We tested: ESKUTE Polluno Plus – The affordable urban torque sensor e-bike

The ESKUTE Polluno Plus, which offers functions at an affordable price that we have only seen in the premium category.

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ESKUTE Polluno Plus - what is this article about?

The history of ESKUTE dates back to 2019. The company was created with the aim of democratizing the electric bicycle market. In a short time, they became known throughout Europe for their reliable products and excellent customer service. The Polluno Plus model is their third-generation urban e-bike, which now comes with an advanced torque sensor and a larger battery.

Reliability and practicality are particularly important in the city electric bicycle market. Whether it is commuting to work, shopping or leisure activities, an e-bike must adapt to the challenges of urban life. Polluno Plus excels in these: with a range of up to 120 kilometers, a comfortable seating position and a practical design, it is an ideal companion in everyday life.

The popularity of electric bicycles is no accident. Compared to traditional bicycles, they are easier to ride, especially on hills or longer distances, while retaining all the benefits of cycling. In the case of the Polluno Plus, the Bafang motor and intelligent control ensure that the assistance is always adapted to our needs.

If you follow my articles, you may notice that there was already a similar Eskute bike test this year. Then Netuno Plusz, now Polluno Plus was on the dissection table. Although the two bikes look quite different from each other, there are not many differences in the drivetrain. What we have will be for the benefit of Polluno. Since the Netuno Plus has been the electric bike with the best price-performance ratio so far this year (at least for me), I'm not selling a sack cat anymore when I tell you that the Polluno Plus doesn't perform badly in this area either.

With the ESKUTE Polluno Plus model, we do not have to compromise between quality and price. The bike combines features of the premium category, such as a torque sensor or a high-capacity battery, while offering these features at an extremely affordable price.

ESKUTE Polluno Plus - APPEARANCE AND CONTROLS

At first glance, the ESKUTE Polluno Plus gives the impression of a classic city bike, with its deepened frame and clean lines. In other words, it doesn't just create, because the Polluno is a real, unadulterated city bike in every detail. The total weight of the bicycle with external dimensions of 187 x 108 x 65 centimeters is 24,5 kilograms, which is average in the category of electric assist bicycles, but clearly below average among 28-inch bicycles.

The frame is made of aluminum alloy, which represents an optimal compromise between weight and load capacity - the bike's maximum load capacity is 120 kilograms according to the specification, although the EU compliance sticker on the frame only says 100 kg.

The design of the steering wheel ensures a comfortable, upright sitting position due to its ergonomic, slightly curved shape. The bell integrated into the left brake lever is a practical solution that not only saves space on the handlebars, but is also beneficial from an aesthetic point of view. The handles have a palm rest, which ensures a comfortable grip even on longer trips.

The central display is integrated into the steering stem (stucni), which is a particularly elegant solution. The LCD screen displays speed, battery charge, daily distance traveled and current assistance level. There is also a USB-C connector next to the display, which allows you to charge your smartphone on the go. The brightness of the display can be adjusted, although it is sometimes difficult to read in strong sunlight. It is important to note that this display solution is 100 percent identical to the one found on the Netuno Plus, so the advantages and disadvantages described there are echoed here as well.

Let's see what we can find on the steering wheel! The layout of the controls is well-thought-out: on the left handlebar, there is a control unit that can be operated with your thumb, with which you can set the level of assistance, as well as turn the lighting and the bike's electrical system on and off. The Shimano Tourney 7-speed shifter is located on the right side. The levers of the mechanical disc brakes are rubberized on both sides for a better grip.

Basically, there is nothing exciting about the controls, but I have to mention one interesting thing, or rather an inconvenience. Probably due to the shortness of the cable, the left control unit was installed upside down, for this reason we can adjust the levels of assistance with the button on top and up with the button on the bottom. Clumsiness on the cube, which could have been eliminated with a 5 cm longer cable.

Let's move on!

The battery is integrated into the frame, which is not only beneficial from an aesthetic point of view, but also protects it from the elements. The 720 Wh (36 V, 20,1 Ah) battery is removable, and two keys are provided for the lock mechanism. That is, a key and a spare in case the key is lost. The charging connector and the main switch are covered with protective caps, although their fastening could be more stable.

In practice, this means that the main switch is on the left and the charging port on the right. Both have rubber caps that don't fit very well. In addition, with the rubber cap on the main switch, you can easily turn off the switch when you push the cap into place. I specifically thought the bike was bad because I turned off the main switch three times when putting the cap back on. This is also a little idiocy, let's get over it quickly and praise the LED charge indicator on the battery, which allows a quick check. 

The bike's lighting is fully integrated: the front LED light and the rear position indicator are powered by the electrical system, and they are controlled (switched on and off) by the control unit on the handlebars. The 28-inch wheels are equipped with Kenda tires, which with their width of 1,75 inches represent a good compromise between rolling resistance and comfort.

Practicality is provided by the robust side support, the front and rear mudguards, and the luggage compartment, which can withstand a load of up to 25 kilograms. The size of the frame is such that it is ideal for users with a body height of 160-190 cm, and the saddle position can be adjusted in a wide range. I have to insert one more compliment here, the side support on this bike is stable and of the right length, which is unfortunately not evident in the case of Chinese bikes.

ESKUTE Polluno Plus - TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

The heart of the ESKUTE Polluno Plus is a Bafang G010 electric motor with a power of 250 watts, which is integrated with the rear hub. The engine's maximum torque is 45 Nm, which is considered a particularly good value in the category. In accordance with European regulations, the electric assistance works up to a speed of 25 km/h, above which the bicycle can only be driven by human power.

One of the most important capabilities of the system is the built-in torque sensor, which continuously measures the force exerted on the pedals. This allows the electric assistance to gently and continuously adapt to the current load, thus providing a more natural cycling experience than older pedal or speed sensor solutions. The assistance can be adjusted in five different levels, and a walking mode is also available up to a speed of 6 km/h.

A 36-volt, 20 ampere-hour battery with a capacity of 720 watt hours is responsible for the energy supply, made of Samsung or LG cells (the cell supplier may vary from machine to machine). This allows a range of up to 120 kilometers under ideal conditions, although this is highly dependent on the level of assistance chosen, the terrain and the driver's weight. It takes 42-3.0 hours to fully charge the battery with the supplied 5V/7A charger.

Regarding the other elements of the drive chain, the bike is equipped with a Shimano Tourney 7-speed gear system, and the chain is made up of a durable, stainless-coated KMC chain. The braking system consists of mechanical disc brakes that use 160 millimeter discs on both the front and rear wheels. The front fork is hydraulic (!!!), has 100 millimeters of spring travel, and it is possible to adjust the stiffness of the spring, as well as to completely block it.

The bike's control electronics also have a Bluetooth connection, so they can also be connected to a smartphone. The factory application is also available for iOS and Android systems, and can be used to display more detailed data and record the journeys taken. Through the application, it is possible to adjust the brightness of the display, and a security PIN code can also be activated.

The entire electronic system of the Polluno Plus is protected from environmental influences, although I must note that, as with the Netuno, the waterproofing of the battery holder could be better. The system features an intelligent battery management system (BMS) that protects the battery from overcharging, over-discharging and short-circuiting, thus increasing its lifespan. The entire electrical system of the bicycle complies with the EN 15194:2017 standard.

The on-board computer provides information on the current speed, the distance traveled, the battery charge level and the selected assistance level via a built-in LCD display. The system also provides a 5V charging option for external devices via the USB-C connector. The built-in front and rear LED lighting is powered directly from the bike's battery and can be controlled from the control unit on the handlebars.

I haven't mentioned shock absorption yet, even though this is also an important element. It is important, because instead of the usual penny shock absorber, this bike now has a hydraulic shock absorber that can be used quite well, which can be locked and its hardness (preload) can be adjusted, so it can be used locked on asphalt or unlocked, set to different hardness levels, on slightly poorer quality roads or on easier terrain.

It is definitely important to mention that the shock absorber was not developed for sports purposes. anyway, the manufacturer also informs us of this with a yellow sticker indicating that this solution will not be suitable for downhill riding and teasing. By the way, and this is also important, the spring travel is 10 cm, whoever wrote about it can already see from this data that this solution was not designed for off-road use.

Then now come a few paragraphs about the most interesting and important ability, torque sensor operation. Because the Eskute Polluno Plus, as I wrote above, already has a torque sensor, we can forget the disadvantages of the pedal sensor operation. I tried to briefly summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the two technologies, as well as how they work:

The pedal sensor and torque sensor used in bicycles are two different technologies that help electric bicycles (e-bikes) work. Both serve the purpose of sensing the cyclist's rotation and controlling the power of the electric motor based on that, but they work in different ways and offer different advantages and disadvantages.

Pedal sensor

The pedal sensor, also known as PAS (Pedal Assist Sensor), is one of the simplest and most common methods in e-bikes. This sensor detects the rotation of the pedals and sends information to the electric motor controller about whether the cyclist is pedaling or not. It is usually a magnetic sensor that is located near the pedals and measures the maximum speed of rotation.

The advantage of the pedal sensor is that it is a simple and cost-effective solution. It is easy to install and maintain, and provides enough comfort and efficiency for most e-bike users. The disadvantage is that it does not detect the force exerted by the cyclist, only the rotation of the pedals. For this reason, the assistance does not always harmonize perfectly with the needs of the cyclist, especially when traveling slowly, on steep climbs or in situations that require a greater effort.

Torque sensor

The torque sensor is a more advanced technology that regulates the performance of the electric motor based on the detected torque, i.e. the force exerted on the pedals. This sensor is located in the bottom bracket or the drivetrain and measures exactly how much force the cyclist is applying to the pedals. Thanks to this information, the torque sensor system can regulate the electric assistance much more finely and precisely, which provides a more natural and smooth cycling experience.

The advantage of the torque sensor is that it detects the intensity of pedaling and adjusts the power of the electric motor accordingly. As a result, the assistance is much more adapted to the cyclist's efforts, which is especially useful on climbs and more intense cycling. Such a system is also generally more energy efficient, because it only provides assistance when it is really needed and only as much as is really necessary. The downside is that it is a more complicated and expensive technology that is more difficult to install and maintain.

Comparison of pedal sensor and torque sensor

Accuracy and sensitivity:

• Pedal sensor: Less accurate as it only detects the rotation of the pedals, not the force.
• Torque sensor: Very accurate as it measures the force exerted and adjusts the assistance accordingly.

User experience:

• Pedal sensor: It provides less natural assistance, especially with higher loads.
• Torque sensor: Provides a more natural and smooth cycling experience.

Cost:

• Pedal sensor: Cheaper and simpler technology.
• Torque sensor: More expensive and more complicated technology.

Installation and maintenance:

• Pedal sensor: Easier to install and maintain.
• Torque sensor: Requires more complex installation and maintenance.

Energy efficiency:

• Pedal sensor: Less energy efficient, as it does not always optimally control the assistance.
• Torque sensor: More energy efficient, as it provides assistance exactly to the required extent.

The choice between a pedal sensor and a torque sensor largely depends on the cyclist's needs and budget. Pedal-sensing systems can be a good choice for those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use e-bike, while torque-sensing systems are ideal for those looking for a higher level of accuracy and a more natural cycling experience.

However, this last paragraph can be strongly bracketed because of the Eskute Polluno Plus, since this bike was able to combine the torque-sensing operation with the pedal-sensing price. Under such conditions, who needs the pedal sensor from now on? The question is poetic, I think everyone knows the answer!

ESKUTE Polluno Plus - USER EXPERIENCES

When testing the ESKUTE Polluno Plus, I walked less than usual, but this is perhaps forgivable with temperatures of 3-5 degrees. During the test period, I tried it in city traffic and on easier terrain, in varied weather conditions. It's true, I didn't risk the snow, but I managed to get a little out of the muddy road.

As you can guess, one of the bike's greatest strengths is the torque-sensing assistance system. Even in the first gear, I received a pleasant boost, which proved to be sufficient to maintain a speed of 25 km/h in city traffic on a flat road. The motor's response time is about one second, which can be unusual at first, but you quickly get used to it. The assistance switches on and off steplessly, so it provides a natural cycling experience, there are no big jerks, sudden stalls and starts. It just feels like your legs have suddenly gotten stronger.

I can't say much about the performance of the battery, because as I wrote, this test didn't last too long due to the somewhat unpleasant time. I can definitely say that the 20 Ah capacity is an almost unbeatable value in this price category. If we add to this that we are talking about a torque sensor solution, which can be much more economical than a pedal sensor, we can already see that the distance that can be covered should not be a big problem either.

With that said, and based on my experience, I can only say that on windy days, in open terrain, interspersed with ascents, the possible distance can be reduced to 60-70 kilometers. Be sure to take into account that, according to my observation, the battery indicator is not completely linear, so you should not fully trust the displayed charge amount. This can cause some uncertainty in the planning of the range, so I recommend that you experiment to see what the range is that can be done for sure.

I had mixed experiences with the stiffness of the frame. At a leisurely pace and with normal city use, it holds its ground perfectly, however, I experienced a slight wobble during fast steering movements, especially in slalom. This may be mainly due to the deep entry frame design and the weight of the large battery, but with average use it does not cause any problems. You won't go off-road or slalom with a bike like this anyway.

The 100-millimeter spring travel of the front fork is suitable for urban use, absorbing road defects and small bumps well. On more serious terrain, however, you can already hear how the springs struggle with unevenness, in which case they can make a knocking sound as the damping reaches the end of the spring travel. During the test, I experienced this once when driving into a bumpy road with a large and sharp edge. The option to adjust the fork preload and the lockout function are clearly useful extras, significantly improving efficiency on flat roads.

Mechanical disc brakes work correctly, but they must be operated with a firm hand to achieve maximum braking effect. On longer slopes, using the levers during repeated braking can become tiring. The quality of the brake pads is average, after a while they squeaked in dry weather, and in rainy weather I experienced some whistling sound, which is typical of mechanical disc brakes equipped with cheap brake pads. As usual, I recommend that you either buy better quality brake pads or at least replace the master cylinder with a hydraulic solution that can be controlled with a bowden. You will experience a miracle.

The Shimano Tourney 7-speed derailleur does its job well, although the operation of the shifter could be finer. The gears are very well chosen - in the sixth gear you can comfortably maintain a speed of 25 km/h, while the seventh gear allows you to reach a speed of 35 km/h with human power. Of course, you will need decent muscles for this, as the relatively thick tires were not designed for racing either.

As I say with all electric bikes with a rear hub motor, here too I will not forget that it is much less important than these that the manufacturers install a quality transmission system, because the torque of the motor is not delivered to the rear wheel through this. Due to the fact that the motor is in the wheel hub, the torque is also generated there, so the chain and the derailleur are exposed to much less stress than in the case of mid-engine bicycles.

The LCD display is usually clearly visible in daylight conditions, but it is quite difficult to read in strong, direct sunlight. The ability to adjust the brightness of the display through the application is a useful function, especially when used at night, so it does not burn our eyes in the dark. The USB-C charging port proved to be stable, I didn't experience any connection problems while charging my phone.

My experience with the app is mixed. While basic features like route recording and basic statistics work well, the security PIN function and route recording have proven to be unreliable at times. In any case, my opinion about the application is that it is basically unnecessary. Perhaps the only thing I would use would be a reliable anti-theft system, but this bike doesn't have that. So, if you think about it, try the app, but I don't think you will use it very much.

The water resistance of the battery is not perfect, it is worth paying close attention to this in heavy rain. Even with the Netuno Plus, I felt that the battery was not sitting very precisely in the frame, and this feeling did not go away with the Netuno Plus either.

The recommendation of the bicycle for body height between 160-190 cm has proven to be correct in practice. With my height of 184 centimeters, the position was perfect for me, and the backward curved steering wheel ensured a really comfortable, absolutely upright seating position even during longer journeys.

ESKUTE Polluno Plus - SUMMARY

The ESKUTE Polluno Plus is an urban electric bike that successfully balances an affordable price with great features. The 720 watt-hour battery, the torque-sensing assistance, the Bafang engine and the complete equipment in general, which are usually only found in much more expensive models, stand out from the category. 

Based on practical experience, the main strengths of the Polluno Plus are the reliable Bafang motor, the long range and the comfortable usability. The complete equipment - including lighting, mudguards and trunk - makes it immediately usable in everyday traffic. And the natural assistance experience provided by the torque sensor is an extra that significantly increases the value of use.

However, there are areas where there is still room for improvement. Mechanical disc brakes, although they work well, can be tiring on longer slopes. The waterproofing of the battery holder could be better, and some of the app's features need further refinement. However, these are compromises that are quite acceptable in the price category and do not significantly affect everyday usability.

The ESKUTE Polluno Plus is an ideal choice for those looking for a reliable, well-equipped city electric bike at an affordable price. It is especially recommended for commuters, city commuters and those who are just getting to know the world of electric bicycles. It provides comfortable use for users with a body height between 160-190 cm, and the maximum load capacity of 120 kilograms makes it available to a wide range of users.

You can order the bike from Banggood's European warehouse. Since the big Christmas dumping has already gone down, it is expected to arrive quickly. The price of the bike is BGwickaPLPLS coupon code 277 500 forint will be available, which makes Akkos an almost unmissable purchase if you were looking for a similar bike. Purchase by clicking on the link below:

Eskute Polluno Plus city electric bike

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON THE ESKUTE POLLUNO PLUS LINK

Q: What is the range of the ESKUTE Polluno Plus?
A: Under ideal conditions, you can go up to 120 kilometers on a single charge, but this is highly dependent on the selected assistance level, road conditions and driver weight. With average use, you can expect a range of 70-100 kilometers.

Q: How long does it take to charge the ESKUTE Polluno Plus battery?
A: It takes 720-42 hours to fully charge the 3.0 Wh battery with the included 5V/7A charger.

Q: What body height is ESKUTE Polluno Plus recommended for?
A: The bike is ideal for users between 160-190 cm tall, thanks to the adjustable saddle height.

Q: Is ESKUTE Polluno Plus waterproof?
A: The bike's electronics are protected from moisture, but the waterproofing of the battery holder is not perfect, so special attention should be paid to this in heavy rain.

Q: How much weight can the ESKUTE Polluno Plus handle?
A: The maximum load capacity of the bicycle is 120 kg, and the luggage rack can carry an additional 25 kg.

Q: Does ESKUTE Polluno Plus have a mobile app?
A: Yes, it has an app available for both iOS and Android platforms that can be used to record routes, track statistics and change basic settings.

Q: Up to what speed does the ESKUTE Polluno Plus assist?
A: In accordance with European regulations, the motor provides assistance up to a speed of 25 km/h, above which the bicycle can only be driven by human power.

Q: Is the ESKUTE Polluno Plus battery removable?
A: Yes, the battery can be removed from the frame, so it can be charged even in an apartment. There are two keys for safe storage.

Q: What transmission system is the ESKUTE Polluno Plus equipped with?
A: The bike is equipped with a Shimano Tourney 7-speed gear system, which provides adequate gearing for both city traffic and longer tours.

Q: Does the ESKUTE Polluno Plus need to be serviced?
A: As with all bicycles, basic maintenance is required: regular checks and adjustments of the brakes, derailleur and chain, as well as proper charging and storage of the battery are recommended.