Evelo Galaxy SL E-Bike Review, 2024

Evelo’s website states that the Galaxy SL has a maximum range of up to 50 miles. To test that claim, we performed two tests at different assistance levels to see how long the 36V, 13 Ah battery would last under real-world conditions. The first test was conducted exclusively in PAS 1 to measure maximum distance, while the second used only PAS 5 to measure minimum range.

Overall, the Galaxy SL proved to have respectable results. In PAS 5, using maximum power, the Galaxy SL traveled a distance of roughly 25 miles. Using PAS 1, the 36V, 13 Ah battery gave out after about 49 miles. Many more factors affect the range of an e-bike than we can measure, including terrain, weather, rider/cargo weight, etc., so our figure is a ballpark estimate. With that in mind, we consider Evelo’s stated range accurate, though under real-world use where a rider switches between PAS levels, the range will certainly vary.

The Galaxy’s battery is worth discussing a bit more in detail. Unlike many other e-bikes where the battery mounts or integrates with the frame’s down tube, both models feature a rear cargo rack with a horizontal slot for their battery. A rear taillight and brake light is integrated into the back end of the battery itself, which is a great standard feature for added safety. The placement under the rear rack makes the battery easy to remove when needed, and as with most e-bikes, a key lock keeps the battery secure at all other times. Note that the Galaxy batteries do have separate on/off switches from the bikes themselves, so it is necessary to activate both when starting up. I personally like this feature due to its added level of control, but it IS an additional thing to remember.

As mentioned previously, the Galaxy SL’s motor is tuned for easier hill climbing in PAS levels 3-5. To test the full capability of the SL, we tried it out on our test hill in a process described in the graphic above.

In PAS 5, the Galaxy SL had no trouble ascending the steep slope. It wasn’t the speediest climb we’ve ever seen, but the motor’s 95Nm of torque did the proverbial trick well. Using only its throttle, the bike still made it to the top (which makes it a successful trial!) but did seem to be more markedly on the slow side. When comparing the SL to the Lux in this instance, I am betting that the difference in voltage is the main relevant point of differentiation, considering that the motors of the bikes are essentially identical.

Speaking of the motor, it is worth pointing out again that both Galaxy models feature mid-drive motors. In contrast with some of the rear-hub motors on the market, mid-drives tend to feel more like a traditional bicycle when riding. The Galaxies’ Dapu motors use a combination of torque and cadence sensors, which measure the amount of input from the rider and respond accordingly. As such, going uphill can require a bit more effort than some other models with just cadence sensors and a rear hub motor. That said, the motor on the Galaxy SL still does the vast majority of the work in PAS 5.

The Evelo Galaxy SL comes equipped with a full complement of safety features that we like to see as standard inclusions. In addition to the aforementioned battery features (taillight and rear brake light), the SL features an integrated headlight, front and rear reflectors, and quality brakes. It comes equipped with 180mm front and 160mm rear Zoom hydraulic disk brakes with a motor cutoff switch, which stops power from the motor when the bike’s brake levers are pulled. These are all great features on an e-bike, especially when considering that they are more difficult to slow and stop due to their potential speeds.

To test the Galaxy’s brake system, we got the bike up to its maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, then measured the distance it took to come to a complete, controlled stop. With three repetitions of this test, we were able to calculate an average stopping distance.

At 23’4”, the Galaxy SL was a little on the slower side when it came to stopping. An increase on the rear rotor size from 160mm to 180mm could help the SL out significantly, so it would be great to see that change on the next updated version of the bike.

I should also point out that, outside of our measured brake test, the Galaxy SL’s rear wheel had a tendency to lock up and skid under hard braking conditions. As a former BMX rider, I personally didn’t mind this (or consider it dangerous), but the fact that the bike likes more gradual slowing is just something to keep in mind when riding.

One final safety feature I want to draw attention to is Evelo’s battery management software (BMS). Safety can be a concern both on and off the road, and a good BMS prevents the battery from being overcharged. I won’t dive into the complexities of the potential dangers inherent to rechargeable batteries here (we have a full article on that here), but I will state that proper charging practices can prevent problems from occurring, and battery management software adds an important additional layer of protection that is not always included.

When discussing the Galaxy SL’s ride comfort, a significant caveat is that so much comes down to personal preference. For various reasons, comfort was the area I had the greatest number of concerns with regarding the bike, but my comments should certainly be taken with a grain of salt. My points of critique may not overlap with everyone. Fortunately, I am able to consult my fellow reviewers for their input, so I will try to offer a consensus or at least point out when I am not.

For example, my height exceeds that of the bike’s recommended range, but just barely. In fact, all but one of our testers measure at or above the SL’s recommended height limit. The Galaxy SL is designed to fit riders between 4’10” and 5’10”, so with my height of 5’11”, the bike did seem a little small to me. One of our other reviewers who sits on the lower end of the SL’s height range felt differently, though; she found the frame to be comfortable and sized correctly. For weight purposes, which I discussed previously, the frame size and subsequent rider height range makes sense. This smaller size helps to keep the bike’s weight down, which gives it the ability to be lifted or transported more easily.

In line with its beach cruiser styling, the Galaxy SL features swept-back handlebars for a casual riding experience. Personally, I am not the biggest fan of this style due to my previously mentioned wrist issues, but they are generally OK for shorter rides, and I understand the appeal. Our other testers had no issues with the shape. While I prefer an ergonomic shape somewhere between cruiser-style and flat handlebar design, I did still appreciate some of the features included on the SL. The bike’s ergonomic rubber grips were comfortable, and its relatively compact cockpit layout ensured that all of the included controls were easy to reach without straying far from them.

The Galaxy SL’s left handlebar hosts a throttle lever, brake lever, and the bike’s controller, while the right side accommodates the twist shifter and other brake lever. As is common with e-bikes, the full-color LCD display is mounted centrally over the stem. It’s a simple, effective layout, with the only additional thing we’d like to see included being a bell (which would be another safety benefit and only add to the bike’s cruiser styling). Fortunately, that accessory is inexpensive and easy to add after the fact.

I have discussed the brakes and twist shifter in previous sections (the throttle lever is standard and unnecessary to discuss further), but I want to elaborate a bit more about the Galaxy SL’s user interface, its control pad and display. Overall, the interface felt a bit dated in our contemporary world of smartphones with less tactile , but that critique is minor when considering its benefits. In contrast with many e-bikes outfitted with small control pads and rubberized buttons arranged tightly together, the Galaxy SL’s pad is large, made of hard plastic, and clicky. The size and layout makes the buttons themselves easy to read and easy to accurately hit, while the clicks give a clear signal that you’ve activated one. Curiously, the bike we received for testing had a different display than the one shown on the Galaxy SL’s webpage (at the time of writing). While the version shown there displays a clean, easy to read arrangement of metrics, the one on our test bike felt a bit busy to me and took some time to adjust to. It was fine after I learned where to look for the information I wanted to reference, though I admit I would personally prefer the more simplified design. I reached out to Evelo for clarification regarding the difference in displays, and was told that we received the newest, most updated version, while the website hasn’t quite caught up (again, at time of writing).

With the Galaxy SL’s technological features and controls covered, let us dive into the riding experience itself. As I mentioned, the SL’s mid-drive motor gives it the feel of a more traditional non-electric bike. Its 24” wheels are a nice compromise between 20” and 26” wheels, making the bike feel nimble and highly maneuverable, in addition to reducing size and weight. They are certainly a less common size, however, and may not be as easy to find replacements for.

Another feature to discuss is the Galaxy SL’s saddle. Its styling and color add to the bike’s classic design, and certainly enhance its visual appeal. That said, I personally found it to feel pretty hard after only about 20 minutes on the bike, and our other testers agreed. I think the old-school saddle that this one is trying to emulate would feel similarly (or even more) firm, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise, but if you’re looking for a more comfortable ride, I would consider looking into Evelo’s list of accessories. Fortunately, they offer multiples of both padded saddle and suspension seatpost options.

One final note regarding the fenders. I appreciate seeing fenders included on a bike where appropriate, and the Galaxy SL is one of those cases. Thanks to some recent rainy weather locally, I was able to put the bike’s fenders to the test. Overall, they did a fairly good job of keeping my pants dry, though I did end up with a few spots from splashes. That was expected considering the SL’s slim fender design, but it’s worth pointing out that they were not quite as effective as wide, full coverage fenders would be.

With the Galaxy SL, it seems that Evelo set out to make an everyman’s ride, and I believe they generally succeeded.

The bike combines iconic styling with a myriad of desirable features, including simple, practical elements such as the rear cargo rack, front and rear lights, and fenders, as well as higher-end inclusions like the gearless CVT and mid-drive motor. The SL offers a full complement of name brand components, including the Zoom brakes, Dapu motor, and KMC chain drive, and it is backed up by an exceptional 4-year warranty. Its thoughtful design allows it to be more accessible to ride, transport, and interact with for a relatively wide range of users, including casual/inexperienced riders, seniors, and those with disabilities.

All of these elements come together in a bike with solid (sometimes surprising) performance, and a few quirks. For all its lean towards accessibility, the Galaxy SL does leave out riders on the taller end, but fortunately, Evelo offers other models which can better accommodate them. Similarly, for those who may have limited range of motion in their wrists (or other issues) that may interfere with use of the twist shifter, the higher end Galaxy Lux model eliminates shifting almost entirely. And finally, in the case of the saddle and its comfort, so much about a bike depends on the rider. Fortunately, parts can be changed out based on personal preference for a more customized feel, and Evelo offers a few options.

The Galaxy SL isn’t the speediest, most powerful, most universal, or even the most decked-out e-bike we’ve ever seen, but it’s not trying to be. It doesn’t have to be. It’s just trying to be a solid, dependable ride for commuting to work, cruising along the beach, or just going for a spin around the neighborhood. And in that, it succeeds with high marks.

Happy Riding, make sure to let us know if you have any questions down in our comments section or if you think we left anything out in this review of the Evelo Galaxy SL.