MOD City+ 3 E-Bike Review: The Most Practical Folding Electric Bike

/ E Bikes / By

“Don’t put the cart before the horse” is an idiom that MOD BIKES seems to take seriously with the MOD City+ 3 e-bike. You’ll find all the basic features you expect from a foldable e-bike are there and done well. With a solid foundation, MOD focused on the details that make this e-bike very practical.

You may have seen many products with flashy features that disappoint. However, riding the MOD City+ 3 will show you that some companies still care about quality.

When you get the MOD City+ 3, it arrives mostly assembled. You only need to put on the front wheel, headlight, and a few small parts. This setup is quick and easy. MOD says all City+ 3 e-bikes come pre-assembled for a hassle-free experience.

If you have a pre-production model, you might notice some issues with the display showing errors or the throttle not working well, especially on hills. MOD will send you an updated display and controller with a software fix. After you install these, the problems should be gone.

MOD City+ 3 Foldable Electric Bike

Source: MOD BIKES

Specifications

  • Motor: 400W (750W Peak) geared hub
  • Torque: 60Nm
  • Top Speed: 28 mph
  • Battery: 48V 12.8Ah (615Wh)
  • Charging Time: 3 to 6 hours
  • Range: 45 miles
  • Pedal Assist: 5 Level Pedal Assist
  • Throttle: Right Thumb Throttle
  • Sensor: Torque Sensor
  • Headlights: Wide Beam 300 Lumen LED
  • Taillight: Integrated LED with Brake Light
  • Display: MOD BIKES S3 Smart Color Display with USB Port
  • Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc Brakes
  • Classification: Class 2 (Adjustable to Class 1 to 3)
  • Tire Size: 20″ x 3″
  • Suspension: Dual Suspension
  • Rear Derailleur: Shimano ALTUS 7 Speed
  • Frame Material: High-Performance 6061 Aluminum Alloy
  • Frame Design: Step-Through
  • Weight Capacity: 275 lbs
  • Bike Weight: 58 lbs
  • Rider Height: 5’2″ – 6’4″
  • Colors: Charcoal Black, Classic White
  • Price: $2299

Pros

  • The bike is easy to put together, making it user-friendly for new riders.
  • The bike has an aesthetically pleasing look that appeals to many riders.
  • You can easily add various accessories to personalize the e-bike.
  • The dual suspension provides a comfortable ride over various terrains.
  • Torque sensor allows a responsive riding experience, which adjusts power based on your pedaling.
  • The bike offers five customizable riding modes (Fit, Eco, Cargo, Sport, Turbo) to suit different needs and preferences.
  • It is suitable for a broad range of riders, accommodating heights from 5’2” to 6’4”.
  • The inclusion of a USB port on the display adds convenience for charging devices.
  • The bike is built for easy rides and challenging adventures, which makes it suitable for different activities.

Cons

  • It is priced around $2300, which makes it more expensive than many competitors.
  • At 65 lbs, it’s heavier than some other foldable e-bikes on the market.
  • Depending on the battery size, the charging time may be longer than some riders prefer.
  • While it performs well on urban roads, it may not be as effective on rough or uneven terrain.

Performance on the Streets

The City+ 3’s handlebars aren’t completely straight. They give you better control than most foldable e-bikes when you reach the top speed of 28 mph. You will feel confident and ready to push the bike further.

The City+ 3 has a wide, padded seat with a 40 mm travel suspension seat post. Riding over bumps, sidewalks, and other obstacles feels easy, even at high speeds. Overall, it provides a sturdy and smooth ride.

On the left handlebar, you’ll find a bell and the main control panel. Pressing and holding the plus button turns on the headlights manually, but they also turn on automatically in the dark. Holding the minus button activates walk mode, which gives the bike some power when you’re walking it. This way, you don’t have to drag the weight.

The right handlebar has a seven-speed trigger shifter and a thumb throttle. The throttle is responsive and well-placed, and you don’t have to worry about accidentally pressing it.

The display is the best you will see on an e-bike. It shows important information like battery percentage, pedal assist level, distance, and speed. It’s bright enough to see in sunlight, and the menu is easy to use. There’s a USB port at the bottom of the display, which is great for charging your phone during long rides (just remember to bring a phone mount).

The pedal assist and throttle are good enough to help you climb different types of hills. From a standstill, the throttle can smoothly reach the top speed of 28 mph.

Folding the MOD City+ 3

The City+ 3 folds well, which is important for a folding bike. Once you learn how, you can fold it in about 20 seconds. The handlebars fold neatly without pulling cables. There’s a Velcro strap to keep the bike together when folded.

The bike weighs 65 lbs with the battery. You need to be strong enough to carry it upstairs or put it in a car trunk.

Source: RV.COM

When folded, the bike measures 42″ x 15″ x 26.5″. This size fits in the trunk of a Toyota Corolla. Be careful when handling the folded bike. Resting it on the right handlebar can shift it and hit the throttle. If the throttle gets stuck, loosen the handlebar and adjust it back.

Practical and Stylish

MOD designed the City+ 3 well. It’s a nice-looking bike that could be displayed indoors. The bike has snap-on accessories. This makes it easy to attach and remove bags or baskets. Using accessories with other e-bikes is hard. Many people would leave them on all the time. The snap-on system makes accessories simple to use.

Another great feature is MOD’s partnership with Lumos. You can connect a Lumos helmet to the MOD bike. This syncs the turning signals. When you press the left or right turn signal on the panel, the helmet lights up. It also connects to the rear brake lights. This provides extra visibility for those behind you.

MOD has a “secret” mode. This removes all limits from the bike. You can pedal and throttle as much as you want. This mode is for off-roading. It can exceed the 28 mph speed limit. To activate this mode, hold the “I” button. Enter the password “2020” when prompted.

Accessories and a Smart Helmet

One of best things about the City+ 3 is MOD’s great accessory system. They offer front and rear baskets, bags, and racks that slide on and off easily. You can even add a child seat or an insulated food delivery bag. This makes it easy for customers to customize their bikes to fit their needs.

We recommend testing the MOD Snap-On Trunk Bag, Quick Release Front Basket, and Snap-On Rear Basket with the City+ 3. Each accessory is very useful. You can use the bike for errands, knowing you can carry cargo without affecting your ride. The easy removal makes swapping bags and baskets simple, which you will really like.

Our favorite accessory is the Ultra Helmet, made with Lumos. This smart helmet connects to the bike via Bluetooth and adds safety features. It has lights on the front and back to make you more visible. The rear lights get brighter when you brake and act as turn signals when you use the bike’s indicators. This level of innovation helps MOD stand out from other brands.

Final Words

In conclusion, the MOD City+ 3 e-bike is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable folding electric bike. It has a solid design and user-friendly features. The bike is comfortable and practical for both casual rides and tougher adventures.

While it is heavier than some other options and costs more, the quality and versatility make it worth it. The snap-on accessories and smart helmet features improve safety and the overall riding experience.

Whether you are commuting or exploring new places, the MOD City+ 3 is a dependable e-bike. With good customer support and a strong warranty, you can feel confident in your purchase. If you want a folding e-bike that meets your needs, the MOD City+ 3 is a great choice.