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Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a model that’s making waves for its affordability and compact design: the KBO Flip. Keep watching our honest KBO Flip Review to find out if it’s worth the (surprisingly affordable) price.
Foldable and sub-$1,000 make this a great electric bike for those short on space... and cash.
KBO Flip eBike Review: Why should you trust us?
You may be wondering, ‘Why should I trust these folks for electric bike knowledge?’ Well, let’s set the record straight. We aren’t a bunch of cycle heads or Tour de France contenders. Nope, we’re just your average family, living an average life, but with an above-average interest in eBikes.
Thanks to our website and YouTube channel, we’ve had the amazing opportunity to test over 75+ eBikes. That’s right, from sleek speedsters to chunky off-roaders, we’ve ridden them all. And we don’t just take them for a spin around the block. Oh, no! We put them through their paces, testing max speed, comfort, battery life, and yes, even their hill-climbing prowess.
So, when we talk about the KBO Flip, we’re not just spouting specs and features. We’re giving you real, hands-on experience from people who’ve actually ridden the bike. People who, like you, need their eBike to fit into their everyday lives. We know what works, what doesn’t, and what offers the best bang for your buck.
We’ve also tested out several electric bikes that were a folder ebike, too. Check out our Snapcycle Review and more!
We’ve also tested out (almost) every model of KBO Bikes out there (read our KBO Tornado Review and KBO Breeze Review). KBO has some other bikes that are extremely versatile, too.
So, pull up a chair, grab a cup of joe, and let’s dive into the world of the KBO Flip. We’re here to give you the inside scoop, minus the technical jargon and sales pitch. Just honest, practical advice from one eBike rider to another.
KBO Flip Review: The basics
The KBO Flip eBike is a revolutionary foldable bike that offers an incredibly affordable price and compact design.
This innovative bike has been gaining attention for its space-saving capabilities, allowing riders to easily store the bike in cars or apartments without sacrificing power. With a range of up 55 miles on a single charge, the KBO Flip is perfect for commuters or casual cyclists looking for an easy way to get around town. Our honest review will tell you if this economical ebike is worth investing in!
Key Features of the KBO Flip electric bike
- 55+ Mile Range
- Top Speed of 20 MPH
- 500w rear hub motor
- 15.6ah lithium-ion battery
- 275-pound payload capacity
- LCD controller with three levels of pedal assist
- Bright, Front light and back tail light
- Mechanical disk brakes
- Weighs 57 pounds
- Rear, removable battery
- Sturdy integrated rear rack
- 20″ x 3″ semi-fat tires
- Seven-speed Shimano transmission
- Comfortable saddle
- Half Twist Throttle
Included Accessories
Currently, the KBO Flip comes with free accessories: the full fenders, rear rack, and multi-function 16-in-1 repair toolkit.
Optional accessories include: foldable front basket, rear rack bag, extra battery and much more!
As you can see, this electric bike doesn’t skimp on features, despite the sub-$1,000 price tag.
While I wouldn’t call any of the features, by themselves, “revolutionary,” the electric bike manages to bring together a lot of great features in a surprisingly affordable package. That’s actually the impressive part. While I wouldn’t call it the world’s most incredible electric bike, it’s a great folding electric bike that gets the job done.
With a comfortable saddle, powerful motor, and bright lighting system, the KBO Flip is an excellent choice for budget-minded cyclists looking to get around town in style.
Test Ride Experience
Picture this: you’re on your bike, the wind’s in your hair, and you’re ready to see what this baby can do. If you’ve never experienced a folding bike before, or a pure electric bike before, you are in for a treat!
Pedal Assist Levels
First off, the pedal assist on this eBike is like a sensitive friend – it picks up on your every move (most of the time). It’s got a mind of its own, but hey, don’t we all? It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you’re new to the eBike scene, it might take a bit of getting used to.
The biggest thing we noticed was it was just a bit tough to find out when the motor would kick on. Sometimes it felt like the KBO Flip Folding Bike was going to take off, and other times it felt like it was slow to start.
Speed
Now, let’s talk speed. This eBike isn’t going to break any land speed records, but it’s no slouch either. It’s like the tortoise in the fable – it’s steady and reliable, and it gets you where you need to go. We hit a comfortable 21-22 miles per hour, no sweat (KBO advertises a max top speed of 20 MPH, but I’m not 100% confident in how tuned the speedometers are on eBikes).
Braking
And the brakes? They’re mechanical disk brakes, and they work just fine. They’re like that reliable friend who always shows up when you need them. While I wish this bike had hydraulic disk brakes, they have to save some money somewhere – and this is an area that KBO decided the brakes would be sufficient as mechanical disc brakes.
I agree. Because the bike is lighter than other eBikes and not super duper powered, the brakes work well and have more-than-adequate stopping power.
Hill Test
Alrighty, here’s the spicy bit – the hill test. If you’re chilling in San Francisco or any other city that’s more up and down than a roller coaster, this one’s for you.
The KBO Flip is like that friend who nails it in flatland sports but gets a tad winded when the path goes uphill. It’ll get you to the top, just maybe not as swiftly as some of its eBike buddies.
Once again, if you never tried a different electric bike, you wouldn’t know the difference.
You can just twist the smart half twist throttle and go, for the most part.
So there you have it, folks. The KBO Flip might not be the Usain Bolt of eBikes, but it’s a solid performer that’ll get you where you need to go. And isn’t that what we’re all looking for at the end of the day?
Assembly of the KBO Flip
Alright, let’s talk about the KBO Flip assembly process. I’ve wrestled with flat-pack furniture and tangled Christmas lights, but this? This was smoother than a Sunday morning. It’s almost easier than making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and you know how simple that is!
What makes it assembly so breezy?
Well, unlike some other eBikes we’ve tested that come with a ‘some assembly required’ tag, the KBO Flip arrives with both the front and rear wheel already installed. That’s right, no need to break out your toolbox or dust off your mechanic skills. It’s like getting a bike with training wheels, but for the assembly process.
Assembly Video
And to sweeten the deal, KBO offers an assembly video that’s as clear as a summer day. It walks you through the setup step by step, making it as easy as following a recipe. I used this video when setting up my ride, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
But hey, if putting things together isn’t your cup of tea, there’s always plan B. You can take your new KBO Flip to a local bike shop and let the pros handle the setup. Either way, you’ll be hitting the road on your new eBike in no time!
Note: we recommend everyone has their bikes checked out by a mechanic. When you’re traveling 20+ MPH on something you put together, it’s a good idea to get even folding bikes checked out.
Folding the Flip
A folding ebike is fun because it can fit almost anywhere. In fact, the bike, fully assembled, is 65.0”x 23.2” x 47.2”
When you fold it (thanks to some clever quick-release levers), the bike shrinks almost in half to 36.6” x 14.6” x 27.6”. That’s pretty impressive that it can shrink down to that size!
What I loved about the KBO Flip
Besides the price and the compact design, there’s a lot to love about this bike. Here’s what stood out for me:
- The range of 55+ miles on a single charge – this is great if you’re commuting or going on longer trips
- The 20″ x 3″ semi-fat tires for stability and comfort on the road
- The mechanical disc brakes, which work better than I expected
- The seven-speed Shimano transmission for smooth, reliable shifting
- I also loved the big, bright LED light in front of the bike
- Easy-to-read LCD Display
- The dual suspension fork made for a smooth ride, even in rough terrain
Some other folding e-bike options are not super ergonomic, but I felt like the KBO Flip features a more comfortable ride.
All-in-all, this bike is an excellent choice for budget-minded riders looking for a reliable, lightweight commuter bike. The KBO Flip is easy to ride, easy to store, and super affordable. What’s not to love?
What I didn’t love about the KBO Flip
The biggest issue I had with this bike was the pedal assist. It’s a bit hit and miss, so if you’re new to electric bikes, it might take a bit of getting used to.
It seemed like it took a couple of extra repetitions to get the pedal assist to start fully. While it’s not a deal killer, it is something you should know about.
While I don’t foresee anything that would tell me this bike isn’t up-to-snuff, I have found that the price of an eBike does correlate, at least somewhat, to overall quality. I think KBO made the right choices to make this an affordable eBike that fits in tight spaces (and tight wallets).
Who is the KBO Flip For?
Foldable and sub-$1,000 make this a great electric bike for those short on space... and cash.
The KBO Flip is a great choice for those who don’t want to break the bank but still want the convenience of an electric bike. With its 55+ mile range, powerful motor, comfortable saddle, and bright LED lights, this is an economical eBike that won’t let you down.
If you’re looking for an affordable electric bike that you can trust to get you around town or out into the wild, then the KBO Flip is definitely worth checking out.
Check out the KBO Ranger Review, our guide to everything eBikes, the best fat tire ebikes, and the best eBike Accessories.