Overall, the Centauri II is easily one of thebest electric bikeswith few drawbacks.
Just about any commuter in need of simplicity, function, and fun will enjoy riding this bike.
You get free shipping anywhere in the continental US, and free returns within 14 days of purchase.
Plus, you get a three-year warranty and a complementary pre-delivery tune-up.
it’s possible for you to also find the Centauri II at local Vvolt dealers.
Vvolt offers a $100 discount if you pick up your bike from a local dealer.
All sizes feature a step-thru design to make it easy to get on and off.
The autoshift system is adjustable and serviceable.
Its complemented by a Gates belt drive system that eliminates a metal chain.
This requires far less maintenance, and its also much quieter than a chain drive system.
The lighting system offers 360-degree visibility.
There are four assist levels: Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo.
The assist cuts out at 28mph, making this a class 3 ebike.
The controls for the assist live on the handlebar, and theyre easy to reach even while riding.
I usually dont like suspension implementations on bikes like these, but this one works fairly well.
It offers just the right amount of movement to keep away the ugliest impacts while maintaining tight handling characteristics.
The autoshift works seamlessly and quietly.
Youll notice your pedaling cadence drop slightly when the shifts happen, but it feels natural.
And you wont notice downshifts to easier gears at all.
The assist levels are all very useful, even the lowest setting.
No shifting, no adjustments, just pedal.
There doesnt seem to be any power compromise with the mid-drive motor.
I think the Centauri II would be better served by a throttle instead of the boost button.
With a throttle, you’ve got the option to engage the assist without having to pedal.
That makes it much easier to get started on hills.
Aside from that, there was almost nothing to complain about in terms of the Centauri IIs performance.
It ticks all the boxes: ease of use, comfort, speed and quality.
Vvolt Centauri II review: battery life
The 490Wh/ 13.6Ah battery is fully removable from the frame.
According to Vvolt, you should get a 60-mile range out of a full charge.
I also ran the front and rear lights every time I rode.
Vvolt Centauri II review: accessories
There are plenty of accessories onVvolts websiteto complement the Centauri II.
If you want to extend your range capabilities, you could purchase the Ranger 490Wh battery for $399.
Beyond that, Vvolt offers a wide range of non-specific accessories like panniers, water bottle cages and locks.
Should you buy the Vvolt Centauri II?
The Centauri II is an excellent commuter bike.
Its comfortable, fast, fun to ride, and most importantly, easy to operate.
The autoshift system works wonderfully, and the belt drive is super quiet.
My only nitpick about the Centauri II is the boost button.
Its useful in certain situations, but not in one key situation: getting started from a dead stop.
I think the Centauri II would be better served by a throttle here.
Its an expensive bike for commuting, but it also offers features that are difficult to find anywhere else.