FAQ
We have compiled a list of common questions that aims to shed light on any concerns you have. If your question does not appear here, please reach us at support@vvolt.com.
Shipping
Shipping is included in the cost of your bike if you live in the continental US! Please contact us if you live in AK or HI for a rate estimate.
Not at the moment, sorry! *Longer answer: While we plan on expanding to other markets, the current global supply shortage of bicycle parts makes it difficult to keep up with demand. Once we can guarantee a steady supply into our own backyard we’ll be making Vvolt models available in additional countries.
We partner with FedEx for home delivery and require that you sign for the delivery. You can sign in advance, add special instructions or even arrange pickup at their local FedEx store using their Delivery Manager service. Ebikes ship 97% assembled in a big box– roughly 67 x 34 x 8” - it’s bulky but not super-heavy; probably best to have a helper if you need to get it up or down stairs.
We do not currently have an expedited shipping option.
Warranty
Vvolt electric bicycles include an industry leading, 3-year warranty against manufacturer’s defect with no mileage limitations. This covers potential issues you may have with your bike, including the battery, motor, transmission, belt, wheels, brakes and other components.
While the warranty does not cover wear and tear, we do stock many replacement parts in our US warehouse so you may replace worn items with original factory parts. Contact us if you don’t see the part you’re looking for on our spare parts page – not everything we have is listed there.
We’ll have your back! Firstly, we offer an industry-leading 3-year warranty on our ebikes. Secondly, we stock warranty and replacement parts in our US facilities so we can take care of any issues and get you back riding ASAP. Lastly, we’re developing a network of recommended local service centers where ebike technicians can help Vvolt and you to sort things out when it comes to replacing a warranty or crash-damaged part. If you need it, we’re here to help so get in touch!
Sizing & Bike Details
One of the benefits of an ebike is that you don’t need to focus on getting the exact-right size to maximize pedaling efficiency - the bike is plenty efficient for you! We’ve chosen two sizes for each model that should comfortably fit most people. That said, you still want to choose the one that’s best for you! A good rule of thumb is to compare your inseam measurement, taken wearing shoes you are likely to ride in, to the standover height of our various models.
Belts last more than twice as long as standard bike chains. Belts never need oil, and thus stay cleaner and less likely to leave a mark on your leg (or dress, or pants.) Belts are darn-near silent, so you’ll never have to tootle down the block to the soundtrack of your squeaking, chirping chain.
As far as you want! (old ebike joke there) Seriously, our bikes are relatively lightweight and the battery-assist range is dependent on how hard you pedal. As a basic rule of thumb, you can expect the following maximum range over level ground:
- 10.4amp hour battery - 90 kilometers / 60 miles on pedal-assist level 1
Contact us if you’re around Portland Oregon, we have all models available for test ride on an appointment-only basis. Appointments are currently available Tues-Thurs from 10am - 4pm. *Please note that we follow COVID precautions as well as general safety measures; bring your own helmet and facemask for your test ride appointment.
Yes! Taking more stuff to and from places is one of the best parts of riding an ebike! Towing a trailer will reduce your range depending on the trailer weight, model and load. Test your range with your trailer and intended load by riding around your neighborhood first so that you understand how the added weight and drag affect your personal riding performance.
Note- Alpha models are not compatible with “BOB” style cargo trailers that attach to both sides of the rear axle. Left-axle-mount trailers like those made by Burley, Thule etc are acceptable for use on Alpha models.
Our frameset weight limit is 440 pounds, but we recommend that riders over 300 pounds consult with us regarding recommended modifications to ensure durability of wheels and other components.
Our Alpha models have a super-simple “singlespeed” drive – you adjust the difficulty of the ride by selecting one of 5 assistance levels. Proxima and Sirius models feature a wide-range Enviolo gearhub. You twist the shifter to change the gear from easy to hard. You can further tune the ride by adjusting the electric assistance level.
We design our bikes to offer maximum compatibility with standard parts. From water bottle holders to key parts like comfy saddles, you’ll find that most any part you want to install will fit your Vvolt. Questions about a specific part? Get in Touch!
Ebikes?
Electric bicycles are just like traditional pedal bikes (or push bikes, to you commonwealth types) except that pressing the pedals activates an electric motor that provides assistance. This augments your human power, lowering the physical effort needed to ride. Electric bikes can help ride up hills, make it easier to ride further, or assist in getting around town with less sweat than a typical pedal bike.
The biggest difference between an electric bicycle and a motorcycle is that ebikes have much less motor power. In the USA, street-legal ebikes like we make are limited to 750w (1hp) motors, and many, like ours, have much less.
The idea of an electric bicycle is to make it easier to ride at standard “sporty” bicycle speeds around 10-28mph, whereas motorcycles are designed to speed along at auto speeds of 25-70mph.
Accordingly, two out of three ebike classes recognized in most US states do not have a throttle. Class 2 ebikes can have a throttle that can propel riders up to 20mph without pedaling, but at Vvolt we forgo this type of electric bike as we feel these machines blur the lines. We fully support pedal-assisted bicycles and believe that there is also a huge place for electric motorcycles in the transportation mix of the future.
The three-class system common in the US has been defined in model legislation put forth by People for Bikes, and subsequently adopted by 28 states (as of early 2021.) CLASS 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the ebike reaches 20mph. CLASS 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor, that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20mph. CLASS 3: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the ebike reaches 28mph. Vvolt electric bikes are compliant with the Class 1 standards used by most states, offering pedal assistance up to 20mph. Vvolt does not offer Class 2 ebikes, as their use is subject to greater restrictions in many areas due to the presence of a throttle.
As a new brand we understand there’s not much evidence about us as a company. Rest assured that our founding team has more than 50 years of combined experience in the worlds of cycling, personal computers, and online retail, and we’re building a company that will be here to support you in the future! Vvolt is part of the parent company of trusted cycling and outdoor apparel maker Showers Pass. Though we haven’t been here for long we’re here to stay!
- Because you want to support a company committed to building a better world through getting more people out of cars and onto light electric mobility vehicles.
- Because you want to ride a highly functional, low-maintenance and good-looking electric bicycle.
- Because you want to say you were one of the first supporters of Vvolt in a decade - when we’re known for making some of the most popular electric vehicles on the road.
Assembly & Purchase
Not much! Our ebikes are tested at the factory and arrive 97% assembled so you only have two steps before you can ride: Install the front wheel, fit the pedals, top off the battery, adjust the seat height – then enjoy! watch our how-to video to see how simple it is.
First, have a look at our assembly instructions, then watch our how-to video! We’re not kidding when we say that it’s really easy to get your bike up and running for the first time.
That said, we understand that some folks don’t want to fuss with packaging. So we partner with Beeline Connect to provide you with the option to have your bike delivered to one of more than 600 local shops where a professional mechanic will handle final assembly.
Sometimes we may offer out-of-stock bikes for reservation. Depending on lead time, the reservation may be a partial payment or full payment.
When you buy a Vvolt ebike, we’ll send you a 5% off discount code to share with a friend. When they use the code to buy a new Vvolt of their own, we’ll give you $50.
- Your unique code is automatically emailed 14 days after your bike ships.
- Share it with a friend, along with your recent Vvolt ebike order number (find it in your order confirmation email.)
- They enter the code at checkout to get 5% off their ebike at checkout, and they enter your order number in the “notes” field We process their order, check your order number and email you to verify that you shared your code with them.
- We refund $50 to the payment method you used on your ebike order.