I was sent this ebike for review.

Electric bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years, offering cyclists an extra boost to make commuting, exercise, and recreation easier and more accessible. The Tide 1 Innovative 2-in-1 Versatile Folding ebike stands out from the crowd with it’s unique features like a foldable design, two-way charging system, and app connectivity. The Tide 1 offers unique advantages not found in many other ebikes.

Design & Build Quality

The Tide 1 has an aluminum alloy frame that provides a lightweight yet durable foundation. Attention was paid to fine details, with clean welds and cabling resulting in a high quality fit and finish.

A major advantage of the Tide 1 is its innovative foldable design. With easy-to-use folding latches, the bike collapses down quickly into a compact size. Folded dimensions are just 31.69” x 19.29” x 26.7”, making storage and transport a breeze. The bike can be pulled along nicely when folded thanks to an integrated magnetic clasp and small wheel. At just 49 lbs, the Tide 1 is relatively lightweight for an electric bike, further adding to its outstanding portability when folded down.

The well-engineered foldable design, combined with the Tide 1’s compact folded size and light weight, make this an exceptionally versatile and portable electric bike. Riders will appreciate just how easy it is to fold up the bike and take it anywhere they need to go.

Performance & Features

On my test rides, I found the Tide 1 provides an enjoyable combination of speed and battery range. The 350W motor can reach top speeds of 15.5 mph in the highest setting, allowing you to cruise along at a nice clip. It has a range of around 18 miles when relying purely on electric power. Switching on pedal assist mode extends rides up to 38 miles by combining human and electric power. The motor delivers smooth, responsive acceleration thanks to the torque sensor that gauges how much effort I’m putting into pedaling.

On power mode, the bike still requires you to get it started with pedaling a tiny bit, then the accelerator will respond. Well, at least for my big butt!

In fitness mode, I can charge the battery just by pedaling, without needing to plug in. After about 3.5 hours of riding, I can take the battery from empty to a 100% charge. This gives me flexibility to charge up the battery anywhere simply by exercising. The fitness mode essentially transforms the Tide 1 into a generator, charging its own battery while I get in shape.

Connecting the bike to the mobile app via Bluetooth provided useful data like my battery level, speed, and distance traveled. I can even customize motor power and other settings through the intuitive app. While not a necessity, the app connectivity adds an extra layer of convenience and functionality.

The Tide 1 delivers an excellent combination of power, range, and convenience.

Ride Quality & Comfort

I found the Tide 1 provides a very comfortable and smooth ride quality. The aluminum alloy frame and 350W motor deliver responsive, stable handling even at higher speeds. The ride feels well-balanced and easy to control. Hitting bumps and cracks in the road is no problem thanks to the front suspension fork which absorbs impacts remarkably well.

The integrated suspension seat post also helps dampen bumps, taking the edge off uneven terrain. I stayed comfortable even on longer rides thanks to the adjustable seat that allows you to fine tune the fit. The wider seat and ergonomic handlebars further enhance the riding experience.

Battery & Charging

The Tide 1 runs off a 36V 9Ah lithium ion battery that tucks away neatly into the top tube. The battery delivers ~18 miles in pure electric mode or ~38 miles using pedal assist. Charging the battery from empty takes around 4-5 hours when plugged into a standard wall outlet.

One of the most convenient features is the two-way charging capability. As mentioned earlier, I can fully recharge the battery to 100% after about 3.5 hours of pedaling in fitness mode. This gives me flexibility to charge up anywhere without relying on an outlet. The portable plug-in charger is pretty lightweight too making it easy to carry around.

App

The 5TH WHEEL Electric Bike app enhances the Tide 1 eBike’s user experience by providing a variety of functional metrics and controls at the rider’s fingertips.

One downside is you have to make an account on the app. The first time pairing with the app, you have to provide a key from the last page of the instruction booklet. The problem is that it’s a long string of random characters, a real pain to enter manually. But fortunately it also has a QR code of the key, so you can scan it with your camera and copy the key from there.

Upon launching the app, one can immediately notice the dashboard’s comprehensive display of real-time data. It provides essential information such as the pedaling frequency, current speed, and calories burned, which is useful for riders who are conscious about their fitness goals. The ability to monitor riding time and battery percentage can help users manage their rides more effectively, ensuring they have enough power to reach their destination.

The app allows users to customize their riding experience with various settings. Features like adjusting the headlight, changing the gear settings, and toggling the auto-lock function can be accessed and modified within the app. This level of customization offers convenience and personalization, allowing riders to set up their bike to match their preferences.

The app is user-friendly, with a clean layout and easy-to-read icons.

Optional Stationary Bike Add-On

The Tide 1 ebike’s optional accessory to convert it into a stationary bike is an ingenious feature.

The stand seamlessly integrates with the ebike. It provides a stable base for the bike, turning it into an exercise bike that can be used regardless of weather conditions, an excellent option for those who wish to maintain their cycling routine indoors.

The transition from an outdoor ebike to an indoor exercise machine is straightforward. Users can enjoy the familiar comfort of their Tide 1 while pedaling in place, which could be particularly appealing to those who are already accustomed to the ebike’s  ergonomics. The stand’s design does not overwhelm the bike’s aesthetics; instead, it complements it, maintaining the sleek look of the Tide 1.

The stand is not just about indoor cycling; it’s also about efficient use of space and equipment. For city dwellers or those with limited living space like us, the ability to convert the ebike into a stationary bike eliminates the need for a separate piece of exercise equipment, making it a space-saving solution.

Final evaluation

After testing the Tide 1 for several weeks, I’ve been very impressed with its innovative design, convenient features, and versatile performance. The foldable frame makes storage and transport a breeze, and the clever magnetic clasp allows you to easily pull the bike when folded. The two-way charging system provides flexibility to charge on the go just by pedaling in fitness mode.

The 350W motor delivers smooth, responsive power with a max speed of 15.5 mph. Battery range is solid at around 18-38 miles depending on mode. The front suspension fork absorbs bumps nicely for a comfortable ride quality. The only notable downsides are the lack of rear suspension and relatively slow standard charging time.

The fitness stand is a standout feature for me. I’m always looking for way to save space, and this will allow me to get rid of my stationary exercise bike.

Overall, the Tide 1 is an ideal ebike for urban commuters who need convenience and flexibility. It packs convenient, high-tech features into a practical and fun riding experience.

Ryan