Affordable Kepler E-Bike Makes Commuting a Breeze by Blending Power and Cargo Space

But before I tell you more about it, you might want to know a little about Ariel Rider. The company was founded in 2014 by two brothers, Arda and Berl Onal. It currently has three products available: the Grizzly, the Kepler, and the X-Class 52V, available in step-over and step-thru versions. The Kepler is the newest out of range.

One thing I understood about Ariel Rider is that it makes sure its e-bikes are powerful and fun without emptying your wallet. In the Kepler's case, the company prices it at $1,999 (€1,819), but an ongoing sale lowers the price by $100 (€91).

So, as I mentioned earlier, the Kepler is all about offering riders a pleasurable commuting experience. How does it do that? I'll summarize it in three words: speed, power, and cargo. More about these in just a bit.

There are two versions available for the Kepler: high-step and low-step – the only difference is the 6061 aluminum frame, which is slightly more compact and tweaked to allow shorter or older riders to hop on more easily.

This e-bike boasts a wheelbase of around 46 inches (117 centimeters), with a standover height of 26.5 inches (67 centimeters) for the low-step and 31 inches (79 centimeters) for the high-step. It tips the scales at 73 lbs. (33 kg), a decent weight for a powerful e-bike. According to Ariel Rider, it comes with a rear rack capacity of 70 lbs. (32 kg), and its total payload capacity is 300 lbs. (136 kg).

Powering the Kepler is a Bafang 1,000 W geared hub motor, capable of delivering up to 1,800 W of peak power. It enables the e-bike to reach speeds of more than 32 mph (51 kph), of course, where allowed. For instance, you legally cannot go over 25 kph (16 mph) in Europe.

This high performance is also possible due to a 52 V, 20 Ah battery integrated into the down tube. According to its maker, the Kepler can achieve a range of more than 75 miles (121 km) per charge, which is definitely more than most people need for commuting. Ariel Rider goes as far as to say its "52 V, 20 Ah battery gas the longest range in this e-bike's class."

Just like in many other e-bikes, the battery is entirely removable, making charging much more effortless. Customers get a 2.5-amp Smart Charger, but Ariel Rider hasn't released any info regarding how long charging takes – I'd estimate at least 3-4 hours for a full charge.

Whether you live in a flat city or your commute involves steep slopes, the Kepler has you covered. Besides the motor offering enough power, the e-bike is equipped with a 7-speed Shimano Altus derailleur. But what if your commute route has some off-road sections? Ariel Rider claims the Kepler can easily tackle them.

Riders can select between five pedal assist levels via the colored LCD, displaying speed, battery life, and more. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, over-the-air updates and even features a USB port, so you can charge your phone while riding. Furthermore, if you feel too tired to pedal home, you can use the half-twist throttle to operate this e-bike.

Ariel Rider makes another Bold claim regarding the Kepler: "It can carry heavier loads than any other bike in its class." And it does indeed have a massive cargo capacity, especially via the rear rack.

The rack is manufactured from high-quality aluminum, it's sturdy and durable, and Ariel Rider explains it's compatible with most standard panniers and bags. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in LED light with turn signals and brake lights, so riders will have more visibility and safety on the road. Ariel Rider currently offers the rear rack for free, but it's normally offered as an extra.

Some of the accessories customers can opt for are a front rack, cargo baskets (two of them can be fitted on the rear rack), and more. The headlight and rear light with brake light function are offered as standard, as well as a kickstand. You also get front and back full fenders, so riding in the rain or dirt won't be an issue.

Let me also tell you about other notable components of the Kepler. It rides on CST, 26" x4" puncture-resistant tires, which are slowed down by hydraulic Tektro brakes with 180-mm discs. Moreover, the e-bike is fitted with a Zoom fork with 80 mm travel and an exclusive Ariel Rider E-bikes Ergonomic saddle.

Overall, the Ariel Rider Kepler has all the right features for an excellent commuting experience. There's plenty of power and speed, enough cargo space, and adequate components. To learn more about this e-bike, you can visit the manufacturer's official website.