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. 

Subscribe to the Move Electric newsletter

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. 

In addition to there only being one motor assist level, the bike is single-speed. I found this quite limiting, as you spin out very easily. It’s not a bike that you can pedal for miles and miles as the Q Factor (measurement between the outside of each crank arm) is extremely wide and the position of the seat means it can be uncomfortable after a while. On the other hand, if you’re feeling knackered, you can easily just tap the pedals without much effort and the bike will obey. â€‹

Elsewhere on the bike you have integrated daylight running lights and a main beam, a horn, an LCD speedometer which also displays battery level, and indicators. All these additions add to the aesthetic of the bike and makes it feel more premium. Two stands help you to store the bike safely, which, may be an area of concern for people in flats or those without a garage, but that's the same for any larger bike. 

Like I said before, I am not the target market for this bike. But, as a consummate professional, I jumped at the opportunity to get my mother to have a go as she sort of fits the key demographic. Here's what she had to say about the SX-250.

“I found it very exhilarating. It's quite tricky to set off with because it can feel like there's no resistance, so it can feel a bit strange – like riding a little moped, but without the sound. Nevertheless, it was excellent. It was great going up the hills and the wind was non-existent. Great for riding around the rural countryside."