Embarking on the journey of electric biking doesn’t always necessitate breaking the bank. For budget-conscious riders, retailers like Walmart offer a gateway into the world of e-bikes. One such option that has garnered attention is the Kent 700c step-thru electric bike, available at Walmart. This article delves into a real-world experience with this electric bike Walmart, exploring its performance, durability, and overall value after extensive use and some owner modifications.
My journey began in January 2020 when I purchased a Kent 700c step-thru from Walmart. Upon receiving the bike, a thorough inspection and adjustment process was immediately undertaken. This involved meticulous attention to detail, addressing everything from brake and derailleur adjustments to tightening every nut, screw, and bolt, even incorporating thread lock for added security. Wheel trueness was ensured by adjusting spoke tension, and all bearings—including those in the front forks, headset, pedals, and front wheel hub—were checked and regreased with a preferred lubricant, despite already having sufficient grease from the factory.
Image alt text: Close-up of a modified Kent ebike battery case interior, showing plastic straws inserted to dampen battery movement and reduce noise.
While the Mode brand forks were identified as entry-level, featuring a single coil spring and damping adjustment, they proved functional for everyday riding. Personalization and enhanced functionality were achieved through several upgrades. A more comfortable seat was installed, along with a rear rack and lights for practicality and safety. To track ride metrics, a Ranico PC commuter was added, providing data on distance and mileage. Its accuracy was cross-verified against car odometers and cycling apps, confirming its reliability for basic tracking needs.
Daily commutes typically range between 10 to 20 miles, weather permitting. Ventures onto Houston’s scenic greenway paths along the bayous have also been frequent. The bike impressively completed a 27-mile ride on one such path, still showing two bars of battery life remaining in Mode 1 (lowest assist level). It’s observed that utilizing higher assist modes (2 or 3) reduces battery longevity. Frequent stops and starts during bayou rides, often for fishing breaks, are also believed to impact battery performance.
As of this writing, this electric bike Walmart purchase has accumulated over 1100 miles without any major issues. Flat tires, chain derailments, or electrical malfunctions have been absent, attesting to the bike’s surprising reliability. Routine maintenance has been diligently performed to ensure continued smooth operation. Seeking replacement brake pads from Kent led to an unexpected solution; due to the pads being non-removable, a complete set of front and rear calipers with pads was provided for a reasonable $20 including shipping.
Visually, the Kent 700c frame exhibits a striking resemblance to the more premium Espin Flow ebike, hinting at shared design origins or manufacturing. The bike’s quiet and zippy nature is particularly appreciated, aligning with a preference for silent operation. An initial rattling noise, seemingly emanating from the front end, proved elusive for some time. Extensive troubleshooting efforts were undertaken to pinpoint the source. The resolution came unexpectedly when, upon removing the battery after a ride, a slight knocking sound was detected. The battery’s movement within its Reention case was identified as the culprit.
Driven by curiosity and a desire to eliminate the noise, the battery case was carefully opened. While acknowledging the warranty voidance, this provided an opportunity to examine the battery’s internal construction and components. Kent’s claim of Samsung battery cells couldn’t be definitively verified without removing the cells from their casing, but the cell color was consistent with Samsung batteries. To dampen the battery movement and eliminate the knocking, strategically placed plastic straws were inserted within the battery frame. This simple modification effectively resolved the noise issue.
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