Momentum, the urban-focused bicycle brand backed by cycling industry heavyweight Giant Group, has unveiled its latest commuter e-bike, the Vida E+ EX. Building on the original Vida E+ launched last year, the new model brings several notable upgrades aimed at making everyday transportation more comfortable, more capable, and a bit more tech-forward.
At the heart of the Vida E+ EX is Momentum’s SyncDrive Move S rear hub motor, producing 500W of power and 60 Nm of torque. The Class 3 e-bike provides pedal assist up to 28 mph (45 km/h) and uses torque, cadence, and speed sensors to adjust motor output in real time for a smoother, more natural riding feel.
The bike ships as the purest form of a Class 3 electric bicycle, meaning no throttle on board. But for those who want take a more leisurely ride, Momentum has a throttle add-on accessory that is available as an option.
One of the more interesting additions to the updated bike is a new Cruise Mode that maintains a set speed over longer stretches of riding. While cruise control might not sound terribly common for electric bicycles, it can prove useful for riders covering long bike paths or quieter streets where maintaining a consistent pace is more comfortable.
The bike also introduces an optional “0-Start” throttle, allowing riders to accelerate from a complete stop without pedaling. It’s a feature that has long been standard on direct-to-consumer e-bikes but has often been lacking on models from major cycling companies. In North America, the vast majority of e-bikes on the road include such throttles, offering a feature that can make starts at traffic lights or uphill intersections easier, particularly for newer riders or those carrying cargo.
Power comes from Momentum’s removable 700 Wh battery, which is rated for approximately 40-55 miles (64-89 km) of pedal-assist range or 31-43 miles (50-69 km) when relying more heavily on the throttle.
The included 3A charger can replenish the battery to 80% in 4 hours and 40 minutes or fully recharge it in a little over 6 hours.
Designed for daily commuting, the Vida E+ EX includes an 80 mm suspension fork, a low-step aluminum frame, fairly wide 26 x 2.4-inch tires, and a travel-adjustable dropper seatpost that lets riders quickly lower the saddle for more confident stops, then raise it again for efficient pedaling, all while remaining on the bicycle.
Dropper posts were once more commonly found on mountain bikes, where they are used to lower the saddle out of the way on technical terrain where the rider spends more time standing on the pedals. But for commuter bikes, and especially commuter e-bikes, dropper posts are increasingly finding their place on the street as a way to let riders more comfortably stop at traffic lights while flat-flooting the bike, then take off and instantly reset the saddle higher for proper pedaling comfort.
The utility side of the bike seems properly equipped for the commuter role. Integrated fenders, lights, and a MIK-compatible rear rack come standard, while the frame supports a total rider and cargo capacity of up to 300 lbs (136 kg). Riders can carry up to 33 lbs (15 kg) on an optional front rack and 55 lbs (25 kg) on the rear rack.
Additional features include UL 2849 certification for the entire bike system, integrated brake lights, hydraulic disc brakes with four-piston front calipers, Bluetooth connectivity through the RideControl Dash Core display, and Momentum’s RideControl app, which offers a digital E-Lock function to disable motor assistance when the bike is parked.
The Momentum Vida E+ EX will be offered in four color options: Caramel Cinnamon, Abyss Black, Mountain Air, and Pale Olive. Pricing has been set at US $1,985, plus an additional $65 if you want the throttle add-on.
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