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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

Bern Brentwood Jr. Review, 2024 | A Helmet Kids Actually WANT to Wear?

A Cool-Looking, Low-Profile Youth Helmet That Makes Safety Fun

Bern Brentwood Jr. Helmet Review 2024

For kids, “cool” and “safe” are rarely synonymous, but the Brentwood Jr. helmet from Bern aims to change that. The helmet is made from a lightweight and low-profile “Zip Mold+” injected foam that keeps it from looking too big and bulky while still being safe. This Bern Brentwood Jr. helmet review covers all the details!

In addition to a slim design, the Brentwood Jr. comes in a variety of fun styles that I legitimately wish were available in Bern’s adult-sized models! Of course, it comes in classic color schemes like Black, White, Blue, and Grapefruit, but that’s just scratching the surface. We received the Metallic Silver Shark Bite print that ignited my inner child’s glee, and other prints are available including Blue Wing with a stylized Macaw design and Purple Tiger with retro-style stripes. These colors and patterns are unique to the Brentwood Jr., as Bern’s other youth-sized helmets feature their own fun designs.


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Electric Bike Company Model A Review, 2024

A casual, low-cost chopper-style cruiser for commuting or coasting along the beach.

Electric Bike Company Model A Review 2024
*The Electric Bike Company model A has been merged with the Model C. You can see the full Model C review here.

The iconic Electric Bike Company (EBC) should be well-known to fans of the beach cruiser style. Their e-bike models almost exclusively display the category’s defining retro curves, and all feature upright positioning and big, squishy saddles for long-lasting comfort on casual rides. The EBC Model A doesn’t break the mold (too much), but it also doesn’t break the bank! We take a look at this basic-but-still-feature-packed cruiser in this Electric Bike Company Model A review.

With e-bike costs coming down over time, we’ve started to see a new wave of models in the $1,500 price range that include once-uncommon features such as turn signals and cargo racks. The Model A is one such e-bike, with an included package of commuter-friendly features we always appreciate, and quite a few extras we don’t often see.

Did we mention this bike’s affordability? Until now, Electric Bike Company models have started around the $2,000 mark, with costs potentially increasing quickly depending on what customization options are selected. In contrast with the company’s other bikes, the Model A keeps things simple on the customization side of things – but this makes it super budget-friendly!

While many of the bike’s components come from overseas, the Model A (like all EBC bikes) is painted, assembled, inspected, and tested in the USA. When you support the Electric Bike Company, you’re also supporting an American brand with a personal, hands-on approach that stands behind its products by offering an excellent warranty.

Keep reading for more in-depth information on this cost-friendly cruiser in our review of the Electric Bike Company Model A!

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SixThreeZero Simple Step-Thru 500W Review

A Curvy, Cost-Friendly Cruiser with an Incredibly Low Step-Thru Frame

SixThreeZero Simple Step-Thru 500W E-Bike Review
Just as the phrase “beach cruiser” evokes the warm feeling of summer sun and the scent of salt air, the words “Simple Step-Thru” in relation to an e-bike bring to mind relaxation, comfort, and accessibility. In this Sixthreezero Simple Step-Thru 500W review, we discuss the ride feel and real-world performance of this curvy, colorful cruiser.

In our testing, we found that the Simple Step-Thru lived up to its name; this is one of the “step-thru-iest” e-bikes we have ever seen! We found it incredibly easy to mount and dismount thanks to the bike’s wavy, remarkably low down tube, which brings its standover height down to a minimal 10.5 inches.

In our opinion, this makes the Simple Step-Thru suitable for aging riders with disabilities or limited range of motion – or those who want a simple and easy bike to get on and ride.

The bike’s reserved power was another aspect geared toward seniors or those who have not used a bike for years. With a 500W rear-hub motor, the Simple Step-Thru had power when it was wanted/needed, but in most cases its throttle and pedal assist system (PAS) felt modest and gradual instead of punchy and overpowered.

We appreciated the bike’s reserved nature, though some riders may prefer the ability to adjust its speed limits. Additionally, we found the bike’s motor engagement to be somewhat inconsistent.

Fans of beach cruisers will, however, find many characteristic features present on the Simple Step-Thru, including a relaxed and comfortable riding position. With a thick, cushioned saddle, wide handlebars, and upright positioning, we found the bike to be thoroughly comfortable and enjoyable to ride.

Keep reading our full Sixthreezero Simple Step-Thru 500W review below!

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23 Things We Want Manufacturers to STOP Doing On E-Bikes

23 Things We Want Manufacturers to STOP Doing on E-Bikes
As e-bike reviewers for Electric Bike Report, my fellow office-mates and I have the extreme joy and privilege of testing bikes of all sizes, styles, and speeds. From big, beefy fat tire bikes to nimble, lightweight city bikes to functional, folding bikes and beyond, this broad base grants us a unique perspective on the industry. More specifically, what works – and what does not. In this article, I will discuss the 23 general and specific things we want manufacturers to stop doing on e-bikes.

Like any other field, the e-bike industry is constantly evolving as technology becomes more affordable and new brands/technologies appear. It is a regular occurrence for a new bike to redefine what is possible at a certain price point. Once this innovation occurs, competitors must keep up with the changing times or risk becoming old news.

As such, many of the changes we wished to witness two years ago have already come to pass. Likewise, 12-24 months in the future, any number of the points discussed in this article might naturally become irrelevant without our efforts to address them.

As industry advocates, however, we take pride in helping to direct the flow of progress. The following perspectives are based both on our personal experiences as well as the opinions of our readers and viewers.

Our goal with this article is not to debase any particular bike or brand, but to encourage broad, beneficial growth in a direction that improves the ride experience for all users. By making e-bikes more enjoyable and appealing, we hope to encourage more motorists to ditch two of their wheels and take up pedaling.

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SixThreeZero Easy Transit 750W Folding E-Trike Review

Accessibility, Portability, and Ride Stability: this E-Mobility Device is Both Affordable and Capable.

SixThreeZero Easy Transit 750W Folding E-Trike Review
Sixthreezero’s Easy Transit 750W Folding E-Trike offers a myriad of features aimed at aging riders. It has a safe yet practical maximum speed, a comfortable ride, and a price point on the affordable end of the spectrum. In this Sixthreezero Easy Transit 750W Folding Electric Trike review, we discuss all the details of its ride feel and real world performance.

The Easy Transit Folding Trike sits low, with a standover height of just 13.5” – this is among the lowest of all the e-bikes and e-trikes we’ve tested! For those with limited range of motion, this step-thru frame requires little effort to mount and dismount.

The trike’s short stature is a result of its small 16”x2.125” tires; with such a low center of gravity, it felt stable and planted when moving. All trikes have a unique style of handling that requires some caution when turning, but when riding straight, the Easy Transit felt steady and balanced.

We saw impressive uphill power from the trike’s 750W front-hub motor in our testing, though we hope the brand addresses its inconsistent output when riding at top speed. Regardless, the trike has the power to back up its respectable 350-lb payload capacity – and even includes a front and rear basket for carrying cargo.

The team here at Electric Bike Report performed our standard Speed, Range, Brake, and Hill Tests with the Sixthreezero Easy Transit Folding Electric Trike. Read our full review below!

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Himiway D5 Ultra (Rhino) Review

Bebopping with Rocksteady: This Huge and Heavy Commuter Boasts Heaps of Power and Long Range Potential

Himiway Rhino Review
Product names are extremely important, as they need to convey the spirit and substance of a thing in a concise manner. Enter the Himiway Rhino – also known as the D5 Ultra – a true beast of an e-bike that fully embodies the weight of its name. After having tested the bike’s real world performance, we share our experiences in this Himiway D5 Ultra review!

Here at Electric Bike Report, we often hear prospective and current e-bike owners wishing for the ability to cover more miles on a single charge. With the D5 Ultra, Himiway responded to these appeals by including TWO 48V, 720 watt-hour (Wh) batteries. This adds to the bike’s overall size and weight, but with a total of 1440 Wh of capacity, also greatly extends its range; we were extremely satisfied with the bike’s performance in our Range Test.

The Rhino’s size was perhaps its most immediately obvious feature, including its massive 26”x4.5” tires. It felt like a tank – and it weighed a jaw-dropping 104 lbs! The upside of the D5 Ultra’s size, weight, and super-wide tires was that it felt remarkably stable and solid while riding.

We also enjoyed a high degree of visibility from the bike’s high riding position. Its wide, cushy saddle and ergonomic rubber grips added to the overall comfort. We found its riding position and comfort level to be appropriate for the long-distance rides its dual batteries are capable of.

For all the D5 Ultra did right, it had a few areas with room for improvement. For example, the entry-level brakes performed fine, but such a large bike would benefit from an upgraded brake set. Additionally, the 1,000W mid-drive motor could be punchy, but accessing its full power wasn’t as easy as we expected. We’ll explore the details later in this Himiway D5 Ultra review; continue reading below for the results of our Speed, Range, Hill, and Brake Tests!

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Jackrabbit XG Review

E-Bike Power and Stability and a Scooter-Like Ride Make This Mini Motorbike a Super Fun Time!

Jackrabbit XG Review
Testing and reviewing e-bikes for Electric Bike Report is a seriously cool job, but I’m not sure it reached the level of pure, childlike glee until I rode the JackRabbit XG. This zippy little …bike? …scooter? …ahem, “mini electric motorbike” – packs a ridiculous amount of fun into a surprisingly tiny package. Let’s dive into our JackRabbit XG review to learn more!

To be clear, the XG is made for adult riders. Jackrabbit built its first micro e-bike to help college students make their classes on time when traveling across large campuses. This new-and-improved model serves the same purpose, but expands upon the JackRabbit OG’s massive fun factor with greater versatility, a redesigned look, and a two-thirds increase in power.

Like the ‘Noisy Cricket’ in 1997’s Men in Black, the JackRabbit XG might look like a toy, but we found that it has a serious kick. Where the original version of the bike carried a 300W rear hub motor, the XG features a full-on 500W powerhouse. The XG could do with some fine tuning in terms of starting and stopping, but its motor allowed us to confidently tackle hills and reach speeds up to 20 mph.

Like its older sibling, the XG is made to be portable. Weighing a manageable 33 lbs with its dual 36V, 151 Wh batteries, it can be carried with an optional shoulder sling. The XG’s handlebars also twist sideways, flattening the bike down so that it can fit just about anywhere – even in a dorm room where space is limited!

We tested the JackRabbit XG’s real-world performance just like any other full-size e-bike; continue reading the full review below!

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QuietKat Ranger Review, 2024

A powerful and practical all-terrain e-bike for hunting, commuting, or simply having fun.

QuietKat Ranger Review 2024
Whether you’re a primitive camping enthusiast, a hunter with a distant blind or treestand, or a thrill-seeker who loves a good romp in the dirt, the QuietKat Ranger may just meet your needs. We tested the bike’s on- and off-road performance in our QuietKat Ranger review!

An e-bike aiming to adventure in potentially remote areas needs serious power to deal with rough terrain; fortunately, QuietKat specced a beastly 1,000W Bafang rear-hub motor with 80 Nm of torque. In combination with the bike’s Kenda fat tires and Mozo suspension fork with 100 mm of travel, the Ranger is well-equipped to handle any and all types of terrain.

We experienced an impressively stable ride with great handling from the bike’s chunky off-road tires and 740mm handlebars. Depending on frame size, the Ranger sports either 20”x4” or 26”x4.5” fat tires that chew through dirt with ease. The bike’s wide handlebars offer precise steering for navigating tight trails or obstacles, ensuring that the Ranger stays firmly on course.

Whether loaded up with game, camping gear, or even a load of groceries, the Ranger has a substantial payload capacity of 325 lbs. The bike’s rear rack is welded to its beefed-up chainstays, allowing it to carry up to 100 lbs – but in case that doesn’t cut it, QuietKat offers two trailer options to make the job possible.

Those were the highlights from our time on the bike, but to learn more about its real world performance, read on to our full QuietKat Ranger review below!

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Trek Allant+ 8S Review

This comfortable commuter combines cool tech with a responsive, dialed-in feel.

Trek Allant+ 8S Review
As a legacy brand with nearly 50 years of experience, Trek is a well-established company trusted by riders worldwide. Based on the experience we had when we reviewed the FX+ 2 city e-bike, we had high expectations from the brand’s Allant+ 8s commuter. We share our thoughts following our testing in this Trek Allant+ 8s review.

The most prominent highlight from our time on the bike was the overall feel and performance of its 250W Bosch Performance Line Speed mid-drive motor. As a result of this premium drive system, the Allant+ responds naturally and proportionally to changes in pedaling with smooth assistance, yet never loses an analog bike feel.

With a Bosch drive system comes the ability to be paired with the multifunctional Bosch COBI.BIKE app. This app serves as a hub that integrates with your favorite audio, fitness, and navigation apps, allowing you to track ride data, listen to music or audiobooks, make calls to your closest contacts, and receive turn-by-turn guidance to your destination.

We couldn’t help but appreciate the bike’s overall high-quality feel and confident handling. With 2.4” wide tires and a weight of 57 lbs, the Allant felt firmly planted, but it retained the nimble handling of a lighter-weight city bike.

Additionally, as a Trek product, it felt generally well-rounded with comfortable, precise geometry, top-tier components, and a sturdy frame.

To learn more about the bike’s performance in our series of real-world tests, see our full Trek Allant+ 8s review below!

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Kona Dew-E DL Review, 2024

This lightweight, low-profile commuter hosts high-end components and long range touring ability.

Kona Dew-E DL Review 2024
The Dew-E DL is a cyclist’s e-bike, with a 250W mid-drive motor and a minimalistic style that maintains an analog appearance. As the Deluxe model (hence, the DL), it’s also fully loaded with tons of name-brand components for reliability and a premium feel! We tested this commuter to evaluate its performance in the real world; read our Kona Dew-E DL review for all the juicy details!

A Shimano STEPS E6100 mid-drive motor gives the benefit of an easier cycling experience while offering the ride feel of a non-electric bike. We found the motor’s engagement to be smooth and subtle with a natural feel; only in the Dew-E DL’s highest assist setting did it seem like we were riding an e-bike!

At just 43 lbs, the bike’s relatively low weight also stood out to us by contributing to an airy, responsive, and agile ride. With such a manageable weight, apartment-dwellers can comfortably lift and carry the bike up a few flights of stairs if needed. The Dew-E DL can also be accommodated by standard bike racks for ease of transport.

We also enjoyed the stability granted by the bike’s 650x47mm road tires. With low rolling resistance, these tires also encouraged fast acceleration. In combination with the custom carbon fiber fork, these tires helped to absorb vibrations from the street or path and make the rigid frame much more comfortable.

A list of the bike’s components is provided below, but keep scrolling for the full Kona Dew-E DL review.

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