Electric Bike Reviews, News, & Testing

Electric Bike Report

x
Menu
Sponsor

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

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

Velotric Summit 1 Vs Specialized Turbo Tero X Comparison

Hybrid e-bikes for work and play, but which is best suited for the type of rider that you are?

Velotric Summit 1 Vs Specialized Turbo Tero X

The term “SUV-style e-bike” has gained traction in recent years, referring to hybrid e-bikes designed for both work and play. These bikes combine the practicality of a commuter-capable ride for getting to and from work with the ruggedness needed for off-roading, whether it’s on local greenways or possibly blue trails. While owning dedicated bikes for each purpose would be ideal, most of us have limited budgets and finite garage space, making the rise of this versatile category easy to understand.

Here, we’re comparing two popular options on opposite ends of the pricing spectrum: the Velotric Summit 1 and the Specialized Turbo Tero X. Velotric is an emerging brand in the affordable e-bike space that has made strong impressions with early models, while Specialized is a long-established, celebrated name in the industry.

Let’s approach this comparison with open eyes: this isn’t about declaring one bike “better” than the other. There’s a clear reason the Tero X costs nearly 2.5 times as much as the Summit—it comes with refinements and features the Summit doesn’t offer. Instead, we’ll examine how wide the performance gap is and determine which bike might better suit certain types of riders. After all, “entry-level” rides these days are surprisingly good and the gap is more narrow than you might think, but there might be things seasoned riders still crave on the top end.

First, let’s break down their key differences, starting with the motors. The Velotric Summit features a rear hub motor delivering 750W of power and 90Nm of torque, along with a throttle and the option to use either a torque or cadence sensor. This means it packs plenty of muscle, while offering versatility if you toggle the engagement sensor. You can get a natural-feeling ride for off-road precision with the torque sensor or an easy, relaxed experience for your daily commute by running the cadence sensor.

The Specialized Turbo Tero X (specifically the 5.0 model we tested) is equipped with a mid-drive motor rated at 250W and 70Nm of torque. It’s designed for speed and excels at providing a seamless, natural ride—like a supercharged version of yourself.

While these bikes share plenty of overlap and are both capable of handling diverse tasks, their differences in design and performance will influence which one suits you best. It’s a bit like dessert preferences: my wife loves Black Forest cake, while I prefer German Chocolate. We’re both chocolate cake fans, but we enjoy our experience in different ways. Let’s dive into this comparison to see which bike satisfies your taste buds!

Velotric Summit 1

Check Best Price

Specialized Turbo Tero X 5.0

Check Best Price

[Read more…] about Velotric Summit 1 Vs Specialized Turbo Tero X Comparison

E-Biking in Edinburgh

*Promoted post by Edinburgh Bike Coop, edited by Electric Bike Report.

Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful cities in the world boasting the historic “Old Town,” including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile sitting above the stunning “New Town,” with gorgeous Georgian architecture. Throughout the city are vast green spaces and miles of cycle paths to explore, making Edinburgh a great city to explore by bicycle, particularly, due to all the hills, an electric bike.

[Read more…] about E-Biking in Edinburgh

Hollywood Racks Crosstrack Hitch Rack Review | VALUE!

One of Hollywood Racks nicest products to date is one of the smoother operating racks they’ve produced, but still undercuts most of the competition.

Hollywood Racks Crosstrack Hitch Rack Review

Hollywood Racks has long been one of the go-to options for a quality bang-for-your-buck hitch rack. The products are true workhorses; they aren’t the fanciest options on the market, but they’re routinely a few hundred dollars less than comparable models while going toe-to-toe on most features and occasionally going beyond.

Spending less for similar features sounds great, but there is usually a caveat or two to consider. Competitors were typically a little more sleek, and while it could carry bikes of similar sizes, the adjustments when fitting bikes were often clunky. Consider those problems addressed with their latest model, the Crosstrack, all while keeping the ethos of producing a product that undercuts others on the market.

The Crosstrack is a platform-style bike hitch rack that uses two arms to establish contact with the tires. The rack handles bikes up to 66 lbs and fits most tires from 20-29” in diameter and up to 4” wide with a 52” long wheelbase.

With no frame contact and an easy-to-fit tray system, the Crosstrack can be loaded up in seconds, and it works nicely for different styles of e-bikes, from road and gravel to eMTB and city. The front-handle pull system quickly snaps the rack into one of four positions, and once I figured out the best practice for unloading bikes, it was a simple start-to-finish experience getting bikes from the garage to the the trailhead and back again.

This has been an intensive year for me in hitch rack product testing and as is often the case, the drawbacks I could find on the Crosstrack for hyper-specific to the life of a bike tester or somebody who is swapping between bikes with different tire-sizes frequently, but overall, I was highly impressed with the Hollywood Racks Crosstrack after weeks of testing and reviewing it. For all the details, read on!

[Read more…] about Hollywood Racks Crosstrack Hitch Rack Review | VALUE!

Canyon Strive: ON CFR Underdog Review | Bet on the Underdog?

One of the most value-packed enduro’s out there with a killer motor, and high quality frame.

Canyon Strive: ON CFR Underdog Review

Rarely do I get too caught up in the naming conventions of the e-bikes I test. Most aim to sound EPIC or come with a backstory that’s either cool or sentimental. But calling something an “Underdog” immediately caught my attention. After all, don’t we all like rooting for the underdog? After several weeks of reviewing the Canyon Strive: ON CFR Underdog, I can confidently say it’s a name well-earned. This bike is scrappy and plucky enough to hang with the big boys.

This bike packs plenty of desirable features, like the carbon frame and the renowned Bosch CX motor, but its spec sheet is geared toward a budget-conscious rider. It’s a bike that punches above its weight, holding its own against top-tier enduro rigs without demanding a sky-high price tag. Canyon also offers the LTD version of this bike, loaded with everything you might want, but the Strive: ON Underdog provides everything you need for a fun and aggressive enduro experience.

The Strive: ON CFR Underdog is both stable and responsive. It has a slacked-out headtube, a steep seat tube, and a long wheelbase for getting rowdy even on speedier downhills. Using a 160/170 Fox suspension and Horst linkage, the bike was very controlled on even technical descents.

Of course, the Bosch motor lives up to its stellar reputation. It delivers punchy, responsive engagement, giving just the right amount of assistance when you need it most. The overrun feature adds a helpful boost even after you stop pedaling, making sure finish strong over steep climbs.

The bottom line: this bike can keep up with any enduro eMTB in your friend group. It’s built on a solid foundation that appeals to everyone, from newcomers to seasoned vets, offering a beefy, capable ride without breaking the bank.

[Read more…] about Canyon Strive: ON CFR Underdog Review | Bet on the Underdog?

Saris Modular Hitch System Review | The Future-Proofed Rack?

This adaptable system allows you to haul a lot of e-bikes (both in number and weight), and has the versatility to serve cargo-carrying needs as well.

Saris Modular Hitch System Review

Saris’ Modular Hitch System (MHS) is a well-thought-out concept. It’ll grab e-bikers’ attention as one of the few hitch racks out there that can haul up to two 100-lb e-bikes, but that is only the beginning. It’s a hitch rack system that can address today’s needs and adapt to needs that will arise later in life, with just a little forethought required.

There are three different base options to choose from. You buy the receiver with the bike-carrying capacity you need, with room to add more later.

We tested the Saris Modular Hitch System 3+1. We were impressed with how quickly and easily you can load up and carry heavier e-bikes in the first two tray spots and loved the flexibility of taking up to four bikes. Saris has several additional accessories that make life even simpler, like a portable bike ramp, lights that integrate with a vehicle’s brake lights, and a hitch tightener to ensure the heavy-duty system is tightly in place.

Bikes secure easily with no frame contact (your bike’s paint job will thank you), and since they’re modular, you can choose the tray option that secures one or two wheels. The modularity extends to a cargo basket that can replace or line up next to your bike trays. It makes it easier to lug a cooler when camping and still bring your bike along.

Overall, this system was heavy-duty. It was one of the beefier racks we’ve tested, which gives it such a good weight rating, but it also makes it one of the heavier racks to fold up and down.

Overall, we really enjoyed this system. There are just a few caveats to it that you need to know about to determine whether it’ll best suit your needs. All the details are found below in the full Saris Modualr Hitch System review.

[Read more…] about Saris Modular Hitch System Review | The Future-Proofed Rack?