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Our Favorite E-Bike Finds At Electrify LA

Favorite E-Bike Finds At Electrify LA
If it had wheels and an electric motor, chances are it was on display in San Pedro, California, at Electrify LA. The EV industry—both big and small—came together to showcase the latest innovations, from pre-production concepts to established best-sellers. More than a few brands used the opportunity to debut new models, keeping the 2025 catalog fresh and exciting.

But it wasn’t just about e-bikes and electrified rides. Several companies brought supporting gear as well—from helmets to flat protection and even a slick, electric lift-assist hitch rack that turned heads.

After two days at the show, some trends in the small EV world stood out. Here’s a look at some of the coolest, quirkiest, and most compelling finds.

[Read more…] about Our Favorite E-Bike Finds At Electrify LA

New Bikes at Electrify, Public Lands for Sale, and 2025 City Ratings | TWR Ep 37

Plus Apple Find My vs ACU, Our Top 3 Commuters, and Can the XP4 Go Tubeless?

One of the most fun stories in this week’s e-bike news is Griffin’s visit to the Electrify Expo in California! He saw new e-bikes and e-bike-related products from a variety of brands, including Mokwheel, P-51, JackRabbit, LeMond, and more!

On a more somber note, the Trump administration’s “Big, Beautiful” budget bill includes legislation that threatens millions of acres of public lands, including many areas with e-bike-friendly trails. We encourage you to contact your legislators and tell them to reject the proposal.

In happier news, People for Bikes released their 2025 City Rankings, which use a variety of metrics to determine each location’s bike-friendliness. Many cities improved their rankings, making it easier for folks to commute and otherwise get around on two wheels instead of four!

See the video above or the full stories below to learn more.

[Read more…] about New Bikes at Electrify, Public Lands for Sale, and 2025 City Ratings | TWR Ep 37

Velotric Fold 1 Plus Review | A Great Bike Just Got Better!

A bright, flashy folding e-bike with cool tech, a responsive ride, and heaps of customization options!

Velotric Fold 1 Plus Review

It’s not uncommon for e-bike brands to make updates to their bikes between new model releases. In most cases, these changes are small quality-of-life improvements, such as minor gearing changes, new color options, or tiny tweaks to the geometry.

Case in point: Velotric’s Nomad 1 Plus and Discover 1 Plus models—a fat tire e-bike and a hybrid commuter/cruiser, respectively—added adjustable stems, brighter headlights, and a basic speed adjustment feature.

The brand’s updated folding e-bike, the Fold 1 Plus, took a different approach.

Instead of a light refresh, the Fold 1 received a boatload of upgrades, bringing all the features of Velotric’s full-size models to its most portable bike. The Fold 1 Plus has a color display and a new control panel, updated programming, integrated turn signals, and a slightly more powerful motor.

It can also pair with the Velotric app, allowing users to customize nearly all aspects of the ride. Riders can adjust throttle and pedal assist speeds separately, select from three riding modes with varying power and sensitivity ranges, and even customize the brake light behavior. The bike also features Apple Find My™ technology to track its location.

Perhaps the most impactful upgrade from the original model is the addition of the SensorSwap feature, which offers riders the option between a classic, relaxed cadence-sensing mode and a new, more active torque-sensing mode. We tested the bike’s torque-sensing mode for this review; see below to learn how it performed!

[Read more…] about Velotric Fold 1 Plus Review | A Great Bike Just Got Better!

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?

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