The X Plus eschews electric bike convention with bold aesthetic and range of features
Wau’s X Plus is an unconventional electric bike with some smart features, including integrated lighting and an anti-theft system.
If that wasn’t enough, the brand claims it’s “the world’s longest-range ebike”, said to last up to 100 miles on a single charge.
The bike is available in a ‘Commuter Range’ for £1,999 or a ‘Tourer Range’ for £2,499. You can choose to upgrade certain features at the point of purchase.
Bafang hub motor and Samsung battery
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Let’s take a look at the ‘Tourer Range’ we have in for review.
At the heart of the Wau X Plus is a 6061 alloy frame. The bike is only available in one size and Wau says it will fit riders from 5ft 5in to 6ft 5in.
Wau claims a 29kg total weight – our scales max out at 25kg, so we’ll have to take the brand’s word for now.
The X Plus runs off a Bafang Performance Line electric bike motor located in the rear hub and a 900Wh Samsung battery powers the system.
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There are five assistance modes, including a Walk mode controlled by a handlebar remote.
The default display on the Wau X Plus has a black-and-white screen. Our test bike came with a ‘Smart Colour LCD’ display, which is an optional £159 upgrade at the point of purchase. It includes extra functions such as an odometer, power meter and the ability to adjust the bike’s settings such as the assistance levels.
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A ‘Slow Charger’ is included with the bike, which is claimed to charge the battery fully in up to 12 hours.
You can upgrade to a ‘Supercharger’, which charges the battery to full in less than six hours for an additional £139.
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Smart indicator lights
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The X Plus features an integrated front bike light, as well as rear indicator lights on the top faces of both seatstays. The indicators are controlled by a switch on the handlebars.
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The Wau graphic on the battery box in the frame’s front triangle illuminates, providing additional side visibility. The side lights turn on automatically, but they can be switched off if you wish.
All the lights are powered by the same battery as the motor.
Built-in anti-theft alarm system
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There’s a 24/7 bike tracker feature on Wau’s smartphone app and you can see when and where the X Plus has been, as well as your previous journeys.
The app will alert you if the bike leaves a specified area you have set. You’ll still need one of the best bike locks to secure the bike though, and it’s worth noting you need to pay an annual fee for tracking.
There’s a dual-lock system to secure the battery, which can be removed or replaced easily, and the battery features a hand-held carrier if you need to take it with you.
The Wau X Plus is supplied with a key fob that has buttons to lock and unlock the system.
There’s also a button to arm the system. When set, it’ll sound an alarm if the bike is tampered with.
A burly build kit
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Wau specs a Suntour XCT30-DS suspension fork up-front with 100mm of suspension travel to soak up the bigger hits.
The X Plus has a drivetrain made up predominantly of Shimano Altus 8-speed components, but with a KMC chain and 52-tooth Lasco alloy chainring.
!["Lasco]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/DSC00249-fa80505.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Lasco")
!["Shimano]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/DSC00253-21c5a5d.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Shimano")
!["Tektro]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/DSC00264-35a02ed.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Tektro")
There are Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm disc brake rotors.
Schwalbe Marathon tyres should make for a reliable choice on most surfaces and are specced in a 700x47mm width.
!["Adjustable]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/DSC00255-78ab08f.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Adjustable")
!["Promax]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/DSC00251-6dcae93.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Promax")
!["Schwalbe]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/DSC00252-ca2af7f.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Schwalbe")
!["Kickstand]("https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2023/04/DSC00262-5302a79.jpg?quality=90&resize=160%2C208 "\"Kickstand")
Our X Plus has full-length mudguards, which are another optional extra. It also has a kickstand – an uncool accessory worthy of a comeback.