Voladors Folding Electric Bike - 20" Lightweight Foldable Ebike for Adults, 350W Motor, 32 Mile Range, 7-Speed Gears, 38 lbs Compact Commuter E-Bike, Class 2 with Throttle & Pedal Assist

{Written by John V's sweetie, who bought the bike!]Years ago, when I was attempting to ride my 7 speed hybrid bike up the colossal inclines in the Albuquerque foothills, I recall thinking “If only I had a little motor that could push me up the hill.” Flash forward 10 - 15 years or so, and by golly, electric bikes were invented for me to do just that.I am a researcher, so I pored over all the popular brands, and found a couple of favorites. But it was tough to find a bike that fit my 5’1” stature, and had all the bells and whistles I was looking for in an affordable price. And, after visiting a few LBS, salespeople told me I’d also need a rack for my car to transport them, which could run up to $1000. Yikes.So I began a search for a lightweight folding bike around $1000 that had: * Gears * Lightweight * Throttle * Folding * Fit my height * 5 levels of pedal assistance (PAS) * 20” tiresHa Ha….not easy to find. I found a few, but they were either astronomically priced, or heavy or otherwise did not fit the bill.Until I found the Qualisports Volador, and its positive reviews on EBR and elsewhere. Folding, 38 lbs, 7 speed, 5 levels of pedal assist, throttle, 20” x 1.95” tires, suitable for my height, $1200 price tag and there seemed to be a robust group of owners and responsive customer service. I would have liked to have test ridden or even sat on one, but this was an online purchase, so I took a chance.I’m so glad I did. You can order direct from the website or through Amazon, and I took the Amazon option and received the package in a few days. It was relatively easy to finalize assembly on, though shout out to Qualisports — please include a pdf download of assembly instructions on the website for those of us who aren’t video-oriented. My red Volador is adorable, comfortable (I am still amazed at how comfortable the original seat is — I didn’t expect that, and planned to buy an aftermarket seat, but no need). The 350W motor easily powers me up even the steepest hills. It was much more gentle than I expected — kind of a feeling of wind at your back giving the boost you need — no jarring surge forward.I’ve used the throttle a few times to start or just to see what it feels like to ride without pedaling. But the beauty of this bike is at 38 lbs (a little more now with the rear rack and a bag on back with a Kryptonite U Lock — bikes are hot property and I want to hang onto mine!), it’s simple to pedal without motor on flat paths and slight hills. So anyone who thinks you don’t get exercise with an ebike —you’re wrong! You get as much exercise as you want!The Volador folds and fits neatly in my trunk. I bought Flat Out to protect my tires from goat heads, though I haven’t installed it yet, so I’ve stuck to the streets and bike paths around my house. It’s a fun, nimble little bike to ride. It gives me a chance to venture beyond my usual walking route. One day I rode 11 miles after work — which isn’t bad after not being on a bike for almost 20 years. I look forward to riding on the gravel paths in the bosque once Flat Out is in my tires.I’ve contacted customer service a couple of times through the Facebook page and they were very responsive and helpful. And I even met up with a fellow Qualisports bike owner at the recent Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta when he and his wife were in town! It’s a great community.And there is magic that happens with this bike. In addition to seeing a LOT of deer, I’ve been noticing people are really friendly when I ride by. I’ve walked along the same streets for years now, but when I ride, people smile and wave. I think the bike is enchanted. And it certainly is enchanting to ride, reconnecting me with that freedom I enjoyed in my youth, just my bike and me, exploring new terrain and going on adventures together. And even though I am sure to wear a helmet, the “wind in my hair” feeling is wonderful!I bought a few items at a local bike shop and they were familiar with Qualisports and were open to working on the bike if need be — which I might need, since the front brakes have been squeaky from the get go. That — and the need for more written information — are the only two issues I’ve had at all.For folks who say you can’t find an affordable, lightweight bike — I say look into Qualisports Volador! You’ll be glad you did.

I have been using this ebike to commute 13 miles to work. It works out great! Got many compliments from other coworker. Since I have to put it in the office, I need a foldable ebike which is small enough but powerful enough to get through the distance. The gear ratio to the pedal assist setting in my opinion is balance. The wheel size with the max speed 20 miles per hour works pretty good - not shaky and easy to handle.Delivery: Ok but not great. I wish I could get a notification ahead of time. Since the package showed what is inside the box. It could be a problem of being stolen. I live in an area where lot of people pass by daily so I was little worry. I instructed to deliver to my backyard so nobody would spot it and steal it. Of course when you use UPS, which I hate the most, the delivery guy just put it right in front of my door. Definitely not following the instruction. Also it was delivered little delayed.Battery: Pretty good. I wish qualisport could increase the battery size or an option to upgrade the size. I usually able to get through 13 miles without problems. Keep in mind, when is cold weather/ winter/ windy condition, your battery drain much faster. So far luckily I only had couple times that the battery drained out before I got to the destination.Brake: That is bad. It works but it makes squeaky sound from the beginning. Probably just need some adjustment. But when you spent that much money for a new bike, you expect that shouldn't be a problem.Folding part: I wish there is some kind of mechanism to hold the bike together when you fold and push it. It always separate. Kind of annoying. So I have to tie it up. However, I love you could sit on the seat even when folding.Frame/ Chain: The chain keeps hitting the frame on the back wheel. They should put some frame protector like soft cushion on it. Definitely I would suggest you to buy some protector to put on the back frame to avoid the chips. It could get badly.Motor: Quiet responsive and has enough power to go uphill with pedal assist. I am talking about 60 degrees uphill that I had to do daily.Tire size: I think they use a good width to add stability for this size of the bike.Customer service: There isn't any instruction on how to install the bike rack and fenders. I contacted qualisport. Responded fast and very professional. Great people to deal with. Then I had a problem with the battery making those sharp crazy frequency noise that drive people crazy at work. I emailed them and they charged me $15 shipping fee to send me a new one. It seems those batteries are hit and miss. I had a electric scooter. The charger has the same problem but that company just sent me one without any charge since it is still under warranty.Overall: I am pretty satisfied with the purchase. Hope the bike would lasts long.Will provide updates when I hit 1k miles mark.

The Volador is a winner! I am 5 ft 6 and 130 pounds and needed something I could lift and put in the back of my Subaru by myself when my husband’s not around but I also wanted a decent quality sturdy bike that wasn’t gonna cost me thousands. The lightweight folding bikes were 5 to 10 grand and everything else was 50-60 lb but the Volador is only 38 lb. It’s very easy to fold but also comfortable, fun to ride and really sturdy for its weight and size. I tow our little 16 lb dog around in his puppy trailer and the ride is stable, smooth, and safe. They also went above beyond to get me this bike in time for a trip after I couldn’t find it at any of my local bike shops. The owner actually answered the company phone after hours and gave me the phone number of their distribution center and the manager called me back the next day. Five days later the bike was at my door!

It's a good electric bicycle with decent power and range. I got the rear cargo rack too, and with pannier bags it's what I use to do my grocery shopping. It easily handles carrying enough that I only go shopping every week and a half.Inside the supermarket is where my big gripe comes in. Once the bike is folded, it's awkward to carry since it doesn't lock in the folded position or have any handle or shoulder strap. There's also no good way to push or pull the bike along the ground when it's folded up. I've jury rigged some bungee cords to hold it folded and attach it to a grocery cart like a trailer, but the bike doesn't like it and wobbles pretty bad at anything over a walking pace.But if all you need to do is take it out of storage, set it up, ride somewhere, fold it, and put it away, you'll love it.