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Patrick Brady

E-bike Writer & Reviewer

Patrick got his start as a bike reviewer back in the 1990s before e-bikes were a thing. In more than 30 years of writing about cycling, he has written about every angle of the sport—bike reviews, travel features, essays, race coverage, how-tos, personality profiles and more. His work has appeared everywhere from Bicycling Magazine to Mountain Flyer. He’s the former publisher of the cycling blog Red Kite Prayer and Asphalt Magazine. He served as chief judge for the North American Handmade Bicycle Show for seven years. On the weekends he helps coach his son’s mountain bike team and tries to remember not to catch air in front of impressionable kids.

Get to Know Patrick Brady

Certifications

  • MFA University of Massachusetts, Amherst
  • BPS University of Memphis
  • SBCU graduate
  • Fit Kit Certified
  • Lowell Thomas Award for travel writing

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Mountain, Gravel and Road

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

Yuba Spicy Curry

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Mark DiNucci custom gravel, Chris Bishop custom road, No. 22 Drifter custom gravel bike, Allied Cycle Works Echo gravel bike, Ibis Ripley mountain bike, Ibis Exie mountain bike, Co-Motion tandem, Yuba Spicy Curry, the one and only Brady custom cyclocross bike

Favorite New E-bike Tested

Globe Haul ST

Hobbies

Regular bikes, writing fiction, playing music (reformed rock drummer), wine tasting (Pinot Noir, anyone?)

Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

Patrick Brady

Have You Seen This? Worlds First Electric ‘Screw Bike’

Have You Seen This? Worlds First Electric 'Screw Bike'

Inventor James Bruton has a YouTube channel where he produces videos of his creations. Recently, he built the world’s first “screw bike.” This is an electric bike with four mecanum wheels. Without going too engineering-speak, mecanum wheels are big wheels with smaller dual-tapered wheels inset into the wheels at a 45-degree angle.

Bruton has built a variety of impressive devices, such as self-balancing robots, but an e-bike with four mecanum wheels was a challenge even for him.

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The video gets very technical, but between his 3D-printing skills, welding chops and mechanical engineering genius, he managed to build the screw bike. It balances, goes forward, turns, moves backward and even goes sideways. We’ve skipped straight to the fun bit below. The best moment comes when he says, “Let’s try going forward—woo—oh it works!”

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We Need More of This: Oonee Expanding Public Bike Storage & Charging

Oonee offers secure storage and charging in a variety of attractive solutions.

We Need More of This: Oonee Expanding Public Bike Storage & Charging

We recently ran a piece that considered whether e-bike charging stations or battery swap kiosks were the future of e-bike infrastructure. While we think that battery swapping is the most efficient approach, due to the technical challenges of having so many different batteries on the market, charging stations seem to be an easier solution to implement. Oonee is a relatively new company that is providing e-bike infrastructure to communities that has decided to skip the either/or question and move toward offering both.

Oonee makes a variety of bike storage and e-bike charging solutions. They range from as small as a five e-bike charging station called a Dock all the way up to Dutch-style storage rooms (Hub) that can store 100+ bikes and e-bikes and provide charging as well.

While the Hub is a solution that is implemented in a building, the midsize designs—Pod, Mini and Lite—are small enough that they can be constructed outside transit stations. They feature controlled entry and exit, ADA ramps, assisted-lift bike racks, and a rooftop planter with irrigation. The Pod and Mini are big enough to step inside, while the Lite is a multi-bike locker.

Oonee has already provided solutions in New York and New Jersey and is about to begin a pilot program with the city of Minneapolis. Minneapolis plans to set up 15-20 locations over the course of the three-year program.

Oonee intends to cover the expense of running the locations by offering advertising, but may charge a nominal fee to users through their app.

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The idea behind Oonee is simple enough: More people would make trips by e-bike if they felt confident that they could safely store their e-bike. Oonee aims to remove the e-bike rider’s concerns by providing a secure location to store their e-bike and while not all locations will provide charging, they have stations that do provide charging and they intend to offer battery swaps at some locations.

The Oonee Power project will provide a kiosk that will allow for swapping batteries in their system or for users to charge their personal batteries.

In New York, Oonee has converted two former newsstands into delivery worker rest stops. They provide an area to rest, charging and bike repair/maintenance.

It’s out-of-the-box solutions like these that society needs as we transition to fewer trips made by car. Just as today’s gas stations devote their space to what drivers need when they are out and about rather than repairs, we need infrastructure for e-bikes that reflect what riders need when they get around by e-bike. It’s nice to see a company take an imaginative approach to such an obvious need
.

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Temu Recalls Kids Helmets

The size small version of the helmet does not meet CPSC impact certification requirements.

Temu Recalls Kids Helmets

Online retailer Temu.com has recalled some kids helmets sold through its online store. The helmets, imported by Chau River Sports Outdoors, do not comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for impact safety.

The recall affects roughly 200 helmets. The helmets in question can fail to offer sufficient protection to the child in the event of a crash. Anyone owning one of the helmets should stop using it immediately.

The affected helmets are size Small and are primarily blue and decorated with dinosaurs. All of the helmets feature black pads and straps and have a dial adjustment on the rear of the helmet for fit. Inside the helmet they feature a white label that says Model KY-E008.

Owners of these helmets should contact Chau River Sports Outdoors. They will respond with instructions on how to obtain a refund. Helmet owners can also go to the Chau River Sports Outdoors website and message them.

The affected helmets were sold from June 2023 to January 2024 for between $16 and $40.

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Consumers wanting to find more information about the recall can visit the CPSC’s product recall page.

Looking for a replacement? We have suggestions.

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Check This Out: Trek’s CarBack Might Keep You Safer On The Roads

This rear-facing radar can alert you to cars that come too close as they pass.

Trek's CarBack Might Keep You Safer On The Roads

Trek has released a new rear light that does a lot more than help drivers see you as you ride. The CarBack is a rear-facing radar unit that will communicate with a GPS unit or smartphone to let you know the position and speed of vehicles approaching from behind you.

The CarBack (the name is taken from what cyclists say to each other when they hear a vehicle approaching from behind) can track vehicles as far away as 240m (787 ft.—more than a tenth of a mile). And thanks to a battery with seven hours of life, you can ride all day, or go days between recharging if your rides are shorter.

The light offers four different flash modes, depending on the time of day and whether you want a steady or flashing light.

Connecting a GPS unit or smartphone to the CarBack can be accomplished either by Bluetooth or ANT+, and it will work with phones running either iOS or Android. Once connected, the CarBack will send out an audible alarm to alert you to approaching vehicles. On the screen of the GPS or smartphone, there will be a visual display showing how many vehicles there are as well as how far away they are and how fast they are closing—everything a rider needs to know to stay informed.

Another helpful feature of the CarBack is that it will indicate if the vehicle is moving to their left or right, such as when they are moving out to give you more room as they pass.

It charges with a USB-C cable and is rated to IPX7, which is enough to withstand torrential rain (IPX7 can be submerged to a depth of 1m for up to 30 minutes). A four-bar LED indicates battery level. It goes for $199.99.

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Of the many things we deal with as cyclists, the most consistently annoying/scary is being passed by vehicles that come close enough to startle, which, for most of us is anything closer than about 5 ft. Getting a notification several seconds ahead of being passed that would allow us to move even farther right would make any ride more pleasant.

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Even the Littlest Riders Among Us Can Enjoy Carbon Fiber Bikes

The GoCycle Mini is a balance bike based on GoCycle’s innovative design.

Even the Littlest Riders Among Us Can Enjoy Carbon Fiber Bikes

GoCycle has added a new model to their lineup of award-winning e-bikes, though this new one isn’t one you’ll be riding. Why not? Well, it’s aimed at riders too young to have a credit or debit card. The GoCycle Mini capitalizes on GoCycle’s innovative (and award-winning) carbon fiber and aluminum frame in a package aimed at kids from 18 months to four years old.

The mere presence of carbon fiber caused us to worry that this would run north of $1000, but that’s not the case; it’s less than $500. So, even though this is clearly a premium product, it’s not exclusive to rich people.

Because of its carbon fiber and aluminum construction, GoCycle says the Mini weighs just 5.7 lbs., making it one of the lightest balance bikes on the market.

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GoCycle had some fun with the product description. Under the battery section they say that the endurance mode runs on natural food, while the sprint mode runs on fruit juice. No word on chocolate chip cookies.
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CPSC Issues Warning on Unit Pack Power Batteries

Warning details risk of serious injury and death to users of the aftermarket battery.

CPSC Issues Warning on Unit Pack Power Batteries

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning of “serious injury and death” presented by the Unit Pack Power lithium-ion e-bike batteries. The commission says that public health and safety demand that the warning be issued immediately to warn the public of the risk of the fire and burn hazard posed by the product.

The CPSC wants consumers to stop using Unit Power Pack batteries with the model numbers U004 or U004-1. The batteries are black, triangular and feature straps to attach the battery to the bike’s frame. These are batteries that are part of a conversion kit to turn regular bikes into e-bikes. Either “U004 BATTERY” or “UPPBATTERY” is printed on the side. The model number can be found printed elsewhere on the battery.

ebike battery

The CPSC reports that there have been 13 reports of batteries that overheated including seven fires caused by the batteries in the U.S. Additional fires have been reported in the United Kingdom.

The batteries were sold on the manufacturer’s own website, unitpackpower.com as well as AliExpress, Amazon, DHgate, eBay, Walmart and other online retailers between 2018 and April 2024. The batteries retailed between $280 and $730.

The batteries need to be disposed of safely, according to local and state ordinances. It should not be thrown in the trash or placed in a battery recycling box. It needs to be disposed according the guidelines regarding damaged/defective/recalled batteries, which are different than standard battery disposal guidelines.

CPSC Issues Warning on Unit Pack Power Batteries

Consumers are encouraged to report any incidents with the Unit Pack Power battery at www.SaferProducts.gov. You can read the CPSC’s full notice here.

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The Unit Power Pack batteries provide an unfortunate example of why purchasing UL-certified e-bikes and batteries is critical to keeping your family and home safe.

CPSC Issues Warning on Unit Pack Power Batteries

We’ve reported previously on lithium-ion battery fires and the risk poor-quality batteries pose. We’ve yet to encounter a single report of a problem with a battery or e-bike carrying UL certification. Buying from a reputable company is the best insurance against future problems.

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Brooklyn E-Bike Shop Owner Arrested for Lithium-Ion Battery Violations

Shop owner’s arrest marks first time FDNY filed criminal charges against someone for violating new e-bike ordinances.

Brooklyn E-Bike Shop Onwer Arrested for Lithium-Ion Battery Violations

A Brooklyn e-bike shop owner has been arrested and charged with violating New York’s new e-bike laws. Tian Liang Liu was arrested for illegally charging and storing e-bike batteries in violation of New York’s fire codes regarding the safe storage and charging of e-bike batteries.

Liu owns Electric Bicycle Shop and FDNY fire inspectors made the decision to charge Liu following several inspections, during each of which Liu was found to be in violation of the fire code.

Liu was charged with reckless endangerment because he was selling e-bikes lacking UL certification, storing loose lithium-ion battery cells, as well as charging multiple e-bike batteries and storing multiple propane cylinders.

Electric Bicycle Shop occupies a storefront below residential apartments, precisely the sort of situation FDNY has found puts people at risk. Inspectors had visited the shop four times previously and detailed each of Liu’s violations during their visits.

“Bureau of Fire Prevention inspectors wrote many violations on our previous visits and they had little or no compliance upon this latest visit,” said FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh. “We spoke with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office about this incident and felt that it met the charges of reckless endangerment.”

Prior to Liu’s arrest, FDNY had only issued financial penalties to shops found in violation of the fire code. Shops can be fined $1000 per SKU for either e-bikes or batteries lacking UL certification.

As proof of the ongoing problem, Commissioner Kavanagh said that there had been five fires involving lithium-ion batteries and ten the previous week.

“The problem isn’t going away,” she said.

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Arresting an e-bike shop owner may seem heavy-handed, but considering that in 2023 New York saw 240 fires that resulted in 17 deaths and numerous injuries, their actions address precisely the circumstance of charging, storage and battery repair that has caused many of the fires. And with so many brands gaining UL certification for their batteries and systems, selling an e-bike without some form of UL certification suggests that the retailer is selling cheap products like those that have caused fires in the past.
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Canyon Neuron ONfly Reivew: The True In Between Of eMTB and Trail?

The Neuron:ONfly combines remarkably low weight with the power of a heavier eMTB, resulting in a playful ride that can keep up with burlier e-bikes.

Canyon Neuron:ONfly Reivew: The True In Between Of eMTB and Trail?

Of the many e-bikes we saw at the Sea Otter Classic, one of the most exciting was one we couldn’t talk about in our coverage. Canyon has just released its latest eMTB, the Neuron:ONfly, and not only is it Canyon’s lightest eMTB by more than 5 lbs., it achieves that weight without giving up power.

Producing a sub-50-lb. eMTB isn’t easy and the way some companies have accomplished this is by shrinking the battery and motor, resulting in an eMTB that can produce more power than the rider alone can, but lacking the peak power necessary to keep up with other e-bikes. This is where Canyon’s new Neuron:ONfly is different.

Canyon chose the Bosch Performance Line SX motor because, at 4.4 lbs., it is Bosch’s lightest motor, but still produces a maximum output of 600W and 55Nm of torque. And it is powered by Bosch’s CompactTube 400, a 400Wh battery which can offer more than 3000 feet of elevation gain per ride. The combined weight of motor and battery comes in at just 11 lbs. This is a Class 1 e-bike with a maximum assist speed of 20 mph in order to be legal on as many trail systems as possible.

Canyon Neuron:ONfly Reivew: The True In Between Of eMTB and Trail?

The Neuron:ONfly rolls on 29-in. wheels both front and rear, rather than going with the increasingly popular mullet setup; there are those of us who prefer 29-in. wheels both front and rear. Suspension travel stands at 140mm, both front and rear, thanks to a RockShox Pike fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select + shock.

Thanks to a 12-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and SRAM Code R hydraulic disc brakes and other strategic choices, the Canyon Neuron:ONfly weighs just 44.76 lbs., and comes in at roughly $5500 for the complete eMTB.

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Canyon’s release of the Neuron:ONfly is arguably the most exciting new eMTB this year thanks to its combination of low weight and full power.

Mountain bikers face a transition when riding eMTBs after years of regular mountain bike riding. While the greater weight of an eMTB aids traction and makes the bike feel more planted. That’s good. However, in riding a bike that may weigh close to double what their previous mountain bike did, eMTBs tend not to feel as playful. They aren’t as easy to loft over rocks and roots. They tend to bash their way through rock gardens. And getting the front wheel off the ground, while not difficult, requires thought and conscious effort because muscle memory is programmed for much less weight.

Canyon Neuron:ONfly Reivew: The True In Between Of eMTB and Trail?

The upshot is that riding an eMTB is a somewhat different experience than riding a regular mountain bike and it requires some adjustment. For the rider who may want to switch back and forth, taking their lighter mountain bike out for shorter rides and then going on longer, faster rides with their eMTB, shrinking that weight gap between eMTBs and regular mountain bikes means less adjustment for the rider when switching back and forth.

We spoke with Canyon’s Vernon Felton at Sea Otter and what he says he found so remarkable was that most lightweight eMTBs give up that top-end power, so that on a ride with other eMTB riders, the lighter eMTB with the lower power motor gets dropped on climbs. He found the Neuron to be more maneuverable, easier to negotiate through a rock garden while maintaining an ability to climb with the most powerful eMTBs on the market.

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DYU Secures $100 Million In Funding

The infusion will provide for an increase in product development, more staff, marketing and supply chain improvements.

DYU Secures 100 Million In Funding

Chinese e-bike manufacturer Dyu Intelligent Mobility has raised CNY 100 million in a Series A funding round. The new funds are earmarked for new hires, product development, marketing and streamlining its supply chain.

Dyu Intelligent Mobility was founded in 2016, and is based in Shenzhen, China. In addition to designing and making e-bikes, the company has divisions devoted to sensor-based vehicles and personal mobility robots.

The company has grown rapidly since its launch in 2016. In its first year of production, 2017, it shipped 18,000 units, while in 2020, it shipped more than 150,000 units. Today, the company says, it ships 500,000 units worldwide, serving consumers in more than 60 countries, though its biggest markets are the U.S. and Europe.

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Shoppers who visit Sam’s Club and Costco may recognize the e-bike above from their visits to those retailers. While Dyu does sell its products on Amazon, the company reports that 90 percent of its revenue comes from “offline channels,” i.e., brick-and-mortar stores such as Costco.

It’s not made for kids per se, but the DYU D3f we tested a while back was a hit with many of the teens and tweens of the Electric Bike Report staff.

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Pedego Release 3 Not-so-Very-Pedego-Like E-Bikes

Pedego has launched its first e-moped, its first cargo e-bike and its second e-trike, this one with fat tires.

Pedego Release 3 Not-so-Very-Pedego-Like E-Bikes

Pedego, which operates the largest chain of e-bike retailers in the U.S., has introduced three new e-bikes and these are not your neighbor’s Pedegos. The three new models are meant to increase Pedego’s market share and appeal and they definitely take the brand in a new direction.

The three models are the Moto, the Cargo and the Fat Tire Trike. Each of the three models comes in just below the $4000 price point, making them premium models within Pedego’s lineup. Each of the new models is certified both to UL 2849 (the entire electronics system) as well as UL 2271 (the battery on its own).

Pedego Released 3 Not-So-Very-Pedego-Like Bikes

The Moto is a moped-style e-bike with a step-thru frame and features front and rear suspension, a 10-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. The Moto ships as a Class 1 e-bike with a maximum assist speed of 20 mph, but can be unlocked to go up to 28 mph on pedal assist; it includes a throttle as well. The 750W brushless, geared hub motor is powered by a 922Wh battery, which Pedego estimates could offer riders up to 75 mi. of range per charge.

The Cargo is a long-tail compact cargo e-bike with a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that can produce 85Nm of torque—enough to get a parent and child up to speed. It can be purchased with a combination of a 672Wh and 960Wh batteries that the brand says can offer riders up to 132 mi. of range per charge. It comes with a 10-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes and rolls on 20 x 4-in. fat tires, making it one of a handful of fat-tire cargo e-bikes. \

Pedego Released 3 Not-So-Very-Pedego-Like Bikes

The third new model is the Fat Tire Trike, which is exactly what it says it is—a trike with fat tires. It comes with a 750W brushless, geared hub motor that produces a respectable 75Nm of torque, which will give it good acceleration, even when loaded. It is powered by a 910Wh battery which Pedego estimates is good for up to 75 mi. in range per charge. Unlike some trikes, it comes with a large cargo storage area, as well as a backrest for the seat to improve support. Top speed is limited to 15 mph in order to keep it stable in turns.

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These new models from Pedego expand their lineup in an intriguing way. With each of these broad categories—e-moped, cargo and trike—it can be difficult to find examples to test ride. Even if someone chooses not to buy a Pedego following a test ride, visiting a Pedego dealer can do much for someone in understanding the options on the market. Plus, getting to know the folks in the Pedego store can be a start to building a relationship with the staff, which can be handy no matter what you buy, because sooner or later, every e-bike needs service.
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