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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

Troxus Lynx Folding E-Bike Review, How Does It Stack Up?

This comfy, solidly performing Class 2 folding bike is a solid choice for commuting, cruising, or coming along on a road trip.

Troxus Lynx Folding Review

Folding e-bikes are great for riders seeking flexibility. In most cases, they’re specced well enough to be practical while maintaining an affordable price tag. They’re also usually versatile enough to serve as a daily ride to work or school while collapsing into a size manageable enough to be stashed in a closet or loaded into an RV.

At the time of writing, our team tested a handful of Troxus models, but the Lynx Folding (part of a family of similar utility e-bikes sharing the same name) was our first experience with a folding e-bike from the brand. We were curious to know if this bike would line up with our previous good experiences or fall short of the mark.

On my first ride, things were off to a good start. I noticed the bike’s thick and comfortable saddle, its soft rubber grips, and its relaxed and easygoing ride. In addition to a striking metal flake paint job, I also noticed a unique color display that was easy on the eyes. Everything seemed to work well, but of course, there was only one way to make sure.

This is where our series of standardized tests came in. As with every bike we get our hands on, we evaluated the Lynx Folding’s speed, climbing ability, stopping power, and range capability. Our testers also paid attention to the bike’s handling, user-friendliness, ride comfort, fit, and more.

So, what did our team decide?

In short, we liked the Lynx Folding, but it’s also not a perfect bike. See our full review below to see how it performed, discover the aspects we thought were best, and find out which areas we identified with room for improvement.

[Read more…] about Troxus Lynx Folding E-Bike Review, How Does It Stack Up?

Freedare Eden Review | The Start of Something Beautiful?

A Fat Tire/Cruiser hybrid with great range, solid climbing power, a stable ride, and a useful app.

Freedare Eden Review

It’s not every day that we test e-bikes from newer brands such as Freedare. As Julius Caesar once wrote, experience is the best teacher, and we often find that fresh entrants to the e-bike market often need a few years to find their footing.

As the step-thru option among Freedare’s two fat tire/cruiser hybrid models, the Eden lured us in with unique features for its price point (between $1,500 and $2,000 at the time of writing). These include things like IoT (Internet of Things) technology, a multifunctional mobile app, and an integrated SIM card for security and navigation.

We were encouraged to see prominent brand names featured in the bike’s components. The Eden includes a Bafang motor, a battery pack built from Samsung cells, a hydraulic brake system from Tektro, and a Shimano drivetrain. We noted that it was fully UL Certified as well.

It’s also worth noting that we don’t often see a fat tire e-bike bearing the swept-back handlebars of a relaxed cruiser. In many ways, this combination of elements makes sense; fat tire e-bikes are known for their stability, while cruisers are defined by their comfort. A pairing of the two seems well-suited for riders who want the best of both worlds.

The question remained: would this new but unique entry to the fat tire e-bike market hold up to the performance standards set by its peers? See our full review below to find out!

[Read more…] about Freedare Eden Review | The Start of Something Beautiful?

Troxus Lynx Plus 20″ Fat Tire E-Bike Review

This utility e-bike might be small in stature, but it packs a lot of punch, offers a customizable ride, and is surprisingly versatile.

Troxus Lynx Plus Review

As a former BMX rider, I was stoked when I got my hands on the Troxus Lynx Plus; this mini fat tire e-bike is categorized as a utility bike capable of limited cargo hauling, but its feel and handling reminded me a little of my old Diamondback Assault.

If someone had strapped a rocket to it, that is.

Don’t be fooled by the Lynx Plus’ diminutive size. It’s just as heavy as a full-size fat tire e-bike—and just as powerful. Thanks to its low frame and small 20” wheels, the bike’s 750W hub motor felt extra punchy, giving the bike a playful, spritely character.

I had an absolute blast riding and testing the bike for this review, partially because of the Lynx’s BMX-like ride. Another element was the bike’s ability to switch between torque and cadence sensing modes at the press (or, more accurately, hold) of a button. This allowed me to choose between active pedaling or a more relaxed, low-effort ride.

At the time of writing, we’ve only tested a handful of e-bikes with this ability; in most cases, riders are stuck with one mode or the other. Each has advantages and disadvantages that impact feel and performance, but the Lynx offers the best of both worlds without any of the downsides.

We tested the bike using both riding modes to determine which might be best for certain types of riders. Continue reading our full review below to learn how each impacted the bike’s performance and which sensor mode might be best for how you ride!

[Read more…] about Troxus Lynx Plus 20″ Fat Tire E-Bike Review

Tern Orox S12 Review | Pack it In, Pack it Out, Pack it ALL

Raw Power, Refined Intelligence: How the Tern Orox Combines Strength and Smarts

Tern Orox S12 Review
When a brand introduces a beefy new e-cargo bike under the marketing slogan “Go Anywhere, Go Anytime, Bring Anything,” it definitely catches my attention.

After all, living in Southern Utah gives me unbridled access to some of the most jaw-droppingly epic landscapes the U.S. has to offer, where often, the only limiting factor to my exploration is how far I can pedal without bonking.

With a 100-mile range and the ability to double that to 200 with a dual battery setup, the Tern Orox S12 should theoretically let me explore that beauty deeper into the backcountry than any other bike can.

So, what’s the deal with the Tern Orox S12? Is it the ultimate e-cargo bike that can handle the rugged terrains and long distances of my adventures, or is it just another fat tire e-bike masquerading as a true e-cargo beast?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve tested this bike on everything from smooth city streets to rocky desert trails.

In this review, I’ll share the Orox S12’s performance test results and add some personal thoughts. We tested how far it can really go on a single charge, how fast it can go, how quickly it can stop when braking, how it handles various terrains—and most importantly, whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

If you’re an adventurer, a commuter, or someone looking to combine both, keep reading below to see if the Tern Orox S12 is the right e-bike for you.

[Read more…] about Tern Orox S12 Review | Pack it In, Pack it Out, Pack it ALL

Troxus Trax LT Review | Torque or Cadence? You Choose!

This city cruiser prioritizes comfort, customizability, and an active pedaling experience for long commutes or leisure rides.

Troxus Trax LT Review
E-bikes designed for urban environments often aren’t the most comfortable rides on the planet, as they sometimes sacrifice plushness in favor of functionality and weight reduction.

This makes them generally on the more manevuerable side, uncomplicated and simple to operate, and relatively easy to lift, carry, and load up. In short, they’re made to effectively get their rider around town—but not much more.

Many riders might find some of these characteristics appealing, but what is a prospective buyer to do if they prefer a relaxed and comfortable ride? E-bikes in the style we’ve dubbed “city cruisers” might just be the answer.

Enter the Troxus Trax LT; this e-bike (as many like it) combines a clean-looking lightweight frame with large wheels, curved Dutch-style handlebars, and an upright and relaxed riding position. The result is a highly ergonomic, comfortable commuter with quick handling and a fun—yet easily controlled—feel.

With the Trax LT, Troxus added a relatively uncommon feature: the ability to switch easily between torque and cadence sensing modes. Each type of sensor has advantages for different uses, so this ability allows riders to get the best of both worlds with the press of a button.

In contrast with many similarly styled e-bikes we have tested with 500W motors, the Trax LT sported a 350W rear hub. We liked its responsive feel, smooth engagement, and incredibly quiet nature, but with less power, we expected some differences in performance.

To learn how the Trax LT’s torque/cadence modes and motor influenced its feel and performance, continue reading our full review below!

[Read more…] about Troxus Trax LT Review | Torque or Cadence? You Choose!

Lectric XP Trike vs. Rad Power Bikes RadTrike

Both Trikes From These E-Bike Heavyweights Have Their Merits. Which One is Best for You?

Lectric XP Trike vs. Rad Power Bikes RadTrike Comparison
You might think that e-bike brands would have an easy job when entering the electric trike space, but there’s much more to consider than just the addition of a third wheel. Tricycles handle much differently than their two-wheeled cousins, and with much more bulk to move around, safety and maneuverability are essential factors in their equation.

As two of our picks for the Best Electric Tricycles, the Rad Power Bikes RadTrike and the Lectric XP Trike are two options that consumers are likely to consider.

These models have much in common, and their similarities may make it difficult to sort out which is best for specific individual needs. By comparing the two trikes, we can more easily identify their differences.

Both brands took a unique approach in the areas of propulsion, frame design, brake systems, and user interface. There is certainly overlap between them, but as we will discuss, the two tricycles have individual, well-defined strengths and weaknesses.

With many similar features shared between the two models, which Trike earns our recommendation?

In addition to our standardized test data, there are SIX primary elements we consider when comparing the two trikes, as we detail below.

Lectric XP Trike

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Rad Power Bikes RadTrike

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[Read more…] about Lectric XP Trike vs. Rad Power Bikes RadTrike

Buzz Drone Review | Will It “Bee” Worth Your Buy?

A Vespa-like moped-style e-bike that is both wallet-friendly and fun to zip around on.

Buzz Drone Review 2024
Depending on your age, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of bike brands like Huffy and Niner. As a newer brand, Buzz Bicycles might be less familiar, but it shares a parent company with the other two (and a few others). Collectively, these brands have an established corner of the market—and tons of experience making bikes.

When approaching the Buzz Drone, we questioned how this experience would translate to a moped-style e-bike. After all, the category has a well-deserved reputation for speed, power, adrenaline, and aggressive looks. Would the Drone follow this trend?

Its specs left us unsure, as it sports a 500W hub motor instead of the 750W or even 1,000W motors common on similar bikes we’ve tested. Numbers aren’t everything, though; a 500W motor can feel punchy and power-hungry just as easily as it can feel reserved and controlled.

Visually, the Drone’s uncommon step-thru frame resembles a traditional moped like a Vespa. This gives the bike a cool, approachable appearance, but it also has a functional benefit: getting on and off the bike is easy, with no need to swing a leg over the saddle.

We found the Drone’s price to be approachable, too. It’s common for moped-style e-bikes to start around $2k, but at the time of writing, Buzz sells the bike for a decidedly more affordable sub-$1,500 price tag. With one minor change, we think it could go even lower.

As with every e-bike we review, we tested the Buzz Drone’s real-world performance in a series of standardized tests. Continue reading below to learn if the bike turned out to be just another powerful speedster or if Buzz took a more unique approach.

[Read more…] about Buzz Drone Review | Will It “Bee” Worth Your Buy?

Tern Quick Haul Long D9 Review | A Premium E-Cargo Bike

With a relatively light, urban-centric design and a natural-feeling Bosch mid-drive, the Quick Haul Long rides like an analog bike – both with and without cargo.

Tern Quick Haul Long D9 Review
During my tenure here at Electric Bike Report, I’ve personally reviewed a majority of the cargo e-bikes we’ve tested, and I’ve spent a good deal of time with each of them. On the Tern Quick Haul Long D9 specifically, I put well over 150 miles on the bike in our Range Tests (and a handful of other, less formal test rides).

This experience allows me to state that the Quick Haul Long isn’t your average cargo bike.

As a Tern model, the Quick Haul Long is in the premium tier of e-bikes. It is thoughtfully designed and specced with high-quality components, and its ride feels extremely precise.

Case in point: I found that the Quick Haul Long behaved and responded much like a non-electric bike. Where cargo bikes with hub motors often feel overpowered without cargo so they can ride appropriately when loaded up, the Tern’s Bosch mid-drive motor felt reserved and natural.

Truthfully, when I first hopped on it, I wasn’t sure if it was powerful enough to handle the added weight of child passengers or a heavy load of groceries, so I knew I’d need to test that.

What I learned quickly on that first ride was that the D9 rode and handled more like an agile city or commuter e-bike than a typical cargo bike. This was primarily due to its relatively low weight (the D9 weighs 65 lbs, whereas other cargo bikes we tested were 75-90+ lbs), its maneuverable 20” wheels, and its forward-leaning riding position.

My first impressions were mixed—but open to change based on the bike’s real-world performance. Did it meet my high expectations based on its premium feel and price? And was the bike’s motor powerful enough for its role as a cargo hauler?

Read about our four standardized tests and my personal experience with the Quick Haul Long’s cargo-hauling capability below.

[Read more…] about Tern Quick Haul Long D9 Review | A Premium E-Cargo Bike

Lectric XP 3.0 vs Ride1Up Portola vs Velotric Fold 1: Fight!

These three folding e-bikes are similar in specs and price, so which is best? We compared the performance test results to find a winner.

Lectric XP 3.0 vs Ride1Up Portola vs Velotric Fold 1 Comparison Review

If you’re looking for an affordable entry point to e-biking, or you’re considering a folding e-bike to bring with you on RV trips or other family adventures, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of the Lectric XP 3.0.

After all, Lectric was largely catapulted to success after marketing to RV enthusiasts and other niche markets. The XP is the best-selling e-bike in the US for a reason: the brand essentially defined (and has since regularly redefined) the industry’s expected quality, spec, and performance metrics for affordable e-bikes.

Long story short, Lectric has enjoyed its time at the top, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay there. With prestige comes attention; other brands took note of Lectric’s approach (and success) and adapted with the goal of overthrowing the reigning King.

Enter the Ride1Up Portola and the Velotric Fold 1. These newer entries to the affordable folding e-bike market are serious contenders for the throne. Both Lectric alternatives offer similar specs, a competitive price, and an appealing design, making them enticing to those seeking versatile, budget-friendly folding e-bikes.

As indicated by their well-earned places on our list of the best folding e-bikes, the Lectric XP 3.0, the Ride1UP Portola, and the Velotric Fold 1 are the cream of the crop for their cost and category. If you’re stuck between the three options, we’re here to help narrow down your selection!

In the following comparison review, we’ll walk you through the bikes’ features, feel, and functionality to find a first-rate folding e-bike worthy of your hard-earned funds.

Lectric XP 3.0

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Ride1Up Portola

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Velotric Fold 1

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[Read more…] about Lectric XP 3.0 vs Ride1Up Portola vs Velotric Fold 1: Fight!

Electric Bike Company Model J Review | Chill Vibe & Fun Ride

This retro scrambler e-bike combines customizable, classic style with a cruiser feel for a unique and comfortable ride.

Electric Bike Company Model J Review
Riding an Electric Bike Company e-bike is usually comparable to a relaxing day at the beach — if your favorite recliner came along too.

When EBC released its first moped-style e-bike, the Model J, we wondered if its feel would resemble the brand’s characteristic, cozy beach cruisers or break from the norm with unbridled speed.

At first glance, the Model J looked like a classic scrambler, with an open, minimalistic frame, a “gas tank”-style battery, and an upswept saddle.

On closer inspection, however, I noticed its larger-than-average wheels, standard fork, and BMX-style handlebars — each of which are common on EBC cruisers, but far from typical on your average moped-style e-bike.

As with all EBC e-bikes, the Model J’s appearance can be completely customized – from the paint scheme of its major structural elements down to its individual components. Our test bike matched most of the base model’s specs but included greatly appreciated comfort upgrades like a suspension fork, squishy rubber grips, and a half-twist throttle.

After an easygoing test ride, I found myself perplexed. With its supportive but non-adjustable saddle, the Model J felt much like a typical Moto-style bike. It wasn’t quite as peppy as I was prepared for, but it felt lighter, more comfortable, and more nimble than I expected.

Only the gauntlet of standardized performance tests here at Electric Bike Report would reveal the Model J’s true colors. Would it prove itself a champion of the moped-style e-bike category, or would it fall short of our expectations based on its design and EBC pedigree?

Spoiler alert: we loved most of what we experienced, but there is ONE aspect of its performance that prospective owners should be aware of…

[Read more…] about Electric Bike Company Model J Review | Chill Vibe & Fun Ride