Pedego Classic Interceptor vs Motiv The Spark

Brief:

Pedego and Motiv has long been rivals in the industry. Mainly because Motiv is started about 5-6 years ago by an ex-employee of Pedego Electric Bicycles.

Pedego brand is one of the oldest and the most recognized electric bicycle brands in the US. With an excellent dealer network, they cover the whole US with great after-sales service and customization options. While they’re recognized as an ebike brand, their actual business isn’t just electric bicycles, their business model is selling franchises of Pedego concept stores.

Motiv is a similarly built ebike, with different battery placement. They’ve been around for a while and they have a questionable after-sales service. I’ve talked with a few guys in Fullerton at Myron’s Extreme Machines who owns Motiv electric bikes, and they all are unhappy about the service and spare parts of the brand.

Pedego, Classic Interceptor:

Since Interceptor model of Pedego has launches, very little has changed. It’s perhaps because it’s built for a purpose, not for design aspect of things. MSRP is $2995 for 500W 48V10Ah model.

Pros

• Fat Frank Tires are really comfortable,
• Dapu 500w motor. While Pedego isn’t using the most powerful Dapu motor available, Dapu is known for manufacturing great hub and central motors used by some of the largest brands in the market. So you’re in safe hands while using an ebike with Dapu motor.
• Great after-sales service,
• Standard front-light,
• Avid BB7 Disc brakes. While it’s not a hydraulic brake, Avid BB7 disc brakes are one of the most advanced mechanical brakes in the market. Especially with it’s easy adjusting option, they’re almost maintenance free.
• 14 Ah battery option.
• Most parts have Julet quick release connectors (such as throttle) which makes it easier to give maintenance to the ebike.
• Suspension seatpost.

Cons

• Boring design,
• Metal chain cover. While manufacturers use metal chain covers for mainly cost side of the business, metal chaincovers are proven to get damaged very easy compared to ABS chain covers.
• No hydraulic brakes,
• Dragging and vibration at the tail of the bike. Because of the positioning of the battery, there’s a certain drag and vibration in the frame which can be very annoying for some,
• Wires are going from outside the frame. This is how companies have been manufacturing bicycles for centuries now. However, newer and better designs actually hide these cables inside the frame, which essentially protects them, proving a longer life-cycle.
• PRICE! While Pedego is manufacturing very solid ebikes, they certainly do not cost cheap considering what you’re getting.
• No standard mudguards. Ok this one is a biased comment, but if you’re living anywhere with a small amount of rainfall, it’s annoying that you have to pay extra for a plastic mudguard.
• No Torque sensor. Only old Candence sensor system.
• No brake cut-off function. This is a must-have feature in most ebikes with rear hub motors. What it does is to cut off power to the motor when you’re using the brakes.

Motiv, The Spark:

The Spark is the first ebike Motiv has produced. Design-wise while the battery placement is different from it’s competitor, there are very few differences. MSRP is $2199 for 500W 48V11Ah model.

Pros

• Placing of battery, the battery placed on the seat post provides a better center of gravity, resulting a better ride.
• Price! Motiv certainly has a competitive pricing.
• Suspension seat post.
• 16 Ah battery option.

Cons

• No Headlights,
• No tail-lights,
• Metal chain cover. While manufacturers use metal chain covers for mainly cost side of the business, metal chaincovers are proven to get damaged very easy compared to ABS chain covers.
• No hydraulic brakes, very standard disc brakes,
• Wires are going from outside the frame. This is how companies have been manufacturing bicycles for centuries now. However, newer and better designs actually hide these cables inside the frame, which essentially protects them, proving a longer life-cycle.
• This type of Kenda brand tires are actually not suitable for cruiser bikes.
• No information on website about the battery cell brand.
• Very generic model of Bafang (8Fun) brand motor.
• No Torque sensor. Only old Candence sensor system.
• No brake cut-off function. This is a must-have feature in most ebikes with rear hub motors. What it does is to cut off power to the motor when you’re using the brakes.

Spec Comparison

WINNER

It’s difficult to decide on a winner in between these two. While Motiv has a better center of gravity and price tag, Pedego offers a lot for your money. Design-wise there’s no real winner as both bikes are pretty bland, but if you’re just comparing the quality level of the parts, Classic Interceptor is the winner of this round!