Experts agree that the Charge City offers good value.
The City comes with a rack, fenders, a horn, and lights for urban riding.
This bike has handlebars that swivel 90 degrees and folding pedals, giving it a flat profile for storage.
Two reviewers say the City is the easiest bike they’ve set up.
The City is relatively light (45lb) for a fully-equipped urban e-bike.
Two experts say the 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain shifts efficiently and quietly.
This bike has valve caps that function as tire pressure indicators, turning red when the pressure falls below the optimal range.
Experts enjoy the comfortable ride quality, delivered by an upright ride position, “plush” saddle, and “comfy” grips.
The battery is removable for convenient charging off the bike.
According to reviewers, the City has a stable ride quality.
The relatively narrow 40mm tires allow this bike to roll fast on pavement. One expert highlights the “snappy feel”.

6 reasons not to buy

A buyer and multiple experts complain about the “cheap” mechanical disc brakes. One highlights the lack of a motor cutoff switch.
Several reviewers mention that the City lacks speed and power. An owner says assistance is imperceptible when battery level falls below 25%.
In testing, the City falls short of Charge’s stated range of 50 miles.
One expert says the City’s lack of gearing range leads to ghost pedaling on “the most mellow descents”.
Two testers say the rigid frame and low-volume 40mm tires aren’t forgiving on rough surfaces and recommend sticking to pavement.
Experts and owners have issues aligning the fenders so they don’t rub the tire. One reviewer says they are squeaky.

Bottom line

The Charge City is an affordable commuter e-bike. It's fully equipped with lights, a rack, and fenders. Additionally, it folds flat for storage and has unique tire pressure indicators. The City is relatively light, and experts say it's fast, composed, and comfy on smooth pavement. However, underwhelming power, poor-quality brakes, and an unforgiving ride quality on bumpy roads may deter buyers. All things considered, this is a practical option for those with short, mostly flat commutes and limited storage space at home. But there are better urban options at this price for those who want powerful assistance or more comfort.

By Jordan Grimes

Expert Reviews

76/100 based on 4 rated expert reviews

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GearLab

Level 5 expert

Charge City Review

Level 5 expert

The City makes the most sense for the rider who doesn’t need or want the longest range or most powerful motor but is still looking for a full-size e-bike that is a little lighter and more easily storable than most.

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Tom's Guide

Level 3 expert

Charge Bikes City Review: An Ideal Commuter E-Bike

Level 3 expert

A solid e-bike for commuters, the Charge City is not only perfect for urban riders; it may also be the easiest bike to set up straight out of the box.

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Low Budget Adventurer

Level 1 expert

Charge City Electric Bike – 2023 Designed for City Living and Riding

Level 1 expert

If you want an easy-to-store e-bike that provides enough power and range for street riding and small hills, then the Charge City electric bike is a good choice. It is not as comfortable to ride as other commuter bikes or as powerful.

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Bicycling

Level 5 expert

Tested: The Charge City

Level 5 expert

The Charge City offers up an appealing combination of price, features, and function… Though Charge cut some corners to deliver a lower-priced bike, it still has all the right ingredients for everyday practicality.

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We Tried It

Level 3 expert

Charge City Review: The Smartest Bike on the Block

Level 3 expert

You’d be hard-pressed to find an e-bike with better features for the urban rider. This is a lightweight, collapsible, fun e-bike with everything you need…

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TechCrunch

Level 1 expert

Charge’s City Is an E-Bike for Everyone

Level 1 expert

Overall, the City is a great utilitarian bike for daily riding for everyday folks. From purchasing the bike to storing it, they really have reduced the friction points of owning an e-bike.

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Forbes

Level 1 expert

Smartly Designed Charge City E-Bike Is A Covid-19 Easy Rider

Level 1 expert

The simplified setup is a good step forward, but it’s not perfect yet, so be sure to check those fenders and brakes before mixing with traffic.

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CleanTechnica

Level 2 expert

The Charge City E-Bike Was Designed For City Commuting

Level 2 expert

The downside is that the smaller motor can only deliver 250 watts of power, on average. That’s fine for cities, but don’t expect it to revolutionize a hilly commute or sustain high speeds over long distances. That’s simply not what it was designed for.

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Cool Hunting

Level 1 expert