Electric Bike Reviews, News, & Testing

Electric Bike Report

x
Menu
Sponsor

Blog

Some links may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.

RadRunner 3 Plus Vs Specialized Globe Haul ST | Which Wins?

Find out which utility e-bike better handles groceries, kids, and your dollar!

Specialized Globe Haul ST vs RadRunner 3 Comparison
Like the Swiss Army Knife, the modern utility e-bike is designed to be the only bike you’ll ever need. Utility bikes are made to handle all your chores when it seems like you don’t have enough well, hands. Whether that task is grabbing groceries, commuting, hauling kids to school or even loading all your gear for your next big adventure. These bikes combine practicality with power, making them a favorite among commuters, families, and weekend warriors alike.

Today, I’m comparing two popular utility bikes: the Specialized Globe Haul ST and the Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3 Plus. Both of these bikes are designed to tackle whatever life throws at them. The Globe Haul ST and the RadRunner 3 both offer strong motors, impressive cargo capacities, and solid range, making them ideal for anyone needing a reliable utility bike.

Through our testing and the 200+ miles I’ve ridden on each bike, I’ve grown to appreciate both. While I do have a personal favorite, I often find myself recommending the other more frequently. So, let’s dive into the specs, features, and real-world testing data of these two utility e-bikes to see how I came to this conclusion.

Specialized Globe Haul ST

Check Best Price

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 3

Check Best Price

[Read more…] about RadRunner 3 Plus Vs Specialized Globe Haul ST | Which Wins?

Shimano’s New EP5 and E5100 E-Bike Motors

Shimano has unveiled two new mid-drive motors, the EP5 and E5100. The EP5 is capable of Class 3 performance while the E5100 is meant for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes.

Shimano’s New EP5 and E5100 Motors

Shimano has just announced two new motors it has added to its lineup of mid-drive motors, the EP5 and the E5100. Shimano says they “represent a significant step into a new era of e-bikes, empowering riders to explore farther, connect deeper, and experience the power of cycling.”

The 36V EP5 motor produces 250W and 60Nm of torque—no word on max power output yet—and can be configured for use in Class 3 e-bikes with a top-assist speed of 28 mph. It reportedly weighs 3kg (6.6 lbs.).

The 36V E5100 motor produces 250W and a more modest 50Nm of torque. It is designed for use in Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes with a maximum-assist speed of 20 mph. The motor reportedly weighs 2.4kg (5.3 lbs.).

The motors can be powered by one of three of Shimano’s internal batteries: 418Wh, 504Wh or 630Wh. On the low end, an e-bike with the EP5 motor may see a range of 23km (14.3 mi.) with the 418Wh battery (in Boost mode), while at the high end the 630Wh battery may power the EP5 for as much as 92km (57.2 mi.) (Eco mode).

Shimano's New EP5 and E5100 E-Bike Motors

The E5100 motor may cover as much as 57km (35.4 mi.) with the 41Wh battery (in Boost). With the 630Wh battery, Shimano estimates the E5100 motor may offer an impressive 260km (162 mi.) (Eco mode).

Riders can use Shimano’s E-Tube Project app to customize the output levels on different modes.

Sponsor
Sponsor
All that Shimano has revealed about peak wattage regarding either motor is that they will provide 200-300 percent assistance to riders.

No word yet on when we will begin seeing these on e-bikes, but with the way Shimano normally informs brands about new products, it seems likely they will begin appearing on new models in the third or fourth quarter of 2024.

Sponsor

Sponsor

Did Arizona Just Require a Driver’s License to Ride an eMTB?

Due to the way Arizona defines Off-Highway Vehicles, eMTB riders may need a driver’s license and it may prevent anyone under the age of 16 from riding an eMTB.

Did Arizona Just Require a Driver's License to Ride an eMTB?

The law is a funny thing. They are necessarily broad in their definitions so that they can capture each of the wrinkles of real life. But sometimes they cover more territory than they are meant to. Such is the case with a new law in Arizona, which seems to require a driver’s license to ride an e-bike off-road.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs just signed into law Arizona Senate Bill 1567, which prohibits anyone from operating an off-road vehicle (such as a quad or motorcycle) from doing so while consuming alcohol or possessing it in an open container. That seems sensible enough, amiright? However, the law has a second provision: that anyone operating an off-road vehicle must possess a driver’s license and have gone through a driver education course.

That requirement doesn’t sound too nanny-state, but Arizona’s definition of what constitutes an off-highway vehicle (OHV) deviates from what we find in most other states. Arizona stipulates, “An OHV is a motorized vehicle that is operated primarily off of highways and that is designed, modified or purpose-built primarily for recreational nonhighway all-terrain travel. An OHV includes a tracked or wheeled vehicle, utility vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, four-wheel drive vehicle, dune buggy, sand rail, amphibious vehicle, ground effects or air cushion vehicle and any other means of land transportation deriving motive power from a source other than muscle or wind.”

While they didn’t specifically name eMTBs, they meet the definition. They are purpose-built for recreational, nonhighway, all-terrain travel. That also includes fat-tire e-bikes or any other e-bike you might ride off-road, such as a gravel e-bike.

There’s a rich irony to the idea that you might need a driver’s license to ride an e-bike off-road. You don’t need a driver’s license to ride a bike on the road. And you certainly don’t need one to ride a bike where no roads are present.

That driver’s license requirement has another unintended (we hope) consequence: It means kids can’t ride e-bikes off-road, though they could still ride them on-road. That sounds crazy.

Communities around the country are confronting the issue of what sort, where and even whether kids should be allowed to ride e-bikes. Thanks to some high-profile injuries and even deaths of kids riding e-bikes, cities are considering what sort of restrictions might be important. But those debates all regard the use of e-bikes on the road.

There are currently 11 states that require e-bike riders to have a driver’s license, thereby limiting ridership to those 16 years old or older. Arizona was not among them. Where those states’ laws require a driver’s license to ride any e-bike at all, Arizona’s law has no effect on kids riding e-bikes on the road.

Sponsor
Sponsor
While it seems obvious to us that Arizona’s new law needs some revision in the form of an exception or a revision of the definition of what constitutes an OHV, we will have to stay tuned to see just what Arizona does. Who knows, they may choose to enforce this provision aggressively.
Sponsor

Sponsor

A Brompton Competitor? See How The Flit Bike Folds

The Flit M2 is a lightweight, folding e-bike that positions the wheels parallel so that it can be rolled into position like a piece of luggage.

A Brompton Competitor? See How The Flit Bike Folds

Brompton made one of the first small-wheel folding bikes and they quickly gained a reputation for making a bike that was easy to fold and transport. However, their e-bikes have left something to be desired. Enter the Flit M2, a folding e-bike which is also the product of a U.K.-based company. The difference is that the Flit (pronounced just like it is spelled) was designed from the ground up as an e-bike, and as a result, it shows.

The Flit M2 features a relatively minimal design, but what really sells this e-bike is Flit’s assertion that the Flit M2 can be folded up in seconds and weighs just 14kg (30.8 lbs.). The way it folds up is a bit different than other e-bikes we’ve seen in that the 16-in. wheels sit parallel to each other, making it easy to roll the Flit into the location where it will be stored.

This is a single-speed e-bike equipped with a 250W hub motor that produces a rather modest 35Nm of torque. Helping to make the Flit M2 as responsive as possible is a torque sensor that will allow riders to enjoy power from the moment they begin pedaling.

Because the Flit M2 is so lightweight, battery capacity had to be modest. The 250W hub motor is powered by a 230Wh battery that is estimated to allow riders as much as 31 mi. of range per charge.

The Flit M2 is equipped with Tektro hydraulic disc brakes to give it optimal stopping power.

The folding frame is crafted from aluminum that has been anodized to give it a lustrous matte finish. And thanks to elastomers in the frame where the chainstays meet the bottom bracket, it offers suspension where riders benefit the most—at the saddle.

Sponsor
Sponsor
At just over 30 lbs., the Flit M2 is an e-bike that will be easy to pick up and even easier to roll. It seems that many companies do a great job of creating something that folds up to a compact shape and is both easy to fold and unfold, but often transporting the e-bike from storage to where they plan to start their ride isn’t as well provided for. With the Flit M2, we have an e-bike that may be every bit as easy to store as it is to ride, which would be quite the achievement.

Flit is taking pre-orders for the M2 with a price just above $2500. Once they begin delivering the M2, the price will rise to a bit more than $3000.

The one consideration we would encourage possible buyers to consider is that this is an e-bike best-suited to urban environments and shorter trips. With a small battery and a single-speed drivetrain, the Flit M2 is likely to struggle on hills. People living in flat communities will have fewer complaints with its motor power and torque.

Sponsor

Sponsor

Hiplok’s 1000 Series Now Has Global Availability

Hiplok’s latest series of locks come in multiple shapes and promise to stand up to attack from angle grinders and other tools that have defeated many locks.

Hiplok's 1000 Series Now Has Global Availability

Hiplok has introduced a new line of locks, called the 1000 Series. Billed as anti-angle-grinder locks, they are meant to withstand the attack that very few locks can stand up to. They come with a lifetime warranty.

The lineup is composed of two different D-shaped locks and two anchors, plus two anchor/lock bundles.

Steel hardened in this way isn’t cheap; these are decidedly premium locks meant to fend off any attack and their cost reflects that. The anchors start around $200 and the locks start around $300.

Sponsor
Sponsor
Over the years, professional thieves have used all sorts of methods—freon to freeze locks and then smash them with a hammer, ball point pens to defeat ring tumblers, long pry bars that would break the frame but leave the parts intact—to steal bikes. Unfortunately, the angle grinder has proven to be both the most effective and most portable method for destroying a bike lock.

There are but a handful of locks that claim to defeat angle grinders and Hiplok is the first manufacturer we’ve seen offer anchors. This is an important development because a lock is only as secure as the thing it is locked to, which is to say that, yes, there are people out there who will cut down a tree to steal a bike.

The fact that Hiplok sells these on their site saves you from having to ask your local shop if they will carry the 1000 Series.

Sponsor

Sponsor

HeyBike Hero Review | You Haven’t Seen A Frame Like This

Blazing-fast e-bike with only a 6 lb carbon frame, pushing the envelope of innovation and some promised improvements.

HeyBike HERO Review
Testing the Heybike Hero has been quite the adventure, and it shows just how far e-bike design has come in our time. The first thing that caught my eye was its 6.2 lb carbon fiber frame, something we certainly do not see often in the e-bike world.

After logging 100 miles on both smooth roads and off-road trails, I got a feel for what the Hero actually offers. The lightweight frame did make it relatively easier to handle, which is a big plus. However, the bike’s presence is still very much felt on day-to-day rides, largely due to its big tires and hefty components. The motor packs a punch, delivering a powerful ride, though it does have a distinctive motor ‘whine’ that adds a bit of character, whether you like it or not.

One aspect of the Hero that stands out is its speed. I hit 32 mph, which is close to its top speed of 35 mph. The HERO combines this impressive speed with some cool new design elements. With a few tweaks to improve comfort and reduce motor noise, the Heybike Hero could become a go-to for those looking to explore a bit deeper and ride a bit faster.

It’s worth noting that the Heybike Hero we tested was a pre-production demo model. Heybike has informed us that several areas we critiqued have been addressed in the production model, and we’ll mention those improvements as we come across them in the review.

[Read more…] about HeyBike Hero Review | You Haven’t Seen A Frame Like This

Lectric XP 3.0 vs Ride1Up Portola vs Velotric Fold 1: Fight!

These three folding e-bikes are similar in specs and price, so which is best? We compared the performance test results to find a winner.

Lectric XP 3.0 vs Ride1Up Portola vs Velotric Fold 1 Comparison Review

If you’re looking for an affordable entry point to e-biking, or you’re considering a folding e-bike to bring with you on RV trips or other family adventures, there’s no doubt you’ve heard of the Lectric XP 3.0.

After all, Lectric was largely catapulted to success after marketing to RV enthusiasts and other niche markets. The XP is the best-selling e-bike in the US for a reason: the brand essentially defined (and has since regularly redefined) the industry’s expected quality, spec, and performance metrics for affordable e-bikes.

Long story short, Lectric has enjoyed its time at the top, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay there. With prestige comes attention; other brands took note of Lectric’s approach (and success) and adapted with the goal of overthrowing the reigning King.

Enter the Ride1Up Portola and the Velotric Fold 1. These newer entries to the affordable folding e-bike market are serious contenders for the throne. Both Lectric alternatives offer similar specs, a competitive price, and an appealing design, making them enticing to those seeking versatile, budget-friendly folding e-bikes.

As indicated by their well-earned places on our list of the best folding e-bikes, the Lectric XP 3.0, the Ride1UP Portola, and the Velotric Fold 1 are the cream of the crop for their cost and category. If you’re stuck between the three options, we’re here to help narrow down your selection!

In the following comparison review, we’ll walk you through the bikes’ features, feel, and functionality to find a first-rate folding e-bike worthy of your hard-earned funds.

Lectric XP 3.0

Check Best Price

Ride1Up Portola

Check Best Price

Velotric Fold 1

Check Best Price

[Read more…] about Lectric XP 3.0 vs Ride1Up Portola vs Velotric Fold 1: Fight!

The Ridley Urbx: the Brand’s First Urban E-Bike

The Belgian brand, best known for racing bikes, has introduced its first e-bikes for commuters.

The Ridley Urbx: the Brand’s First Urban E-Bike

Belgian bike maker Ridley, which is best known for high-end carbon fiber bikes raced in the Tour de France, has just introduced its first city e-bike, the Urbx. The name Urbx stands for urban exploring and this is meant to fit the needs of the city dweller.

As this is a commuter aimed primarily at the European market, it is more modestly powered than we see with some e-bikes. It’s equipped with the Bafang G310 hub motor, which offers 250W and 30Nm of torque, plenty of muscle for a Class 1 e-bike. It should enjoy good range thanks to a 360Wh battery, which wouldn’t be much with a 750W motor, but can accomplish much with a 250W motor. Ridley estimates that riders may enjoy as much as 80km (50 mi.) of range on a single charge.

The Ridley Urbx is a single-speed e-bike spec’d with a Gates carbon belt, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, a high-quality Ergon seat, carbon fiber fork and an accessories package that includes fenders, front and rear lights as well as a kickstand.

The Ridely Urbx comes in both a traditional, step-over frame as well as a mixte (mid-step) frame. The step-over frame comes in three sizes and the mixte frame comes in two sizes, which will allow it to comfortably fit riders across a wide range of height.

Sponsor
Sponsor
The launch of the Urbx comes following a €15 million investment in e-bike production by Ridley’s parent company, Belgian Cycling Factory.

With premium touches such as the Gates carbon belt, carbon fiber fork and multiple frame sizes, the Ridley Urbx goes for a bit more than $2000. No word yet on whether this model will be distributed in the U.S.

Sponsor

Sponsor

Cube Updates the Kathmandu With Bosch SX Motor

The Kathmandu is the first commuter/touring e-bike we’ve seen to hit the market equipped with the Bosch Performance Line SX motor.

Cube Updates the Kathmandu With Bosch SX Motor

Cube, a high-end manufacturer of road bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes and several types of e-bikes has announced an update to its Kathmandu model. The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X and Kathmandu C:62 SLX 400X are city/touring models built with a lightweight carbon fiber frame and fork, Bosch’s Performance Line SX motor and CompactTube 400 battery. The Kathmandu C:62 SLT comes with Shimano’s Deore XT 12-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, while the Kathmandu C:62 SLX comes with Shimano’s 12-speed Deore group.

The decision to spec the Bosch Performance Line SX motor grabbed our attention as this is the first e-bike that isn’t an eMTB we’ve seen equipped with the Bosch motor laying claim to its highest power to weight ratio (300W/kg or 136W/lb.).

If you’re thinking that the combination of a carbon fiber frame and fork combined with Bosch’s lightest motor should yield a lightweight touring/city e-bike, you’d be right. The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X weighs less than its name, coming in at just 35.7 lbs. (16.2kg). With such a low weight it would be a dream for any city dweller who must carry their e-bike up stairs.

With a carbon fiber frame and fork, the Cube Kathmandu isn’t designed for carrying heavy loads and is limited to a total weight capacity of 253 lbs. (115kg)—including e-bike.

The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X and Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X are made in both step-over and step-thru frames and each frame is produced in four sizes. Worth noting is that the step-thru frames have a much greater stack height, meaning they allow the rider to sit more upright than is possible with the step-over frame.

Sponsor
Sponsor
The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid is an exciting e-bike for those who are willing to spend more for quality. The Cube Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLX 400X goes for slightly less than the Kathmandu Hybrid C:62 SLT 400X, with a retail price of a bit less than $5500, which, considering the Bosch Performance Line SX motor, CompactTube 400 battery, carbon fiber frame and fork and Shimano Deore group, presents a solid value, a Mercedes at Lexus prices.
Sponsor

Sponsor

Have You Seen This? Man Builds E-Skateboard/Bike In One!

Proof that if you can dream it up, someone will try to build it: A man built a combination electric skateboard and bike—only the skateboard is motorized.

Have You Seen This? Man Builds E-Skateboard/Bike in One!

Have you ever wanted to convert your bike into a skateboard? No? What about converting your skateboard into a bike? Someone with a YouTube channel took an electric skateboard and a kids bike and eliminated all the bits that would prevent you from using both at the same time, or something.

After removing the motors, battery, trucks and wheels from the skateboard and after cutting off half the fork, one crank arm and the brake cables, he drilled into the bike frame to mount the skateboard components to the side. It’s a flavor of creativity that clearly subscribes to the, “Why not?” school of thought.

With just half a fork, one crank arm and no brakes, this might not be a product we’d want to bring to market (okay, there’s no way on His green earth), but good grief, it’s pretty amazing what people can dream up.

Sponsor
Sponsor
Not that we think our readers are crazy, but we do have a responsibility to say out loud: “Please don’t try this at home. Or anywhere else. At all.”

We can’t help but wonder if this is just a prototype of a toy that will soon be on the shelves of big box retailers. In the meantime, this video will remind us all that human beings are really inventive.

Sponsor

Sponsor
Sponsor