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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 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

Vinci Motorbike Review | Faster Than A Speeding Bullet?

An aggressive, conceptual moto-style e-bike every bit as fast as its sporty design suggests.

Vinci Motorbike E-Bike Review 2024
Look! Out on the road! It’s a torpedo on wheels!

It’s an off-road bazooka!

It’s… the Vinci Motorbike!

Whatever you might want to call it, this cafe-racer (or moped-style) e-bike sports a unique high-design aesthetic that’s unlike anything the team here at Electric Bike Report has seen before.

A key element of the Vinci’s artful, custom design is its offset and slanted cylindrical body. The bike’s tail end houses its 48V, 720 Wh battery and circular tail light. The projecting front “cannon” hosts a massive 2300-lumen headlight and cutouts to allow for effective steering.

As both a designer and e-bike reviewer, I can confidently say that it’s an appealing – and extremely refreshing – design.

The Vinci’s aggressive appearance isn’t just for show, though; this bike can get around! Its cast alloy wheels carry an integrated 750W rear hub motor with potential for blazing speed and confident climbing.

So does the bike’s performance match its looks? We tested the limits of this voguish speedster using our standardized tests to find out!

[Read more…] about Vinci Motorbike Review | Faster Than A Speeding Bullet?

Velotric Fold 1 Review | Cheap Junk or Awesome Value?

This affordable folding e-bike largely raises the bar for feel and performance at its price point, though it’s not without flaws.

Velotric Fold 1 Review 2025
The first time I hopped on the Velotric Fold 1, I thought to myself “This seems like a decent folding bike for somewhere around $1,300 or $1,400.” I liked its bright blue paint job and slim-but-reinforced frame. The bike’s ride felt appropriately comfortable, nimble, and controlled.

Then I learned that it was priced at $1199.

It’s funny how perception changes with price; my initial reservations about things like the bike’s cadence sensor and entry-level components turned to appreciation. At this price point, some tradeoffs are expected – but with a reframed perspective, I found little to critique.

The Fold has plenty of expected features like a hinged frame and stem, 20×3” knobby tires, a 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and a front suspension.

But it also has unexpected elements like an uncommonly large 608 Watt-hour (Wh) battery, a 750W rear-hub motor, and a total payload capacity of 440 lbs including both the rider and any passengers or cargo on its 120-lb-rated cargo rack.

Basically, it seemed to be a fantastic deal. But feel and performance are two different factors, which is why the team here at Electric Bike Report has built a reputation on our detailed reviews and standardized performance tests.

The question remained: would the Fold 1 match or exceed the performance of its budget-friendly peers? Or would it fall short in our testing and send Velotric’s engineers back to the drawing board? Continue reading our full review below to find out!

[Read more…] about Velotric Fold 1 Review | Cheap Junk or Awesome Value?

Vvolt Alpha II Review | A Relaxed City Cruiser with Serious Style

A chic, zippy city cruiser with easy operation and a relaxed, ergonomic feel.

Vvolt Alpha II E-Bike Review
The Vvolt Alpha shared much of its visual styling with the brand’s Sirius and Centauri models. Now, with a refreshed design and a more relaxed feel, the second-generation Alpha II is here and proudly standing out from the crowd. We got our hands on this smart, cool-looking city cruiser and put it through its paces; let’s dig in and talk about its features and performance in this Vvolt Alpha II review!

A defining feature of the Alpha II is its ease of use. The bike has a single-speed drivetrain with a Gates Carbon belt: this combination requires no shifting, results in less wear and fewer replacement parts, and is generally cleaner and quieter than a traditional cassette and chain. Our testing revealed some tradeoffs with this setup (e.g. ghost pedaling), but these worked with the bike’s easygoing vibe.

At 45 lbs, the Alpha II is relatively light for an e-bike. This manageable weight paired well with the bike’s curved Dutch-style handlebars and 27.5×2.4” street tires to make for a remarkably nimble and spirited ride.

Throughout our testing, we kept coming back to appreciate the bike’s visuals; the fusion of its integrated headlight with the down tube created a unique and uncommon appeal. At the time of writing, the bike is limited to just two color options, but their two-tone approach adds an extra layer of flair.

Overall, we like what the Alpha II offers, though it has some room for improvement. Swipe up or scroll down to see our full review, where we cover the bike’s results in our standardized tests and find out how it compares to the competition.

[Read more…] about Vvolt Alpha II Review | A Relaxed City Cruiser with Serious Style

Stromer ST5 Pinion E-Bike Review 2024 | A $12k Commuter Worth Its Weight In Gold?

A premium commuter & touring e-bike with exceptional ride quality, loads of high-tech features, and a price point to match.

Stromer ST5 Pinion E-Bike Review 2024
One thing I’ve learned here at Electric Bike Report is that quality bikes have a certain feel. Where precise geometry, superb construction, advanced technology, and aesthetic design intersect, magic happens. When testing the Stromer ST5 Pinion, I could feel this even after a single ride; this bike exudes refinement. Fortunately, I had much more than a single ride to learn all its features and characteristics.

A defining element of the ST5’s ride was its precise, natural, and highly-tuned feel. It combined the responsiveness of an analog bike with a silent, smooth, and staggeringly powerful 750W rear-hub so well that I had the sense of being superhuman. At low assist levels, speed was the only thing giving away the bike’s electric nature. At high power levels, it felt like I was powering an unleashed supercar.

With a weight of 75.5 lbs and grippy 27.5”x2.4” Pirelli tires, the ST5 also felt stout and solid. Potential buyers should be aware that the bike could be somewhat cumbersome to lift without removing its battery, but its weight also helped it to feel stable and extremely planted.

With a starting price of just under $12k, the ST5 Pinion is undoubtedly pricey – but its cost is also justified by a host of premium, high tech features. Perhaps most notably is the 9-speed, namesake Pinion gearbox with electronic and automatic shifting features. Additional highlights include front anti-lock brakes, a security system, GPS tracking with an internal SIM card, regenerative braking, and a number of other uncommon elements. These features help to put the ST5 more or less in a league of its own.

We tested the Stromer ST5 Pinion’s speed, braking capability, climbing power, and range to see if its price tag matched its performance. We also went deep into its features and customization options to share what this advanced, sporty commuter can do – our full review continues below!


[Read more…] about Stromer ST5 Pinion E-Bike Review 2024 | A $12k Commuter Worth Its Weight In Gold?

Flyer Via Pro Review | Don’t Put the Wagon Before the Horse

This powerful, long-distance cargo e-bike is family-friendly right out of the box!

Flyer Via Pro E-Bike Review
As the e-bike equivalent of a minivan, cargo e-bikes can be a great alternative means of transport for running errands, taking the kids to school, swinging by the farmer’s market or corner store, and otherwise living your life to the fullest. Most, however, require additional purchases to be outfitted for their rider’s specific needs.

The Flyer Via Pro can make these use cases far more practical thanks to its included accessories, customization options, high weight capacity, and more. This Flyer Via Pro review details our thoughts on the bike’s feel, function, and real-world performance.

With a weight capacity of 400 lbs, a fully-loaded Via Pro needs a powerful motor to carry its payload. Fortunately, Flyer specced the bike with a brawny 750W rear hub motor with power to spare. The bike performed extremely well in a few key areas of our testing thanks to this decision, and we also appreciated the natural pedal feel from the motor’s torque sensor.

To alleviate range anxiety, the bike also includes a 687 watt hour (Wh) battery paired with its efficient motor. See our Range Test section below for details, but we recorded one of the longest results we’ve observed from any of the cargo e-bikes we tested previously.

We liked that Flyer included seating, foot boards, wheel guards, and even their “Kid & Cargo Carrier Hoop” handrail attachment with the base model; the Via Pro is ready for family rides right out of the box. Of course, the bike is still compatible with a myriad of other optional accessories including removable tote bags, a front basket, and even a soft passenger compartment/canopy – but the starting point is better than most.

Our takeaway was overwhelmingly positive, though we have a few points of critique to be aware of. To learn more about the Via Pro’s features and performance results in our standardized tests, continue reading our full review below.

[Read more…] about Flyer Via Pro Review | Don’t Put the Wagon Before the Horse

Himiway A7 Pro Review | Himiway’s Best Commuter E-Bike Yet?

This powerful full-suspension commuter blends power, comfort, and stability with great performance and an elevated design.

Himiway A7 Pro E-Bike Review
At CES in Las Vegas, where we were stunned by Himiway’s display of new and revamped e-bikes. One of the most enticing models bearing the brand’s refreshed design was a new full-suspension commuter called the A7 Pro. We finally got our hands on the bike – and we’re excited to share all its details in this Himiway A7 Pro Review!

Aside from its fantastic aesthetics, the A7 had excellent ride quality with a clear focus on comfort. The bike’s SR Suntour X1 Boost suspension fork and DNM AO-6 rear shock worked together for a remarkably smooth, enjoyable ride.

We liked the bike’s natural and engaging pedal feel as well. The A7 Pro features a powerful, custom 500W mid-drive motor with a responsive torque sensor, which made for a fun and lively experience. The motor has heaps of hill climbing power (up to 130 Nm of torque) that effectively flattened hills, but we found that the motor’s output never overpowered our pedaling.

The bike’s throttle could feel punchy and exciting, but unfortunately, it was not able to move the bike from a standstill. We’d prefer Throttle-On-Demand instead of Throttle-After-Pedal for a more user-friendly experience.

That aside, we also enjoyed the bike’s rock-solid, planted feel. At 74 lbs, the A7 Pro is stocky, but its weight balanced out its power. In combination with its wide 27.5×2.4” Schwalbe tires, the A7’s size gave it a high degree of stability. If we hadn’t known it was a commuter, we could have easily thought we were riding a fat tire bike!

To read all about our testing processes and the bike’s results, continue reading our full Himiway A7 Pro review below.

[Read more…] about Himiway A7 Pro Review | Himiway’s Best Commuter E-Bike Yet?

Retrospec Valen Rev 2 Review | A Solid, Affordable, and Fun Moto-Style E-Bike

Unique Moto Looks and Class 2 Speed at a Budget-Friendly Price.

Retrospec Valen Rev 2 Review
Moto- or moped-style e-bikes are often less accessible to budget-conscious shoppers, with prices for quality models commonly starting between $1500 and $2k. Retrospec has answered the call for a more affordable bike in this category with the Valen Rev 2. A decked-out version of the bike also exists, but in this Retrospec Valen Rev 2 review, we will focus specifically on the capable but cost-friendly model.

As the budget-tier version of the bike, the Valen Rev 2 includes fewer features than its sibling the Rev Plus, but we found that it still delivered on the overall moto-style experience. With a powerful 750W rear-hub motor, it can conquer hills and speed through flats up to a Class 2 max of 20 mph – so while its cost is low, it doesn’t sacrifice much in terms of performance.

The bike was fast and fun, but we also identified some aspects of its motor with room for improvement. Whether using throttle or pedal assist, slower-than-expected motor engagement left us waiting for the acceleration to kick in. Additionally, we found it difficult to modulate speed with the thumb throttle.

Otherwise, we appreciated the overall simplicity of the Rev 2; a single-speed drivetrain and LED indicator panel made the bike functional and easy to use. Riders who prefer a variety of gears or a display should turn to the Valen Rev Plus, but those seeking quick, straightforward operation and affordability should find the Rev 2 appealing

Continue to our full Retrospec Valen Rev 2 review below to discover more about its feel and performance!


[Read more…] about Retrospec Valen Rev 2 Review | A Solid, Affordable, and Fun Moto-Style E-Bike

Tenways AGO T Review | A Classy Commuter That Rides As Good As It Looks

A head-turning Dutch-style commuter with uncommon tech for an elevated, casual, and low-maintenance experience.

Tenways AGO T Review
With headquarters in the Netherlands, it should be no surprise that Tenways offers not one, but two Dutch-style commuter e-bikes! The AGO T is the brand’s newest step-thru model with contemporary European styling and a 250W mid-drive motor. We explore its specs, performance, and feel in this Tenways AGO T review.

At the time of writing, the AGO T is one of Tenways’ highest-priced e-bikes with an MSRP between $2,500 and $3,000. To justify that price tag, the brand specced the bike with a handful of uncommon, ride-elevating components including a Gates CDX belt drive and an Eviolo continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The CVT’s gearless internal tensioning system allows for complete customization over the amount of resistance at the pedals. By adjusting the twist grip on the right handlebar, we could smoothly and seamlessly increase resistance on flat terrain or make the ride easier when pedaling uphill. The belt drive and CVT also combine for an extremely clean, quiet, and low-maintenance system.

We liked the overall power and feel of the bike’s 250W mid-drive motor, though we experienced inconsistent output even after a software update, and observed an unusually sharp decline in power as the battery was depleted. These weren’t dealbreakers, though, as the ride was generally fun and responsive thanks to the motor’s torque sensor.

Additionally, we appreciated the AGO T’s elegant design. Its angular step-thru frame includes an integrated headlight and welded cargo rack for a flashy, futuristic look.

To see how it stacks up against similar commuter-style e-bikes, continue reading our full Tenways AGO T review below!

*Tenways is offering the Electric Bike Report audience $200 off when you use code: EBR200 at checkout.
[Read more…] about Tenways AGO T Review | A Classy Commuter That Rides As Good As It Looks