Eskuta SX-250 electric bike review

What is it like? I’ll be honest, the first ride was a little bit unnerving, particularly for someone who took their CBT 10 years ago and hasn’t been on a moped or motorbike since. The sheer size of the bike means it’s quite difficult to manoeuvre when you’re not riding it, but you certainly don’t notice it when you are riding. A small green button on the left-hand side acts as a ‘boost’ button and helps get the pedals turning. It is possible to set off without it, but it can take a few laborious pedal strokes to get the motor to tune in, so I’d highly recommend milking the boost button for all it’s worth. 

Eskuta has prided itself on using motorcycle-grade suspension and brakes, and the ride feel is reflected in these choices. It is comfortable to ride, and it glides over potholes with ease. The handling is quite relaxed and it doesn’t take half as long as you’d expect to feel comfortable riding it on the road. The SX-250 is as close to moped as you can get under EAPC regulations. A key turns the bike on/off, unlocks the storage containers and opens the hidden battery compartment under the seat. You can charge the battery while it is on the bike, but it is just as easy to remove it and take it indoors. 

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Eskuta advises a battery range of between 40-50 miles. There is only one motor assist level, and unless you’re climbing a mountain on it and draining the battery excessively, then I take it to be quite accurate. I managed to get 21 miles out of it, then, unfortunately, had to leave it for a week, during which time the battery drained considerably from 60% to 18%. It is quite a lengthy battery charging period so this is a bike where being organised is vital if you want to ride it regularly. 

Speaking of the motor, the SX-250 has a brushless rear hub 250W motor with just one assist setting. Although it’s more than powerful enough, it can be a little bit jerky, and it seemed to surge now and again. On the right-hand side of the handlebars, there is a little dial with settings 1-3, to represent other motor assist levels, but they are only available in other countries where e-bike regulations differ.