Electric Bike Reviews, News, & Testing

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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

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

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.

[Read more…] about E-Cells Goes Bust, Rad Refreshes The Runner, A Procumbent Bike? | TWR Ep 29

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.

Trek FX+ 7S Review

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.

[Read more…] about Trek FX+ 7S Review | Lightweight, Yet Feature-Loaded

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.

Bimotal Elevate Review

“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.

[Read more…] about Bimotal Elevate Review | Adding the “e” to MTB

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.

[Read more…] about E-Bike Prices Continue to Rise, Tenways Goes Front-Load Cargo, Canyon’s Unique Bike | TWR Ep 28

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.

Heybike Alpha Review

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.

[Read more…] about Heybike Alpha Review | A Rare Mid-Drive Fat Tire

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!

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

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.

[Read more…] about USB-C Charging E-Bikes, Specialized’s Turbo Levo Gen 4, Tarrif Price Increases Have Started| TWR Ep 26