Vvolt Centauri II

94/100
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Facts

Gender
Release Year
Brand
Charge Time
7 Hours
Maximum Range
60 Miles
Top Speed
28 mph
Watts
350 W
Torque
120 Nm
Volts and Amp Hours
36V 13.6Ah
Class
Drive
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Gearing Type
Weight
55 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material

Summary of Reviews

We have read all expert and user reviews on the Vvolt Centauri II. In summary, this is what cyclists think.

11 reasons to buy

  • 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.

Expert Reviews

94/100 based on 2 rated expert reviews
94
Electric Bike Report

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

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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93
Ebike Escape

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

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@

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

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

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

… ​​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

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

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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The Bad and Good of the Vvolt Centauri II E-Bike

Despite it struggling on the hills by my home, I would recommend it as a consideration to friends who live in flat areas…

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User Ratings

0/100 based on 0 ratings
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Rankings

Compared to other bikes
#38 Best Electric
Top 10%
#24 Best Commuter
Top 10%
#1 Best Vvolt Bike
Top 20%
#74 Best of All Bikes
Top 10%

Bike Comparison

Vvolt Centauri II in comparison to averages