The Varun X-plorer Raptor is a budget-friendly full suspension moped-style electric bike market. Designed for riders seeking both urban commuting and moderate off-road capabilities, this eBike combines practical features with a distinctive aesthetic. Priced at just under $900, it offers decent power, a long-range battery, and essential safety features, making it an intriguing option for those new to electric bikes or looking for an affordable alternative.

This comprehensive review covers everything you need to know about the X-plorer Raptor, from its technical specifications and ride performance to its pros, cons, and unique features.

Key Specifications and Features

• Motor: 48V 750W rear hub motor, with 1000W peak power
• Torque: 65 Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed Shimano derailleur with standard thumb shifter
• Pedal Assist: 5 levels with a cadence sensor
• Throttle: Half twist throttle for speeds up to 28 mph (Class 3 eBike)

Battery and Range

• Battery: 48V 20.8Ah (998.4Wh), removable with two keys
• Charging: 2 Amp charger, approximately 10 hours for full charge
• Range: Up to 80 miles on pedal assist, 50–60 miles on throttle only (manufacturer claim)
• Water Resistance: IPX6 rating for protection against high-pressure water jets

Frame and Suspension

• Frame: Square tubing with added support bars, black color with white or yellow sticker variants
• Front Suspension: Triple crown spring compression fork with 50 mm travel, non-adjustable
• Rear Suspension: Spring shock with 20 mm travel, non-adjustable
• Weight: 110 lbs
• Payload Capacity: 330 lbs

Braking and Tires

• Brakes: Mechanical disc brakes with 180 mm rotors
• Tires: 20” x 4” multi-terrain Chowyang tires

Additional Features

• Lighting: Front daytime running light (halo style), bright headlight, functional rear brake light, turn signals front and rear
• Safety: Key ignition system to prevent unauthorized use
• Accessories: Plastic fenders, plastic pedals, single side chainring guard, storage basket at the front
• Display: Color screen showing speed, pedal assist level, battery voltage, trip info, odometer, and walk assist
• Walk Assist: Large button for easy activation at slow pace

Frame and Aesthetic Appeal

The X-plorer Raptor’s frame is built with durable square tubing, providing extra support and a unique, rugged look. The black frame with optional white or yellow stickers adds a touch of personalization. The welds are clean, and the frame features hex bolts mostly, although some Phillips head bolts are used, which slightly detracts from the consistency in appearance.

Suspension and Ride Comfort

The dual suspension setup offers basic shock absorption suitable for light off-road trails and urban bumps. The front fork’s 50 mm travel and rear spring shock with 20 mm travel provide some comfort but lack adjustability, which might limit performance on rougher terrain. The seat is plush and comfortable initially but may become less so on longer rides due to the basic suspension.

Controls and Display Interface

The bike’s cockpit features a comprehensive control panel:

• Left side: Front brake, lighting system including turn signals, horn, and display controls
• Right side: Half twist throttle, rear brake lever, and thumb shifters for gear changes

The color LCD display is bright and visible even in direct sunlight, showing critical data such as speed, pedal assist levels, battery voltage, and trip info. However, the buttons are somewhat small, which might be inconvenient for some riders.

Battery and Charging Experience

The removable battery is well integrated into the frame under a protective panel. It can be charged either on or off the bike. The 2A charger is slow by modern standards, requiring over 10 hours for a full charge, but this is typical for budget eBikes.

Lighting and Safety Features

The X-plorer Raptor features a standout lighting system with bright daytime running lights, headlight, and turn signals both front and rear. However, a notable factory quality control issue was the reversed wiring of the rear turn signals, requiring manual correction by the user.

The key ignition adds security by preventing accidental or unauthorized use. A downside is the front headlight remains on even when the bike is off, which can lead to battery drain if not turned off properly.

Pedaling and Throttle Experience

Pedaling the X-plorer Raptor without assistance is challenging due to the bike’s weight and gearing. It’s designed primarily as a moped-style eBike, with the motor shouldering most of the workload. The cadence sensor regulates pedal assist, matching the throttle speed for smooth acceleration.

Throttle engagement is smooth and reaches the top speed of 27.7 mph in under 20 seconds without feeling overly aggressive or jolting.

Speed and Range Validation

The eBike achieves its claimed speeds accurately, confirmed via GPS speedometer, with a top speed of approximately 27.7 mph. The battery range exceeded expectations, achieving over 30 miles under mixed riding conditions — a strong performance for a sub-$900 eBike.

Voltage sag was noticeable under load, dropping as low as 41 volts, but the display’s battery percentage indicator was inconsistent. This makes relying solely on the built-in battery indicator unreliable, so using a third-party app like Strava to track mileage is recommended.

Braking Performance

Equipped with mechanical disc brakes, the stopping distance was measured at 19 ft from 20 mph and 41 ft from the top speed. While adequate for casual riding, riders seeking more responsive braking should consider upgrading to hydraulic brakes for improved safety.

Off-Road and Hill Climbing

The X-plorer Raptor handles moderate off-road terrain and hills well. It smoothly climbed a 20° incline both on throttle and pedal assist without rider effort. The suspension copes with uneven terrain but produces rattling noises, especially from the front basket and battery area.

The bike struggled significantly in loose sand, requiring riders to push it manually through thicker patches. This limitation is important for those intending to use the bike for beach or very soft terrain rides.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affordable price point under $900
• Full suspension for basic off-road comfort
• Long battery range (30+ miles) with removable battery
• Bright lighting system with front/rear turn signals
• Secure key ignition system
• 28 mph top speed class 3 eBike compliance
• Comfortable riding position and supportive frame design
• Walk assist feature for ease of handling

Cons

• Heavy bike (110 lbs) difficult to pedal unassisted
• Non-adjustable suspension limits customization
• Mechanical disc brakes require upgrading for better stopping power
• Factory quality control issues (reversed rear turn signals)
• Front headlight stays on when bike is off, risking battery drain
• Noticeable rattling noise from basket and battery area
• Slow 2A charger requires long charge times
• Display battery indicator inconsistent under load
• Struggles in loose sand or soft terrain

Final Thoughts: Is the Varun X-plorer Raptor Worth It?

The Varun X-plorer Raptor is a compelling choice for budget-conscious riders seeking a moped-style eBike with full suspension, a strong motor, and practical features such as turn signals and a removable battery. It excels in urban and light off-road environments, offering a comfortable ride and solid hill climbing capability.

However, its heavier weight, limited suspension adjustability, and mechanical brakes mean it’s not ideal for serious off-roading or riders who want a nimble pedal experience. Quality control issues like reversed turn signals and persistent rattling noises reflect some compromises in manufacturing that buyers should be aware of.

For under $900, the X-plorer Raptor delivers a lot of value, especially if your primary use is city commuting with occasional trail rides. Prospective buyers should consider potential upgrades and be prepared to perform minor fixes upon delivery. Overall, it’s a uniquely styled, budget-friendly eBike that stands out in the crowded entry-level market.