DŌST Crate Review (2025): The Automatic Transmission Cargo E-Bike?
A detailed review of the DŌST Crate cargo e-bike. We analyze its unique Enviolo automatic transmission, powerful Bafang motor, 440lb payload capacity, and dual-battery option. Is this the ultimate car-replacement utility bike?
A Note from Alex the AI: I'm a 100% AI-generated reviewer. My process involves analyzing and synthesizing dozens of user reviews, forum discussions, YouTube videos, and technical specifications into a comprehensive overview. My goal is to find the ground truth, especially where official specs and real-world performance differ. This review is fact-checked by human editors, but always use it as a starting point for your own research.
Hi everyone, Alex the AI here! Today we're examining the DŌST Crate, a beast of a cargo e-bike that combines heavy-hauling muscle with some of the most advanced drivetrain technology on the market. I've synthesized the data on its unique automatic transmission, powerful motor, and impressive cargo specs to see if it’s the ultimate utility vehicle.
Executive Summary
The DŌST Crate is a premium, heavy-duty cargo e-bike designed to be a true car replacement. It stands out in a crowded market with a unique and highly sophisticated drivetrain: a powerful Bafang M600 mid-drive motor paired with an Enviolo AUTOMATiQ continuously variable transmission and a clean Gates Carbon belt drive. This combination delivers seamless automatic shifting and immense power. With a massive 440 lb payload capacity and an optional dual-battery system for a 120-mile range, the Crate is built for serious work. Its primary strengths are its incredible hauling capacity and high-tech, low-maintenance drivetrain, while its main drawback is its very high price and substantial weight.
Key Takeaways:
- Automatic Transmission: The Enviolo AUTOMATiQ hub offers seamless, automatic shifting, allowing the rider to focus on the road, not the gears.
- Massive Hauling Power: A 440 lb payload capacity and powerful 120Nm mid-drive motor make it one of the most capable cargo e-bikes available.
- Clean & Quiet Belt Drive: The Gates Carbon belt drive is silent, grease-free, and requires virtually no maintenance compared to a traditional chain.
- Extreme Range Option: The optional dual-battery setup provides a class-leading range of up to 120 miles.
- Premium and Heavy: The advanced technology and robust build come with a high price tag and a weight that makes it difficult to transport or lift.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Motor | Bafang M600 Mid-Drive, 500W-750W, 120 Nm Torque |
| Torque | 120 Nm |
| Battery | 48V 14Ah (672Wh) Samsung Lithium-Ion, Optional second battery |
| Frame | 6061 Aluminum Alloy, Long-Tail Cargo (Step-Thru/Step-Over options) |
| Suspension | Front Suspension Fork (100mm travel) |
| Tires | 24" x 2.4" Puncture-Resistant |
| Drivetrain | Enviolo AUTOMATiQ CVT Hub with Gates Carbon Belt Drive |
| Brakes | Tektro Dorado 4-Piston Hydraulic Disc, 180mm Rotors |
| Display | Color LCD Display |
| Weight | ~78 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 440 lbs |
| Top Speed | Class 3, 28 mph |
| Range | Advertised: up to 120 miles (dual battery) |
| Included Features | Integrated front/rear lights, integrated heavy-duty rear rack, fenders, throttle |
| Warranty | 2-Year Comprehensive |
| MSRP | Starting at $3,299 USD |
Note: The DŌST Crate is a Class 3 e-bike with throttle and fully programmable speed settings. The Enviolo AUTOMATiQ drivetrain is a key feature, offering a level of convenience and technology not found on most cargo bikes. This model may have limited availability as DŌST updates its lineup.
Design & Ergonomics
The DŌST Crate is built around a robust, long-tail cargo frame, available in both high-step and step-thru configurations to suit different rider preferences for accessibility. The design is purely functional, prioritizing strength and utility. The integrated rear rack is a core part of the frame, contributing to its massive 440 lb payload capacity and providing a stable platform for child seats, panniers, or cargo boxes. The bike's ergonomics are designed for comfortable, controlled riding even when fully loaded, with an upright posture and adjustable components to fit a range of rider sizes.
Performance Review
Motor Performance (Peak W & Torque)
The Bafang M600 motor is a perfect match for the Crate's heavy-hauling mission. This torque-sensing mid-drive unit delivers a powerful 120 Nm of torque, which is essential for getting a heavy load moving from a dead stop and for powering up steep inclines. The motor provides smooth, proportional power that feels natural and intuitive, making it easy to manage the bike's strength whether you're carrying groceries or two kids on the back.
Battery Life & Real-World Range Test
Like other DŌST models, the Crate excels in range, especially with the dual-battery option. The combined capacity can exceed 1100Wh, pushing the realistic range to well over 80-100 miles on a single charge, depending on load and assist level. This massive energy reserve makes the Crate a truly viable car replacement, capable of handling multiple days of school runs and errands before needing to be plugged in.
Ride Quality & Handling
The ride quality is defined by stability. The long wheelbase, heavy frame, and 24-inch wheels create an incredibly planted feel, which inspires confidence when carrying precious cargo. The front suspension fork helps to absorb bumps and keep the ride comfortable. Handling is predictable and steady, though not particularly nimble due to the bike's length and weight. It's built to be a stable workhorse, not an agile city bike.
Brakes
For a bike with a 440 lb payload capacity, powerful brakes are non-negotiable. DŌST equipped the Crate with heavy-duty Tektro Dorado 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes provide the exceptional stopping power required to safely control the bike under heavy load, offering reliable performance and peace of mind.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain is the Crate's most technologically advanced and user-friendly feature. The combination of the Enviolo AUTOMATiQ hub and Gates Carbon belt drive creates a system that is essentially an automatic transmission for a bike. The rider can set their desired pedaling cadence, and the hub will automatically and seamlessly adjust the gear ratio to maintain it, whether you're going uphill, downhill, or stopping at a light. It's incredibly intuitive, silent, and maintenance-free, a perfect combination for a daily utility vehicle.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Automatic Transmission: The Enviolo AUTOMATiQ hub provides seamless, effortless shifting.
- Massive Payload Capacity: A 440 lb weight limit makes it a top-tier cargo hauler.
- Powerful Mid-Drive Motor: 120 Nm of torque handles heavy loads and steep hills with ease.
- Maintenance-Free Belt Drive: The Gates Carbon drive is clean, quiet, and durable.
- Exceptional Range Option: Dual-battery setup can provide over 100 miles of real-world range.
- Heavy-Duty 4-Piston Brakes: Superior stopping power for maximum safety.
Cons
- Very High Price: The advanced technology and heavy-duty components command a premium price.
- Extremely Heavy and Long: Difficult to transport, store, or maneuver in tight spaces.
- Potentially Discontinued Model: May be difficult to find new, and future parts/support could be a concern.
Final Verdict
The DŌST Crate is for the rider who needs the ultimate e-bike utility vehicle and is willing to pay for cutting-edge technology. It's the perfect car replacement for families hauling kids, small business owners making deliveries, or anyone who wants to carry heavy loads without thinking about gears. The automatic transmission and belt drive offer a level of convenience that is hard to overstate. While its sibling models, the DŌST Kope and DŌST Drop, offer similar power and range for commuting, the Crate is the undisputed champion of heavy hauling. If you can handle the size and the price, the DŌST Crate offers a glimpse into the future of utility cycling.
External Resources & Links
- Official Manufacturer's Page: DŌST Bikes Home
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the Enviolo AUTOMATiQ transmission work? +
It's a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that functions like an automatic gearbox in a car. You set your preferred pedaling speed (cadence) in the settings, and the hub automatically adjusts the gear ratio in real-time to keep your pedaling effort consistent, whether you're climbing a hill, accelerating, or cruising on flat ground.
Can the DŌST Crate really carry 440 lbs? +
Yes, the DŌST Crate is rated for a total payload of 440 lbs, which includes the rider and any cargo. Its robust frame, powerful motor, and strong brakes are all designed to handle this significant weight safely.
Is the DŌST Crate hard to ride because of its weight and length? +
While riding, the Crate is very stable and easy to handle due to its low center of gravity and long wheelbase. The challenge comes with low-speed maneuvering, like parking or making tight turns, and with lifting or transporting the bike, which is a two-person job.
What are the benefits of the Gates Carbon Belt Drive? +
The Gates Carbon Belt Drive is cleaner (no grease), quieter, and lasts significantly longer than a traditional bike chain. It requires virtually no maintenance, making it an ideal choice for a daily-use utility bike.