CARBO Model X Review: Lightweight, Folding Carbon Fiber E-Bike
A premium, folding e-bike that provides riders with the ultimate in portability and performance, the lightweight CARBO Model X is crafted from Japanese Toray carbon fiber and packs a top-notch groupset...
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What is the CARBO Model X?
CARBO’s flagship folding electric bike, the Model X is a beautifully designed ride that’s ultralight and built from aerospace-grade carbon fiber. Perfect for apartment life, RV travel, and sailing adventures, the CARBO Model X weighs in at only 29 pounds and can be conveniently folded up and stored in small spaces.
In this review of the CARBO Model X, we’ll take a look at the specs and top features of this compact folder, the pros and cons, and who we think it’s ideal for.
PRODUCT DETAILS
| COMPANY | CARBO |
| MODEL | Model X |
| CATEGORY | Folding |
| RANGE | 40 miles |
| RECHARGING TIME | 3.5 hours |
| WEIGHT | 29 lbs |
| MAX RIDER WEIGHT | 240 lbs |
| WARRANTY | 2-year |
| GUARANTEE | 7-day money-back |
| CUSTOMER RATING | 4.88/5 (17+ reviews) |
| COUPON CODE | See below |
| PRICE | Click here to see best price |
COMMUNITY RATING
PHOTOS
About CARBO
Based in Montreal, Canada, CARBO was founded in 2018 by Lyne Berro. The brand has a strong focus on the ultra-light folding market and has released 2 models for 2023 as well as a range of replacement parts and accessories.
CARBO electric bikes are covered by a 2-year warranty that includes coverage against manufacturing defects, and the company also offers a 7-day return policy (although all costs to send the bike back are absorbed by the customer).
Specs
Components
- Foldable Aerospace-grade, Japanese carbon fiber frame
- Carbon belt drive
- Tektro HD-E350 hydraulic disc brakes
- Wellgo folding pedals
- Adjustable handlebars
- Stainless steel spokes (13G front, 12G rear)
- 20″ x 2″ Schwalbe Big Apple tires
- Thru-axle quick-release system (front wheel)
Electronics
- 250W or 350W BAFANG rear hub motor
- 36V 7Ah or 36V 10.5Ah Samsung lithium-ion battery
- 2A charger
- Detachable LED headlight
- USB-powered rear taillight
- Bluetooth-enabled LED display
- 5 pedal-assist levels
- Thumb throttle (optional)
- USB port for smartphone charging
- Torque, speed, and cadence sensor
CARBO Model X Review: E-Bike Overview
Billed as “the world’s lightest folding electric bike”, the CARBO Model X weighs in at only 29 lbs and is a dream come true for city commuters. Unlike many other folders that are simply rebranded versions of the same, mass-produced e-bike, CARBO designed the Model X from the ground up with next-level attention to detail and top-notch materials and components. The end result is one of today’s best folding e-bikes — a stunning combination of stylish good looks, impressive performance, and game-changing portability.
Powered by a 250-watt BAFANG rear hub motor and 36V 7Ah lithium-ion battery, the single-speed Model X offers riders plenty of torque, hill-climbing power, and range (geared bike fans should check out the CARBO Model S). Also available with an upgraded 350-watt motor and 36V 10.5Ah battery, the Model X can cruise for up to 40 miles on a single charge and delivers impressive acceleration.
The Model X’s clean, modern aesthetic is made possible by a removable Samsung battery that’s stealthily integrated into the seat post and cables that are neatly fed through the bike’s gorgeous carbon fiber frame. This e-bike gives off a polished, premium vibe, and the high-end Toray frame is extremely easy to fold. Once folded up, well-placed, spring-loaded magnets do a great job of securing things and the Model X can easily be carried or rolled after folding.
CARBO also equipped the Model X with a low-maintenance carbon belt drive and the front and rear Tektro hydraulic brakes provide outstanding stopping power, even during steep descents.
To go along with the bike’s streamlined, minimalist appearance, CARBO fitted the Model X with a small LED display that’s easy to read and Bluetooth-ready. There are also 5 pedal-assist levels (PAS) and an optional thumb throttle, providing the rider with plenty of options for a smooth and comfortable riding experience.
Size and Weight
The CARBO Model X is an extremely light e-bike, weighing in at only 29 lbs. It has a 21″ standover height, making it extremely easy to mount and dismount, even for shorter riders and those who suffer from limited mobility.
The total length of the Model X is 60″ and when folded up, the bike measures 31.5″ x 23.6″ x 13″.
Features
2-year warranty
1 of 12Removable 36V 7Ah or upgraded 36V 10.5Ah Samsung battery
2 of 1220-inch by 2-inch puncture-resistant Schwalbe Big Apple tires
3 of 12BAFANG 250W or upgraded 350W rear wheel hub motor
4 of 12LED display with Bluetooth connectivity
5 of 12Thumb throttle
6 of 12180mm Tektro hydraulic disc brakes
7 of 12LED headlight
8 of 12Integrated taillight for improved safety and low-light visibility
9 of 12Low-maintenance Carbon belt drive
10 of 12Comfort gel saddle
11 of 12High-end Toray carbon fiber folding frame
12 of 12*click on hotspots for additional details
Performance and Ride
CARBO’s Model X ranks highly in the fun-to-ride category thanks to its high-torque motor and impressive acceleration. You’ll really appreciate this road bike’s easy handling and comfy, upright riding position as soon as you climb on board, and you’ll enjoy up to 40 miles of range before the battery drains. We also like the fact that this bike is also designed to be ridden like a normal bicycle without pedal assistance — a nice feature for those times when you’re out riding and happen to run out of juice.
The Schwalbe tires are durable and designed to resist punctures, and while they’re not the most versatile of tires, provide plenty of traction for paved surfaces and city streets. These tires also provide a very comfortable ride which is a big plus when paired with a non-suspension frame. Lastly, they’re quiet tires that produce very little road noise, and they feature reflective sidewall strips for increased safety when riding at night.
Build Quality
The overall build quality of CARBO’s Model X is good, and the bike arrives well-packed from the factory. When CARBO ships its bikes, they arrive mostly assembled and require very little work to set up.
We also love the fact that CARBO stands behind everything they make with a 2-year warranty. Offering a longer warranty tells us that this company has a lot of confidence in the bikes it produces and CARBO is committed to supporting its customers long after a sale is made.
Appearance
CARBO’s Model X is one beautifully designed folding e-bike. The elegant, black carbon aesthetic really sets this ride apart from other foldable e-bikes, and the Model X has a high-end, premium look and feel.
We also love the bike’s clean, minimalist appearance. By integrating the battery into the seat post and thoughtfully handling cable management, CARBO has done a nice job of keeping things sleek and streamlined.
Included Accessories & Optional Add-ons
CARBO includes a removable front headlight and USB-powered taillight with the Model X. Due to the fact that the Model X is designed to be an ultralight e-bike, it lacks the mudguards and rear cargo rack commonly seen on other folders.
In addition to the included accessories, CARBO also sells a small range of replacement parts and accessories, including rear racks, fenders, chargers, and more.
Warranty & Customer Support
As mentioned, CARBO e-bikes come with a 2-year warranty which provides coverage to customers in the event of a manufacturing defect. The brand also extends a 7-day money-back guarantee to customers for added peace of mind, although all return shipping expenses must be paid for by the customer.
When it comes to customer support, CARBO is well-known for being responsive and easy to reach. The company can be contacted via live chat (recommended) or its website contact form, and all of our contact with the company has been extremely positive.
Whenever we’re reviewing electric bicycles, we always test the brand’s customer service department and CARBO has some of the friendliest, most responsive customer support staff we’ve experienced to date. Contact form inquiries receive replies in just a few hours, while live chat sessions are almost immediately attended to…
Reader Reviews
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An Introduction to Carbo's Model X (VIDEO)
Price, Where to Buy it, & Coupon Code
At the time of our review, the Model X has a price tag of $2,699 to $3,286, depending on configuration (you can upgrade the battery, motor, and add a throttle). There is also a 1-year warranty extension upgrade available for $189.
Currently, shipping times vary with the upgraded 36V 10.5Ah battery configuration being subject to an additional delay.
FAQs
CARBO's folding bikes are produced at the company's manufacturing facilities in Canada, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China.
To fold the CARBO Model X:
- Push down the bike's seat post
- Fold the handlebar stem
- Release the button
Pros and Cons
PROS
CONS
- Premium carbon fiber frame
- Stylish design
- Ultra-lightweight and easy to lift, carry, and fold
- Compact folding frame is super convenient for transportation and storage
- Multiple configuration options available (upgraded motor and battery)
- High-quality components
- Good build quality
- Hydraulic disc braking offers excellent stopping power
- Powerful motor that provides plenty of acceleration and torque
- Exceptional ride quality, especially for a non-suspension model
- We like the bike's stealthy seat post battery
- Generous 2-year warranty
- 7-day return policy
- Friendly and responsive customer support
Final Thoughts
The CARBO Model X is an outstanding folding e-bike that really ticks all of the boxes in terms of design, durability, and overall performance. A lot of thought and careful planning went into the design of this model and CARBO went to great lengths to build an ultra-lightweight ride that doesn’t make compromises when it comes to reliability and toughness.
The Model X delivers a very enjoyable riding experience and is a particularly good choice for city commuters. With electric bicycle theft on the rise, it’s reassuring to know that you can simply fold the Model X up and bring it inside with you when you’re at work, school, or shopping.
With an MSRP of around $3,000, there are cheaper folding e-bikes on the market but in our opinion, you get what you pay for with this bike.
Overall, CARBO’s Model X should be a serious contender for riders who are searching for an extremely well-designed, foldable electric bike that’s built to last and is backed up by a great company.
