According to Specialized’s safety notice, “The fork steerer tube on affected bikes may develop a small fatigue crack which depending on use could lead to a progressive failure of the fork, posing a fall hazard.” The notice applies to all Turbo Como SL 4.0 and 5.0 models with either belt or chain drives. Affected e-bikes were sold starting in 2021 and continuing up to the present.

Specialized is currently working with the CPSC to develop and implement a plan, with a solution expected in the next few weeks. Owners of affected e-bikes can check the recall notice page for updates and announcements. Specialized dealers will reach out to affected customers when a fix has been decided upon.

The bill is HB4007, which proposes a huge range of changes to Oregon law.

Currently, Class 1 e-bikes are treated like cars, so riders under 16 can’t operate or learn how to use them. The new bill would open access to Class 1 e-bikes for riders as young as 14, provided they wear a helmet. It also allows riders of all ages to ride Class 1 or 2 e-bikes while in safety classes. Otherwise, it enables riders 16 and older to operate Class 2 and 3 e-bikes.

HB4007 also creates a new class for “powered micromobility devices” that don’t fit cleanly into other categories (JackRabbit micro e-bikes, OneWheels, electric longboards, etc.) with a sub-100-lb weight and a maximum speed of 28 mph. It makes users of powered micromobility devices exempt from license and registration requirements and allows their use on bike paths or in bike lanes.

The bill punishes sellers of so-called “imposter vehicles” that are marketed as one type of micromobility device or EV while meeting the legal definition of another. For example, electric motorcycles without pedals are often sold as e-bikes, which must legally include operable pedals. It also makes it a violation to sell non-safety-certified and approved batteries. Those found in violation of the law could face fines up to $250.

Our Take:
Instead of the blanket approach that some states, such as New Jersey, have recently taken to regulate e-bikes, Oregon’s approach via HB4007 seems smart, targeted, and forward-thinking. We’ve always believed that proper education is a better approach than tighter restrictions, and the bill seems to encourage young riders to be informed about responsible e-bike use.

While a $250 fine seems like a relatively small penalty for companies selling intentionally mislabeled products or uncertified batteries, we also appreciate its approach to defining powered micromobility devices. These vehicles have largely occupied a legal grey area, so ensuring their operation in bike-friendly areas without registration is a welcome change.

Hyena’s recall affects the 20-mph FX+1 and 28-mph FX+1S models in both mid-step and stepover frame styles, as well as Townie Go! and Townie Go! S e-bikes. Faulty rear wheel bolts are the cause of the recall, as they may be affected by a phenomenon called hydrogen embrittlement.

This condition occurs when hydrogen atoms permeate the material, causing microscopic cracks and weakness. If affected, the bolts can break when too much torque is applied, which can result in the wheel coming off, potentially causing the rider to fall and become injured. According to the CPSC, 7 incidents have been reported with no injuries.

Affected bikes were sold only in the US and Canada prior to October 28th, 2025. If you own one of the models involved in the recall, stop riding it immediately and schedule a repair appointment with your local dealer. A technician will replace the bolts for free, and you will receive $10 of in-store credit toward Trek and Trek-owned merchandise.

If you’re not sure whether your bike is affected, you can reach out to your local dealer for more information.

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Rad Power Bikes has been sold following a small private auction held on January 22. Life Electric Vehicles Holdings (Life EV) submitted the winning bid at $13.2 million, with Retrospec listed as the $13 million backup bidder.

The sale follows Rad’s December 2025 Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, during which the company reported $32.1 million in assets against $72.8 million in liabilities.

The transaction still requires bankruptcy court approval, but is expected to close between February 13 and 27. Included in the sale are Rad’s remaining inventory, intellectual property, accounts receivable, company equipment, select contracts and leases, and the warranty obligations tied to those assets.

This marks Life EV’s second acquisition of a recognizable e-bike brand. The company previously purchased Serial 1, Harley-Davidson’s e-bike spinoff, in 2023.

Life EV’s website currently lists no in-stock e-bikes of its own, and the company has not yet disclosed its plans for the Rad product line or its future direction.

Our take:
We’re glad to see Rad continue under new ownership, even if the path forward isn’t fully defined. With nearly three-quarters of a million Rad bikes on the road, preserving the brand ultimately benefits the broader e-bike community. Rad’s story is also a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift. A few years ago the company had raised over $329 million and carried a valuation of $1.65 billion, only to be sold for $13.2 million in a few short years time.

There are examples of successful turnarounds in similar situations. They might not reach the same heights as before, but they move forward more positively than in their rockiest years nonetheless. Hopefully, Rad becomes one of them.

Representative Thomas Walsh of New Hampshire has introduced House Bill 1703, a proposal that would require annual registration for all bicycles—including e-bikes—used on public roads, paths, and trails. The registration would cost $50 per year. Riders who fail to register could face $100 citations for using public infrastructure without proper documentation.

Supporters of the bill argue that the fees would help fund transportation infrastructure, much as snowmobile and OHV products have. Local cycling advocates, however, warn that the administrative burden would be significant and costly, and that the measure could discourage people from using bicycles as transportation despite their environmental and health benefits.

Our Take:
This could get complicated fast. Requiring every bike—not just e-bikes—to register and pay an annual fee introduces logistical challenges that seem difficult to manage at scale. Maybe that’s easy to implement within retail locations, but imagine tracking every marketplace bike, beater bike, or garage find in the state and making sure those get registered, assuming you can get the public to be aware they’re legally supposed to. Then there’s the question of enforcement.

The bill will likely face a steep uphill climb. It’s hard to imagine many cyclists embracing the current language and there will likely be major pushback; it remains to be seen whether lawmakers will see it through as workable policy.

Velotric is gearing up to launch the latest evolution of its flagship Discover line, teasing a February 10th release date. This time, the brand isn’t unveiling just one bike but two: the Discover 3 and the Discover M, which is the brand’s first-ever mid-drive model.

The Discover 3 closely follows the design language of the Discover 2, retaining the 750W rear-hub motor, step-through frame, and adjustable stem. New additions include an air-suspension fork with 80mm of travel and a suspension seatpost, underscoring an even stronger focus on comfort.

The Discover M marks a major step for Velotric. It features a 500W mid-drive motor that peaks at 960W and delivers up to 130Nm of torque, paired with a 9-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain. A thumb throttle is included, and Velotric is quoting up to 95 miles of range.

Our Take:
We’ve had both models in testing for several weeks now. While we can’t share anything beyond what Velotric has publicly teased, we can say that our early impressions have been positive.

The Discover 3 feels like a thoughtful refinement of a bike that was already a bright spot in the industry, while the Discover M puts Velotric squarely into new territory—competing with more premium cruiser and commuter offerings. Full testing impressions and a complete review will go live in the coming days so stay tuned!

Two major riding destinations are expanding access for e-mountain bikers. Bend, Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest and the Lake Tahoe Basin have both approved Class 1 e-bike use on a combined 273 miles of singletrack.

In Bend, 161 miles of trail across five networks will open to pedal-assist eMTBs beginning April 1, 2026. Some winter restrictions will apply to protect wildlife habitats. To enable this change, the Deschutes National Forest reclassified the approved routes from non-motorized to motorized specifically for Class 1 e-bikes; all other motorized vehicles remain prohibited.

The Lake Tahoe Basin will allow Class 1 e-bikes on 112 miles of trail following an extensive environmental review. The rollout will include some new trail segments as well as strategic reroutes.

Our Take:
Over a year ago, the National Park Service noted that Class 1 e-bikes did not produce significantly more trail wear than traditional bikes, and shifted decisions to individual parks and land managers. Since then, we’ve seen access expand gradually, and the opening of two high-profile trail networks feels like further meaningful progress.

From Oregon to California, this is the kind of momentum eMTB riders have hoped for. Here’s hoping more land agencies continue to follow suit.

Rad Power Bikes announced an unexpected update to the RadWagon lineup this week—not a revision of the RadWagon 5, but an upgraded version of the RadWagon 4, now positioned as the mid-tier option in the family.

The refreshed model includes a larger 720Wh battery using Rad’s SafeShield technology, new hydraulic Gemma brakes, and an updated display with password protection for motor activation. Rad also added a new teal frame color.

Outside of those updates, the bike remains very similar in look and spec to the RadWagon 4. The new model is priced at $1,799, while the RadWagon 4 remains available at $1,299 and the RadWagon 5 at $2,399.

Our Take: Rad has been navigating a difficult stretch. The company recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy while seeking a buyer, and two additional retail locations closed last week, bringing the total store count down to seven.

This RadWagon update was almost certainly in development long before recent headlines, but Rad is seeing it through. Is it a sign of forward motion? Possibly. We hope so, but the timeline for finding a buyer is getting tight.

This is clearly a better bike than the RadWagon 4, but time will tell if people are willing to get it now or wait till Rad’s future is clearer.

Aventon has introduced an all-new Soltera—the Soltera 3 ADV—which is now the brand’s lightest e-bike at a reported 37 lbs. It features a singlespeed Gates belt drive, a 250W motor (500W peak), and a fully integrated 367Wh battery with a claimed range of up to 70 miles.

Other features include hydraulic disc brakes, integrated turn signals, four frame sizes, and three color options: Matte Storm Blue, Matte Midnight Black, and Sterling. Aventon is aiming for simplicity here, while breaking new ground with the lightweight frame design.

The bike is priced at $1,499.

Our Take: Nearly every major brand needs a lightweight entry, and this is a significant weight drop for Aventon—nine pounds lighter than the previous Soltera.

This model is tailored for casual riders, fitness-focused commuters, and cyclists who want something that still feels close to a traditional bike. The lack of a throttle and non-removable battery may deter some, but many will appreciate the 37 lb package and the more natural ride feel that comes with it.

Ananda—one of the world’s largest suppliers of e-bike electrical systems—has unveiled its new M7000 mid-drive platform, which brings several notable improvements for riders and manufacturers alike.

The new moors include:

• M7600: Designed for aggressive eMTB use with technical climbing in mind; delivers up to 120Nm of torque and 850W peak power—high numbers for a 36V system.
• M7200: Built for urban and trekking applications, offering 100Nm of torque and 650W peak power.
• M7100: An entry-level commuter option with 85Nm of torque and 600W peak power, aimed at high-volume city bike projects.

A key highlight for brands is shared architecture: all three motors use a universal mounting bracket and unified system integration. That means reduced development time, simplified project management, and a consistent ride feel across multiple models.

The platform ships as a complete system—including motor, battery, controller, sensors, display, and optional IoT—designed to function smoothly as a single package.

Our Take: Ananda is a giant in the e-bike ecosystem, even if most riders don’t recognize the name. They power a lot of the motors, controllers, and displays found across the industry.

The new M7000 line brings solid performance numbers and a far more streamlined path for brands to build on. If this reduces design bottlenecks and gets new models to market faster, that’s a win all around. We’re eager to see which bikes roll out with this next-gen system.

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