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John S. Bozick

E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

Originally from a small town in northeastern Ohio, John was eventually drawn elsewhere in the pursuit of self-actualization. What began as a creative background slowly shifted into the technical; John’s early interest in art led him to learn design, fabrication, and manufacturing techniques while attending the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He applied his creative, mechanical, and critical thinking skills in various industries including fine art, orthotics, furniture and interior design, construction, etc. before arriving in his current position at Electric Bike Report. Bikes have been present to varying degrees throughout John’s life; as a teenager, he spent much of his free time on a Diamondback BMX, and during/following the pandemic, a secondhand Specialized trail bike offered a way to blow off steam. Writing has been similarly ubiquitous; a natural skill with the written word developed through formal education into a source of pride and passion. At Electric Bike Report, John uses his analytical mind, technical writing skills, and dry sense of humor to share the best e-bikes with the world!

Get to Know John S. Bozick

Certifications

  • Bachelor of Science, Entertainment Design

Favorite Style of E-Bike

City, All-Terrain, Hybrid Path

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Ride1UP Revv 1

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Juiced Bikes RipCurrent S

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Magnum Vertex

Hobbies

Cooking, Hiking, Camping, Gaming, and Traveling

Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

John S. Bozick

Outdoor Master Helmet Recall, August Bike Import Data, Campagnolo Lays Off Workers | TWR Ep 60

Plus the Differences Between eMTBs and E-Gravel Bikes, Hookii’s Neomow X Lawnmower, the Most Secure Hitch Racks, & More!

In this relatively light e-bike news week, we have a few ups and downs to highlight. Our main stories include a helmet recall, a dive into August’s import data, and layoffs at an iconic cycling company.

The helmet recall affects roughly 24,000 kids helmets made by Outdoor Master. While no injuries have been reported, the company and the CPSC announced a joint recall due the helmets not meeting federal standards.

The U.S. Census released the latest round of import data from the month of August, showing a continuation of July’s increase in Chinese bike imports. By the end of August, however, Cambodia had surpassed China as the largest YTD source (by value) of imported bikes.

In less fortunate news, the premium Italian component maker Campagnolo laid off a significant portion of its staff. This development underscores the recent uncertainty within the industry. What will Campagnolo’s future hold?

Read more in the full stories below! Or, if you’d prefer to watch or listen to John and Griffin as they run through the news, play some trivia, and answer audience questions, see the video or audio podcast above.

[Read more…] about Outdoor Master Helmet Recall, August Bike Import Data, Campagnolo Lays Off Workers | TWR Ep 60

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Review | A Classic Made Current?

The base model of Rad’s quintessential utility e-bike rides as good as ever while boasting new safety, security, and ride-enhancing features.

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Review

The RadRunner line of short-tail cargo/utility e-bikes is iconic.

Since the first model was released in 2019, the series has featured heavy-duty, accessory-compatible cargo racks and manageably-sized, easy-to-mount frames. When combined with the steady and approachable pedal assist Rad Power Bikes is known for, these features make all RadRunner models capable, reliable, and extremely versatile.

Along with the brand itself, Rad Power’s RadRunner line has gone through quite an evolution. Most recently, the company simplified its naming conventions and re-released its three utility models: the basic RadRunner we’ll focus on in this review, the upgraded RadRunner Plus, and the high-tech RadRunner Max.

Most similar to the former RadRunner 2, the RadRunner is an entry-level e-bike that prioritizes affordability; its roughly $1,500 price point makes it one of Rad’s lowest-priced e-bikes. Still, with a respectable 320-lb payload capacity, a robust 750W motor, and an easy-to-use interface & pedal assist system, it doesn’t sacrifice functionality.

With its re-release, Rad Power Bikes included a handful of performance, safety, and experience-enhancing upgrades on the RadRunner. The bike features a color display with a clean and straightforward interface, a Gemma hydraulic disc brake system, a fire-resistant SafeShield battery, and a new set of custom all-terrain tires.

We tested the RadRunner’s Class 2 speed capability, its maximum and minimum range potential, its hill-climbing performance, and its new brake system in a series of standardized tests. See our full review below to get the full scoop on Rad’s latest family- and budget-friendly utility e-bike!

[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Review | A Classic Made Current?

Cikada Touring E-Bike Review | In It For The Long Haul?

The Touring is a comfortable, responsive hybrid commuter/cargo carrier that’s well suited for a wide range of uses.

Cikada Touring E-Bike Review

E-bikes are often relatively specialized, meaning that they are engineered to fulfill a specific role related to their style or category. This focused design commonly results in bikes that can perform one or two tasks exceptionally well while also having some glaring weaknesses in other areas.

For example, an electric mountain bike (eMTB) might offer extreme agility, traction, and shock absorption for rocky trails, while suffering some loss of energy efficiency when riding on paved surfaces. In another case, folding e-bikes often sacrifice some comfort and steering control for increased portability and compactness.

The Cikada Touring E-Bike occupies a relatively unique middle ground between a commuter e-bike and a cargo hauler. As its name might suggest, it’s intended for comfortable, long-distance rides on streets and paved paths.

As such, it’s more versatile than most e-bikes of a single style. The Touring’s design makes it suitable for getting to the office, grabbing dinner or groceries on the way home, and loading up for a long day of sightseeing and adventuring on the weekend.

The bike’s biggest strengths are its 350W mid-drive motor, sizable 720 Wh battery, and extended rear cargo rack. The torque-sensing motor delivers power naturally in response to the rider’s effort while the battery fuels the mid-drive on long rides. The rack offers a long platform that can be equipped with a handful of accessories and can carry up to 77 lbs.

The Touring impressed us with its overall comfort, responsive pedal assist system (PAS), and range capabilities, but as with any e-bike, it’s not perfect. Keep reading to find out how the bike performed in our real world tests, how it compares to similar models we’ve tested, and what areas have room for improvement.

[Read more…] about Cikada Touring E-Bike Review | In It For The Long Haul?

Rad Opposes CPSC Battery Warning, Aventon Plans European Debut, New Upway/Aventon Trade-In Program | TWR Ep 59

Plus New Salsa Confluence Gravel E-Bikes, Onewheel’s Self-Balancing Wheelie Motorbike, Griffin & John’s Personal E-Bikes, & More!

More big stories in this week’s e-bike news!

The CPSC released a warning regarding the safety of some of Rad Power Bikes’ older batteries. Rad responded with a statement defending its products and explaining that a recall could force its closure.

California-based e-bike brand Aventon announces a 2026 expansion into the European market. It plans to release a new line of e-bikes to meet tighter EU regulations; we have some details on Aventon’s new custom mid-drive motor.

The refurbished e-bike seller Upway has partnered with Aventon on a new trade-in program. Riders trading in their old e-bikes on new Aventon models can receive a bonus when visiting one of the program’s locations before Christmas!

Keep reading below for more details on these stories. If you’d prefer to watch or listen to the news, see (or hear) our weekly news and entertainment show using the links above.

[Read more…] about Rad Opposes CPSC Battery Warning, Aventon Plans European Debut, New Upway/Aventon Trade-In Program | TWR Ep 59

Jupiter Bike Defiant Review | An Out of This World Folding Bike?

A straightforward, relatively lightweight folding e-bike with a peppy motor and a comfy ride.

Jupiter Defiant Review

In recent years, we’ve seen many folding e-bikes in the US market creep up in weight, sometimes exceeding 70 lbs. In rare cases, they’ve even tipped the scales at 80+ lbs, making them as hefty as many full size e-bikes on the heavy end of the spectrum.

Considering that their hinged frames are often marketed as making folding e-bikes easier to transport and smaller to store, this relatively high weight might seem counterintuitive.

That’s why we were pleased to note that the Defiant, a folding e-bike from the Tampa-based brand Jupiter Bike, weighed in under 60 lbs. This comparatively low weight drops to around 52 lbs once the battery is removed. With or without the power pack, it’s one of the more portable folding e-bikes we’ve tested in recent years.

You might expect a lighter-weight folding bike to sacrifice power, but the Defiant is equipped to go toe-to-toe with many of its heavier peers. The bike features a powerful 750W rear-hub motor with a cadence sensor. With a maximum pedal-assisted speed of 20 mph, it pedals easily and can make short work of hills.

Another thing that sets the Defiant apart from many other folding e-bikes is that it rolls on 4-inch knobby fat tires. While similar models often feature similar tread to provide grip on loose unpaved terrain, few bikes feature such wide tires. This means the Defiant’s ride feels extra stable—and the added cushion helps smooth any bumps you might encounter.

Clearly, the bike goes against the grain in some areas, suggesting that it lives up to its bold, rebellious name. But how does the Defiant compare to similar bikes we’ve tested in terms of performance? See our full review below to find out!


*Note: Use Code: EBREPORT10 to save 10%

[Read more…] about Jupiter Bike Defiant Review | An Out of This World Folding Bike?

Urtopia’s Owners Buy Pedego, Trek’s Brake Recall, D.C. E-Bike Speeds Reduced | TWR Ep 58

Plus Black Friday Deals, Meepo V3 Max Longboard, E-Bike Comparisons, & More!

This week in e-bike news, we cover the acquisition of a veteran brand by the owners of an up-and-comer. We also discuss an important recall and lower speed limits on some e-bikes in Washington D.C.

The headlining story is Pedego’s purchase; the brick-and-mortar retailer has been acquired by the same group that owns Hong-Kong-based e-bike maker Urtopia. Pedego’s CEO hopes the partnership will allow it to expand its physical presence to pandemic-era highs and beyond.

Trek announces a recall on roughly 68,000 bikes with faulty coaster brakes. An online tool can help identify whether your bike is affected—see below.

Additionally, bike share companies Lime and Veo have agreed to lower the speeds of their rental fleets in the nation’s capital. The goal of this decision is to increase public safety and encourage responsible e-bike use.

For more information on these stories, continue reading below. Otherwise, for more news, entertainment, and e-bike info, check out the video or audio versions of our weekly podcast above!

[Read more…] about Urtopia’s Owners Buy Pedego, Trek’s Brake Recall, D.C. E-Bike Speeds Reduced | TWR Ep 58

Can Rad Power Bikes Be Saved? + Scott’s Fastlane E-Road Bike, Upway Plans Expansion | TWR Ep 57

Plus Updates on Super73’s MZFT, Aventon Pace 4 vs Velotric Breeze 1 Comparison, Mokwheel Basalt 1.0 vs 2.0, & More!

In this week’s e-bike news, another major US-based e-bike brand announced its possible shutdown in January if its leadership is unable to source additional funding. Could this mean the end for Rad Power Bikes?

One of the most eye-catching new releases we’ve seen from the past week is Scott’s Fastlane electric road bike. With a carbon fiber frame and fork, a stealthy TQ mid-drive, and a fully internal battery, it’s tough to tell this model is even an e-bike!

Additionally, the e-bike refurbisher Upway has acquired a new round of funding to expand its operations and presence. The company plans to establish new brick and mortar refurbishment centers in Denver and other cities.

See or listen to our weekly news and entertainment show above for more information. Alternatively, keep reading below for more details on these news stories and some early black friday deals!

[Read more…] about Can Rad Power Bikes Be Saved? + Scott’s Fastlane E-Road Bike, Upway Plans Expansion | TWR Ep 57

AIMA Santa Monica Review | Contemporary California Cruising

This hybrid cruiser/commuter e-bike blends responsive pedal assist with a comfortable ride and a robust, user-friendly feature package.

AIMA Santa Monica Review

Here at Electric Bike Report, we’re lucky to have a community of smart, trustworthy, and experienced readers and viewers. That’s why we listen when you speak up!

For years, the AIMA Santa Monica has been one of the most requested e-bikes our audience has asked us to review. After such a long time, we were excited to finally get the bike in for testing, and at first glance, it was clear why the bike was so popular.

As a cruiser/commuter hybrid, the Santa Monica is well-equipped for both functionality and comfort. It features an accessible step-thru frame, an accommodating saddle, and swept-back handlebars that keep the rider upright. It also includes wide, stable tires, integrated lights and turn signals, a suspension fork, and an MIK-compatible cargo rack.

The bike was also highly impressive in practice; as with every model we’ve reviewed, we conducted extensive performance tests, but even a short test ride was enough to reveal the Santa Monica’s lively, responsive feel. Its powerful motor delivered assistance smoothly and quietly, making short work of hills and adapting its output to match our pedal effort.

Looks are certainly subjective, but we couldn’t help but dig the Santa Monica’s classic yet refined aesthetic. Our test bike’s glossy cornflower blue color reminded us of an automobile’s paint job, while its brown faux leather saddle/grips and tan-wall tires added a retro vibe to the whole package.

The bike ultimately delivered in looks, ride feel, and on-paper specs, but how did its performance compare with similar cruiser and commuter-style e-bikes we’ve tested? See our full review below to find out!

[Read more…] about AIMA Santa Monica Review | Contemporary California Cruising

Eurobike’s Future Threatened, California’s Voucher Program Retired, New Gravel E-Bike From Marin | TWR Ep 56

Plus the Tenways Wayfarer, Slime vs. FlatOut, the 440+ Mile Natchez Trace Parkway, E-Bike Recommendations, & More!

In this week’s e-bike news, the future of one of the largest bike industry’s trade shows is uncertain after major brands and two trade associations break ties. Will this development mean the end of Eurobike or simply an evolution for the show?

Additionally, California’s e-bike incentive program was quietly retired in favor of a hybrid/EV car initiative. The end of the state’s voucher program means low-income residents will no longer receive support for purchasing e-bikes.

Finally, Marin Bikes announced an electric version of its versatile, multi-surface Lombard road/gravel bike. The E Lombard will be offered in two spec tiers, both boasting a Bosch drive system.

For more details on these stories, continue reading below. If you’d rather watch or listen to find out more information, see episode 56 of our video or audio podcast, the Weekly Recharge, above instead!

[Read more…] about Eurobike’s Future Threatened, California’s Voucher Program Retired, New Gravel E-Bike From Marin | TWR Ep 56

NYC’s 15mph Speed Limit, ALSO & Amazon Make E-Quad Deal, Galfer & MAHLE Team Up on Brake Rotors | TWR Ep 55

Plus Motor Power for Heavy Riders, RadRunner Max vs Abound SR Comparison, The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, & More!

This week’s e-bike news covers topics ranging from new e-bike speed limits to ALSO’s e-quadricycle to a prototype brake rotor for eMTBs.

New York City recently implemented mayor Eric Adams’ plan to limit e-bike and e-scooter speeds to 15 mph while allowing analog bikes to travel faster.

Rivian’s e-mobility brand ALSO plans to offer a four-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle for both commercial and consumer use. Amazon struck a deal to deploy thousands of units in locations across the US and Europe.

Additionally, the bicycle and motorcycle brake component maker Galfer teamed up with Spanish motor manufacturer MAHLE to develop a prototype brake rotor with an integrated speed sensor.

For more details, see Episode 56 of The Weekly Recharge above or continue reading below!

[Read more…] about NYC’s 15mph Speed Limit, ALSO & Amazon Make E-Quad Deal, Galfer & MAHLE Team Up on Brake Rotors | TWR Ep 55