Batch eCB.3 E-Bike Review: An E-Bike Done Right

The Batch eCB.3 is a Class III e-bike that can be propelled with pedal assist to 28mph or 20mph with throttle only by the 500W Vinka rear hub motor. With 27.5”x2.4” Kenda Kwick tires, it is super smooth and quiet on the road. The Batch eCB.3 e-bike is perfect for commuting or anyone wanting a little extra zip on their ride. If you prefer a Class II, then check out the Batch eCBc.3.

What Is It?

The Batch eCB.3 e-bike is a surprisingly well-polished and well-spec’d electric bike. The Vinka RH30 500W rear hub motor has plenty of torque and gets up to speed smoothly, powered by a 15Ah 720wh battery that slots into the underside of the frame. The Shimano Altus 8sp cassette (11-32) with a 48T chainring propels the bike along unassisted quite well despite its hefty 63lb weight, as weighed by me since weight was not listed on the Batch site.

When some assistance is needed, you have 5 levels to select, and the bottom bracket-mounted torque sensor provides that assistance very smoothly. You can also use the thumb throttle for quick power if needed. Combined with Tektro 180mm hydraulic brakes to slow you down quickly, this is a well put-together bike.

What’s In the Box and Specifications

I had not reviewed a Batch bicycle yet and was impressed from the start. The bike box was inside another plain box, so you don’t know what was in it. This also added another layer of protection during shipment, even though the Batch eCB.3 e-bike was well protected and wrapped inside as it is.

• Frame: 6061 Hydroformed aluminum Step Thru design w/replaceable Der. hanger
• Sizes Available: SM/MED for 5’1” to 5’6” and MED/LG for 5’5” to 6’2”
• Weight: 63lbs (weight not listed on site; I weighed it myself)
• Fork: 27.5″ Zoom 862S AMS Hydraulic Suspension fork
• Motor: Vinka 500W Class 3
• Battery: 15Ah 720wh, bottom eject
• Display: KDS KD-716
• Headset: Threadless Sealed Bearing
• Brakes: Tektro HD-E3520 Hydraulic Disc
• Brake Rotors: Tektro 180mm
• Brake Levers: Tektro HD-E3520 Hydraulic Disc
• Shifters: Shimano ASLM3158RC 8sp
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus 8sp
• Cassette: Shimano 8sp Cassette 11-32
• Chain: KMC Z8.3
• Bottom Bracket: Torque Sensor
• Crankset: Samox Alloy 170mm
• Chainring: 48T
• Tires: Kenda Kwick Seven-5 27.5″x2.4
• Rims: Aluminum Double Wall, 36H
• Hubs: 36H 15X100 Thru Axle front
• Handlebar: Batch Alloy 660mm
• Grips: Dual Density Rubber
• Stem: 0-60 degree adjustable
• Seat: Cionlli
• Seat Post: 30.9 Aluminum Suspension

Setup

Assembling the Batch eCB.3 e-bike was straightforward, and the included instructions were clear and very detailed. No tools are included, so you will need a set of metric hex wrenches and a screwdriver. Since I am six feet tall, I elected to try the MED/LG frame bike, which is advertised for 5’5” to 6’2” folks.

It does seem bigger than I expected, and I would be curious to see it next to the S/M size frame, or better yet, put actual dimensions and frame geometry on the site.

This is a huge gripe of mine when it comes to e-bike makers who, for some reason, don’t like to publish detailed frame specs, so you have to guess if it will fit you. It is possible to check one out in person if a dealer near you has one in stock. You can search for a store here.

The only tricky part was putting the front wheel on by myself. Since it is a thru axle, you have to line it up perfectly, so I flipped it over and that made it easier. Just note that you have to remove the front brake pad spacer first.

The battery is bottom-mounted, which should help protect it from the elements. You can charge the battery in or out of the bike, so I plugged it in and let it charge for a few hours before testing it out. The battery weighs 7 lbs 8.5 ounces, so it is hefty and has a convenient handle on top for carrying.

The rear light is already installed on the rack, but the front light and front fender require installation. The instruction book walks you through everything and was very clear to understand.

Performance

The Batch eCB.3 e-bike is awesome. I love how smooth and quiet it is. I know the trend lately has been fat tire bikes, and I just reviewed the Huffy Quantis 24” kids bike for my son, and the fat tires are just noisy and reduce maneuverability. Unless you are specifically riding on sand or snow, you don’t need them. It’s the bike equivalent of the trend of putting huge, lugged tires on your truck or SUV and never going off-road, in my opinion.

But I digress; the Batch eCB.3 e-bike’s torque sensor was easy to get used to and very smooth. I did adjust the front stem and lowered that to flat, which is another nice feature, along with the suspension seat post that you normally don’t see included with e-bikes.

The range of the battery wasn’t advertised, but based on my usage, I would expect at least 60 miles. I will definitely be using the Batch to get to work this summer.

The Batch eCB.3 e-bike is the best e-bike I have reviewed so far. Super smooth and whisper-quiet. It is a tad heavier than I would like at 63 lbs. Batch could remove the gears and just have a single-speed option with 26” wheels and no suspension.

If you also took the fenders, rack, and lights off, you could probably bring it down to the 50lb mark. As it is, though, the Batch eCB.3 e-bike is great for commuting and weekend trips to the farmers market. I will definitely be riding it a lot this summer unless my girlfriend claims it.

The Batch eCB.3 e-bike retails for $1799.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.

Source: Manufacturer-supplied review sample. 

What I like: An e-bike maker that uses quality and name-brand (Shimano, Tektro) components gets my attention; The Batch eCB.3 e-bike is super smooth and quiet, and the Sunset color is gorgeous.

What Needs Improvement: The Batch eCB.3 e-bike is great the way it is; My only improvement would be for e-bike makers in general to list frame geometry and specifications like weight, which is pretty important when comparing bikes.