Zebra Electric Bicycle Review

A comfortable entry-level that tells you what’s important

The Zebra Ebike has been my main mode of transport since February 2020, and I have been using it for both food delivery as well as commuting to the nearby malls to run errands. At that point in time, ebikes were still relatively new in the market and there were only 3 models available for sale. MOBOT Mini 16, Eco Drive & Zebra. Before I made a decision to purchase an ebike, I tried all 3 models and decided on the Zebra.

I chose the Zebra Ebike over other ebike models because of its 24” tyres and it’s taller height, as I prefer to be visible to the drivers on the road and to have a great visual while I am on the road.

Specifications

The Zebra Ebike uses 24” tyres, front & back V brakes, and a 36V 250W motor with 10Ah detachable battery. It also comes with a rear rack, LCD display with speedometer and 5 gear pedal assists. On 1 full charge, it could perform approximately 12-13 trips for food delivery using gear 5. I have heard of riders that have used gear 3 from full charge and completed up to 17 trips!

Unique features

At the time of writing, I have already tested numerous ebikes and no ebike has beaten the Zebra’s LCD Display as it has 2 essential features: calculating the total distance travelled since you’ve purchased it and displaying voltmeter readings – battery % left. For example, it is able to show 31.0V which means the there is no battery left and 42.0V at full charge. Voltmeter readings are the most accurate way of knowing how much battery you have left with your ebike, as compared to battery bars.

Drawbacks

During the first couple of months of riding the Zebra, I often experienced the rear inner tube burst or broken spokes. There was a week I remember vividly where my rear tube had burst twice in that week alone, and when I brought it to the bicycle shop, I asked about the cause of it. The technician explained that there was no nail that went through the tube, and it was likely that when I had hit a hard uneven surface at full speed, the spokes could have pierced through the tube.

From then on, I changed to a thicker mountain bike tyre for both my front and back wheels, and it seemed to have solved both problems of broken spokes as well as the inner tube bursts, as the stock types were 1.95″ road tyres – these are thinner and they might have been the root of the problem.

Differences between Zebra VS Zebra Model 3

My Zebra is supposedly the second batch out in the market as my plate number is starts with “B” and has yellow brand logo whereas the newer Zebra Model 3 has white brand logo. Zebra Ebike has acknowledged that the spokes that are often breaking and for the Zebra Model 3, they used thicker quality spokes. I have rode on the newer model, and it seems like the parts, such as brake pads, are of a better quality now.

For leisure riding or food delivery?

This is a recommended entry-level ebike for both leisure riding, and a good value ebike for part time food delivery rider like myself. You could get a secondhand ebike for as low as $650-$700 on Carousell, as these days higher-end ebike models with bigger Ah batteries are being released into the market. A brand-new Zebra ebike would cost you $1080.

RATING ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

(disclaimer: ratings are opinions of one individual and may vary from person to person)

Out of 5 I would rate a 4.5, as if you’re looking for a stock ebike with a good pick up and consistent speed, the Zebra ebike might just be the one for you.

Purchase the Zebra here