Product & service questions
How it works, features, specs, fit, compatibility, which one to choose
33 answers, most asked first
Can I switch the Northwind Commuter 5 to Class 3 (pedal assist up to 28 mph), and does the throttle still work at higher speeds?
Yes. The Commuter 5 ships as a Class 2 e-bike, with pedal assist and throttle both up to 20 mph. You can switch it to Class 3 in the Northwind Ride app.
How to switch:
Pair the bike with the Northwind Ride app.
Open the app settings and turn on the Class 3 toggle.
What changes in Class 3:
Pedal assist goes up to 28 mph.
The throttle still stops at 20 mph. The extra speed is only available while you are pedaling.
Things to consider before you leave it in Class 3:
Some bike paths and towns only allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes, so check the rules where you plan to ride.
Many riders use Class 3 for longer open-road rides and keep Class 2 for riding around town.
You can switch between classes whenever you like.
How far can the Northwind Commuter 5 go on one charge, and how can I get more range?
Typical range
Standard 14 Ah battery: about 35 to 60 miles per charge.
Optional 20 Ah battery: about 50 to 85 miles per charge.
What affects range
Assist level: low assist on flat roads gives the most range. Higher assist levels and heavy throttle use reduce it.
Hills.
Rider and cargo weight.
Temperature: range is lower in cold weather.
High assist and hilly routes push your range toward the lower end of the estimate.
Ways to get more range
Ride at a lower assist level.
Keep tires inflated to 40 to 50 psi.
Carry a second 14 Ah battery (part NW-BAT-48-14) and swap it in when needed.
Consider the optional 20 Ah battery for a longer range per charge.
Does the Northwind Commuter 5 have a throttle, and which Northwind e-bikes have one?
Yes. The Northwind Commuter 5 has a thumb throttle on the handlebar. Use it to ride up to 20 mph without pedaling.
Pedal assist: You can use the throttle together with pedal assist, for example on a big hill.
Other models: The Cargo 7 also has a throttle. The Trail 2 has no throttle and is pedal assist only.
Does the Northwind Trail 2 have a throttle?
No. The Northwind Trail 2 is a Class 1 e-bike with pedal assist only, so the motor helps only while you pedal. Assist goes up to 20 mph. The bike is built for trails, dirt and singletrack.
Which Northwind Trail 2 frame size fits my height?
Use this height guide for the Northwind Trail 2:
| Frame size | Rider height |
|---|---|
| Small | 5'2" to 5'7" |
| Medium | 5'7" to 6'0" |
| Large | 6'0" to 6'5" |
Tips
5'10": Medium is the recommended size. You sit in the middle of its range.
6'2": Large is the right size.
Exactly 6'0" (between medium and large): Choose large if you have long legs, long arms, or like a stretched-out riding position. Otherwise choose medium.
Under 5'2" (for example, 5'1"): You fall just below the Trail 2 small's fitting range. The Commuter 5 step-through is an option for shorter riders.
Overlap at 5'7": This height falls in both the small and medium ranges. The answers above do not say which to pick, so check with support if you are at this height.
Does Northwind sell a child seat for the Cargo 7 e-bike, and what accessories do I need to carry children?
Yes. Northwind sells a rear child seat for the Cargo 7. It is a separate accessory and is not included with the bike.
Accessories and part numbers
Child seat (for a younger child): NW-ACC-KS7
Passenger bars (for two children on the rear deck): NW-ACC-PB7
Running boards (for two children on the rear deck): NW-ACC-RB7
The passenger bars and running boards are also sold separately.
Stock: The child seat (NW-ACC-KS7) was in stock when we last checked. Stock changes, so please confirm availability before you order.
Does the Northwind Commuter 5 come with a charger, how long does charging take, and is there a faster charger?
Included charger: The Commuter 5 comes with a 2 amp charger in the box.
Charge time with the included charger (from completely empty):
14 Ah battery: about 6 to 7 hours
20 Ah battery: about 8 to 9 hours
Most riders don't run the battery fully empty, so typical charges are shorter.
Faster charger: A 4 amp fast charger (part NW-CHG-4A) fits the Commuter 5. It is sold separately. It roughly halves the full charge time, and it reaches 80 percent in about two-thirds of the normal time.
What is the maximum weight the Northwind Cargo 7 can carry, and how much can the rear deck hold?
The Northwind Cargo 7 has a total weight limit of 440 pounds. This includes the rider.
The rear deck can hold up to 180 pounds. That weight counts toward the 440-pound total, not on top of it.
The frame, motor and brakes are built to handle this load.
What sizes does the Northwind Commuter 5 come in, and which size fits my height?
The Commuter 5 comes in two frame styles:
Step-through: One size. Fits riders about 4'11" to 6'1". It is also easier to get on and off, for example with a bag on the back.
High-step: Two sizes.
Medium: 5'5" to 5'11"
Large: 5'11" to 6'5"
Examples:
5'4": This is just under the high-step medium range, so the step-through is the better choice.
5'10": The medium high-step is the recommended size. The step-through also fits at this height.
If you are at 5'11", you are at the top of the medium range and the bottom of the large range.
Can I ride the Northwind Commuter 5 on gravel paths and bike paths?
Gravel paths: Yes. The Commuter 5 handles packed gravel paths fine. It isn't built for real mountain trails. For those, the Northwind Trail 2 is the better choice.
Bike paths: It depends on local rules. Some paths limit which e-bike classes are allowed. Check with whoever manages the path before you ride. Class 2 e-bikes are allowed in many places.
Can two children ride on the Northwind Cargo 7, and how should they be seated?
Yes. The Cargo 7 can carry two children in either of these setups:
Both on the rear deck: Fit the passenger bars and running boards so the children have something to hold and a place to rest their feet. This works best once both children are bigger.
One in a child seat, one on the deck: Fit a child seat for the younger child (for example, around age three). An older child (for example, around age six) sits behind on the rear deck and holds the passenger bars.
Weight limit: The rear deck's limit is 180 lb (about 82 kg). Riders and anything else on the deck must not exceed this combined.
Do the full fenders for the Commuter 5 fit the Trail 2?
No. The Commuter 5 full fenders won't fit the Trail 2.
The Trail 2 uses clip-on fenders instead, part NW-FND-T2. They strap onto the down tube and seat post and need no tools to install.
Does Northwind E-Bikes offer business accounts for buying multiple e-bikes, such as for a delivery fleet?
Yes. Northwind E-Bikes offers business accounts for companies buying five or more bikes.
Business account benefits include:
A dedicated rep who handles your orders
Invoicing with net 30 terms, so you don't have to pay up front by card
Tax-exempt ordering, if your business qualifies as tax-exempt
Does the 20 Ah battery fit the Northwind Trail 2?
No. The 20 Ah battery does not fit the Northwind Trail 2. The Trail 2 only takes the 14 Ah battery.
The 20 Ah battery is made for newer Commuter 5 frames and the Cargo 7.
How long does it take to charge the Northwind Commuter 5 battery, including a quick top-up?
With the charger that comes with the bike (2 amp), a full charge from empty takes about:
14 Ah battery (standard): 6 to 7 hours
20 Ah battery: 8 to 9 hours
Quick top-ups: Charging is fastest at the start. The battery reaches about 80% in roughly two thirds of the full charge time. If you haven't run the battery down to empty, a top-up will be quicker still.
Most people charge overnight. You don't need to charge to full every time.
What happens when I ride faster than the motor assist speed limit on a Northwind e-bike?
Nothing locks and the bike keeps working normally. Once you pass the assist speed limit, the motor simply stops helping. It does not brake or cut out abruptly.
You can still go faster using your own power, such as pedaling harder or riding downhill.
What is the top speed of motor assist on the Northwind Commuter 5?
The Northwind Commuter 5 gives motor assist up to 20 mph by default.
To go faster, switch the bike to Class 3 in the Northwind Ride app. In Class 3, pedal assist goes up to 28 mph.
The throttle tops out at 20 mph, even in Class 3. The 28 mph limit applies to pedal assist only.
Check your local rules before switching. Some bike paths only allow bikes that assist up to 20 mph.
When should I replace my Northwind e-bike brake pads, and which replacement pads should I buy?
When to replace: Replace the pads when there is less than about 1 millimeter of pad material left.
Which pads to buy: Part NW-BRK-PAD-H fits every Northwind bike, front and rear.
Which Northwind e-bike is better for commuting: the Trail 2 or the Commuter 5?
The Commuter 5 is the better choice for commuting.
Built for the road: It supports fenders and lights, so you can ride in wet weather and low light.
Carries your things: You can add a rear rack for a work bag or groceries.
Handles hills: It has a throttle to help on steep hills.
Range: You can expect about 35 to 60 miles on the standard battery, which covers a daily commute. It is comfortable for around 18 miles a day.
The Trail 2 is made for off-road trails and isn't set up for commuting.
Can a business account rep help choose which e-bike models to buy for trail riding and town riding?
Yes, the rep helps work out the model mix. Many businesses buy some Trail 2 bikes for trails and some Commuter 5 bikes for guests who ride into town.
Can a child under 16 take a Commuter 5 test ride?
Riders must be 16 or older for test rides. A 15-year-old can come along to the test ride but cannot ride.
Can a second NW-BAT-48-20 battery be fitted to the Cargo 7's second mount?
Yes, the Cargo 7 takes a second NW-BAT-48-20 on the second mount.
Can an e-bike battery be charged in a cold garage?
No. Batteries won't charge below 32 degrees, so a cold garage can keep the battery from charging. Bring the battery inside and charge it at room temperature.
Can I test ride a Cargo 7 before buying it, and who can ride and what do they need to bring?
Yes. You can book a Cargo 7 test ride on our website at one of our partner service centers.
How to book
Use the store locator on the website to find a center that has the Cargo 7. Each center lists the models it carries.
Book your test ride there. The ride lasts about thirty minutes.
Who can ride
Riders must be 16 or older.
What to bring
A photo ID (everyone who rides needs one).
Closed-toe shoes. Sandals are not allowed.
Does the Northwind Commuter 5 come with fenders, lights and a rear rack?
The Commuter 5 takes full fenders and lights. A rear rack can be added for a bag or groceries.
Does the Trail 2 connect to the Northwind Ride app?
No, the Trail 2 doesn't pair with the app over Bluetooth, but the app can still be used to book a service appointment.
How long does it take to charge the Trail 2 14 amp hour battery?
From empty with the charger that came with the bike, about 6 to 7 hours. Reaching about 80 percent takes about two thirds of that, around 4.5 hours.
Is the Cargo 7 hard to ride when it's loaded with passengers or cargo?
The 750 watt motor handles weight well. You'll feel the load on steep hills, but the assist does most of the work.
What age range is the Cargo 7 rear child seat made for?
It is made for children roughly 9 months to 5 years old.
What does Class 2 mean on the Northwind Commuter 5?
The Commuter 5 ships as a Class 2 bike, meaning pedal assist and throttle both work up to 20 mph.
What happens during a Commuter 5 test ride and what do I need to bring?
You pick a service center and a time slot. The ride is about 30 minutes. Bring a photo ID and wear closed-toe shoes.
Where is the serial number on a Trail 2 e-bike?
It is stamped under the bottom bracket, underneath the bike where the pedal arms meet.
Will the Commuter 5 battery be fully charged by morning if I charge it overnight?
Yes. From empty, the standard 2 amp charger takes about 6 to 7 hours on the 14 Ah battery, and about 8 to 9 hours on the 20 Ah battery.