber grips, the Smart Step provides an easy and comfortable ride through city streets. The large, 27.5-inch CST tires offer great traction on hard surfaces as well as easy riding on bumpy terrain thanks to the high volume of air and deep tread pattern.

The e-bike’s Tektro Aries mechanical disk brakes also provide great stopping power, while the 350-watt, rear-mounted, and geared hub motor from Bafang is exactly what you’d expect for a daily ride. It’s reliable and smooth, yet powerful enough for basic offroad use on compact ground.

SONDORS has also used a high-quality stainless steel chain which isn’t just more durable than other materials, but also rust-resistant. The e-bike’s aluminum frame allows it to maintain a lighter weight for transportation, yet its ability to carry up to 300 lbs proves just how sturdy this product is.

Reasons to Buy

At $1,199, the 2020 SONDORS Smart Step is on the lower end of the e-bike price range and offers great value for the money. Additionally, SONDORS has upgraded its once-standard 30-day warranty to a one-year comprehensive warranty, giving you peace of mind.

The model’s step-thru frame and ability to fold in half are two of its biggest selling points. The step-thru frame gives you greater accessibility, while the foldable e-bike frame allows you to easily transport it in your trunk or store it in tight spaces — like an apartment or small garage.

The LCD display is easy to use. It also maintains optimum visibility throughout your ride — even with the glare of direct sunlight.

Things to Consider

The SONDORS Smart Step is only available in one frame size, which can prove troublesome for taller riders. And for e-bike riders who love their accessories, keep in mind that none are included with this model. Therefore, you’ll need to factor in any additional accessories and their costs, such as lights, mudguards, racks, etc.

Another downside — the LCD display cannot be removed from the bike, placing it at risk of getting damaged when being stored in crowded bike racks or outdoors.

The CST tires also have some limitations, including a lack of visibility due to no reflective striping on the sidewalls. Additionally, they lack puncture protection.

Specs & Components

Motor
350 watt
Controller
15 AMP
Battery
36V 10.4Ah Lithium-ion battery
Charging
2A charger included
Suspension
Front fork
Gears
7-speed with Grip Shifter
Frame size
16 in (40.64 cm)
Folded dimensions
38.5 in x 13.5 in x 36.6 in
Battery weight
5.2 lbs
Motor weight
6.5 lbs
Tires
27.5 in x 3 in
Standover height
20.5 in
Seat height
31.5 in to 41.5 in
Load capacity
300 lbs
Pedals
Wellgo Folding Platform, plastic
Brakes
Tektro Aries mechanical disk brakes
Accessories
Center-mount adjustable kickstand

The specs above come from the manufacturer and may vary from what you’ve experienced. Notice something that needs correcting? Let us know.

Ratings

Power
2.5/5
2.5

With a 360-watt rear-hub motor, this electric bike won’t let you climb a mountain. But for most city riding (short of Portland or San Francisco), you’ll find that this delivers perfectly adequate power for most riding. At 65 lbs, this is a heavyweight electric bike, especially with its smaller form. Power is also lost through friction with the road thanks to the hefty, 3” wide tires.

 

Range
1.5/5
1.5

The 374-watt-hour battery on an already heavy frame is going to offer a realistic 25-30 miles on pedal assist as long as you aren’t constantly riding big hills. For flatter cities — perhaps Chicago or New York — this is perfectly fine for commuter riding or handling shorter utility runs. If you’re in a hilly city, then look for an electric bike with a bigger battery and a more efficient powertrain.

 

Comfort
4.5/5
4.5

Though the Sondors Smart Step looks like a mountain bike, it’s more of a city bike in terms of comfort and riding position. It features higher handlebars and a more upright posture while riding. This isn’t ideal for shifting your weight around quickly off-road but is comfortable for winding through city streets. The spring suspension forks and 27.5” mountain bike wheels will make for a very comfortable ride, even on rough paths and suburban tracks.

 

Durability
3/5
3

Because of its lower-quality components, you’ll need to look after this bike a bit more than higher-end models. As with all chain/cassette drive bikes, you should work on changing the chain every 500 or so miles to reduce the risk of breakage. The chain should be oiled after every other ride and every time it gets wet, too.

You’ll also need to adjust the brake cable periodically to allow for cable stretch. Cables will typically last 1,000 miles of riding, or a similar time to the brake pads.

 

Style
5/5
5

The looks of this electric bike are pretty commonplace. Yes, it can be folded away for storage in smaller spaces (but it’s still too large to go under your desk at work), and the step-through design is good for those with lower mobility/who don’t want to raise their legs too high.

Other than that, this is a fairly unremarkable electric bike to look at. This could be a distinct advantage for leaving it locked in high-risk areas, as thieves may well prefer a sexier machine nearby.

 

Our Research Methodology

We personally research and test every e-bike featured in our reviews and guides to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn how we review.

About Our Editorial Team

robb dorr
Written by Robb Dorr
Co-founder
Robb is a massive cycling enthusiast who has more than 20 years of non-motorized cycling experience. He started eBikes.org to lower the barrier of entry to cycling and reduce the intimidation people can experience when getting into the cycling world.

E-Bikes From the Same Brand

SONDORS LX
Fat-tire, Mountain, Step-thru
4.8
4.8
Rating
30 mi
Range
Mid-drive
Motor
SONDORS Rockstar
All Terrain, Mountain
3.4
3.4
Rating
60 mi
Range
Mid-drive
Motor
SONDORS Cruiser
Beach Cruiser, City, Commuter, Step-thru
4
4
Rating
60 mi
Range
Rear Hub
Motor
These ads keep the power on

Reviews of E-Bikes for Similar Activities

Ride1Up CF Racer1
All Terrain, City, Commuter, Gravel, Road
4.2
4.2
Rating
24 mi
Range
Rear Hub
Motor
Heybike Tyson
All Terrain, City, Commuter, Road
4.5
4.5
Rating
55 mi
Range
Rear Hub
Motor
Kona Coco HD
Beach Cruiser, Commuter, Step-thru
4.7
4.7
Rating
50 mi
Range
Rear Hub
Motor

Other E-Bike Reviews

Heybike Tyson
All Terrain, City, Commuter, Road
4.5
4.5
Rating
55 mi
Range
Rear Hub
Motor
Kona Coco HD
Beach Cruiser, Commuter, Step-thru
4.7
4.7
Rating
50 mi
Range
Rear Hub
Motor
TENWAYS CGO800S
City, Commuter, Step-thru
4.8
4.8
Rating
48 mi
Range
Rear Hub
Motor

Be The First To Know

Sign up for eBikes.org emails to be the first to see reviews, news, and exclusive deals and discounts from e-bike brands.