Electric bike fans can spot their favorite brand a mile away. Few brands, however, have a design language of their own, unmistakable and even intoxicating in the right light.
In our Wing Freedom ST review, we’ll take a first look at this distinctively designed class 2 eBike, examining its pros and cons relative to other city bike options.
Wing’s new Freedom ST borrows the best design cues from Wing’s high-flying style guide, adding old-school good looks and an extra helping of practicality.
Oh, and it has a lock, tamper-detection tamper-detection alarm system, and an available location tracker as well to help ensure your new ride remains yours.
Is this new step-through eBike the right choice for you?
Wing Bike’s History
Wing’s history dates back to 2018 and 2019 when the Manhattan-based company ran a Kickstarter campaign and later shipped its first bikes to eager riders.
You can easily spend two thousand or more for an eBike with features you’ll find on Wing Bikes for much less.
And in part, that was the company’s goal: to deliver high-quality components and performance without the massive price markup you’ll find with some other makes.
Bafang electric motor: check. Torque-sensor pedal assist system: check.
These two items alone put Wing Bikes into a higher segment of eBikes but without the sticker shock.
Toss in extra features like a sleek, integrated battery and a control display tucked into the stem, and Wing Bikes bring a unique value to the eBike market with their lineup of feature-rich electric bikes.
Wing Freedom ST Review: Features Overview
An eBike is the sum of its parts, with a pinch of variation based on design elements. But within a given price range, you’ll often find similar components, leaving little distinction between eBike options.
Wing breaks the paradigm, offering unexpected features as well as a multitude of ways to customize. Here are a few of the features and design touches the Wing Freedom ST brings that you won’t find on every bike.
From its sleek good looks to extra features such as a torque sensor, alarm, and available location tracking, the Freedom ST offers a unique value proposition for this price range.
Wing Freedom ST Highlights
With its mechanical disc brakes and 26×1.75-inch tires, the ST is unapologetically an urban riding city bike, a job to which it’s well suited and for which it’s better equipped than many bikes in its price range.
Torque Sensor
Most electric bikes under $2,000 use a cadence sensor to manage pedal assist. A cadence sensor is a simple design that uses magnets to tell if the rider is pedaling or not and how fast. At first activation, a cadence sensor is a binary switch: on or off. But with a cadence sensor, you might have a suspenseful wait before the pedal assist engages because a certain amount of rotation is needed to trip the sensor.
By comparison, the Wing Freedom ST uses a torque sensor in combination with five pedal assist levels, a setup the company calls its smart assist system. So, instead of sensing whether you’re pedaling and telling the electric motor to assist, a torque sensor detects pedaling force (torque), leading to quicker engagement of the pedal assist system.
Comfy Riding Position
Upright designs are popular in Europe, and with good reason. Upright bikes are comfortable to ride. Electric bikes invite longer rides, so comfort becomes a big consideration.
The Wing Freedom ST’s swept-back handlebars help the rider maintain an upright riding position that’s less tiring than forward-leaning positions.
Paired with a convenient step-through design, the Freedom ST makes riding a bike easy, regardless of experience level or how long it’s been since you last rode.
Handsome Good Looks
Hey, is that a VanMoof bike?
Well, no.
Admittedly, there are some similarities in the design of the integrated lights and top bar between the two brands: Wing and VanMoof.
But the aluminum frame Wing ST brings a charm all its own.
And it’s a more affordable option.
You’ll also get clever design features like the stem-integrated LED display, frame-integrated battery, and a litany of security features that help keep your curiously attractive bike, well, yours.
Security Features
Wing Bikes is best known for value, innovative design, and security features. Here are some of the security-focused goodies Wing offers.
- Key fob-operated alarm: Lock your battery in place with a key turn, and arm the alarm remotely with the click of a button.
- Tamper Detection Alarm System: Wing Bikes provides a motion-activated alarm to deter would-be thieves.
- Location tracking: Use your iOS device to track the location of your bike using airtags. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your bike is still parked where you left it, even if you can’t see your Freedom ST from where you are.
Battery Options
Get up to 60 miles of range with Wing’s 14ah battery. Other removable battery options include the standard 8.8ah battery size that delivers up to 35 miles of riding and the 10.5ah battery, which extends battery life up to 45 miles.
Included Extras
As of this writing, Wing includes a few extra accessories at no cost.
Currently, the throttle add-on, normally priced at $79.99, is included for free, as are a fender set ($59.99 value) and a location tracking system compatible with iOS devices ($74.99 value). Keep an eye out for specials and promotions from Wing Bikes.
A charger and kickstand are both standard equipment.
Who is the Freedom ST for?
The Freedom ST’s step-through design makes this eBike a good fit for riders from 5′ to 6’1″ tall. Shorter riders can easily mount the bike, and swept-back handlebars bring the controls within easy reach. Taller riders can consider the similarly appointed Wing Freedom X, which supports riders up to 6’4″.
Gender-neutral styling also makes the Freedom ST an attractive choice for nearly all riders.
Directional 26×1.75 inch cruiser-style tires with a smooth center and subtle shoulder cleats speak to the Freedom ST’s ability to venture off onto well-packed trails if needed. But they also indicate this is primarily a city bike, suitable for use on paved surfaces or piloting around the neighborhood.
A wide variety of available accessories, including a classy front rack (pictured) and practical rear rack (25 lbs capacity), make the Wing Freedom ST any type of bike you need it to be, within reason.
Use your Wing eBike as a lightweight commuter or turn your Freedom ST into a well-appointed grocery getter.
No bike is perfect in every way; you’ll need to make some tradeoffs. And while it’s important to consider where a bike might not be a perfect fit for you, it’s also helpful to examine where “cons” might not be all that bad.
If you plan to ride your Freedom ST in town or on hard-pack paths, you might find it meets your needs perfectly. And the lack of a suspension, for some riders, might be ideal; suspension travel steals pedaling efficiency.
Is the Freedom ST the Right Bike for You?
The ST’s good looks draw you in, but smooth performance and thoughtful design touches win you over with this new electric bike from Wing Bikes. The Freedom ST brings reliable, upscale components at a price that fits nearly any budget.
Financing is also available through Klarna.
There’s a lot to like about the Freedom ST from Wing Bikes. Versatility meets value in this innovative eBike that delivers features found in much pricier bikes. As a lightweight city cruiser, it’s tough to beat the mix of features and affordability the Wing Bikes team delivers with this new model.
If your riding finds you mainly in town and on paved or hard-pack paths, take a close look at the Freedom ST to see if it fits your lifestyle.
Think the Freedom ST might be right for you? Check the latest deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Wing bikes cost?
Wing Bikes vary in price from under $1,000 for the Freedom S2 (on sale) to over $1,700 for the Freedom ST, assuming no additional discounts. Be sure to check for specials.
How long does it take to charge a Wing bike battery?
Battery charging time varies depending on which battery you choose for your bike. The Freedom ST, for example comes with three battery capacity options. Generally, expect battery charges for your Wing Bike to take at least four hours.
