I just took my first test ride. Here are my impressions about the BionX motor kit four levels of assist.
Level 1 basically compensates for the weight which the hub motor and battery add to your bike. So pedaling at Level 1 is comparable to pedaling your bike before you installed the system. That leaves three additional levels.
At Level 2, the assistance is significant, and on level pavement, you will notice that your pedal effort is multiplied/amplified, and you are moving faster and easier than you would solely on the basis of your own effort.
Level 3 is where the multiplication really kicks in, and you can feel the assist just like a giant hand pushing you along. At this level of assist, your speed can easily be double what it would be without any assistance. I pedaled up to 20-22 miles per hour doing the test.
David's BionX electric bike kit
My test drive took place on a paved trail which was wet from an earlier rain. Based on the power generated by the system at Assist Level 3, I was hesitant to set the system on Level 4. The trail I was riding on was a bit narrow, littered with broken branches, and subject to small critters darting across unexpectedly at any moment. And so, for the sake of safety and comfort, I did not try Assist Level 4. Rather than just burning electricity on level ground, I think I would reserve Assist Level 4 for steep hills.
As somebody else posted on your website, the true beauty of BionX is that your bike remains a bike. And I want a bike. If I wanted a motorcycle, I would buy one. When I was riding with my friend, who is a semi-professional athlete, he was on his roller blades. Don’t let that fool you, he was traveling 11-13 miles per hour, the same speed as a decent cyclist. I was alternating between Assist Levels 1 and 2 to keep pace with him for 14 miles and finish the ride tired, but not exhausted. BionX rules!
