Electric Bike Reviews, News, & Testing
Electric Bike Report
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In this week’s eBike news:
Covering the delights of these relatively small areas of the UK that punch above their weight in terms of marvellous cycling country.
In biking terms both Wales and the Peak District National Park are perhaps most associated with superb mountain biking opportunities and areas such as Wales’ Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons have done much in recent years to promote themselves as offering some of the finest cycling opportunities in the UK.
But outside of the well-known tourist hotspots there are some fantastic trails and areas to explore, including hugely scenic Cheshire and Wales outside of its National Parks, full of fine beaches and ancient castles.
This guide to eBike hire will help with planning an eBike holiday and it is also a good way to test a few eBikes before purchasing your own.
Many companies detailed here are also retailers and do good deals to those who have hired e-bikes from them.
Enjoy this eBiking guide and hopefully it will give you some ideas on new places to ride!
The much awaited Shimano EP8 motor dropped today and it is taking the eMTB space by storm. eMTBikers are an insatiable bunch — always salivating for lighter, sleeker, more powerful tech — and the sprightly Shimano EP8 does not disappoint.
This motor is an upgrade from the Shimano STEPS E8000 with more power and less weight. The EP8 has a whopping 85Nm of torque but only weighs 2.6Kg (300g less than the E8000) so riders get accelerated speed and increased power with minimal weight. Shimano is all about providing the ultimate riding experience which is why the EP8 is designed to let you ride harder for longer — up hills, down canyons, or along your local bike trail. The EP8 also features a magnesium casing which reduces both motor width and volume by an estimated 10%. A few key upgrades in software functionality give the motor a more natural feel out on the trails. Shimano’s E-Tube Ride and E-Tube Project apps allow riders to customize the three support modes to match rider weight, terrain, anticipated distance and desired torque at each level.
Shimano has designed the EP8 to be ultimately customizable which makes it a great option for both high-tech MTB terrain where you want every bit of that extra power, as well as longer trekking or urban rides. Since riders can adjust the assist in each level — and create multiple profiles that can be changed on the fly — the EP8 will support extended rides where the assist is set low so you have just enough umph to get you and your gear over the next pass. The customization options make the EP8 a great option for all kinds of riders and all kinds of rides.
The EM800 display is new with the EP8 — although it looks nearly identical to the display matched with the STEPS E8000. This display has good visibility in both high and low-light conditions so you can read it in full sun out on the trails or back in your dim garage. The main changes to this display are internal — it has a faster chip and syncs easier with smartphones or GPS devices such as Garmin or Wahoo.
The new EM-800L remote tidies up the cockpit by repositioning the concave buttons so they are easier to reach — this design also creates a more streamlined look on the left grip.
The Shimano STEPS E8000 introduced the E-TUBE apps which allow riders to customize power output. The updated version of both apps sync with the EM800 display for added customization options.
Shimano has designed the EP8 to be ultimately customizable which makes it a great option for both high-tech MTB terrain where you want every bit of extra power, as well as longer trekking or urban rides. Since riders can adjust the assist in each level — and create two profiles that can be changed on the fly — the EP8 will also support extended rides where the assist is set low so you have just enough umph to get you and your gear over the next pass. Trekkers and urban riders will use the Eco setting more, while trail and mountain bikers will favor the Trail and Boost modes.
The E7000 motor is quieter than the more powerful E8000 and somehow Shimano has provided even more power in the EP8 while reducing noise output roughly equal to the E7000. This motor is very subtle on flat and even moderate uphill ground. At higher torque output the EP8 creates a bit more whirring noise — but it is still quieter than the E8000. There is also more noise working downhill as the internal gear box can make a clunking sound over boulders and other drops, but the power is managed nicely despite a bit of background noise.
The new EP8 motor is lighter and slimmer than previous models but still adds more torque. You get more riding power on a smaller motor that is tucked up underneath the frame which creates more ground clearance while riding. The added power is especially noticeable in Boost mode, but can be customized per each rider’s weight and anticipated terrain.
The STEPS 8000 is over four years old, so an upgrade was due from Shimano. And, in true Shimano fashion, this new motor provides much needed features that are impressive and timely. Regardless of the assist you choose — or how you customize them — the EP8 provides more power and a smoother feel while riding. Especially useful to MTB riders is the customization option that allows users to dial down assist in Trail mode and add more in Boost. For those of us who only need a touch or two of supplemental power most of the time, this extends range while retaining that added jolt in Boost when it’s needed. This customization option also allows those who want to use the EP8 for trekking or extended urban commutes to extend range by mitigating preset power settings.
The added torque can be felt in all assist levels and this makes a huge difference especially considering the reduced size and weight. Power is also released smoothly and with more control so Boost won’t throw you off the mountain or cause the back tire to spin out.
The new Shimano EP8 is a powerful and sporty motor with a strong Boost mode, more torque at every level, and easier to handle and control than the STEPS 8000. This motor is sleek, provides more clearance, and is quieter on flat and uphill terrain. We look forward to a full ride report in the near future!
P.S. Don’t forget to join the Electric Bike Report community for updates from the electric bike world, plus ebike riding and maintenance tips!
In this week’s ebike news roundup:
The powerful VoltBike Yukon 750 Limited electric fat bike is in for testing & review!
The Yukon 750 Limited features a 750 watt motor, high capacity 48V 16ah lithium battery, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and a full assortment of accessories.
The VoltBike Yukon 750 Limited is priced at $1,799 + $49 for shipping anywhere in the US or Canada. That price also includes a helmet.
In this first part of the review you will get a detailed look at this bike with a BUNCH of pictures and the specifications. [Read more…] about VoltBike Yukon 750 Limited Electric Fat Bike Review Part 1 – Pictures & Specs
Time for a look at some new bike accessories that can make your eBike ride safer, more comfortable, convenient, and fun!
In this roundup we have the:
In this week’s eBike news roundup:
After many miles and hours of testing the Rad Power Bikes RadCity it has proven to be a comfortable and easy going cruiser style eBike with some kick!
Its low step-thru frame makes it easy to get on and off and the upright position with swept back handlebars gives it a very comfortable ride feel.
The 750 watt motor is smooth, quiet, and powerful and gives the bike a gliding feeling. Adding to that is impressive range from the range test.
The RadCity is a nice eCommuter and adventure weekender with its full assortment of accessories and it can carry substantial cargo with optional baskets and/or bags.
In this second part of the full review you will get an idea of the ride characteristics, range test results, pros, cons, and overall thoughts on this electric bike. [Read more…] about Rad Power Bikes RadCity Electric Bike Review Part 2: Ride & Range Test [VIDEO]
By Richard Shrubb
The UK northern industrial city of Derby has recently seen the launch of the U.K.’s biggest electric bike sharing scheme.
Comprising of some 200 electric bikes, the program is wholly owned by Derby City Council and run by the bike sharing company Hourbike using e-bikes made by US company Social Bike.
The scheme was soft launched in July, with 50 electric bikes stationed at various industrial, academic and publicly accessible docking stations across the city.
According to a statement from Derby City Council, “Docking stations will be based across the city at various University of Derby sites, Rolls-Royce, the Railway Station, Derby Arena, the Council House, the Market Place, Victoria Street, The Spot, Castle Ward, the Roundhouse, Royal Derby Hospital and the Rail Technology Centre.” [Read more…] about Derby Electric Bike Share Program a Surprising Success
In this week’s eBike news roundup:
