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Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max Review | Maxed Out

This feature-packed utility bike delivers power, handling, and style in spades. It’s great for riders who want more than just a jack-of-all-trades.

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max Review

The RadRunner Max is what happens when you take a versatile utility platform and supercharge it—with a beefed-up motor and a slew of upgrades you’d expect from the premium option over its more affordable siblings, the RadRunner and RadRunner Plus.

Whether you’re cruising for fun, hauling cargo, or commuting daily, the RadRunner Max fits the bill. As one of the original “everyperson” e-bikes, it’s an ideal choice for newcomers still figuring out how they’ll use an e-bike long term, or somebody who’s just big on versatility.

The bike packs a punch with its powerful motor and refined control, thanks to a torque sensor that delivers smooth, natural power. It’s also loaded with advanced safety features, including rear radar that alerts you to approaching vehicles and their speed, as well as password protection, a key fob, and Apple Find My integration.

It’s the most robust in the Runner lineup, capable of carrying heavy loads with its reinforced frame. And with an extensive range of accessories—including the rare option to run a dual battery setup—it’s as versatile as it is burly.

Comfort hasn’t taken a back seat either. With wide tires, relaxed geometry, and a suspension fork to absorb road chatter, the RadRunner Max is easy to settle into for long or short rides.

While the feature set justifies the price, it’s not without tradeoffs. There’s only one color and frame size available, and limited adjustability may leave taller riders wanting more.

Still, when judged by what it delivers, rather than what it omits, the RadRunner Max stands out as the best version of an already well-regarded utility e-bike. Check out our full review below to see how it performed in real-world testing.

[Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Max Review | Maxed Out

GoCycle Gets New Funding, MAHLE Debuts eMTB Mid-Drive, New Bill Eliminates Tariffs | TWR Ep 36

Plus Canyon opens an Experience Center, Vorsa vs Stellar Falcon Comparison, E-Bikes for Women & More!

This was an exciting week in the world of e-bikes, with a variety of news stories and interactions with our audience to highlight.

Perhaps most notably, the premium folding e-bike company GoCycle, which recently sought an injection of capital through a crowdfunding campaign, has received new funding after a buy-in from the owner of a prominent North American e-bike manufacturer.

MAHLE, a Spanish producer of e-bike drive systems, has entered the eMTB space with a powerful mid-drive clearly intended to compete with some of the biggest-hitting motors already found on bikes. Additionally, the DTC company Canyon has established its first brick-and-mortar “Experience Center” in California.

Finally, a new bill introduced to Congress seeks to eliminate tariffs on bicycle components to encourage domestic assembly. Continue reading below or see the video above (heck, why not both?) to find out more!

[Read more…] about GoCycle Gets New Funding, MAHLE Debuts eMTB Mid-Drive, New Bill Eliminates Tariffs | TWR Ep 36

Velotric Nomad 2X Review | Double the Squish, Double the Fun

This reimagined version of the Nomad 2 adds more power, better range, and a full air suspension for a cushier ride.

Velotric Nomad 2X Review

Nearly all fat-tire e-bikes have suspension forks to absorb impacts and smooth rough terrain, but without a rear shock, many bumps and rattles often still find their way to the rider. Outside of a handful of focused subcategories, such as speedy moto-style bikes or overpowered all-terrain monsters, full-suspension fat bikes are somewhat of a rarity.

Velotric aims to fill this niche with the Nomad 2X: a sportier, more powerful, and generally more off-road-capable version of its Nomad 2 fat tire e-bike.

The 2X has a more robust motor with a whopping 105 Nm of torque, a larger 802-Wh battery, and a full air suspension to complement its redesigned frame. Aside from those changes, the two bikes are largely the same, and the new version includes Velotric’s typical suite of impressive customization features.

Once paired with the Velotric app (or accessed in the display menu), riders can tune the feel of the ride through a variety of parameters. For example, the SensorSwap function allows users to switch between an active torque-sensing mode and a relaxed cadence-sensing mode depending on their preferences.

Additionally, there are three riding modes with a wide range of power levels for the pedal assist system (PAS). Velotric even allows granular control over the bike’s speeds, with the ability to set separate limits for the throttle and PAS anywhere between 12 and 28 mph.

In our experience, these features make Velotric’s e-bikes some of the most versatile rides on the market. With so many options to choose from, models like the Nomad 2X can appeal to riders of most ages, sizes, experience levels, etc.

So did the Nomad 2X meet our expectations based on our testing of similar models? Find out in our full review below!

[Read more…] about Velotric Nomad 2X Review | Double the Squish, Double the Fun

NYC To Lower E-Bike Speeds, Specialized Globe Haul Recall, Vanmoof Launches New Rides | TWR Ep 35

Plus, can you carry folded e-bikes on a hitch rack, Canadian versions of US e-bikes, E-Bikes for somebody 6’5” & More!

It was a busy week in the world of e-bike news. New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a plan to lower the city’s e-bike speed limit to 15 mph, citing safety concerns. In other safety-related news, Specialized issued a recall on more than 11,000 Globe Haul ST and LT models due to a faulty seatpost that could break during use. Meanwhile, VanMoof revealed its latest models: the S6 and the mid-step S6 Open.

John and Griffin also tackled a range of audience questions this week, including recommendations for tall riders, whether folding an e-bike to fit it on a basket-style hitch rack is a good idea, and how U.S. and Canadian e-bike regulations—and motors—differ.

To wrap things up, John takes us on a scenic ride along a 100-mile trail stretching through Oregon and California.

[Read more…] about NYC To Lower E-Bike Speeds, Specialized Globe Haul Recall, Vanmoof Launches New Rides | TWR Ep 35

Saris Edge Hitch Rack Review | E-Bike Carrying Made Easy?

The Edge has a high weight capacity, is easy to operate, and looks sharp. It’s a great all-around hitch rack that works well with many different bike types.

Saris Edge Hitch Rack Review

The Saris Edge checks many of the boxes riders want in a modern e-bike rack: simplicity, reliability, and heavy-duty, “no-sweat” construction to handle the extra weight that motors and batteries bring.

The Edge can largely be operated with one hand, making it easier to wrangle your bike while opening the rack and prepping it for transport. The front tire drops securely into place, and the spring-loaded hook arm quickly fastens over the tire, freeing you up to strap down the rear wheel against—or on top of—the chock.

Once your bikes are loaded, there’s little worry about them going anywhere. The Edge is built solidly and manages to look clean and modern rather than purely utilitarian—so it’s not an eyesore when resting on your hitch.

The rack fits a wide range of bikes, has plenty of space between each tray, and with generous wheelbase compatibility and support for various tire sizes that cover nearly all adult bikes. It can even accommodate some fendered models, as long as the fenders aren’t full-length. And since the rack makes no contact with the frame, it’s friendly for carbon, aluminum, or even bamboo frames (hey, ride what you ride).

What are the downsides? Not many. Most are simple tradeoffs. You get great spacing between bikes and plenty of clearance from your vehicle—but say goodbye to your backup camera in the process.

All in all, the Saris Edge is a solid, versatile rack that fits a wide range of vehicles and bike styles.

[Read more…] about Saris Edge Hitch Rack Review | E-Bike Carrying Made Easy?

SONDORS Returns? Shimano’s new autoshift system, an e-cargo conversion product | TWR Ep 34

Plus Safe Temps For Riding Your E-Bike, Aventure 3 Vs Nomad 2x On Hills, Paying For Features You Might Not Use & More!

This week’s e-bike news carries a familiar theme for the second week in a row: a comeback attempt from a brand many assumed was gone for good. SONDORS, once a major player in the e-bike and e-motorcycle space, is trying to stage a return with a new eMoto being launched on IndieGoGo. But it may face an uphill battle, as the company shuttered in 2023, leaving hundreds of customers out deposits for the never-delivered Metacycle.

There were also other product announcements. Shimano revealed a new automatic shifting system for its CUES drivetrain. The tech is housed in a self-powered rear hub that includes a dynamo, a self-charging lithium-ion capacitor, and sensors for speed, cadence, and gradient. Meanwhile, British startup Micro Mobility Labs is prepping the launch of an electric trailer designed to turn any bike into an e-cargo machine, offering powered assist up to 16 mph and a range of up to 19 miles.

And in the Q&A section of the video below, we tackle a few hot topics: safe weather temps for e-bike rides, hill climb comparisons between the Aventure 2 and Nomad 2X, and whether it’s worth buying a bike packed with more features than you think you need, just for the ride quality.

[Read more…] about SONDORS Returns? Shimano’s new autoshift system, an e-cargo conversion product | TWR Ep 34

Lectric XPeak 2.0 Review | The Fat Tire Value King?

The XPeak 2.0 has an impressive blend of performance and versatility; the value of the ride is hard to match.

Fat tire e-bikes are coveted for their power and versatility. Their wide tires make for comfortable riding on paved roads and add a bit of a wild side, as the chunkier tread pattern and broader surface area help you navigate rough or loose terrain without sliding around or losing control.

Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 delivers all the hallmarks of a good fat-tire bike but manages to put its own unique spin on the experience while also offering better features than you’d expect at its price point.

The motor experience is a standout. The XPeak 2.0 has plenty of power, but its unique delivery, thanks to the brand’s in-house torque sensor, is what truly sets it apart. Even a light turn of the cranks moves you along with ease, but the bike rewards harder pedaling with more power. It creates a relaxed, natural ride feel even at low power levels, making this 80+ pound bike surprisingly easy to maneuver.

Many of the 2.0’s upgrades improved its handling. The XPeak’s frame feels stiff and superbly confidence-inspiring, while its drivetrain, handlebars, and tires work together to help you climb hills, navigate turns, and ride comfortably. The brakes offer better value and performance than before, and nice quality-of-life improvements like a sharper aesthetic and a color display are much appreciated.

The XPeak 2.0 handles both paved and unpaved roads well, making it a reliable choice for daily commuting or exploring.

When you stack its spec sheet against the competition, anything that matches it spec-for-spec typically costs hundreds more, making the XPeak 2.0’s value hard to ignore.

Its shortcomings are typical for such an affordable ride: sizing covers most riders but is somewhat limited, and while other Lectric models offer color options, this one locks you into either white or black (depending on whether you choose the step-thru or high-step model).

Even so, these minor drawbacks don’t take away from what the XPeak 2.0 offers. It’s fun to ride, loaded with features, priced lower than most competitors, and performed great throughout our testing. For all the details, see the full testing breakdown below.

[Read more…] about Lectric XPeak 2.0 Review | The Fat Tire Value King?

Aventon Aventure 3 Review | Recapturing the Fat Tire Crown?

The newest version of Aventon’s versatile, all-terrain adventure e-bike adds a variety of security and ride customization features to an already stellar foundation.

Aventon Aventure 3 Review

Aventon has largely raised the bar among fat-tire e-bikes with each new model in the Aventure line. The original model delivered a comfortable, capable, and stable ride with its upright geometry, powerful 750W motor, and genre-defining 4-inch-wide tires.

The second-generation bike added a torque sensor for improved responsiveness and range. Great overall performance and value additions like a color display, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated turn signals cemented it as our go-to recommendation for the best fat-tire e-bike on the market. It also turned out to be one of the best e-bikes we’ve tested and reviewed, period.

Now, Aventon has brought the Aventure 3 to market, boasting a redesigned frame manufactured with the brand’s recently adopted method of gravity casting and equipped with its hi-tech ACU module.

The ACU is noteworthy for its integrated 4G chip, enabling owners to monitor the bike’s location via GPS tracking, limit its riding area through geofencing, and remotely deactivate it in the event of theft. The module also governs the mechanisms for a rear wheel lock and an ejectable battery, along with a motor customization feature in the Aventon app.

Based on our previous experiences with the Aventure and other new Aventon models, the Aventure 3 has been one of our most anticipated releases. We knew to expect refined geometry, improved programming, and a suite of security features, but we weren’t sure how well it would perform. After all, the competition has had a couple of years to catch up.

Did the Aventure 3 continue to build on the excellent foundation laid by its predecessors, or do we expect it to get lost in a sea of superior fat tire e-bikes? Continue reading our full review below to arrive at our verdict!

[Read more…] about Aventon Aventure 3 Review | Recapturing the Fat Tire Crown?

Urtopia Carbon Joy Review | Light, Simple, and Lots of Fun

This bike blends elements of a utility e-bike and a cruiser to create a cool, responsive, and highly maneuverable ride with lots of versatility.

Urtopia Carbon Joy Review

Let’s face it: e-bikes are often large and heavy. Their motors provide a helpful boost to riders looking to reduce strain or ride a little faster than their legs could otherwise move them, but their weight can make them cumbersome and difficult to maneuver.

Urtopia, a maker of carbon fiber e-bikes ranging from the portable, aptly named Carbon Fold 1 to the high-tech, ChatGPT-integrated Carbon 1 Pro, aims to solve the aforementioned problems by utilizing lightweight materials and employing smart design.

We recently had the opportunity to test and review Urtopia’s latest model, the Carbon Joy. This fun-size, multi-purpose cruiser/leisure bike has a responsive ride and a manageable size and weight. It’s also outfitted with a set of curved, cruiser-style handlebars to give the bike a relaxed vibe.

Landing at just under 60 lbs on our scales, including its 5-lb battery, the Carbon Joy is one of the most conveniently-sized bikes of its style that our team has reviewed—and one of the most agile.

One of the first things that stood out to us was the bike’s responsive and natural-feeling pedal-assist system (PAS). Urtopia paired a torque sensor with its lively 500W rear hub motor, allowing its PAS to adapt to the rider’s effort level. This makes the Urtopia feel like a faster and easier version of a non-electric bike—and a true joy to ride (pun intended!).

We found the bike to be quite versatile, thanks to its efficient motor and an accessory package including integrated lights and a cargo rack. With the potential for impressive range, a functional cargo capacity, and a generally comfortable ride, the Carbon Joy can serve as an all-in-one commuter, grocery-getter, and/or leisure bike.

We put the Carbon Joy through our series of standardized performance tests to gauge its speed and programming, its braking power, its climbing ability, and its range. See our full review below to find out how the bike performed and how it compares to similar e-bikes we’ve tested!

[Read more…] about Urtopia Carbon Joy Review | Light, Simple, and Lots of Fun

Innovations at Bentonville Bike Fest, New Turbo Levo Alloy, Revel Bikes is Back | TWR Ep 33

Plus The Fat Tire E-Bike With The Best Torque Sensor, Sporty Rides For Bigger Riders, E-Bike Vs E-Moped & More!

This week’s e-bike news brings a wave of new releases and one welcome comeback story. At the Bentonville Bike Fest, several notable brands showed off their latest gear, but what stood out were the displays from newer and emerging companies. Many brought fresh innovations, whether in bikes, components, or supporting infrastructure.

Specialized has already launched the Gen 4 Turbo Levo lineup, but more budget-friendly aluminum models are now hitting the market. These retain many of the same internal components as their pricier carbon counterparts, offering riders a powerful, big-battery all-mountain rig at a significantly lower starting price.

And in a positive twist after a string of brand closures, Revel Bikes is making a return, now back in the hands of its original founder Adam Miller who plans on reshaping the team and returning the brand back to its roots.

[Read more…] about Innovations at Bentonville Bike Fest, New Turbo Levo Alloy, Revel Bikes is Back | TWR Ep 33

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