Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 Review 2023
Discover prices & deals for this fantastic fat tire eBike
- LCD display
- Fully folding
- Adjustable seat
- Grippy 20" fat-tires
- Great range (40 miles)
- Supports up to 260 lbs
- Quiet 500W brushless motor
- Removable/locking battery
- Near indestructible carbon-steel front fork
- Speedy charging - charges in just 4-6 hours
- 7-speed transmission system
- Premium quality Samsung battery
- Comfortable memory foam saddle
- Easy mount walk-through frame
- Responsive front & rear disc brakes
- Includes additional basket, fender & rear rack
- Suitable for both on and off-road use
- Cheap replacement tires should you get a puncture
- No cruise control
- No front lighting
- A little heavier than competitors (27 kg)
- Fairly average speed for the price (20 mp/h)
- Air-filled tires susceptible to puncturing
Specification: Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 Review 2023
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Overview
Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 Review & Overview
In this section of our 2023 Rebel 1.0 review, we discuss a number of specs, stats and features included in this fantastic fat tire electric bike. To start with, the Rebel 1.0 features a fully folding frame, making compact packing, transportation and storage a breeze. This folding eBike may very well become a fast favourite for both short and long range commuters alike, thanks to its remarkable 40 mile range.
Alongside this, this folding frame is also fashioned from a lightweight yet highly durable aluminium alloy, resulting in a weight of just 60 lbs (27 kg); especially impressive when you consider that the Rebel 1.0 supports weights of up to 260 lbs (118 kg), over 4 times its own weight. A high strength carbon-steel front fork soaks up harsh hits to ensure a smooth ride wherever you go.
Furthermore, the Rebel 1.0 even includes a free basket, fender and rear rack, great for both city and rural use; easily transport your stuff home from work or food from the supermarket, all in your new best basket friend. The fat tire design offers greater versatility and functionality, accommodating for both on and off road use, alongside offering greater grip and control.
Everything is conveniently situated exactly where you’d expect, with the horn and LCD display on the handlebars. This LCD display allows riders to check their current/average/max speed, distance travelled and more, all at a quick glance. This fat tire eBike further features a 7-speed transmission system, allowing riders to easily switch their speed and gear to match their needs. Lastly, Civi Bikes also offer 1 year warranty on all official purchases, giving you that extra piece of mind should any faults arise.
Speed, Power & Distance
Speed, Power & Distance
Moving on to the speed, power & distance section of our Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 review for 2023. As many are aware, a decent level of speed and power are required to make riding an eBike worth it, and the Rebel 1.0 delivers. The high-torque, brushless 500W motor silently propels the Rebel 1.0 to speeds of up to 20 mp/h, powered by a 48V 13Ah Lithium-ion battery offering a range of up to 40 miles.
Furthermore, the motor actually has a peak output of 800W, offering more power when necessary and on demand. We believe this potent performance more than ample for many casual commuters and eBike enthusiasts; with few riders requiring more mileage than offered.
Of course, such speeds are useless without adequate stopping power; which the Rebel 1.0 accounts for with super responsive front & rear disc brakes, allowing riders to make sharp, sudden stops on short notice. Unfortunately, we found no evidence of any cruise control, which would be a welcome addition for long range riders and cruising commuters. Please note, range/speed offered is relative to using throttle only. Riders wishing to lend a leg are rewarded with extended mileage and higher top speeds, depending on how much effort you put in.
How fast does it go?
20 mp/h (32.2 km/h)
What age/weight is it suitable for?
Whilst there is no official statement on the recommended age of the Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0, we believe it most suitable for teens and adults over the age of 13+. This is due to the recommended height range of 5′ – 6’2″, making it difficult for younger riders and those of smaller stature to ride.
However, the height adjustable memory foam seat offers some level of leeway, allowing riders to suit their height and ride with comfort. Furthermore, the Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 also supports an impressive max. weight of approx. 260 lbs (118 kg), over four times its own 60 lbs (27 kg) weight.
What is the range/distance?
40 miles (64 km), making it a great long distance commuting eBike.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery Life & Charging
Moving on to the battery life & charging section of our Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 review, and quite certainly a section of interest. As you may know, a poor performing or bad battery is every riders bane, affecting speed, range, power, charge time and overall performance. Riders can rest easy in the knowledge that their awesome ride is powered by a top quality Samsung 48V 13Ah Lithium-ion battery, offering a range of up to 40 miles.
Many may expect an equivalent exchange in the form of charge time for the remarkable range offered. However, this is not the case, with the Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 boasting a charge time of just 4-6 hours from empty. This is especially impressive when you consider similarly priced and performing electric bikes requiring in excess of 12+ hours to fully charge.
Furthermore, this Lithium-ion battery is fully removable, allowing riders to transport and conveniently charge their battery from anywhere. This feature also enables riders to transport and stockpile spare batteries; effectively allowing riders to continue to interchange their flat battery for a fully charged spare.
Thanks to this feature, riders can double, triple, quadruple, etc. their mileage, with the ride only ending when they run out of batteries; check out the Rebel 1.0 spare battery here. Lastly, Civi Bikes offer one year warranty for all official purchases, meaning that your battery and bike is protected and repaired should any faults arise.
How long does it take to charge?
4-6 hours, a fast charging eBike considering the remarkable range offered.
Battery protection & safety
Unspecified. Whilst many high-spec electric bikes offer water resistance, we recommend contacting the supplier to confirm the exact rating. Learn about IP ratings here.
How long will the battery last for?
An average quality Lithium-ion battery offers life span of approx. 500-1000+ charge cycles before any faults arise. As a premium quality Samsung Lithium-ion battery, riders should expect the latter of 1000+ charge cycles before expecting any issues. For some perspective, even if you were charging and riding your Rebel 1.0 daily, it would still take around 2-3+ years to reach this point.
Design & Ergonomics
Design and Ergonomics
The design of the Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 was clearly carefully considered, following more of a traditional bike aesthetic with a slightly lowered frame. This lowered walk-through frame has become fairly common amongst folding electric bikes; extremely convenient for elderly riders and those with mobility issues. Riders no longer have to hoist their leg over a waist high frame every time they wish to mount and dismount.
As previously mentioned, the frame of this eBike is fully folding, allowing riders to quickly, easily & compactly store and transport their ride. This is another aspect clearly carefully considered by Civi Bikes; with the frame forged from aluminium alloy in an effort to remain lightweight for easy carrying. Once again, everything is conveniently located on the handlebars, with the LCD display showing riders speed and distance stats at a glance.
Convenient & comfortable design
The 20″ fat tires give the Rebel 1.0 a versatile edge in comparison to conventional folding eBikes, offering both on and off road functionality. Whilst these 20″ air filled fat tires are still susceptible to puncturing, they’re also a lot cheaper and easier to repair than solid tires. Thanks to the compact nature of the display, riders are left with more room for aftermarket accessories, such as a phone holder, headlight, speaker, etc.
On the topic of brakes, the front & rear brake discs allow riders to make sharp, sudden and precise stops without compromising control. The brake levers are extremely responsive easy to grip, thanks to the rubberised edge. Furthermore, the brake levers also active motor inhibitors when used, helping ensure the shortest stopping distance possible.
Back to the battery, the Rebel 1.0 features a fully removable battery for convenient charging wherever you go. This battery also fully unlocks and locks into the frame, helping prevent theft and loss. The comfortable memory foam saddle helps ensure an easy ride for your rear, which is honestly a great touch often overlooked by other folding eBikes.
This is especially helpful on long distance rides, which is more than likely with the 40 mile range offered. Furthermore, the saddle is also fully height adjustable, allowing riders to adapt their Rebel 1.0 to perfectly suit their stature. Lastly, the Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 comes available in 2 designs; pearl white with a lovely brown leatherette trim or matte black.
What material is it made from?
Folding frame fashioned from a lightweight yet highly durable aluminium alloy; giving the Rebel 1.0 a weight of just 60 lbs and capable of supporting up to 260 lbs, 4 times its own weight. The shock absorbing front fork is forged from extremely durable carbon-steel, ensuring a smoother, safer ride.
Can it be used as a regular bike?
Yes – take your pick from a variety of drive modes, including pedal assist, throttle only and pedal only. Riders putting in the extra effort are rewarded with an extended range and battery life for their hard work.
Does it connect to your smartphone via app or Bluetooth?
No – unfortunately, there currently isn’t any Bluetooth or mobile app support for this folding eBike.
Build quality and ease of use
As previously mentioned, the build quality of the Civi Bike Rebel 1.0 is exceptional. High quality materials are clearly used throughout production, with the frame fashioned from a highly durable yet lightweight aluminium alloy; alongside a nearly indestructible carbon-steel front fork designed to smooth out harsh hits and bumpy terrain.
The battery used is a premium quality Lithium-ion battery from Samsung, world renowned technology conglomerate. Whilst still susceptible to puncturing, the air-filled tires offer greater grip for a number of tricky terrains; offering moderate wear resistance whilst also cheap and easy to replace.
Exceptional build quality at a competitive price
The high-torque Bangfang 500W motor propels riders to speeds of up to 20 mp/h and offers a max. output of up to 800W. Whilst we found no official statement on climb grade, the high-torque makes tackling inclines and climbing hills that little bit easier. Alongside this, the responsive 7-speed transmission system means that riders will always have the perfect gear to match their speed.
Once again, the memory foam saddle is a long-range life saver, ensuring maximum comfort throughout your journey. As expected, the saddle is fully height adjustable, allowing riders to perfectly accommodate their height. We don’t often like to repeat ourselves; however this memory foam seat is a seriously underrated feature and more folding electric bikes need to incorporate this.
Exceptionally efficient & accommodating
Moving on to ease of use, the low down, walk-through frame is a godsend for older riders and those with mobility issues; no longer must they hoist their leg over a waist high frame to mount and dismount their eBike. Again, the fully folding frame allows riders to quickly transport and store their fat tire eBike at their own convenience.
This is especially useful for commuters; for example, effortlessly cruise to the train station before folding up and boarding the train in a matter of seconds. The additional front basket & rear rack are extremely easy to assemble and add to the Rebel 1.0, allowing riders to transport their stuff hands-free and without needing a bag. All in all, this is a solidly built folding eBike with a well-thought out design that offers an easy and comfortable ride.
Safety & Usability on the road
Safety and usability on the road
On to arguably one of the most important sections of our 2023 Civi Bike Rebel 1.0 review; safety and usability on the road. Firstly, one thing to note is that the 500W high-torque motor and 20″ fat tires give this folding eBike both on and off-road functionality. The fat-tires also aid in traversing tricky terrain such as sand, snow, grass and more; alongside remarkably responsive brakes allowing riders to stop on a dime.
This stopping power is in thanks to the dual front & rear brake discs; with further praise to the smart motor inhibiting system, activated when braking and helping guarantee the shortest possible stopping distance. This is especially important when out on the road, as you have to always be ready to make that split-second decision which could potentially save your life.
Another contributor to safety is the inclusion of a removable battery; protecting against both loss and theft. The Rebel 1.0 also features a bell situated on the handlebars to alert pedestrians and traffic that you still exist. However, the lack of lights are one of the few things that let the Rebel 1.0 down; with a complete lack of front or rear lights. Whilst the wheels have reflector strips, this certainly won’t be enough during roadside riding on darker days.
A truly shocking revelation, considering many mid-high and even low spec eBikes include at least a headlight. As every cyclist knows, visibility is extremely important. We recommend purchasing an electric bike light kit to ensure you stay seen and safe, no matter the hour. With this light kit installed, we believe the Rebel 1.0 acceptable for roadside use, just stay in the bike lane.
Lastly, we also recommend riders wear adequate protection when riding on the road or at night, such as; high visibility jacket, helmet, gloves. Continue reading this review for restrictions & availability, alongside the Civi Bikes coupon section below!
Is the Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 waterproof?
Unspecified. Whilst many similar competitors offer moderate water resistance, we recommend contacting the supplier for confirmation. Learn about IP waterproof ratings here.
Restrictions and availability
As far as we know, the Rebel 1.0 ships worldwide and to all continents, with exceptions for certain countries. However, we recommend you check your local laws to ensure your region accommodates such forms of Personal Electric Vehicles.
Alongside this, Civi Bikes also offer 1 year warranty for all official purchases; giving you complete assurance in the event of any faults. As always, thanks for reading our Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 review for 2023; we hope we answered all your questions about your future eBike 😉
Coupons
Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 Christmas, Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals / discounts 2023
Now shifting the gears of our Rebel 1.0 review to the favourite section for many economic eBike enthusiasts; the deals, discounts and Black Friday/Cyber Monday promos section. In this section, we gather price history from listings alongside other data; determining the likelihood of any possible Civi Bikes discounts and probability of Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals this 2023.
However, we were unable to dig up much data at all. As the price chart shows below, the Rebel 1.0 price remained static until September; where there was a brief sale before prices returned to normal.
Civi Bikes Rebel 1.0 Discount Price Chart
We also checked a number of other Civi Bike models, but were unable to gather any data. Alongside this, we also found no previous evidence of any Civi Bikes Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals in the past.
Whether or not Civi Bikes decide to change history and offer some juicy Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals this 2023 remains a mystery. Ensure you check back here closer to the date and stay updated. Alternatively, check out our list of some of the biggest Black Friday electric bike deals of 2023.
