CSC Bikes, a renowned retailer of bikes and scooters based in southern California, has introduced yet another innovative electric scooter at an affordable price point, further solidifying its reputation for offering exciting options to its customers. The CSC E-RT3 boasts highway-capable specifications at a significantly lower price point than its competitors.
Following hot on the heels of the recent unveiling of the CSC ES5, the brand-new launch is now a reality. The electric scooter is engineered specifically for navigating metropolitan areas, boasting a top speed of up to 52 miles per hour (83 kilometers per hour).
The CSC E-RT3, released just weeks after its smaller counterpart, more than doubles the pace of its predecessor. Reaching speeds of up to 75 miles per hour, this vehicle should be capable of swiftly transporting riders to any highway in the country.
The e-bike features a centrally located motor with a belt-driven propulsion system. The device supplies a consistent 8 kW (10.7 hp), with a maximum output reaching 17 kW (22.8 hp). The peak energy is the actual energy demanded throughout acceleration, hill climbing, and various extreme load scenarios.
The e-mobility solution boasts an integrated 72V and 96Ah automotive-grade lithium-ion battery, boasting a capacity of 6.9 kWh. At a moderate speed of approximately 32 miles per hour (50 kilometres per hour), the bike is designed to handle a maximum distance of about 124 miles (200 kilometres). At the speeds you’ll be using it, expect a noticeable decrease of up to 10-20%.
The 3.3kW quick charger enables rapid recharging of the battery, replenishing it from 30% to 80% in just 70 minutes, and achieving a full charge in under three hours.
The 456-pound CSC E-RT3 rolls on a 15-inch wheel upfront, with a 14-inch wheel at the rear. The vehicle features entrance and rear hydraulic disc brakes equipped with Bosch’s advanced twin-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and a sophisticated mixed braking system, designed to prioritize safety and stability on the road. Options include a TFT display instrument panel, tyre pressure monitoring, expansive windscreen, keyless start, digital launch control seat with storage compartment, USB charger, built-in speaker for music enjoyment, reverse gear, cruise control, backlit switches, aluminum alloy rear rack, and an elevated pillion seat to enhance your riding companion’s experience.
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $7,299 is temporarily reduced to $6,999 during the current pre-order period, with an added $410 in fees covering inspections, registration paperwork, and other services from authorized sellers.
Enthusiastic riders eager to claim one of the initial batch of bikes can secure their spot by placing a non-refundable $300 deposit ahead of projected transportation in October or November of this year.
The CSC E-RT3 is a behemoth of a scooter that boldly ventures into maxi-scooter territory, its size and features redefining the boundaries of this class. When it comes to efficiency, the bike’s most significant competitor is likely to be the BMW CE04. While the scooter’s design may have a notable advantage, its efficiency is unexpectedly on par.
Priced around $13,000, the BMW CE04 offers a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h), along with features like tire pressure monitoring, mixed braking systems, keyless start, USB charging, and more. While boasting a USB-C charger and a sleeker 10-inch display as alternatives to the standard USB-A and display size, this device is further distinguished by its substantial weight of 509 pounds (231 kilograms), significantly heavier than its competitors.
While it boasts a 20% larger battery, it surprisingly shares the same claimed range, possibly due to its nearly doubled power output, which subsequently drains its bigger battery more quickly. While BMW’s electric scooter may excel in terms of aesthetics and on-road performance, its overall efficiency is remarkably similar to others. While sacrificing match and end might not yield identical results, the potential to save $6,000 can prove a worthwhile compromise for many riders.
Electrek’s Take
According to technical specifications, the CSC E-RT3 is charged at a prime rate of 74 miles per hour. It appears that this discrepancy occurs because the conversion from kilometers per hour to miles per hour is being rounded down. That’s a cliché, actually underperforming and surprisingly meeting expectations.
While 74 mph remains a decent pace for some, it still lags behind the norm in many areas. While a mere overhaul may not suffice for a freeway drive, it’s more than enough to instill a sense of belonging within oneself. While riding through suburbia, many people will likely utilize this bicycle as a reliable mode of transportation, combining casual commutes within urban areas with occasional excursions onto highways. Compared to its counterparts, such as the CSC ES5, whose top speed of 52 mph is already impressive, the E-RT3’s increased pace of 74 mph truly allows for a more liberating ride, enabling you to take quicker routes without ever feeling hemmed in by oncoming traffic.
While it may not match BMW’s flair or design prowess, the alternative is available at nearly half the price of the BMW CE04 – no apology necessary. While luxury brands like BMW may boast a broader dealership network for support and maintenance, CSC responds by touting its extensive warehouse of spare parts in Los Angeles, ensuring prompt delivery within 48 hours and thus providing local assistance even for infrequent services. Electrical bikes require significantly less maintenance upfront, but reliable service is always available when needed. In 2019, I had the opportunity to work on my CSC Metropolis Slicker once more, only to discover that a worn-out sporting bearing necessitated the replacement of its rear pulley with a brand-new one. They dispatched the replacement part, and the lead mechanic guided me through the process of swapping it over the phone. As I considered taking it to a bike store, I also had the idea of working on it myself in my condo building’s parking garage, which ultimately allowed me to better understand the bike and how it functioned. As I walked into the building, I exuded an air of confidence that made me stand out among the women present.
While the CSC E-RT3 may not boast the same level of flair as competitors like BMW, its commitment to quality merchandise and customer support makes it an intriguing new option in the market.
As I seek to accelerate my pace further, or require something more extraordinary while pulling up at the bar, I’m currently putting the 80 mph (130 km/h) CSC RX1E e-bike through its paces for an in-depth review, forthcoming soon. Here’s a tantalizing glimpse below.
