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Forrest Woolman

Product Reviewer, Content Writer

As an aspiring young writer, one of his first articles was about how he and other local kids built a 5-foot by 15-foot ramp for jumping their BMX bikes over a mud pit in his neighborhood. Forrest and his friends used the article to promote a competition event, where they sold front row seats — using borrowed beach chairs — at five cents a seat. In essence, Forrest earned his first writing gig before middle school. He continued to write in high school and college before settling in the business world, writing about more mundane topics like human resource data analysis and employee performance reviews. When the EBR team invited Forrest to join them, he was happy to incorporate his decades of bicycle and motorcycle experience in testing and writing about electric bicycles. Analyzing bikes from the perspective of a longtime rider, consumer and certified bicycle mechanic (trained by the United Bicycle Institute), Forrest gives his honest take on the pros and cons of the bikes he tests and writes about, so readers can get an accurate description before purchasing their e-bike.

Get to Know Forrest Woolman

Certifications

  • B.A. History, Political Science

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Fat Tire, Touring

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Juiced RipCurrent S, Zen Samurai

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Aventon Aventure, Pedego Element

Hobbies

In his spare time, he often rides with his wife, Vicki. And when he’s not on two wheels, he is usually hiking with dogs, playing drums, bass or keyboards, writing fiction, or planning the preparation and execution of becoming to ride an e-bike from Alaska to Argentina — viajes seguros!

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Forrest Woolman

Superhuman Bandit II E-Bike Review, 2024

The Superhuman Bandit II is a fun, great looking moped-style e-bike.

Superhuman Bandit II E-Bike Review 2024
The Superhuman Bandit II is a moped style e-bike with dual suspension that will grab the attention of moped fans looking for a smooth ride. With a coil spring rear mono-shock and an MXC hydraulic suspension fork, the Bandit II is comfortable AND comes at a great price (MSRP $1899). We kept that in mind as we dove into testing and started our Superhuman Bandit II Review, as this might be one of the only full suspension moped-style e-bikes on the market currently for that price.

With a low-mounted 840Wh battery, 750W motor, steel BMX handlebars, motorcycle style headlight and 24” long seat, there is a lot to like on the Bandit II. This is especially true for the cost-conscious rider when comparing this to something like a Super73, that starts around $3.5K for a full suspension model.

We recently got a hold of one of these Bandits and ran it through our exhausting string of performance tests and evaluations to see what really makes this bike tick, and whether or not riders like you would go for this bike. Is the Superhuman Bandit II a worthwhile e-bike for riders to plant their seat on? Keep on reading Electric Bike Report’s Supherhuman Bandit II review and you will find out.

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GoTrax F5 Review, 2024

Folding Frame, Low Cost Fat Tire Bike That’s Easy & Fun to Ride

GoTrax F5 Review 2024
The following review covers the GoTrax F5 folding frame electric bike. Folding frame e-bikes are a great solution for riders short on space for storing the bike at home, work or on trips. Folding and storing the F5 gives you an advantage many other e-bikes we’ve reviewed cannot give. We considered this in our evaluation. We also consider that its current selling price around the $1,000 range means this bike will also have limitations. And then sometimes there are pleasant surprises to be found at that low price as well.

You can find similarly priced entry-level folding e-bikes, but are they worth it? Some are better than others. Now enter the GoTrax F5, it’s a stable riding fat tire bike. New riders and folks who haven’t ridden in a while can appreciate how easy this bike rides as well.

We also liked how the F5 runs on a battery large enough to take its rider more than 50 miles on a single charge. That’s pretty impressive considering a lot of other folding e-bikes tap out at around 40 miles.

The bike parts are what you’d expect on a thousand dollar bike – maybe even a little better. They aren’t totally obscure brands or no-names which is nice to see. In that regard, it might even have exceeded our expectations, so the value is solid. A solid ride and good value for the money means it’s worth reading more to see if the GoTrax F5 has the features and performance you’re looking for.

[Read more…] about GoTrax F5 Review, 2024

KBO Oasis E-Bike Review, 2024

Stylish Look for Long Comfortable Rides, and at a Good Price Point

KBO Oasis Cruiser E-Bike Review 2024
The KBO Oasis is an entry-level cruiser electric bike that rides comfortably, looks stylish, and holds a big battery that can take you up to 55 miles on a single charge. The Oasis uses KBO’s own 500W motor that’s able to reach some decent speeds in PAS 3 and above. Currently price below $1200, it’s a cruiser option for people making their first splash on an e-bike.

Looking at this bike’s functionality, KBO offers the Oasis in two frame designs to accommodate rider heights: the High Step model (which we tested) for riders who are 6’ or taller, and the Step-Through model, for riders as short as 5’4”. Even though the frame designs are different, both bikes use the same components, so it should be fair to assume the step-through performs similarly to the high-step model.

With Oasis being an entry-level cruiser, one of our concerns is how well this bike will do, in the long term, needing additional service and repairs, because of its lower cost components. But this bike held up well on our tests, and that’s a good sign.

We recently tested and evaluated the Oasis on its performances in speed, range, stopping, climbing hills, and ride quality. We give a straightforward assessment that should answer all, or most, of the questions you have about its suitability. After reading this review, you should have a pretty good idea of how this bike rides and whether or not it’s a bike that can meet your expectations.

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iGo Discovery Rosemont LS Review, 2024

An Energy Efficient Mid-Drive Commuter e-Bike for Loooooooooong Rides and Smooth Pedal Power

iGo Discovery Rosemont LS Review 2024
Commuter riders craving more consistent motor output and a more natural pedaling experience will like riding the iGO Discovery Rosemont LS, with its mid-drive motor delivering the right power when you need it. The review team at Electric Bike Report also liked how this lets the battery deliver more range, enough to take riders up to 100 miles (seriously!) between charges. We talk about how in this iGO Discovery Rosemont LS review!

Along with its stellar mid-drive motor and frame-integrated battery, the Discovery Rosemont LS also sports good looks, starting with its handcrafted alloy frame, whitewall 27.5” x 2.4” tires, sturdy suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and hardy rear rack – this bike carries a lot of eye and spec appeal.

But does this bike really deliver on performance and overall value? In our iGO Discovery Rosemont LS review, we’ll dig deep and uncover the details and what makes this bike tick, and help you figure out if this is the right bike for you.

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Juiced RipCurrent S Review, 2024

A Bike That Lives Up To Its Name: This Popular Sport-Utility E-Bike is a Speedy & Fun Ride

Juiced RipCurrent S Review 2024
You’ve probably seen some Juiced e-bikes riding around you. Often times you have to squint to see them; Juiced bikes are known for moving so quickly that the branding may appear to blur a little. And that was a theme throughout our review of the Juiced RipCurrent S – a bike that got up to and held speed well.

This durable all-terrain bike combines a powerful 1000-watt motor, with air fork suspension, and a 19.2 Ah battery that can take you 70+ miles (we almost reached 90 miles on one of our rides!). Among the noteworthy features is the torque sensor that helps the hub drive motor deliver the power you need, when you need it. It also helps the battery economize for greater mileage, so instead of wasting energy you’re using it more efficiently.

Not only is the RipCurrent S an real eye-opener with its features and performance, but it’s also surprising many with its price (check our link for the up-to-date amount). This is a bike that can give you a lot in performance and value without taking a lot from your wallet. You get the speed, distance and handling you’ve been looking for without the sacrifice of paying a higher price, which is a huge draw of the RipCurrent S.

To reach this price point, Juiced included some off-brand components, like the suspension, gearing and brakes, to keep the price down, but all while still giving you a good ride. In our performance review of the Juiced Ripcurrent S we’ll show you how well their parts pairing worked in producing an all-terrain e-bike that is a lot of fun to ride.

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Denago Cruiser 1 Step-Thru Review, 2024

An ultra-affordable cruiser that uses simple design for classic look with easy-to-ride appeal

Denago Cruiser 1 Review 2024
There was something rather refreshing about the Dengao Cruiser 1 Step-Thru we were sent in to review. Cruiser electric bikes tend to be heavier and cost more than comparable urban bikes, which begs the question: where do you find a cruiser that’s lighter and costs less? Well, Denago was aiming to provide one with their Cruiser 1 ST, a classic looking electric bike based on a simple design and a scaled down collection of components that keep this bike’s price competitive at just over $1000.

One of the keys to this bike’s appeal is its simplicity. Cruisers, by nature, are designed to provide riders comfort and ease in controlling the bike so they can focus. And a simple design means fewer parts to maintain and service.

Denago skipped on over-the-top frills that require more maintenance and adjusting not only to keep the price down but to also align with cruising’s “keep it simple” motto. If you’re someone who just wants to ride, and not worry about technical stuff, then the Cruiser 1 probably fits your riding style.

Along with a simple design, the Cruiser 1 has an attractive look, too. The overall design carries the quintessential look of cruisers from the past. However, the Cruiser 1 Step-Thru is not just about good looks and leisurely ride, we’ll cover the important parts to consider – performance and quality – in the our in-depth Denago Cruiser 1 ST review below.

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Magnum Pilot Review, 2024

A Bike That Looks Classy, Gives Balanced Motor Engagement and a Comfortable Ride

Magnum Pilot Review 2024
Billed as a touring bike, the Magnum Pilot merges the quality ride features of a commuter e-bike with the comfort features of a cruiser e-bike. Taking a hybrid approach, Magnum blended features like fat 26” x 3” tires, comfy Selle Royal Freeway seat and upright posture, with a workhorse mid-drive motor, suspension, and a battery that can take you far.

Powered by the Ananda 500-watt mid-drive motor that generates 135 Newton meters of torque, the Pilot can take you up steep hills and down busy boulevards. It uses a torque sensor to help economize energy consumption, so you can ride further between battery charges.

The frame integrated removable lithium ion battery has a 15 amp-hour capacity and carried our test rider well beyond the 50-mile range we were anticipating. Sporting its stylish step-through design and classic white wall tires, the Pilot utilizes broad 10-speed gearing that can help you get in the right speed, whether you’re riding through town, or to the next town over. Our Magnum Pilot review will cover the key details, along with the results from our performance tests to help you find out if this bike has what you’re looking for.

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Ride1UP Prodigy Review, 2024 | XC Variant with an Appetite for Dirt Roads

Style, Looks, and Quality for Riding in the City and Off-road

Ride1UP Prodigy Review 2024
In this review for the Ride 1Up Prodigy e-bike, we cover all the important parts that make this a great lightweight, long range, quality built, all-terrain e-bike, at an affordable price. The highlight features of our XC variant include an energy efficient motor that delivers the right power when you need it, good off-road tires, front fork suspension, and an overall design that will appeal to a large number of riders. Combined with its sturdy build, practical design and rider-friendly components, the Prodigy also looks sharply stylish wherever you ride to.

As you go through this Ride1UP Prodigy review it’s worth pointing out that our XC model comes standard with a few different specs than what you’d find on the XR or ST models, and this one will largely be better suited for lighter dirt trail riding where the others are more paved path-friendly. At any rate, keep reading and find out how this e-bike delivers on many fronts.

*Looking for the latest on the Prodigy? Check out the Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX review.

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Mokwheel Basalt ST Review, 2024

Built To Roam Most Places and Power Almost Anything Electric Thanks To Unique Accessories

Mokwheel Basalt ST Review 2024
How do you make a fat tire e-bike standout in a pretty crowded market? A bright splash of color helps, make it fast as a bullet and you’ll be sure to get noticed too, and round it off with the promise of accessories that enable you to use the sun to power the bike, or have the bike power up most of your electronics too. Yup, that’ll help it standout! In our review of Mokwheel’s newest iteration of its fat tire Basalt Step Through (ST), we cover this e-bike’s performance and cover all its best features.

The Basalt ST has all the hallmark traits of the Basalt high step model we reviewed, with the added bonus of being easier to get on ride without a top-tube. Shorter riders, or folks who don’t love swinging a leg over a bike in general will appreciate the ST frame here.

Mokwheel’s Basalt line is known for the massive batteries that lend many miles to a speedy motor. This bike has a torque sensor for splitting the work difference better with the rider, but it’s still the type of bike that’ll happily do all the work for you if that’s your preference.

Thanks to the large 26″ X 4″ fat tires, and just enough comfort features and adaptability for different riders, the Basalt ST can dominate the roads or the dusty trails alike. But if you spring for the optional power inverter and solar panels, it can become you’re roving power plant that charges all manner of electronics via that big ball of burning gas in the sky. It becomes enticing and easy to imagine some camping trips with, doesn’t it?

Overall the bike is a solid value and left us with a lasting impression. It isn’t without a couple of drawbacks, but the Basalt ST overall is a bike worth a further look into if you’re on the hunt for something that’s burlier and ready to go fast. For all the details, continue on in our Mokwheel Basalt Step-Through review.

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Murf Higgs Step-Thru Review, 2024

Murf Higgs ST Review 2024
What you’ll find in this Murf Higgs Step-thru review is a bike that is angling to be the utility e-bike shorter riders have been waiting for. If you want an uncomplicated ride with enough performance to help you get out and enjoy fresh air more, the Higgs Step-thru aims to please.

A 15.5” stand over height on burly 20″ X 4″ tires make this easy ride for shorter riders, but it scales up decently for taller riders who want a more compact bike to hit the throttle on.

The Higgs ST is one of the newer members of the Murf e-bike family, but don’t let it’s smaller size fool you. It delivers quick acceleration, better-than-expected range and it’s easy to maneuver, confirming it’s no spruced up kids’ bike with its adult-sized power.

Cranking out impressive speed and acceleration, the 500-watt motor runs on a 52-volt system that makes for a fun ride while producing good efficiency in the range department.

It sports a utilitarian role as it’s designed with carrying plenty of gear in mind. It has a hauling capacity of 100 lbs on its rear rack – nearly two times greater than the average we find on most e-bikes, thanks to its frame-welded rear rack. So not only does this bike give you fun, it also gives you a break from having to use a car for shopping and running errands, or for loading up for a day at the beach.

This Murf Higgs Step-through felt like a a good overall emblem for what Murf describes as its roots as a company; It’s a chill ride meant to make going about your daily activities easier and more enjoyable. It isn’t overly sophisticated, but it’s flexible enough for your needs and easy to operate so you can enjoy just hopping on, hitting the throttle and going. Simplification can come with some drawbacks, and the Murf Higgs Step-thru has one or two of those, but those will lie in the eye of the beholder and how they want to ride it.

For all our thoughts and performance results read through the rest of our Murf Higgs Step-thru review.

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