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E-Bike News: New E-cargo Models from Xtracycle and Velotric and Lots More!

Van Moof’s financial woes appear to have come to a head this week as time seems to be running out for the groundbreaking Dutch brand to continue as a going concern. One question on people’s minds will be if there are other e-bike brand bankruptcies in the pipeline. Whilst we also report on the UK arm of Mate going bust it should be noted this is a very different and much smaller setup. The e-bike industry has successfully ridden out many difficult economic times in the past and new launches from Xtracycle and Velotric show there is plenty of confidence around and that the firms suffering real difficulties at present constitute a blip rather than a trend. After all, e-bikes are one of the most convenient and sustainable ways to get around and that fact won’t change.

In this week’s e-bike news:

Xtracycle Stoker – an off-road load hauler with Shimano mid-drive power
Velotric offers great value with its two new utility models
UK’s Claud Butler launches two new e-mtbs
Van Moof declared bankrupt as creditor protection withdrawn
Mate UK go into administration

What Are IP Ratings and Why Do They Matter for E-Bikes

There are few things where water and dirt make things better. Mud pies, yes. Mountain bike trails, yes. Coffee makers? Not so much. It’s the same for e-bikes; dust and water are bad news for the electrical components of an electric bike.

It used to be that when it came to protection from moisture, like with a wristwatch, we had two rather loose ratings: water-resistant and waterproof. These days those terms have been replaced by a two number system referred to as Ingress Protection (or IP) rating.

What the IP rating system offers e-bike riders is a better understanding of the level of protection we can count on when riding in circumstances that aren’t sunny and dry. It’s a relatively easy system to understand, as you’ll see.

What The IP Number System Means

The IP rating system uses two numbers to rate the protection level a product has been tested to. The first number indicates the product’s ability to safeguard against ingress from dust and dirt. The second number indicates the degree of defense the product enjoys against moisture.

Vvolt Alpha E-Bike Review, 2024

An affordable, entry-level city e-bike with an easy-to-use approach.

Having previously reviewed the now-discontinued Proxima, which held a solid tenure on our list of the top city e-bikes, we had extremely high expectations for Vvolt’s most economically-priced model, the Alpha. In this Vvolt Alpha review, we examine the bike’s specs, ride feel, and performance, so read on for more!

As a Class 1 e-bike, the Alpha offers pedal assistance up to 20 mph. It uses a highly responsive cadence sensor to activate its 350W rear-hub motor. We enjoyed how quickly this was able to provide power, allowing us to get up to speed swiftly and easily.

We also appreciated such responsiveness in combination with the single-speed drivetrain. The Alpha’s Gates Carbon belt drive has some limitations, but is also a simple and long-lasting system that requires little-to-no maintenance. Gates advertises that their belts last more than twice as long as a traditional chain, and they’re clean and quiet to boot.

Bikepackers rejoice! The Alpha is intended primarily for urban environments, though it offers flexibility with knobby hybrid tires. These performed well in our testing on dirt and pavement alike – something that’s even better when considering extras like the three-pack mounts on the Alpha’s forks.

The Alpha isn’t perfect, but it IS a decent entry-level e-bike for those looking to save on cost while getting a functional machine. It’ll get you to work and back, but it can also give you some freedom and flexibility to adventure and explore!

*Vvolt has since updated the Alpha. Check out our Vvolt Alpha II review here.

E-Bike News: Borealis Goes E-fat, Rad Power Out of Europe, Van Moof Woes and Lots More!

This week’s news has the usual rash of new e-bike announcements, but more unusual is the news of financial difficulties in an area that’s usually dominated by good news stories. In the intensely competitive European market high-tech leaders Van Moof have rapidly come unstuck as an going high rate of warranty claims appear to have caught up with them whilst Rad Power are retreating from this particular area of the globe altogether finding it a rougher ride than their home territory in North America where they undoubtedly have a higher profile. It all underlines the difficult economic climate in many parts of the world underscored by the fact that Covid-induced over production has lead to a glut of e-bikes in stock. You only need take a look at many e-bikes are being discounted to see the effect a complex mix factors has resulted in.

In this week’s e-bike news:

Borealis Keystone – a premium quality mid-drive e-fat bike
Bergamont extends use of lightweight TQ HPR 50 mid drive in its new range
UK’s Surge debuts it’s great value e-folder with premium components
Is this the end for Van Moof?
Rad Power retreats from Europe
Garmin promotes e-bike compatibility

E-Bike News: New Models from Cowboy, Tenways and Peugeot and Lots More!

The contradictory themes of simplicity and complexity run through this week’s news. Cowboy, who have just announced their new Cruiser model, are proponents of the simplest looking, simplest to operate e-bike, albeit one with some fairly advanced tech in the form of wireless tech and inductive wireless phone charging. Similarly Tenways have gone for the low maintenance simplicity of ‘stepless’ hub gearing and a belt drive with their brand new powerful mid-drive city e-bike.

The future seems far more complex in design terms – at least if you think Canyon will follow through on their declared intention of introducing the futuristic sounding ‘V2X’ (vehicle to everything) wireless technology that will let all vehicles on the road electronically ‘talk’ to each other (along with suitably equipped stationary objects). Is this the point at which the increasing cost and complexity of technology get halted by the demands of reality or will it prove to be a landmark safety development?

In this week’s e-bike news:

Cowboy’s comfiest e-bike yet – the Cruiser
Tenways AGO T – a city e-bike with powerful drive and stepless gears
Peugeot’s new Digital range of connected e-bikes
Canyon look to ‘vehicle to everything’ communication as the future
Chinese carmaker NIO to roll out semi-solid state batteries

Engwe M20 E-Bike Review 2024

Full Suspension Cafe Racer For Throttle Fun Without The Pedaling

Our review of the Engwe M20 electric bike covers all the details on this sporty BMX-looking e-bike. With its full suspension and all-terrain knobby tires, the M20 handles bumps, moguls, and drop offs better than most 20-inch wheel e-bikes you’ll find. Riders seeking more power to explore urban and outback areas will like the 750-watt rear hub motor.

The M20 is a Class 3 e-bike, with motor power from the throttle up to 20 mph, and motor power through the pedal assist up to 25 mph. This e-bike’s low-sitting, sporty design makes a great handling bike for riders of all levels. When you first hop on this bike and grab the handlebar, you’ll likely yearn for adventure. This bike’s design and feel will invite you to go where you haven’t gone before.

Until recently, full suspension e-bikes resided in the $3000-plus range, leaving many new riders to opt for hardtail e-bikes instead. But Engwe came up with the right recipe for suspension and performance, and offered this bike for a price that’s considerably lower than most of its competitors. So, if you’re interested in this kind of sporty BMX-style e-bike, then you’ll want to keep reading about our review and performance tests on this bike.

Pedal Core Electric Bike Review, 2024

Full Suspension, Speedy Motor, and Seating for a Friend Enables This Bike to Offer More Fun Per Mile

Amidst the surge of new e-bikes hitting the scene, one could argue (and complain) that a lot of these new e-bikes look and ride similarly. But breaking the mold on this the new Pedal Core, a fat tire, moped-style e-bike hosting some unique features that really make this bike standout. Tailored to whet the appetite of adventurers and off-roaders, the Core hosts a unique suspension design that is inspired by the motorcycle world.

Riding on inverted, “upside down,” forks and dual coil shocks, the Core handles bumps, ditches, rocky and sandy trails better than many of the so-called “all-terrain” e-bike out there. Not only does this bike give you a smoother ride in the dirt but the suspension also handles carrying a passenger on its long seat, and cargo, on the optional rack that’s available.

Helping the Core break free from its seemingly indistinguishable brethren in the e-bike community, this bike’s suspension dominates the terrain with its powerful Bafang 750-watt motor, helping reaching speeds up to 32 mph, when set in Sport Mode. Providing the much-needed energy to go further, its 15 amp-hour (672 watt hour) battery can take you upwards of 50 miles on a single charge.

Whether you’re a new or experienced rider, if you’re looking for a way to break the mold of monotony of moped-style adventure e-bikes, then the Pedal Core is a bike you should take a longer look at. We’ll go over all the pertinent details here, including the results from the gauntlet that is Electric Bike Report’s testing regimen . After finishing reading this Pedal Core review, your mind should be pretty set on whether or not the it is a bike you’d want. So please read on.

E-Bike News: $25 Million for NYC Charging Stations, Fuell’s Ultra-long Range E-bike and Much More!

It’s not often that e-bikes can attract $25 million dollars of federal funding but that’s the amount heading to New York City for new – and hopefully much safer – charging infrastructure designed to stop people charging e-mobility devices (including e-bikes) in housing and businesses and causing a fire risk. If it works and prevents lithium battery fires (some of which have been fatal) then it will all have been worth it.
Elsewhere in this week’s news we have a strong technological innovation theme, with reports about Fuell’s new e-bikes that utilise a mid-drive and gearbox in one style system from Valeo, whilst there’s a nice feature from Bike Europe on Specialized’s history of e-bike innovation in Switzerland.

In this week’s e-bike news:

New York City gets $25 million for safer charging and storage infrastructure
Fuell and Valeo team up for long range e-bikes on Indiegogo
What has Specialized been up to in Switzerland?
E-bike Vision offers third party, safety-accredited batteries
Euro/UK e-bikes sales top 5 million in 2022

Tenways CGO600 Pro E-Bike Review

A refined yet simplified city e-bike for riders who prioritize practicality and style.

The Dutch company Tenways has made waves in Europe following a successful crowdfunding campaign in 2021. Having established itself through a line of well-designed urban e-bikes, the brand has since extended its reach into the US. We take a look at one of the company’s latest models – the upgraded version of their original CGO600 city e-bike – in this Tenways CGO600 Pro review!

This bike impressed us initially with its clean styling and unique “Avocado Green” paint job, but it’s what’s under the hood that really makes a difference:

The US version of the CGO600 Pro uses a 350W rear hub motor with a torque sensor that delivers a smooth, natural-feeling ride experience with plenty of pep for a bike of this style and size. This, combined with its single-speed drivetrain and pared-down 3-stage pedal-assist system (PAS). makes the bike easy to operate and fun to ride!

We noticed a full complement of high-quality components on the bike, with its single-speed Gates Carbon belt drive at the forefront. This system isn’t just easy to use; it’s super-clean and virtually maintenance-free!

City-dwellers, urban commuters, and fans of fixed-gear (or “fixie”-style) bikes will dig this bike’s approach! Read on to learn more about it in our full Tenways CGO600 Pro review below!

Magnum Metro 750 Review – 2024

The Adventure Bike for Urban Commutes and a Little Outback Exploration

The following review on the Magnum Metro 750 details how this adventure bike will likely attract riders who are city commuters and would like some capabilities for light, outback exploration. Built for commuting, touring and rougher roads beyond, it’s a mid-step frame for easy on-and-off sitting, for long rides and short ones. The upright design and lightweight feel makes it easy to adapt to and ride longer than expected.

The Bafang 750-watt motor gives ample loads of acceleration when you need it, and powering the motor is a large battery that gives longer range than many of the existing e-bikes out there. The medium/large size frame has an ergonomic relationship with the handlebar, steering head and saddle, making this an ideal size bike for riders who are 5’0” to 6’5”.

This bike comes with a host of good components to enable you to get many miles of enjoyment from this bike. They include suspension on the fork set, which allows you to adjust the compression and damping, the suspension seatpost.

The Metro 750 does a little of everything well, with a few areas of true highlight. See the full Magnum Metro 750 review below for more details.

E-Bike News: New E-cargo Models from Xtracycle and Velotric and Lots More!

What Are IP Ratings and Why Do They Matter for E-Bikes

What The IP Number System Means

Vvolt Alpha E-Bike Review, 2024

An affordable, entry-level city e-bike with an easy-to-use approach.

E-Bike News: Borealis Goes E-fat, Rad Power Out of Europe, Van Moof Woes and Lots More!

E-Bike News: New Models from Cowboy, Tenways and Peugeot and Lots More!

Engwe M20 E-Bike Review 2024

Full Suspension Cafe Racer For Throttle Fun Without The Pedaling

Pedal Core Electric Bike Review, 2024

Full Suspension, Speedy Motor, and Seating for a Friend Enables This Bike to Offer More Fun Per Mile

E-Bike News: $25 Million for NYC Charging Stations, Fuell’s Ultra-long Range E-bike and Much More!

Tenways CGO600 Pro E-Bike Review

A refined yet simplified city e-bike for riders who prioritize practicality and style.

Magnum Metro 750 Review – 2024

The Adventure Bike for Urban Commutes and a Little Outback Exploration

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What The IP Number System Means

An affordable, entry-level city e-bike with an easy-to-use approach.

Full Suspension Cafe Racer For Throttle Fun Without The Pedaling

Full Suspension, Speedy Motor, and Seating for a Friend Enables This Bike to Offer More Fun Per Mile

A refined yet simplified city e-bike for riders who prioritize practicality and style.

The Adventure Bike for Urban Commutes and a Little Outback Exploration

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