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E-Bike News: 2024 QuietKats UL Certified, Stromer ST5 Sound Effects and Lots More!

E-bike safety has been an increasingly high-profile topic of late, so it’s great to see an increasing number of companies getting their e-bikes UL certified. This reassures purchasers and pushes up the general quality of e-bikes on the market, as well as meaning there should be less faults – dangerous or otherwise – with e-bikes. The counter argument is that it will push up the costs of e-bikes. Whilst that may be true to some degree, the more companies that adopt the standards it would be hoped that the costs of attaining them should eventually fall, especially if more certification providers spring up to meet increased demand. In which case both manufacturers and consumers will benefit.

In this week’s e-bike news:

All of QuietKat’s 2024 range to be UL certified
The new Stromer ST5 – sound effects and Pinion gearing
Pelican Train – is this the most innovative e-cargo bike yet?
Mondraker’s new kid’s e-mtbs
E-bikes vs autonomous cars in San Francisco

Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review, 2024

A colorful, comfortable, contemporary commuter with the soul of a beach cruiser.

If riding in style is your jam, look no further than the Magnum Cosmo 2.0. This cool and cheery-looking commuter e-bike puts the fun in functional! We tested the bike on our local network of paved bike paths to evaluate its ride feel and real-world performance – see what we thought in this Magnum Cosmo 2.0 review!

Here at Electric Bike Report, a good chunk of the e-bikes we review come in three colors: black, white, or grey. The Cosmo we tested came in “Coral,” which is just one of the myriad youthful, refreshing, and eye-catching splashes of color that Magnum offers for the bike. With a fully-integrated battery painted to match, we think the Cosmo 2.0 looks great!

The quality of the ride was enjoyable as well; with a cadence sensor, the bike’s 500W rear-hub motor propelled the bike smoothly along without the need for intense pedaling. The ride was relaxing and easy – perfect for leisurely evening rides or cruising into town on the weekends.

With a single frame size, the Cosmo fits riders 5’ and up by offering plenty of adjustability and customization in fit. We liked that we could set a comfortable upright riding position with the bike’s adjustable stem, and we found that the wide saddle and ergonomic grips enhanced the overall feel.

To dive into all the details – including the results from our series of real-world performance tests – continue reading our full Magnum Cosmo 2.0 review below!

GoTrax F5 Review, 2024

Folding Frame, Low Cost Fat Tire Bike That’s Easy & Fun to Ride

The following review covers the GoTrax F5 folding frame electric bike. Folding frame e-bikes are a great solution for riders short on space for storing the bike at home, work or on trips. Folding and storing the F5 gives you an advantage many other e-bikes we’ve reviewed cannot give. We considered this in our evaluation. We also consider that its current selling price around the $1,000 range means this bike will also have limitations. And then sometimes there are pleasant surprises to be found at that low price as well.

You can find similarly priced entry-level folding e-bikes, but are they worth it? Some are better than others. Now enter the GoTrax F5, it’s a stable riding fat tire bike. New riders and folks who haven’t ridden in a while can appreciate how easy this bike rides as well.

We also liked how the F5 runs on a battery large enough to take its rider more than 50 miles on a single charge. That’s pretty impressive considering a lot of other folding e-bikes tap out at around 40 miles.

The bike parts are what you’d expect on a thousand dollar bike – maybe even a little better. They aren’t totally obscure brands or no-names which is nice to see. In that regard, it might even have exceeded our expectations, so the value is solid. A solid ride and good value for the money means it’s worth reading more to see if the GoTrax F5 has the features and performance you’re looking for.

E-Bike News; Cannondale go Carbon, Cyrusher Dual Motor and Lots More!

There are exciting sounding new e-bikes as usual this week but it was the story on security updates that caught our eye. Despite the welcome round of reductions in e-bike prices as e-bike manufacturers battle tough market conditions, a decent e-bike is still a big investment and theft a genuine concern. So it’s good to see not only Bosch upping their anti-theft product via an update to their Smart System but also to see other companies like Cowboy and the UK’s Wisper getting in on the act. It’s not just the tracking that is becoming more widespread but we note Wisper has teamed up with Backpedal, a company that claims an 85% success rate in retrieving stolen bikes. It will be interesting to see if this approach to tracking and recovering e-bikes grows.

In this week’s e-bike news:

Cannondale announce carbon-framed e-bike with lightweight Bosch md-drive
Cyrusher’s two new mega-powerful e-bikes
New security features from Bosch, Cowboy and Wisper
AI aims to help keep bike lanes clear
CapsulBike – a cute, feature-packed bike trailer

iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

A hardtail eMTB with great range and exhilarating power for work AND play

As the most traditional of the e-bikes in iGo’s Outland line of adventuresome off-roaders, the Sawback RS is an entry-level hardtail eMTB. We put the bike through its paces on singletrack, doubletrack, and paved bike paths in our testing. This iGo Outland Sawback RS review has the full scoop!

One of the bike’s biggest highlights is its mighty 500W mid-drive motor. With 130 Newton-meters of maximum torque output, it flattens hills and makes riding at speed effortless and smooth. We were impressed by how quickly it responded to changes in pedaling, providing more or less power almost instantaneously.

While it’s a little more complicated than this – in general, higher battery capacity results in better range, which means more time on the bike before needing to recharge. The Sawback RS features a high-capacity 720 Wh battery, ensuring that its motor can keep pumping out the power you need.

We found the Sawback to be a competent trail bike, but we were pleased to note that it was also flexible enough for multipurpose use. Through the iGo Ride app, the bike can be unlocked to a Class 3 maximum speed of 28 mph making it a capable commuter. The inclusion of a throttle can help get the bike moving quickly through busy intersections, or simply allow the rider to take a break from pedaling.

See our full iGo Outland Sawback RS review below for all the details on the bike’s specs and performance!

*iGO has shared an exclusive discount code with the Electric Bike Report audience. Use code: GOELECTRIC100 at checkout for $100 off your e-bike purchase.

E-Bike News; Boost for Brompton Kit, Serial 1 Sold and Lots More!

Where are e-bikes made and does it matter? Are the effects of the post-Covid supply chain crisis still with us? We have a new Brompton after-sales kit that’s partly made in the UK (where Brompton’s are also made) as well as the big news that Serial 1 e-bikes, the Harley-Davidson spinoff, is in new hands who say they will move production to Florida. Not to mention new company Bloom, who want to make Detroit, Michigan the micromobility manufacturing capital of the country. Is it really the start of reshoring?

In this week’s e-bike news:

Boost for Brompton – lightweight rear wheel kit for the classic folding bike
Harley Davidson’s Serial 1 sold with the promise of US manufacture
Whyte’s 2024 range with lightweight e-mtbs and budget hybrids
Lime profitable – Bird not

E-Bike Holiday Gift Guide: What to get for the e-biker in your life

Whether you’re shopping for yourself, the rider in your life or handing off a list to your family, we’ve put together a holiday selection for gift-givers. No matter what your budget is, we have everything from the necessities that should be in your garage, to fun upgrades and even a few of our favorite e-bikes. Many of these items are discounted for the holidays, making this the perfect time to buy. Here are some of our favorite gifts the Electric Bike Report team has found for this holiday season.

For the Adventurer: Aventon Aventure.2

One of our favorite e-bikes of 2023 has been the Aventon Aventure.2. It offers a terrific blend of affordability and features. With its 750W motor, 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes and torque sensor, the Aventure.2 is a versatile all-terrain e-bike with an estimated range of up to 60 mi. It comes in two frame designs and both designs come in two sizes to fit a wide range of riders. Further adding to the rider’s comfort are 4-in.-wide tires and a 100mm-travel suspension fork. It also comes with a commuter-friendly package of accessories including a rear rack, fenders, front and rear lights and a kickstand. This is an exciting e-bike that will please nearly anyone shopping for an e-bike.

The Something for Everybody: Lectric XP 3.0

If there’s a better deal on an e-bike, we haven’t found it. Not only did Lectric produce the most affordable geared e-bike we’ve reviewed, they gave it a parts selection that we trust. The XP 3.0 features a 500W hub motor, 499Wh battery, 7-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, making it competitive with e-bikes that cost hundreds of dollars more. Commuters on a budget will love that it comes with a rear rack, front and rear lights, full fenders and a kickstand. Best of all is that it folds up in seconds and can easily fit in a car trunk or closet.

Sponsor

The Unique / Custom One: EBC Model R

E-bikes are fun. Period. But finding one that fits your look and style is sometimes less straightforward. So how about an e-bike you can customize? The Electric Bike Company Model R is a great choice with fantastic standard features like the 750W motor, suspension fork, and step0through frame. The rest can pretty much all be tailored to your liking. Pick your handlebar, wheel size, drivetrain, and more. That only scratches the surface though. You can pick custom paint colors for the frame, fork, basket, and a whole lot more. If you have somebody in mind for a gift that isn’t a fan of anything cookie-cutter, then make sure to deck out a Model R in a way that represents them!

For the One Who Likes To Ride Fast: Ride1UP 700 Series

For the commuter who wants Class 3 speeds (28 mph max pedal assist), the Ride1UP 700 Series strikes a remarkable balance between performance and value. It reaches cruising speed thanks to a 750W Bafang hub motor and is estimated to reach as much as 50 mi. of range per charge. Hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain make for a quality ride. Ride1UP included a full complement of commuter accessories: rear rack, full fenders, front and rear lights, plus a kickstand. And it comes in both a traditional frame and step-thru.

For The Rad One: Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5

The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus is one of our favorite commuters. We love the low standover height of the step-thru frame and short reach to the bar to allow you to sit upright and see everything around you. If you’re planning to use the rack to carry work items or a load of groceries, it’s better than most thanks to a weight capacity of 59.5 lbs. The 750W hub motor has the muscle necessary to assist a rider up to 20 mph or to take over the whole job with the help of its throttle. A 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes round out a solid selection of parts.

Sponsor

The Most Reliable, Economical Hitch Rack: Hollywood Rack SportRider Hitch Rack

Hollywood’s Sportrider is one of our favorite hitch racks for e-bikes for a couple of reasons. First, it’s one of the only hitch racks that can handle e-bikes weighing up to 80 lbs. Second, it’s noticeably more affordable than most of its competition. It lacks a ramp to be able to roll an e-bike into place, but that’s the only knock we have against it. They also introduced a new e-trike attachment so that people don’t need a big SUV or a pickup in order to drive somewhere with it. It can handle e-bikes with a wheelbase of up to 60 in., which covers a number of compact cargo e-bikes. It can even handle e-bikes with step-thru frames, with the addition of an accessory.

The Stylish Shoe: Giro Deed Shoe

Not all cycling shoes make you walk like a duck. The Deed from Giro looks like a regular sneaker but is built to offer riders a bit more support than you get with street shoes and it has an upper that is scuff-resistant and the outsole is made from a very grippy rubber to keep feet from slipping off the pedals. This lace-up shoe comes in both men’s and women’s sizes

Classics Never Die: Vans Classic Slip-On

Vans have been popular with cyclists and skateboarders for as long as they’ve been around. Thanks to their grippy waffle outsole they are ideal for gripping pedals. They come in enough colorways to fit even the fussiest fashionista’s style requirements and the low-profile upper and padded collar add style and comfort. They also come in sizes to fit anyone from a toddler to an NBA player.

The Reliable Favorite: Thousand Helmet

Wearing a helmet is a good idea, full stop. But we get that no one wants to look like they are an extra in a bad sci-fi film, which is what makes the Thousand Heritage 2.0 Bike and Skate Helmet such a great option. It casts a stylish look without overdoing it. And though it looks normal enough from the front, sides and rear, it includes six vents at the top to keep the rider cool on hot days. It also includes an innovative little port in the back through which a lock can be passed so that you can lock your helmet to your bike, protecting your investment.

Sponsor

For the All Hours Rider: Giro Escape Mips Helmet

Visibility is often a concern for commuters, especially as the days get shorter. Giro’s Escape Mips helmet offers a fresh take on being seen. The designers included rechargeable lights in the front and rear of the helmet. The front light provides a power of 75 lumens, while the rear light provides 40 lumens. The battery will keep the lights flashing for up to 10 hours. Riders who tend to run hot will appreciate that it incorporates 15 unobtrusive vents into its design. This helmet also includes a MIPS liner that helps to reduce rotational force should someone suffer a fall. Giro is one of the best helmet makers on the planet and the Giro Escape Mips Helmet provides first-rate quality without a first-rate price.

It’s A Family Activity: Thule Yepp Child Seat

Child seats have come a long way. The Thule Yepp seat demonstrates just how far. The entire seat is padded and is shaped in a pleasant curve that kids find comfortable. It can handle children as large as 40 lbs. and up to 43.3 in. tall. The five-point harness will keep even confirmed pint-sized Houdinis from wiggling free. Because the seat uses no fabric and the padded cover is waterproof, all it needs is a quick wipe should it get wet. The seat includes a reflector in the rear to increase visibility as well as an attachment point for an additional light. It can be purchased either with or without the frame mount for the e-bike.

It’s A Big Family Activity: Burley D’Lite X Child Trailer

For the family with two kids, a trailer can be a great way to ride with kids. The e-bike is easier to handle without so much weight up hi and most kids love the panoramic view. The seats are adjustable and there is additional cargo space behind the seats for things like blankies, toys and diapers. When not hooked to the back of an e-bike the D’Lite X can double as a stroller and the five-point harness will keep kids from escaping. It folds up for compact storage when not in use.

GPS For Safety & Fun: Garmin Edge Explore 2

Not everyone is looking for a bike computer that will drill-sergeant you into better fitness, but a good GPS unit offers a number of handy ways to enhance your riding life. In addition to offering more real-time cycling data than an e-bike’s display, the Garmin Edge Explore 2 will record the routes you ride as well as allow you to upload a route it will guide you through. It also includes some terrific safety features such as incident detection that will alert your loved ones if you’re in trouble. It also includes handy fitness data like the calories you burned during your morning commute.

Sponsor

May As Well Complete The Ecosystem: Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch

For the active person who wants to track their riding with GPS, monitor important health metrics, receive push notifications or even receive workout suggestions and fitness coaching, the Garmin Instinct 2 Smartwatch will do all of that and much, much more. It comes in three different bezel sizes for personal style and ease of viewing along with a number of different colorways. Some include solar charging, night vision goggle compatibility, or a battery of surf-related data such as tide. In addition to tracking health basics such as heart rate, it also serves up snapshots of your sleep, blood oxygenation, resting heart rate and even abnormal heart rate alerts. Garmin Pay will allow you to make contactless payments.

If Garmin Isn’t For You, This One Will Do: Wahoo Fitness Elemnt Roam

If you like to go out and explore, a GPS unit can enhance your experience in a number of ways. First, they allow you to track the exact route you pedaled, and it will display your total distance, where you went and average speed, among many other data points. The Elemnt Road will also allow you to use a site like Ride With GPS to create a route and then upload it to the Elemnt Roam and receive turn-by-turn directions. No getting lost. The user can choose just which data they see on the color LCD display and—for those of us who don’t ride with our reading glasses—you can select just how large the numbers are to make reading the screen easy while rolling.

No Cyclist Can Live Without: Blackburn Core 2 Floor Pump

Everyone who owns an e-bike needs a floor pump. A floor pump is the easiest way to make sure that an e-bike’s tires are pumped up to the same pressure before each ride, and consistent pressure means consistent traction and handling. The Blackburn Design Core 2 Floor Pump is a remarkably affordable floor pump and it includes a large, easy-to-read gauge built into the base. The pump head will work with any type of valve (Schrader is most common with e-bikes) and the hose is long enough to reach the valve no matter how it is oriented.

Sponsor

The Stocking-Stuffer: Bontrager Thorn-Resistant Tube

Flats are no fun, amiright? One of the ways to cut down on flats is to run puncture-resistant tubes. These 4.1mm-thick tubes aren’t flat-proof, but the normal causes of flats—thorns, pieces of glass and other sharp bits—will have a tough time with these tubes. It’s an ideal upgrade for the commuter who doesn’t want to take a chance with a flat on the way to work. They come in nearly every size to fit any tire. It’s a small investment that results in big peace of mind.

Sponsor

Bakcou Mule E-Bike Review: Ultra Power, Ultra Utility

Their best-selling electric bike, the Bakcou Mule is an electric fat bike equipped with an ultra-powerful mid-drive motor designed to take you and some gear into backcoutry areas discreetly and efficiently.

Bakcou loaned Electric Bike Report a Mule to test ride during the Big Gear Show in Park City, Utah this August. We were limited by time and little access to e-bike friendly off-road terrain, but I was thoroughly impressed with the Mule’s super powerful motor, stable handling and thoughtful component package.

Backou Mule Electric Bike Review front angle

Hints at Bakcou’s hunting roots are never too tough to find.

Bakcou is one of several e-bike companies with roots in hunting. Though they’re building on those roots and are now designing their bikes as sort of an all-terrain electric utility vehicle, the first Bakcou bikes were built to replace the noisy and foul-smelling ATVs or side-by-sides hunters previously used to access backcountry locations. Those motorize vehicles disturbed the wildlife, so hunting e-bikes became a great substitute. Now, Bakcou’s e-bikes are built for anyone trying to access difficult to reach terrain.

Himiway Cobra Pro Review

This pedal-friendly, all-terrain powerhouse ssssssseriously pushes the limits of offroad e-bike possibilities.

Many e-bikes in the increasingly popular and versatile fat tire category are labeled as “all-terrain,” but few (in our experience) can put the corresponding walk into that talk. The Himiway Cobra Pro has no such issue. This upgraded version of the company’s already powerful (and popular) Cobra fat tire e-bike presents a handful of significant changes that we couldn’t wait to experience for ourselves. We take a close look at what makes this bike stand out in our Himiway Cobra Pro review!

The Cobra pro features a full suspension system, a beastly 1000W mid-drive motor with a torque sensor, and some seriously huge and chunky 26” x 4.8” CST tires. These combine to give the bike true off-road capability, and a large degree of comfort in more rugged environments.

The bike also has an impressive maximum range of over 60 miles thanks to that mid-drive, but also its gigantic 960 Watt-hour (Wh) battery. In the case of many e-bikes with relatively small amounts of output in their low pedal assist system (PAS) settings, this wouldn’t mean a whole lot – but the Cobra Pro pumps out a fun and practical amount of assistance even in PAS 1.

The Cobra Pro’s awesome power makes it an uphill champion, too – but you’ll have to read on through our review of the Himiway Cobra Pro to see how it compares to some of the other fat tire e-bikes we have put to the test!

*Himiway is sharing some savings with the EBR audience! When you click the button above and use the discount code ELECTRICBIKEREPORT you will save $50 at checkout!.

*Editor’s Note: Updated Nov. 20th, 2023 to include award badge, and links to latest info and pricing.

Trek FX+ 2 Electric Bike Review

A lightweight city bike for easy carrying, commuting, and cutting across town.

With the FX+ 2, Trek added an internal battery and small rear hub motor to its massively popular FX city bike, which gives its rider a subtle but effective boost for zipping around town. But this e-bike has certainly not lost its soul; the FX+ 2 has clearly been designed to maintain the overall feel of its non-electric cousin. In the following Trek FX+ 2 review, we’ll take a close look at the specs, performance, and ride experience through the eyes of the testers here at Electric Bike Report.

When we first saw the Trek FX+ 2, we had to do a double take to make sure we received the electric version; there is really only one obvious indication that this is an e-bike! That surprise continued with our first test rides; aside from an initial boost of speed from the small 250W rear-hub motor, the bike’s torque sensor and tuning provided a ride experience that was remarkably similar to a mid-drive motor, and therefore more akin to a traditional bicycle.

We were also stunned by the FX+ 2’s incredibly low weight. At just 40 lbs, the bike is easy to maneuver at low speeds, and is capable of accelerating to higher speeds quickly. The lightweight frame also added to its non-electric feel by making the bike easy to pedal with no motor assistance if needed.

These features, combined with integrated commuter essentials like a rear cargo rack, front and rear fenders, a headlight, and a taillight make the bike a capable, practical metropolitan meanderer.

For more information about this terrific traverser of traffic, swipe up or scroll down to our full Trek FX+ 2 review!

E-Bike News: 2024 QuietKats UL Certified, Stromer ST5 Sound Effects and Lots More!

Magnum Cosmo 2.0 Review, 2024

A colorful, comfortable, contemporary commuter with the soul of a beach cruiser.

GoTrax F5 Review, 2024

Folding Frame, Low Cost Fat Tire Bike That’s Easy & Fun to Ride

E-Bike News; Cannondale go Carbon, Cyrusher Dual Motor and Lots More!

iGo Outland Sawback RS Review, 2024

A hardtail eMTB with great range and exhilarating power for work AND play

E-Bike News; Boost for Brompton Kit, Serial 1 Sold and Lots More!

E-Bike Holiday Gift Guide: What to get for the e-biker in your life

Bakcou Mule E-Bike Review: Ultra Power, Ultra Utility

Himiway Cobra Pro Review

This pedal-friendly, all-terrain powerhouse ssssssseriously pushes the limits of offroad e-bike possibilities.

Trek FX+ 2 Electric Bike Review

A lightweight city bike for easy carrying, commuting, and cutting across town.

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A colorful, comfortable, contemporary commuter with the soul of a beach cruiser.

Folding Frame, Low Cost Fat Tire Bike That’s Easy & Fun to Ride

A hardtail eMTB with great range and exhilarating power for work AND play

This pedal-friendly, all-terrain powerhouse ssssssseriously pushes the limits of offroad e-bike possibilities.

A lightweight city bike for easy carrying, commuting, and cutting across town.

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