Aipas C1 Xpress ST: a 90 Nm step-through for under $700
For about $699 direct (or about $749 delivered on Amazon), the C1 Xpress ST gives you an easy 18-inch step-through frame, a 614 Wh battery and a claimed 90 Nm of hill-climbing torque. That's a price almost anyone can afford. It also comes with lights, turn signals, a rack and fenders, so there's little else to buy.
We have not ridden this bike. This pick is based on the maker's published specs, the Amazon listing and the independent reviews quoted below, all checked on Sep 28, 2026. Torque, UL and weight figures are the maker's or seller's claims; where sources conflict we show both.
Price checked Sep 28, 2026
$598.99 + $149.99 delivery
On Amazon: list $699.99; sold and shipped by RANDISH. Brand-direct price: $699 with free shipping (aipasbike.com). Amazon prices change often — check before you buy.
Key specs
| Motor | 1,100 W peak rear hub (rated W unconfirmed) |
|---|---|
| Torque | 90 Nm (manufacturer claim) |
| Battery | 48 V 12.8 Ah (614 Wh) |
| Weight | 57 lb (brand) / 63–64 lb (Amazon) |
| Tires | 26 x 2.0 |
| Frame | Step-through, 18" standover |
| Class / top speed | Class 3, 28 mph (adjustable) |
| Brakes | Mechanical disc, 180 mm |
| UL | UL 2849 / 2271 per SGS reports (claimed) |
| Payload | 400 lb |
| Price checked | $598.99 + $149.99 delivery on Amazon, 9/28/2026 |
Also listed by the brand: Shimano 7-speed (14–28T freewheel, 48T chainring), 100 mm suspension fork, adjustable stem, lights, turn signals, horn, rear rack and fenders; rider height 5'1"–6'5"; battery IP65. Frame material is unconfirmed — Amazon says carbon steel, the brand says "1000 MPa high-strength alloy die-casting", and GoEbikeLife says 6061 aluminum.
Safety notes
- It's Class 3 (28 mph) out of the box. For older or new riders, set a 20 mph cap and use low assist levels at first.
- Mechanical disc brakes need regular cable adjustment. On long descents, consider having a shop tune them or upgrade to hydraulic.
- The 90 Nm figure is a controller claim at PAS 1, not a dyno result.
- The sensor is probably cadence-based (the brand never claims torque sensing), so assist can surge or lag when starting on a hill.
- The 48T x 14–28T gearing gives a modest low gear. A smaller chainring (a shop job) would make steep climbs easier.
- UL 2849 / 2271 is claimed through SGS reports. We couldn't verify the certificate numbers ourselves.
What other reviewers say
“The step-through design is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to hop on and off,” and “The powerful 1100W peak brushless motor makes tackling hills a breeze.”
Editor caution: This review also cites a 504 Wh battery and rear suspension. That doesn't match current brand specs, so it may describe an earlier version.
Calls the bike a practical city and suburban commuter with “enough power to handle moderate hills”. It lists as cons “Mechanical disc brakes, not hydraulic” and a real-world range well below the claimed maximum (it estimates about 25–40 mi).
Per the video's search-result summary (we haven't watched it): a 225 lb rider on PAS 5 climbed at about 7–9 mph, and it “required a decent amount of personal effort.”
Editor caution: This is the C1 Max (24 x 2.6 tires, about 74 lb), not the C1 Xpress ST.
About the company
The return contact on the brand's page is support@tstebike.com, so Aipas appears to be linked to TST.
Gear to go with it
We've added matching Amazon picks to these accessory pages: