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Griffin Hales

Senior Writer | Edtior

Like most of you, I turned 16, got a driver’s license, and spent more time on four wheels than two. I got into e-bikes shortly before their boom years back in 2019. From my first ride - when I really saw what an electric motor could do for bikes - I was happily back on two wheels as often as possible! Since joining Electric Bike Report I’ve tested and ridden over 300 different e-bike models, logged thousands of miles of riding, and have had the privilege of riding and working with people from all over the industry. I’ve traveled to tradeshows and expos, corporate headquarters, and local bike shops talking with and learning from passionate people in all corners of the industry. My favorite part of working for EBR is being known as “the e-bike guy” by my neighbors, family, and friends and geeking out and talking about all the cool things in the e-bike world with them!

Get to Know Griffin Hales

Certifications

  • B.S. Business Administration; Emphasis in Marketing

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Fat Tire, Commuter/Touring, Moped/Moto

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Aventon Aventure.2 ST, Evelo Atlas, Ride1UP Prodigy V2

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Trek Rain 9.8, Ride1UP Prodigy V2, Aventon Pace 500.3, Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 IGH, Globe Haul ST

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Ride1Up Roadster V3

Hobbies

Watching trash TV with my wife (the secret to a strong marriage), doing anything and everything with my kids and dogs, playing basketball, watching the NBA and NFL, learning all I can about tech, learning to cook new recipes, and scoping out the best new food places.

Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

Griffin Hales

Lectric XPeak 2.0 Review | The Fat Tire Value King?

The XPeak 2.0 has an impressive blend of performance and versatility; the value of the ride is hard to match.

Fat tire e-bikes are coveted for their power and versatility. Their wide tires make for comfortable riding on paved roads and add a bit of a wild side, as the chunkier tread pattern and broader surface area help you navigate rough or loose terrain without sliding around or losing control.

Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 delivers all the hallmarks of a good fat-tire bike but manages to put its own unique spin on the experience while also offering better features than you’d expect at its price point.

The motor experience is a standout. The XPeak 2.0 has plenty of power, but its unique delivery, thanks to the brand’s in-house torque sensor, is what truly sets it apart. Even a light turn of the cranks moves you along with ease, but the bike rewards harder pedaling with more power. It creates a relaxed, natural ride feel even at low power levels, making this 80+ pound bike surprisingly easy to maneuver.

Many of the 2.0’s upgrades improved its handling. The XPeak’s frame feels stiff and superbly confidence-inspiring, while its drivetrain, handlebars, and tires work together to help you climb hills, navigate turns, and ride comfortably. The brakes offer better value and performance than before, and nice quality-of-life improvements like a sharper aesthetic and a color display are much appreciated.

The XPeak 2.0 handles both paved and unpaved roads well, making it a reliable choice for daily commuting or exploring.

When you stack its spec sheet against the competition, anything that matches it spec-for-spec typically costs hundreds more, making the XPeak 2.0’s value hard to ignore.

Its shortcomings are typical for such an affordable ride: sizing covers most riders but is somewhat limited, and while other Lectric models offer color options, this one locks you into either white or black (depending on whether you choose the step-thru or high-step model).

Even so, these minor drawbacks don’t take away from what the XPeak 2.0 offers. It’s fun to ride, loaded with features, priced lower than most competitors, and performed great throughout our testing. For all the details, see the full testing breakdown below.

[Read more…] about Lectric XPeak 2.0 Review | The Fat Tire Value King?

Innovations at Bentonville Bike Fest, New Turbo Levo Alloy, Revel Bikes is Back | TWR Ep 33

Plus The Fat Tire E-Bike With The Best Torque Sensor, Sporty Rides For Bigger Riders, E-Bike Vs E-Moped & More!

This week’s e-bike news brings a wave of new releases and one welcome comeback story. At the Bentonville Bike Fest, several notable brands showed off their latest gear, but what stood out were the displays from newer and emerging companies. Many brought fresh innovations, whether in bikes, components, or supporting infrastructure.

Specialized has already launched the Gen 4 Turbo Levo lineup, but more budget-friendly aluminum models are now hitting the market. These retain many of the same internal components as their pricier carbon counterparts, offering riders a powerful, big-battery all-mountain rig at a significantly lower starting price.

And in a positive twist after a string of brand closures, Revel Bikes is making a return, now back in the hands of its original founder Adam Miller who plans on reshaping the team and returning the brand back to its roots.

[Read more…] about Innovations at Bentonville Bike Fest, New Turbo Levo Alloy, Revel Bikes is Back | TWR Ep 33

Electra Townie Go! First Take Review

The refreshed Townie Go! adds sleek styling, modern tech, and a throttle for the first time.

Electra Townie Go! First Take Review

The Electra Townie Go! just got a makeover, and it’s not just looking sharper—it’s smarter too. For the first time ever, this beloved cruiser adds throttle functionality, making it easier to start from a stop, recover if you left it in too high of a gear, or just take a break and let the motor do the work.

The modern updates go beyond the throttle. The new frame design is sleek and still prioritizes comfort, thanks to Electra’s Flat Foot Technology. The geometry allows riders to put their feet flat on the ground when stopped, while still getting proper leg extension while pedaling—a signature feature that delivers confidence and comfort.

The Townie Go! comes equipped with a 500W rear hub motor, a fully integrated 520Wh battery, and a wall-mounted charger that looks like it could juice up a Tesla (don’t try it—it won’t). Other standout features include a full-color display, a heavy-duty rear rack, and an integrated Quad Lock stem mount for your phone.

At $1,999, it’s priced more competitively than some past Townie models, making it a stronger rival to today’s crop of value-focused e-bike brands.

Himiway C3 Cargo E-Bike Spec Review

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Electra Townie Go! Motor & Battery: Cruiser Power with a Punch

By cruiser standards, the new Townie Go! packs serious pep. The 500W rear hub motor delivers 60Nm of torque—more than what you’ll find on many laid-back beach bikes. Electra leans into real-world performance with a torque sensor that reads how hard you’re pedaling and adjusts motor output accordingly. It’s a natural-feeling assist that’s beginner-friendly but still packs a punch.

The 520Wh battery is UL-certified and thoughtfully paired with the motor, delivering a claimed 50-mile range. That’s right in line with what we’d expect from this setup.

The new EasyMag charger is another highlight. The magnetic quick-connect makes charging simple and safe—it’ll detach harmlessly if tripped over. LED indicators let you check charging status at a glance, and the compact design makes it easy to toss in a bag if you need to charge on the go.

The Townie Go! comes in two versions: the standard model (20 mph top speed) and the Townie Go! S (28 mph). Note that the S version isn’t available in California due to recent throttle regulations.

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Trek EasyMag Charger

Additional Features & Accessories

Electra didn’t skimp on the rest of the build either. The full-color display gives riders real-time ride metrics. Hydraulic disc brakes provide solid stopping power, and integrated lighting includes both brake lights and turn signals—great for safety and visibility.

The included MIK HD rear rack can carry up to 60 pounds, making it compatible with kid seats, pet carriers, and cargo accessories.

A final standout: the integrated Quad Lock mount on the stem. Pair it with a compatible phone case to securely attach your device and access the Trek Central App for navigation, advanced metrics, and bike settings.

The bike has a nice mix of comfort, practicality, and fun from a looks standpoint, and time will tell soon when we get our test model in over the coming weeks how it’ll do performance-wise.

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Trek FX+1 First Take Review | A New Chapter for Trek

A throttle and a $2K price point? Trek just fired a shot across the bow of new-age e-bike brands. With a combination of crowd-pleasing features and serious name recognition, the FX+1 offers what people have been asking for from legacy brands.

Trek FX+1 First Take Review

Even one of the world’s biggest cycling brands still has new ground to break. Trek’s latest release, the FX+1, marks a first: the addition of a throttle. And at a launch price of $1,999, this is the kind of price we’re used to seeing on clearance—not on debut.

Throttle-enabled e-bikes aren’t new, but legacy brands have largely been slow to adopt the feature. So this move by Trek, especially at such a competitive price, feels like a clear message to newer brands like Aventon, Lectric, Ride1Up, and others that have filled this market demand in recent years.

Trek has kept what’s worked in the FX series: a lightweight aluminum frame, well-balanced geometry for a nimble ride, and a motor that’s setup to deliver a precise experience—not overpowering the ride. Now with a throttle, you get more flexibility for how you ride—whether it’s to help start from a stop, assist on hills, or just take a break and cruise.

Other highlights include a color display, integrated brake lights and turn signals, a detailed Trek Central app for advanced ride metrics and navigation, and a standout charging setup with a magnetic charger and wall-mountable unit featuring status LEDs—it looks more like an EV charger than a traditional bike plug.

The Trek FX+ 1 comes in both mid-step and high-step frames, 20 or 28 mph top speed variants (for California compliance), and a variety of colors depending on which frame you pick—the FX+1 brings a lot to the table. At this price, it’ll be interesting to see how it stacks up against the younger, value-focused brands.

Himiway C3 Cargo E-Bike Spec Review

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Trek FX+1 First Take Review

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Trek FX+1 Motor & Battery: Plenty of Power and Charging Tech That Excites

The FX+1 promises to be one of the most powerful models in the FX family to date. Its 500W Hyena rear hub motor delivers 60Nm of torque—higher output than both the FX+ 2 and FX+ 7. While the FX+2 focused on ultra-natural, lightweight assistance, and the FX+7 used a mid-drive setup (which makes direct comparisons tricky), the FX+1 looks poised to deliver a stronger, ‘easier’ ride.

The motor pairs with a torque sensor to provide a smoother, more intuitive experience. Rather than simply detecting pedaling like a cadence sensor, this setup adjusts power dynamically based on how hard you’re pushing on the pedals. So it’ll keep things fairly natural, but there seems to be an emphasis on approachability and the option to get extra power when needed (hence the throttle).

Powering the motor is a 520Wh integrated downtube battery. It’s not designed for easy removal (dealers can remove it, but it’s not user-friendly for daily charging off the bike), which is a bit of a letdown. Still, with a Trek-quoted range of up to 50 miles, it should hold up well for most commutes and casual rides.

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Trek EasyMag Charger

Trek is also introducing a new EasyMag charger. It uses a magnetic connector to reduce trip hazards and protect both rider and equipment—something anyone who’s ever tripped over a charging cable will appreciate. The charger can be wall-mounted and features a glowing LED ring that shows charge status at a glance. It gives off electric car vibes in all the best ways, but it’s still designed to be portable and easily detached from the wall mount.

Lastly, the Trek Central app ties the motor and battery systems together. You can tune motor output, estimate throttle and assist range, and even activate a long-term storage mode to help protect battery health during off-seasons.

Trek FX Plus 1 Display

Trek FX+ 1: The Rest of the Spec

This may be one of Trek’s most affordable e-bikes ever, but it still offers a robust spec sheet.

The drivetrain features a Shimano mixed setup with a 40t chainring and an 11-45t 8-speed cassette, offering a wide 410% gear range. That means solid climbing capability and enough speed without ghost pedaling—especially important considering the torque sensor.

Braking is handled by Rush 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes on 180mm rotors. Given the bike’s light 48 lb weight, some brands might have opted for mechanicals here, but we’re glad Trek didn’t. We’re strong advocates of hydraulic brakes on nearly all e-bikes, and their inclusion here is a win.

Lighting and visibility features are another strong point. A 180-lumen headlight with side-view channels improves visibility, and the seatpost-mounted taillight includes brake light and turn signal functions. There are also mounts for fenders and a rear rack, with compatibility for Trek’s bag and gear accessories.

The FX+1 includes a color display for quick access to metrics and power level adjustments. Tires are Trek’s Bontrager GR0 Comp in 650x50mm—essentially a hybrid gravel tire with a smooth center tread for efficiency and knobbier shoulders for grip on loose surfaces.

The setup would be passable for light gravel, but it’s clearly optimized for paved commuting and leisure rides.

Trek FX Plus 1 Throttle

Burning Questions We Want Answered

There’s plenty we’re excited to test. Our review unit is on the way, and we’ll be diving into performance soon and we’ll be eager to see how it handles.

Trek has subtly shifted its tone in marketing the FX+1. Historically, it emphasized natural-feeling rides despite motor assistance. This time, the language leans more into making rides easier. Will this feel noticeably more peppy? There’s enough muscle in the motor for it anyway. We’ll find out soon.

The FX+1 is also heavier than previous FX models. While we trust Trek’s geometry and ride feel, we’re curious to see how the added weight affects handling.

And then there’s the broader, long-term industry question: how will the competition react? A throttle and $2K MSRP aren’t new—but when they’re coming from a powerhouse like Trek, it’s a different ballgame.

Specialized made a similar move with the Globe Haul ST—offering a hub drive and optional throttle—but it leaned more into utility-focused styling and launched closer to $3K.

Trek making a classic bike frame and stepping into the $2K space—long dominated by brands that weren’t on most consumers’ maps 10 years ago—could mark a major shift. Will other legacy players follow? How will Aventon, Ride1Up, and Lectric respond?

We’ll be digging into all of this in our full FX+1 review. Got questions you want us to answer? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll tackle them in the full review coming soon.

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90 Day Tariff Relief Not Enough For The Bike Industry, Ananda Wins China Cycle Innovation Award | TWR Ep 31

Plus Radster Trail Vs Aventure 3, Is A Wal-Mart E-Bike A Worthwhile Buy, Handlebar Mirror Recommendations, and More!

In a fairly slow week of e-bike news, the biggest headline was a national announcement that the U.S. has entered a 90-day agreement with China to reduce tariffs. The cuts are significant on both sides, offering some relief to an industry that’s seen near-weekly brand closures. Still, many companies remain under pressure, as several key tariffs that impact the cycling sector are still in effect, and meaningful relief can’t come soon enough.

Elsewhere, China Cycle wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, and Ananda took home an award for its integrated motor and gearing system. Unlike popular mid-drive gearboxes like the MGU, Ananda’s setup uses a hub motor, making the accomplishment notably different.

This week’s questions include a head-to-head look at the Rad Power Bikes Radster Trail vs. the Aventon Aventure 3, whether a cheap Walmart e-bike is worth considering, and a closer look at cycling mirrors to help keep you safe on the road.

[Read more…] about 90 Day Tariff Relief Not Enough For The Bike Industry, Ananda Wins China Cycle Innovation Award | TWR Ep 31

Ride1Up Roadster V3 Review | Light, Nimble, and Surprising

This Light And Sleek City E-Bike Exceeds Expectations At Nearly Every Turn.

Ride1Up Roadster V3 Review

Ride1Up made its name by delivering e-bikes with parts and performance a step or two above the average of bikes with similar price tags. Now, with the Roadster V3, Ride1Up has expanded the versatility of its city bike model while still equipping the ride with more premium parts than you’d expect, given its cost.

The Roadster V3 is a dream for active cyclists. It’s subtle and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 44 lbs. This e-bike’s main appeal is how it enhances your pedaling power without overshadowing your effort or taking over the ride entirely. It’s the ideal partner for riders who want a natural-feeling boost, not a complete takeover.

It’s also extremely nimble on the roads and moves with a purpose. The handling is crisp, from the fully rigid frame that gives it a stiff build to the narrow handlebar that helps you dart quickly from side to side. Our test model also included a rangey 9-speed cassette that helps you find ideal gearing for moving swiftly on flats or up a climb.

In the past, one of my few criticisms of Ride1Up e-bikes was their limited sizing options. With the Roadster V3, that’s no longer an issue. This model comes in three frame sizes (including a mid-step option), two drivetrain configurations, and two color choices. For a direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand, this increased customization is a welcome change, making it easier for riders to find a comfortable fit without driving up costs.

Compared to the previous version, the Roadster V2, the upgrades are clear and meaningful. The motor is more powerful, the battery is now removable, and riders can opt for a single-speed belt drive if they prefer. The 10-speed drivetrain, however, offers incredible value for a Class 3-capable bike. The gravel-friendly tires add versatility, and with a simple Schrader valve swap, they can run tubeless.

While it’s not a flawless e-bike, the few minor issues I encountered were easy to address in minutes. For an affordably priced city e-bike, the Roadster V3 is another standout addition to Ride1Up’s lineup—a versatile, high-quality ride that’s hard to beat.

[Read more…] about Ride1Up Roadster V3 Review | Light, Nimble, and Surprising

Lectric XPedition 2.0 Review | Can Budget Beat the Rest?

Lectric’s new-and-improved cargo bike has better looks, more features, and the same great performance for a ridiculously low price.

Lectric XPedition 2.0 Review

Cargo e-bikes offer a healthy, active method of running errands and spending more time with the family, but their cost can be prohibitive. In an era when the cost of everything is high and seemingly always rising, purchasing an e-bike—plus all the accessories needed to haul kids and cargo—may simply not be an option for many families.

Lectric, a brand known for its affordable and highly portable folding e-bikes, set out to make owning an electric cargo bike attainable for the average family with the first-generation XPedition a couple of years ago. The bike had a high weight capacity and a low price that made it appealing, but it was otherwise relatively spartan.

Now, the redesigned XPedition 2.0 boasts an even more reinforced frame, a more refined aesthetic, new programming, and a boatload of additional features—all starting at the same entry-level price below $1,500.

The base model is well-equipped with a capable 750W rear hub motor, an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, and integrated lights and turn signals. It also includes a 624-watt-hour (Wh) battery with an estimated range of 60 miles and basic passenger accessories such as seat pads and footboards.

Lectric also offers two upgrade levels: a mid-tier option with two 624-Wh batteries and a high-end long-range model with two 840-Wh batteries. These options include even more accessories and are advertised to achieve up to 120 and 170 miles of range, respectively—and all three options share a total payload capacity of 450 lbs!

Range is just one aspect of the XPedition 2.0’s performance we tested while reviewing the bike. See below to see how this cranked-up cargo hauler compares to the competition!

[Read more…] about Lectric XPedition 2.0 Review | Can Budget Beat the Rest?

Bosch Unveils CX-R Race Motor, Adds OTA Power Boost to Gen 5 CX Motors

Bosch is rolling out major upgrades: a new Performance Line CX-R motor with Race-specific tuning and hardware, and a free over-the-air update for existing Gen 5 CX motor users that boosts power output.

Bosch Unveils CX-R Race Motor, Adds OTA Power Boost to Gen 5 CX Motors

Bosch eBike Systems made a plethora of announcements including new products headlined by the Performance Line CX-R race motor with premium construction materials, and new riding modes that will take advantage of a 400% boost to rider’s efforts with 750W of power and 100Nm of torque.

Bosch also showed off the Kiox 400C top tube display (which is an upgrade option available for many existing CX Gen 5 owners), and announced a forthcoming OTA update in July for current Perfomance Line CX riders that will increase the current 600W and 85Nm of torque to the same top levels of the Race motor, but will not have the new riding modes.

[Read more…] about Bosch Unveils CX-R Race Motor, Adds OTA Power Boost to Gen 5 CX Motors

Lectric XP 4 (750 Watt) Review | The Bar Has Been Raised

The Lectric XP 4 is versatile, fun, and delivers performance and quality well above what you’d expect for its price point. The upgraded motor and battery model offer a performance boost for those seeking additional power.

Lectric XP 4 (750 Watt) Review

Redefining expectations is no small accomplishment, but that’s exactly what Lectric’s original XP did—showing just how much $999 could get you in the world of e-bikes. The XP series built its reputation by packing in more features, versatility, and value than expected for a grand, and Lectric has been building on that formula ever since (while keeping the same starting price).

Now in its fourth iteration, the XP raises the bar yet again with smart upgrades, sharper looks, better ride quality, and—for the first time—the option to upgrade the motor and battery, like with the Lectric XP 4 750W model I’ve been riding for the past several weeks.

This XP 4 750W’s Stealth M24 motor packs a serious punch and feels intuitive to ride thanks to its easy-to-use torque sensor. For only a few hundred dollars more, you get 50% more nominal power and a 67% larger battery compared to the standard model, along with a premium headlight and a suspension seatpost. The battery capacity upgrade alone could easily justify the extra cost, making the total value exceptional.

The XP 4 750W dominated many of our testing categories and was simply a blast to ride. Power is readily available, handling feels easy, and the overall experience is far from “budget” when you’re out on the road.

The bike has a relaxed, accommodating ride that suits a wide range of rider sizes, and it packs enough utility for everything from joyrides to exploration to daily commuting. Visually, the XP series has never looked better: the XP 4 offers color options, a sleeker design, and more visible safety features, including built-in lighting and turn signals. It even debuts its own signature line of brakes made by Star Union, which—spoiler alert—delivered some all-time performance in our testing.

It’s a bit heavy, so moving it around while folded takes some effort. But given how much the XP 4 can do—and how small it folds down—it remains a highly impressive package overall.

The XP 4 is positioned as one of the best bang-for-your-buck e-bikes on the market. But is the 750W upgrade worth the extra investment? Read our full review to find out

[Read more…] about Lectric XP 4 (750 Watt) Review | The Bar Has Been Raised

Best Electric Cargo Bikes 2025 | Twelve Top Cargo Haulers

Best Cargo E-Bikes of 2025

Cargo bikes have been in use since the 19th century when tradesmen used them to deliver and transport their goods around Holland. These tradesmen must have been on to something because the idea stuck!

Electric cargo bikes may look a bit different from those early models, but their motors make them even more practical. These days, cargo e-bikes are great for carrying loads of groceries, taking the kids to school, delivering food or packages, and generally serving as a versatile alternative to a car when running errands around town.

As the cargo e-bike category has grown in popularity, our team of reviewers has tested a myriad of makes and models. In our experience, not all of them are up to snuff! Rest assured that we’ve sorted the good from the bad—and we’ve assembled this list to make your search simple and straightforward.

While there are quite a few proven designs for cargo e-bikes, our list will focus on the short-tail/utility and long-tail (ST and LT, respectively) styles. Both types of bike share similar functionality—the only major differences are length and carrying capacity (usually volume, but also sometimes weight).

Whether you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle while spending more time with the kids or seeking a dependable ride for gig work (think Doordash or Instacart), check out our top electric cargo bike picks below!

Our Best Cargo Electric Bikes for 2025

Long-Tail (LT) Cargo E-Bikes

Short-Tail (ST) Cargo/Utility E-Bikes

*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

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[Read more…] about Best Electric Cargo Bikes 2025 | Twelve Top Cargo Haulers