In January 2020, venturing into the world of electric bikes on a budget, I picked up a Kent 700c step-through e-bike from Walmart. Like many, the accessibility and price point of Walmart E Bikes were undeniably attractive. However, as someone with a keen eye for detail and a touch of OCD, I knew a simple unboxing wouldn’t suffice. My journey began with a thorough inspection and tune-up, ensuring this budget e-bike was ready for the long haul. What followed was over 1000 miles of riding, tweaking, and discovering the true potential of an entry-level electric bicycle.
Initial Setup and OCD-Driven Enhancements
Straight out of the box, my Kent e-bike became a project. I meticulously went over every component: brakes, derailleur, nuts, screws, and bolts – tightening and torquing them all, even adding thread lock for extra security. The wheels were treated to a spoke tightening and truing session. I even disassembled the front forks, headset, pedal bearings, and front wheel hub bearings. While they were adequately greased from the factory, I cleaned and repacked them with my preferred grease for enhanced longevity and performance.
The front forks, branded “Mode,” are undeniably basic, featuring a single coil spring and a damping adjustment. Recognizing areas for improvement, I swapped out the stock seat for a more comfortable one, added a rear rack for practicality, installed lights for safety, and integrated a Ranico PC commuter. This inexpensive cycling computer effectively tracks distance and mileage, proving surprisingly accurate when compared to my car’s odometer and cycling apps.
Performance and Battery Life in Real-World Riding
My typical riding routine involves 10 to 20 miles daily, weather permitting. Living near Houston’s bayous, I often explore the scenic greenway paths. On one occasion, I pushed the bike to 27 miles on these paths in Mode 1 (pedal assist level 1), and still had two battery bars remaining. Naturally, using higher assist modes (2 or 3) drains the battery faster. Frequent stops and starts during my rides, especially when fishing along the bayous, also seem to impact battery life.
As of this writing, my Kent e-bike has clocked over 1100 miles without any major issues. I haven’t experienced a single flat tire, chain derailment, or electrical malfunction. This speaks volumes about the fundamental reliability of even a budget-friendly Walmart e bike.
Maintenance and Unexpected Discoveries
Routine maintenance has been key to the bike’s longevity. When the time came for brake pad replacement, I contacted Kent, only to learn that the pads are non-removable on the stock calipers. However, their customer service was commendable. For just $20, including shipping, they sent me complete front and rear calipers with pads, a cost-effective solution.
Interestingly, the frame design closely resembles that of the more expensive Espin Flow e-bike. Beyond the functional aspects, I appreciate the bike’s quiet operation. A noisy bike is a major annoyance for me, further fueling my meticulous nature. For a while, I was chasing down a persistent rattle that seemed to originate from the front end. After countless checks, the culprit was surprisingly simple: the battery. It was slightly loose within its enclosure. Taking the battery apart (voiding the warranty, I know!), I inserted plastic straws at strategic points within the battery frame to dampen movement against the case – a DIY fix that completely eliminated the noise. Kent claims to use Samsung batteries, and while I didn’t remove the cells from their casing, the battery color hinted at this possibility.
Securing a Spare and Addressing Charger Issues
Curious about obtaining a second battery, I contacted Kent again. They quoted $325, shipping included. Fortuitously, shortly after purchasing my initial bike, Walmart had a brief sale, dropping the price to $598. I seized the opportunity and bought a second bike, effectively getting a spare battery and a whole host of backup components for less than the cost of just the battery alone.
Recently, I encountered an issue with my battery charger. It started blinking red and green, which initially worried me, suggesting a potential battery problem. However, swapping to the charger from my second bike resolved the issue. According to the charger’s manual, a flashing red and green light indicates a shorted coil or a broken rectifier tube. I plan to contact Kent about a replacement charger. As a personal precaution, you might notice a 2-inch Velcro strap around the battery in the pictures. This is simply an added measure of security for my peace of mind while riding.
Final Thoughts: Is a Walmart E-Bike a Smart Choice?
How much longer will my Walmart e bike last? Only time will tell. But after over 1000 miles, my experience with this Kent step-through has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s comfortable, surprisingly robust, and provides excellent value for the price. For anyone considering an affordable entry into the world of electric bikes, especially those looking at Walmart e bikes, my journey suggests they are definitely worth considering. I’ll continue to update this review as my mileage and experiences accumulate.
