Wayfarer review: meet the Vamos El Hefe cruiser, the hottest e-bike in Australia

by James Wilkinson

With a 55 kilometre range, the latest on-bike technology, epic styling and some serious power, the Vamos El Hefe is the hottest e-bike on and off Australian streets, as James Wilkinson discovers.

The electric bike market globally has been going through the roof of late and Australia has been one country that has seen a flurry activity.

In what’s become a crowded market, a few brands have stood tall and Sydney-based Vamos has firmly been one of the leaders of the e-bike pack, thanks to their brilliant design, high-quality products and marketing flair.

One of the keys to success for Vamos has been securing products from high-quality global brands like Samsung, Panasonic, Shimano, Tektro and Kenda for their range of e-bikes, led by Wayfarer’s favourite, the ‘El Hefe’ cruiser.

The El Hefe is one of the most exciting, powerful and dynamic e-bikes available in Australia, thanks to its epic style, 55km range and a 25km/h on-road speed limit, which allows you to ride your e-bike with no rego and licence requirements, just like you would a pushbike.

Thanks to its oversized tyres, you could also be forgiven for thinking you are seen riding an electric motorbike and not a bicycle.

“The El Hefe is the closest you will get to an electric Harley,” says owner Conrad Pattinson, who started the Vamos brand with best mate, Michael Fatouris.

“This is boss of all e-bikes and not much like this on the Aussie market. Expect high-torque ‘off-road’ fat-tyre power and catch the eye of everyone you cruise past.”

The power of the El Hefe is simply outstanding and alongside the fat tyres and the ability to carry a surfboard, is its most exciting feature.

“A bike that usually looks like this would struggle to climb hills, but the powerful high-powered high-torque rear motor lets you glide up them,” he says.

“The El Hefe was born with us teaming up with our manufacturers and coming up with a bike that works on sand and looks good.

“I spent a lot of my life catching public transport to the beach so I wanted to replace this tedious journey with an electric vehicle you could be proud of riding and is affordable,” Pattinson says.

When riding on main roads, bike paths or off road, the El Hefe (AU$2,045) is comfortable, powerful and undoubtedly the most exciting e-bike cruising the streets of Australia today.

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