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Lake Tahoe May Soon Allow eMTBs on Singletrack

A new proposal would allow eMTB riders on more than 100 miles of trails within the Lake Tahoe region.

Electric mountain bikes may soon enjoy access to more than 100 miles of trails in the Lake Tahoe Basin thanks to a new proposal. Trail access for electric mountain bikes has been a contentious issue in many parts of the U.S. and the Lake Tahoe region is no different.

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the U.S. Forest Service has proposed opening up 100 miles of non-motorized trails to eMTBs. Called the Basin Wide Trails Analysis Project, the proposal encompasses the trails that sit within the ridgeline that rings Lake Tahoe.

The proposal aims to reclassify 87 miles of non-motorized trails motorized, but limited to e-bikes—not motorcycles, ATVs or other vehicles. It would also allow the construction of 23 miles of multi-use trails open to e-bikes. One mile of trail currently classified as motorized would be reclassified to e-bike-only. It would also allow for the construction of three new trailheads to increase user access.

The proposal would open 114 different trails to eMTBs, giving eMTBs access to a network of trails encircling the lake.

Granting trail access for eMTBs has been a challenging process. Back in 2019 the U.S. Forest Service determined that eMTBs met the criteria for legal use on non-motorized trails in the Tahoe National Forest. Three equestrian groups sued, arguing that eMTBs are loud and destroy the quiet and solitude of the natural surroundings, and that the USFS had failed to conduct an environmental assessment as mandated by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) any time a new decision regarding access is made. The USFS’s argument was that they hadn’t made a decision. They simply looked at the criteria for access and concluded that eMTBs met the definition because, ultimately, eMTBs are self-propelled.

The equestrian groups prevailed and less than a year later eMTBs were banned from the trails. However, in 2021 the USFS conducted a formal environmental analysis and determined that eMTBs were acceptable. Initially, eMTB riders were granted access to 35 mi. of trails.

Since then, the USFS has announced that 72-mi. Pines to Mines Trail running from Nevada City to Truckee in the Tahoe National Forest will be open to eMTBs.

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Electric Bike Report’s take

The struggle to gain trail access for eMTBs echoes what mountain bikers were going through in the 1990s when many trail systems banned mountain bikes from singletrack trails. While mountain bike advocacy has come a long way since those dark days, eMTBs don’t yet benefit from the same level of advocacy.

There’s a baseline level of fear that many people have that eMTBs are essentially motorcycles with electric motors, so part of the advocacy mission ahead is to educate other trail users that people on eMTBs have to pedal and aren’t going to be roosting dirt as they pass hikers at 35 mph.

A surprising source of resistance to eMTBs has come from the mountain bike community itself. Some mountain bikers call eMTBs “cheating,” though how you can cheat at enjoying the great outdoors is hard to fathom. We’re not in an organized race, or P.E. for that matter. Fundamentally, they don’t like being passed by someone who isn’t working as hard as they are.

The greatest threat our natural resources face isn’t from user groups, it’s from development. Convincing the federal and state governments not to allow development of pristine wilderness will require many disparate user groups coming together as a unified voice to keep construction out. Every voice will matter and it is our hope that hikers, equestrians and even mountain bikers will recognize that just like in Horton Hears a Who, we must band together.

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Fiido Titan E-Bike Review | Big Performance, Small Price

The Fiido Titan offers good value through a combination of large tires, decent (and expandable) battery capacity and a punchy 28mph capable motor controlled by a torque sensor. That’s a combo not often seen at its competitive price point.

This Fiido Titan review looks at the only large-wheeled fat tire model from this far-eastern-based e-bike brand, who stand out from the crowd because of its huge range of designs models, including folders, cargo bikes, and its latest model, a carbon-framed city bike.

Whatever the model, they always look to pack in the features and offer plenty of value for your money, and this latest model, the Titan, is no exception. Perhaps most notable at first glance are the beefy 26″ x 4″ tires.

On paper, the Titan offers plenty of power and speed, too, from a chunky-looking rear-geared hub motor that claims a top speed of 28 mph in pedal assist mode.

This is an adventure-style e-bike that aims to let you get out even further and explore more on your bike. Optional extras include pannier bags, a phone holder, a triple (yes, triple!) battery setup for up to 248 miles (claimed), and a front rack. That means the ability to carry plenty of gear while venturing off-grid and off-road on those long weekend adventures.

The Fiido Titan also looks like a bike designed with ease of use in mind. There is a mid-step frame, making it easy to get on and off for most riders, and a burly rear rack rated to carry up to a 177 lb load, ensuring it’s up to any mission, regardless of how much gear you’re taking along.

So, let’s take a closer look at what the Fiido Titan e-bike brings to the table when we run it against our notorious e-bike testing gauntlet.

HPC Trailblazer Pro Review | “High Powered Cycles” Is Right

A punchy motor defines the Trailblazer Pro’s ride experience with thrilling speeds and nearly effortless climbing.

The HPC Trailblazer Pro is pretty different from a lot of other eMTBs we’ve seen, and I think it showcases a pretty clear personality for people who want a rugged eMTB that can go FAST. That is thanks to its blazing motor capabilities and the fact that it’s somewhat of a tweener bike between trail and enduro styling. I guess we could call it an aggressive trail bike – with options to enhance that aggressive edge via motor upgrades.

If you are a larger rider needing an extra boost, or like Lightning McQueen, you tell yourself, “I am speed,” you’ll really dig what this bike can do.

HPC equipped the Trailblazer Pro with many nicer features that make for a great ride experience. Seasoned riders will love the precision of the suspension system with rebound and compression control. The tires’ grip, along with the lighter-weight design, helps it feel nimble through tight turns.

The handling was great despite our wishing for a slightly shorter chainstay length which would have made it feel a bit more agile. When it came time for the downhill though our handling complaints were all but gone, it was a lot of fun to hop around on.

The Trailblazer Pro turned many heads on our rides, either for its neon green accents or for how often we called out ahead to pass somebody. It’s a fun bike with a lot to unpack, so make sure to see how it did in our testing below.

Troxus Lynx Plus 20″ Fat Tire E-Bike Review

This utility e-bike might be small in stature, but it packs a lot of punch, offers a customizable ride, and is surprisingly versatile.

As a former BMX rider, I was stoked when I got my hands on the Troxus Lynx Plus; this mini fat tire e-bike is categorized as a utility bike capable of limited cargo hauling, but its feel and handling reminded me a little of my old Diamondback Assault.

If someone had strapped a rocket to it, that is.

Don’t be fooled by the Lynx Plus’ diminutive size. It’s just as heavy as a full-size fat tire e-bike—and just as powerful. Thanks to its low frame and small 20” wheels, the bike’s 750W hub motor felt extra punchy, giving the bike a playful, spritely character.

I had an absolute blast riding and testing the bike for this review, partially because of the Lynx’s BMX-like ride. Another element was the bike’s ability to switch between torque and cadence sensing modes at the press (or, more accurately, hold) of a button. This allowed me to choose between active pedaling or a more relaxed, low-effort ride.

At the time of writing, we’ve only tested a handful of e-bikes with this ability; in most cases, riders are stuck with one mode or the other. Each has advantages and disadvantages that impact feel and performance, but the Lynx offers the best of both worlds without any of the downsides.

We tested the bike using both riding modes to determine which might be best for certain types of riders. Continue reading our full review below to learn how each impacted the bike’s performance and which sensor mode might be best for how you ride!

Tern Orox S12 Review | Pack it In, Pack it Out, Pack it ALL

Raw Power, Refined Intelligence: How the Tern Orox Combines Strength and Smarts

When a brand introduces a beefy new e-cargo bike under the marketing slogan “Go Anywhere, Go Anytime, Bring Anything,” it definitely catches my attention.

After all, living in Southern Utah gives me unbridled access to some of the most jaw-droppingly epic landscapes the U.S. has to offer, where often, the only limiting factor to my exploration is how far I can pedal without bonking.

With a 100-mile range and the ability to double that to 200 with a dual battery setup, the Tern Orox S12 should theoretically let me explore that beauty deeper into the backcountry than any other bike can.

So, what’s the deal with the Tern Orox S12? Is it the ultimate e-cargo bike that can handle the rugged terrains and long distances of my adventures, or is it just another fat tire e-bike masquerading as a true e-cargo beast?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve tested this bike on everything from smooth city streets to rocky desert trails.

In this review, I’ll share the Orox S12’s performance test results and add some personal thoughts. We tested how far it can really go on a single charge, how fast it can go, how quickly it can stop when braking, how it handles various terrains—and most importantly, whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash.

If you’re an adventurer, a commuter, or someone looking to combine both, keep reading below to see if the Tern Orox S12 is the right e-bike for you.

Troxus Trax LT Review | Torque or Cadence? You Choose!

This city cruiser prioritizes comfort, customizability, and an active pedaling experience for long commutes or leisure rides.

E-bikes designed for urban environments often aren’t the most comfortable rides on the planet, as they sometimes sacrifice plushness in favor of functionality and weight reduction.

This makes them generally on the more manevuerable side, uncomplicated and simple to operate, and relatively easy to lift, carry, and load up. In short, they’re made to effectively get their rider around town—but not much more.

Many riders might find some of these characteristics appealing, but what is a prospective buyer to do if they prefer a relaxed and comfortable ride? E-bikes in the style we’ve dubbed “city cruisers” might just be the answer.

Enter the Troxus Trax LT; this e-bike (as many like it) combines a clean-looking lightweight frame with large wheels, curved Dutch-style handlebars, and an upright and relaxed riding position. The result is a highly ergonomic, comfortable commuter with quick handling and a fun—yet easily controlled—feel.

With the Trax LT, Troxus added a relatively uncommon feature: the ability to switch easily between torque and cadence sensing modes. Each type of sensor has advantages for different uses, so this ability allows riders to get the best of both worlds with the press of a button.

In contrast with many similarly styled e-bikes we have tested with 500W motors, the Trax LT sported a 350W rear hub. We liked its responsive feel, smooth engagement, and incredibly quiet nature, but with less power, we expected some differences in performance.

To learn how the Trax LT’s torque/cadence modes and motor influenced its feel and performance, continue reading our full review below!

Yakima OnRamp LX Hitch Rack Review | Read This BEFORE Buying

Few hitch racks can come close to matching the weight rating and versatility of the newest design from one of the biggest names in bike racks.

When you consider the number of e-bikes that come with fenders you would think that most hitch racks would have a foolproof way to accommodate an e-bike with fenders that won’t damage the fenders. Alas, such carriers are few.

We’ve been fans of the Yakima OnRamp since its release, but it had one notable flaw: The OnRamp is limited to e-bikes weighing 60 lbs. or less, which leaves out the majority of e-bikes at the value end of the market. There’s a new option, though; Yakima has introduced the OnRamp LX. There’s a lot to it that we liked.

The Yakima OnRamp LX is a heavier-duty version of the OnRamp. It comes in two versions, for 1.25-in. hitch mounts and for 2-in. hitch mounts. The 1.25-in. version can carry e-bikes weighing up to 70 lbs. and the 2-in. version is even more stout, with the ability to carry e-bikes weighing up to 80 lbs., which covers the majority of the market.

What makes the Yakima OnRamp LX so different from other hitch racks is that once in the tray, the e-bike can be held by its top tube or seatpost, thereby completely avoiding the fenders. Few hitch racks grant riders the opportunity to secure an e-bike without bringing an arm down on the front wheel, just in front of the fork, a location which is often occupied by a fender.

Unlike most other hitch racks aimed at e-bike owners, the OnRamp LX includes the loading ramp rather than make it an add-on accessory. It also secures to the rack itself instead of occupying valuable trunk space.

The existing OnRamp can hold e-bikes with a wheelbase of up to 50 in., but the OnRamp LX increases the tray length so that it can now carry e-bikes with a wheelbase of up to 54 in., making it big enough to handle some cargo e-bikes.

RV owners have faced a challenge in terms of trying to find hitch racks that can be mounted on the front of their vehicle; most can’t be used that way and even when they can, they often suffer a reduced weight capacity. Not so with the Yakima OnRamp LX. The 1.25-in. and 2-in. versions preserve their full carrying capacity (70 and 80 lbs., respectively).

Off-road use is possible as well, though that results in a notable decrease in the weight capacity. The 1.25-in. version can carry bikes weighing up to 42 lbs. and the 2-in. version can carry 48 lb. bikes.

Lectric XP Trike vs. Rad Power Bikes RadTrike

Both Trikes From These E-Bike Heavyweights Have Their Merits. Which One is Best for You?

You might think that e-bike brands would have an easy job when entering the electric trike space, but there’s much more to consider than just the addition of a third wheel. Tricycles handle much differently than their two-wheeled cousins, and with much more bulk to move around, safety and maneuverability are essential factors in their equation.

As two of our picks for the Best Electric Tricycles, the Rad Power Bikes RadTrike and the Lectric XP Trike are two options that consumers are likely to consider.

These models have much in common, and their similarities may make it difficult to sort out which is best for specific individual needs. By comparing the two trikes, we can more easily identify their differences.

Both brands took a unique approach in the areas of propulsion, frame design, brake systems, and user interface. There is certainly overlap between them, but as we will discuss, the two tricycles have individual, well-defined strengths and weaknesses.

With many similar features shared between the two models, which Trike earns our recommendation?

In addition to our standardized test data, there are SIX primary elements we consider when comparing the two trikes, as we detail below.

Lectric XP Trike

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Save $700 On One of The Best Performing E-Bikes We’ve Tested!

The Ride1Up Prodigy XC posted amazing results in our testing that still rank amongst the best today. If you’re eyeballing a versatile e-bike for commuting and multi-use trails, this deal is about as good as it gets right now.

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We all get more than our fill of time spent indoors. If you’re itching to get out more and take in more fresh air, then you’ll be pleased to hear that one of the best-performing bikes we’ve tested is having a big sale right now. Ride1Up has cut down the price of the Prodigy XC from the MSRP of $2195 to just $1495.

This is a recent price drop from Ride1Up’s ongoing summer sales event. Several models have been heavily discounted, but this might be the best deal currently.

It is surprising to see such a high sale price. Ride1Up is a brand that routinely maximizes buyer value, offering e-bikes that sell for a few hundred dollars less than what we would typically expect to see from many of its competitors.

In our original review of the Prodigy XC, we noted how well Ride1Up was able to thread the needle of making a bike that’s relatively lightweight, intuitive to ride, comfortable on the rider, and versatile enough to meet the needs of people exploring different places. All of that, plus $700 in savings, would be music to almost everybody’s ears.

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What we think about the Ride1Up Prodigy XC

There is a lot to like about the Prodigy XC.

For one, it has a great motor. The Brose mid-drive motor of the Prodigy XC has a natural feel and is very responsive. Even though we originally tested this bike nearly two years ago, it still holds a top 10 result in our hill test among mid-drive e-bikes. It’s clearly got power, but it’s the subtle delivery of it that makes it great.

That’s not its only top-10 finish, though. The battery range tested went 90 miles in our PAS 1 test, which is one of the longest we’ve ever seen.

The rest of the bike comes together nicely. The frame geometry is comfortable, the Maxxis tires do a great job on varied terrain, and the 120mm air suspension fork makes the journey easy on the rider.

As a nice bonus, Ride1Up has even improved its value since our review of the Prodigy XC, as it now comes with the trusty Tektro Orion four-piston brakes (our tester had two-piston brakes).

The ‘XC’ part of the name means you can definitely take it on light cross-country adventures, but don’t underestimate the Prodigy XC’s do-it-all potential. This bike does great on city paths too for being your daily ride.

This bike was a good value in the $2k range, but at $1495, it feels like a steal.

What to know about Ride1Up

Ride1Up launched in 2018. Normally, such a short track record makes it hard to formulate a sense of the quality of the company’s products and how well they support their products after a purchase. With Ride1Up, we’ve seen the brand grow from just a few e-bikes to a dozen different models.

Considering the effort involved in launching a new product, it is evident that Ride1Up is both competent and thorough. They have also delivered on a level of quality high enough never to have issued a recall.

As we mentioned before, Ride1Up has a proven track record for introducing e-bikes that maximize value to a degree we find surprising; they occupy a tier of high-value e-bikes that few brands can claim to achieve. Even before this sale, they were offering some of the most affordable e-bikes on the market with 8-speed drivetrains and hydraulic disc brakes. Some of their models include a rear rack integrated into the frame, which increases its carrying capacity.

What’s the secret to providing high-quality bikes without the need for retail markup? Ride1Up attributes that to a concentrated effort on keeping costs down to pass savings along to the consumer. That means operating with minimal overhead, largely focussing on the DTC model, and manufacturing at scale.

Our take on Ride1Up and their e-bikes

Some brands sacrifice style and quality in the quest for affordability. As we’ve noted, Ride1Up has maximized quality at every price point, but its e-bikes are also stylish and usually come in different colors.

We’ve reviewed nearly every one of Ride1Up’s e-bikes, and in each instance, we found their models to be attractive, packed with value and features we would expect to run hundreds of dollars more, and offering a degree of versatility that makes them ideal for someone who wants to explore the different ways an e-bike can figure in daily life.

We’re often asked what we recommend to our friends and family. What e-bikes do we believe in? The type that performs well and doesn’t blow the budget is typically the answer. This sale is precisely the type of promotion we would steer anyone looking to maximize their purchasing power.

*Ride1Up reached out to us to promote this sale. While we agreed to it, we don’t publish promotional posts unless that company exhibits a great track record. Ride1Up has proven to be a good manufacturer that supports the products they sell, which is why we were happy to agree to share details about their sales. If you click on one of the links above and purchase that e-bike, we will make a commission from your purchase.

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Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 3 Review | Did It Hit The Bullseye?

This cost-conscious eMTB comes with one of the best motors available and recently became even more affordable.

Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 3 750 E-Bike Review 2024

Any time someone goes shopping for an eMTB, they are quickly confronted with the way that eMTB cost can take off in a hurry. Carbon fiber, high-end suspension, electronic shifting, there are a variety of features that can drive up cost into five-figure territory. For that reason, we are always excited when we run across a full-suspension eMTB that manages to keep the cost to the $5,000 range (or less, as is currently the case).

Enter the Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 3 750. It’s a mouthful, but it’s also true that this is a remarkable eMTB for the money. In our Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 3 750 review we will take a look at how the choices of motor, battery, frame and components resulted in a very capable eMTB that can grow with its buyer.

Let’s start with the basics: The Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 3 750 is a full-suspension eMTB with 150mm of travel front and rear. The frame is welded from 6061 aluminum and comes in four sizes. It rolls on a mullet setup with a 29-in. front wheel and a 27.5-in. rear wheel; the idea here is that a smaller rear wheel helps keep some of the maneuverability of a smaller-wheeled eMTB, but balances that with the smoother rolling of a 29-in. front wheel. Bulls chose the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, which is one of the best motors being spec’d on eMTBs. Powering the Performance Line CX motor is a Bosch PowerTube 750—a 750Wh battery intended to offer great range.

The bulk of the components come from Shimano’s Deore group. Deore is Shimano’s least-expensive 12-speed mountain bike group. It offers most of the features found on top-of-the-line groups such as Shimano’s Deore XT and XTR, such as a 12-speed drivetrain and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, but doesn’t run the cost up like they are gold-plated.

Bulls chose plenty of other quality components, including 2.6-in.-wide, downhill-rated Schwalbe tires , a Selle Italia saddle and an SR Suntour suspension fork and shock.

We would be plenty interested in this eMTB at its suggested retail price of $5,500, but as of publication, the Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 3 750 has been discounted to less than $4,000, making what was already a reasonably affordable eMTB much more affordable.

Let’s take a look at how the Bulls Copperhead EVO AM 3 750 performed in our tests.

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A new proposal would allow eMTB riders on more than 100 miles of trails within the Lake Tahoe region.

Electric Bike Report’s take

The Fiido Titan offers good value through a combination of large tires, decent (and expandable) battery capacity and a punchy 28mph capable motor controlled by a torque sensor. That’s a combo not often seen at its competitive price point.

A punchy motor defines the Trailblazer Pro’s ride experience with thrilling speeds and nearly effortless climbing.

This utility e-bike might be small in stature, but it packs a lot of punch, offers a customizable ride, and is surprisingly versatile.

Raw Power, Refined Intelligence: How the Tern Orox Combines Strength and Smarts

This city cruiser prioritizes comfort, customizability, and an active pedaling experience for long commutes or leisure rides.

Few hitch racks can come close to matching the weight rating and versatility of the newest design from one of the biggest names in bike racks.

Both Trikes From These E-Bike Heavyweights Have Their Merits. Which One is Best for You?

The Ride1Up Prodigy XC posted amazing results in our testing that still rank amongst the best today. If you’re eyeballing a versatile e-bike for commuting and multi-use trails, this deal is about as good as it gets right now.

What we think about the Ride1Up Prodigy XC

This cost-conscious eMTB comes with one of the best motors available and recently became even more affordable.

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