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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

Magnum Vertex Review, 2024

Magnum Vertex Review 2024
Riders looking for a versatile hybrid e-bike with commuter and off-road potential should look no further than the Magnum Vertex! This awesome “lite” electric mountain bike (eMTB) can traverse dirt trails and asphalt with ease. After testing the performance of its motor, battery, and brakes, the reviewers at Electric Bike Report give you the scoop in this Magnum Vertex review!

The three main elements that make the Vertex so capable across most types of terrain are its 500W mid-drive motor, its 27.5” x 2.8” knobby mountain bike tires, and its Suntour suspension fork with 130 mm of travel. Respectively, these give the bike the power, traction, and shock absorption to handle the demands of off-road riding.

We loved the mid-drive motor’s adaptive and responsive nature – both are features that result from the use of a torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor. This allows the Vertex to feel and respond like a non-electric bike, while granting access to faster speeds and confident uphill power.

With geometry that blends commuter and mountain bike positioning, 720 mm-wide handlebars, and ergonomic grips, the Vertex strikes a great balance between comfort and control. Great handling is essential for rough riding, and ergonomics help long rides feel much more enjoyable.

See our full Magnum Vertex review below for more!

[Read more…] about Magnum Vertex Review, 2024

Juiced RipRacer Review, 2024

A whole lot of fun in a pint-sized package.

Juiced RipRacer Review 2024
Like a tiny, spicy, and exotic-fruit-flavored candy bar in your trick-or-treat bag, the Juiced Bikes RipRacer is a “fun-size” e-bike that’s likely to surprise you! With its unique hybrid Fat Tire/BMX influence, it packs a ton of power into a small package. The reviewers at Electric Bike Report explain its performance and feel in this Juiced Bikes RipRacer Review!

Considering the bike’s diminutive size, we were blown away by the power and capability of its 52V, 750W rear-hub motor. As a Class 2 and 3 e-bike, the RipRacer can reach a maximum pedal-assisted speed of 28 miles per hour, and comes equipped with a throttle limited to 20. In addition to cranking out blood-pumping speed, this bike eats hills for breakfast!

While it rides a bit differently than a full-size e-bike, the RipRacer’s size has some added benefits. First, with a short wheelbase and small 20” wheels, the bike is awesomely maneuverable! Second, at 66 lbs (including the removable battery), it’s relatively lightweight and much more portable than many of its 85-lb Fat Tire cousins!

In addition to being blazing fast and a blast to ride, the RipRacer is simply a really unique e-bike! There aren’t many bikes on the market with a similar style, design, and combination of features. To top it off, the RipRacer comes in 4 uncommon, eye-catching colors including the Hi-viz Yellow of our test bike.

We’ve only just scratched the surface, so be sure to dive into our full Juiced Bikes RipRacer review below!

[Read more…] about Juiced RipRacer Review, 2024

Mokwheel Asphalt ST Review

Hit the pavement running with this sleek and speedy step-thru commuter e-bike.

Mokwheel Asphalt ST Review
A year after entering the e-bike market, Mokwheel has expanded its lineup to include – among other things – a variety of commuter-focused options. The Asphalt ST features a sleek design with flashy color options and plenty of speed. We cover the bike’s specs, features, and performance in this Mokwheel Asphalt ST review!

As a hybrid commuter/cruiser e-bike made for extended street rides, the Asphalt ST uses a 500W rear-hub motor with a torque sensor to mimic the feel of a non-electric bike. Some similar models we’ve tested have felt jerky when pedaling, but the Asphalt ST’s motor engaged smoothly with none of the slightly jarring inertia that we’ve felt on other bikes.

The Asphalt was simply an incredibly comfortable bike to ride. Its front suspension fork soaked up bumps and smoothed out dips, its saddle was a cushy perch from which to observe our surroundings, and the bike’s upright positioning allowed others to see us better too.

We were surprised by the Asphalt’s appetite for speed; our test bike was able to exceed the Class 3 limit of 28 miles per hour. The bike’s throttle blasted beyond the standard 20 mph speed limit also, though Mokwheel advised us that the bike should ship as a Class 3 with proper limitations.

We think the Asphalt ST is a fun and comfortable means of getting around, whether riding to work on weekdays or just going for a relaxing spin. To see how the Mokwheel Asphalt ST performed in our testing, continue to our full review below!

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HeyBike Ranger S Review | A Rare Find; 750W Folder!

A powerful folding fat-tire e-bike with speed, stability, and awesome value!

HeyBike Ranger S Review
As a newer player in the e-bike market, Heybike has solidified its place by trying a unique approach. With the Ranger S, the company created a folding fat-tire e-bike with uncommon features – and gave it an awesomely affordable price! We tested the bike’s brakes, range, speed, and uphill power to present our findings in this Heybike Ranger S Review!

The Ranger S features a 750-watt motor (a rarity on a folder) that can blast the bike up to Class 3 speeds of 28 miles per hour! Most folders tend to stick at or below 25 mph – and some aren’t even the most stable feeling there. The Ranger S earned our respect through its confidence and stability at top speed!

With everything it offers, the bike’s price tag of around $1500 is simply hard to beat. We especially loved that it includes turn signals on both its headlight and taillight; only a handful of the bikes we’ve tested had this feature – and none of them were folding e-bikes. Safety is paramount, so we’ll give kudos to any brand that can up the ante!

We found that the bike had decent range despite its relatively small battery – but riders can hit the road again quickly thanks to its fast 4-amp charger. Some batteries can take 7 or 8 hours to recharge, but the Ranger S’ battery can fill up in roughly three and a half.

That’s just the start! Keep scrolling for Electric Bike Report‘s full Heybike Ranger S review below.

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iGo Core Elite 3HD Review, 2024

A well-equipped urban cruiser with dual cargo racks and a zippy, comfortable ride!

iGo Core Elite 3HD E-Bike Review 2024
Riders who enjoy taking casual cruises will love the step-thru iGo Core Elite 3HD; this e-bike is simplicity done right! The testers and reviewers here at Electric Bike Report rode the bike for well over 100 miles and evaluated its ride feel, motor power, braking performance, and more; read all about the bike in this iGo Core Elite 3HD review!

The brand advertises the Core Elite 3HD as an urban/leisure bike, and we completely agree with this designation. Its upright positioning, dutch-style geometry, and cruiser-style handlebars provide comfort and great visibility. Additionally, the mid-weight frame and 700x47c tires grant it a high degree of agility.

We found that the bike had a strong weight-to-power ratio; its 500W rear hub motor packed plenty of punch for a Class 2 with a throttle and pedal-assisted limit of 20 miles per hour. The Core Elite 3HD’s gearing worked well in that range as well – its 8-speed cassette offered a wide cog range for easy pedaling both uphill and on the flat.

E-bikes like the Core Elite 3HD are common, but some of its urban/commuter-friendly features raised the bar! We were thrilled to see both a front and rear cargo rack included on the bike, along with full-length fenders with mud flaps, lights, and a chain guard.

For more information about this comfortable city cruiser, continue to our full iGo Core Elite 3HD review below!

*iGO has shared an exclusive discount code with the Electric Bike Report audience. Use code: GOELECTRIC100 at checkout for $100 off your e-bike purchase.

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Solid-State E-Bike Battery and the Future of Battery Power

This costly but cutting-edge e-bike technology is the “holy grail” of rechargeable power sources.

Stromer Solid State Ceramic EBike Battery

Tremendous range, lightning-fast charging, and improved safety – this may be the future of e-bike batteries!

The Swiss speed pedelec (or s-pedelec) brand Stromer is on the leading edge of electric bike battery development, having teamed up with TD Hitech Energy to produce a ceramic solid-state battery with the aforementioned goals. Not even the best electric bikes currently on the market can live up to that potential!

Stromer unveiled its first rideable prototype at the Eurobike e-mobility convention in Frankfurt, Germany earlier this year, laying the groundwork for other e-bike brands to follow.

While the technology is still firmly in development – and will likely be unavailable to consumers for at least another 2 to 3 years – Stromer and its partner have lofty goals. The developers are aiming to create safer, longer-lasting batteries with shorter charging times and low-temperature charging capabilities.

The Flaws of Lithium-ion E-Bike Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries, which are presently the ubiquitous gold standard for e-bikes, use a liquid or gel electrolyte to carry charged ions between two internal terminals within each cell. The reactions caused by this process store and discharge energy from the batteries effectively, but this aging technology has its drawbacks.

“Dendrites,” or branching deposits of lithium, can accumulate within these battery cells and cause shorts, while the conductive liquid electrolyte solution used to carry the ions is notoriously flammable. Lithium-ion technology has proven to be the most reliable and cost-friendly solution for mass production, but its flaws have garnered increasing levels of criticism.

Flaws of Lithium-ion E-Bike Batteries

Lithium-ion battery packs are large and heavy; a solid-state battery with the same size and weight could carry double the juice for twice the range.

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Ride1UP Rift ST Review

The Rift ST bridges the gap between an adventurous fat-tire e-bike and a cargo- or passenger-hauling powerhouse!

Ride1UP Rift ST Review
Ride1UP’s latest offering is the Rift; its first fat tire e-bike. In our testing, it fulfilled our expectations and also leaped beyond them thanks to some unexpected elements. We explain our findings in this Ride1UP Rift ST Review!

The Rift ST includes a robust 750W rear-hub motor with 95 Nm of torque that powered us quickly and effectively over all sorts of terrain. This motor functions responsively due to an unexpectedly sensitive cadence sensor that’s one of the best we’ve seen – especially at the Rift’s price point below $1,900.

A 150-lb rating on the Rift’s welded-on cargo rack means that it’s stout enough to haul anything from camping gear to groceries, but with the optional Passenger Kit, it can accommodate an additional rider. This transforms the Rift ST into a unique hybrid machine more akin to a utility bike than a traditional fat bike.

The Rift ST has great acceleration as it ships in Class 2 mode, but it can also be unlocked to a Class 3 with pedal assist up to 28 mph. We found its power to be distributed better when adjusted to reach higher speeds, and we had a blast speeding along both on- and off-road.

Fat-tire e-bikes aim to be versatile, and this one may have just raised the bar; we think it’s an excellent e-bike for just about anyone. Whether you’re looking for a sturdy, stable bike for casual rides or you want to explore freely with a friend, the Rift ST can do it all!

To learn more about the bike’s features and performance in our testing, see our full Ride1UP Rift ST review below!

*Ride1Up has discountinued the Rift, but here are some other e-bikes from the brand worth checking out:
Ride1Up Revv 1 DRT Review
Ride1Up Prodigy V2 LX Review
Ride1Up LMTD V2 Review

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Vvolt Alpha E-Bike Review, 2024

An affordable, entry-level city e-bike with an easy-to-use approach.

Vvolt Alpha Review 2024
Having previously reviewed the now-discontinued Proxima, which held a solid tenure on our list of the top city e-bikes, we had extremely high expectations for Vvolt’s most economically-priced model, the Alpha. In this Vvolt Alpha review, we examine the bike’s specs, ride feel, and performance, so read on for more!

As a Class 1 e-bike, the Alpha offers pedal assistance up to 20 mph. It uses a highly responsive cadence sensor to activate its 350W rear-hub motor. We enjoyed how quickly this was able to provide power, allowing us to get up to speed swiftly and easily.

We also appreciated such responsiveness in combination with the single-speed drivetrain. The Alpha’s Gates Carbon belt drive has some limitations, but is also a simple and long-lasting system that requires little-to-no maintenance. Gates advertises that their belts last more than twice as long as a traditional chain, and they’re clean and quiet to boot.

Bikepackers rejoice! The Alpha is intended primarily for urban environments, though it offers flexibility with knobby hybrid tires. These performed well in our testing on dirt and pavement alike – something that’s even better when considering extras like the three-pack mounts on the Alpha’s forks.

The Alpha isn’t perfect, but it IS a decent entry-level e-bike for those looking to save on cost while getting a functional machine. It’ll get you to work and back, but it can also give you some freedom and flexibility to adventure and explore!

*Vvolt has since updated the Alpha. Check out our Vvolt Alpha II review here.

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Tenways CGO600 Pro E-Bike Review

A refined yet simplified city e-bike for riders who prioritize practicality and style.

Tenways GCO600 Pro Review
The Dutch company Tenways has made waves in Europe following a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2021. Having established itself through a line of well-designed urban e-bikes, the brand has since extended its reach into the US. We take a look at one of the company’s latest models – the upgraded version of their original CGO600 city e-bike – in this Tenways CGO600 Pro review!

This bike impressed us initially with its clean styling and unique “Avocado Green” paint job, but it’s what’s under the hood that really makes a difference:

The US version of the CGO600 Pro uses a 350W rear hub motor with a torque sensor that delivers a smooth, natural-feeling ride experience with plenty of pep for a bike of this style and size. This, combined with its single-speed drivetrain and pared-down 3-stage pedal-assist system (PAS). makes the bike easy to operate and fun to ride!

We noticed a full complement of high-quality components on the bike, with its single-speed Gates Carbon belt drive at the forefront. This system isn’t just easy to use; it’s super-clean and virtually maintenance-free!

City-dwellers, urban commuters, and fans of fixed-gear (or “fixie”-style) bikes will dig this bike’s approach! Read on to learn more about it in our full Tenways CGO600 Pro review below!

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Magnum Premium 3 Low-Step Review, 2024

A fun, fast, and functional folding e-bike for road trips, camping adventures, or daily rides!

Magnum Premium 3 Review 2024
Folding e-bikes like the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step offer flexibility to riders who might lack plentiful storage space or a large vehicle with a bike rack. In this case, a centrally-hinged frame and collapsible stem allow the bike to become compact enough to fit in smaller areas with limited space. Does a smaller bike mean that you’re getting less? The reviewers at Electric Bike Report answer this question – and more – in our Magnum Premium 3 Low Step review!

This e-bike ships as a Class 2 and 3 that allows you to travel up to 25 miles per hour when pedaling (and a throttle to bring you to 20 mph). Not all of the other folding e-bikes we have tested are capable of speeds above 20, but in our experience, the Premium 3 Low Step handled it confidently.

Magnum’s advertisements state that the Premium 3 Low Step has a range of 30-50 miles, thanks to its 720-watt-hour (Wh) battery. This is one of many things we tested on the bike, but you’ll have to read on to our Range Test section to see how the bike performed for us.

The Premium 3 Low Step provides its riders with a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to its front suspension fork, saddle, and fat-ish tires. In our testing, these absorbed some serious bumps that would have been painful on some other folding e-bikes!

This is just scratching the surface, though; continue reading for a much deeper dive into the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step in our review!

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