The Dirodi Rover Plus is a popular entry-level scrambler-style fat tyre electric bike. This particular model is reknowned for its great value, being one of the rare few that includes a of handy accessories in the price tag that many other brands would charge in addition to the base price.
I recently had the opportunity to take the Dirodi Rover Plus for a test ride around the coastal suburb of Palm Beach on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Read on to hear about my experience on the popular Rover+.
Evolution of the Dirodi Rover+ Range
The bike I am reviewing today is the step-over model of the Dirodi Rover+. There is also a readily available step-thru frame option, for those who prefer their frame without a crossbar.
The Dirodi Rover Plus is an upgraded version of the standard Rover model, with the most notable difference between the two being the front suspension forks on the Plus. Personally I’d always opt for suspension on the front forks for a smoother ride on a bike like this – if you’re after a more rigid and responsive ride for smooth surfaces only, I’d suggest exploring other models all together.
My initial impression once onboard the Rover Plus is a solid and sturdy feeling all-rounder. I’m aware that the Rover offers extremely competitive pricing in comparison to its rivals, and it’s hard to believe that with this build quality the rear rack and basket are included as standard.
There are a couple of aspects that feel different (dare I say a little less premium) than comparable models from brands such as Fatboy and Ampd Bros, such as the gear levers and throttle, but on the most part the Rover appears to be a solid contender in the fat-tyre scrambler category.
How Fast Does a Dirodi Rover Go?
On a private track I was able to reach a top speed of just over 40km/hr on this bike. At lesser speeds the ride was well balanced, comfortable and responsive when riding in pedal-assist mode.
How to Unlock the Dirodi Rover Throttle?
The Dirodi Rover Plus is locked to a speed of 6km/hr out of the box. A question that arises regularly with most bikes, is how to unlock the speed restriction. With the Rover the unlock process is relatively simple, to unlock the Dirodi Rover throttle you will simply need to complete the following steps:
- While the bike panel is off, twist the throttle to the max and pull and hold one brake lever.
- While the throttle is twisted to the max and one brake lever is pulled, turn on and then off the bike’s panel three times.
Once complete, the 6km/hr speed restriction is removed. You can reapply the throttle restriction simply by repeating the above steps.
Dirodi Rover Plus Manual
To find out more about the throttle restriction settings mentioned above, plus plenty more useful info including console operation guidance, how to find your serial number, maintenance and charging tips, visit the Dirodi Rover user manual and assembly manual.
Dirodi Rover Plus Gen 6 vs Gen 5 (…vs Gen 4 vs Gen 3 vs Gen 2!)
The Dirodi Rover has come a long way since it was first offered on the market over 5 years ago.
More recent generations have focused on increased power and range, most notably with the shift from Gen 4 to Gen 5, where the electrical side of things improved significantly. With the release of Gen 5, the battery voltage increased from 48V to 52V, and the motor output increased to 1000W, providing more punch for longer.
Gen 3 was when the rear rack became a real point of focus versus the previous generations, with the new integrated rear rack allowing the rider to carry 50kg, plus the addition of 9 new bolt mounts in the rear allowing the owner to add more accessories.
Final Word
With a price tag of just over $3k, the Dirodi Rover really does represent great value for money. The sturdy feel, quality of workmanship and Dirodi’s unique proposition of including functional accessories, such the rear rack and cargo box, make this a great option for budget conscious buyers seeking a robust bike for adventures of all kinds.
