In January 2020, I decided to try out an electric bike from Walmart and picked up a Kent 700c step-thru model. Like many, I was curious if a budget-friendly e-bike from a big-box store could actually be a reliable option. Now, after putting over 1100 miles on this bike, I wanted to share my experience and insights.
From the moment I got the bike, my attention to detail kicked in. I went through every part, adjusting the brakes and derailleur, and making sure every nut, screw, and bolt was properly tightened and secured. I even used thread lock on critical components. The wheels were trued, and I checked and replaced the grease in the front forks, headset, pedal bearings, and front wheel hub bearings – even though they seemed adequately greased from the factory. The forks themselves are basic, made by Mode, with a single coil spring and damping adjustment, reflecting the bike’s budget nature.
To personalize the ride and make it more practical, I added a more comfortable seat, a rear rack for carrying items, and lights for safety. To track my rides, I installed a Ranico PC commuter, a simple but effective device for measuring distance and mileage. I’ve cross-referenced its readings with my car and a cycling app to ensure accuracy. Typically, I ride between 10 to 20 miles daily, weather permitting, often exploring the greenway paths along Houston’s bayous. On one memorable ride, I managed 27 miles on a single charge in Mode 1, with still two bars of battery life remaining. Using higher assist modes like 2 or 3 understandably drains the battery faster. My rides often involve stops and starts for fishing along the bayous, which I believe also impacts battery longevity.
