Electric Bike Reviews, News, & Testing

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Michael Clark

Co-Owner, E-Bike Writer & Reviewer

Michael has been involved with many of the aspects of operating Electricbikereport.com. Figuring out how to test products and help consumers decide which e-bike is best for their personal needs is a passion. E-bike’s have the opportunity to completely change the way people move around, get outside, and get from one place to the next. Riding bikes is a daily thing around here, and man do we get to ride a lot of bikes!

Get to Know Michael Clark

Certifications

  • B.S. Accounting

Favorite Style of E-Bike

Commuters, Utility Bikes, and E-MTB’s

Favorite E-Bikes Reviewed

RadRunner 2, Globe Haul

Current Bikes You Ride/Own

Orbea Rallon, RadRunner 2, Lectric X-Pedition, Lectric XP Lite, DYU, Euphree City Robin X

Hobbies

Traveling around the world, Hanging out with my wife and kids, and growing our business.

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

Michael Clark

Aventon Level Step-Through Review 2022

Aventon Level Step-Through Review 2022

Aventon Level Step-Through Review: Overview

*For a look at a review of the Aventon Level.2 Step-Through (ST), click here.

The Aventon Level Step-Through is a Class 3 commuter electric bike that combines sleek looks with a powerful motor and battery. The end result? A smooth riding commuter e-bike with fast acceleration and high average speeds, making for an efficient and exciting ride experience.

Our team has been familiar with Aventon for quite some time. Earlier this year we reviewed several other Aventon e-bikes – The high-step Level, Aventure, and Pace 500 – all of which proved themselves to be quality electric bikes.

I was eager to review the Aventon Level step-through to see how it’s different from the standard Level we reviewed in March.

Nearly identical to its standard counterpart, the obvious change made to the step-through Level is the absence of a top tube on the frame. This can change a bike’s handling characteristics, so that, combined with a handful of small changes Aventon made to the bike since we last reviewed it, left me wondering how the step-through would ride.

In short, despite their similarities, I quickly realized during testing that the step-through version of the Level has its own personality and characteristics that are notably different from the version we reviewed earlier this year.


[Read more…] about Aventon Level Step-Through Review 2022

Fox Mainframe MIPS Helmet Review

Fox Mainframe MIPS Helmet Review

The Fox Mainframe MIPS helmet is a fairly priced, eye-catching mountain bike helmet that includes MIPS technology, optimized venting and extended impact coverage all while still being under $100 USD. In this Fox Mainframe MIPS review we’ll get into the fit and form of the budget-priced helmet from one of the most recognizable names in the cycling industry.

The Mainframe has fast become one of the Electric Bike Report team’s go-to helmets for e-bike reviewing, and in total we’ve racked up close to 150 miles wearing the Mainframe. Thankfully, we haven’t had to put its impact protection to the test (yet), but it’s arguably one of the most affordable MIPS-equipped lids on the market.

Fox Mainframe MIPS Helmet Review - side angle

At less than $100, the Fox Mainframe is one of the cheapest MIPS-equipped lids on the market.

[Read more…] about Fox Mainframe MIPS Helmet Review

Surface604 Quad Review – 2022

Summary Review: Surface604 Quad

The Surface604 Quad is an electric mountain bike that’s been engineered to ride light to medium level off-road trails, with looks to back it up. The torque sensor and a vibration free hub motor provide the rider with smooth-engaging pedal assist, and enough power to flatten steep hills.

We found the Quad to be slightly more aggressive than the other Surface604 electric bikes we reviewed, with better tires, better saddle, and slightly more aggressive geometry than some other models. As such, it will handle adventuring on off-road trails a little better than the Shred.All in all, if you want to explore for miles on both paved and unpaved trails, commute to work, and you want your ride to catch peoples eye, check out the Surface604 Quad.

[Read more…] about Surface604 Quad Review – 2022

Spoke Safety: a Technology That Will Make Streets Safer—for Everyone

Spoke Safety

The Sea Otter Classic is the largest cycling event in the world and aside from all the athletes who hope to stand on the podium, or just to finish, roughly 350 bike companies from around the world display their products in the expo area for riders to check out. Everyone present wants to convince attendees that their product will change the rider’s life for the better. Very few products can live up to such a claim, but this past weekend Electric Bike Report saw something that exceeds its hype.

[Read more…] about Spoke Safety: a Technology That Will Make Streets Safer—for Everyone

Career Opportunities

Current Openings:

Staff Writer / E-Bike Expert

Located in beautiful St. George, Utah, electricbikereport.com is a leading authority on all things e-bikes. We are a consumer-oriented company dedicated to, among many other things, guiding e-bike newcomers as they learn about the sport, lending a hand to experienced riders as they look for their next bike and helping brands grow while challenging them to make a better product.

We set ourselves apart from our competition by being nuanced and detailed, and expect our contributors to be experts in their respective fields. electricbikereport.com’s reputation as a reliable source for all things e-bike has been growing for several years, and we’re looking for a writer who can capture the attention of more experienced riders and help build the website as a destination for all things e-biking.

electricbikereport.com is one of three outdoor and fitness review sites operated by the company. Our mission is to help riders learn about the sport and help guide buyers to quality products that fit their needs. Our reviewers test each product that is sent to us, compare it vs. competing brands and do their best to help consumers know the pro’s, con’s, best use cases and if that bike is right for them. They also are responsible for providing constructive feedback to the brand so they can in turn improve their product in future models.

In an industry where an increasing number of e-bikes are sold directly to consumers with little chance to ride the bike before buying, we think of ourselves as a place people can go to learn how an e-bike will actually feel and perform before they make a purchase.

The best part? We live and work in one of the most beautiful corners of Utah. Zion National Park is just a stone’s throw away, Las Vegas is two hours to the south and Lake Powell is two hours to the east.

[Read more…] about Career Opportunities

Zipchock E13 e-bike stand review

Zipchock Bike Stand

The Zipchock stand for electric bikes is an easy to assemble, high quality e-bike stand that allows riders to keep their e-bikes upright without a kickstand. The Zipchock design allows riders to clean, service and store their bicycles without needing to lift them into a clamp-stand or fit them with a kickstand. In this Zipchock e-bike stand review, we reviewed the Zipchock Model E13 designed for tire widths between 1 inches and 3-inches.

The Zipchock also comes in the E255 model which fits tires from 2.5-inches up to 5-inches. Between the two models there isn’t a bike we have at our Electric Bike Report headquarters that won’t be able to fit into one stand or the other.

Both these Zipchock stands bridge the gap between smaller, lighter bicycle stands and heavier, bulkier motorbike stands. The Zipchock is designed to have the best of both worlds between the two stand styles.

Zipchock stands are currently being crowdfunded on Indiegogo, with deals on the stands for those that back the campaign. The E13 we reviewed is marked down 19 percent from about $200 USD to about $165 USD.

Zipchock stand for e-bikes review: Impressions

The Zipchock isn’t a bike stand that’s a pain to put together. It only took us a couple of minutes to fully assemble the E13, the instructions were straightforward and the process was quite easy. There are only five steps needed to fully assemble the Zipchock E13 stand, none of which involve tools.

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One of the most unique features of the Zipchock is its ability to adjust its width relative to tire size. Even if you have two bikes with radically different tire sizes the stand will be able to house both snuggly.

Keep in mind that the E255 is going to be a better option for those with mountain bikes and fat tire bikes (anything above 2.5 inches). The E13 will be good for anything with a tire below 3-inches wide. The E13 and E255 both can fit both front and rear wheels with equal capability.

Zipchock Bike Stand

The Zipchock E13 is a burley bike stand built to easily support the weight of a modern e-bike without contacting the frame.

The Zipchock also comes with ground stakes for keeping the rack in place on grass and other uneven/off road surfaces. Those who go to lots of trade shows and those looking for a high quality bike stand to match their high quality bike will find a lot of value within the Zipchock. On flat ground the rack was plenty stable without the stakes, however they may be a good idea if you don’t want your stand walking off.

The E13 is a very stable stand regardless of the weight of the bike. The design uses gravity to its advantage with its down sloped ramp which cradles any wheel between 20 and 30 inches. Between the stable side plates, adjustable width and easy assembly/disassembly the Zipchock stand for e-bikes simply makes a lot of sense.

Zipchock Bike Stand

The e-bike in this photo is equipped with 2.8-inch tires, which fit easily into the E13 stand.

Zipchock Bike Stand

The stand uses an adjustable screw to manipulate how much tension is being applied to the tire.

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Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Review 2022

Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Electric Bike Review - Header

Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Review: Summary

Editor’s Note: The RadMini 4 is now discontinued. Rad replaced the Mini with the RadExpand 5 Plus.

When I heard that we were reviewing the RadMini 4 I wondered if I was going to be able to tell the difference between its performance versus other foldable fat tire e-bikes.

I asked myself, “How much can the performance of a foldable fat tire e-bike really vary from one brand to another?” And I soon realized that they can vary in performance and experience quite a bit more than I was initially anticipating.

Testing and reviewing the Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 showed us that not all foldable fat tires are created equal. With seemingly more refined engineering than lots of its competitors and smoother rolling tires, it didn’t take long for us to see the edge the RadMini 4 has on some other foldable fat-tire e bikes.

We quickly learned that cruising, and commuting are a couple of the activities that are even better when the Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 is involved. Because of its 20-inch wheels and a foldable frame the RadMini 4 is ready to go wherever you are, without taking up too much space.

I had a lot of fun reviewing the RadMini 4, and it definitely provided me with a more polished experience than I was expecting.


[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Review 2022

eMTB racing at the Sea Otter Classic 2021

Sea Otter Classic eMTB Race

I raced an eMTB at Sea Otter. Here’s what it was like.

Racing bicycles is nothing new, but what about racing an electric bike? At this year’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, I got a chance to find out what e-bike racing is all about. Bosch loaned me a Cannondale Moterra powered by the Performance Line CX motor and I hit the track for the Sea Otter eMTB race.

I’ve ridden and raced quite a bit on my enduro bike and I’ve also had plenty of miles in the pain-cave on my XC bike. Both of these disciplines are ones that I’m very familiar with and feel comfortable doing, but I wasn’t sure what to expect racing an eMTB.

Sea Otter Classic eMTB Race

The 2021 Sea Otter Classic eMTB racecourse was built specifically to challenge modern e-bikes.

The race took place on an XC short-track style course that was about 3.5 miles long. The goal? Do as many laps as you can within an hour. I didn’t think much of the challenge, as I figured I’d be railing on maximum assistance simply holding on to the bike as it did its thing. I got the “hold on” part right, but it ended up being a challenge of harnessing the beast of a motor, and maintaining speed on steep, loose terrain.

The bike I used was a 2020 Cannondale Moterra powered by a 250W Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor and PowerTube 625 battery pack. With 85 Nm of torque, there’s no forgetting the Moterra is an e-bike. It’s an enduro-oriented model that had the power and poise on nasty terrain to give me an edge on the steep, loose climbs that were a large part of the race course.

[Read more…] about eMTB racing at the Sea Otter Classic 2021

First impressions: Super73, SoCal’s lifestyle e-bike brand

Monterey, CALIF. (2021 Sea Otter Classic) — Founded in 2016, Super73 has one goal in mind — create something the electric bike industry has never seen before. With inspiration from vintage 1970’s “taco style” motorcycles, the original Super73 model combined modern electric bike performance and componentry with a touch of nostalgia.

Fast forward a couple of years, and their bikes started to gain traction — and it wasn’t just from their 4 inch-plus tires. By 2018, Super73 gained loads of attention online thanks to popular YouTubers riding and reviewing their bikes, and celebrities like Post Malone taking notice of the brand.

We sat down at the 2021 Sea Otter Classic with Drew Palos, one of the head marketers for Super73 to learn more about the company and their bikes. The Southern California native gave the skinny on the history of the company, what makes their bikes special and why he personally enjoys owning a Super73 e-bike so much.

Super73 e-bike company

We got to catch up with the Super73 team during the 2021 Sea Otter Classic.

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Checking out the new SCOR Bicycles eMTB

Monterey, CALIF. (2021 Sea Otter Classic) — SCOR Bicycles was born from a couple employees at BMC searching for a bike to push their limits on the world class trails found in the Swiss Alps. While BMC is no stranger to high performance bicycles, the Swiss brand’s endurance-based bikes left some day dreaming about a bike for the bigger hits and gnarlier terrain.

Electric Bike Report got a chance to meet the SCOR/BMC team at the 2021 Sea Otter Classic and see what they were all about. Tyler Miller, the midwest regional sales manager for BMC America told our team more about how SCOR came to be and what makes them so unique.

Naturally, we had our eye on their eMTB, the SCOR 4060 Z LT XT which was on display at the event. The rear linkage design, beautiful paint job, Shimano EP8 motor and the rarity of the eMTB made it a hard bike to ignore. We are hoping to put this bike to the test on our rocky Southern Utah terrain in the near future.

SCOR 4060 Z LT XT

The SCOR 4060 Z LT XT we saw at the Sea Otter Classic was done up in this gorgeous purple paint. It’s a looker.

[Read more…] about Checking out the new SCOR Bicycles eMTB