VTUVIA Reindeer Step-Through 750w Ebike Review

by Lars Hundley

VTUVIA Reindeer Step Through Fat Ebike, $1,799

Hot

• Removable high quality LG battery that locks in place.
• Up to 55 miles of riding range, depending on level of motor assist and weight carried.
• Bright color LCD display that shows speed, odometer, battery level, and more in all conditions.
• Large load capacity of 400 lbs.
• Beefy fat bike tires give you lots of grip, and also comfort from all that air volume.
• Powerful 750 watt motor
• Front suspension fork for an even more comfortable ride.

Not

• Pretty heavy to carry up the stairs, but feels zippy when riding it.
• Wish I had added the rear rack, which makes bike even better

How obtained: Manufacturer shipped the ebike at their cost for review.

I’ve never owned a fat bike, so I was interested when VTUVIA contacted me about reviewing their Reindeer fat ebike model. Turns out that the giant fat tires really do give you a lot of rubber on the road and grip like people have told me. And at the same time you also get more comfort because of the additional air volume in the tires, which makes it a lot of fun to ride. Regular fat bikes can be quite heavy because of those enormous tires, but a fat ebike helps solve that problem because the motor is doing a lot of the work propelling the bike. The only time it was a little bit inconvenient was carrying it up the stairs. Ultimately, it’s only about 5 or 10 pounds heavier than a typical non-fat ebike, but you get the large and capable tires for your trouble.

The step through frame design meant that I could ride it, and so could my wife who is a lot shorter than me. All we had to do was lower the seat with a quick release, and she could jump right on.

Reindeer Ebike Battery and Motor Specs

The Reindeer ebike is equipped with a 750 watt hub motor that can deliver a maximum torque of 80Nm, making it easy to conquer hills or take off from a stop and ride at speeds of up to 28 mph, if you have it set as a Class 3 ebike. The bike is powered by a removable LG internal lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 48V and 15Ah . This battery can provide up to 55 miles of range per charge, depending on the level of pedal assistance and the weight carried, along with how hilly it is, etc.

The battery can be fully charged in just a few hours, and its semi-hidden design that puts much of the battery up into the frame helps keep it protected. The battery also locks in place, so that it cannot be removed without a key. Even better, you can also take the entire battery with you when you go inside somewhere to make the bike less appealing to thieves, or to charge it inside without needing to bring the entire bike in with you.

The 5-level pedal assist system and thumb throttle give riders a range of options for how much assistance and speed they want from the motor. Overall, the combination of the powerful motor and high-capacity battery make the Reindeer ebike a great option for those looking for a great balance of power and range.

Simplicity of a Single Chainring, and Shimano Shifter and Rear Derailleur

The VTUVIA Reindeer comes with a premium Shimano 7-speed rear derailleur system that offers a good range of gears, making it suitable for a variety of terrains and riding styles. With the ability to shift gears easily, you’re only a quick shift away from your optimal, preferred pedaling speed.

Unlike regular bikes, ebikes have the added advantage of motor assistance, which means riders don’t need to worry as much about needing low or high gears for hills or speed. However, having multiple gear options allows riders to customize their ride to their preferences of how fast they like to pedal, whether they prefer pedaling at a higher or lower cadence (pedaling speed).

The very straightforward Shimano SIS shifter system also offers ease of use for riders who may not be familiar with shifting gears on a bike. You just click it into a harder or easier gear while you’re pedaling and that’s all there is to it.

Overview of the Reindeer Ebike Specs:

• Motor: 750W Hub Motor
  
• Battery: 48V 15Ah Removable Internal Lithium-ion
  
• Range: Up to 55 miles per charge
  
• Torque: Max 80Nm
  
• Speed: Class 2, or 3 with a maximum peak power of 1100W. Mine was set up Class 3.
  
• Pedal Assist: 5-level pedal assist
  
• Throttle: Thumb throttle if you don’t want to pedal
  
• Gears: 7 speed Shimano shifters and Tourney rear derailleur
  
• Brakes: LOGAN Hydraulic Disc Brakes
  
• Tires: 26” * 4.0” Anti-puncture Reflective Tires
  
• Frame: 6061 Aluminium Alloy
  
• Load Capacity: 400 lbs
  
• Display: Bright Color LCD Display
  
• Front Suspension Fork
  
• Bike Weight: 72 pounds

The Reindeer features a high-powered 750W hub motor that allows riders to take it uphill or off the road and onto non-technical bike trails with ease.

Here you can see the 7 speed Shimano thumb shifter in front that allows you to easily to easily change gears, along with 5-level pedal assist and a thumb throttle in case you want the bike to do all the work. At the lower assist settings, the bike still gives you plenty of power but doesn’t go as fast, so you can choose the level of assist to match a speed you feel most comfortable riding. The LOGAN branded hydraulic disc Brakes provide plenty of stopping power even if you load up the bike, which is an important safety factor. You also see the throttle for the bike to the right of the shifter.

With its 26 inch wheels and fat 4.0 inch wide anti-puncture, reflective tires, the Reindeer ebike is a good choice for riders who want a comfortable and grippy ride on any terrain. You’ll be seen in the dark because the tires really light up when headlights shine on them from the sides. The bike’s 6061 aluminum alloy frame is built to last and can support a generous load capacity of 400 lbs, allowing you to pack it heavy. There is an optional rear rack you can purchase with this bike, which I would recommend adding if you’re planning to use it as some kind of utility bike.

The Reindeer ebike features a big, relatively comfortable saddle, a bright color LCD display that you can still see in the daylight, and a front suspension fork to get a more comfortable and enjoyable riding experience both on rough streets or on the trails.

The large, bright screen shows you what’s going on with the bike at a quick glance. PAS means pedal assist, and the number above it is what level of pedal assist you’ve chosen.

You can choose to lock out the shock of the Reindeer, but I don’t know why you would. I found that the shock made the bike even more comfortable than just the large volume tires alone.

The VTUVIA Reindeer had a nice and bright headlight that helps you see at night, and be seen by cars when you’re riding on the road. I was impressed by how much light it put out, especially during the day.

The controller for the Reindeer is well thought out and easy to operate without confusion. The power button is dead center, and the plus and minus buttons change the power assist level. The information button cycles through the screen options, and the headlight button turns the front light on and off.

With a big fat tire ebike that has a high 400 lb weight capacity, you want good brakes. The Reindeer provides them. They are hydraulic so you get plenty of power from the levers when you squeeze the brakes. And even better, the bike includes oversized rotors to give you lots of braking power when you do.

The big saddle has good cushioning, and also a nice center channel to prevent pressure on your genital area. I found it pretty comfortable for the kind of riding I’d do with this ebike.

The Reindeer ebike uses a branded Shimano Tourney rear derailleur that matches the SIS shifters, and it shifted crisply and efficiently when I rode it.

Overall, I enjoyed riding the Reindeer — my first ride on a fat ebike. I felt confident on it because of the beefy, grippy tires, which made it lots of fun to ride around on. I now understand why so many people find fat bikes appealing.