Meta Title:
RANDRIDE Explorer Pro Electric Bike Review | 1000W Fat-Tyre Tested
Meta Description:
We tested the RANDRIDE Explorer Pro to see if this 1000W fat-tyre e-bike delivers on performance, comfort, and range. Full electric bike review inside.
Excerpt:
With a 1000W motor, torque sensor, and 26″ fat tyres, the RANDRIDE Explorer Pro is built for adventure. We tested its power, comfort, and real-world range.
Introduction
The RANDRIDE Explorer Pro is a rugged, fat-tyre electric mountain bike designed for riders who crave power and all-terrain capability. Priced in the mid-range e-MTB category, it’s geared toward adventurers, heavier riders, and long-distance commuters who want a powerful yet practical machine.
What makes the Explorer Pro stand out is its 1000W rear hub motor, 120km maximum assist range, torque sensor, and full suspension—all at a price that undercuts many premium brands. Add to that a 27-speed Shimano drivetrain, integrated lights, and a hefty payload capacity, and it’s clear this e-bike aims to be more than just a weekend toy.
In this review, we’ll take a close look at the Explorer Pro’s design, build, motor performance, real-world battery range, comfort, and how it handles across various terrains. Whether you’re a commuter seeking capability or an off-road enthusiast needing power and stability, this deep-dive will help you decide if the RANDRIDE Explorer Pro is right for you.
Specs at a Glance
- Motor: 1000W rear hub, >100Nm torque
- Battery: 48V 14Ah, removable (Samsung/LG), 672Wh
- Weight: 30 kg (66 lbs)
- Top Speed: 31 mph (unlocked)
- Frame Sizes: One universal frame, suits 5’2″ to 6’8″
- Tyres: 26″ × 4.0″ CST all-terrain fat tyres
- Brakes: Shimano hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors
- Suspension: Front coil fork, 190mm rear shock
- Gearing: Shimano 27-speed
- Price Range: ~£1,600–£1,800
Design and Build Quality
Visually, the Explorer Pro exudes rugged capability. Its aluminium alloy frame features clean welds and internal cable routing that give it a streamlined appearance despite its chunky tyres and aggressive stance. The red-black colour scheme adds to the sporty, adventure-ready aesthetic.
Build quality is solid throughout. The front and rear suspension feel well-integrated rather than an afterthought, and the magnesium alloy rims are a premium touch, enhancing strength while reducing spoke maintenance. The 48V battery locks securely into the downtube and maintains good balance with the rear-mounted motor.
Components like the saddle (SR), grips, and fenders are comfortable and durable, though you may wish to upgrade the pedals for more aggressive trail riding. Despite its size, the frame’s proportions are thoughtfully tuned for both shorter and taller riders. Weight distribution is centred well thanks to the mid-frame battery and forward-mounted motor controller.
Motor Performance and Power Delivery
The 1000W Qihang rear hub motor is a powerhouse, pushing out over 100Nm of torque—more than enough for steep hills, headwinds, and heavy riders. On flat roads, it accelerates smoothly, hitting 25 km/h in just seconds and cruising well above that once unlocked.
Crucially, the Explorer Pro uses a torque sensor rather than a basic cadence sensor. This means the power delivery is more responsive and natural, scaling output to your actual pedalling effort. This is especially helpful on inclines, where you can feel the assist “kick in” just as your legs need help.
The half-twist throttle adds flexibility, especially for starts and stop-and-go traffic. Compared to similarly priced e-MTBs with cadence sensors, the Explorer Pro’s motor system is noticeably more refined and intuitive. Even on inclines above 20%, the bike climbs with authority, provided you’re using the appropriate gear.
Battery Range and Charging
With a 48V 14Ah lithium battery (Samsung or LG cells), the Explorer Pro offers a claimed range of up to 120km in assist mode and around 92km on pure throttle. Our real-world test, including mixed terrain and a 75kg rider, yielded around 80–90km on PAS level 2 and approximately 55km on throttle only—impressive given the bike’s weight and tyre drag.
Charging time is between 4–6 hours using the included 2A charger. The battery is easily removable for indoor charging and features a lock for security. Port placement is accessible and allows for charging while mounted.
You can expect around 800–1000 full charge cycles before capacity drops significantly, thanks to high-quality cell chemistry and built-in BMS protection.
Ride Quality and Comfort
Despite its heft, the Explorer Pro delivers a comfortable ride across a wide range of conditions. The front coil fork has good initial sensitivity for minor bumps and enough travel to handle curbs, gravel, and light trails. The 190mm rear coil shock works well at damping rear-end chatter, though it’s not as plush as air shocks on high-end MTBs.
The upright riding posture and wide SR saddle contribute to long-distance comfort. The 4-inch CST fat tyres, coupled with the suspension setup, do an excellent job smoothing out imperfections in tarmac, grass, or dirt.
We tested it with riders from 5’5″ to 6’3″, and both ergonomics and pedal reach felt spot-on. Heavier riders (up to 120kg) will appreciate the sturdy frame and high load capacity, while commuters will enjoy the consistent ride feel and visibility features.
Braking and Handling
Equipped with Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm rotors, the Explorer Pro offers confident, consistent braking performance. Modulation is good, with strong initial bite and fade resistance on longer descents. In wet conditions, stopping distance remained within acceptable limits.
Handling is stable and sure-footed, thanks in part to the fat tyres and long wheelbase. Steering isn’t twitchy, making it beginner-friendly, but still reactive enough for mild off-road use. At low speeds, balance is helped by the wide bars and upright geometry, though tighter turns require some effort due to the overall weight.
Features and Accessories
The Explorer Pro is well-equipped straight out of the box. The LCD display is bright, full-colour, and includes USB charging. It shows speed, assist level, mileage, battery, and diagnostic codes.
Integrated lights (front and rear), full fenders, a sturdy rear rack, and a thumb throttle make it commuter-ready. The frame includes mounting points for bottle cages or additional accessories, though there’s no official app integration or GPS tracking.
Anti-theft features are minimal—basic battery lock only—so we’d recommend investing in a solid U-lock or smart tracker.
Weight and Portability
At 30kg (66 lbs), this is not a light bike, but it’s in line with other full-size fat tyre e-bikes in its category. Lifting it into a car boot or carrying it up stairs isn’t easy, especially for smaller riders.
However, the integrated magnesium wheels and fat tyres help it roll smoothly when walking. There’s no folding mechanism, so it’s best stored in a garage or secure bike shed.
Value for Money
Priced around £1,600–£1,800, the Explorer Pro offers excellent value considering the specs. Comparable models with torque sensors, 1000W motors, and hydraulic brakes typically cost significantly more. Its real-world range, component quality, and comfort level make it a practical all-rounder for adventurous commuters, weekend trail riders, or anyone needing serious e-bike power.
RANDRIDE is lesser-known in the West, so service network and parts availability may be more limited compared to bigger brands. Still, for mechanically savvy buyers, the performance-to-price ratio is very compelling.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Powerful 1000W motor with torque sensor
- Long real-world range
- Full suspension and fat tyres for comfort
- Shimano 27-speed drivetrain
- Excellent price for spec
Cons:
- Heavy
- No GPS or anti-theft tech
- No folding features
Verdict
The RANDRIDE Explorer Pro is built for riders who want serious power, rugged design, and versatile range without breaking the bank. Its 1000W motor, torque sensor, and full suspension setup make it suitable for hills, trails, and commutes alike. While not the most portable or tech-heavy, it’s one of the most capable fat-tyre e-bikes you can get at this price.
If you want raw power, comfort, and off-road capability at under £2,000, the Explorer Pro delivers.
