Table of Contents
If you’re looking for the ultimate Giant Quick E+ review, you are in the right place.
As of 2018, Americans were spending $77.1 million a year on e bikes, with sales growing at over 90% per year. For electric bikes, like the Giant Quick E+, was a breakout year. If you’re looking for a thorough review of the a Giant electric bike, we’ve got you covered.
In our review, we’ll go over the bike’s classification, its main features, where it could do better, what it does well, and other things to consider when you’re buying.
✅ Electric motor powered and designed by Yamaha. ✅ Three (3) modes of assistance to suite every rider needs. ✅ The battery can be removed to reduce the overall weight to the Quick E+. ⊖ Wide handlebars that may be troublesome. ⊖ There is no version for women (regarding the low step).Giant Quick E+ Electric Bike Table Summary
Pros Cons
Quick E+ Giant Specs
- Quick E+. - Different sizes available. - Three (3) levels of assistance for different riders. - Size: 27.5 x 2.35" (Schwalbe G-One). - Brand: Giant eXC 2 (tubeless). - Brakes brand: Shimano MT500 hydraulic disc. - Material: Aluminum - Type: Aluxx SL - Color: Grey for 2019 - Size: S(17"), M(19"), L(21"), XL(23"). - Top speed: 28 mph - Brand: Yamaha - Type: Mid-drive (Giant SyncDrive Sport). - Power: 500 watts. - Brand: Giant. - Made of:Lithium-Ion. - Min Range: 30 miles (48 km). - Max Range: 70 miles (112 km). - Charging time: 4.5 hrs. Giant RideControl EVO (mini USB charger). Shimano Deore ( 20 speed).
- Class 3 (S-Pedelec).
Classification of this e-bike
The Giant Quick E+ is classified as a Class 3 electric bike (S-Pedelec), which means its motor provides less than 750 watts of power, and the maximum powered speed is 28 MPH (about 45 KPH).
Remember, you still need to do some pedaling to reach what ever speed you want.
In the United States, Class 3 electric bikes don’t require a registration or a license. However, some states have laws against operating these bikes on major roads (usually 45 MPH speed limits or higher), or may relegate bikes to designated bike lanes in certain areas.
For European readers, the laws will depend on what country you live in. Most countries in Europe are even more lax than the US regarding Class 3 e bikes, but some countries have even harsher restrictions, and require a driver’s license.
We know bikes, but we’re not international lawyers. If you’re not sure, check your local regulations.
Main Features
This e bike has a 500 watt motor powered by a 36V rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and will provide a power boost to keep your speed as high as 28 MPH.
Giant Quick E+ range is about 70 miles on relatively flat terrain (normal mode), which means that the motor is providing a moderate amount of assistance. This range can go up or down depending on your terrain and motor settings.
In the course of our review, we explored the bike’s three (3) power modes.
- Eco mode
This mode will get you better mileage, but provides the least amount of assist. This is for people who are going long distances, or for experienced riders who’d just like to have a little boost going up a hill.
- Normal mode
Selecting this mode, will give you the standard setting, providing a moderate amount of power.
- Power mode
Lastly, the final and most exiting mode will give all the power the Yamaha motor has to keep you traveling along at 28 mph; keep in mind that this comes at the cost of depleting your battery faster.
The Giant Quick E+ features an LCD display on the center of the handlebars.
This display shows your current speed, your battery level, and what mode you’re in.
It also has an indicator that lets you know when your safety lights are on. Yes, there are safety lights on this bike.
They can lower your range ever so slightly, but they’re a nice safety feature for someone who may have to ride in less than ideal conditions.
Common Issues With the Giant Quick E+
If you’re looking for a perfect bike, you’ll be waiting until the end of time. Still, we want to provide a thorough review, so we’re going to go over some upside downs as well as some positives.
- Handlebar
For one thing, the Quick E+ model has extremely wide handlebars.
This makes it easy to handle when you’re quickly dodging a pothole, but it’s also hard to fit between cars when you’re navigating city traffic.
This is an odd choice for an e bike that’s most definitely a city commuter.
- Mileage estimator
Another thing that Giant could improve is their mileage estimator.
This isn’t a huge deal, because you can easily see what percentage of battery life you have left, but some other electric bike manufacturers will adjust their mileage estimates based on what kind of terrain you’re riding and how much load you’re actually putting on the motor.
This bike doesn’t have that feature, which is puzzling for an otherwise excellent entry.
- Overall weight
A complaint that’s common among electric bikes owners. The Giant Quick E+ weight (approx 23 kg) is more than that of traditional e-bikes.
To make it easier to get up and down stairs, Giant made the battery removable, but without a handle, it can be hard for smaller people to carry in one hand.
If you live in an apartment with stairs, have fun lugging this (or any electric bike) up to your apartment.
- Tires grip
Lastly, looking at the overall design of the Quick e plus, seems that the tires may not have enough carving for wet conditions, which means you will have to be extra careful when riding after or during some rain.
Of course, these tires have been designed thinking on the urban settings rater than the most slippery conditions.
As you can see, none of the issues listed above are considered a big problem as they depend on you ability to ride an e bike, you control over the battery life and the designated area where you decide to store you powerful Quick E+.
Advantages of the Giant Quick E+
Our Giant Quick E+ review wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t go over some of the bike’s best features.
These include a sleek look, a motor that’s housed neatly inside the frame, and most of all a quiet motor. Yamaha really outdid themselves with this motor.
It’s powerful and responsive, but makes about as much noise as an electric drill.
It also has a more aggressive, forward-leaning seating position than many comparable e bikes. This makes it ideal for experienced riders who just want a little boost, as well as for city commuters who are in a hurry.
What to Consider When Buying the Quick E+
- Frame size and access
If you’re looking to buy this bike, keep in mind that the Giant Quick E+ is fairly large (with a minimum frame size of 17″).
This makes it comfortable for medium to taller users, but can be inconvenient for people who are on the shorter end of the spectrum.
Aside from the various sizes Giant provides to riders, this model only comes with a high step frame, which means the access is not as comfortable as the lower step (usually ideal for women).
Make sure you chat with your local dealer to get the right frame size for you needs.
- Classification and mileage
Consider that this isn’t a motorcycle or a moped (Class 4 e bike); it’s a pedal-assist classification and the battery has a range of about 70 miles.
This should be more than enough for most city commutes, but don’t expect to be touring the country on this bike unless you’re ready to do a lot of pedaling.
- Latest Technology
Lastly, the price is comparable to other bikes in the same class, but understand that all modern electric bikes are going to look overpriced in a few years.
This isn’t a criticism of the house of Giant.
It’s just the truth of a new, rapidly-growing market. Buy the Quick E plus if it meets your needs, but don’t buy any electric bike just because it’s the latest and greatest.
Much like a brand new mobile phone, there will be a newer and better model next year.
The Final Verdict
The Quick E+ is a solid, well-built city commuter electric bike with the ability to go up to 70 miles if needed, while still providing some pedal assistance.
With its big beefy tires and aggressive riding posture, this is definitely a cyclist’s bike, not a casual rider’s first bike.
It looks sleek, runs quietly, and is easy to recharge from any residential power outlet.
If you’re looking for an e bike for your daily commute, or if you’re a seasoned rider who’s looking for a boost, we hope our Giant Quick E+ review helped you to make a good purchase decision.
How would you rate the Quick E+?
17 Comments
After a lot of searching, I settled on a giant quick-e. The quick-e provides quality components and outstanding overall performance from a mid-price point. More bells and whistles can be had for significantly more expensive bikes, but for the value this is on point.
I have ridden my quick-3 over 3,000 miles, mainly on a 12.5 mile one way work commute (back when we had to show up at the office). Over the course of that mileage, I have had to replace the chain and pads a few times, but other than that no major maintenance or breakdowns. I upgraded the tires to some nice WTBs, and changed the rear sprocket for a closer end ratio as I spend my time at 22-25mph+. Also to note the battery efficiency was at 93% the last time I checked, after countless charges and recharges. My goal was to use it so much I’d wear the battery out and get a new one within 2 years from the manufacturer, but it’s not the case at all.
A great bike.
Hi Brent, thanks for sharing.
Good outcome from the battery over those first 2 years.
Regards,
Matt
As I have had my Quick E now for 21/2 years and use it daily for my 30 mile commute all year. Its now up over 10’000 miles and all in all its fantastic, but with a few little niggles, quite quickly from new the motor mounts started squeeking and knocking, sorted by greasing the bolts and using the correct torque settings. As I commute all year, I find the display far too bright on darker winter commutes, I have made a sleeve to cover it, Also which would be nice as its a commuter, a clock would be useful.
I have changed a few things as I can use some singletrack when its drier, to break up the road journey, so with that in mind, I spoke to Giant about fitting suspension forks, which was fine but only up to 100mm travel, these were a great upgrade as it also raised the bottom bracket height and minimized pedal strikes on corners, fitted a suspension seatpost and some narrower Schwalbe Marathon 42mm tyres, these roll far better and add range to the battery, but you have to be wary of banging the rear wheel into curbs, rocks etc. I feel I have now achieved a bike that completely fills my needs, from what is a brilliant package straight from the showroom.
Hi Andrew, thanks for sharing.
Quite interesting mileage. I’ve hear the brightness of the controller could be too much at night. Also, I haven’t seen the 1st one with a clock, so could be something to look at.
Sounds like a good upgrade. Almost a mountain bike haha, but worth the investment to get what you need. Hope it hasn’t increased the weight too much.
Regards,
Matt.
I have had my Giant Quick E+ for just about a year and generally ride it two to three times per week on my 12 mile commute. I ended up swapping out the grips (Ergon), seat (Ergon) and seatpost (Thudbuster) and got the Basil trunk bag that mates beautifully to the included MIK rack. Is it a perfect bike? No. It is however, a very good bike for the price point. I spend 90% of my commute in the lowest two assist levels, but man is it nice to have the higher levels on super windy days and on the last couple of hills when the temps are above 100.
I rode a number of similar e-bikes at the same, several at higher prices and I found the blend of motor, brakes, electronics and Giant’s reputation to be strong selling points. I come out of a long history of road and mountain biking so I find all Ebikes plush by comparison (even without the replacement suspension post and seat). The weight of e-bikes makes them track well, but they don’t corner like their non-motorized brethren.
I only had one minor issue with mine in the first month or so. The motor mounts creaked, which according to my LBS, Giant had received complaints about, and Giant had a lube fix. I have had no issues with the electronics, battery, tires, motor, chain or other parts. I do not find the motor to be any louder than others I tested, in fact it’s quieter than my friend’s Bosch motor. I’m more likely to hear the wind than the motor except when I start off.
My friend has a R & M e-bike that was $8K and it has a few feature I wish the Quick E+ had like the easily removed controller, integrated Rohloff geared internal hub with Gates belt drive and even a working brake light. Even though he got his on sale, it was still double the cost of the Quick E+. You can buy a second e-bike or a lot of upgrades for the cost differential, which makes me quite content with Giant’s contribution to the e-bike commuter category.
Hi Mark,
excellent input. What you said regarding the price and features point is certainly true. You can always buy an ebike with all the gadgets (maybe like the Scrambler Ducati ebike) and still not be entirely happy; conversely, you can buy a less fancy one and at the end, add what you need. I always like this approach since I can customize my ride as I like.
This input will help other non-Giant ebike users to thing more about their models.
Cheers.
Paul.
I wondered if anyone knows if the controller fits an older giant e bike please
Hi Dee,
thanks for the message. What old Giant e-bike reference are your referring to?
Regards,
Matt.
I’ve had a Quick e for about 5 months and I have put 1500km on it, mostly commuting.
I chose it because it was a low cost mid-drive but my observation is that they seem to have cut corners on every possible component in order to hit the price point.
The brakes are undersized for a bike this heavy (I have the XL). The tires that came with it are garbage and need to be replaced unless you enjoy constant flats. It should have a chain guide on the front sprocket because the chain comes off for me a couple times per week.
Now it has developed an extremely load and annoying creaking sound whenever I pedal hard. The online forums seem to indicate that this is common with these bikes.
Hi Glen,
many thanks for your valuable input. I believe the chain issue was addressed by another reader a few months back. Seems to be a common issue then. In addition, I do agree the tires could be better.
Regards,
Matt.
I Have a 2018 Quick E. It is a very well finished unit with above average components. My complaints are; Dealers are not adequately trained in the service of E Bikes. My bike only rides for about four month, has resulted in failure of the for life LED head lamp. What next? As the bike is marketed as a ‘Commuter’ the front suspension should be telescopic. My teeth rattle even over cracks in the side walk!! I ride with tyre pressure below spec. The steering position is too aggressive. I get head aches riding my machine, which I really do love, but am Surprised that Giant don’t offer more comfort options. Also Giant should publish a reasonable Do it yourself service manual.
Hi Mike,
thanks for sharing your points regarding the Quick E 2018. This has been passed onto Giant. I do agree regarding the front suspension, specially for a top brand e-bike. I understand that lowering the tyre pressure can help absorb the impact transmitted to the whole system but also keep in mind that it could also translate into more motor effort and finally battery consumption (it is like a car that will consume more fuel if the tyres pressure are set too low).
Regards,
Matt.
I have a 2019 quick e and the chain falls off every time I ride it. And, giant warranty does not have a definitive fix.
Hi Br,
thanks for sharing. I can not advice about why Giant is not giving a definitive response regarding the Quick E chain problem, however there is a few things that can create this to happen (not limited to):
– Shifting problems: shifting system is not properly tuned (rear derailleur or front derailleur).
– Worn out chain or bent chainrings.
– Tension of the chain not enough or the size of the chain is not the correct one.
There is a lot more other thinks to check so I suggest taking it to the closes bike shop so they check it with the right tools.
Cheers.
Matt.
Firstly the bike is awesome but I’m having great trouble finding a pannier rack and pannier bags that fit well. Any advise out there please.
Hi Karen, thanks for your question.
Pannier rack:
– if you have the Quick E+ 2019 model, then you should not need to worry about getting a new rack. This rack will allow you to fit a MIK (mounting is key) system, which at the same time should let you fit any kind of accessories (like a pannier bag from any other brands – check here: https://www.mik-click.com/about-mik/). The only thing you might need to buy is an extra accessory (MIK rack deck (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/mik-compatible-rear-deck-2019).
– if you Quick E model is from 2018 or older, then you could change the rack to the one designed for the 2019 model (https://www.giant-bicycles.com/au/quick-eplus-rack-2019). Why we recommend this? well, your pannier bags could sit too low if using the old rack version. Alternatively, you can try the old rack version, the MIK rack deck and the MIK system combined and see if that ones does the job.
Lastly, verify this with your supplier so you don’t waste money.
Pannier bag:
Giant has a variety of pannier bag that should fit with the Quick E plus models. Check here one sample: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/mik-compatible-double-rear-panniers-2019.
Hope you got the answers.
Regards,
John.
Wide bars make perfect sense for manipulating a heavy ebike around; the extra leverage helps. And they can easily be cut down should you wish, but you can’t add material onto a bar that is too narrow to start with.
As for the tyres – 2.35″ tyres help make up for the rigid frame and provide way more grip than a skinny road bike tyre…