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Griffin Hales

E-Cells Goes Bust, Rad Refreshes The Runner, A Procumbent Bike? | TWR Ep 29

Plus California’s E-Bike Voucher Delayed, Cargo Bike For Hauling Twins, Regen Braking & More!

In this week’s e-bike news roundup: industry icon Rad Power Bikes has refreshed and renamed its RadRunner lineup, adding new features and tech across all models. Meanwhile, E-Cells—a brand known for pushing limits—announced it is shutting down due to tariff hikes and market challenges. Martoni also unveiled a new micromobility concept with a unique standing, forward-leaning “procumbent” riding position. And California’s e-bike voucher program hit a snag, with its launch delayed due to website issues.

In our weekly Rider Q&A, we tackle two family-focused questions: which longtail cargo bikes are best for riding with two kids, and which bikes are good for towing a child trailer? We also explore why many brands list size ranges by rider height instead of inseam, what’s holding back regenerative braking on e-bikes, and whether there’s an affordable step-thru fat tire model with a mid-drive motor.

Our Trail Highlight takes us to neighboring Nevada for a closer look at the River Mountains Loop Trail—a 35-mile paved path southeast of Las Vegas, connecting riders to Henderson, Lake Mead, and even the Hoover Dam.

Trek FX+ 7S Review | Lightweight, Yet Feature-Loaded

Quiet, light, and packed with premium features—this stealthy city bike feels more like a regular bike than just about anything we’ve ridden.

City commuter e-bikes are prized for being lighter, quieter, and more agile than other e-bike styles. They also tend to fly under the radar, with a more stealthy look that doesn’t immediately scream “e-bike” thanks to fewer obvious giveaways.

Trek’s FX+ 7S isn’t just trying to fit that mold—it’s aiming to elevate it, delivering a more premium and polished experience that nails those attributes and then some.

It starts with the motor. The TQ HPR50 uses a fundamentally different construction than most e-bike drive systems, giving the FX+ 7S an ultra-natural feel and keeping it whisper-quiet. It’s a motor that complements active riders by helping you go faster and climb better without replacing the personal satisfaction of putting in the effort.

Handling is another highlight. With four sizes available—or eight if you count the mid-step frames—the FX+ 7S offers well-balanced geometry that strikes a nice blend between active and comfortable riding. A carbon fork further improves the experience by keeping weight low and soaking up road vibrations better than standard aluminum would.

The design is clean and thoughtful, from the internally routed cables to the carefully constructed frame. The bike weighs close to 40 pounds and even includes a built-in grab section that makes carrying it upstairs much easier.

There are several standout features you don’t often see at this level, like a Quadlock mount integrated into the stem that can charge your phone (with a compatible case), and an app that pulls in some bike computer functions. It’s a great setup for riders who aren’t just commuting (though it’s great for that) but also serious about tracking fitness goals.

All in all, the FX+ 7S is a seriously impressive package that should appeal to a wide range of riders who want an active experience and are willing to pay a little extra for higher-end performance and features. Check out the testing sections below for all the details.

Bimotal Elevate Review | Adding the “e” to MTB

The Bimotal Elevate finds a clever way to introduce a motor to acoustic bikes. It’s power-packed and removes in mere seconds to return your bike to its original handling.

“I like my bike now; I just wish it was electric” is a sentiment I’ve heard a thousand times from riders on standard mountain bikes who haven’t made the electric leap. One of the biggest problems in mountain biking that eMTBs solve is taking the sting out of climbs so you can stay fresh for the fun stuff.

But eMTBs come with their own tradeoffs: extra weight, different handling, and buying into a second bike isn’t cheap, or you’d have to consider saying sayonara to the ride you like now for the cash/garage space to make the switch.

The Bimotal Elevate we’ve been reviewing is a clever conversion kit that aims to address all of those problems with a unique brake-integrated mounting system that allows for quick motor and battery attachment and detachment to your current acoustic bike. Strap on the motor for an easier climb, then stow the motor and battery in a pack to restore your bike’s handling to exactly how it was before. In other words, it’s a “have your cake and eat it too” solution — at least in theory. But how does it do in practice?

Overall, the execution is impressive. The motor feels punchy (which our testing data more than backed up), and it has a solid power-to-weight ratio. It’s a Class 2 throttle-based system, so while it’s not ideal for highly technical climbs, it is a super useful shuttle service that helps you breeze through the more tiring parts of the ride so you can extend your time ripping through XC trails, berms, and downhill.

This isn’t a true eMTB replacement — at least not yet. But if you’re already enjoying riding your acoustic bike, the Elevate will unlock even more for you. It’ll help you squeeze in more laps or longer rides. It’s essentially adding new features to what you already have, making it an additive upgrade to your experience.

Even though you can stow the motor and battery, it isn’t a necessity. The total added weight is closer to that of SL eMTBs, so if you’re not too concerned about a few extra pounds of unsprung mass on a full-sus, it’s fully capable of hitting the downhill with you — where it sits surprisingly solid on its mount.

What it can do today in electrifying a beloved bike is highly impressive, and the future applications are even more tantalizing if they’re fully realized. For more on what it can do today and what’s coming next, check out how it performed in our testing below.

E-Bike Prices Continue to Rise, Tenways Goes Front-Load Cargo, Canyon’s Unique Bike | TWR Ep 28

Plus, Moped Options for Short Riders, Aventon Lineup Similarities, Is 250W Enough Power & More!

This week’s e-bike news brings a mix of exciting developments and some unfortunate updates. Tenways is set to introduce an unconventional bike style to the American market at a more accessible price point, while Canyon has unveiled an out-of-the-box concept and is seeking public feedback. Meanwhile, further tariff impacts were announced by major industry players, and Revel is planning to shut down operations unless a buyer steps in.

We’re also tackling a range of reader questions this week, including the differences between the Ride1Up Vorsa and the LMT’D V2, good moped-style e-bike options for shorter riders, whether a 250W motor provides enough power, and much more.

Finally, we head north to British Columbia, Canada, for a look at an epic rail trail system offering 400 miles of rideable terrain, complete with stunning trestle bridges that wind through the beautiful Canadian countryside.

Heybike Alpha Review | A Rare Mid-Drive Fat Tire

A great feel on the roads highlights the Alpha experience, while a few quirks leave room for improvement.

I’ve been testing and reviewing e-bikes for a long time, and since many products overlap, it can sometimes feel like there aren’t many surprises left. In all that time, though, I can’t say I’ve encountered a description like “lightweight, affordable, mid-drive, fat tire electric bike” very often.

But that’s exactly what HeyBike’s Alpha is, making it stand out from the norm. So, how does that unique mix of features and adjectives actually feel?

In many ways, the Alpha is one of the better HeyBike products I’ve tested to date. Both the floor and ceiling of any e-bike experience are determined by the quality of the motor, and the Alpha’s mid-drive is terrific, which makes for a nice starting point. It’s got great torque (105Nm, in fact!), an intuitive feel, and it can fly on the flats while making hills feel far easier than I first expected.

I’d grown so accustomed to fat bikes tipping the scales near or above 80 lbs that riding one that was “only” 70 lbs felt refreshing. The bike is easy to control, with a good handlebar and tire combo that offers mellow steering and solid control if you want to test the fat tires on varied terrain.

The riding sensation was positive, but the testing was oddly mixed. The range testing set high and low marks, as did the hill tests. It can climb hills exceptionally, but at the expense of battery when using a lot of high power, while those who are looking for a comfortable cruiser ride will love the range it produces at practical cruising speeds.

There are a few rough edges that need smoothing out. The throttle experience was underwhelming, and the display and app interface have some issues that were common years ago — issues I had hoped would be laid to rest by now.

Still, with enough positives across the board, the Alpha is a viable option for riders wanting the stability fat tire e-bikes bring, with a little versatility to tackle mild sand, dirt, and snow — all in a manageable weight that can confidently fit on most hitch racks. For all the details, check out how testing went down below.

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

Plus California E-Bike Vouchers, Sur Ron Legislation, More Details On Morelle’s Fast-Charging E-Bike & More!

Leading off this week’s e-bike news is a recap of some of the coolest finds from this year’s Sea Otter Classic. Aventon’s back with not one, but two new Aventure models—plus a prototype full-suspension Ramblas! We also spotted Velotric’s dual-suspension fat tire Nomad X, the folding gravel-ready Brompton Electric G Line, the Tern GSD 3, and plenty more.

In this week’s headlines: California is offering 1,000 e-bike vouchers—selected applicants can get up to $2,000 toward a new ride. Meanwhile, new legislation aims to clarify whether high-powered bikes like the Sur Ron qualify as e-bikes. Several businesses are also suing the Trump administration over tariff-related costs, and we got a few more details on Morelle’s super-fast-charging bike.

We also spotlight a top-10 rail trail in Idaho and answer your questions about the Ride1Up Vorsa, Nomad 2, affordable belt-drive options, and more!

USB-C Charging E-Bikes, Specialized’s Turbo Levo Gen 4, Tarrif Price Increases Have Started| TWR Ep 26

Plus Recalls, Velotric Discover 2 vs Nomad 2, Powerful Bikes You Could Take Upstairs, & More!

In this week’s e-bike news, the much-discussed tariffs are beginning to take effect, with many brands announcing imminent price increases. Specialized issued a light recall notice but also made headlines by debuting the highly anticipated fourth-generation Turbo Levo eMTB. Meanwhile, Estonian e-bike maker Ampler claims a world first with the launch of e-bikes that can charge via USB-C cables.

For this week’s trail system highlight, we followed up on an audience suggestion and explored Michigan’s Polly Ann Trail. This converted rail line offers mild to intermediate riding and is not only great for e-bikes but is also popular for horseback riding, hiking, and even cross-country skiing. Cyclists can enjoy summer rides with stops at nearby lakes or take in the vibrant fall colors of the surrounding woods.

This week’s Rider Q&A focused heavily on comparisons. Riders asked about the differences between the Velotric Discover 2 cruiser/commuter and the Nomad 2 fat-tire e-bike. We also compared the Aventon Sinch 2.5 to the Ride1Up Portola, and the Mokwheel Basalt 2 to the Obsidian. Additionally, we recommended upgrade options for a petite rider considering the current RadRunner 3 or other ST models, discussed e-bikes with enough power for larger riders, and explored finding a good weight-to-power ratio for an elderly rider who needs to haul a bike upstairs while still handling hilly terrain.

CHINA CYCLE 2025: Connecting the World Through Cycling Innovation

CHINA CYCLE 2025: Connecting the World Through Cycling Innovation

*Press Release

The 33rd China International Bicycle Fair (CHINA CYCLE 2025) is set to take place from May 5 to 8 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. Under the theme “New Quality Productivity for the Shared Future,” the event will bring together global exhibitors, buyers, and media to explore the latest trends and innovations in the bicycle and e-bike industry.

As the world’s leading manufacturer and market for bicycles and e-bikes, China accounts for over 60% of global trade volume. In 2024, China’s bicycle production reached a record high, with e-bike exports performing exceptionally well in markets across Europe, the Americas, and Japan. With over 30 years of development, CHINA CYCLE has grown into one of the largest and most influential bicycle exhibitions worldwide.

This year’s edition introduces four major upgrades: expanded exhibition space with optimized layouts, enhanced collaboration with international media, refined thematic pavilions for smoother navigation, and immersive product experiences with interactive features.

Juiced Bikes’ New Owner, Yamaha Buys Brose, Level 3 vs. Vorsa | TWR Ep 25

Plus How To Sell Your Old E-Bike, Tariff Updates, Folding Bikes For Older Riders, Jackrabbit’s New Models & More!

This week’s e-bike news includes the welcome announcement that Juiced Bikes has a new owner—and it’s none other than Lectric’s co-founders, Levi Conlow and Robbie Deziel. Other headlines include Brose selling its e-bike drive system business to Yamaha, as the Japanese brand looks to expand its presence in Europe. Meanwhile, JackRabbit—the leader in pint-sized e-bikes”—has unveiled the latest additions to its lineup: the OG2 Pro and the XG Pro.

For this week’s trail system highlight, we’re showcasing the Phoenix, AZ canal paths. These consist of nine multi-use trails that run alongside canals throughout the greater Phoenix metro area. Originally dating back to the 1860s gold rush era, the canals were eventually purchased by the local government and are still operated by the regional water association today. With more than 180 miles of pathways lining either side of the canals, they offer a great way to navigate the city—or simply ride near a cooler water source to help beat the desert heat.

In Rider Q&A, we fielded several questions about how other bikes compare to Ride1Up’s Vorsa, which we reviewed this week. We also received inquiries about e-bikes well-suited for older riders, and models ideal for carrying kids with reliable throttle use.

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This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines

Juiced Bikes’ New Owners Revealed as Lectric’s Co-Founders

In a surprising announcement made via Juiced Bikes’ YouTube channel, Lectric eBikes co-founders Levi Conlow and Robbie Deziel revealed they’ve acquired Juiced Bikes. The deal, finalized on March 27, 2025, comes after Juiced’s assets were auctioned in late 2024 due to financial struggles.

Originally founded in 2009, Juiced earned a reputation as a trailblazer in the U.S. e-bike market with bold designs and high-performance models known for speed. Despite its early success, financial struggles led to its downfall and landing it on the auction block. The new owners have expressed a commitment to restoring the brand and restructuring the team from the ground up,

There’s still plenty to sort through. The acquisition does not include Juiced’s product inventory or warranty parts, leaving some unresolved issues for many customers who are still waiting on deliveries. Conlow acknowledged these challenges and promised to bring Lectric’s high customer service standards to Juiced, stating it will take 9–12 months to build out the necessary infrastructure.

Conlow and Deziel say they’re excited to innovate Juiced’s product line while keeping the company independent. “I want to surprise and shock people in the same way with Juiced—bringing performance and components you don’t expect at amazing price points,” said Conlow.

Our Take: Juiced has a strong legacy in the e-bike world, so it’s great to see the brand sticking around. Lectric’s founders have proven they know what it takes to make a DTC e-bike business thrive, and hopefully they can apply that same magic to Juiced. There are still a lot of questions—what will happen to Juiced’s lineup, what direction the company will take, and how existing customers will be supported—but there’s time to sort that out. For now, we’ll be watching closely and rooting for the best.

The Trump Administration Instituted New Sweeping Tariffs On More Than 180 Countries, Including Many Countries Where E-Bikes And Their Parts Originate

President Trump announced a plan to implement a 10% baseline tariff on all countries, with higher reciprocal rates applied based on the tariffs those countries impose on American goods. According to Trump, those rates will include “the combined rate of all their tariffs, non-monetary barriers, and other forms of cheating.” He added, “We will charge them approximately half of what they are and have been charging us, so the tariffs will not be a full reciprocal.”

China—one of the biggest players in the e-bike industry—would see an additional 34% tariff on top of existing rates. Trump’s plan also impacts a number of other countries that play a key role in the bike market:

Taiwan: 32% tariff
Vietnam: 46% tariff
Japan: 24% tariff
European Union (Germany): 20% tariff
United Kingdom: 10% tariff

Our Take: We imagine there are plenty of meetings happening right now—both in the e-bike industry and on the global political stage. Given that some of Trump’s past tariff proposals have been quickly walked back, it’s too early to say where this will land.

That said, we remain firmly against tariffs on e-bikes for two key reasons. First, the goal of tariffs is to promote domestic manufacturing, but there currently aren’t large-scale U.S. companies building e-bikes from the ground up. Second, history has shown that tariffs often get passed on to the consumer. If these stick, we could see e-bike prices rise significantly—putting them out of reach for many riders.

Brose Sells Its E-Bike Drives Business To Yamaha

The German company Brose has sold it’s e-bike motor division to Yamaha. Brose has made higher-end products found on many popular brands, such as Specialized.

According to a press release, “The sale is part of Brose’s strategic realignment with a focus on its core business areas. In the future, Yamaha will use Brose’s development resources in the e-bike sector to further optimize the planning and design of new products.”

Yamaha, based in Japan, is planning to open a development center in Europe to better respond to changes in the market and strengthen its presence in the region.

Our Take: The e-bike market is clearly in a consolidation phase, and this seems like a smart business move—especially for Yamaha, if it’s looking to expand further into Europe while Brose narrows its focus.

You Asked, We Answered. Questions Covered In The Weekly Recharge

What is the best way to go about selling an old e-bike so you can buy a new one?
How does the Ride1Up Vorsa compare to the Aventon Level 3?
How about the Vorsa and the Ride1Up LMT’D V2?
Can you fit an adult and a child on the rear rack of the Aventon Abound LR?
What folding e-bike would we recommend for a larger rider?

E-Bike Deals Found This Week

Scott – Clearance Sale – 40% off select models
- Scott Sub Active – $1800 – Bosch mid-drive, Shimano 9-Speed, Suntour Fork
- Scott Sub Cross – $1619 – Bosch mid-drive, Shimano 9-Speed, Suntour Fork
- Scott Silence eRide Evo – $3959 – Bosch mid-drive, Enviolo shifter, Gates belt drive
Rad Power Bikes – Gear Up for Spring Sale – Save up to $699 + 20% Off Gear
- RadCity 5 plus – $200 off + free spare battery ($499 value) – 750W motor, Spring fork, 60 lbs rear rack included
- RadExpand 5 – $500 off – Folding bike, 750W hub motor
Aventon – Spring Into Motion Sale Extension – Save up to $400
- Abound – $400 off – 750W motor, 143 lbs longtail rack, Aventon app
- Aventure 2 – $300 off – 750W motor, 26×4” fat tires, hydraulic brakes

Make sure to tune into the full episode to see the e-bike trail system highlight and rider of the week! Want to be featured in future episodes? Comment on any YouTube video or page of the website, or send to [email protected].

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*Please help support our efforts at Electric Bike Report. We work hard to provide the highest quality content, news, and reviews for our readers – and our sponsors make all of this possible. Please visit our sponsors from their ads on our website and let them know that you appreciate what they do for the e-bike industry and Electric Bike Report

A multi-purpose powerhouse with loads of customization. The Vorsa has uncommon versatility and showcased an impressive run through our standardized testing.

I once attended a cooking course where a chef taught us essential kitchen techniques and walked us through some recipes. (It was there that I first discovered how cocoa powder and a rack of ribs could create something unexpectedly delightful.) During a Q&A session on kitchen basics, the conversation turned to which knives were worth having at home.

His advice was simple: “There are different knives for good reason, and each one performs best at its intended task. But if you can’t have them all, start with a high-quality chef’s knife—there’s little you can’t do with it.”

Similar logic applies to types of bikes. There are many styles of e-bikes for good reason, but given their cost and space requirements, there’s practicality in finding one that can handle multiple tasks well. That’s exactly what Ride1Up set out to do with its latest creation, the Vorsa.

In our review of the Ride1Up Vorsa, we examined all the ins and outs of the brand’s first “SUV-style” e-bike—one built for commuting, exploring hardpack dirt, and tackling the intense cargo-carrying duties typically reserved for longtails.

From the first ride, it was clear: the Vorsa is a powerhouse. This is one of the fastest Ride1Up bikes I’ve tested, making rides both thrilling and effortless. But what really stood out was its level of control. You can customize a lot—from its top speed and acceleration to its hill-climbing power and even the way it delivers assistance, whether you prefer the natural feel of a torque sensor or the effortless push of cadence sensors.

The Vorsa handles city streets well, with an adjustable stem that helps dial in a comfortable riding position and a narrow handlebar that makes handling feel snappy. Its tires and geometry are also well-suited for exploring milder stretches of off-road terrain. But what makes it truly versatile is its reinforced rear rack, which can support 150 lbs on its own or up to 180lbs with the rack extender. That seriously expands its cargo-hauling potential.

The ride is fun and adaptable to different phases of life or daily demands, though it’s not without a few minor drawbacks. But after collecting all our testing data—and seeing how it outperformed most similar rides we’ve tested in the past few years—those flaws felt negligible.

For all the details from our testing, read the full Vorsa review below.

Griffin Hales

Senior Writer | Edtior

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Hobbies

E-Cells Goes Bust, Rad Refreshes The Runner, A Procumbent Bike? | TWR Ep 29

Plus California’s E-Bike Voucher Delayed, Cargo Bike For Hauling Twins, Regen Braking & More!

Trek FX+ 7S Review | Lightweight, Yet Feature-Loaded

Quiet, light, and packed with premium features—this stealthy city bike feels more like a regular bike than just about anything we’ve ridden.

Bimotal Elevate Review | Adding the “e” to MTB

The Bimotal Elevate finds a clever way to introduce a motor to acoustic bikes. It’s power-packed and removes in mere seconds to return your bike to its original handling.

E-Bike Prices Continue to Rise, Tenways Goes Front-Load Cargo, Canyon’s Unique Bike | TWR Ep 28

Plus, Moped Options for Short Riders, Aventon Lineup Similarities, Is 250W Enough Power & More!

Heybike Alpha Review | A Rare Mid-Drive Fat Tire

A great feel on the roads highlights the Alpha experience, while a few quirks leave room for improvement.

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

Plus California E-Bike Vouchers, Sur Ron Legislation, More Details On Morelle’s Fast-Charging E-Bike & More!

USB-C Charging E-Bikes, Specialized’s Turbo Levo Gen 4, Tarrif Price Increases Have Started| TWR Ep 26

Plus Recalls, Velotric Discover 2 vs Nomad 2, Powerful Bikes You Could Take Upstairs, & More!

CHINA CYCLE 2025: Connecting the World Through Cycling Innovation

CHINA CYCLE 2025: Connecting the World Through Cycling Innovation

Juiced Bikes’ New Owner, Yamaha Buys Brose, Level 3 vs. Vorsa | TWR Ep 25

Plus How To Sell Your Old E-Bike, Tariff Updates, Folding Bikes For Older Riders, Jackrabbit’s New Models & More!

This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines

Juiced Bikes’ New Owners Revealed as Lectric’s Co-Founders

The Trump Administration Instituted New Sweeping Tariffs On More Than 180 Countries, Including Many Countries Where E-Bikes And Their Parts Originate

Brose Sells Its E-Bike Drives Business To Yamaha

You Asked, We Answered. Questions Covered In The Weekly Recharge

E-Bike Deals Found This Week

Griffin Hales

Senior Writer | Edtior

Get to Know Griffin Hales

Certifications

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Hobbies

Griffin Hales

Plus California’s E-Bike Voucher Delayed, Cargo Bike For Hauling Twins, Regen Braking & More!

Quiet, light, and packed with premium features—this stealthy city bike feels more like a regular bike than just about anything we’ve ridden.

The Bimotal Elevate finds a clever way to introduce a motor to acoustic bikes. It’s power-packed and removes in mere seconds to return your bike to its original handling.

Plus, Moped Options for Short Riders, Aventon Lineup Similarities, Is 250W Enough Power & More!

A great feel on the roads highlights the Alpha experience, while a few quirks leave room for improvement.

Plus California E-Bike Vouchers, Sur Ron Legislation, More Details On Morelle’s Fast-Charging E-Bike & More!

Plus Recalls, Velotric Discover 2 vs Nomad 2, Powerful Bikes You Could Take Upstairs, & More!

CHINA CYCLE 2025: Connecting the World Through Cycling Innovation

Plus How To Sell Your Old E-Bike, Tariff Updates, Folding Bikes For Older Riders, Jackrabbit’s New Models & More!

This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines

Juiced Bikes’ New Owners Revealed as Lectric’s Co-Founders

The Trump Administration Instituted New Sweeping Tariffs On More Than 180 Countries, Including Many Countries Where E-Bikes And Their Parts Originate

Brose Sells Its E-Bike Drives Business To Yamaha

You Asked, We Answered. Questions Covered In The Weekly Recharge

E-Bike Deals Found This Week

A multi-purpose powerhouse with loads of customization. The Vorsa has uncommon versatility and showcased an impressive run through our standardized testing.

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