"Don't put the cart before the horse" is an idiom that MOD seemed to have taken very seriously when designing the MOD City+ 3. All of the basics that I expect from a foldable e-bike are there and done well. Because the foundational elements were all done properly, it had time to focus on final details that make this e-bike the most practical one I have ever ridden.
As a shopping writer, I've been introduced to many products with fancy bells and whistles that catch my attention, but end up disappointing when their main function is faulty. Testing the MOD's latest foldable e-bike rekindled my hope that there are still companies who don't jump the gun at the expense of flashiness.
I received the MOD City+ 3 as a review unit. The e-bike came pre-assembled, and I only needed to install the front wheel, headlight, and some other minor parts, which was fast and easy to do. MOD says all of its MOD City+ 3 e-bikes come pre-assembled, so it should be an easy setup. As an early reviewer, I got access to a pre-production model of the MOD City+ 3. I experienced some issues with the display showing some errors and the throttle not kicking on sometimes (usually on hills), but MOD later sent me an updated display and controller with a software update. After installing them, I didn't encounter those initial issues anymore.
The MOD City+ 3, at a glance
Pros
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Assembly: Very easy to assemble.
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Customizable: There are many ways to customize the e-bike and easily snap on any accessory you can imagine.
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Features: The Lumos partnership and USB port on the display are very practical touches.
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Dual suspension: Makes for a smooth ride.
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Stylish: It's very aesthetically pleasing.
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Accessible: Wide range of riders from 5’2” to 6’4.”
Cons
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Weight: Although it's not the heaviest foldable e-bike I've tested, 65 lbs is on the heavy side.
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Price: Expect to pay a higher price for the e-bike and accessories than the competition. At about $2,300, it's the most expensive e-bike I've tried, but it's also the most complete and the nicest.
Specs
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Classification: Class 2 (Adjustable to Class 1 to 3).
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Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes with 180 mm rotors.
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Tires: Multi-terrain Kenda K-Shield 20" by 3" with reflective sidewall.
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Frame geometry: Step-through aluminum frame.
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Lights: LED brake and tail lights and 300-lumen wide beam LED front headlights.
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Battery: 48V 12.8Ah (615Wh).
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Display: Password-protected full-color display with USB port.
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Motor: 500W (Peak 750W) up to 60 Nm of torque.
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Pedal Assist: 5 programmable levels with sensors.
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Claimed Range: Up to 45 mi.
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Throttle: Thumb throttle.
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Weight of e-bike: 65 lb with battery.
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Rider height range: One frame fits 5’2” to 6’4.”
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Maximum rider weight: 275 lbs.
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Maximum load on the rear rack: 55 lbs.
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Size: 66" by 43" (up to 50") by 24" (42" by 15" by 26.5" when folded).
The MOD City+ 3 is the third rendition of the series, as the name implies. It is meant to be a compact and practical foldable e-bike for people who commute and want to use the e-bike for carrying pets, groceries, or whatever they can fit on its many accessories. The idea of MOD bikes is to modify them to fit your lifestyle, and it makes this possible with its snap-on technology to easily attach and detach accessories. I found it very practical and easy to do compared to other e-bikes that require a lot more work to modify.
How does the MOD City+ 3 e-bike ride on the street?
Coming off the RadExpand 5 Plus' revolutionary BMX-style handlebar, transitioning back to the MOD's flat handlebar had me nervous. I didn't think I would be able to find a similar comfort or control with the City+ 3, but I was pleasantly surprised. The handling isn't as good as what you can get with a BMX handlebar, but it was close. The City+ 3's handlebars aren't completely straight, so there was a bit more control than most foldable e-bikes when I was hitting the top speed of 28 mph. I always felt in control and was not afraid to push the bike further if I could—and you can, as you'll read in a bit.
The City+ 3 has a wide, well-padded seat which has a 40 mm travel suspension seat post. Riding over bumps, sidewalks, or most objects on the road didn't feel like worrisome obstacles, even at high speeds. Overall, it was a sturdy, smooth ride.
The left handlebar has a bell and the main control panel. Pressing and holding the plus button manually turns on the headlights, otherwise, they turn on automatically in the dark. Holding the minus button turns on a very useful walk mode. (Walk Mode gives the bike some push from the battery when you're walking it so you don't have to drag the whole weight of it yourself.)
The right handlebar has a seven-speed trigger shifter and a thumb throttle. The throttle was responsive and well-placed. I didn't feel I would accidentally press it and have my bike take off.
The display is the best one I've tried on an e-bike so far. It has useful metrics like battery percentage, my pedal assist level, the distance I've covered, speed, etc. It looks bright enough to see on a sunny day and the menu is very straightforward to navigate. The bottom of the display has a USB port which was perfect for charging my phone when I took it on my long rides (you'll still need a phone mount to prop up your phone). The pedal assist and throttle were able to take my 165-pound self up every hill I encountered on the Atlanta Beltline. From a standstill, the throttle can hit the top speed of 28 mph without jerks and in a controlled way.
How does the MOD City+ 3 fold?
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of a folding bike is how it actually folds, and the City+ 3 does it well. It takes about 20 seconds once you know what you're doing. The handlebars tuck neatly without pulling on any cables. There's also a velcro strap that helps keep the bike together when handling it once it's folded. Keep in mind that the bike weighs 65 lbs with the battery, so you will need to be a decently strong person to handle it up a set of stairs or put it in a trunk.
Once folded, it measures 42" by 15" by 26.5", which is compact enough to fit in my Toyota Corolla's trunk. Be warned that if you rest the weight of the bike on right handlebar when handling it, it can shift it in enough to where it hits the throttle. If your throttle gets stuck and doesn't spring back into place, just loosen the handlebar and shift it back into place.
The MOD City+ 3 is practical and stylish
MOD finished its homework early and had time to play around when designing the City+ 3. It's a beautiful bike I would not mind showing off in my living room. It also designed a snap-on technology for accessories that makes it very practical to take bags, baskets, or any of its accessories on and off. With all of my other e-bikes, it has been complicated to take these products on and off the bikes, to the point I would rather not use them—or I would just leave them on all the time. The snap-on technology actually makes accessories usable and convenient.
Another impressive standout feature is MOD's collaboration with Lumos. You can pair any Lumos Ultra Smart bike helmet with the MOD bike and have the turning signals synced. Pressing the left or right turning signals on the panel will light up the helmet's turning signals. It's also connected to the rear brake lights, so you'll have two lights to warn whoever is behind you.
MOD also has a "secret" mode that releases all limits from the bike and allows you to pedal and throttle as much as you can. It's meant for off-roading and it can actually go faster than its set speed limit of 28mph. To get to that mode, hold the "I" button and when the panel asks for a password, use "2020.”
Closing thoughts
The MOD City+ 3 is a perfect example of what you can accomplish if you focus on doing the basics right: You have time to add fancy bells and whistles that set you apart from the competition. The City+ 3 is an outstanding foldable e-bike for those who can afford it. A double suspension with a padded saddle and a slightly curved handlebar makes riding very comfortable. The pedal assist and throttle are powerful and give you enough kick to get through any reasonable hurdle. The screen is top-notch, with user-friendly controls and a useful USB port to charge your phone. Being able to sync my Lumos helmet with the lights and easily snapping the accessories on and off makes this a very practical bike that I can see myself using for most occasions.
If you're looking for a stylish, foldable e-bike that you can easily modify for different tasks, the City+ 3 is your best bet.
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