GigaByke Groove Review - Electric Ride Reviews, Prices, Specs, Videos and Photos

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GigaByke Groove Review

Gigabyke Groove 750 Watt Gearless Hub Motor

Gigabyke Groove Grips Turn Signals Mirrors

Gigabyke Groove Backlit Lcd Console Speedometer

Gigabyke Groove 16 Inch Tires Disc Brakes

A sturdy low-speed electric scooter, technically classified as an electric bicycle thanks to the pedals, 20 mph top speed and 750 watt motor
Long comfort saddle can accommodate two riders (fold down pegs for a passenger at the rear), rear cargo rack and optional box for hauling gear
Smooth quiet motor, variable speed twist throttle activation, full suspension (though it's a bit stiff and bouncy), utilitarian fenders, LED lights, turn signals and a horn
Heavy steel frame and Lead Acid batteries make this bike less enjoyable to pedal around... I'd probably use the throttle most of the time, kickstand can rattle a bit when riding

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Make:

GigaByke

Model:

Groove

Price:

$1,399

Body Position:

Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Urban

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)

Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2016

Total Weight:

148 lbs (67.13 kg)

Battery Weight:

41.5 lbs (18.82 kg)

Frame Types:

Step-Thru

Frame Sizes:

18 in (45.72 cm)

Frame Material:

Chromoly Steel

Frame Colors:

Red, Yellow, Blue, Green, White

Geometry Measurements:

67" Length, 28.5" Width, 12" Stand Over Height, 12" Reach

Frame Fork Details:

Basic Spring Suspension with 3" Travel

Frame Rear Details:

Coil Over Spring Shocks with 3" Travel

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, License Plate Bosses

Gearing Details:

1 Single Speed

Cranks:

4" Crank Arms

Pedals:

Basic Plastic Platform

Handlebar:

High Rise, Chromoly Steel, 5" Lift

Brake Details:

Rear: Mechanical Band Brake, Front: Hydraulic Disc with 150 mm Rotor

Grips:

Flat Rubber, Black

Saddle:

Two-Person Foam, Extra Long

Rims:

Rear: Cast Alloy, Front: Plastic

Tire Brand:

Nylon, 16" x 3"

Wheel Sizes:

16 in (40.64cm)

Tire Details:

Tubeless

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Integrated LED Lights (Tail Light, Brake Light, 30 LED Headlight with Bright Mode), LED Turn Signals (Not DOT Approved), Plastic Fenders, Perch Mount Side Mirrors (Standard, Non-Convex), Center Stand, Side Stand, Fold Up Foot Pegs, Replaceable Plastic Body Panels, Bag Hook

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, Steering Column Lock

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Gearless Direct Drive Hub

Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

750 watts

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

14 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

672 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Sealed Lead Acid Silicone

Charge Time:

6 hours

Estimated Min Range:

20 miles (32 km)

Estimated Max Range:

30 miles (48 km)

Display Type:

Fixed, Backlit, Monochrome LCD

Readouts:

Speed, Odometer, Battery Level (6 Bars), High Beam Indicator, Turn Signal Indicator

Display Accessories:

Horn Buttons (Both Sides), Turn Signal Button on Left, Light Button on Left, On/Off Button on Right

Drive Mode:

Twist Throttle

Top Speed:

18 mph (29 kph)

The GigaByke Groove packs a lot of features and style into light electric scooter that costs under $1,500. You get LED lights with brights and brake activation, turn signals, a horn, backlit LCD display (with speedometer, battery charge level and odometer) and there’s even room for a passenger on the long saddle thanks to fold-down pegs. Technically this thing is classified as a low speed electric bike and can be ridden without a license or insurance but you’ll want to stick to the bike lane or side of roads given the ~18 mph top speed. While it does have pedals and they are geared low to move the weight of the bike, there is only one gear and the short four inch crank arms and basic plastic pedals weren’t much fun to use.

Powering the bike is a pack of four 12 volt 14 amp hour Sealed Lead Acid batteries configured in a funky angular pack that fits under the saddle. I love that the pack is removable to reduce weight (by about 41.5 lbs) and that you can charge it on or off the bike. I wouldn’t expect nearly the same number of charge cycles or range as an equivalent Lithium based battery but those cost a lot more… you can replace the pack on the GigaBike Groove for just $400… along with the plastic accents, the motor, turn signals and other hardware. This is a huge selling point for me, along with the year long warranty, because very few other electric scooters offer this high level of support.

Despite the seemingly large 750 watt motor rating this thing isn’t especially zippy or powerful. It will reach 18 mph but takes some time, this seems to be an intentional choice to help conserve battery but could hinder heavy riders or those with large hills to overcome… Consider pedaling along at starts to extend range and ramp up speed faster. In cases where you are climbing the top speed can drop way down to ~7 mph. The bike moved Sam pretty effectively and he weighs ~260 lbs but we were in a smooth flat parking lot. Gearless motors tend to be very durable but weigh a bit more, this one did not appear to have any sort of regenerative braking but produced a bit of cogging drag (just like most gearless designs) that add another level of difficulty to the already lackluster pedaling situation. Don’t get me wrong, this is the case with most electric scooters, just don’t expect to pedal home and try to keep your trips under 20 miles which would be my safe estimate for range.

All things considered, I really enjoyed the GigaByke Groove electric scooter and love that the company is based in Southern California where they can provide support. You can have the bike shipped and even find it on Amazon but the in-shop experience is great because you can test ride it. Without the replaceable battery option, extra parts and fun colors I would be hesitant to go with something like this and would still check into local motorcycle or scooter shops for help with repairs and maintenance because I don’t have the strength or toolset to deal with scooter tires etc. the way I do with bicycles. For someone who wants to cruise to class or get around town easily without a license this thing would do a great job. I love the built in steering column lock (turn to one side then twist the key one extra click to the left) as well as the dual kickstand design for stability loading vs. convenience at a quick stop. It sounds like when these bikes are shipped there is more potential for broken fenders, lights or damaged batteries as described in this other review by AuthenTech but apparently the company helped fix the issues quickly and efficiently :)

Pros:

I love the extra bright 30 LED headlight, brake light (that gets brighter when you apply either brake) and turn signals front and rear… apparently they are not DOT approved but they still make you easier to see since this would likely be ridden on shoulder areas of streets or slower neighborhood streets
At under $1,500 it’s pretty amazing to get a bike with lights, fenders, mirrors and such a sturdy build with front and rear suspension
Nice little display console with backlighting for nighttime rides, your speed is easy to read along with six bars for battery charge lever and an odometer, brights and turn signal icons
There are fold-down foot pegs and the saddle is extra long so you could possibly fit a second passenger on this bike… also, a little chrome rack behind the saddle could be used for mounting a cargo box or possibly a back rest
Large 3″ tires are comfortable and durable, they pair nicely with the suspension for improved ride quality (though they felt a little stiff for me at just $135 lbs)
Both wheels have rigid rims vs. spokes so they can handle more weight and won’t need to be trued or adjusted as much over time
I like the little windshield faring on the front, it protects the display but isn’t tall enough to shield your face so consider glasses or goggles
Awesome double-leg kickstand with leverage bar to engage (step down on the bar to lift the bike up into the stand) as well as a single side stand that is quick and easy to use
Available in a sizeable range of fun colors including white, green, blue, yellow and red
There’s a built in steering-column lock to prevent theft! just turn the handlebars to one side then twist the key one extra click to the left then pull them out, this quick lock combined with the heavy weight and sturdier build of the bike mean you can secure it without extra locks and cables for short periods in relatively safe locations
The battery is removable and at ~41.5 pounds I’d probably take it out if I were transporting the bike, it also has a replaceable fuse and can be charged on or off the bike
The GigaByke website lists additional battery packs for $400 along with other replacements like motors, different colored plastic accent pieces, chargers, turn signals, ignition parts etc. which is a huge deal compared with some of the other low speed electric mopeds I’ve seen being imported
Apparently the company that built this used to be connected with Spooky Tooth motorized cycles (back in 2006) so they have a good knowledge of the industry and track record, Sam mentioned that the scooter resembles the E-Road and may be rebranded with improved support, colors and accessories?
Pretty solid one year warranty, sold locally in Southern California along with those accessories mentioned earlier
It rides smooth and quiet, actually the starts are maybe smoother and less zippy than I’d prefer but that makes it feel safe and under control
Sam said he felt like his legs and knees have more room on the GigaBike Groove than a Honda Ruckus and considering he’s ~6’2″ that’s pretty impressive

Cons:

Weighing in at 148 lbs and with just one gear this is not an electric bike that’s fun to pedal without power, in fact I think I’d rather walk it… this makes the pedals and short 4″ crank arms seems extraneous (also, they don’t fold out of the way)
The rear drum brake is mechanical and requires more hand strength to activate and just doesn’t stop as well as the front disc brake which is hydraulic
The center stand bounces a bit when riding producing a clink rattling noise, otherwise the fenders and motor are pretty quiet
The suspension feels stiff and a little bouncy, it might benefit from some sort of rebound adjustment but overall works fine
Because of the weight and different tires, rims and suspension on this thing you might need to take it to a motorcycle or scooter shop vs. a bicycle shop, it shouldn’t need much work but consider this point if you don’t live near any shops

Resources:

Official Site: http://www.gigabyke.com/
More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/3YxnqhwhjrVjTmpGA

June 03, 2016 (2 years ago)

tom

2 years ago

is this bike one of these Chinese junk crap?

Court Rye

Most scooters, electric bikes, electric skateboards, drones, video game consoles and even cars are produced in Asia. Some are designed in the US and a very few are custom fabricated here but most are just assembled here. Some of the products are junk but not all, the GigaByke is definitely a value play but it’s not too bad, the warranty is good and the company is based here in the US so support seems to be there along with some spare and upgrade parts :)

Skyler

Being that they only have stores (their stores listed on their website) in the US and in the US only tells me that it is designed primarily in America, and their main headquarters is located in California tells me that it is a US company. Doing a quick google search it is indeed manufactured in China unfortunately.

carlos

Hi, Do you know where i will bye a GigaByke Groove City Commute e-Bike in UK? Thanks

Hi Carlos, great question… I checked their website dealer section and didn’t see anything outside the USA. Maybe a shop here will ship one to you if you pay extra? You could contact the Electric Bicycle Center where I did this review and ask them? Maybe someone else here will know… or you could contact GigaByke directly :)

Rob

If you live in the UK, here’s the same scooter.

Benjy

Can the gigabyke 750 get wet in any way ?

Hey Benjy! Great question, someone else was asking a similar question about the SEEV-800 so I’ll paraphrase from that reply: I’m pretty sure this is a rain-resistant product… especially given the integrated fenders. I believe it uses a direct drive moto which tends to be durable and long lasting (compared with geared motors and some mid-drives with more sensitivity around the axles). The display and throttle could be a little a bit vulnerable but not any different than other scooter or ebike I’ve reviewed over the years. You could probably rinse the whole thing off after each ride and be fine as long as you don’t spray super hard around the electronics. Most frames are engineered to drain and be weather resistant and work fine as long as you don’t flip them upside down or use high pressure water or air. Here’s a guide I wrote about this topic a while back really focusing on ebikes with some good photos and examples :)

Daniel Martinez Rojas

Hello my ebike wont start, the lights turn on but it just won’t start what could it be?

Hmm, I’m not sure Daniel? My experience with the GigaByke was with a brand new one for limited time but the shop that carries them might know. Where did you buy yours from?

pamela k

is this bike safe for 12 year old

Hi Pamela! My own opinion is that each person is different and the environment matters. When my Father grew up, young kids were allowed to operate farm equipment and even cars. These days, many young people use kick scooters and electric skateboards. The main difference with the GigaByke Groove is that it’s heavy. If you think your 12 year old can handle it and you live in an environment where there’s private property available or a community that supports young people using vehicles then it could work :)

Rex Deaver

I saw in a review on Amazon that the display is in KMH rather than MPH. But it does not appear to be the case in your test. Is that a setting that can be changed, and the bike shop had already made that change for you?

Hi Rex! I’m not sure if that’s because Sam carries a newer version or did something to change it. Give him a ring, perhaps he will have some tips for you… here’s his website: https://electricbicyclecenter.com/

wil

hello, do they have them with lithium ion battery? and what is the range?

Unhappy Camper

We purchased two (2) of these bikes over 3 weeks ago. Here’s a list of all the things that have gone wrong with these bikes:

BOTH boxes came in incredibly damaged.

ONE (1) of the bikes came in with a hole in the front box that holds all the wires together. Customer support at Gigabyke said it was purely cosmetic.

ONE (1) of the bikes came in with the front bar that basically holds the front part of the bike and the tire on the bike mounted to the WRONG section. In order for us to re-mount it and fix the issue, we would need heavy power tools, which we don’t have. We had to return this bike to Gigabyke so that we could get a properly assembled bike.

The same bike that was assembled incorrectly did not have the handlebar holder installed at all. There were NO directions on how to install it. We installed it to the best of our abilities and the handlebars actually CAME OFF when we test rode it for the first time. We got into an accident.

We emailed customer support several times about the incorrectly assembled bike, and was met with no response. We called customer service a week later because we were waiting for the email response since we had already been in correspondence with them about the “cosmetic” front box issue. We had a lengthy conversation with the representative, who assured us that they would use us a better bike.

We called customer service AGAIN after UPS came to pick up the damaged bike, just to get confirmation on next steps and apparently they DIDNT SAVE THE PHONE CONVERSATION. There were apparently no notes taken. So we spent another half hour trying to find someone at Gigabyke that knew what we were talking about.

The new bike that came as the replacement bike ALSO did not have the handle bar holder installed. We called customer service AGAIN and they assured us that it was a simple install. They completely disregarded our concerns about SAFETY. They kept insisting that the replacement bike was a NEWER model and the newer models don’t come with the handlebar holder installed. The OTHER bike we bought initially is ALSO considered a newer model, and that one DID have the handle bar holder installed. So which is it?

The OTHER bike we initially bought has an issue with the back tire. It is impossible to inflate the back tire as the air valve is pushed so far in that there is no way we can get air into the tire. We called customer support AGAIN and they told us to deflate the tire even more and rotate the tire. We attempted to deflate the tire even more and rotate the tire, it did not help. We attempted to use pliers to try to get the valve to come out of the tire further, it will not budge. We took pictures and sent customer support an email and followed up immediately with a phone call. Customer support insisted that we were doing it wrong. Customer support insisted that we go record a video of us trying to fix the tire because customer support does not believe that we’re trying hard enough. Customer support then says we need to go get a clamp and clamp the tire so that we can relieve the pressure from the tire and then we can squeeze and push the tire so that the valve comes out of the tire. Customer support DOES NOT LISTEN when we say we’ve TRIED all of this. Customer support offers NO SOLUTION, other than try it again and record a video.

We then asked about the refund policy since we have had NOTHING but headaches from these expensive bikes that WE CANT EVEN RIDE. They are holding firm to their 15% restocking fee, EVEN THOUGH the quality of these bikes are terrible.

p>All in all, as a Gigabyke owner, and with so very FEW reviews online about these bikes, I DO NOT RECOMMEND anyone purchasing these bikes. The customer support that comes with the product is lacking basic customer support and is filled with representatives that firmly believe that there is NO OTHER WAY for something to happen than what THEY BELIEVE will happen (i.e. they BELIEVE that the tire will be an easy fix and will not entertain the thought of it NOT BEING AN EASY FIX especially since we’ve already tried their solutions). Do not take a risk for these bikes. It’s simply not worth it.

Brent McCluskey

1 year ago

Thanks for sounding off about your experience, it’s always a bummer when I hear about people who bought a bike, scooter, skateboard etc. and had a bad time. It’s a lot of money to spend and while I can’t do much but console here, I appreciate you sharing and maybe helping to guide the company and other potential customers. I hope your next experience is better :(

Eric

I read a lot of positive reviews about this bike before buying one a year ago and that was a BIG mistake. The battery that comes with the bike is simply a piece of junk. My daily commute is less than 5 miles and after a couple months of use, I couldn’t even make it back on a full charge. At first I thought I got a defective battery so I got the seller to replace it not once but twice (after many calls), and they all ended up the same. I now have a useless bike sitting in my garage. Forget about trying to pedal it. I am very curious if anyone else has a similar experience.

12 months ago

Bummer, thanks for the feedback Eric! Maybe someone else will chime in. Hopefully since the company is replacing your batteries, they will realize that maybe they should use a different supplier or resolve an issue there.