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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 Rail 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

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

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?

Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through Review | A Fun/Easy Ride

Popular Step-Through Fat Tire e-Bike Gets Even Better With Latest Fine Tuning and Small Details

Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through Review 2025
The Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through we’re reviewing is one of the most popular e-bikes on the road today. The original Aventure gained a loyal following thanks to its impressive combination of features that check off many riders’ wish lists: sharp handling, quick acceleration, high cruising speeds, powerful brakes, long-lasting battery life, easy operation, and a comfortable ride—all for under $2,000.

One of the biggest upgrades to this bike over its predecessor is the new torque sensor, which replaces the original cadence sensor. This upgrade not only improves motor engagement with pedaling but also enhances battery efficiency and hill-climbing capability. And that’s not all—Aventon has also added frame-integrated turn signals, a thoughtful safety feature that’s easy to appreciate.

The step-through design continues to be offered in two sizes—regular and large—making it accessible to a wide range of riders. Shorter riders and seniors will particularly love the ease of mounting without having to swing a leg over the frame’s top tube. But really, who wouldn’t enjoy a ride that’s so easy to hop onto?

If you’ve noticed more fat tire e-bikes cruising around your neighborhood and wondered what all the buzz is about, this review of the Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through will give you a clearer picture. We’ll explore the blend of fun and practicality that a well-designed fat tire e-bike can offer—and why we think the Aventure.2 Step-Through is one of the best on the market.

Looking for the latest model? Check out our Aventon Aventure 3 review here.

[Read more…] about Aventon Aventure.2 Step-Through Review | A Fun/Easy Ride

Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX Review | Premium Ride, Affordable Cost

Serious trekking potential! Thanks to new and meaningful improvements, the Prodigy V2 LX is Ride1UP’s best Prodigy yet.

Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX E-Bike Review
Ride1UP has built a reputation for creating exceptional e-bikes that cater to a wide range of rider needs. They’ve consistently impressed us with their ability to deliver outstanding value, often including premium features at price points where you wouldn’t expect them. Our review of the Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX confirms that this bike raises the bar even higher.

This e-bike is something of a paradox. At every turn, it feels like a premium e-bike—yet it’s surprisingly affordable. At first glance, it looks like a commuter bike. However, a closer inspection reveals that it’s also equipped for trekking and long-distance touring. With knobby tires and robust range capabilities, it’s ready to leave paved roads behind and explore the unknown.

The Prodigy V2 LX is amongst the most expensive e-bikes the brand has made to date, yet it’s a standout in terms of value. Compared to similar models, it’s at least $1,000—sometimes even $3,000—cheaper than its competitors.

There was great focus on the total ride experience. It starts with a 250W Brose mid-drive motor paired with a 504Wh battery, delivering excellent range and smooth, consistent power. The drivetrain features an Enviolo Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) hub, which ensures effortless gear transitions, whether you’re climbing hills, descending, or cruising.

Thanks to the Enviolo hub, Ride1UP could include a Gates carbon belt drive instead of a traditional chain. This upgrade offers several benefits: it’s quieter, requires less maintenance, and feels more intuitive to operate.

The Prodigy V2 LX comes loaded with features that elevate the rider’s experience. Stopping power is handled by 4-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, providing confident control in all conditions. The bike also includes a full commuter package with integrated front and rear lights, fenders, a rear rack, and a kickstand.

One standout feature I really enjoyed was the air-spring suspension fork. The difference between an air fork and a coil-spring fork is like the difference between lemons and lemonade—it’s a significant upgrade in terms of ride quality and adjustability.

I’ve reviewed three variations of the Prodigy, and this latest version is the best yet. The Prodigy V2 LX might be the best-value e-bike Ride1UP has ever made. Note: I said best value, not least expensive. While there are more budget-friendly options in Ride1UP’s lineup, it’s hard to imagine a bike that delivers more in terms of performance, features, and quality at this price.

That’s a solid overview—but now it’s time to dig into the data from our testing.

[Read more…] about Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX Review | Premium Ride, Affordable Cost

Lectric XP 3.0 Review | Feature-Packed & Fun For Only $1K

Lectric XP 3.0 E-Bike Review
When Lectric announced that their most popular model was getting an upgrade, we couldn’t wait to dive into our Lectric XP 3.0 review. And why would we? The XP 2.0 has been a smash hit in the e-bike world for good reason. It folds smaller than a dorm fridge, costs less than your average vacation, and offers serious utility and fun.

While its practicality is undeniable, the real draw has always been its incredible value—and the XP 3.0 takes that value to the next level.

Ordinarily, I try to focus solely on the bike I’m reviewing and avoid too many comparisons. But this time, you’ll have to indulge me; nothing will better illustrate the value point better than a comparison. Lectric has packed so many substantial upgrades into the XP 3.0 that I kept coming back to one question: How is this bike the same price as the XP 2.0, when it offers so much more?

The XP 3.0 delivers across the board:

  • A motor with increased torque for better performance.
  • An expanded drivetrain for more versatile gearing.
  • A stronger rear rack with greater carrying capacity.
  • A new suspension fork with increased travel for added comfort.
  • Hydraulic disc brakes with larger rotors, upgrading from the mechanical brakes of its predecessor.
  • A better battery with improved range—and an optional long-range version for those who want even more.

See what I mean? It’s a lot more bike. But it’s use further expanded too. One of the standout updates is the XP 3.0’s ability to carry a passenger, like a child. This makes it perfect for school drop-offs, sports practices, or playdates—all without needing to hop in a car. For anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint while spending more time outdoors, this feature is a game-changer.

Let’s dig into our in-depth review of the Lectric XP 3.0 and its many updates, but here’s the spoiler: no bike stretches your dollar further than the XP 3.0, and it rides better than ever. Whether you’re after utility, fun, or incredible value, the XP 3.0 proves why Lectric continues to dominate the value category in the e-bike world in a way that few others can replicate.

*Looking for the latest Xp reviews? Check out the review of the XP 4, and the XP 4 750W motor review.

[Read more…] about Lectric XP 3.0 Review | Feature-Packed & Fun For Only $1K

Aventon Level.2 E-Bike Review | Read BEFORE Buying

Aventon Level 2 Review 2025 - full bike frame profile

If you’ve followed Aventon over the years you’ve likely noticed how its evolved in the e-bike space. Its e-bike lineup has held some crowd-pleasing favorites, and they’ve added even more diverse offerings to it, but over the last 18 months or so we’ve really seen refinement from Aventon’s e-bikes. That focus on refinement is what was most apparent during our Aventon Level 2 review; there was sense of purpose in offering a better looking bike with a more natural riding experience with the latest iteration of the Level.

The Aventon Level 2 rolls out new looks highlighted by the slightly more angled edges on the frame and four striking color options. The integrated rear tailights (including one in the fender) adds to the bike’s aesthetic while also enhancing safety. The center display gets a well-received upgrade from it’s old black and white LCD display to a full color display with enhanced ride data.

While those may be the most readily apparent new elements to the Aventon Level, the largest change comes from under the hood, so to speak. Aventon spec’d the Level 2 with a torque sensor – a first for the e-bike company. It’s not often that affordable e-bike brands opt for a torque sensor, so this marks a welcome foray into seeing what can be achieved on e-bikes on a budget that doesn’t break the bank.

While there is plenty new on the Level 2 there was also quite a bit of familiar tried-and-true componentry present as well from the 500W motor, 672Wh battery, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes and a suspension fork as well.

As we always do, we put all of this bike’s features through Electric Bike Report’s standard tests to better see what the Aventon Level 2 could do on our review. Head to the sections below to get our full thoughts.

[Read more…] about Aventon Level.2 E-Bike Review | Read BEFORE Buying

Ride1UP Revv 1 Hardtail Review | Fast Ride, Sweet Looks

This moto-inspired ride delivers exciting trips again and again, and at a surprisingly affordable cost.

Ride1UP Revv 1 Hardtail Review
The EBR offices feel like Christmas year-round; nearly every week there is a fun new product waiting to be unboxed and tested, and the excitement factor hasn’t warn off on me in the least. But each bike hits in a different way, and few filled me with the same level of excitement as did the Ride1UP Revv 1 Hardtail review. Simply put, this moto-inspired ride looks incredible, and the ride matches it’s looks.

The Revv 1 HT runs off a 52V, 750W bafang hub motor that prodcues a whopping 95Nm of torque. Translation: it moves fast horizontally or even on an incline. It’s got a simplified drive system that leans into throttle usage, and the 20″ wheels zoom over city streets with ease while hugging the road into turns nicely. It’s surpisingly easy to handle (so long as you don’t mind speed) thanks to it’s low center of gravity and the extra width of the 4″ tires.

The hardtail is the more economical choice (it has a full-suspension sibling – the Ride1UP Revv 1 FS – that we reviewed a while back) of the Revv 1 models, but make no mistake, it’s still feature-packed and plenty comfortable. The FS was one of our picks for the best e-bikes of the year, but there’s an argument that the HT we reviewing here provides an even better value.

The Electric Bike Report team is clearly impressed with all this bike has to offer, but the key question with any review still remains: does the Ride1UP Revv 1 HT make sense for you? Afterall, there is no shortage of bikes like this one to consider. Take a look at our testing down below and see if it fits your needs.

[Read more…] about Ride1UP Revv 1 Hardtail Review | Fast Ride, Sweet Looks

Aventon Soltera 2 Step-Through Review | Responsive & Agile

Lightweight, Authentic Pedal Feel, Robust Motor, Good Value for sub-$1400 bike

Aventon Soltera 2 Step-Through E-Bike Review 2025
The Aventon Soltera.2 Step-Through we reviewed proved to be one of the brand’s best feeling motors to date. The 350W rear hub motor enables riders to feel like a powerhouse cyclist as opposed to riding a powerhouse of a bike. Aventon’s use of a torque sensor focusses more on ride feel, and it can provide subtle assistance that make you feel ready to take on a long, winding road, or summit any city slope like a champ.

This bike provides a lot of commuter-friendly features as well such as the integrated brake lights with turn signal functionality, a responsive drivetrain with an ultra-satisfying Revoshift shifter, and overall handling that’s responsive and fast thanks to the 680mm handlebar and 700x38c Kenda tires.

The Step-Through label is a bit misleading, we’d say it’s more of a mid-step, but it’s undeniably easier to mount and makes it friendlier to shorter riders or anybody who wants an easier time swinging a leg over the top tube.

It’s not a perfect ride, the motor seems to fall short of top-end class 3 speeds, but it’s whisper-quiet and the overall look is understated enough that people will have to squint to see the signs that it’s an e-bike.

Stealthy, snappy, and simple to use; the Aventon Soltera.2 Step-through has a lot going for it that’ll grab the attention of those in the market for a lightweight city e-bike.

[Read more…] about Aventon Soltera 2 Step-Through Review | Responsive & Agile

Retrospec Koa Rev 2 ST Review | Stable & Simple

This bike has a fun, stable feel to it in it’s shipped Class 2 settings, with a fun and exhilarating ride when switched to Class 3 speeds.

Retrospec Koa Rev 2 ST Review

I’ve recommended many fat tire e-bikes over the years to family, friends, and neighbors—even if that’s not the style they initially indicated they were looking for. Why? Because so many people have remarked on how stable they find the wide tires. I love recommending them to anyone who hasn’t ridden a bike in years (or even decades).

One area where I often hesitated was when the bike was clearly more than the person would need. Not all fat tire bikes are built to split commuting and offroading 50/50, after all, but several are designed with that purpose in mind, so sometimes, when I recommend a fat bike, the features could be a little more than what the person needed.

That’s what was refreshing about my review of the Retrospec Koa Rev 2 ST. This bike is a solidly built, and appropriately-spec’d model that excels at making leisurely trips around town or as a comfortable commuter. It keeps the price low by using more modest components.

The Koa Rev 2 has a 500W motor and a 500Wh battery to match. It’s a pleasant and controlled ride in its shipped Class 2 settings, but it shows a noticeable speed boost in Class 3 mode—a difference I appreciated when I wanted to move faster. The low step-over height, wide tires, and suspension fork make for a smooth sailing experience across either nicely paved roads or bumpier surfaces.

This bike has some wild side to it and will hold up fine at a campsite or on a fire road; people who need a more adventurous ride can consider its upgraded Plus model. It’s uncommon for an affordable brand to offer both a base and an upgraded model, so this is a nice rarity to find.

The bike is easy to maneuver on the roads, weighs under 70 lbs (a rarity for fat tire bikes), and comes in two attractive color options. It’s also available in a high-step model if you prefer a stiffer frame.

To see how it performed in our tests, check out all the details below.

[Read more…] about Retrospec Koa Rev 2 ST Review | Stable & Simple