Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep

Images from manufacturer's website

40 mi

RANGE

20 mph

TOP SPEED

5 hrs

CHARGE TIME

54 lbs

WEIGHT

Mid-drive

MOTOR TYPE

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Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep Review: Takeaway

For a relatively low price, the Trek Verse+ 3 Lowstep is a high-quality utility and commuter electric bike that’ll soon have you making excuses not to drive the car. The Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep is ideal for seniors returning to cycling and those who may lack the will to raise their legs over a crossbar. It comes with an amply powered mid-drive motor and good range.

Ideal for...

Commuting

Cafe hopping

Family rides

Longer rides in the countryside

Seniors returning to cycling

Trek Verve+ 3 Overview

A great-looking low-step electric bike, the Trek Verve+ 3 Lowstep has all the gear you need to cycle around town with minimal effort. The Bosch Active Plus mid-drive motor offers up to 50 Newton meters of torque, which will see you sail up even the steepest inclines with minimal effort.

Supporting the motor is the 500 Wh in-tube battery that offers up to 40 miles of real-world cycling. If this isn’t enough, you can double the range with the optional clip-on range extender. A 9-speed Shimano Alvio transmission offers great ratios even for tougher climbs, and the Shimano M200 hydraulic braking system with 160mm rotors on the front and rear helps you stop with precision.

Though it lacks a suspension fork, Trek has included a suspension seatpost so your rump doesn’t get tenderized while riding. Rounding the bike off are full fenders, a rack, and lights. Including rider weight, it’ll carry up to 300 lbs, which means you can tote a full load of groceries or everything you need for work.

Reasons to Buy

At this price point, the Verve+ 3 Lowstep is a very competitive e-bike. We like the overall looks and the components that’ll make this a dream to ride. Thanks to the way the motor and battery sit on the Verve+ 3, you’ll get a riding feel very similar to that of a traditional bike. The traditional bike elements on this e-bike are very good for the price, too.

If you’re planning to get very active, then go for the clip-on range extender battery and enjoy up to 80 miles of riding a day. You’ll soon sweat off any lard over a few weeks of doing that!

Things to Consider

Many e-bikes in the U.S. have throttles that can allow for motorcycle-style, sweat-free riding. As with all Trek e-bikes, this lacks a throttle. There are equivalently priced e-bikes like the Pedego City Commuter that have a similar look with a throttle, but many will lack a quality warranty like that offered by Trek.

Specs & Components

Brand

Trek

Motor

Bosch Active Plus

Battery

Bosch 500 Wh in-tube

Display

Bosch Purion

Power Delivery

PAS

Transmission

Shimano Alvio 9-speed, 11-32t cog

Wheels

700 x 50c Bontrager Hard Case Lite

Seatpost

Suspension seatpost

Accessories

Rear rack, full fenders, lights

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

 4.5/5

4.5

Though it only comes with a 250W motor, the Verve+ 3 still offers a very reasonable 50 Nm of torque. In most city environments, you’ll find that nothing stands in your way on the highest pedal assist setting.

A small limitation is the speed of just 20 mph. There are Class 3 e-bikes out there that’ll get up to 28 mph — if you’re planning long-distance commutes, have a look to see if any better suit your needs.

Range

 4.5/5

4.5

With a very efficient drivetrain, the 40 miles we cite is about realistic for this electric bike. If you face a particularly hilly route or have to carry a large load, then the range will be impacted.

The bike’s efficiency comes in part from its road tires, 9-speed transmission, and the Bosch Active Plus motor system.

Comfort

 4.5/5

4.5

Lacking a suspension fork, this e-bike may make your arms tired. However, you’ll be sat in an upright, city bike position, and the 50c balloon tires will compensate for that. Under the Bontrager Boulevard seat is a suspension fork that’ll prevent you from getting aches in your rear.

This electric bike also comes in four size options that fit riders as short as 4’10” and as tall as 6’1″ — meaning everyone can find their perfect fit.

Durability

 4.5/5

4.5

One of the big selling points of this e-bike is its Bontrager E6 Hard-Case Lite tires. Though not completely puncture-proof, they’ll handle a lot more abuse than many other commercially available tires.

As with all pedal assist-only e-bikes, you’ll likely have to keep your chain oiled and change it out every 1,000 miles or so. The brake pads will also need replacing every 500-1,000 miles.

Trek offers a lifetime warranty on its frames and rigid forks, as well as a two-year warranty on its alloy wheels. Bosch and Shimano offer warranties separate from this.

Style

 4.5/5

4.5

While not an electric bike to make you drool, it’s certainly no ugly duckling. We offer a high score thanks to the shape of its downtube and overall proportions. Offered in black, muted sea green, and muted blue, the color schemes are nicely refined, too.

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

Written by Richard Shrubb

Contributing Author

Richard is a well-established journalist and copywriter with years of experience in the EV and e-bike world. He has worked with international sailing magazines, e-bike publications, and national newspapers.

Edited by Kristy Snyder

Professional Editor

Kristy Snyder is a professional writer and editor living in Pittsburgh with over 10 years of content creation experience. When she's not contributing to eBikes.org, Kristy enjoys reading, practicing yoga, drinking beer, and hitting up rail trails.

Meet Our Editorial Team