Bunch The Original eBike Spec Review – 2024

In-Depth Review

Frame

Whereas most electric bike frames are made out of aluminum, the Bunch Original electric bike is made almost entirely out of high quality steel. The main benefit is that the Original is far more durable than your typical eBike, and also has greater weight support as well. A total of four young kids can fit into the cargo container, though if you remove the benches you can also store about 200 lbs into the box. The total weight recommendation, between the rider and the passenger container, is about 350 lbs, though if you are cautious in your riding you can probably support about 400 lbs total. The one downside to the steel construction is the added weight, with the Original weighing about 152 lbs fully assembled. Due to its massive weight, you typically won’t want to lift the eBike unless you have several people helping you, and given its size you basically need a van or something bigger if you want to transport it by car.

Bunch’s Original eBike is currently available in just one size, but given the adjustability options and the design of the family bike almost anyone can use it without too much trouble. The handlebar leads to some weird handling, but it’s flat bar design and 8.5’’ adjustment means that very tall and short riders alike can find a good place to grip it. With the adjustable steel stem post and oversized saddle, almost any adult who wants to ride the Original will be able to do so comfortably.

Motor & Battery

The Bunch Original is a class 2 eBike, with pedal and throttle activated motor assistance up to 20 MPH.

The Original features a Dapu M155 rear gear hub motor, rated as a 500W/45 Nm motor. The torque is a bit underwhelming, but as a family cargo bike you typically aren’t going to be traversing very difficult roads. As long as you stick to flat asphalt riding, with the occasional short hill to climb, you’ll have a blast riding the Original as you make use of the rear hub drive motor.

The other reason why we understand the choice of a smaller motor is due to the battery also included with the eBike. The Samsung 653 Wh is a mid-sized battery, but due to the large size and weight of the Original it doesn’t have a ton of juice in it for those who want to use the motor a lot. The maximum range for the Original is about 35 miles, though most riders will only travel about 25 to 30 miles before their battery is empty. The included 2 Amp charger takes about 5 to 6 hours to recharge from 0% to 100%, so it does take a while before you can start riding again as well. This is a family oriented eBike though, so it’s going to be a very rare occasion where your kids will want to go more than 10 miles, let alone 20, before they’ll want to do something else. Because of the limited range though, we would recommend considering another eBike if you were looking for a more cargo oriented electric bicycle.

Display/Assist Modes

While you’ll be keeping much of your attention on your kids or cargo, there is a large and helpful backlit LCD display that provides a solid number of riding metrics. The display is very easy to use with just a couple buttons, and will help you not only read a number of riding readouts, but will also help you configure your motor and light settings. Unlike many other eBikes, the display will actually help you set the motor assistance provided not only by the pedals, but by the throttle as well. The one downside is that the assist level is across the throttle and pedals alike, taking away the advantage that other eBikes have of relying on the throttle as a short burst option without completely changing your motor assistance. Still, it’s nice that you can configure your throttle assistance, allowing you to rely on it more often than just having to make use of the pedals to maximize your range.

Bunch The Original LCD Display Readout Metrics and Options:

• Current Speed
• Average Speed
• Max speed
• Assist Level (0-5 with walk mode)
• Trip Distance
• Odometer
• Battery Charge Level (5 Levels)
• Light Settings

Like other class 2 electric bikes, the Original has both throttle activated and pedal activated motor assistance. The motor will help you accelerate up to 20 MPH before shutting off, the speed limit on the motor in place allowing you to ride the Original without additional licensing or registration. You can pedal manually to go faster than 20 MPH, and if you run out of juice or turn off the motor you can still ride the Original like a traditional bicycle to travel around the city. Due to its heavy weight though, it can be a very difficult bicycle to use without motor assistance, so try to stay aware of how much battery life you have left so you aren’t pushing yourself hard just to make it home.

When it comes to your motor settings, you have five assist levels to choose from when configuring your motor, which can be changed with a simple button push. Higher assist levels will help you accelerate faster and provide a stronger motor push, but will drain the battery very quickly. Alternatively, you can minimize battery drain by selecting a lower motor assist level if you don’t mind having to rely on slower overall acceleration. Make the most of each assist level setting to maximize the range and fun you have with the Bunch Original electric bike.

Handling

• On Streets- The Bunch Original electric bike is built specifically with city riding in mind, and for the most part it handles well if you stick to smooth, paved roads. Because of its lower riding height, heavy weight, and large size, it doesn’t do too bad if you hit the occasional gravel or cobblestone path, or for when you hit a pothole or two. Just make sure you stick to city riding, as you’re going to have a very bumpy ride if you do attempt to challenge even a light mountain bike trail.
• Turn Radius- When it comes to the overall performance, the Original does suffer when it comes to its turn radius. Cargo family style eBikes aren’t particularly well regarded when it comes to turning, but the Original is especially cumbersome when trying to make a turn. If done too quickly, you can often lift a wheel off the ground and depending on your weight distribution, even cause the Original to overturn and fall to the ground. It’s safe to turn the Original slowly, but it will effectively cross into two lanes in order to make a full turn. Make sure you have plenty of room and time when trying to turn the Original electric bike.
• Low Speed Handling- Because it is meant to support riding with little kids, the Bunch Original is typically meant to be ridden as slower speeds. You can set the throttle or pedal assist to 1 or 2, allowing you to get steady motor support without having to travel faster than 5 to 10 MPH if you don’t push the motor system to its full power. Alternatively, the Original does have a walk mode as well, which is great for improved handling while dismounted off the eBike. The Original is easy enough to transport as long as you have some battery power left, but given it weighs 152 lbs it won’t be very fun to travel with once the battery is empty.

Gears/DriveTrain

The Bunch Original electric bike utilizes a very familiar Shimano drivetrain system, with a 8-speed CS-HG41 11-34 T cassette connected to the 38 T chainring via a eBike optimized KMC Z7 chain. You typically don’t even need that many gearing options for a simple family cargo bike, but because of how reliable and trustworthy the Shimano drivetrain system we’re glad to see it included on the Original. For further protection and support, the drivetrain also features a steel chain guard, along with full steel fender coverage for all three tires. The chain guard helps guide the chain while shifting, reducing the risk of a chain drop, while the guard and fenders help keep the drivetrain free from rocks, sticks, mud, and other debris you often pick up while riding. This is a drivetrain that requires very little maintenance in order to have optimal performance throughout the year, allowing you to ride with your family without worrying about having major performance issues in the middle of your trip.

Brakes

Because you have extra passengers in the large cargo box, having strong brakes that will help you come to a smooth stop that won’t cause your passengers to lurch is important. That is why we appreciate the Tektro 160 mm rotor hydraulic disc brakes, since they have the stopping power and smoothness needed for a typical city ride. Hydraulic disc brakes are great for a couple of other reasons as well, such are being more durable and lasting longer than your typical mechanical disc braking system. The brakes and their levers are all adjustable as well, helping you have an even more personalized riding setup on the Bunch Original electric bike.

Suspension

The Bunch Original is a heavy eBike, and combined with its low riding profile and the fact that it is meant for riding in urban environments only, you don’t really need much in terms of suspension support. It’s very comfortable when riding over flat roads and surfaces, and it doesn’t even shake too much when you do hit gravel or the occasional cobblestone patch. If comfort is a priority for you, and you live in an area where the roads aren’t quite as smooth as you would hope, then we would suggest swapping out the steel stem for a suspension equivalent. The rigid steel steem is very durable and provides solid weight support, but a suspension stem does make riding over the occasional uneven surface a smoother experience without significantly sacrificing durability and strength.

Pedals

Another feature that contributes to the overall comfort of the Original electric bike, Bunch has decided to include large aluminum platform pedals instead of typical plastic pedals. Aluminum pedals are more durable than plastic pedals, while also providing greater traction support so that your feet are more comfortable and have a tighter grip while riding. Built into the pedals are reflector panels, which along with the other reflective taping and LED lights further improves the overall rider visibility while using the Bunch Original electric bike. The pedals are great, and while they’re simple to swap out we think you’ll do well just sticking with the pedals that come with the stock model.

Grips and Saddle

While you might not ride the Original long enough too often to notice, the high quality faux leather padded grips are built with comfort in mind. You could ride the Original for hours, and while your legs may feel tired your hands won’t due to the cushy build of the grips. The grips also pair well with the large Selle Royal Freeway City saddle, mounted on an adjustable seat post. Given the 8.5’’ adjustment options featured with the handlebars, almost any adult rider can feel comfortable on Original electric bike no matter their height or weight.

As a side note on the handlebars, it has a more flat, extended build that is mounted directly to the cargo box. The positive of such a design is that it gives you multiple grip options, further making the Original a good family cargo bike option no matter the adult rider size. The negative is that turning is awkward and unlike most traditional bicycles, and is instead omre like trying to turn a stroller or a lawn more. Even to make small turns, you have to make huge adjustments as you push the handlebars, which if you aren’t careful can also make your passengers a bit sick as you jerk the handlebars around. After a few times going out on it you should adjust to the Original, but be aware that it is a rather unique eBike when it comes to the feel of its handlebars.

Wheels and Tires

Another aspect we appreciate about the Bunch Original is its wheel setup. The Original features Schwalbe Big Apple HS Performance Line 430 tires, with its stellar Level 4 raceguard protection and Balloonbike air suspension for smoother riding over loose dirt, sand, and other terrain. The front tires measure 20’’ by 2.15’’, while the rear tire measures 24’’ by 2’. All three tires are mounted on double wall aluminum alloy 36 hole rims, with 12-gauge stainless steel spokes holding it all together. With 30 to 55 PSI adjustment, you can ride the Original throughout the city and over the occasional rough patch with little to no unsteadiness and shakiness, though a suspension stem does help if you want an even more comfortable riding experience. As to the different tire sizes, it helps you have a more stable riding experience by riding lower to the ground, while also making it easier for kids to load up and ride in the passenger container. The one negative we do have to mention is that because they are different tire sizes, you need different tools and components to swap out or service a flat, but it’s a small downside to an otherwise great family cargo bike design.

Accessories/Upgrades

The Bunch Original eBike is fully loaded with a number of great accessories, especially those needed for maximum rider safety. A powerful dual LED headlight, integrated tail light, reflective tire sidewall taping, and pedal reflector all make it easier to spot the rider and their passengers, reducing the risk of suffering a collison. The only thing that would further help rider safety that we would like to see in the stock model is a horn, bell, or some other alarm system. Beyond that, with full fender coverage and even a rear cargo rack, the only major accessories we would recommend are bringing a bag or two along for the ride. We’d suggest picking out a pannier bag or something else that hangs off the side or is compact, as the saddle does sit over the rear cargo rack. As a result, taller, thicker, or otherwise larger bags that fit other eBike cargo racks won’t be as well suited for the Original, though you can throw your bag into the cargo container if it doesn’t fit the rear cargo rack.

Recommendation

Electric bikes have been primarily dominated by adults, but with the Original eBike by Bunch you have a great cargo bike that the whole family can enjoy. The high quality, durable steel frame has the strength to support an adult and up to four kids, or to transport over 200 lbs of cargo. As long as you stick to riding in the city, you’ll be able to make great use of the Samsung 653 Wh battery and 45 Nm motor, allowing you to travel up to 35 miles on a single charge as you and your kids explore the city. While you’ll rarely use all of the gear options, this is an 8-speed eBike thanks to the industry favorite Shimano CS-HG41 drivetrain. Comfort matters just as much as performance, which is why we also appreciate the faux leather grips, oversized aluminum pedals, adjustable handlebars, and other premium extras. Speaking of extras, the dual LED headlight, integrated tail light, reflective tire taping, and rear cargo rack are just a few of the other add-ons also included with the Original. This is an eBike ready to hit the streets and comes fully assembled to your door, so if you’re looking for a way to spend more time with your kids outdoors, you’ll want to consider the Bunch Original family cargo electric bike!

Want to know more about the Original family cargo electric bike by Bunch? Leave a comment below with any questions you may have, and let us know if you would like to see a video or full performance review from our team at Best Electric Bikes!