Totem Victor 26″ Electric Bike — Full Review
The Totem Victor arrives as an appealing mid-range electric mountain bike that aims to bridge the gap between commuter practicality and off-road capability. Marketed to men, women, and teens who want one bike that can do daily errands, weekend trail rides, and longer, assisted excursions, the Victor packs a removable 374.4 Wh battery, a 21-speed drivetrain, front suspension, and dual mechanical disc brakes into a 26″ wheeled platform. In this review I tested how those specifications translate into real-world performance, comfort, and value. In short: the Totem Victor offers a capable all-rounder experience for riders who want meaningful pedal assistance without the premium price of high-end e-MTBs. It’s not a race bike or a long-range touring machine, but for city commuters and recreational trail riders the balance of power, range, and component set is compelling.
Power delivery is one of the Victor’s strongest attributes. The bike uses a brushless motor with a nominal/continuous power rating often stated in listings around 350W and a stated peak output of 750W. What that means in practice is brisk acceleration from a stop, strong assistance on moderate to steep climbs, and confident passing on flat stretches. The motor supports three distinct riding modes—walk, pedal-assist (multiple PAS levels), and pure bicycle mode—so you can calibrate how much push you want from the motor. When set to higher PAS levels the Victor comfortably reaches the advertised top speed of around 20 mph on flat ground; hillier rides naturally reduce that top speed and require more battery draw. The immediate takeaway is that this bike gives you usable, enjoyable assistance: quick enough for traffic integration and powerful enough to make climbs more fun than taxing.
Range and battery practicality are often the deciding factors for buyers, and the Victor’s 374.4 Wh removable battery delivers a realistic 25–40 miles per charge depending on riding mode, rider weight, terrain, and how often you pedal unaided. If you ride mainly on PAS levels 1–2 with moderate pedaling, expect to be closer to the upper end; frequent high-PAS use or sustained steep climbs will push range toward the lower end. The battery charges in roughly 4–5 hours with the included charger, and the removable design is genuinely convenient—charging indoors, at the office, or swapping batteries (if you choose to carry a second) is straightforward. For daily commuters who cover sub-20 mile round trips and recreational riders who combine pedaling with assist, the Victor’s battery is sufficient. Those planning frequent long-distance rides or extended high-speed use should budget for a supplemental battery or plan recharging options along routes.
The Victor’s component choices favor durability and practical performance over cutting-edge weight savings. The 26″ wheels strike a compromise between nimble handling and rolling comfort; they take obstacles confidently but don’t offer the same rollover momentum as 29ers. The front suspension fork appreciably soaks up bumps—ideal for gravel connectors, rough pavement, and mild singletrack—but it’s not a high-travel fork designed for technical downhill trails. The 21-speed drivetrain gives a broad cadence range for climbing and cruising, and shifting is reliable for everyday use. Braking is handled by front and rear mechanical disc brakes: they provide consistent stopping power in dry and damp conditions, though hydraulic discs would give a more progressive lever feel and better modulation under hard use. The Victor’s cables are routed neatly along the frame, reducing snag risk and improving the bike’s overall aesthetics. The real-time LCD display is clear and functional, showing speed, battery level, PAS level, and trip data; having that info at a glance helps manage range and power use during rides. The adjustable stem is a welcome touch for dialing in posture—helpful for riders of different heights or those who prefer a more upright commuting position versus a forward-leaning trail stance.
Practical ownership considerations make the Totem Victor attractive for a broad audience. Assembly out of the box is straightforward for a mechanically-inclined buyer and typical of direct-to-consumer e-bikes: you’ll need to attach the front wheel, tighten handlebars, mount the pedals, and check the brakes and shift indexing. Once set up, the bike’s weight (heavier than a non-electric bike) is manageable for lifting onto racks or into storage with two-person handling; it’s not a compact folding commuter, so plan storage accordingly. Maintenance is standard: keep the drivetrain lubricated, ensure correct brake pad adjustment, and check torque on bolts. The removable battery keeps theft risk lower when you charge indoors, and the single battery/charger combination is easy to manage. For commuters the Victor is practical—fast enough to keep pace with city traffic at 20 mph, comfortable for daily trips, and rugged enough for mixed-surface routes. For riders who prioritize long, all-day off-road excursions or racing performance, however, a more specialized e-MTB with longer-travel suspension and a larger battery would be a better fit.
Verdict: Totem’s Victor 26″ electric bike is an excellent value proposition for riders who want a versatile, user-friendly e-bike that competently handles both commuting and light-to-moderate trail riding. Its combination of a lively motor (nominally rated around 350W with 750W peak), a removable 374.4 Wh battery offering 25–40 miles of range, front suspension, 21 speeds, and mechanical disc brakes provides a reliable, enjoyable ride for a wide range of users. Pros include the strong mid-drive feel of the motor, the convenience of a removable battery, a clear LCD display, and a comfortable geometry aided by an adjustable stem. Cons to consider are the limited battery capacity for very long rides, mechanical rather than hydraulic discs, and the inherent weight of an e-bike in this class. Also remember to follow local regulations—many jurisdictions limit e-bike assistance above 20 mph or restrict certain motor power classes, so ride legally and safely. Overall, if you want a single bike for weekday commutes, weekend trail adventures, and general recreation without spending on top-tier e-MTB components, the Totem Victor is a smart, well-balanced choice.
