GoKawiilAll ebikes make it easy for commuters—and anyone else, for that matter—to scoot around town without needing to commit to a cardio workout. Their small motors and low-slung design are less intimidating than higher-powered mopeds. Ebikes that fold promise an added component of convenience for storing and transporting—that certainly proved to be the case with the Buzz Bicycles' new Centris 2, at least. The Centris 2 is a budget-friendly folding option I tested throughout the spring, and it won me over for its riding comfort, sturdy design, and cargo capacity.
I also loved that the Centris 2 didn't require me to use any companion app or key code, which meant I could start riding as soon as I put it together. The throttle impressively reaches 20 mph within seconds, and the bike hits 28 mph with pedal assist. Also, thanks to the it's highly accessible 16-inch step-through height, there's no need to lift your leg to Rockette heights when mounting the seat. Finally, its easy-to-read LCD display is convenient and the handlebar controls (turn signal, pedal assist, headlight) are highly responsive.
The Centris 2 does have a few knocks, including an unwieldy left-thumb throttle, cargo accessories that don't fit perfectly, and a lower battery life than similar models. Even so, it’s a great option for city commuters looking for a reasonably priced, low-fuss folding ebike.
Want more bike intel? Check out related guides to the best ebikes, best electric mountain bikes, and best ebike locks.
Comes Together Easily
Photograph: Maggie Slepian
Similar to other step-through bikes I’ve assembled, the Centris 2 comes blessedly intact. The frame, rear wheel, drivetrain, and motor arrived in one piece, leaving only the pedals, front wheel, handlebars, and seat for me to attach. Those features were a cinch to set up. Ultimately, it took me longer to unpack the bike and its parts than it did to put the whole thing together. (To be fair, it was encased in enough cardboard, Styrofoam, and zip ties to be the lone survivor in a plane crash.)