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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.

What E-Bikes Should Seniors Be Riding? And Rad Power Bikes Finds Its New CEO | TWR Ep 23

Plus Tenways CGO600 Pro-C Vs Ride1Up Roadster V3, Frame Flex, New Tariffs on Bike Chains & More!

This week in e-bike news, we discuss Rad Power Bikes’ new CEO, who brings extensive retail experience from other major brands. We also break down the latest tariffs, which are stacking up to a 70% total increase on some smaller components like chains. Plus, we take a look at Orbea’s new gravel e-bike, the Denna, which boasts impressive torque from the custom-tuned Shimano motor and a range of customization options.

For those feeling adventurous, we explore a coast-to-coast cycling route—an epic 4,200-mile journey (better start saving that PTO—it won’t be a quick trip!).

Finally, we dive into reader questions and comments, including a head-to-head comparison of the Tenways CGO600 Pro-C and Ride1Up Roadster V3, discussions on frame flex, and insights into the criteria behind our recent Best E-Bikes for Seniors video.

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This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines

Rad Power Bikes Appoints Kathi Lentzsch As Its New Ceo Following The Departure Of Phil Molyneux

Following the recently announced departure of Phil Molyneux, ​Rad Power Bikes has appointed Kathi Lentzsch as its new CEO. Lentzsch brings over three decades of leadership experience, including executive roles at Bartell Drugs, Pottery Barn, Pier 1 Imports, and Cost Plus World Market. Her background in transforming consumer-facing businesses aligns with Rad Power Bikes’ mission to innovate and prioritize rider satisfaction. This leadership change comes as the company transitions a direct-to-consumer model to a more balanced retail-focused approach, aiming to reach more riders and strengthen customer relationships. ​

Rad has endured some rough headlines in recent years. The company had a meteroic rise to the top, was once the sales leader in e-bikes, and received several rounds of financial investment totaling more than $329 million. Since then, the company has had numerous rounds of layoffs, canceled expansion attempts into the European market, and faced lawsuits.

Still, they have some of the best brand equity of any e-bike maker, a promising lineup of recently released models, and an ever-growing group of retailers, so there are reasons for optimism that the brand could rally under new leadership.

The All-New Orbea Denna: Gravel E-bike With Custom-Tuned Shimano Mid-Drive

Orbea has introduced the Denna, a mid-drive electric road bike optimized for gravel riding. Equipped with the RS Gen2 RC system—a customized version of Shimano’s EP platform—the Denna delivers up to 85 Nm of torque and offers two assist modes: Gravel and Gravel+, tailored for varying terrain conditions. Its OMR carbon frame accommodates tires up to 50c, enhancing versatility across different surfaces. A 420Wh battery supports significant elevation gains, with an optional 210Wh range extender available for extended rides. The Denna also features mounting points for fenders and dual water bottle cages, catering to long-distance adventures.

Compounding Tariffs Could Mean 70% Increases On Certain E-Bike Components

​The recent implementation of a 25% U.S. tariff on steel and aluminum imports affects various bicycle components, notably chains and certain cables. Importers of Chinese-made chains now face cumulative tariffs totaling 70%, combining previous and new duties. Additionally, some bike cables, particularly those without fittings, may be subject to these tariffs, though classifications remain ambiguous. These tariffs also extend to various hardware items utilized by bike shops and manufacturers.

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

E-Bike Deals Found This Week

  • Aventon’s Spring Into Motion sale – up to $400 off
    • Pace 500.3 – $200 off, plus free battery
    • Soltera.2 – $200 off
    • Sinch 2 – $300 off

  • Specialized – Spring Savings – up to 30% off e-bikes and gear
    • Standard Turbo Levo – $1000 – $4500 off select models
    • Globe Haul ST – $550 off
    • Turbo Como 4.0- $750 off
    • Turbo Vado 4.0 – $750 off
    • Turvo Vado 3.0 $250 off

  • Rad Power Bikes Rad Deals – save up to $749
    • RadWagon 4 – $300 off
    • RadRunner series – $500 off all remaining models
    • Get any accessory up to $200 in value with the purchase of Radster Road, Radster Wagon, RadWagon 5, or RadExpand 5 Plus

  • Mokwheel Spring sale – $600 in savings
    • Accessory bundles valued at $699 for only $99 with purchase of any e-bike $699
    • Buy two bikes and get a free hitch rack, or add on cargo trailer ($499 value)


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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Best Bike Racks For Electric Bikes 2025 | Hitch, Truck, Car, RV and More!

There is a sneaky downside to e-bike ownership that flies under the radar. The truth is, not just any old bike rack will do when it comes to hauling your electric bike.

With an e-bike comes extra weight – most of them weigh between 40-80 lbs. You don’t want to bank on roof or trunk racks handling that kind of load. It runs the risk of being bad for your back, vehicle, and bike!

Even some hitch racks aren’t a surefire bet. Weight capacity is just the start; there are many other factors that make a good bike rack for e-bikes.

The good news is that there are several great rack options available these days that are purpose-built for e-bike users. The bad news? We’re starting to see too many options, and we all know how annoying the paralysis of choice can be.

Electric Bike Report is one of the oldest dedicated publications in the e-bike space when it comes to testing and reviews. All of that testing of hundreds of different electric bikes couldn’t have happened without trusty racks, and we’ve gone through a lot of them.

Our goal with this list of the best e-bike racks is to help you find the rack that will best fit your needs and your bikes. Each one has been thoroughly tested and proven to be worth recommending. Whether you have a car, truck, or even an RV, where there is a hitch, there is a way!

Oh, and if you haven’t settled on your e-bike yet, we’ve got you covered with the options for the best e-bikes around, too.

PRO TIP: We think these bike racks offer great weight ratings per bike. However, many e-bikes weigh at or above those limits. You can help make your rack/bike safer by removing excess weight that you could fit in the trunk of your car instead. Consider removing batteries, pannier bags, bike locks, etc.

*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.

The Best Bike Racks For E-Bikes, 2025

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Velotric Breeze 1 Review | Light Frame, Big Power & Pure Fun

The Velotric Breeze 1 blends the comfort of a lightweight cruiser with the agility of a city/commuter—all while packing a punch with its 750W motor. With smart tech features, solid performance, and a fun ride feel, it’s a well-rounded e-bike worth considering.

Velotric’s Breeze 1 is a brand-new lightweight city/cruiser e-bike that carries all the hallmarks of the brand’s product line—now in a sleeker, more maneuverable package compared to its other full-powered rides.

Velotric has built its reputation on comfort, stylish frames in multiple colors, and a willingness to integrate more tech into e-bikes. The Breeze checks all those boxes.

The bike features a step-thru frame with an easy-to-mount 15” standover height, which comes in two sizes, and includes an adjustable stem to accommodate riders of varying heights. The Dutch-style cruiser handlebar angles into the rider’s hands with a short reach, which makes for a tall and upright position for a relaxed and enjoyable ride—whether you’re cruising for leisure or commuting with purpose.

Visually, the Breeze stands out with a sleek, streamlined frame that sharply contrasts with the bulky, heavyweight look of many commuter and cruiser e-bikes. It’s available in five eye-catching colors that really pop— our Lavendar test bike (usually not my jam) was the type of thing I’d proudly display.

Beyond its aesthetics, the Breeze is packed with tech features. It offers the ability to swap between torque and cadence sensors, three different power profiles for the bike’s pedal assist settings, and thoughtful additions like cruise control for effortless riding and Apple Find My for added peace of mind when leaving it locked outside.

One of my favorite aspects of the Breeze is that it delivers a lightweight alternative to the already popular Velotric Discover 2 without sacrificing power. Unlike many brands that downsize the motor when creating lightweight alternatives of their bikes, Velotric kept the full 750W motor and only slightly reduced the torque. The result? A zippy, responsive ride with nimble handling that delivers a thrilling experience when you want it—while still being perfectly suited for a relaxed cruise.

The Breeze impressed in both feel and aesthetics, but how did it perform in our tests? Check out the data below and decide for yourself!

**Use code: EBRB101 for a $60 discount Velotric is giving our readers at checkout**

[Read more…] about Velotric Breeze 1 Review | Light Frame, Big Power & Pure Fun

Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 3 Review | Buy Now, or Wait For Next Version?

The next gen model will no doubt find ways to up the ante, but are the discounts of the previous gen the more compelling buy?

Specialized’s Turbo Levo has achieved something that’s no small feat. The Gen 3 model first debuted in 2021, yet even here in 2025, it remains one of the most sought-after eMTBs on the market.

The general consensus? It’s still one of the best e-bikes in the business.

Reaching the top is one thing—staying there is another. As Coach John Wooden once said, “When you’re at the top, you have to be careful, because the only way to go is down.” And yet, the Gen 3 is still more than holding its own. With the Gen 4’s debut possibly around the corner, we’re taking a different perspective on this Specialized Turbo Levo review. This time, we’re asking the questions:

  • 1. Should you snag the Gen 3 or hold out for what’s next?
  • 2. When a Gen 4 is launched, should you still consider the Gen 3 if it’s on sale?

To answer that, let’s look at what the bike still brings to the table. The Turbo Levo (across its many configurations—ours was the 2023 Comp Carbon) is a highly adjustable ride with a phenomenal frame, great suspension setup, and a motor that remains as impressive as anything we’ve pedaled. It’s a full-power eMTB with all-mountain capabilities.

Any of the big names in MTBs have solid geo on their bikes, but Specialized’s R&D is something you can feel. Every fraction of a degree and millimeter of tubing feels purposefully thought through, and it creates a ride that feels both stable and responsive. Whether you’re carving through corners or barreling through chunky downhill terrain, the Turbo Levo delivers.

Surprisingly, the bike feels poppy and playful, despite weighing around 50 lbs. The mullet setup adds to its lively, nimble nature, making it feel more agile than you’d expect from a full-power rig.

The custom Specialized 2.2 motor is among the most powerful on the market, but what sets it apart is how smooth and intuitive the power delivery feels. It builds speed naturally and tackles steep climbs with effortless and almost mind-reading control.

If we had one small knock, it would be the charging door, which first-time owners should take heed—its placement is likely to have at least one “oops!” moment. But beyond that minor gripe, this bike is a masterclass in execution—formidable for everyone from first-time e-MTBers to seasoned trail veterans.

And soon, if our prediction turns out to be true, it’ll also be one of the best bang-for-your-buck options out there.

[Read more…] about Specialized Turbo Levo Gen 3 Review | Buy Now, or Wait For Next Version?

Aventon Soltera 2.5 Review | Precise Handling; Lightweight Feel

For a budget-priced bike, it doesn’t feel cheap in the slightest. Aventon’s city bike has a terrific feel on the road, and its lightweight design is easy to manage when out of the saddle.

In my early e-bike days, I was drawn to the powerhouses of the e-bike world. But with each passing year, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for lighter, more efficient rides that prioritize precise handling and a natural (yet still powerful) feel. If that sounds like your jam, let me tell you about the Aventon Soltera 2.5, which our team has spent several weeks testing.

This bike pulls off a lot for its price point. Bikes in the $1,000–$1,200 range, like the Soltera, are clearly designed to be value plays, but the Soltera doesn’t feel like a “budget” e-bike at all. Its motor has excellent engagement, syncing seamlessly with your pedal effort. While the motor power is admittedly more modest than some other e-bikes, that’s by design. This bike will boost your speed and take the edge off hills, but it still feels like you’re doing the riding—not just along for the ride.

The Soltera’s handling is arguably its standout feature. The stiff frame and narrow tires make it feel quick and agile on the road. It corners confidently, and with upgraded, more powerful brakes, it can stop on a dime when needed.

Aventon is one of the few e-bike brands that makes its own frames, and it shows. The clean lines, refined angles, and thoughtful cable management give the Soltera some serious aesthetic appeal that others lack at this price. The frame also feels well-balanced, something I didn’t expect with its shorter-than-average top tube. Ultimately, the overall design delivers a bike that’s not only fun to ride but also comfortable by city bike standards.

That said, there are a few limitations to note. The Soltera 2.5 comes in three frame sizes to help riders find their fit, but there’s no mid-step option, meaning it’s better suited for taller riders. You might also want to budget for a few add-ons to maximize its potential as a city commuter. Even so, this bike nails what most people want in a lightweight option: a natural, responsive ride with solid power—and one that won’t make you dread hauling it up a flight of stairs with a manageable amount of weight.

To dive into all the details and see how it performed in our testing, keep reading the full Soltera 2.5 review below.

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Burley Dash MIK HD Review | Kid-Tested, Dad-Approved

This solid and reliable child seat attaches better than ever

Cycling is a fantastic family activity, especially when you have the right accessories. The Burley Dash lineup of child seats offers a convenient way to bring your kids along for the ride. With multiple variations to suit different bike setups—whether that’s racks, frames, or, as in our case, the MIK HD (Heavy Duty) rack. This MIK-compatible design shines with its tool-free on/off functionality, making it incredibly user-friendly.

In our review of the Burley Dash MIK HD, we found it checks virtually all the boxes for a great child’s bike seat. It’s lightweight and nearly effortless to attach or remove from your bike, it’s also a breeze to clean—a must when the oft-sticky hands and dirt-stained pants of kids inevitably transfer over. Most importantly, the seat is safe and reliable, offering a snug, secure fit with adjustable features that accommodate little riders as they grow.

[Read more…] about Burley Dash MIK HD Review | Kid-Tested, Dad-Approved

Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 Review | Great Power, Fast Speeds

The Basalt helped put Mokwheel on the map, and now the Basalt ST 2.0 makes strides by adding some improvements to a fun and powerful bike.

Mokwheel burst onto the scene and quickly developed a cult following, earning a reputation for fast and fun rides. The Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 we’ve been reviewing over the past few weeks (and nearly 200 miles) shows that the brand’s legacy is alive and well in the latest version of its ever-popular fat-tire e-bike.

There’s a lot to like about this bike. The power is evident but ramps up nicely. With its 750W motor (peaking at 1100W) and 90 Nm of torque, it’s the kind of bike that easily accelerates to higher speeds. The torque sensor isn’t the most natural feeling we’ve tested, but it does reward effort—you get more power the harder you pedal. You can be off to the races with a mild effort, and tension kept to the chain.

The Basalt ST 2.0’s 19.6Ah battery is on the larger side for this category, delivering impressive range for such a heavy bike. It’s great for multi-day rides without needing a recharge, and we are happy to see that it comes with UL certification for added peace of mind.

This bike also includes features not typically found in its price range. The removable color display, for instance, looks sharp but also acts as a theft deterrent—once removed, it disables the motor. Additionally, Mokwheel offers an optional power inverter and solar panels, allowing you to turn your bike into a mobile power station—perfect for weekend camping trips.

In our standardized tests (detailed below), the Basalt ST 2.0 performed admirably. Beyond the numbers, it impressed us with its comfort, solid handling, and motor power that made every ride an enjoyable experience. Its sizing has limitations for longer legs, and we think the speed profile could be improved a bit, but overall, it only takes a single ride to figure out why it’s such a fan-favorite fat tire e-bike.

[Read more…] about Mokwheel Basalt ST 2.0 Review | Great Power, Fast Speeds

Retrospec Boca Rev Review | Check Out The Test Scores!

This e-trike has great performance, handling and comfort all for a great price.

For years, it seemed like the electric trike market had too few options, and not enough affordable ones. That trend has changed in recent years, and Retrospec’s Boca Rev trike we’ve been reviewing for several weeks is a highly compelling option for trike riders not looking to break the bank. Why? Simple, it executes the basics well, and includes nice touches that are often overlooked.

Arguably it’s standout trait we discovered across our miles of testing was how stable and comfortable the ride felt. It has a wide rear axle, appropriately sized tires, and a good balance to the weight displacement throughout the ride. Trikes have different handling in general vs their two-wheeled counterparts, but assuming you know how to ride, you’ll quickly see how stable this feels when moving even when taking that bend in a road.

Comfort is another standout element to the ride. There is a generously paddled saddle with a back rest, a low 17.5” standover height, and a large seatpost that adjust for optimal leg extension. Sizing can be constrained for the tallest of riders with a shorter rise to the handlebar, but assuming you fit the ride, it’s quite comfortable and easy to navigate the roads on it.

This is an e-trike afterall, and Retrospec did a good job with the motor and battery. The trike has a nice spread of speedsa cross the six different PAS levels, and the whole system is certified to UL standards.

For a competitively priced e-trike, the Boa Rev doesn’t have many glaring weaknesses. Most of the factors we consider in our review processes yielded good to great results as you’ll see in our testing sections down below.

[Read more…] about Retrospec Boca Rev Review | Check Out The Test Scores!

Velotric T1 High Step Review | Cool Tech, Sleek Ride

Light, techy, and simple to ride.

The T1 from Velotric is a lightweight city e-bike that can be ridden as either a Class 1 or Class 3 e-bike and offers a very sporty ride. Thanks to built-in GPS and smartphone integration, you can track your e-bike’s location as well as unlock it with your fingerprint. In our Velotric T1 HS review we will look at how this city e-bike differs from many and the particular strengths that make it an exciting ride.

Most city e-bikes lean toward practicality. They offer a nice, upright riding position, fenders, lights and a rear rack to make commuting convenient and safe in low-light conditions. But not everyone is going to commute to work. Not everyone will ride when it’s raining or even when the streets are wet and some of us make sure we’re off the road before the sun goes down. Eliminate those needs and what we have is a different sort of e-bike. Enter the Velotric T1 HS.

What makes the Velotric T1 HS different is, well, everything. Let’s start with the basics. This is e-bike begins with a 6061 aircraft aluminum frame and fork—no suspension. It’s powered by a 350W brushless, geared hub motor and 353Wh battery. It features an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes paired with 160mm rotors.

In a market where most manufacturers are touting the big wattage numbers for their hub, Velotric went in the opposite direction. The question is: Why? The answer is simple enough: With a smaller motor, smaller battery, fewer accessories that add weight and no suspension, Velotric was able to produce an e-bike that weighs just 37 lbs. We rarely see e-bikes that weigh less than 50 lbs., so this is an impressive achievement.

A lightweight e-bike changes the ride experience and because it’s so light, a 350W motor is far more effective than it would be on an e-bike that weighs twice as much. Velotric gave this e-bike another feature that makes it all the more appealing: a torque sensor. The torque sensor sends far more information to the controller than a cadence sensor does, and helps the motor to respond more quickly and in proportion to the rider’s effort, resulting in a sportier experience.

There’s a lot to consider with this exciting e-bike. Let’s dig into the details.

[Read more…] about Velotric T1 High Step Review | Cool Tech, Sleek Ride