Trump Administration Sued Over Tariffs, What E-Bikes For A College Student, What’s The Deal With Frame Flex? | TWR Ep 27

North America’s largest cycling expo featured numerous new bikes from major players in the e-bike industry.

Aventon teased not one, but two new Aventure models. The Aventure 3 will receive the same makeover that came to the Level, Pace, and Abound earlier this year with their new 4 G-connected ACU control unit with motor tuning and security features, as well as a shift to gravity case frames, geometry tweaks, a suspension seatpost and more.

The mid-drive borrows the Ramblas’ A100 motor with 250W of nominal power *750W peak) and 100Nm of torque. It also includes the Shimano CUES drivetrain, electronic shifting that autoshifts, auto PAS modes, and more.

Finally, a prototype full-suspension Ramblas was shown with a carbon front triangle, an integrated top tube display, and a full RockShox suspension system.

Other highlights include:

Our full Sea Otter recap video will be out soon.

​Terry Precision Cycling, an apparel company specializing in women’s cycling apparel, is among five small businesses suing the Trump administration over recent tariff increases.

The lawsuit argues that the administration lacks the legal authority to impose these tariffs unilaterally without declaring a national emergency, as required by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The plaintiffs argue that the justification of a trade deficit does not constitute such an emergency and that the abrupt implementation of tariffs, up to 145% increases, without notice or public comment, severely disrupts their operations.

Terry’s President, Nik Holm, emphasized that these tariffs threaten the company’s survival, and that shifting production back to the U.S. would require consistent government policies and access to raw materials that are not subject to high tariffs. The lawsuit seeks damages for tariffs already paid and challenges the administration’s authority to impose tariffs.

Our Take: We’ve consistently expressed our opposition to these tariffs, believing they are detrimental to the industry. This lawsuit shows the uncertainty and unpredictability brands are currently facing. The on-again, off-again nature of tariff implementations forces many companies to adopt a day-by-day approach, which is unsustainable in the long term.

While we’re more in favor of lowering or eliminating the new tariffs, finalizing tariff policies, regardless of their specifics, is crucial for brands like Terry and others to operate effectively and plan for the future.

Back in December 2024, California had an e-bike voucher program that helped 1,500 qualified applicants receive financial aid for e-bike purchase. The state is offering another round of vouchers to 1,000 applicants, each worth up to $2,000 towards the purchase of a new e-bike.

Major qualifications include:

Our Take: Programs like this are great for helping families in need and for reshaping the transportation habits of a local population. They are also popular and move quickly, so those interested will want to be in the online waiting room promptly.

A new bill from California Senator Brian Jones aims to clarify confusion surrounding high-powered, electric, pedal-less two-wheelers—often referred to as “Sur Ron-style” e-bikes. The term stuck from the popular brand, but applies to many different brands and products. These vehicles blur the line between e-bikes and electric dirt bikes, yet many have been seen operating in bike lanes, on sidewalks, and in other areas they weren’t designed for.

The proposed legislation introduces new requirements, including licensing, helmet use, and designated zones for where these vehicles can and cannot be used. It also seeks to officially adopt the term “eMotos” to differentiate them from standard e-bikes better.

Our Take: We’re in favor of common-sense legislation, and this feels like a step in the right direction. There’s been growing confusion around what these vehicles are, and many riders, especially teens, have been using them alongside traditional cyclists despite their higher speed, weight, and power. It’s time we give these vehicles their own clear category to help keep all road and trail users safer.