Trek FX+ Electric Bike Review & Buyer's Guide

Written by: Tom Fortune | June 10, 2026 Time to read 5 min

The FX is Trek's most popular hybrid bike. Add a motor, and you get the FX+. Simple idea, less simple lineup.

More about the Author: Tom Fortune

Tom is a Brit living in the French Alps. When he's not creating written and video content for various brands, he's either pedalling or snowboarding around his local mountains. E-Bikes have unlocked the potential for Tom to explore Alpine terrain and get away from the crowded bike parks. He is only too keen to share his knowledge and experience with other riders.

Trek FX+
Trek sells more FX hybrids than almost anything else in its lineup. The FX+ is the same bike with a motor tucked inside. But the range has grown into four quite different bikes, and picking the wrong one is easier than you may think. Here's everything you need to know.

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The FX+ Lineup: Which One Are You Looking At?


There are four distinct models currently in Trek's FX+ range. There are quite a few differences that you need to know about, so you get the right one for you.


FX+ 1 and FX+ 1S


If you want to get on an FX+ for the least amount of money, the FX+ 1 and 1S are where to start. They both have a 500W Hyena rear hub motor with 60Nm of torque, a 540Wh battery, and an 8-speed Shimano ESSA drivetrain. As a Class 2 e-Bike, you get both throttle and pedal assistance up to 20 mph. The quoted range from Trek is up to 50 miles on a single charge, and you get integrated lights, fenders, a rear rack, and a kickstand. The 1S is the Midstep frame version with a lower standover height. Both come in S, M, and L. The “S” stands for speed, and is a Class 3 e-Bike, giving you a higher assisted top speed.


Important: A CPSC recall was issued in January 2026 for all 2026 model year FX+ 1 and 1S bikes. The rear wheel bolt can break, causing the wheel to fall off, which, as a professional, I can confirm is less than ideal and can ruin your day. If you own one, stop riding it and take it to an authorized Trek dealer for a free repair. If you're buying a 2026 model pre-owned, confirm the recall has been done first.


FX+ 2 and FX+ 2 Stagger


Trek's original FX+ model is still available new. It is fitted with a 250W HyDrive rear hub motor with 40Nm of torque, a 250Wh integrated non-removable battery, and 9-speed Shimano Altus gearing. At around 40 lbs, it's one of the lightest e-Bikes you'll find, and the torque sensor makes the assistance feel natural. You don't get a throttle, a removable battery, or an LCD display, though. 


The “Stagger” version is the step-through frame variant, so it’s a good option if you struggle with lifting your leg high, wear long clothing, or just want an easy life. An optional 250Wh plug-and-play Range Extender battery ($499) mounts to the downtube and doubles the range to around 70 miles.


FX+ 7S and FX+ 7S Midstep 


At the top of the range, we have the FX+ 7S. This one has the TQ HPR50 mid-drive motor at 50Nm, 250W continuous and 300W peak, with a 360Wh internal battery and Class 3 assist to 28 mph. Shimano CUES 10-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lights, fenders, rear rack, and a Quad-Lock stem with a built-in phone charger. It’s worth noting that the battery is removable, but you have to take it to a dealer. The midstep version has a lower step-over height for easy mounting and dismounting. This one is available in SM, MD, LG, and XL.


FX+ 7 LT (Longtail variant)


A longtail version of the FX+ 7 with a Hyena hub motor and an extended rear rack for cargo and passengers. Different motor and build than the 7S, and worth looking at if you want a bike with more carrying capacity.


Trek FX+ LT


How It Rides


All FX+ models share the same foundation as the standard FX hybrid. So they have an Alpha aluminum frame, flat bars, road-oriented geometry, and an upright riding position. On the road, they feel responsive thanks to their light weight.


The FX+ 2 is the one riders most consistently describe as feeling like a regular bike. It only weighs 40 lbs, and with a torque sensor, the assistance is quiet and natural enough that you forget it's there at moderate speeds. The downside is the non-removable battery, which means you can't charge it indoors. This is an issue for people who can’t get their bikes to an outlet easily.


The FX+ 7S is a different kind of bike. The TQ motor is exceptionally quiet, one of the quietest mid-drive motors available, and at Class 3, it'll assist to 28 mph, which is great for keeping up with city traffic. The Quad-Lock phone charger on the stem is a nice touch. Where it falls short for some riders is range and hill performance. The motor is said to struggle a bit on steeper hill climbs, and that's an issue worth knowing about before buying.


Motor, Battery, and Range


The FX+ 2's 250W HyDrive rear hub motor uses a torque sensor to deliver natural, proportional assist. At 250W, it's modest, but for flat urban commuting, it does the job. The 250Wh battery is small and non-removable. Trek quotes up to 35 miles, and real-world figures from owners sit close to that on mixed terrain. The optional $499 Range Extender doubles this to around 70 miles.

The FX+ 1's 500W Hyena hub motor is more powerful and includes a throttle, making it useful at junctions where you want to get moving without pedaling. The 540Wh battery can give you up to 50 miles on a single charge without an extender.

The FX+ 7S uses the TQ HPR50 mid-drive motor at 250W continuous and 300W peak, with 50Nm of torque and a 360Wh battery.

All models connect to the Trek Central app for ride tracking, system settings, and firmware updates.

Bike tools on a rack


Things to Know Before You Buy


  • FX+ 1 recall. 2026 model year FX+ 1 and 1S bikes are subject to a CPSC recall issued January 29, 2026. Stop riding if you own one and visit an authorized Trek dealer for a free repair. Confirm this has been done before buying any 2026 FX+ 1 pre-owned.
  • FX+ 2 non-removable battery. The FX+ 2 has an integrated battery that can't be taken out for indoor charging.
  • FX+ 2 battery failures. A number of FX+ 2 owners reported charging issues and battery failures within the first year. Some went through multiple rear hub and battery replacements under warranty. Trek's warranty support was generally responsive, but lead times for parts were quite long, so people couldn't ride their bikes for a while.
  • FX+ 7S range on hills. The TQ motor is refined and quiet, but the FX+ 7S is not the bike for a hilly commute. On flat urban routes, it performs well. But it falls behind more powerful systems on long climbs.
  • FX+ 7S battery. The 360Wh battery is dealer-removable but not user-removable. You can charge the bike through the port, but taking the battery out requires a dealer visit.
  • Price vs. spec on the FX+ 7S. You're paying a premium for the TQ motor's refinement and the Class 3 speed rating. Riders who need more range or hill capability may find better value elsewhere.


Who Should Buy the Trek FX+?


  • Flat or gently rolling urban commuters who want a lightweight e-Bike that feels close to a regular bike. The FX+ 2 is the strongest option here if you can charge the battery on the bike.
  • Riders who want a throttle and more accessible pricing should consider the FX+ 1, once the recall on 2026 models has been resolved.
  • Riders who commute at pace and want Class 3 speed with a quiet, refined mid-drive system will find the FX+ 7S worth considering, as long as the route is mostly flat.
  • If your commute involves regular steep hills or you need more range, the Trek Allant+ or Verve+ range offers more capable motor systems.


Find a Trek FX+ on Upway


Upway bikes being loaded onto truck for delivery


Pre-owned FX+ models are regularly available on Upway, and every e-Bike undergoes a 50-point mechanical inspection before listing. Any battery with a capacity below 80% is replaced before sale.

There's a one-year warranty on the frame, motor, and electrical system, plus a 14-day return window. Delivery arrives mostly assembled. Browse the current Trek selection on Upway.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Trek FX+ 2 have a removable battery? 

No. The battery is integrated into the frame and charged through a port on the bike. A dealer can remove it, but the rider can't take it out for indoor charging.

What is the difference between the FX+ 1 and the FX+ 7S? 

The FX+ 1 uses a rear hub motor with a throttle and is Class 2. The FX+ 7S uses a TQ mid-drive motor, is Class 3, and has no throttle. The 7S is more refined and faster; the FX+ 1 is more affordable and includes a throttle.

Is there a recall on the Trek FX+? 

Yes. A CPSC recall was issued in January 2026 for 2026 model year FX+ 1 and 1S bikes due to a faulty rear wheel bolt. Owners should stop riding and visit an authorized Trek dealer for a free repair.

Key Takeaways


  1. The FX+ range covers three motor systems and two class ratings across four models. Getting clear on which one you're buying is worth the effort.
  2. The FX+ 2 is the lightest and most natural-feeling of the range, but the non-removable battery is a real constraint for some riders.
  3. Upway's Trek selection includes pre-owned FX+ models with inspection and warranty cover on every bike.




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