The Smalo LX2 was launched just a few months ago, claiming to be the first AI-powered smart e-bike. It also comes with a premium price tag of $2,980, so this becomes one of the most expensive bikes we have tested. However, after testing the bike for over a month, I’m totally disappointed with its advertised features and performance.
Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Weight: 51.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 1885 x 680 x 1055 mm
- Motor: 250W Bafang front motor
- Max Speed: 20 mph
- Motor location: Front wheel
- Tires: Schwalbe Big Apple Perf, Racegurad 50-622
- Wheel Size: 28″
- Battery: 504Wh
- Battery Range: Up to 74 miles
- Charging Time: 4 hours
- PAS Sensor: Torque
- Brakes: Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brake
- Drivetrain: Shimano Nexus 7 speed with Smalo AI drive system
- Derailleur: Shimano Nexus 7 speed
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’8″ – 6’4″
Product Images
Design & Comfort
The Smalo LX2 is almost 90% assembled out of the box. After taking everything out, I just needed to install the pedals, front wheel, and tighten a few bolts. It took less than 20 minutes to get the bike ready.
Starting with the design, the Smalo LX2 makes a striking first impression. Its sleek frame and seamlessly integrated lights (automatically turned on in the dark) echo the aesthetics of high-end models. The geometrical design isn’t just for looks; it contributes significantly to the ride comfort, making it an attractive option for urban commuters.
One of the LX2’s strongest features is its tires. Equipped with thick Schwalbe tires, the bike maintains a smooth ride even without suspension. This design choice pays off, especially on the uneven and wet gravel trails typical of my testing ground. For an e-bike lacking advanced suspension technology, the LX2 handles these challenges with surprising well, largely due to these plush tires.
Smalo also integrates several modern conveniences into the LX2, such as a companion app that offers location tracking, settings management, anti-theft alerts, and even remote unlocking for the rear wheel lock. This rear lock is particularly noteworthy for quick errands, allowing riders to secure the bike without a traditional chain, although it’s not foolproof against more determined theft attempts. Notably, some of these features require a data service that costs $30 annually after the first free year. They are not worth it as I spend just $20 for an Apple AirTag to track my bikes and it works flawlessly.
Performance
The LX2 is not without its flaws, which become apparent particularly in the performance of its motor and AI-driven features. The 250W Bafang front hub motor is a notable underperformer. While it contributes to the bike’s impressive range by being less power-intensive, it lacks the necessary oomph expected in modern e-bikes. When climbing hills or needing quick acceleration, the motor becomes almost useless because its assistance is negligible. Of course, the weak motor can’t provide full throttle mode and you will always have to pedal to go forward.
The LX2 is equipped with a 504Wh battery, boasting a range of over 70 miles under ideal conditions or 50 miles on hilly routes. This sounds compelling but in my real-life tests, the maximum range is just about 20-30 miles. Another disadvantage is that the battery can’t be removed easily, so I always have to plug the power adapter to the bike to recharge the battery. In another test of the battery, I fully charged and left it unused for about 3 weeks; Surprisingly, the battery was completely drained out when I came back. Regular lithium batteries should self discharge just 1-2% month to month. The batteries discharge faster under colder weather but April’s weather is pretty mild in New England, so the quick self-discharge is still unacceptable.
Furthermore, the LX2’s touted AI shifting system falls short of expectations. Marketed as a next-generation feature, it unfortunately ends up complicating the riding experience. The system struggles with timely and appropriate gear changes, obviously it doesn’t understand my needs and keep changing gears when I want to keep a stable speed. As the result, my riding experience was more exhausting and jerky than ever. The built-in torque sensor is supposed to deliver natural pedaling but this fails to deliver.
Unfortunately, that Smart mode is the only electric mode I could use because the display and gear controls on the right side of the handlebar were not working. I couldn’t change gear manually and ended up with the Smart mode.
Conclusion
Pros
- Stylish Design
- Comfortable Ride
Cons
- Underpowered Motor
- Battery issues
- Flawed AI Shifting System
- Expensive
In summary, the Smalo LX2 is a huge disappointment in my test. Apart from the modern and clean look, it fails to deliver in almost all other aspects. The underpowered motor and problematic AI shifting system are major drawbacks; Its performance is even worse than many $1,000 e-bikes on the market. I didn’t feel the joy and excitement when riding this e-bike. Therefore, we at BikeFolded can’t recommend the bike at this time.
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