When predicting how an e-bike will perform before we test its range, we compare its motor and battery specs – particularly its motor’s nominal Watt output and its battery’s Watt-hour rating. We have a full guide to e-bike batteries that goes more in-depth on the subject, but we typically like to see a one-to-one ratio between the aforementioned numbers. A bike with such a ratio should be able to travel for at least an hour in its maximum PAS setting on relatively flat ground.
In the case of the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step, the 48V, 720Wh battery’s capacity (and 500W motor) exceeds our desired ratio by roughly half. Because of this, we expected the bike to travel for roughly an hour and thirty minutes before its battery expired. Considering the bike’s top speed in Boost mode (about 24-25 mph), we expected to cover around 35 miles when drawing maximum power in this setting.
Magnum advertises a range of between 30 and 50 miles, which they calculate using similar but slightly different math. We performed a real-world test to evaluate their estimate; see the graphic above for an explanation of our process. Due to the limited amount of assistance in Eco mode, we decided to test the bike in Tour and Boost modes.
In Tour mode, we achieved a distance of 55.1 miles, which is even better than Magnum’s estimate. Our result in Boost mode had a similar result when compared to the bike’s advertised range of 30 miles; we traveled 33.2 before the battery gave out.
We are extremely satisfied with our results for a few reasons. First, it’s great to see that Magnum’s calculations and advertisements were accurate (and maybe a bit conservative). Second, it means our estimate was also close. Third, since we tested the bike in Tour mode instead of Eco mode, its maximum range is potentially even greater. Finally – and most importantly – it means that when you’re using the bike, you can be confident in knowing that you can adventure all day without worrying about running out of juice.
I’ll cover more specifics about its contact points and sizing later in this Premium 3 Low Step review, but I have to reiterate that it’s a very comfortable e-bike. In my rides outside of our measured testing, I pushed the Premium 3 to its limits by going off-road on some rocky dirt roads that felt jarring on other less-cushioned folding bikes. Its mostly street-appropriate tires handled the dirt far better than I expected, and its front suspension fork and saddle did a surprisingly excellent job of making the ride comfortable. Of course, I have to note that our test bike came with a suspension seatpost that is not included in the base model. Magnum does not currently have this for sale on its website, but it can – and should be, in my opinion – picked up at one of their physical locations.
Before I wrap up this section, I want to mention one more feature of the Premium 3 Low Step’s battery. Similarly to a few other e-bikes we have tested (we’re looking at you, Lectric) , the battery on the Premium 3 requires that its key remain inserted and turned to the “On” position for the bike to function. This feature comes with a few tradeoffs; it is an added step that takes time, it at least feels like it could get lost easily, and if it’s on a keyring with other keys or a keychain, it can be noisy when riding. But from a certain point of view, it is no different than keeping a car’s key or fob on your keyring, and it is an added layer of security that could help to deter potential thieves from pedaling away with the bike. That said, we’d prefer the ability to remove the key once the battery is turned on – but we know that’s getting pretty nitpicky.
