The VIVI C26UL is a 26″ step-thru electric cruiser designed for relaxed city riding, commuting, and weekend cruising. It pairs a 1000W peak brushless hub motor (65 Nm) with a 48V 7.8Ah (374.4Wh) battery, front suspension, and a comfortable upright riding position. The result is a Class 2 step-through ebike that feels approachable for new riders and practical for daily use.
With a claimed range of up to 50 miles in pedal assist and around 22–25 miles on throttle, plus a step-thru frame and included rack and fenders, it’s built to be an easy, low-stress way to get around town.
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👉 See the official VIVI C26UL specs and current availability here.
TL;DR – VIVI C26UL at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Bike Type | 26″ step-thru electric cruiser / commuter |
| Motor | 1000W peak brushless hub motor, 65 Nm torque |
| Battery | 48V 7.8Ah (374.4Wh) removable lithium-ion |
| Top Speed | Regular 15.5 mph, max 21.7 mph (VIVI also highlights up to ~22 mph) |
| Claimed Range | About 44–50 miles PAS, 22–25 miles throttle, max range ~50 miles under ideal conditions |
| Realistic Range | Roughly 18–30 miles for most riders, depending on terrain, assist level, and riding style |
| Tires | 26″ x 1.95″ puncture-resistant city/cruiser tires |
| Suspension | Front coil-spring suspension fork, 60 mm travel |
| Brakes | 160 mm front & rear mechanical disc brakes |
| Weight | About 62 lb (28 kg) |
| Max Capacity | 330 lb (150 kg) load rating |
| Best For | Riders wanting a step-thru, comfort-focused city cruiser for commuting, errands, and leisure rides |
👉 Check the VIVI C26UL product page for latest colors, specs, and bundle options.
Key Specs: VIVI C26UL Technical Overview
| Spec Category | C26UL Details |
|---|---|
| Model | VIVI C26UL |
| Frame Type | Step-thru city/cruiser frame |
| Frame Material | High-carbon steel |
| Motor | 1000W peak brushless hub motor, 65 Nm |
| Battery | 48V 7.8Ah (374.4Wh) removable lithium-ion |
| Charger | US plug 54.6V 2A smart charger, typical charge time 4–6 hours |
| Controller | 48V 16A brushless motor controller |
| Display | 48V intelligent digital LCD display |
| E-Bike Class | Class 2 |
| IP Rating | IP54 water resistance; waterproof integration cable |
| Top Speed (Spec) | Regular 15.5 mph (25 km/h), max 21.7 mph (35 km/h) |
| Max Range (Spec) | 50 miles (80 km) max |
| Throttle Range | About 22–25 miles (35–40 km) |
| PAS Range | About 44–50 miles (70–80 km) |
| PAS Levels | Intelligent 5-level pedal assist |
| Throttle | Half-twist throttle + thumb throttle |
| Bike Weight | 28 kg / 62 lb (battery included) |
| Max Load | 150 kg / 330 lb |
| Tires | 26 x 1.95″ 30 TPI puncture-resistant tires |
| Brakes | 160 mm double mechanical disc brakes |
| Suspension | Coil spring suspension fork, 60 mm travel |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 1 x 7-speed (RD-TZ500 derailleur, SL-TX50 shifter, 14–28T freewheel) |
| Rack & Fenders | Rear rack included (up to 55 lb / 25 kg), full-coverage fenders front and rear |
| Lights | 48V integrated LED headlight + 48V DC integrated LED taillight |
| Certification | SGS | UL 2849/2271, GCC, CPSC 1512 |
Note: Some third-party listings refer to a “500W” motor at 19.8 mph top speed; VIVI’s own page emphasizes a 1000W peak motor and up to 22 mph. For buyers, it’s safest to think of this as a 500W-class commuter motor with 1000W peak capability, cruising in the high-teens to low-20 mph range.
Design & Frame: Upright, Easy-Access City Cruiser
The C26UL uses a step-through frame that’s clearly designed for comfort and accessibility:
- Low step-thru design so you can mount and dismount without swinging a leg over a high top tube—especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic or if you have limited mobility.
- Upright riding position with swept-back bars typical of cruiser-style bikes, easing strain on your back and wrists over longer rides.
- 26″ wheels with city/casual tread for a stable, predictable feel on pavement and bike paths.
The overall look and geometry target riders who want an easygoing, confidence-inspiring bike for city streets, parks, and neighborhood rides—not a long-travel off-road machine.
Motor & Speed: 1000W Peak Hub, Class 2 Behavior
The C26UL is built around a 1000W peak brushless hub motor delivering 65 Nm of torque.
From the VIVI spec sheet:
- Motor: 1000W peak brushless hub motor, 65 Nm
- Max speed:
- Regular riding: 15.5 mph (25 km/h)
- Controller-limited max: 21.7 mph (35 km/h)
- Marketing highlight: up to 22 mph
In practice, that means:
- Expect comfortable acceleration and enough support for moderate hills and bridges, especially in higher assist levels.
- Real-world cruising speeds will typically sit in the mid-teens to low-20 mph range, depending on rider weight, terrain, and how aggressively you use the throttle.
- It’s tuned to feel like a confident city cruiser, not a high-speed Class 3 commuter.
If you’re coming from a purely analog cruiser, the jump in ease—especially on hills and into headwinds—will likely feel significant.
Battery, Charging & Realistic Range
VIVI’s own numbers for the C26UL’s 48V 7.8Ah (374.4Wh) battery and 4–6 hour charge time are:
- Max range: 80 km / 50 miles
- Ebike (throttle) range: 35–40 km / 22–25 miles
- PAS range: 70–80 km / 44–50 miles
Those ideal scenarios typically assume:
- Rider around 176 lb (80 kg)
- Flat or gently rolling terrain
- Moderate speeds in low-to-middle PAS levels
- Mild temperatures and properly inflated tires
For most everyday riders, a realistic planning range is:
- Around 18–30 miles per charge, depending on:
- Rider + cargo weight
- Hills vs flat terrain
- How much you rely on throttle-only vs PAS
- Average cruising speed
If you keep speeds moderate and use pedal assist instead of full-time throttle, you’ll land closer to the upper half of that band for typical city rides.
Ride Comfort: 26″ Wheels, Front Suspension, and Relaxed Fit
Comfort is one of the main reasons to choose a step-thru cruiser like the C26UL:
- Coil spring suspension fork with 60 mm travel helps smooth out potholes, expansion joints, and rough patches of pavement.
- 26″ x 1.95″ puncture-resistant tires offer predictable handling and a stable ride feel, especially at neighborhood speeds.
- The upright position and step-thru geometry work together to keep your posture relaxed and make frequent stops less of a hassle.
These tires are narrower than fat tires, which means they roll efficiently and keep the bike feeling light and easy to pedal, while the suspension fork and higher-volume casing still provide decent cushioning for city use.
Brakes, Safety & Certification
The C26UL uses front and rear mechanical disc brakes with 160 mm rotors.
What that means for riders:
- You get reliable, all-weather stopping power that’s a step up from rim brakes.
- Mechanical discs are straightforward to service and adjust, though they require a bit more hand effort than hydraulic systems, especially on long descents.
On the safety side:
- VIVI lists the C26UL as SGS-certified to UL 2849/2271, along with GCC and CPSC 1512 compliance, aligning with modern ebike electrical safety standards.
- A waterproof integration cable helps protect wiring from everyday splashes and light rain.
For a buyer concerned about electrical safety and standards, those certifications are a meaningful plus, particularly in the value-oriented segment.
Controls, Display & Ride Modes
The C26UL is equipped with the same control package featured on other upgraded VIVI commuters:
- 48V intelligent digital LCD display showing:
- Assist level
- Battery status
- Speed and trip info
- Intelligent 5-level pedal assist
- Half-twist throttle + thumb throttle, so you can use whichever interface feels more natural
- 12-magnet cadence sensor for responsive assist engagement
- Working modes: Pure electric, pedal assist, normal bike, assist push / walk, and cruise control
Those options let you choose between:
- Pure pedal mode (no assist) for more exercise
- PAS mode for balanced range and support
- Throttle mode for relaxed cruising or when you need a break from pedaling
For newer ebike riders, the controls are intentionally straightforward and easy to get used to within a ride or two.
Portability, Payload & Everyday Practicality
While the C26UL isn’t a folding bike, it’s designed around everyday utility:
- Bike weight: around 62 lb (28 kg)
- Max load capacity: 330 lb (150 kg)
- Rear rack: aluminum rack rated to 55 lb (25 kg) for groceries, panniers, or a work bag
- Full fenders and a side-mounted kickstand included, so you’re ready for commutes and wet roads out of the box
It’s best thought of as a keep-it-assembled city cruiser:
- Easy to roll in and out of a garage or bike room
- Comfortable for medium-distance commutes and errands
- Simple to outfit with baskets or panniers for everyday hauling
If you need to carry a bike up multiple flights of stairs regularly, a lighter or folding model might be easier. But for ground-floor storage, the C26UL’s weight is typical for a full-size step-thru ebike.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Step-thru cruiser frame with upright position for easy, comfortable riding
- 1000W peak hub motor (65 Nm) for solid city performance and modest hills
- 48V 7.8Ah battery with realistic 18–30 mile range for daily commuting and errands
- Front suspension and 26″ puncture-resistant tires for a smoother ride on city streets and paths
- Mechanical disc brakes front and rear for dependable stopping in varied weather
- Included rear rack, fenders, and kickstand add real-world utility
- UL 2849/2271-certified electrical system (via SGS) is a reassuring safety plus in this price segment
Cons
- Battery capacity (374.4Wh) is modest compared to long-range ebikes with much larger packs
- Mechanical discs require more hand effort and occasional tuning vs hydraulic systems
- Narrower tires roll efficiently but don’t offer the same plush feel as wider 2.4–3.0″ rubber
- Marketing and third-party specs differ slightly on continuous power and top speed, so expectations should be set around low-20 mph cruising, not higher Class 3 speeds
Who the VIVI C26UL Is Best For
You’ll likely be happy with the C26UL if you:
- Want an easy-on, easy-off step-thru ebike with a relaxed cruiser feel
- Plan to use it mainly for city commuting, errands, and casual weekend rides
- Prefer an upright, comfortable posture over aggressive speed and sportiness
- Value a UL-certified electrical system and a bike that arrives with rack and fenders included
- Ride in areas where mid-teens to low-20 mph cruising speeds are plenty
In short: it suits riders who want a practical, comfort-first ebike that makes daily transportation feel simple and approachable.
Who Might Want a Different Bike
You might want to explore other options if:
- You need very long range (40–60+ miles regularly) and don’t want to charge as often
- You live in a region with very steep hills and want a more powerful or mid-drive setup
- You want a lighter, more portable bike for frequent stair-carrying or multi-modal transit
- You prefer hydraulic disc brakes for stronger braking with less hand effort, especially at higher speeds or with heavy loads
Final Thoughts: Is the VIVI C26UL a Good Fit?
The VIVI C26UL brings together a step-thru cruiser frame, a 1000W peak hub motor, and a UL-certified electrical system to create a comfortable, everyday ebike for city riders. It’s not built to win drag races or tackle extreme terrain—but it does aim to make commutes, errands, and relaxed rides more enjoyable and less effort.
If you’re looking for a full-size, step-thru electric cruiser that’s approachable, capable of everyday commuting, and designed around comfort and simplicity, the C26UL deserves a spot on your shortlist.
👉 You can see the current VIVI C26UL configurations, colors, and full specs here.
