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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

EUYbike S4 Review | Moto Looks; Moto Power

A seriously speedy and stylish e-moped that can be bought at a steal!

EUYbike S4 Review
Listen up, adrenaline junkies! The EUYbike S4 just rolled up. This super-fast and fierce-looking e-moped brings the heat when it comes to balancing price and performance. We take a look at it specs, features, real-world performance as measured in our standardized tests, and more in this EUYbike S4 review!

First things first, the S4 puts the moped in “moped-style e-bike.” With an insane 1000W rear-hub motor, it doesn’t just blur the lines between the two types of vehicles – it runs right over them. On the plus side, it also puts the demon in “speed demon.” This bike can move!

Thanks to its full suspension and thick, padded seat, the S4’s ride is casual, comfortable, and smooth. We covered well over 100 miles across several days in our testing, and it checked all the boxes for a fun, comfy ride.

We at Electric Bike Report expected this bike to be priced much higher than its current cost of around $1500. With moped-style e-bikes being all the rage these days, friendly competition in the industry has done its job. The S4 is awesome value for its price tag!

Keep reading as we dive deep in this EUYbike S4 review!

[Read more…] about EUYbike S4 Review | Moto Looks; Moto Power

Denago Folding Model 1 E-Bike Review, 2024

It’s fast! It folds! It flies uphill! Denago delivers another fun and functional e-bike with the Folding Model 1.

Denago Folding E-Bike Review 2024
Riders who might be short on space shouldn’t have to sacrifice in order to get an e-bike with power, performance, and functionality! To determine if the Denago Folding Model 1 lived up to the high bar set by its big brother, the Denago Fat Tire Step-Thru, we put this folding bike to the test. We go over the bike’s specs and performance in this Denago Folding Model 1 review!

Things got off to a great start in our testing thanks to the Folding Model 1’s power and speed. The bike’s 500W rear hub motor and quick acceleration did not disappoint; as a Class 2 and 3 e-bike with a throttle, it effortlessly carried us to its maximum speed of 25 miles per hour. We expected nothing less from Denago!

All of that power helped the Folding Model 1 to conquer hills in record time (with a caveat or two). We’ll go over those details in our Hill Test section below!

Of course, power doesn’t mean much on a folding bike if it doesn’t actually fold well; the Folding Model 1 has an effective quick-release clamp that holds its two halves together firmly but also allows the bike to collapse in no time.

Swipe or scroll further for more information in our Denago Folding Model 1 review!

[Read more…] about Denago Folding Model 1 E-Bike Review, 2024

NIU BQi-C3 Pro E-Bike Review, 2024

Well-hidden dual batteries on this clean, classy-looking commuter e-bike with speed and simplicity.

NIU BQUi-C3 Pro Review 2024
The BQi-C3 Pro is one of the first e-bike offerings from the Chinese company NIU (new). Prior to the release of this model, the brand established itself globally as a manufacturer of electric mopeds and scooters with customers in over 50 countries. In this NIU BQi-C3 Pro review, we take a look at this unique e-bike’s specs, performance, ride feel, and more!

Visually, this bike presents itself in clean, sleek style. The BQi-C3 Pro hosts TWO batteries that are fully integrated into its step-thru frame, giving it one of the most polished appearances we’ve seen on a dual battery setup. This, combined with the flashy two-tone paint job and a ring-shaped running light around the bike’s headlight, gives the bike a futuristic look that we can’t get enough of.

In addition to looking good, those dual batteries give the bike an incredible range. NIU’s website advertises that the bike can travel between 60 and 90 miles on a single charge, and our testing fully supported this claim.

The bike’s step-thru frame also makes it one of the most accessible e-bikes we’ve seen, with a standover height of just 12.6 inches! This feature makes the bike easier to use for riders with limited mobility or for commuters wearing business attire.

Curious to know how this bike handles and performs? So were we! Continue on to our full NIU BQi-C3 Pro review below.

[Read more…] about NIU BQi-C3 Pro E-Bike Review, 2024

Troxus Explorer Electric Bike Review

Adventure awaits on this highly-capable Class 3 e-bike with awesome power and speed!

Troxus Explorer Review
With fat tire e-bikes being a dime a dozen these days (or rather, many dozens of dimes per single – but still all over the place), it can be difficult for newer e-bike brands to differentiate themselves from the competition. With only a couple of years under its belt and a catalog chock-full of fat tire e-bikes, it’s fair to say that Troxus has such a challenge with the Explorer. We dive into the bike’s features and take a look at what separates it from the rest in this Troxus Explorer review!

As a Class 3 e-bike with throttle power up to 20 miles per hour and pedal-assisted speed up to 28 mph, the Explorer is seriously expeditious! Its 750W rear hub motor has super-speedy acceleration and a responsive cadence sensor for quick access to its substantial power.

We’ve come to expect such speed from most fat tire e-bikes, but the Troxus Explorer kicks things up a notch by featuring a full complement of quality components. Shimano, Bafang, and Tektro: these are just a few of the big names we see on the bike’s spec sheet, and all make parts with demonstrated performance and reliability.

We were seriously impressed by the Explorer’s uphill capability when pedaling, too. It’s not uncommon for e-bikes to struggle in their lowest pedal-assist setting, but for us, the Explorer confidently handled hills even in PAS 1.

Read on for more details about the bike’s specs, performance, and general ride feel in our Troxus Explorer review!

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HeyBike Brawn Review

A fat tire e-bike with a burly build, a beastly amount of power, and broad range.

HeyBike Brawn Review
Many e-bikes are specifically designed for a singular purpose: some have extended frames for hauling cargo, and others collapse and fold for compact storage. Some, like HeyBike’s Brawn, just want to go fast, come Hell or high water. We’ll take a look at this burly e-bike’s ability to handle itself in those sorts of strenuous situations in our review of the HeyBike Brawn.

With bold, aggressive styling and the power to back it up, the Brawn is made for grit and speed. It is immediately capable of pedal-assisted speeds of 28 miles per hour – something that many other e-bikes require some tweaking to reach.

The bike’s signature headlight and dual crown fork are clear nods to motorcycle design, which add to the bike’s already sturdy and powerful appearance. A single glance makes it clear that this bike doesn’t mess around.

The Brawn is highly capable in its weight capacity too; this is an e-bike made for moving larger people. Its sturdy frame is designed for riders between 5’ 8” and 6’ 6”, and is capable of handling up to a 400 lb payload.

  • Did the Brawn live up to our expectations for such a robust fat-tire e-bike in our testing?
  • Does the bike provide good performance in relation to its price point?
  • Did it take us a few minutes to unclench some muscles after our first exhilarating ride?

Sit down and strap in while we examine our experiences with the bike in this HeyBike Brawn review!

[Read more…] about HeyBike Brawn Review

Evelo Galaxy SL E-Bike Review, 2024

This accessible, retro e-bike offers high-end features at an economical price point.

Evelo Galaxy SL Review 2024
With the history of the beach cruiser stretching back for well over half a century now, the iconic shape and riding style have become firmly rooted in American culture. There are a wealth of e-bike models with clear influences from this quintessential design, but Evelo has adapted and modernized the idea in their own fashion with the Galaxy SL and Galaxy Lux models. While it is the more economical of the two, the Galaxy SL still brings a lot to the table in terms of quality and functionality. The following Evelo Galaxy SL review will cover the bike’s full scope of components as well as its performance as measured in our testing.

The Galaxy SL has been designed with casual and senior riders in mind, by creating a small, lightweight e-bike with a step-thru frame for easy mounting. The SL aims to offer a traditional riding experience with its 500W mid-drive motor, while incorporating an advanced, gearless continuously variable transmission (CVT) for greater flexibility than a standard geared drive. The SL comes standard with a full complement of quality components, and its pedal assist system (PAS) is well-tuned for offering consistent increases in power.

Read on for our thorough review of the Evelo Galaxy SL! We cover its specs and performance in detail so you know what to expect from this nostalgically-styled e-bike.

Note: if your interested in the Evelo Galaxy SL, see how it stacks up against the more affordable cruiser like the Velotric Discover 2, or the Specialized Turbo Como.

[Read more…] about Evelo Galaxy SL E-Bike Review, 2024

Electric Bike Modes: Throttle vs Pedal Assist (Pedelec)

Understanding E-Bike Propulsion Methods and Which is Right for You

Aventon Aventure Electric Bike Review OffRoad

Depending on their designation, e-bikes and their motors work in two ways: they can either make your level of pedaling effort easier, or completely take over and simply carry you along for the ride.

When you’re considering which type of e-bike to purchase, it’s important to think about which of these methods the bike offers, the environment(s) you’ll be riding in, and your own abilities and preferences. In this article, the writers here at Electric Bike Report will help you to understand the pros and cons of throttle vs pedal assist electric bikes, and help you to determine which is best for you!

Defining E-Bike Throttle and Pedal Assist Terms

Before we get into the differences between throttle and pedal assist and how they relate to you, let’s define those terms more clearly:

  • Throttle: a handlebar-mounted device that can engage (and sometimes adjust) power output from the bike’s motor. Electric bikes with throttles can be completely self-propelled, since throttles tell their motors to dispense power without the need for any pedal motion or input from the rider.
  • Pedal Assist: the standard method of operation for e-bikes. As the term suggests, this method of motor engagement requires the bike’s rider to move the pedals, though depending on the bike’s gearing, type of motor, and type of sensor, the rider may or may not need to actually be engaged with the drivetrain.
  • Pedelec: This term is a synonym for pedal assist, and is an abbreviation derived from the words “pedal electric cycle.”

It should be noted that, in order to be classified as electric bicycles, all e-bikes must have operable pedals. As such, most e-bikes function through pedal assist, with some having additional throttles – though it is still possible to have a throttle-controlled motor mounted to an otherwise non-electric bicycle with a standard drivetrain.

Aventon Aventure Electric Bike Review OffRoad

Many e-bikes, like the Aventon Aventure 2, offer both throttle and pedal assistance for a range of applications in different environments.

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Blix Ultra E-Bike Review, 2024

Blix Ultra Review 2024
Fat tire bikes aim to offer multipurpose functionality for a wide range of riders, with their tendency to feature high-powered motors, off-road capability, respectable range, and a comfortable ride. In our review of the Blix Ultra, we found that this aggressive-looking e-bike fills such a role in the company’s lineup, and is a bit of a departure from their usual style – or at least a merging of the features spread across their other models.

With a wide range of accessories to adapt its functionality, Bluetooth connectivity that allows its user to switch between Class 2 and Class 3 speed limits, an optional dual-battery configuration, and the bike’s 750W, 90Nm motor, the Blix Ultra is highly customizable and built for function. Its bold styling is a nice touch that suits its capabilities, and with quality construction and components, it should prove a reliable ride.

We cover all of the bike’s features, specs, and performance in our detailed review of the Blix Ultra below. Keep reading to see how this bike measures up!

*Blix no longer sells the Ultra. Take a look at one of their latest e-bikes with awesome tech: the Blix Vika X review

[Read more…] about Blix Ultra E-Bike Review, 2024

E-Bike Batteries: Volts, Amps, & Watt Hours Explained

What Are These Volts, Amps, and Watt-Hours? How Battery Specifications and Capacity Equate to Capability and Cost

Electric Bike Battery Basics

Understanding e-bike batteries can be challenging, even for those of us in the know; the nitty-gritty details are figured out by electrical engineers with years of education and experience under their collective belts – and for good reason, it’s all chemistry and math over there!

You’ll encounter a host of terms when reading about e-bikes or looking at electric bike battery specifications: things like battery size, capacity, voltage, amp hours and watt hours. Some of these words are more-or-less interchangeable, others are related but distinct. All of them can be confusing, but they are also hugely important in understanding electric bikes and their capabilities – most notably when trying to interpret how far they can take you before needing to be recharged. Range is a big deal for most of our readers, and if an e-bike is going to perform well on our range tests and have a shot a being listed among the top e-bikes, then a quality battery is a must.

In this guide to e-bike batteries, the helpful writers at Electric Bike Report will help you to understand the meaning of common battery terms and their relation to the performance of the electric bikes they power.
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6 Mistakes To Avoid When Buying E-Bikes

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying E-Bikes

With a gazillion different brands, categories, price ranges, and levels of quality among e-bikes (trust us, we checked), it can seem difficult to separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff. For many folks, the number of variables can be overwhelming, so they may feel inclined to make a purchase based only on a price tag or the repetition of an advertisement. Doing so can result in disappointment when an e-bike does not meet their expectations – whether in comfort, functionality, or longevity. To help prevent unfortunate results and unhappy customers, the friendly folks at Electric Bike Report have assembled this list of the 6 mistakes to avoid when buying e-bikes.

The most important thing we can recommend is doing a healthy amount of research; we’ll provide a brief overview of topics in this article, and link to sources you can explore for more in-depth information (for starters, you might also consider reading our buyer’s guide for electric bikes). There are many factors that go into finding an e-bike that is right for you, and fortunately there is a wealth of information available on the internet (we strive to be one of the most reliable and comprehensive) to help make that search easier. A thorough understanding of both the parts of a bike and your own needs in relation to those will help you find a model that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

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Mistake #1: Being Unaware of E-Bike Basics

Motor, Battery, and Other Important Features & Terms

To put it bluntly, e-bikes are complicated machines. For many newcomers, looking over a spec sheet for an e-bike can be like trying to do your own taxes; there is usually a ton of potentially confusing yet relevant information crammed into a small space on a page, and much of it can seem esoteric when compared to just glancing at a price tag.

But the importance of learning what components make up an e-bike, what their various sizes/ratings/capacities mean, and how that translates into a bike’s performance and feel when you’re actually ON one cannot be understated.

For example, a 250-watt (250W) mid-drive motor (one that is mounted centrally with the bike’s crank arms) is likely going to feel and perform much differently than a 750W rear-hub motor (one that is mounted in the center of the back wheel). Conversely, while a 36-volt (36V), 14 amp-hour (Ah) battery may look much differently than a 48V, 10 Ah battery on paper, they should, in theory, provide similar range in the real world.

Learning the basics of e-bike anatomy is a great first step in understanding the big picture. Then, it’s a good idea to focus on expanding your knowledge of e-bike motors and batteries and how their types and ratings relate to things like speed, hill-climbing ability, and maximum range.

Finally, research the various types of e-bikes, what they are designed for, and how their design affects rider position, comfort levels, and handling. We’ll touch on some of these things further down on this list, but by no means will this be a comprehensive guide.

Establishing a working knowledge base should help you to differentiate e-bikes both visually and on paper, and it will aid in deciphering all of the technical jargon that really does matter when finding a great e-bike for you.
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