Biktrix gets it—riders crave e-bikes that match their flow.
The Swift Step-Thru 3 and Swift Lite 3 ST are designed for different styles but equally electrifying rides.
With a $300 gap, does the upgrade in the Step-Thru 3 justify the splurge?
We've hit the streets on both to find out. Let's explore which machine truly elevates your ride.
Our Verdict
The Biktrix Swift Step-Thru 3 and Swift Lite 3 ST both earn a solid 4/5 in our books.
These siblings from the Swift family share much in their makeup, yet their personalities set them apart.
The Swift Lite 3 ST, with its 350W motor and compact 36V battery, is ideal for the gentle commuter craving easygoing, efficient rides. Meanwhile, the Swift Step-Thru 3 boasts a 500W motor and a 48V battery, offering more power and range for the fiery soul seeking speed and adventure.
The $300 extra splurge for the Step-Thru 3 is definitely worth it if you want to go further and faster. Your choice hinges on whether you prefer leisurely spins or adrenaline-fueled rides.
Peaks:👍
- Upright Seating Geometry
- Step-Thru Frame
- Battery Options
- City-Friendly Tires
Troughs:👎
- Limited Suspension
- Pricey
Biktrix Swift Lite 3 ST & Swift ST 3 Review
Price
$1,499.00 Biktrix Swift Lite 3 ST
$1,799.00 Biktrix Swift St 3
When it comes to pricing, the Biktrix Swift Step-Thru 3 sets you back $1,799, while the Swift Lite 3 ST comes in at $1,499. These prices reflect the advanced features and performance that both bikes deliver, with the Step-Thru 3 catering to those who want power and adaptability for varied terrain.
To frame things a bit, the Engwe E26 Step-Thru is tempting at $1,199. It offers about 10 more kilometers in range thanks to its beefy 768Wh lithium-ion battery and fat tires which can provide some extra cushioning on rough stuff, addressing the shortcomings of the Swift’s suspension.
But, it weighs in at a hefty 33 kg and sports a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain-lacking the gearing that the Swift Step-Thru 3 offers and the lighter frames of both these Swifts.
If you've got the cash to spend, either of these e-bikes is a solid pick, just depends on what kind of ride you’ve got in mind.
Weight/Frame
When it comes to heft, the Swift Lite 3 ST takes the cup for commute-friendliness. At a lean 20.8 kg, it’s a breeze to carry upstairs and slice through city streets like a pro. We found its lightness a boon for swift maneuvers in tight spots, making it our top pick for urban adventures.
The Swift Step-Thru 3 carries more muscle, weighing in at a solid 27 kg. This extra bulk is felt when tackling steeper inclines, but it translates to more stability on less forgiving roads, giving us confidence on chunkier terrain.
Plus, the step-thru design makes hopping on and off a breeze, adding to its convenience for quick stops or city errands.
Both models feature upright seating geometry, sparing our backs even on longer rides. Your posture will be grateful for this thoughtful design, allowing you to stay comfortable whether it’s a short dash to the café or a longer jaunt through town.
Battery
The Swift Step-Thru 3 confidently takes the lead here, armed with a robust 48V 21Ah battery, allowing it to cover up to a whopping 80 miles (129 km). Meanwhile, the Swift Lite 3 ST, with its 36V 10.4Ah battery, manages a solid 30 miles (48 km).
As always, your ride style, weight, and terrain will dictate how swiftly you reach those limits.
We partnered up for this ride and, while we didn't push the Step-Thru 3 to its full 80-mile promise, we clocked 28 miles (45 km) with more than half the juice left to keep rolling.
For social rides with friends, the Step-Thru 3 might be your best bet. Swapping out lights or grabbing an extra battery for your Lite 3 ST, while a handy option, could start eating into that $300 price gap we mentioned earlier.
After taking them out for a spin, it's clear where the value shift kicks in, with those extra dollars translating into more ride and less worry.
Motor
In the motor department, it’s not about winners; it's about picking the right tool for your ride.
For the city commuter, the Swift Lite 3 ST’s 350W motor is all you need. It's agile, responsive, and perfectly suited for darting through urban alleyways. During our tests, this nimble beast comfortably cruised at city-friendly speeds, making it a delightful joyride.
But, if your path meanders beyond city confines, the Swift Step-Thru 3’s brawnier 500W motor is your ally. It’s built for those who aren’t afraid to venture over moderate hills or keep pace on less-traveled roads. We hit speeds up to 43 km/h, letting the motor handle the grunt work before topping out with impressive power.
Ultimately, you wouldn’t want to saddle up on a beast only to hold it back from the speeds it was meant to reach. So, match your choice to the demands of your journey, ensuring every ride takes full advantage of the thrills these motors offer.
Display and Controls
When it comes to the display and controls, both bikes do exactly what they're supposed to. The intuitive LCD display provides essential ride data like speed, battery status, and assist level—everything we need for a smooth journey.
These aren't built for a Grand Tour; they're designed for practical, enjoyable rides. Simply put, they handle the basics well. If our goal were to tackle Kilimanjaro, we might look for more, but these displays and controls are adequate for their intended domain.
Suspension
We’re a bit biased on this one—having ridden e-bikes with much more travel, our perspective might not be entirely objective. But if we had to point out a flaw, this is where it shows.
The Swift Step-Thru 3's 60mm Trama fork is good for city bumps, but it left us craving more on tougher trails like sandy beaches and steep inclines. You’ll feel the terrain when things get rough.
The Swift Lite 3 ST, with its 50mm Zoom fork, performs well on smooth roads. Yet on cobblestones and gravel, that fork wasn't quite up to the task of soaking up each jolt.
For daily rides on predictable surfaces, they do the job. Yet for rougher adventures, the comfort may fall short. We hit the limits of these suspensions quickly when venturing beyond the familiar.
Wheels / Tires
Both the Swift Step-Thru 3 and Swift Lite 3 ST deliver on-point performance for city streets.
The Step-Thru 3 rolls on Kenda 26×2.1″ tires—slightly wider and perfect for a stable, confident ride. They grip the pavement well, making those swift turns and sudden stops a breeze, and they handled beach sands with decent flair too.
The Swift Lite 3 ST boasts 24×2.125″ wheels. On our urban excursions, these tires proved smooth and comfortable, providing nimble navigation through tight spaces. For daily commutes, no complaints here—they cushion your ride on predictable terrain and ensure a pleasant journey.
Both bikes feature tires designed to excel in city environments. Whether weaving through weekday traffic or enjoying a weekend spin, these wheels are good to go.
Brakes
When it comes to halting power, both bikes are equipped to stop you in your tracks—quite literally.
The Swift Step-Thru 3 flexes with Liipro E4 quad-piston hydraulic brakes paired with 180mm rotors. From cruising at 43 km/h to an abrupt stop, these brakes did their job, offering unmatched control and instant response.
On the Swift Lite 3 ST, Logan mechanical disc brakes with 160mm rotors offer reliable stopping power for urban commutes. In our downtown escapades, they were fuss-free and reliable, handling stop-and-go traffic with ease.
These mechanicals provide robust performance for the city rider, delivering consistent stopping power without the extra maintenance that comes with hydraulic systems.
Both systems fit their bikes like a glove. The Step-Thru 3’s hydraulics embrace the bike ready to tackle a bit more than just the daily grind. While the Lite 3 ST’s mechanicals cater for straight-up commuting and everyday riding.
Drivetrain
Having tested these bikes ourselves, the Swift Step-Thru 3’s drivetrain stood out significantly. Its 8-speed Shimano Acera trigger shifter provides superior versatility for various terrains.
The torque sensor is a standout feature, intuitively syncing with our rhythm, making each climb feel effortless and the ride responsive to every pedal stroke. It kept our legs in sync, powering up hills and navigating trails with ease.
The Swift Lite 3 ST, with its Shimano 6-speed thumb shifter and cadence assist, is engineered for seamless urban rides. It handled city streets with reliable shifts, making it ideal for zipping through traffic and tight corners with efficiency.
Ultimately, the Step-Thru 3's drivetrain offers richer gear choices and subtle assistance that resonates with your effort, while the Lite 3 ST ensures straightforward performance for everyday commuting.
Biktrix Swift E-Bike Facts & Figures
Geometry Configurations
| DIMENSION | MEASUREMENT (Swift Lite 3 St) | MEASUREMENT (Swift Step Thru 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Top Tube Length | 20.9" (53 cm) | 22.4" (57 cm) |
| Seat Tube Length (Classic Bike Size) | 16.3" (41.5 cm) | 16.5" (42 cm) |
| Reach | 17.3" (44 cm) | 17.3" (44 cm) |
| Standover Height | 16.5" (42 cm) | 16.5" (42 cm) |
| Head Angle | 70° | 70° |
| Seat Angle | 73° | 73° |
| Wheelbase | 44.1" (112 cm) | 44.1" (112 cm) |
| Total Length | 71.7" (182 cm) | 71.7" (182 cm) |
| Max Seat Height | 37" (94 cm) | 37" (94 cm) |
| Min Seat Height | 31.1" (79 cm) | 31.1" (79 cm) |
| Handlebar Height | 43.3" (110 cm) | 43.3" (110 cm) |
| Weight (Without Battery) | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) | 45.9 lbs (20.8 kg) |
Full Specifications
| FEATURE | Swift Lite 3 St | Swift Step Thru 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | 6061 aluminum | 6061 aluminum |
| Rims | Black 36h | Black 29" 36h |
| Headset | Threadless 1-1/8" (2.86 cm) straight | Threadless 1-1/2" to 1-1/8" (3.81 cm to 2.86 cm) tapered |
| Handlebar | 25.6" wide, 2.4" rise, 1" clamp (65 cm wide, 6 cm rise, 2.54 cm clamp) | 27.2" wide, 1.6" rise, 1.25" clamp (69 cm wide, 4 cm rise, 3.18 cm clamp) |
| Chain | KMC 6-speed | KMC Z8 |
| Seat Post | 1.1" (27.2 mm) | 1.2" (31.6 mm) |
| Motor | 350W Rear hub motor | 500W Rear hub motor |
| Battery Sizes | 36V 10.4Ah 374Wh | 48V 21Ah 1008Wh / 48V 25Ah 1200Wh |
| Brake Levers | Mechanical with brake cutoffs | Adjustable with integrated brake cutoffs |
| Display | YL81C-B | 500S |
| Assist Type | Cadence | Torque |
| Throttle | Twist throttle | Thumb throttle |
Final Thoughts
Both the Biktrix Swift ST 3 and Swift Lite 3 ST bring their own fire to the table.
The Step-Thru 3 blasts ahead with power and range, ready to tackle more adventurous routes with confidence while the Lite 3 ST shines in the city, with its light frame and hassle-free performance, making everyday commuting a breeze.
Each of these rides captures the spirit of adventure and ease, catering to what you need for your ride.
FAQs
Which Biktrix Swift model is better for city commuting?
The Swift Lite 3 ST is specifically designed for urban commutes, being lightweight with a convenient removable battery.
Can the Step-Thru model handle off-road trails?
While not designed for rugged mountain biking, the Step-Thru 3 can comfortably handle light gravel paths and urban terrains due to its sturdy build and powerful motor.
What is the key feature of the Swift Step-Thru 3’s braking system?
It features dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes, providing excellent stopping power and safety.
How does the battery life compare between the two models?
The Swift Step-Thru 3 generally offers a longer range due to its larger battery capacity, compared to the Swift Lite 3 ST’s shorter range well-suited for city rides.
