So Thankful As A Parent!

Article updated 2/13/2023 to include Miclon Cybertrack 100 which is exactly the same as Metakoo’s.

I had always considered myself a sporty person who loves the outdoors and had always shunned electric bicycles! “If you go ride, do yourself a favor and manually pedal your way for exercise”, I used to tell myself. Two children later, however, my fitness level no longer is where I would like it to be, and hauling both of them around with my Santa Cruz mountain bike had resulted in cramped legs on a number of outings.

Macwheel Ranger 500 with Burley D’Lite

You see, for the majority of a recent 25-mile ride with my son and daughter, I was pulling a combined weight of 40-95 lbs* in addition to my own body, and that was when I was VERY thankful for an eBike! The last mile home would have been painful without motorized assistance!

The below list is normally my must-haves for a battery-powered bicycle. We will go over the reasons why later.

• Decent motor to aid with steep inclines
• 21 speeds/gears for tackling difficult, uphill climbs
• Pedal Assist System (PAS)
• Rides and looks like a normal mountain bike
• Detachable, large battery for long rides and convenient charging

The first eBike was the semi-foldable Gyroor C3 that my wife and I had bought for her mother, and its single speed would have been maddening for me to use. Next, my brother loaned his Macwheel Ranger 500, and even though it was much more to my liking with its 7-speed, city cruiser look, it never felt quite right for someone who was used to riding a Santa Cruz mountain bike. Based on a week-long research, my choice for an electric mountain bike came down to between a Vivi and a Metakoo for overall price to value. I ultimately chose to get the Metakoo Cybertrack 100 (also sold as Miclon).

Cybertrack 100 Mountain eBikes /Metakoo

Bike or Scooter?

Electric scooters are more nimble to move around with — and in some cases, more fun — but local laws may prevent them from going onto the same paths as electric bicycles. Most can also be carried around more easily due to their more compact size and lighter weight. Personally, I prefer bikes because they are safer to operate, can (usually) go onto the same places that mechanical bicycles can operate, are (generally) allowed to carry an additional passenger, and if the battery runs out or fails, you can still pedal around. A scooter would stop to function without a battery.

In A Nutshell

Metakoo’s Cybertrack 100 (also sold as Miclon) is no Santa Cruz mountain bike and I would never trust my life to an unproven brand going down the steep, rocky hills without worrying whether the frame or wheels would hold up to abuse. But comparing a $700 electric bike to a professional one that costs 10x more (but weighs the same at 46 lbs) is unfair. With that said, there was much to like about the Cybertrack as it checked all the must-haves of what I look for in a battery-powered bicycle, including 21 speeds (7 back, 3 front Shimano gears), detachable battery with 374.4 Wh capacity, 350W of power (500W peak) and pedal assist, and all the while looking like a normal mountain bike. It withstood some rough terrain on a recent, 25-mile ride through asphalt, concrete, and dirt roads while towing a trailer with a combined weight of 40-95 lbs* with ease. I had used it mainly with Gear 1 pedal assist during climbs (590′ total elevation gain) and had 75% battery left at the end of the leisurely, 4.5 hour day.

Some assembly was required when the well-protected package arrived. Metakoo’s instruction manual and QR code pointed at a YouTube video that took you through the attachment of the front 26″ wheel, disc brake, handlebar, and accessories, but the speed at which it was presented was a tad too fast and partially incomplete. If you had never built a bike before, it would be possible to do so on your own with some patience, but an experienced person could easily assemble the entire product with ease. All the parts were already pre-tuned, but some small adjustments were still necessary to ensure the front disc brake did not rub and the 3-speed gears properly shifted. You may consider taking your new bike into a professional shop as needed.

Fork (front) shock suspension was decent and the cables were neatly hidden away by internally routing through the down tube. Cybertrack’s aluminum alloy frame looks and feels sturdy, but again, I would not trust it with hardcore, rocky downhill rides, though the mechanical disc brakes performed well for quick, controlled stops.

Cable Organization /Metakoo

The heavy, Lithium-Ion battery enclosure is waterproof, could be securely locked to the frame with a pair of keys, and has a button to show charge levels in 25% increments. Battery can be turned on/off with a built-in switch and its charging port is protected with a water resistant cover. The 168W AC wall charger lights red when charging, green when done.

The Bafang brushless motor is powered on with the handlebar-mounted KD58C LCD board, speed is displayed in mph, and battery level is shown in 20% increments. There were 5 assistance levels controlled via the +/- buttons and 20 mph was reached with a 195 lb bicyclist. The manufacturer claims support for up to 300 lbs, and the frame should accommodate riders between 5’3″ – 6’5″ tall. Cranking the throttle on the right-side handle engages the motor for when you want temporary assistance: the more it is turned, the higher the assist and faster the speed.

Tip: The less the motor is engaged, the greater range, battery life, and exercise you will have during the ride.

Acceleration was exhilaratingly smooth, fast, and silent, but keep in mind that prolonged use of the motor at maximum performance could overheat it. As a result, its internal system gradually throttled the top speed after a short period. Metakoo claims a range of “26-40 miles under pure electric mode” and 37-50 mi via pedal assist. The Pedal Assist System (PAS) is useful for when you want to pedal with a small amount of electronic help. The less the motor is engaged, the greater range and battery life (and exercise) you will have during the ride. As stated earlier, I only used 25% of battery on a 25 mi ride with the motor only supplementing me (and additional 40-95 lbs*) on climbs.

25 mile ride with 590′ total climb, 40-95 lb tow (2021)

I found much to like about the Cybertrack 100, and because its frame is fairly small in diameter for an electric bike, it was able to accommodate the Shotgun Kids MTB Child Seat for when one of my kids wanted to ride up front. You could always retrofit an existing bicycle with an eBike kit, but Metakoo’s offering is a nicely streamlined package that looks and rides like a normal, recreational mountain bike with motorized assistance. We have been grateful as parents for the pedal assist that has enabled us to ride longer distances with children and heavy weights in tow.

What’s Good? What’s Bad?

Pros

Bafang Motor Specs /Metakoo

• Smooth, fast, silent acceleration with Bafang brushless motor
  • Nominal (average) power: 350W. Rated (maximum) power: 500W
  • Top speed: 20 mph, tested (California speed limit is 20 mph)
    • Overheat protection when going uphill (flashes “H” on LCD controller)
  • A more powerful, 500W (750W peak) version is available with the Cybertrack 300 (Metakoo / Miclon)
• (4) Power modes
  • Fully electric: No pedaling necessary
  • PAS – Pedal Assist System: Get assistance while pedaling
  • Motor off: Move bike with the power of your own legs ;-)
  • On demand: Turn handlebar throttle to manually increase speed and motor assist level
• Bafang Battery (KS0306): 374.4Wh Li-Ion (36V @ 10.4Ah, 18650 cells) (Buy Spare Battery: Miclon / Metakoo)
  • Detachable with Lock and 2 keys for more convenient charging
  • These types of batteries have a 500+ cycle lifespan and lose about 20-25% capacity after every 500 cycle
  • Automatic power off (10 mins idle)
  • Bafang uses top-tier battery cells by Panasonic and LG
  • Waterproof
• Two color choices: Black | White | Cybertrack 100 (Search)
  • Note: Also sold as Miclon: Black | White
• IPX4 water resistance – “Resistant to water splashes from any direction”
  • Bikeable in rain but do NOT go through water that is high enough to reach the motor or battery!
• Fast-charge with 168W wall charger (4A @ 42V)
  • Manufacturer claims empty to 100% in 3 hours. Gyroor C3 took 4.5-6 hours with its 84W brick
• Range: 26-40 mi on fully-electric, 37-50 mi on pedal assist modes (according to manufacturer)
  • Estimate is in line with other 350W eBikes that have a 360-375 Wh battery
  • Approx. 100 mi with occasional pedal assist based on recent 25 mi ride with motorized help on uphill climbs (while towing 195 lb rider, 40-95 lbs cargo, and 46 lb bike itself)

Battery, AC Charger, Lock, and Keys

• Shimano 21 speeds (3 front, 7 rear)
  • When the battery is out, the higher number of gears will allow easier, more effective, manual pedaling
• Dual, mechanical disc brakes for faster, more controlled stopping
• Front shock suspension for smoother, comfortable handling, although there is no rear shock absorber
• KD58C LCD Control Panel
  • Displays speed (mph) / battery and motor output levels (20% increments) / motor assistance amount (0-5) / odometer / trip time / trip distance / average speed / max speed
    • When motor assistance level is set to 0, motor does not turn on, and you will pedal fully manual
  • Backlit with two intensity options and readable in bright daylight

Serial number is etched into the bottom of frame for registration with local police to aid with recovery

Location of Serial Number

• Arrived nearly fully assembled
  • Took 20 mins to finish build
    • Rotate threadless stem, install front wheel disc brake, attach handlebar, pedals, front wheel, derailleur protector, seat post, front/rear reflectors, and make small, tuning adjustments
• Aluminum alloy frame with rider support for up to 300 lbs, according to Metakoo
  • Can accommodate 5’3″ – 6’5″ biker height with its quick-release seat post
• 26″ Tires (26 x 1.95 tube) for more controlled, comfortable rides
  • Uses Schrader valve with recommended pressure of 50 psi
• Weight: 46 lbs, similar to Gyroor C3 and a non-electric Santa Cruz Heckler
• Built-in, length-adjustable kickstand
• Well-written, illustrated manual
• Tools included
• 1 year warranty (metakoobike.com / miclonbikes.com)

Gear Shifters, LCD Control Panel

Cons

• Some assembly required
  • Those not well-versed with bike building may struggle a bit, especially if some tuning needs to be performed. A YouTube video shows the major steps
• Not built for advanced mountain biking
• Rear does not have shock suspension
• Heavy at 46 lbs, though similar in weight to the Gyroor C3 and a non-electric Santa Cruz Heckler
• Limited mounting options on the frame, such as for a water bottle cage or tire pump

Stem and Handlebar /Metakoo

• No battery-powered head or tail lights
  • Likely not included because this is a mountain bike, not a recreational/city cruiser
• Top tube may be too thick for child seats made for traditional bikes
  • Shotgun Kids MTB Child Seat can expand to fit nearly any frame thickness
• LCD Control Panel appears to have its Programming locked and inaccessible
  • Prevents you from changing options like unit display (km/mi), Pedal Assist (PAS) start delay, PAS power ratio for each assistance level, and maximum speed limit

Tips

Maintenance

Battery charge level (100%)

• Before first use, charge the battery fully
  • Covered charging port is on the removable battery itself
  • AC charging brick LED: Red = Charging. Green = Full
  • Lithium Ion NMC batteries are known to be volatile and could catch on fire
    • Do not charge overnight or unsupervised for prolonged periods of time. Stop charging once full
    • Do not leave the bike in full sun or below freezing
  • Keep battery charged at 50% or more to prolong battery’s 500+ cycle lifespan. Try to never let it drain completely
    • Lithium-Ion NMC batteries lose about 20-25% of capacity after every 500 charging cycle
• Before riding, check the tire pressure (50 psi) and tighten any loose screws
  • Ensure seat post is locked and tight

Operations

Cybertrack 100 Mountain eBikes /Metakoo

• Motor: Enable it by pressing the “Power” button on the display unit and turning on the battery
  • Pedal the bike, and you will feel the motor assisting (Pedal assist)
  • Throttle the accelerator by the right-side handle, and the motor will fully take over (Power on demand)
    • The more you turn, the faster the bike will go
  • To power off the motor so you would only be able to pedal manually, press Power (Pedal only), set Assist Level to 0 on the display, or turn off the battery
• Manual power assist: Press and hold “-” button for 2 secs to activate motor at low speed
  • Helps with walking the bike uphill
• As battery neared empty, I noticed that maximum speed gradually lowered
• Display backlight: Press and hold “+” button for 2 secs to toggle between high and low brightness level
• Do not brake hard. Doing so could make you painfully tumble, skid, and/or wear out the tires
  • Be aware of unexpected obstacles. I tumbled once while mountain biking and was hurt quite badly. It was not fun

Aircraft Transport

Most, if not all, airlines prohibit electronic scooters and bikes that do not meet specific criteria. United Airlines, for example, allows collapsible ones whose battery is both removable and below 300 Wh. Southwest Airlines is more restrictive at 160 Wh. This bike’s battery is 375 Wh. Lithium-ion batteries are known to be volatile, and the higher their capacity, the more risky they are. Check with the airlines, TSA, and FAA for more details.

Bike Assembly

Here are some installation tips for those assembling their first bicycle. First, look at the below diagram to identify the major bike parts, then watch the Metakoo-made YouTube video found right after.

Bike Repair Stands

I use a repair stand to help with assembly and maintenance. SereneLife SLBKRS3 has a maximum load capacity of 66.7 lbs — enough to carry most electric bikes without falling over.

SereneLife Bike Repair Stand, Metakoo Cybertrack 100 mountain eBike

For easier maintenance or assembly, a bike repair stand can save a lot of time and back pain. Be sure to get one that can hold up your bicycle’s weight.

Bike Parts

Bicycle Parts /Al2 (CC by 3.0, Wikimedia CurID 2995998)

Installation Video

Step-By-Step

Attach disc brake to the front wheel. Ensure disc brake’s arrow points in the same orientation as the tire’s rotational direction (yellow), then attach it to the front wheel by screwing the 6 bolts in alternating, opposite directions (green):

Rotate stem forward and clamp the handlebar. Pay attention to the yellow arrows: that part of the fork faces forward too. The handlebar should be secured with the 4 bolts in alternating, opposite order. It is very important the bolts are securely tightened to prevent handles from coming loose while riding.

Rotate stem forward and clamp handlebar in place

Place Quick Release skewer through front wheel. There is a spring on each end with the narrow part facing inward toward the bike. Fasten wheel to the front fork.

Place Quick Release skewer through front wheel

Attach pedals to the crank arms. Note the rotation labeled on each pedal and use a wrench to securely mount them in the respective direction to the crank arms.

Attach pedals to crank arms

Attach derailleur protector. You may have to push or pull the protector a bit until it hovers nicely over the derailleur.

Attach derailleur protector

Adjust kickstand length and inflate tires. Tires are sized 26 x 1.95 (26″), use Schrader valves, and should be inflated to 50 psi.

Adjust kickstand length and inflate tires

Attach the head and tail reflectors, adjust the seat post to the proper height (legs should be slightly bent at a 160 degree angle while seated and with foot on pedal at its lowest position), and do not lift the seat post beyond its maximum height line. Finally, fine tune disc brakes, brake handles, and gear shifters as needed.

Adjustments: Disc Brake, Front Derailleur (Ancheer eBike)

Error Codes

If an error occurs, one of the following codes will display on the LCD:

• H: Motor is overheated. Switch to pedaling or take a break
• 21: Current abnormality and generally a controller issue due to motor being too high-powered or current too high. A new controller may be needed
• 22: Connection error between throttle sensors and main controller. Cable may be loose or magnets inside throttle became dislodged
• 23: Connection error between rear hub motor and controller. Cable may be loose or damaged
• 24: Sensor within rear hub motor failed. Cable between motor and controller may be loose or damaged. Motor may be damaged
• 25: Brake sensor connection error. Brakes will still manually work but will not be in sync with the speedometer and LCD screen. Error may have been caused by the brakes having been activated while turning on the LCD. Do not touch the brakes when powering up the screen
• 30: Connection error between LCD screen and controller. Cable may be loose or damaged

Metakoo Cybertrack 100 Mountain eBike (with additional accessories)

Motor Bike Laws

I first learned about laws governing motorized scooters when reviewing the Joyor X5S, and unfortunately, they were (and still are) not straight-forward. There had been a number of accidents involving scooters hitting pedestrians or riders hurting themselves. I get it. Laws are there to protect people from each other and themselves, especially from irresponsible individuals.

Electric bikes can result in severe injuries or death with their high speeds.

Surprisingly, the laws governing electric BIKES are much more lax. They are very similar to non-motorized bikes, in fact! There are different classes of eBikes. This Metakoo falls under the lower-speed Class 2 with a maximum of up to 20 mph, and as such, can be used on Class 1 bike paths in California. All 3 classes can ride on the protected, one-way Class 2 bike lanes found on streets and highways. Be sure to check with your local regulations. Some States categorize eBikes as mopeds or motor vehicles.

• Class 1: PAS-only with no throttle. Max assisted speed: 20 mph
• Class 2: PAS and throttle. Max assisted speed: 20 mph
• Class 3: PAS-only with no throttle. Max assisted speed: 28 mph

California Law

Disclaimer: I AM NOT A LAWYER. Please consult your local city, police department, and/or legal professional for advice.

The following is my interpretation of how I understand the law. It has been shortened to only point out parts that I found interesting or noteworthy.

Mountain biking with Cybertrack 100 /Metakoo

• Does NOT require riding with a Driver’s License or Instruction Permit (eScooters require them!)
• No license plate required
• Passengers are allowed as long as the bike was designed for it
• Can ride on existing bike infrastructure
• Speed limited to 20 mph
• Follow most of the same laws as non-motorized bicycles
• Helmet required for riders 17 years and younger
• No minimum age limit

Accessories

Some accessories I recommend for this bike for added convenience and safety:

• Yttao (Triangle) Bike Storage Bag: Holds mini tire pump, replacement tubes, and bike repair tools
• Rear Bike Rack: Enex, Dirza, or Vincita – For use as a luggage carrier or seat for a second person
  • Rear rack seat cushions
  • Rhinowalk Pannier Cargo Bag: A 27L, waterproof, very visible bike, laptop, and shoulder bag for a bike rack
  • Ball Bungees: To fasten cargo more securely to the rack, such as my favorite Hydro Flask water bottles that can hold ice for days
• Salzmann 3M Spoke Reflectors: For increased visibility in the dark
• Bar End Bike Mirrors (like BriskMore, Tagvo, or Zacro): To see behind you
• Liteone MTB Adjustable Stem (110mm): To angle handlebar at a desired height and angle
• Kootu Folding Pedals: To take up less storage space and not get snagged on things
• Burley Trailer Coupler: So trailer can be switched to another bike (ie. bike failed or ran out of battery)

Kids Bike Seats

See my Shotgun Kids MTB Seat (Review) and why I chose it over trailers, tow bars, and rear seats for quick, short rides. It has become one of my favorite additions for providing front-seat thrills to my kids.

Shotgun Kids MTB Child Seat/Handlebar Combo

Final Thoughts

The Metakoo Cybertrack 100 (also sold as Miclon Cybertrack 100) had been a fun, recreational mountain bike to ride that did not feel any different from a mechanical one. Its fast-accelerating motor provided enough power to assist me pedaling up hills (with 40-95 lbs* in tow over a 25-mile stretch), and for that I was very thankful. Without electrical assistance, my thighs would have cramped much earlier and made for a very painful ride back home — and perhaps both young children crying about why it took so long to get back.

I very much appreciated the ability to remove the battery for much easier charging at home or work without having to bring the entire bike inside. Additionally, the battery itself could be securely locked to the frame to minimize the risk of theft. Shifting between the 21 gears was seamless with Shimano derailleurs, and the disc brakes performed as expected for controlled stops.

My family and I had very much enjoyed exploring town together instead of idling around in the car. It is both a healthy activity and a great way to bond with one another while building up the children’s confidence and endurance.

I do not see myself going back to a non-motorized bike unless I wanted to go back onto trails for more advanced downhill mountain biking. It is good to have a bicycle with the option to dynamically turn on or off the electrical pedal assist.

Note: If you cannot find the Metakoo Cybertrack 100, strongly consider the Miclon Cybertrack 100 — which looks exactly the same. The Googo SY26 and Ancheer AM001907 Electric Mountain Bikes are also great options.

Footnotes

* Total 40-95 lbs weight towed on a recent, 25-mile ride consisted of: (28 lbs) Burley D’Lite 2-Seat Bike Trailer/Stroller / (13 lbs) Woom 3 Kids Bike – See how I taught my son to ride / (40 lbs + 10 lbs) Son and daughter / Water and snacks

Where To Buy

• Cybertrack 100
  • Metakoo eBike + Metakoo Spare Battery
  • Miclon eBike: Black | White / Miclon Spare Battery
• Cybertrack 300: Metakoo / Miclon
•  Accessories
  • Yttao Triangle Bike Storage Bag
  • Rear Bike Rack: Enex, Dirza, or Vincita
    • Rear rack seat cushions
    • Ball Bungee Cords | Rhinowalk Pannier Cargo Bag
  • Salzmann 3M Spoke Reflectors
  • Bar End Bike Mirrors: BriskMore, Tagvo, Zacro
  • Liteone MTB Adjustable Stem (110mm) | Kootu Folding Pedals
  • Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottles
• Burley D’Lite 2-Seat Bike Trailer/Stroller
  • Additional Trailer Coupler so Burley can be switched to another bike (ie. bike failed or ran out of battery)

Related Posts

• Reviews
  • HeyBike Cityrun: Beautiful, 26″ electric cruiser bike with 500W motor, 7 speeds (21mph)
  • Polarna M4: 20″ foldable, electric bike with 750W motor, 8 speeds (30mph+), and 4″ fat tires
  • Jasion EB7: 20″ foldable electric bike with 3″ fat tires, 7 speeds, and can accommodate 5’1″ – 6’2″ tall riders
  • Googo SY26: 26″ electric mountain bike with 21 speeds, large informative LCD, electronic headlight and horn, and solid build
  • Ancheer AM001907/AN-EB001: 26″ electric mountain bike with 21 speeds, electronic headlight and horn, and powerful, rapid acceleration
  • Macwheel Ranger 500: Comfortable, 7-speed, electric cruiser for city commutes
  • Gyroor C3: Single speed, electric, semi-foldable, and priced fairly low
• How to Quickly Teach a Child to Ride a Bike (Balance With No Training Wheels)
• Bike USA Stabilizer Wheels for Adult Bicycles