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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

Velotric T1 High Step Review | Cool Tech, Sleek Ride

Light, techy, and simple to ride.

Velotric T1 Review
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

Trek Marlin+ 8 Review | Electrifying A Popular MTB

A Bosch motor, air-spring suspension fork and 12-speed drivetrain make this no ordinary entry-level eMTB.

Trek Marlin+ 8 E-Bike Review
Part of Trek’s mission statement reads, “We…change the world by getting more people on bikes.” Electrifying an affordable hardtail mountain bike is undoubtedly a step toward achieving that goal.

If the name Marlin sounds familiar, it’s because it’s one of Trek’s most popular hardtail mountain bike lines. The “+” designation signifies Trek’s electrified models, and with the Marlin+ 8, Trek combines its well-loved aluminum frame with a Bosch Active Line Plus motor powered by a CompactTube 400 battery. The bike also features a full RockShox Recon Silver RL fork, a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, and 4-piston Shimano hydraulic disc brakes—all carefully chosen to balance affordability with performance.

While many e-bikes we review come in just one size or offer step-over and step-thru options with similar reach dimensions, Trek has taken a different approach. The Marlin+ 8 is available in five sizes, a welcome detail for riders outside the average height range. Whether you’re a more petite rider or on the taller side, there’s likely a Marlin+ 8 that fits you perfectly. Our large frame test bike felt like it was made for me.

Trek clearly understands what riders want in an eMTB. Despite aiming to keep this bike more affordable, they didn’t skimp on features. Tubeless-ready tires and rims, along with a dropper post, and solid suspension fork show that this bike isn’t just about appearances—it delivers where it counts.

At the core of the Trek Marlin+ 8 is its Bosch motor, which shines in both subtle and high-demand scenarios. Whether you need a noticeable boost or seamless integration with your pedaling, the motor excels. Its intuitive “set it and forget it” functionality is a standout feature.

There’s a lot to unpack with this e-bike. Let’s dive into how the Marlin+ 8 performed in our battery of tests.

[Read more…] about Trek Marlin+ 8 Review | Electrifying A Popular MTB

Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Review | If The Road Ends, The Ride Won’t

The looks are killer, but the bike isn’t just style; off-road fun abounds on this speedy dirt bike-inspired ride.

Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Review
The Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT was everything I didn’t know I wanted from the brand’s moto-styled speedster.

My previous experiences reviewing the HT and helping test the FS models already convinced me the Revv 1 was a great bike. Both were fun, fast, comfortable and just looked badass!

Now, enter the DRT with the best specs of any Revv1 model. Its enhanced suspension and duo-sport tires sent me further off the beaten path than I’d attempted on any previous Revv1. I immediately found myself enjoying the ride in a whole new light. If you want fun times on paved surfaces or in the dirt, the Revv 1 DRT is an excellent place to look.

I’ll state the (hopefully) obvious: It’s not a dirt bike. But if you want a versatile e-bike that allows you to commute on bike paths, enjoy some double-track, and even hit a smaller dirt jump or two, then the DRT can deliver.

The DRT packs all the hallmarks of a moped-style e-bike. It has a powerful motor, sufficient counterbalance with 4-piston hydraulic brakes, and a large battery for longer ride times.

But all of that is just the tip of the iceberg, and there is plenty more worth discussing. See how it did in our testing down below for all the details.

[Read more…] about Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Review | If The Road Ends, The Ride Won’t

Rad Power Bikes RadTrike Review | Stable; Affordable

A stable, affordable e-trike for those who are in need of three wheels instead of two

Rad Power Bikes RadTrike Review
Rad Power Bikes is well-established as a leading e-bike brand having made and refined a large stable of affordable e-bike models over the past several years. But with our Rad Power Bikes RadTrike review, we have something entirely fresh to evaluate from the e-bike giant; creating an electric trike means Rad will be forging ahead on a new frontier for them on the greater e-mobility landscape.

So the question has to be asked, why make the RadTrike? Sure, electric bikes and trikes share handlebars, pedals, tires, motors, batteries, and more, but they have as many differences as they do similarities. There is a pretty large contrast in the way you ride and operate either one which requires experienced e-bike engineers to start from square one when going to develop a trike. So again, why did Rad Power Bikes do it?

“[The RadTrike] is something that the world hasn’t had but really needs. A low, stable, comfortable, and accessibly-priced micromobility product that can be pedaled,” chairman and founder Mike Radenbaugh told us during a review Q&A phone call.

If done right, an e-trike such as the RadTrike has the potential to make e-micromobility more available to all – especially those who aren’t comfortable on two wheels by providing the stability of three.

The RadTrike was built with people who have mobility or balance limitations in mind. Trikes have long been a favorite of seniors thanks to the platform being simpler to mount, and by their nature, they favor slower speeds that are easier to manage.

E-trikes are also highly useful as an alternative means of getting around thanks to higher payload capacities, basket attachments for storing all sorts of gear, and the stability three wheels provide to load and haul it all. E-trikes can be small but mighty, sort of like a “small pickup truck” as Radenbaugh went on to say.

In the world of e-bikes consumers have no shortage of options, but it’s fair to say that the models offered in e-trikes are fewer and further between, and oftentimes finding a quality one means higher prices. The RadTrike is aiming to be one of a small number of less expensive, quality electric trike options that could truly be relied upon in a daily capacity.

Clearly, the RadTrike is a worthwhile endeavor on many levels, but was the brand able to deliver a quality trike that would feel safe, useful, fun, and perform well? We spent the last three weeks riding and reviewing the Rad Power Bikes RadTrike to find out.

[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadTrike Review | Stable; Affordable

Specialized Globe Haul ST Review | High-Bar for Hub Motors?

Specialized’s first hub motor e-bike is a homerun on performance, with enough ways to use it that anybody can enjoy it.

Specialized Globe Haul ST Review
Specialized is one of the biggest bike brands in the world, known for spearheading more innovations than most other brands combined. They were also the first of the major legacy brands to introduce an e-bike, showing their willingness to embrace the future. Watching the rise of direct-to-consumer e-bike brands, Specialized has proven its competitive edge once again by creating one of the best-performing e-bikes we’ve ever tested. To say our time reviewing Specialized’s Globe Haul ST left us impressed would be an understatement.

In our standardized series of e-bike tests, the Globe Haul ST excelled across the board. It wowed us with its hill-climbing ability, range, speed, and safety (braking)—all earning high marks. Beyond measurable metrics, the Globe Haul ST delivered a polished and refined experience that’s rare for a first-generation product. But then again, few gen-one models have access to the kind of R&D expertise that Specialized brings to the table.

As a Class 3 utility e-bike powered by a lively 700W hub motor (more on that later), the Globe Haul ST is built for versatility. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands at Costco, or simply riding for fun, this bike adapts seamlessly to your needs, making every ride is enjoyable.

You could really tell that Specialized drew on its deep understanding of geometry and frame design to create a one-size-fits-all e-bike that truly lives up to the promise. The bike fits riders from 4’5″ to 6’4″, the Globe Haul ST provides an impressive fit for nearly everyone. The 20×3.5” Carless Whisper tires add to its appeal by offering a low center of gravity and easy balance, making it a comfortable ride even for those who haven’t been on a bike in years.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how much the Globe Haul ST impressed our Electric Bike Report team. Continue reading for the full breakdown of what makes this e-bike so special.

[Read more…] about Specialized Globe Haul ST Review | High-Bar for Hub Motors?

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Review | Impressive Safety Tech

The fifth generation of this cargo e-bike continues refinement and usability. It may not be perfect, but at this price, it’s as appealing as any cargo e-bike like it.

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Review
Rad Power Bikes struck gold with the RadWagon 4, one of the most popular cargo e-bikes on the market. However, the design was due for an update—and the new RadWagon 5 delivers as a worthy successor. In this Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 review, we’ll examine the changes and updates that make this model stand out.

The RadWagon 5 is a longtail cargo e-bike designed to handle big loads with ease. Its hub motor powers a long rear deck that can carry everything from a couple of kids to a week’s worth of groceries—or whatever your imagination allows. The bike features a 7-speed drivetrain and an easy-to-mount step-thru frame, making it accessible to a wide range of riders.

The RadWagon 5 offers excellent handling, thanks to a switch to a more common tire size, a slightly more compact wheelbase, and a BMX-style handlebar. These updates make it easier to balance, with a low center of gravity that inspires confidence even when loaded down with gear or passengers. The bike’s maneuverability holds up well, even at Class 3 speeds, making it a solid performer for urban rides and beyond.

Safety is clearly a priority with the RadWagon 5. Integrated head and taillights with turn signal functionality, hydraulic disc brakes, and new battery safety technology provide riders with confidence during daily commutes and peace of mind for long-term use. Rad’s innovative Safe Shield tech (explained in more detail below) is a standout feature, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see other brands adopt similar safety measures in the future.

While Rad has made impressive strides with the RadWagon 5, a couple of minor issues persist. The cable management could be tidier, and the 2-amp charger feels a bit slow compared to competitors. These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are areas where improvements could elevate the experience even further.

Despite a few small drawbacks, the good far outweighs the bad. Rad Power Bikes has made significant progress in affordable cargo e-bike design, and the RadWagon 5 is a testament to that. As you’ll see in our test results and data below, Rad has done an excellent job with this model—and it’s poised to continue its legacy as a favorite among cargo e-bike enthusiasts.


[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 5 Review | Impressive Safety Tech

Aventon Aventure 2 Review | The Bar-Setter of Fat Bikes

The original Aventure redefined affordable fat tire e-bikes. The Aventure 2 delivers an even better ride experience to what was already a top e-bike option.

Aventon Aventure 2 Review

When it debuted back in 2021, the Aventon Aventure set a new standard for what e-bikers could expect from a fat tire electric bike under $2000. Heck, you don’t even have to get category-specific; the Aventure largely reset the bar for what any sub-$2000 e-bike could achieve: a delightfully powerful motor, great handling, powerful hydraulic disc brakes, solid battery life, and sleek styling to boot. So with our Aventon Aventure 2 review, we find a bike that built upon its predecessor’s original achievements by dialing in precisely on the rider’s feel and experience.

That focus can be attributed to refining a lot of little details, and we’ll touch on each of those, but perhaps the single largest one can be summed up in two words: torque sensor.

As we saw just a few months ago on another Aventon e-bike we reviewed, the brand is making a concentrated effort to provide affordable e-bikes with a more natural pedal experience. The inclusion of a torque sensor on the Aventure 2 means riders will have more purpose to their pedal than ever before, while still benefiting from the fun experience that e-bike motors provide. Oh, and lets not forget how it yields more efficient battery life too.

The marriage of affordable e-bikes and torque sensors is one I’m very much eager to RSVP to.

The Aventure 2 doesn’t stop at the torque sensor though. There are a host of meaningful upgrades and feature add-ons that make this e-bike feel fresh and exciting. The fact that the costs haven’t changed much makes it all the better too.

There is plenty to unpack and explore, so let’s go ahead and dive in together to Electric Bike Report’s Aventon Aventure 2 review.

Looking for the latest model? You can find our Aventon Aventure 3 review here.

[Read more…] about Aventon Aventure 2 Review | The Bar-Setter of Fat Bikes

Ride1UP Portola E-Bike Review | A Lot of Bike For Little $$$

A fun and useful folding e-bike packed with features at a price that’s hard to match.

Ride1UP Portola E-Bike Review
Our review of the Portola got off to a bit of a different start. This was a rare case where we got it prior to launch. So just having the specs to evaluate, we were impressed by what it was offering. Our initial estimate was it would cost between $1200-1300. We were off – by a lot! It starts around a thousand dollars.

In this Ride1UP Portola review, we’ll explore why this folding e-bike surprised us so much. Simply being inexpensive isn’t enough for a good review. We pass on plenty of cheap e-bikes that lack the quality and performance we expect. The Portola, however, is a rare exception—it delivers far more than you’d expect at this price.

Let’s start with the big picture. The Ride1UP Portola is a folding e-bike equipped with a 750W hub motor, hydraulic disc brakes, an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, a suspension fork, lights, fenders, an integrated rear rack, and a kickstand. Buyers can choose between a 500Wh or a 643Wh battery, depending on their needs and budget. The battery is neatly integrated into the step-through frame, enhancing the bike’s sleek design.

Folding frames are often a make-or-break feature when choosing an e-bike. You’re either looking for a folding bike or you’re not—and that’s fair. However, the Ride1UP Portola offers such exceptional value that we recommend it to anyone seeking a great deal—not just those who want a folding e-bike. Its combination of features, performance, and affordability makes it a standout in its category.

There’s plenty to unpack with this e-bike, so let’s dive in.

[Read more…] about Ride1UP Portola E-Bike Review | A Lot of Bike For Little $$$

Rad Power Bikes RadKick (Belt Drive) Review | Simply Fun!

Rad’s sleek city commuter is a comfortable and zippy ride with low maintenance thanks to the belt drive.

Rad Power Bikes RadKick (Belt Drive) Review
The RadKick Belt Drive we’ve been reviewing for several weeks now is a fresh yet familiar addition to Rad’s lineup. It’s a sportier city commuter that picks up the legacy of the now-retired RadMission to give Rad Power Bikes a lightweight city bike option in its stable of e-bikes. It’s aimed squarely at urban commuters who want a lively, efficient, and straightforward ride.

It’s a quintessential Rad bike; it has a predictable feel that’s true to the bike’s styling with its agile and nimble touch on the roads, but the wider-than-most handlebar gives it a sure feel instead of a twitchy one. You can easily navigate around pedestrians and traffic, and with the lights, fenders, and rack, you have all you need for daily commutes.

The RadKick doesn’t overlean into the city bike attributes, though, and sacrifice approachability; it’s a city bike with characteristics that give it a broader appeal to more riders.

We loved the low step-over height of the step-through frame and the adjustable stem that allows you to be more upright or more forward-leaning and engaged. It’s overall pretty comfortable, especially with the help of the suspension fork. Our specific test model is a single-speed belt drive, so each ride felt actively involved. With no other gears to select and a more subtle motor experience, it felt like a more active ride than many other e-bikes.

The ‘subtle’ remark isn’t a knock to the bike either; the amount of motor power is purposeful and feels great. It’s slight yet effective—like adding a dash of cayenne to the pot of chili to give it just the right amount of “kick.” This bike is meant to be pedaled, and its torque sensor gave it an intuitive feel that enhanced our abilities making each ride fun.

The bike felt simple in the best sense of the word. It’s got a clean look to it, and it operates efficiently. Turn on the power, hit your desired assist level, and ride.

Outside of some of the usual concerns that plague any one-size-fits-all e-bike, Rad did an excellent job of making a user-friendly e-bike for those who want something lighter and more active with fair value.

[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadKick (Belt Drive) Review | Simply Fun!

Aventon Ramblas Review | The New Entry-Level eMTB Standard?

A new eMTB that may reset expectations for how affordable an offroad e-bike can be.

Aventon Ramblas E-Bike Review 2025
The Ramblas marks Aventon’s debut in several areas: its first eMTB, its first mid-drive motor (developed in collaboration with Gobao), and its most expensive model to date. With these milestones in mind, I began my review of the Aventon Ramblas with high hopes and plenty to consider.

So, how did it perform on all these new fronts? Quite well, actually.

Starting below the $3k line, Aventon has packed a lot of value into the Ramblas. This well-equipped hardtail eMTB comes loaded with name-brand components that delivered strong performance during my tests. SRAM handles the drivetrain and braking, RockShox provides the suspension fork, and Maxxis takes care of the tires—all offering reliable performance, though with some limits in adjustability.

But the real star of the show is Aventon’s own custom-designed a100 mid-drive motor. With a base power of 250 watts (peaking at 750W) and a whopping 100Nm of torque, it’s a standout bit of tech. What I appreciated most was how controllable this power felt. Climbing intimidating hills—even the crazy steep ones that usually elicit a “nope!”—became far more manageable. That confidence is exactly why many riders turn to eMTBs in the first place.

Aventon paired the motor with a 706Wh battery that strikes a great balance between capacity and weight. At 50.6 lbs (bike and battery combined), the Ramblas feels agile while still offering excellent range. In our range tests, it delivered near top-tier performance, making it a great choice for long rides.

It’s not just about the components and motor, though. Aventon made sure to prioritize rider fit and comfort by offering the Ramblas in four aluminum frame sizes. The bike’s geometry is consistent with modern hardtail designs, which means it feels natural and balanced whether climbing uphill or bombing downhill. Aventon also played it smart by sticking to proven design principles for their first mountain bike, rather than attempting to reinvent the wheel.

What’s more, Aventon’s move into motor development, alongside its frame-building expertise, bodes well for long-term quality control and customer service.

The Ramblas is confidence-inspiring enough for me to recommend, which isn’t something I can say about every first-generation product. For a deeper dive into its performance, check out the testing and performance sections of our full Aventon Ramblas review.

[Read more…] about Aventon Ramblas Review | The New Entry-Level eMTB Standard?