Metro Step-Thru Electric Bike

Battery and motor

The Step-Thru is Metro’s only model with pedals. It uses a 350-watt brushless DC hub motor, and Metro quotes a top speed of 32 km/h. The 36V 10.4Ah lithium-ion NCM battery is detachable, and Metro claims up to 60 km per charge. Charging takes about 6 hours, and Metro rates the battery for 1,000 cycles in the specification table (1,100 in another section of the page). Metro lists five driving modes and a speed sensor, and the bicycle has seven gears for pedalling.

Size and practicality

The Step-Thru measures 1,830 mm long, 690 mm wide and 1,100 mm tall. As a bicycle with large 27.5 × 1.95-inch tubed tyres, its ground clearance is 225 mm, the highest of any Metro, and its load capacity is 120 kg. The step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off. In our opinion, the big wheels will roll over potholes better than any small-wheeled scooter, and the option to pedal means a flat battery will not leave you stranded.

Equipment

There is one version with front and rear disc brakes, an LED display, pedals, seven gears, five driving modes, a speed sensor and a detachable lithium-ion battery. It uses tubed rather than tubeless tyres, so punctures are less convenient to deal with than on Metro’s scooters. The only colour listed is White.

Warranty

The specification table lists a 12-month warranty on the motor and battery, although one section of the page mentions 24 months. Confirm the terms with your dealer before buying.

Is it worth buying?

Our view: the Step-Thru is a different kind of product from Metro’s scooters. It suits riders who want some light exercise, a quiet commute on short city routes, or a vehicle that can be stored in a small space. Its 32 km/h top speed and 60 km range are fine for short trips. However, at Rs 169,000 it costs nearly as much as the T9 Sport NCF scooter, which is faster, carries more weight and has a longer warranty. Choose the Step-Thru if you actually want to cycle; otherwise a scooter gives more for the money. Metro’s site does not link a brochure for this model, so ask the dealer for a full specification sheet, and use the test-ride booking on Metro’s website to check the frame size and riding position. In our opinion, it may also suit riders who are not yet confident on a scooter.