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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 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

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