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Ride1Up Turris Review: Affordable Versatility for All

Simply solid, and packed with value: The Ride1Up Turris is a comfortable, great-looking, and versatile e-bike that works for almost any rider.

Ride1Up Turris Review
When I first got my hands on the Ride1Up Turris, I was eager to see if it could defy the skepticism that often comes with budget-friendly e-bikes. Could it balance affordability with quality? To find out, I put it through its paces on various rides—from city streets to light trails.

The Turris is marketed as a versatile e-bike, capable of handling a range of terrains and tasks, much like an SUV. During city rides, practical features like fenders kept me dry, and integrated lights increased visibility during early morning and late evening rides. On trails, the knobby tires and hydraulic disc brakes provided reliable handling, while the 100mm front suspension fork smoothed out bumps along my route.

Quality components like the Shimano drivetrain and Kenda Boost tires stood out, not only performing well but also offering the reliability of trusted brands. The bike’s eye-catching colors added a stylish touch, and all of this came at an impressive MSRP of just $1095.

So, does the Turris truly balance affordability with performance across all of our testing? Through my rides, I discovered both its strengths and some quirks. This review will shine a light on those real-world insights, pinpointing where the Turris excels and where it has room for improvement.

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Trek Launches Gen 2 Allant+ 7

The flagship electric commuter gets some upgrades.

Trek Launches Gen 2 Allant+ 7

Trek has announced the new generation of the Allant+ 7, one of their Bosch-powered commuter e-bike models. As before, Trek makes two different versions of the Allant+ 7. There is the Allant+ 7, which is a Class 1 e-bike with a maximum pedal-assist speed of 20 mph; there is also the >Allant+ 7S, which is a Class 3 pedelec with a maximum pedal-assist speed of 28 mph.

The biggest single difference between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 versions of the Trek Allant+ 7 and 7S is the price. Where before the Allant+ 7 was priced at $3799, the new version now retails for just below $3000. The Allant+ 7S did cost for $4099, but now goes for just below $3500.

Most of the specs for the Allant+ 7 and 7S remain unchanged. It uses the same hydroformed-aluminum frame that comes in three designs: high-step, low-step and what Trek calls “Stagger,” which features a more radically sloping top tube than we see in the high-step version. Each of the three frame designs are offered in three sizes, giving buyers nine potential choices to find their optimal fit.

The Trek Allant+7 is built with a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which produces a very solid 85Nm of torque. The Allant+ 7S comes equipped with the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor, which also produces 85Nm of torque, but can propel riders to a pedal-assisted 28 mph. Both versions are powered by the 500Wh Bosch PowerTube battery.

Most of the specs remain unchanged on the two models, though some specific parts have changed. The Allant+ 7 still comes with two-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, while the faster Allant+ 7S receives four-piston hydraulic discs and 180mm rotors. The lights have changed, but the front light still produces 180 lumen and 60 lux.

The most notable change can be found in the drivetrain. Previously, the Allant+ 7 and 7S came with a 9-speed Shimano Alivio drivetrain 46t chainring and an 11-36t cassette. They now come with a 9-speed Shimano Cues drivetrain with a 48t chainring and an 11-46t cassette. What this does is give the Gen 2 Allant+ 7 and 7S a wider range of gears, including both a higher high gear and notably lower low gear. The switch means that the Allant+ 7 goes from a roughly 330 percent range to a 420 percent range.

There’s an even bigger change hidden within this drivetrain upgrade, because it is an upgrade. The shift from Alivio to Cues means that the Allant+ 7 and 7S now have a drivetrain that was specifically designed for e-bikes. The parts are designed to last longer and respond well to the extra torque exerted by the mid-drive motor.

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Any time we review a commuter e-bike, we hope to see a complement of accessories that will make commuting easy. That means including front and rear lights, full fenders, a rear rack and a kickstand. That gives the rider everything they need to be able to ride to work save a backpack or panniers to carry work items or a change of clothes.

The Trek Allant+ 7 and 7S now feature Bosch’s Smart System which, thanks to its eFlow app, allows increased control for the rider over the motor’s performance.

We were surprised to see the new editions of the Allant+ 7 and 7S feature price decreases, but this reflects the bike industry’s ongoing post-pandemic turmoil. It’s hard to introduce new models when a company still has stock on the old version. This is good news for consumers, of course. And for those looking for the best possible deals, the existing stock of Trek’s Allant+ has been discounted by hundreds of dollars.

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Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review | A Great E-Bike UNDER $1K?

In an era of getting less for more the new Lectric XP Lite 2.0 offers better specs at the same crazy low price of the original, but does the ride still hold up?

Lectric XP Lite 2.0 Review 2024
You don’t get more when you pay less; that’s the reality of 2025, right?

Almost every purchase I made this year, from groceries to streaming services, has me paying more and seemingly getting less. Prices keep rising in the name of inflation, yet wages struggle to keep pace. It’s a frustrating reality for anyone who remembers when you felt you got some value for money.

Thankfully, Lectric has decided to buck that trend with their latest release, the Lectric XP Lite 2.0. We previously gave high marks to the original XP Lite for its solid performance and affordable $799 price tag. So, when I received the newer XP Lite 2.0 this week, I did a double-take at the spec sheet. They somehow managed to add hydraulic brakes and larger rotors, a more efficient and quiet motor. So, how could the price still be $799?

To me, the math didn’t add up. So, I set out to put this bike through its paces, ready to see if the enticingly small price tag would suddenly come with a much larger asterisk of performance or capability tradeoffs.

Could this be the ultimate budget-friendly e-bike that delivers both quality and value? I began this week’s testing with an open yet critical mind, prepared for the good, the bad, and the potentially ugly. In a time of soaring prices and plummeting value, my mission was clear: Could the Lectric XP Lite 2.0 truly be a bargain?

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E-Bike Insurance Adoption Is On The Rise – Do You Need It?

Considering the expense of an e-bike, having yours stolen could present a major financial setback; an insurance policy could get you back on the road more quickly.

E-Bike Insurance Adoption Is On The Rise - Do You Need It

A study of more than 5,500 Dutch people found that insuring e-bikes is on the rise. E-bike owners took out a collective 621 million Euro in insurance in 2023, an increase of 71 million Euro from the year before.

Roughly 62 percent of owners surveyed indicated that they had purchased an insurance policy for their e-bike. The average cost for the insurance was €14 per month. Fat-tire e-bikes are more expensive to insure, generally €23 per month because they are more frequently stolen. Some insurance companies have stopped writing policies for fat-tire models because they are stolen so often. Six percent of respondents indicated that they had had an e-bike stolen in the past.

Protecting against theft was one of the primary reasons for insurance.

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We’ve seen an increase in the number of premium and luxury items that people have begun to insure. While a good homeowner’s policy should cover an e-bike, some owners want coverage for their e-bike that extends beyond when it’s home. A separate insurance policy can offer coverage that might not be available with a homeowner’s policy.

Some policies will cover an e-bike while it is locked up at work or a store, as well as locked within your vehicle or locked to a rack which is locked to your vehicle. Other coverage includes repairs in the event of an accident. Another important detail is whether the coverage includes replacement cost or only allows for what a cheap big box store bike runs. The difference between the two can be enormous.

Check with your insurance agent to find out how well-covered your e-bike is through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.

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Himiway D5 Zebra Review | A BIG E-Bike With BIG Test Results!

A BIG fat tire e-bike that has big features and big capability with a few tradeoffs!

Himiway D5 Zebra Review
In America, we have a bit of a love affair with all things big—from our favorite 3rd row SUVs to sprawling suburban McMansions, everything is just bigger here. Himiway shares this affection for all things big, as seen in past releases like the massive full-suspension D7 Pro and the D5 Rhino. When I first laid eyes on the new Himiway D5 Zebra, I could immediately tell that this fat tire e-bike fits right into this landscape, boasting big features with a not-so-big price tag starting at just $1,499.

During my week with the D5 Zebra, I was eager to see how it would perform. I was espcially eager to see how it performs vs the Himiway Cobro Pro, the companies more expensive mid drive option, and the QuietKat Ranger, which is very similar spec-wise but also a little more expensive.

Powering this beast is a hefty 48V, 960Wh battery paired with a 750W rear hub motor, delivering a solid 85 Newton Meters (Nm) of torque. I could feel the power right away as the large Kenda 26×4” tires effortlessly rolled over everything in their path.

The bike’s enormous seat, reminiscent of modern stealth aircraft designs, promised comfort, and I can confirm it delivered, especially on longer rides. However, I found the saddle to be a bit divisive among our staff here at the office. While it offered substantial cushioning, the size and shape might not be to everyone’s taste, and some riders might prefer a more streamlined option.

Its significant 400-pound weight capacity is impressive, and the option to choose between a high-step and step-through frame adds to its versatility. For those wanting a bit more tech, there’s also a torque sensor model priced at $1,699 (which is the bike we tested).

Throughout my rides, the D5 Zebra never failed to impress. The oversized features and promising specs on paper translated into real-world performance that I could feel. So, with its big features and bold presence, does the Himiway D5 Zebra live up to the American love for the big and bold? Join me in this review as I put the fat tire bike through its paces to see if it truly delivers the big results we expect.

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Ridley Produces Its First Electric Road / Gravel Bike The E-Grifn

The E-Grifn sports a lightweight Mahle X20 hub motor and 350Wh internal battery.

Ridley Produces Its First Road / Gravel Bike the E-Grifn

Ridley is a Belgium-based maker of high-end bikes and they’ve just announced their first e-bike, the E-Grifn. Billed as a combination road and gravel e-bike, this is a lightweight drop-bar beauty that uses the Mahle X20 hub motor, which is one of the lightest e-bike motors on the market.

Ridley produces the E-Grifn in seven different configurations. It starts around $5500 and goes up from there, depending on the components the buyer chooses. The E-Grifn is built with Ridley’s Elite-series carbon fiber.

The Mahle X20 is billed as the lightest e-bike drive system in the world, at 3.025 lbs. (1.375kg). In saving significant weight, it has to give up some power, though. It produces 250W nominally and 23Nm of torque; marketing materials often report 55Nm, then include in parentheses, “compared to mid-drive.” Ridley chose Mahle’s internal, 350Wh battery to power the X20 motor.

The Ridley E-Grifn is produced in five sizes, meant to fit riders with inseams from 27.5 in. up to 36 in.

Set up for gravel riding, the Ridley E-Grifn can accept tires as wide as 42mm. The geometry of the e-bike does sit somewhere between a traditional road bike and a gravel bike; the reach tends to be long and the bottom bracket drop is a little shallower than we would expect to see on a gravel bike.

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Ridley’s name is synonymous with high-end road bikes. Their bikes have been raced in the biggest events in the world, including the Tour de France. It’s a bit surprising that only now are they introducing their first e-bike, though to their credit, the E-Grifn has all the hallmarks of a classic Ridley. The frame shows efficient, sleek lines and comes in three different paint schemes.

That Ridley gave the E-Grifn clearance for up to 42mm-wide tires is great news; tire clearance can be an issue with some gravel bikes if the designers don’t regularly ride rock-filled terrain.

The Ridley E-Grifn will appeal most to the rider who wants a bit of help, not lots of it. Ridley didn’t reveal a weight for the E-Grifn, the complete bike will certainly weigh less than 30 lbs. and probably less than 25 lbs., which means that a 250W hub motor producing 23Nm of torque can accomplish more than it looks like on paper. And thanks to a torque sensor, the E-Grifn will offer smooth power application and attacks that make you feel ten years younger.

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Comodule and 2Lock Launch Innovative E-Bike Security System

The collaboration will lock an e-bike’s front hub and axle, disable the motor, emit an audible alarm and give the owner real-time GPS data.

Comodule and 2Lock Launch Innovative E-Bike Security System

European startups Comodule and 2Lock have teamed up to introduce a new concept in e-bike security. The system combines Comodule’s connectivity with 2Lock’s locking hub and axle.

2Lock makes a hub and thru-axle that can be locked so that the front wheel won’t turn and the thru-axle can’t be removed. The security isn’t strictly mechanical, though. It is designed to integrate with a manufacturer’s existing security measures. Comodule provides a system that activates a suite of security measures, including locking 2Lock’s hub and axle.

The 2Lock locking hub and axle will only prevent someone from riding away on an e-bike; it won’t prevent someone from picking up an e-bike and putting it in a vehicle and driving away with it. That’s where Comodule comes in.

Should someone try to steal an e-bike equipped with Comodule and 2Lock, the bike will emit a loud acoustic alarm. The software will disable the motor so that it can’t be ridden as an e-bike and in the case of e-bikes with mid-drive motors, disabling the motor also disables the crank so that the e-bike can’t be pedaled as a regular bike. An alert goes to the owner’s smartphone letting them know that the e-bike has been moved, and GPS tracking gives the owner real-time updates on the e-bike’s location.

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The collaboration between Comodule and 2Lock is intriguing because it tackles e-bike security in multiple ways. By combining an acoustic alarm, GPS tracking, motor disabling and both a locking front hub and thru-axle, the security system is arguably the most thorough bike theft deterrent going … for honest people.

There has long been a truism in cycling that any form of security that prevents someone from riding away on a bike or e-bike, but doesn’t prevent them from picking it up and carrying it away, serves only to “keep honest people honest.”

This is a wonderful new layer of security, but its adoption is likely to take time as it must be implemented by manufacturers. So far, there’s no way to purchase the 2Lock hub and axle and Comodule’s software for aftermarket adoption.

Ultimately, there’s still no substitute for locking your e-bike to something that won’t move.

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MOD Updates the Black: Cool New Features Abound

Now equipped with a powerful 750W motor and a thumb-button throttle, this full-suspension e-bike may find a wider audience.

MOD Updates the Black: Cool New Features Abound

MOD Bikes has unveiled the latest version of their popular model called the Black. The MOD Bikes Black 3 has been updated in a number of ways, making what was already an exciting full-suspension e-bike notably better; they’ve even made it a bit more affordable with a price that comes in below $3000.

The first upgrade to note is that the MOD Black has gotten a big power infusion. They replaced the formerly 350W mid-drive motor, which included a torque sensor, with a 750W hub motor and added a torque sensor as they usually use a cadence sensor. Torque also received a boost, climbing from 90Nm to 116Nm, a gain of nearly a third.

The battery received a boost from 557Wh up to 720Wh. Previously, MOD said the Black could have a range of as much as 60 mi.; that figure had dropped a bit due to the motor power more than doubling. They now say riders may enjoy as much as 50 mi. on a single charge. For those with range anxiety, the MOD Black can be ordered with a second battery for a range of up to 100 mi.

The previous version of the MOD Black was a Class 3 e-bike with a maximum-assist speed of 28 mph. The new MOD Black 3 ships as a Class 2 e-bike with a maximum-assist speed of 20 mph and includes a throttle. Riders can go into the settings to unlock it for Class 3 speeds.

The suspension fork picked up an extra 20mm of travel, a 25 percent gain over the previous 80mm-travel fork; a 100mm-travel suspension fork will do a better job of soaking up bumps on dirt and gravel roads as well as trails.

The 7-speed drivetrain changed in only one notable way: The chainring has grown from 42 teeth to 48 teeth, which means that it will be easier to hit top cruising speed on the MOD Black, but getting up hills will be a bit harder (or require more assistance from the motor).

The brakes appear to have received an upgrade as well. Previously, the Zoom calipers were minimal in size and looked like something you’d find on a race bike. The new calipers have a bit more mass to them so the braking performance may improve.

MOD says the Black hasn’t changed in weight; it’s still 65.8 lbs.

MOD offers a new feature with their e-bikes called MOD Connect which wirelessly pairs the e-bike with a Lumos smart helmet so that the helmet’s lights can be synced with the controller’s turn signals and will make the helmet light up to indicate turns.

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MOD’s changes to the Black should improve its appeal, and make it attractive to a wider audience. It has dropped in price by roughly $500. That $3000 price point is one above which many shoppers don’t want to go.

To achieve newfound affordability, MOD chose to replace the Black’s mid-drive motor with a hub motor and add a thumb-button throttle, but they kept its responsiveness by combining the hub motor with a torque sensor rather than a cadence sensor.

As a Class 2 e-bike that includes a throttle and can be unlocked for Class 3 speeds the MOD Black is likely to find a wider audience.

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Velotric Fold 1 Review | Cheap Junk or Awesome Value?

This affordable folding e-bike largely raises the bar for feel and performance at its price point, though it’s not without flaws.

Velotric Fold 1 Review 2025
The first time I hopped on the Velotric Fold 1, I thought to myself “This seems like a decent folding bike for somewhere around $1,300 or $1,400.” I liked its bright blue paint job and slim-but-reinforced frame. The bike’s ride felt appropriately comfortable, nimble, and controlled.

Then I learned that it was priced at $1199.

It’s funny how perception changes with price; my initial reservations about things like the bike’s cadence sensor and entry-level components turned to appreciation. At this price point, some tradeoffs are expected – but with a reframed perspective, I found little to critique.

The Fold has plenty of expected features like a hinged frame and stem, 20×3” knobby tires, a 7-speed drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and a front suspension.

But it also has unexpected elements like an uncommonly large 608 Watt-hour (Wh) battery, a 750W rear-hub motor, and a total payload capacity of 440 lbs including both the rider and any passengers or cargo on its 120-lb-rated cargo rack.

Basically, it seemed to be a fantastic deal. But feel and performance are two different factors, which is why the team here at Electric Bike Report has built a reputation on our detailed reviews and standardized performance tests.

The question remained: would the Fold 1 match or exceed the performance of its budget-friendly peers? Or would it fall short in our testing and send Velotric’s engineers back to the drawing board? Continue reading our full review below to find out!

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Study Shows 45% of Bike Theft Victims Give Up Cycling

The study indicated that prior cycling behavior gave clues to behavior following a theft; casual riders were less likely to resume riding than enthusiasts.

Study Shows 45% of Bike Theft Victims Give Up Cycling

A new study shows that 45 percent of bike theft victims give up cycling rather than replace their bike. That’s the finding in a study published in the International Journal of Sustainable Transportation.

The purpose of the study was to find out how bike theft affects the cycling behavior of its victims and many of its findings were a surprise. The study focused on North America and surveyed 1,821 victims.

The study found that pre-theft behavior was the greatest predictor of how someone would behave following the theft of their bike. Those who were more avid cyclists were most likely to replace their bike and continue riding, while occasional riders were more likely to give up cycling.

Other findings of the study included how 6 percent of the victims began riding more after suffering their theft. Unfortunately, 40 percent of victims transitioned to unsustainable modes of transportation (i.e., cars with internal combustion engines). Though some people stopped riding, 69 percent of the victims went on to replace their stolen bikes and 49 percent replaced their bike with a new model that was equal to or greater in value to the stolen bike.

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That the study focuses on bike theft in North America makes the results relevant in a way that might not translate had it been conducted in Europe. The finding that the most casual cyclists were most likely to give up riding following the theft of their bike was not surprising, but what was encouraging was just how many people replaced their bikes and kept riding, or even increased their riding.

Security for an e-bike has improved but can still be a challenge. The market is full of different kinds of locks and security devices.

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