The Centauri II performs above average in one reviewer's standardized hill climbing test.
Testers enjoy the comfortable ride, citing the gel saddle, ergonomic grips, and upright riding position.
Experts relish the smooth and responsive pedal assist.
Testing shows linear increases in power across the pedal assist levels.
The Gates Carbon CDX belt drive is quiet, grease-free, and low-maintenance.
Assembly is quick and easy, according to testers.
Reviewers compliment the sleek colorways, headlight and battery integration, and reflective paint details.
Vvolt offers this bike in three sizes, fitting a wide stated height range of 4'9" to 6'4"
The Centauri II comes with an integrated headlight, a taillight, fenders, and a display with USB-A charge port.
The frame has three-pack fork mounts, two bottle cage mounts, rear rack mounts, and built-in belt tensioners.
The Centauri II has a high payload capacity of 440lb.

11 reasons not to buy

Riders must coast for one second in order to downshift, which is particularly inconvenient when climbing.
A reviewer reports a delay between Boost mode finishing and pedal assist kicking back in.
Boost mode can trigger an upshift if accelerating past the preset shift point, frustrating testers.
All product images show the Centauri II with a rear rack, but this costs extra.
A 185lb reviewer gets just 23.4 miles in a max assist range test, the lowest of the mid-drive e-commuters tested by the publication.
The speeds at which the automatic hub shifts can be modified, but the interval between shifts (6mph) cannot.
One reviewer feels the cadence is too high by the time the hub shifts to third gear.
The Centauri II doesn't have brake lights.
The Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes lack a motor inhibitor switch.
Several reviewers find the 30mm mono-shock suspension stiff.
The below-average 2A charger results in lengthy charge times.

Bottom line

Vvolt's Centauri II is a commuter e-bike with a 350W mid-drive motor and 490Wh battery. The Gates Carbon belt drive and internally geared hub provide a low-maintenance, grease-free ride. Experts praise the comfort, stable handling, and smooth, responsive power. However, the bike lacks safety features like a motor inhibitor switch and a brake light. Some testers find the automatic shifting clunky, as it requires coasting to downshift, only shifts at preset speeds, and can be triggered by Boost mode. The lengthy charging time and below-average range also disappoint. Despite its flaws, experts call the Centauri II a compelling mid-drive e-commuter.

By Reda Ashour

Expert Reviews

94/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews

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Electric Bike Report

Level 3 expert

Vvolt Centauri II Review | It Doesn’t Get Much Easier!

Level 3 expert

We happily recommend the Centauri II as a daily-use e-bike for the morning commute. It’s also well-suited to riders seeking a functional, active, and natural-feeling bike that’s easy to use and maintain.

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Ebike Escape

Level 2 expert

Vvolt Centauri II Review: “The Trifecta” Plus Auto Shift

Level 2 expert

Despite all of its features, the mid-drive motor, monoshock suspension, Autoshift3, and Gates CDX belt drive, the Centauri II is incredibly easy and intuitive to ride. Simply power it on, adjust your pedal assist levels as needed, and just pedal.

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Mobile with M@

Level 1 expert

Vvolt Centauri II E-Bike: Effortless and Reliable City Commuting

Level 1 expert

I’ve got to have this Gates [belt] and the automatic transmission. It’s a very compelling bike that checks all the boxes for the ultimate commuter… It shifts nicely, it has ample options for assist levels.

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Electric Bike Review

Level 3 expert

Vvolt Centauri II Review: Smooth Ride, Smart Features, Honest Thoughts

Level 3 expert

… they created a bike that stands out with its smooth ride, quiet operation, and low-maintenance Gates belt drivetrain. It’s clear this bike was designed with commuters and everyday riders in mind, offering a practical and reliable experience.

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Lifehacker

Level 1 expert

The Vvolt Centauri II Just Became My New Favorite E-Bike

Level 1 expert

The weight, power, comfort, and handling is balanced for everyday riding, and its features performed better than I expected, including the belt drive with automatic transmission and mid-drive motor. Overall, The Centauri II raises the bar for commuter-style bikes.

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Forbes

Level 1 expert