It’s all in the name, with Charge bikes. From the brand name that’s the perfect fit for electric bicycles that are constantly charged and recharged to three model names that each describe the individual products almost perfectly, the name says a lot.

The Charge Comfort, for example, is an eBike that’s purpose-built to give the rider a smooth, easy, and comfortable bike riding experience with a charged-up power boost.

Bike frame styles span a range of designs for different functions. Road bikes, for example, are made for speed and efficiency, with thin tires and a frame design that puts the seat and handlebars situated so the rider leans forward while riding.

The ‘geometry’ of the frame is the angle and length of the seat post, and the space between the seated rider and handlebars is more relaxed and upright on a comfort-cruiser style bike like the Charge Comfort. Sometimes called cruisers or Dutch-style bikes, frame styles like the Charge Comfort are meant to make bike riding leisurely, natural, and enjoyable for most people.

With a low bar step-through frame for easy mounts and dismounts, Comfort makes biking more accessible to those with mobility limitations or others who prefer a relaxed ride, not a competitive race on two wheels.

Key Features

Bigger Tires for a Smoother Ride

The Charge Comfort is well equipped with tall, 27.5″ wheels and Goodyear 2.6-inch-wide puncture-resistant tires with reflective sidewalls for added visibility and safety. In addition, the tires feature a helpful tire pressure indicator that shows green for good air pressure and turns red when the tires need more air.

7-Speeds for Varied Terrain and Hilly Rides

With a 7-speed drivetrain to give an excellent range of choices for varied city terrain, from gearing down for a stop or climbing a steep hill to getting up to full speed on smooth level ground in seventh gear,

Just Enough Stopping Power

Comfort is made for smooth starts and stops. Disc brakes with 160mm rotors front and rear are adequately powerful. Since the Comfort is a cruiser meant for easy riding on city streets, coming to a screeching stop from high speed isn’t the primary concern, so it doesn’t need hydraulic brakes with 180mm rotors like on the Charge XC model.

Five Levels of Pedal Assist

Choose from five pedal assist modes with a cadence sensor to regulate the amount of force the motor will add to your efforts. Or just hit the throttle and go. 

If you want to take it easy and not get sweaty or have too much of a workout on your commute, Comfort lets you ride without pedaling, using the throttle to control your speed to get you where you’re going smoothly and simply. Of course, relying just on the throttle as if you’re on a lightweight moped will use the battery power quickly, but that’s up to you. You choose how much you want to sweat versus how much you’d like the eBike to do its thing with electric power in one of five pedal assist modes or go with the pure throttle power, or something in between.

Designed with Storage in Mind

As with all Charge bikes, the handlebars fold to align with the body, and the pedals fold up to minimize the width of the bike for storage. Integrated front and rear LED lights are among the standard features that might cost extra as add-ons with other eBikes. There are also front and full-length rear fenders to protect from moisture spatters when riding on wet surfaces.

Solid Rack for Cargo

A sturdy rear rack provides a place to store your stuff and an integrated housing for the battery. Add a basket or panniers for even more storage space, or attach a child seat for passenger transport on the Charge Comfort. The back rack is rated to hold up to 50 pounds.

PROS

• Easy assembly on delivery : Like all Charge models, Comfort arrives at your door in an oversized box, almost fully assembled. Use the included front fork stand made of sturdy cardboard to install the front tire, then turn the handlebars to their forward position and snap the pedals down to be ready to ride.
• Easy riding for all types of riders: Living up to its name, Comfort has a wide soft saddle the company describes as: "the comfiest seat in history so you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination."
• Easy on the wallet : Very reasonably priced for the range of features and quality of components, Comfort is comfortable on your budget as well.
• Components from Renown Brands : From the Shimano drivetrain to a Bafang motor, the brands that go into the parts that make up Comfort are known in the industry for reliable quality.

CONS

• Motor size : Among the smallest in the eBike market currently, the 250-watt electric motor is small. Still, it's a decent workhorse, providing plenty of go-power to climb most hills you'll face and to add to your pedaling efforts (or take over the propulsion completely with the throttle).
• Style : Comfort cruisers aren't for everyone, of course. The relaxed upright posture might be too simple for some tastes, but Charge offers three different models in different frame designs for various purposes.
• New to the E-bike Market : It's true that Charge, in its modern form as an eBike company, has only been in operation a couple of years now, but the lineage that the company draws traits from includes recognized names like Cannondale and Schwinn under the same brand umbrella.

Final Thoughts

The Charge Comfort model delivers the promises of the name. A lot like a Dutch comfort cruiser model with an electric assist motor to give you a boost, there’s a lot to like about the Comfort. The price is very reasonable for the quality and build, the company has deep roots in the bike industry, and the product is well-thought-out and solidly built of good components.

Like many eBikes available today, Charge sells its products primarily online. However, they do have some ways available to provide a test ride in many areas, so you can get a closer look and a good feel for the bike you choose to invest in. All-in-all, it’s clear that the company puts a lot of thought and effort into making eBikes that are solidly constructed and reasonably priced.