When you think of electric bikes, Walmart probably isn’t the first retailer that comes to mind. But the Walmart Concord eBike, priced at just $498, is turning heads in the electric bike community. After putting this affordable step-through eBike through its paces, here’s everything you need to know about whether the Walmart Concord delivers real value or if you’re better off spending more.
Walmart Concord Review Video
What You Get for $498
The Walmart Concord eBike comes surprisingly well-equipped for its price point. At the heart of the system is a 36V 350W motor paired with a 36V 10Ah battery—specifications that are fairly standard for entry-level electric bikes. The Walmart Concord includes both throttle and pedal assist functionality, giving riders flexibility in how they want to use the electric assistance.
The bike features a basic LCD display that shows essential information like speed and battery level, making it easy to monitor your ride. For components, you’ll find Chao Yang tires with street tread, plastic fenders front and rear, and a rear rack for carrying cargo. The lighting system includes a front light that runs directly off the main battery, eliminating the need for separate batteries. A simple reflector is on the rear.
It’s important to note that the Walmart Concord comes in two versions: Class 1 (pedal assist only) and Class 2 (pedal assist plus throttle). Most riders will want the Class 2 version for the added convenience of throttle control, especially when starting from stops or navigating traffic. A high step variation is also available.
The drivetrain consists of a Shimano Tourney derailleur with a thumb shifter, while stopping power comes from mechanical disc brakes. The step-through frame design makes the bike accessible to riders of various heights and mobility levels, which is a thoughtful touch for an entry-level bike. Plus, due to the smaller battery and motor, the Concord weighs in at just 50 lbs on our scale.
Safety and Certification: A Pleasant Surprise
One of the biggest concerns with budget eBikes is safety certification. When contacting Walmart (Phoenix) support about UL certification for the Walmart Concord, the initial response was less than helpful. However, reaching out directly to Phoenix via email (the manufacturer behind Concord eBikes, which is Walmart’s brand) yielded much better results.
Phoenix confirmed that the Walmart Concord eBike is certified to UL2849 by SGS for the electronics on the entire bike, and the battery is certified to UL2271. They even provided documentation to prove these certifications. This level of safety compliance is reassuring for a bike at this price point and shows that corners weren’t cut where it matters most.
Additionally, Phoenix offers phone support and responds to emails promptly—impressive customer service for a budget product. They also confirmed that replacement batteries can be obtained by emailing their support team, with potential availability on Walmart’s website in the future.
Real-World Performance Testing
Throttle and Pedal Assist
The Walmart Concord requires you to be moving before engaging the throttle—a quirk that means you’ll need to push off or pedal slightly before the motor kicks in. During testing, the Walmart Concord reached its advertised 20 mph top speed relatively quickly, taking about 10-12 seconds to climb to the maximum speed.
The pedal assist system offers five levels of assistance, with each level providing progressively more motor support. At all pedal assist levels, the cadence sensor requires about a quarter to half turn of the pedals before engaging, making it very manageable for new riders. The power delivery feels natural and not overwhelming, which is perfect for those new to electric bikes.
Throughout the pedal assist levels, the bike maintains appropriate gearing for its 20 mph top speed. Even at maximum assistance (level 5), there’s room to shift to a higher gear for a more comfortable cadence, showing thought went into the drivetrain setup.
Braking Performance
The mechanical disc brakes perform adequately for the bike’s intended use. While they don’t offer the same stopping power as hydraulic systems, they’re sufficient for the bike’s speed and weight. The brakes are easy to adjust and maintain, which is important for budget-conscious buyers who might be doing their own maintenance.
A notable safety feature is the motor cutoff system—as soon as you touch either brake lever, the motor immediately stops providing power. While this is a standard feature on most quality eBikes, it’s reassuring to see it included on a budget model and helps prevent accidents during braking.
Hill Climbing and Terrain Challenges
The 36V system shows its limitations when faced with steep inclines. During testing on a challenging hill, the throttle-only mode failed to maintain momentum, dropping to just 3 mph before stalling. However, when combined with pedal input at the highest assist level, the bike successfully climbed the same hill with minimal effort from the rider.
This performance characteristic makes the Walmart Concord best suited for flat to moderately hilly terrain. If you live in a mountainous area or frequently encounter steep grades, the limited power might be frustrating.
Off-Road Capability
While the Walmart Concord is marketed as a street bike, testing on wet trails revealed its limitations for off-road use. The lack of front suspension means you’ll feel every bump and root, making trail riding uncomfortable. The street-oriented tires also struggled for traction on loose or muddy surfaces.
The bike is clearly designed for pavement, bike paths, and light gravel surfaces. Attempting serious trail riding would likely result in discomfort and potentially damage to the bike or even injury to the rider, since it’s not engineered for off-road conditions.
Range and Battery Life
The 36V 10Ah battery provides approximately 20 miles of range under normal riding conditions. This range is reasonable for commuting, errands, or recreational rides, though it falls short of what you’d get from higher-capacity batteries found on more expensive bikes.
The relatively small battery capacity means you’ll need to plan your rides accordingly, especially if you’re relying heavily on throttle mode, which typically consumes more power than pedal assist.
Build Quality and Components
For a $498 bike, the build quality is better than expected. The step-through frame feels solid and accommodates riders of various sizes comfortably. The plastic fenders and basic components are clearly budget-oriented, but they’re functional and should hold up under normal use.
The Shimano Tourney derailleur, while entry-level, is a reliable component that’s easy to maintain and adjust. The thumb shifter is straightforward to use, though it’s not as refined as trigger shifters found on higher-end bikes.
Who Should Consider the Walmart Concord eBike?
The Walmart Concord eBike makes the most sense for specific types of riders:
Ideal for:
- New eBike riders wanting to try electric assistance without a large investment
- Casual riders who primarily stick to flat terrain and paved surfaces
- Budget-conscious buyers who need basic transportation
- Those who want a step-through design for easy mounting and dismounting
Not ideal for:
- Riders who need to tackle steep hills regularly
- Those wanting off-road or trail riding capability
- Riders requiring long-distance range (over 20 miles)
- Anyone needing high-performance components or advanced features
Walmart Concord vs. Lectric XP Lite 2.0: Is Spending $300 More Worth It?
If you’re considering the Walmart Concord but have some budget flexibility, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 at $799 is our next step up recommendation. Here’s how they compare:
Power and Performance
The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 features a 300W hub motor that peaks at 700+ watts (versus the Walmart Concord’s 350W), and its 48V system delivers significantly more torque and hill-climbing ability. While the Walmart Concord struggled on steep hills in throttle-only mode, the Lectric’s higher voltage system maintains better performance on inclines.
Range and Battery
When comparing battery capacity in watt-hours, the bikes are surprisingly comparable: the Walmart Concord offers 374Wh (36V × 10.4Ah) while the Lectric provides 374Wh (48V × 7.8Ah) – identical capacities. If you need even more range, Lectric offers a long-range battery option, though it will cost you extra. For those really willing to spring, a belt drive option is available.
Build Quality and Components
The $300 price difference shows significantly in the components. The Lectric features hydraulic disc brakes (versus the Walmart Concord’s mechanical discs), providing superior stopping power and modulation. However, the Lectric is a single-speed bike compared to the Walmart Concord’s 7-speed drivetrain, which some riders may prefer for varied terrain.
The Lectric XP Lite 2.0 rides on 20″ wheels and offers a folding frame design that adds versatility for storage and transport. It also has a ton of available accessories to customize your ride.
Customer Service
Lectric has renowned customer service in the eBike industry, which provides additional peace of mind compared to navigating Phoenix’s support system, though Phoenix (Concord’s manufacturer) did provide surprisingly good support in our testing.
The Verdict on Upgrades
If you can stretch your budget to $799, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 offers substantially better performance and build quality, plus hydraulic brakes and excellent customer support. However, the Walmart Concord remains a solid choice if $498 is your hard limit and you primarily need basic transportation on flat terrain with the convenience of multiple gears.
For our full review of the Lectric XP Lite 2.0,.
The Bottom Line
The Walmart Concord eBike delivers surprising value for its $498 price point. While it certainly has limitations—particularly in power, range, and component quality—it succeeds as an entry-level electric bike for casual riders on a budget.
The proper safety certifications, responsive customer support, and functional performance make the Walmart Concord a legitimate option for those wanting to experience electric biking without breaking the bank. The mechanical disc brakes, while not premium, are adequate for the bike’s capabilities, and the motor cutoff system shows attention to safety.
If you’re a casual rider new to electric bikes, live in a relatively flat area, and are working with a strict budget, the Walmart Concord represents genuine value. You’re getting a functional electric bike with proper safety certifications for less than many people spend on a regular bicycle.
However, if you anticipate wanting more power, longer range, or plan to ride in hilly terrain, investing in a more expensive eBike like the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 will likely provide better long-term satisfaction. The Walmart Concord is best viewed as an entry point into electric biking rather than a long-term solution for serious cyclists.
For what it is—a budget-friendly introduction to electric biking—the Walmart Concord eBike largely delivers on its promise. Just make sure your expectations align with what a $498 electric bike can realistically provide.
Ready to buy? Check out the Walmart Concord eBike Class 2 model for the best value with throttle capability.
