Civilized Cycles’ Model 1 E-Bike Could Replace Your Second Car GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Opinion News > Smart & Connected Life

Civilized Cycles’ Model 1 E-Bike Could Replace Your Second Car

The utility of a scooter in the skin of a bicycle

By Matthew S Smith Matthew S Smith Writer Beloit College Matthew S. Smith has been writing about consumer tech since 2007. Formerly the Lead Editor at Digital Trends, he's also written for PC Mag, TechHive, and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on August 6, 2021 11:28AM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Smart & Connected Life Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming

Key Takeaways

The Civilized Cycles Model 1 is built for a rider and passenger. It has two built-in, water-resistant cargo pods.The rear air suspension smooths rough roads and conquers potholes. Civilized Cycles The Civilized Cycle Model 1 wants you out of your car and on two wheels. Technically, the Model 1 is an electric bike, yet one look will tell you it’s not a typical bicycle. Long, wide, and with seating for two, the Model 1 is built to be so comfortable, quick, and fun that even timid cyclists might leave their Expedition in the garage and take the bike instead. I took it for a spin to see if it comes close to this seemingly impossible goal. I made a beeline for every pothole I could find...The bike always won.

A Bike to Replace Your Second Car

The Civilized Cycles Model 1 might be electric, but its key feature is low tech. It has passenger seating. Placed just aft the rider’s saddle and above the cargo pods, the passenger seat is a strip of padding and fabric that wouldn’t look out of place on a Vespa. The seat can handle an adult or a child, though Civilized recommends it only for children over the age of 8. The bike’s total maximum load is an impressive 400 pounds. The Model 1 is not the first e-bike with passenger seating, but Civilized lives up to its name with a focus on comfort. Built-in footrests provide a stable platform for the passenger and the cargo pods, which billow from the bike's rear, offering stability and thigh support. It also packs a secret weapon: rear air suspension. Great ride quality is common among modern electric bikes, but the Model 1 is on another level. I made a beeline for every pothole I could find in an attempt to upset it. The bike always won. Lifewire / Matthew S Smith Despite its perks, the Model 1 is not ideal for every situation. The cargo pods provide a ton of space for luggage or groceries, but won’t close with any significant cargo inside, so you can’t carry a passenger and cargo at once. The Model 1 also lacks kid-centric accessories, like child seats or a safety bar. This will be a deal-breaker for parents with young children.

Function Over Fitness

The Model 1 is a step-through bike, perfect for riders who lack the flexibility to quickly swing a leg over a traditional bike’s tall saddle. The gearing is also designed to minimize obstructions and keep shoes from snagging while mounting the bike. A chain guard is standard to keep the chain, and your pants, clean. Selecting one of the bike’s five speeds can be handled with a twist of your left hand, while your right has access to the throttle. The Model 1 has a powerful motor that makes the throttle unnecessary for cruising, but essential for launching with a passenger on board. I had some trouble with the shifter. It didn’t want to shift when under the slightest power. Many e-bikes have this troublesome trait to a degree, but the Model 1 was more finicky than any I can remember and forced me to plan ahead when deciding how to shift. Lifewire / Matthew S Smith A large, color touchscreen is centered on the Model 1’s wide handlebars. It looks far more modern than the black-and-white LCDs used by most competitors. The screen displays speed, power mode, mileage, and range—which is good, because you may suffer range anxiety. Civilized promises just 25 miles on a charge, which you can extend to 50 miles with a second battery. What the bike lacks in range it gains in power. The electric assist provides a boost up to 28 miles per hour, and that top speed is not difficult to reach. I managed it with modest effort on flat terrain. Riders content to cruise at a more casual 20 miles per hour may never break a sweat. Once up to speed, the smooth air suspension helps maintain your momentum.

Not a Second Car but Certainly a Comfortable E-Bike

Can this e-bike truly replace a motorcycle, moped, or second car? That depends. The Model 1 is more comfortable to ride, and attractive to look at, than other cargo e-bikes, but the finicky shifter could create friction for inexperienced riders. Still, couples and families that don’t have small children should put the Model 1 on their list. The Civilized Cycles Model 1 is available for pre-order starting at $5,499. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Propella 7S 4.0 Review: Light, Nimble, Affordable 43 Most Common EV Questions Answered Apple Car: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors The 7 Best Electric Scooters of 2022 RadPower RadCity 5 Plus Review: Capable, Powerful, Heavy The 7 Best Remote Control Cars of 2022 How Much Range You Need in Your EV EV Ranges Explained: EPA, WLTP, and NEDC Swagtron Swagger Electric Scooter Review: Fashionable, Sleek Commuting Some Great Reasons You Should Not Buy Hoverboards Adding a Second Car Battery for High-End Audio What Is Lyft and How Do You Use It? The 4 Best Laptop Mounts of 2022 8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Used EV 5 Reasons People Don't Buy EVs Holy Stone RC Cartoon Race Car Review: Family-Friendly Fun Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies