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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

Lectric XPress 500 Review | What More Could You Ask For?

A budget-friendly, value-packed Dutch-style commuter (on the ST model) that rides speedily, easily, and comfortably.

Lectric XPress 500 ST Review

With a few exceptions, there’s often a fairly wide divide between great e-bikes and inexpensive e-bikes that are good yet rough around the edges.

On the one hand, there are highly affordable, budget-friendly folding e-bikes (like the XP 3.0) with which Lectric made its name. Low prices make these bikes accessible to the masses, but the folding style often has tradeoffs in fit and feel.

On the other hand, there are a host of more ergonomic full-size e-bikes that are of noticeably higher quality—but these are also usually significantly more expensive than their entry-level folding e-bike counterparts.

Lectric aimed to change that with the XPress 500 ST, and we tested the bike to determine whether they were successful.

The XPress 500 Step-Thru is a Dutch-style city cruiser with a comfortable, upright riding position, a modest but highly capable 500W motor, an effective 499-watt-hour (Wh) battery, and a starting price of around a thousand dollars.

At the time of writing, this commuter-style e-bike is one of only two full-size models the brand offers. It’s available in a high-step and step-thru (ST) frame with two spec levels for the motor and battery. This review will focus solely on the base model with the ST frame, but we’ll add a link to our review of the upgraded high-step model once it’s complete.

Based on our previous experiences with Lectric, we had high hopes for the bike, but only our series of standardized tests could tell if its design, price point, and spec package came together to make for a worthy purchase. We “XPress” our thoughts and experiences in the full review below!

[Read more…] about Lectric XPress 500 Review | What More Could You Ask For?

Velotric Nomad 1 Plus Review | Now With More Nomad!

Comfort, affordability, and personality: this refreshed fat tire e-bike is a smart entry-level option for those seeking value and versatility.

Velotric Nomad 1 Plus Review

The Velotric Nomad 1 was the first bike I reviewed for Electric Bike Report after joining the team here, and as such, it will always be a special one. Now, nearly two years later, Velotric has released a refreshed and lightly updated “Plus” version of its fat tire e-bike to replace the original model.

Does it still hold up?

That’s a complicated question, as there are many things to consider when passing judgment. We’ll arrive at that conclusion later in this review, but first, I think it’s important to revisit some of the things I appreciated about the OG Nomad 1 and compare those things with the Plus.

In contrast with many fat tire e-bikes on the market—and most of those we’ve tested previously—the Nomad 1 was sold in an uncommonly wide variety of color options. With the Nomad 1 Plus, Velotric weeded out some of the less popular options but kept Indigo Gray for mass appeal and brighter options like Cyan or Mango for a bolder personality.

From my first ride, I found the Nomad 1 to be highly comfortable and easy to operate. The new Plus model upped the ante by swapping the original’s standard threadless stem for an adjustable component. This allows riders to change their riding position or adjust handlebar height and reach to suit their personal preferences.

The original model also made a name for itself in terms of value; the bike was priced affordably for its specs, features, and performance. It could even be argued that the Nomad 1 Plus offers even better value now that inflation and technology have progressed.

To understand if the Velotric Nomad 1 Plus holds up, we must consider its performance and ride quality in relation to its price. Let’s dive into our review and find out!

[Read more…] about Velotric Nomad 1 Plus Review | Now With More Nomad!

Velotric Discover 1 Plus Review | Refreshed, but Relevant?

This colorful and affordable city cruiser offers a comfortable, easy ride for commuting or leisure.

Velotric Discover 1 Plus Review

The original Discover 1 was a commuter e-bike that launched a brand; after a successful Indiegogo campaign in 2021, Velotric released its first production model in 2022. Then, the company quickly expanded its lineup to include the ten models listed at the time of writing, including the higher-end, second-generation Discover 2.

I previously reviewed the Discover 2 but never had the chance to test the brand’s debut model, as Electric Bike Report reviewed the original Discover before I joined the team. As such, I was curious to see what differences there would be in feel and performance, considering that the bikes’ specs differ greatly.

According to Velotric, the Discover 1 Plus is a refreshed model that has been made lighter, faster, more comfortable, more adjustable, and more efficient to pedal. The earlier model was offered in high-step and step-thru frame styles, while the Discover 1 Plus has been limited to a step-thru frame.

This information can be gleaned by referencing the bike’s marketing information, but it doesn’t provide the personal quality that only hands-on experience can provide. Fortunately, my fellow reviewers and I put the Discover 1 through our standardized Speed, Range, Hill, and Brake Tests to determine if its performance holds up to our standards.

Spoiler alert: we found that the bike offered excellent value and generally performed well, but we think a few areas could still be improved. Keep reading below to get into the details!

[Read more…] about Velotric Discover 1 Plus Review | Refreshed, but Relevant?

Biktrix Juggernaut Classic Duo ST Review | Burly & Bespoke

This aggressive fat tire e-bike features a near-effortless ride and TONS of customization options.

Biktrix Juggernaut Classic Duo ST Review

While I tend to like, or at least appreciate, what the average fat tire e-bike has to offer, there’s no denying the fact that many of them feel and function similarly. A set of common features often defines bikes of this style: an upright riding position, a girthy frame, a powerful but controlled motor, and, of course, wide and stable 4”+ tires.

The Biktrix Juggernaut Classic Duo ST mixes things up a little.

It shares many expected characteristics with its peers, like those stable fat tires and a powerful motor, but the details differ. For example, instead of 26” wheels, the bike has smaller and more maneuverable 24” wheels. Instead of an upright riding position, it features a sportier, forward-leaning position with a more aggressive feel.

Additionally, instead of a rear-hub motor, the Classic Duo ST packs a burly 750W Bafang mid-drive with a cadence sensor for a surprisingly powerful and easy ride.

This is one of many elements of the bike that can be customized; the bike has a base spec level, but Biktrix offers a massive range of options to upgrade the battery, motor, brake system, suspension fork, and more. Shoppers can also choose from 182 custom powder coat color options for the frame!

In our experience, the Classic Duo ST’s mid-drive/cadence sensor combo is relatively unique. Most e-bikes we’ve tested with mid-drives had torque sensors, allowing them to adapt their power output to the rider’s effort. We weren’t sure if or how the Juggernaut’s performance would differ from its peers, but there was only one way to find out!

See below for the results of our real-world performance tests and our evaluation of the Biktrix Juggernaut in relation to similar bikes.

[Read more…] about Biktrix Juggernaut Classic Duo ST Review | Burly & Bespoke

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