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Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX Review, 2023

Serious trekking potential! Thanks to new and meaningful improvements, the Prodigy V2 LX may be Ride1UP’s best Prodigy yet.

Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX E-Bike Review 2023
Ride1UP has made a number of terrific e-bikes that each stake out different territory relative to a rider’s needs. They have impressed us with the value proposition they offer buyers. Their e-bikes typically feature some more premium touches than we usually see in the e-bikes’ respective price ranges, and our Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX review saw that bike carry that torch to new levels of value.

This e-bike is something of a paradox. At every turn, this is a premium e-bike, and yet, it is affordable. At first glance, it appears to be a commuter, but a deeper look reveals that it is equipped for trekking, that is, long-distance touring, and thanks to knobby tires, it can handle leaving the paved road and exploring remote locales. And boy, does it have the range to make that happen.

The Prodigy V2 LX is Ride1UP’s most expensive bike to date, but when surveying the landscape for what to compare it to, you’re looking at a bike that’s at least $1000 cheaper than most comps – sometimes even $3000 less.

What makes the Ride1UP Prodigy V2 LX worth considering dropping cash on is the fact that there is an unrelenting focus on the rider’s experience. They started with a 250W Brose mid-drive motor and a 504Wh battery for excellent range. They paired that with an Enviolo Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) hub that grants the rider the perfect gear whether going up, down or dead ahead. Thanks to the Enviolo hub, Ride1UP was able to spec a Gates belt, rather than a chain, which offers a few different benefits, but for starters, it’s quieter and makes the process of operating it somewhat more instinctual.

The proverbial goodie bag goes deeper too. Stopping duties are handled by 4-piston Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. Also, they even throw in a complete commuter package including front and rear lights, fenders, a rear rack and kickstand. Another unusual feature on this e-bike is the air-spring fork. The difference between air forks and a coil-spring fork is like the difference between lemons and lemonade.

I’ve reviewed three variations on the Prodigy and this latest one is the best one yet; Ride1UP has created a special e-bike here. This may be the best-value e-bike they’ve ever made. Note: I said best value, not least expensive. Someone on a snug budget can find more affordable e-bikes we’ve reviewed from Ride1UP’s lineup, but it would be difficult to create an e-bike that could give the buyer more — of anything — for this price.

That’s a pretty good overview. But it’s time to dig into the data of our testing.

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Aventon Soltera.2 Review, 2023

A responsive, affordable, and comfortable city e-bike with an analog feel.

Aventon Soltera.2 Review 2023
If you’re tired of sitting in stop-and-go traffic during your morning commute, or you want to pedal from midtown to downtown a little faster, the Aventon Soltera.2 might be the perfect solution. The original version of this light-ish-weight city e-bike has been a staff favorite here at Electric Bike Report, and we’re thrilled to share our experiences with the upgraded model in this Aventon Soltera.2 review!

Perhaps more than any other e-bike in the Aventon lineup, we were excited to try out the Soltera.2’s new torque sensor. We’ve appreciated this update on the brand’s other models, but with the heart and soul of a traditional bicycle, the Soltera seemed to deserve it most. We loved the resulting improvements in ride feel and motor responsiveness!

The Soltera.2 weighs in at a manageable 46 lbs. With its modest frame, 700x38c street tires, and a more relaxed steering angle than the first iteration, it felt incredibly nimble and maneuverable. Weaving through traffic just became a breeze!

Cyclists who don’t wish to give up their exercise routine will be pleased to note that the Soltera.2 won’t affect their ability to burn calories. The bike includes a relatively subtle 350W motor that boosts its rider to go further and faster but doesn’t take over completely.

For an in-depth look at the latest city bike from one of the biggest e-bike brands around, check out our full Aventon Soltera.2 review below!

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E-Bike News: NYC Approves Battery Trade-Ins, AI-Powered E-Bikes, Cowboy’s Limited-Edition & More!

Electric bike news 22th September

In an effort to remove as many low-quality e-bike batteries from use as possible, New York has approved a battery trade-in program. Users will pay little or nothing for a new battery and charger when they turn in their existing battery and charger. Rad Power Bikes is the subject of a class-action lawsuit by a Maryland man whose quick-release front wheel came off and caused him to fall, resulting in several broken bones. He has retained FeganScott to represent him and other members of the class. Cannondale has announced its first cargo e-bike model, the Cargowagen Neo. Cowboy has collaborated with Parisian design house ba&sh on a special edition of its Cruiser ST aimed at women riders. High-end road, mountain and gravel bike maker Moots has introduced its first e-bike, a gravel model, called the Express

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • NYC approves e-bike battery trade-in program
  • Rad Power sued by man injured when front wheel came off his e-bike
  • Cannondale introduces first cargo e-bike
  • Cowboy enlists Parisian designer for limited-edition e-bike
  • Smalo launches first AI-powered e-bike
  • Moots introduces its first e-bike, the Express

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Best Electric Bikes 2023

Best Electric Bike 2023

*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

There’s never been more options to choose from in the world of e-bikes, but which are the best electric bikes of 2023?

The team at Electric Bike Report put our heads together and chose 16 e-bikes we’ve deemed the Best Electric Bikes of 2023. Some of these e-bikes are new for this year, but some are ol’ reliables that are tried, tested and still hold true as the best in their class.

As with every list of best e-bikes, ours has some nuance as to why a specific bike was picked — ranging from value and componentry to overall ride feel. We’ve also leaned heavily on e-bikes we’ve tested in-house, though there are a few e-bikes here that were picked based on merit and reputation alone.

Whether you’re looking for the best e-bike for older riders, the best electric commuter bike or the best electric beach cruiser, this list will point you towards what we think are the best in each category.

Our picks for the Best Electric Bikes of 2023

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Juiced RipCurrent S Review, 2023

A Bike That Lives Up To Its Name: This Popular Sport-Utility E-Bike is a Speedy & Fun Ride

Juiced RipCurrent S Review 2023
You’ve probably seen some Juiced e-bikes riding around you. Often times you have to squint to see them; Juiced bikes are known for moving so quickly that the branding may appear to blur a little. And that was a theme throughout our review of the Juiced RipCurrent S – a bike that got up to and held speed well.

This durable all-terrain bike combines a powerful 1000-watt motor, with air fork suspension, and a 19.2 Ah battery that can take you 70+ miles (we almost reached 90 miles on one of our rides!). Among the noteworthy features is the torque sensor that helps the hub drive motor deliver the power you need, when you need it. It also helps the battery economize for greater mileage, so instead of wasting energy you’re using it more efficiently.

Not only is the RipCurrent S an real eye-opener with its features and performance, but it’s also surprising many with its price (check our link for the up-to-date amount). This is a bike that can give you a lot in performance and value without taking a lot from your wallet. You get the speed, distance and handling you’ve been looking for without the sacrifice of paying a higher price, which is a huge draw of the RipCurrent S.

To reach this price point, Juiced included some off-brand components, like the suspension, gearing and brakes, to keep the price down, but all while still giving you a good ride. In our performance review of the Juiced Ripcurrent S we’ll show you how well their parts pairing worked in producing an all-terrain e-bike that is a lot of fun to ride.

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Cannondale Cargowagen Neo Review: First Look

Cannondale Cargowagen Neo

Cannondale has joined the cargo e-bike revolution. Remember when we said 2023 was going to be the year of the cargo e-bike? Pardon us while we open our fortune teller biz. What has been notable in the many cargo e-bike introductions is just how many of these e-bikes have featured hub motors. In our review of the Cannondale Cargowagen Neo we will look at how this mid-drive design bears both similarities and differences to other cargo e-bikes.

Cannondale has been a premium brand for as long as they’ve been in existence. Their road bikes have been ridden to victories at the Tour de France and their mountain bikes have crossed the line first at the World Championships. While the Cargowagen Neo is obviously no racing machine, it benefits from Cannondale’s deep experience in making high-quality bikes.

The Cargowagen Neo is a long-tail cargo e-bike, meaning it carries most of its load behind the rider, rather than in front of them. Long-tail designs are generally considered easier to ride because despite their long wheelbase, they turn more like a regular e-bike because the front wheel is much closer to the rider. Also, like many long-tail designs, the cargo deck is very low thanks to its 20-in. wheels.

Providing the muscle for this e-bike is a Bosch mid-drive motor and battery. The rest of the parts pick is decidedly high-end as well: a Shimano 10-speed drivetrain with a wide range cassette will make anthills out mountains and Tektro 4-piston hydraulic brakes will stop this e-bike even if loaded like a freight train.

Cannondale Cargowagen Neo Spec Review: Bike Overview

Cannondale Cargowagen Neo Spec Review

The Cargowagen Neo is a long-tail cargo e-bike with small wheels (20-in.) and a 250W Bosch mid-drive motor. It comes equipped with a 545Wh Bosch PowerPack battery, and can be equipped with a second battery for long-range use.

High-end components from Shimano and Tektro give this e-bike a quality presentation at every turn. And while this is Cannondale’s first cargo e-bike, they have created a broad spectrum of accessories to outfit to fit the user’s needs. Better yet, they have included a number of items that most makers of cargo e-bikes don’t include, so while this is a pricier e-bike, Cannondale has loaded it with value.

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Electric Bike Company Model R Review 2023

Made In The USA – Made Your Way! Limitless Customization And An Appealing Large Frame Highlight EBC’s Model R

Electric Bike Company Model R Review 2023
Before we get to the nitty gritty in this Electric Bike Company Model R review, take a closer look at the picture above. You probably will notice our branding on this bike. No, that isn’t an aftermarket sticker we slapped on, and we didn’t seek out a local detailer to help us get it there. That is one of the highlights of purchasing an Electric Bike Company bike: you can tailor this thing to yourself. In our case (and for other businesses), that means including our logo, while anybody can pick out a color scheme to compliment their personal style; frame colors, fork colors, basket colors, grips, wheels, tires, drivetrain and more are all options you can pick out when assembling your Electric Bike Company e-bike. That’s only scratching the surface of the available customization. There’s plenty of ride quality elements and performance highlights here too.

The Model R comes with a 750W motor that’s a workhorse. It helps support and move the bike and its 420 lbs rated weight limit. It’s powerful in the sense that it’ll reliably get you up to the 20 mph class 2 speeds (or beyond if you change to class 3), and get you to the top of most any hill in a controlled manner. Not only that, it’ll get you where you’re going in great comfort riding atop the brand’s famously thick and plush saddles, and letting the 80mm front fork absorb rougher roads for you.

The Model R is part of a larger family of cruiser e-bikes made by the Electric Bike Company. This model gets its “R” for being known as the rugged model among the other Electric Bike Company (EBC) models. It’s one of the larger frames EBC makes and it has a commanding presence on the standard 26″ X 3″ EBC-custom Rhinoceros tires, but it’s still easy for a lot of riders to hop on thanks to the step-through frame. In other words, it’ll appeal to larger riders, or smaller riders who want a larger ride they can still control and manage.

The ride and look are great, but EBC also has a few unique elements as a company that set it apart.

Buying an Electric Bike Company bike means you get a bike that’s largely made in America. Frames are made and shipped from overseas, and plenty of the componentry hails from various countries too, but the bike assembly itself and all the minutiae that it encompasses will pass through the hands of the California-based company’s employees. Battery packs, wiring, brake cables, etc. all go through their team’s assembly, installation, and inspection. That results in them feeling confident in extending one of the (maybe THE best) warranties in the industry. You get ten years on the motor, ten on the frame, five on the battery. That level of stateside involvement and backing is both rare and pretty cool.

On top of all that, this bike is shipped fully assembled. A few bits need straightening and tightening, but you’re ride-ready within five minutes of unboxing, since it received a builders stamp of approval before shipping out. No tuning should be needed.

There’s a lot that EBC and the Model R do differently. With plenty more worth unpacking, let’s dive deeper into our Electric Bike Company Model R review.

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Santa Cruz Heckler SL First Look Review

Santa Cruz Heckler Spec Review 2023

Among the mid-sized (i.e., not Specialized, Trek or Giant) legacy bike brands, Santa Cruz has had a reputation for making some of the better mountain bikes going. They introduced their first eMTB three years ago. They retooled their popular Heckler model as an e-bike and it has been a bona fide hit. Well now Santa Cruz has introduced a new, lighter version of its eMTB, the Heckler SL.

In our Santa Cruz Heckler SL review we will take a look at how this eMTB compares to the standard Heckler as well as how it measures up on its own. Santa Cruz is respected for both how their designs handle as well as how the VPP (virtual pivot point) suspension performs.

The Heckler SL is designed as a mullet (29-in. wheel in the front and 27.5-in. wheel in the rear). The frame comes in two different versions as well, either with the standard C carbon fiber construction or their CC carbon fiber construction, which uses some fancier layers of carbon fiber to reduce the amount of material in the frame which preserves strength while lowering the frame’s weight.

The extra muscle comes from Fazua’s 250W Ride60 motor and 430Wh battery. This is a different system than found on the regular Heckler, and part of how the Heckler SL comes in at a lower weight.

Normally, we would say this is an e-bike that leaves the realm of trail riding and moves into all-mountain/freeride territory thanks to its use of a 160mm-travel fork and 150mm-travel rear suspension, but Santa Cruz is calling this a trail bike, though a longer-travel one for sure.

Buyers can choose from five different builds. All of them are equipped with SRAM components and at the low end someone can expect to spend a bit more than $7000, while the high end version comes in a bit more than $12,000.

With such a premium product, one-size-fits-most isn’t a thing. Santa Cruz makes the Heckler SL in five sizes: S-XXL. They suggest that the sizing run should accommodate riders from as diminutive as 5 feet 1 up to 6 feet 7; each of the sizes features some overlap so that riders on the bubble have options.

In plain English, the Heckler SL is neither someone’s first mountain bike nor someone’s first e-bike. Let’s dig into this exciting new release.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL Spec Review: Bike Overview

Santa Cruz Heckler SL Spec Review

The Heckler SL is no ordinary eMTB. It’s designed for riders who aren’t just competent; they are badasses. With a 160mm-travel fork and a 150mm-travel rear, this is an eMTB that Santa Cruz has designed to be on the ground no more than absolutely necessary.

In terms of handling and travel, both the Heckler and the Heckler SL bear much in common with the un-electrified Bronson.

So how is the Heckler SL different from the current Heckler? Santa Cruz went for both a different motor and a different battery. Both motors are 250W mid-drive units, but the battery shrank from 720Wh to 430Wh to help shave some of those all-important pounds.

As a mullet design, the idea is that the 29-in. front wheel will give the rider a superior ability to roll up and over all the things, while the smaller (27.5-in) rear wheel increases the eMTB’s maneuverability, making it more flickable as we like to say.

Of course, the big question on everyone’s mind is just how SL (as in superlight) the Heckler SL is compared to the standard Heckler. Depending on the build level and that particular

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Best Electric Bikes For Heavier Riders 2023

Best Electric Bikes for Heavier Riders 2023

*Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

For heavier riders, finding the best e-bike that can accommodate a larger body size may be a challenge, as many e-bikes on the market have relatively low weight capacities. In this list of the Best Electric Bikes for Heavier Riders, we share our picks from reputable brands, each of which are built to handle a larger amount of body weight.

As part of the design process, every e-bike is engineered to carry a specific maximum weight limit, but this number is not always clearly stated by the manufacturer. It can get even more confusing for prospective buyers when different terms are used, either separately or in conjunction – such as maximum rider weight and total payload capacity. Each of these figures is useful, but only when they are understood in context.

Maximum rider weight is relatively straightforward – this is the amount of weight that the saddle and seatpost can safely carry, and it includes not only body weight, but any additional load such as a backpack. Total payload capacity refers to the maximum amount of weight an e-bike can accommodate – this includes maximum rider weight, but also accounts for the capacity of any included or optional cargo racks. These, too, have their own weight limits which may be stamped on their structural members or listed on the brand’s webpage.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the average weight for US males is approximately 200 lbs, while the average for females is about 170 lbs. Most e-bikes can accommodate these averages, but as rider weight increases and any additional cargo is added, the pool of capable models decreases significantly. For this list of the best electric bikes for heavier riders, the reviewers at Electric Bike Report selected options with maximum rider weights and/or total payload capacities over 250 lbs – and often much higher.

Our picks for the Best Electric Bikes for Heavier Riders of 2023

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Magnum Vertex Review, 2023

Magnum Vertex Review 2023
Riders looking for a versatile hybrid e-bike with commuter and off-road potential should look no further than the Magnum Vertex! This awesome “lite” electric mountain bike (eMTB) can traverse dirt trails and asphalt with ease. After testing the performance of its motor, battery, and brakes, the reviewers at Electric Bike Report give you the scoop in this Magnum Vertex review!

The three main elements that make the Vertex so capable across most types of terrain are its 500W mid-drive motor, its 27.5” x 2.8” knobby mountain bike tires, and its Suntour suspension fork with 130 mm of travel. Respectively, these give the bike the power, traction, and shock absorption to handle the demands of off-road riding.

We loved the mid-drive motor’s adaptive and responsive nature – both are features that result from the use of a torque sensor instead of a cadence sensor. This allows the Vertex to feel and respond like a non-electric bike, while granting access to faster speeds and confident uphill power.

With geometry that blends commuter and mountain bike positioning, 720 mm-wide handlebars, and ergonomic grips, the Vertex strikes a great balance between comfort and control. Great handling is essential for rough riding, and ergonomics help long rides feel much more enjoyable.

See our full Magnum Vertex review below for more!

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