Actbest Core 2.0 vs Legacy Core ST & SO: What's New and Improved?

Electric bikes have changed the way many people move around cities. For those who want a mix of affordability, speed, and comfort, Actbest has become a name worth knowing. Their Core series has long been a solid option for everyday commuting. With the release of the new Core 2.0 and Core ST 2.0, many riders are asking how they compare to the older Core ST and Core SO models. This article takes a close look at the upgrades in power, range, comfort and value, to help you decide if the new models are right for you.

Actbest Core Series: Versatile E-Bikes for City and Mixed Terrain

The Core family covers more than city commuting. The Core lineup serves different riding needs under a shared value-first approach.Core City Commuter targets daily urban travel and errands. Core 26-Inch Mountain leans toward rougher paths and park trails. The new Core 2.0 Commuter updates the city role with stronger performance, while Core ST 2.0 focuses on easy mounting and comfort for a wide range of riders.

Core Series Hallmarks

• Practical value: Accessible pricing across models without stripping useful features.
• Balanced power: Hub motors tuned for steady starts, confident cruising, and simple hill work.
• Clear controls: Intuitive display and PAS levels, plus throttle support on compatible trims.
• Real-world equipment: Urban trims often include fenders, racks, and integrated lights; off-road-leaning trims favor grip and control.
• Easy ownership: Common components and straightforward maintenance for riders who prefer simple upkeep.

All these qualities define the Core identity, but each model applies them in different ways. To see how the lineup has changed, it's worth comparing the older Core City Commuter and Core 26-Inch Mountain with the newer Core 2.0 Commuter and Core ST 2.0.

Motor and Speed Upgrades

A stronger motor is one of the first things riders notice about the new models. This change has a direct impact on how the bike handles both daily commutes and tougher rides.

Old Models – Core ST and SO

The older Core ST and SO were equipped with motors that delivered around 750W peak output, giving a top speed of 22 mph. For city commuting, that speed was fine, but some riders might find it limited on open roads or during uphill climbs.

New Models – Core 2.0 and ST 2.0

The Core 2.0 series received a significant boost, with 1200W peak motors capable of pushing speeds up to 28 mph. This is more than just a number. That extra speed helps you keep up with traffic in busy areas, reduces the time spent on longer rides, and provides smoother performance when riding against the wind or carrying extra weight.

✅Why It Matters: This change means that the new bikes can handle hills more easily and respond more quickly to the rider's input. Commuters travelling across mixed terrain or those who value quick acceleration will notice the difference right away.

Battery and Range Comparison

Speed isn't the only important thing. Riders also want to know how far they can travel on a single charge. The Core series has got better and better at this.

Old Models – Core ST and SO

The earlier versions used a 36V 13Ah battery, and could travel around 35 to 50 miles on a full charge. This depended on the type of terrain, the rider's weight, and the assist level selected. This was enough for most people to use it for their daily commute, but it didn't leave much power for weekend trips.

New Models – Core 2.0 and ST 2.0

The new electric bikes use a 48V 10.4Ah battery, which works with more efficient systems to give you a range of around 40 to 55 miles. The amp-hours may look slightly smaller on paper, but the higher voltage makes it better and more consistent.

✅Why It Matters: For most commuters, the ability to get a few extra miles per charge reduces “range anxiety.” It also means you can use more throttle power without worrying as much about draining the battery too quickly.

Frame Design and Comfort

A commuter e-bike should be more than just fast and long-lasting. Comfort plays a big role in whether you enjoy riding it daily.

Old Models – Core ST and SO

The previous frames offered adjustable height and angle setups, with a decent level of comfort. They worked well but leaned more toward basic practicality.

New Models – Core 2.0 and ST 2.0

The updated ebikes have a better balanced frame geometry and are easier to handle. The ST 2.0 has a low-step design, which makes it easier to get on and off, which is good for people who have difficulty moving around. The suspension has also been improved, so the car handles bumps and uneven roads more smoothly.

✅Why It Matters: For daily commuting, a frame that reduces fatigue makes all the difference. Riders who spend 30 minutes to an hour on their bike each day will notice less strain on their back and shoulders with the new models.

Display and Controls

The way information is shown on an e-bike has also seen an upgrade in the Core lineup.

Old Models – Core ST and SO

The earlier models had simple monochrome displays that were usually separated into left and right sections. They provided basic stats like speed and battery level, but they didn't look very modern.

New Models – Core 2.0 and ST 2.0

The upgraded ones have a full-color display, which is easier to read in different lighting conditions. It clearly shows how fast you are going, your assist level, how much battery life you have left, and other information about your ride, all on one screen.

✅Why It Matters: This might not change how the e-bike rides, but it makes the overall experience better. A clean, modern display also makes it easier to track your ride without being distracted.

Throttle Control Upgrade

As well as changes to the engine and the frame, the controls have also been changed.

Old Models – Core ST and SO

The old Core ebikes used a thumb shifter. It worked reliably, but you had to push harder to adjust it, which could feel less intuitive during stop-and-go city rides.

New Models – Core 2.0 and ST 2.0

The latest version replaces the thumb shifter with a twist throttle. This upgrade makes acceleration smoother and more natural, especially when starting from a full stop or going up small hills. It also helps riders to keep a better grip on the handlebars while they are changing speed.

✅Why It Matters: A twist throttle offers a more seamless and intuitive riding experience. For commuters, it reduces hand fatigue and makes quick speed adjustments easier—key benefits in traffic-heavy environments.

Should You Upgrade to Actbest Core 2.0?

Deciding whether to upgrade to the Core 2.0 or ST 2.0 depends on how you use your bike.

• If your current Core ST or SO is working well for your daily commute, you may not need to change. These older e-bikes are still good for short trips, flat routes and city streets.
• If you want faster speeds, smoother hill climbs or longer rides without worrying about the battery, think about upgrading. The new models also make it easier to fit, ride over bumps and read ride information. If you spend more time riding or carrying heavy loads, you will really notice the difference.
• It's also important to have a budget. The new models cost more, so think about whether the extra speed, comfort and range are worth the extra money for your everyday use. Sometimes, small improvements are nice, but not essential.

To put it simply, if you ride often, want more power, or need a smoother, more comfortable ride, upgrade. If your old ebike meets your basic needs, you can also keep it.

Boost Your E-Bike Experience with New Core Models

The new Actbest Core 2.0 and Core ST 2.0 boast improvements to almost every key feature of their predecessors, the Core ST and SO. Faster speeds, stronger motors, better displays and more comfortable frames make them the obvious choice for modern commuting. Whether you're considering your first e-bike or looking to upgrade from an older Core model, these new Core 2.0 and Core ST 2.0 models offer real improvements without breaking the bank.