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.

E-Bike News: Bosch, Yamaha, Brose and Pinion all Release New Mid-drives and Lots More!

Electric bike news 16th June

The high quality mid-drive market has been dominated by powerful and relatively heavy mid-drives from the big four of Bosch, Brose, Shimano and Yamaha for the last decade or so. But this year’s Eurobike suggests there are some fundamental changes afoot in the world of mid-drive technology. Both Bosch and Yamaha announced their lightest mid-drives yet, whilst Brose announced a new super powerful 48 volt mid-drive system and Pinion moved from bottom bracket enclosed gearing systems into the complex and challenging world of combining bike gears and a mid-drive motor in one unit. Exciting times certainly lie ahead in the world of e-bikes and light electric vehicles.

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • Mid-drive mega-launch at Eurobike as Bosch, Yamaha, Brose and Pinion stake their claims in the future world of mid-drive technology
  • France’s Kilow combine innovation and style with their new e-bikes
  • Wings – the tandem microcar from India

[Read more…] about E-Bike News: Bosch, Yamaha, Brose and Pinion all Release New Mid-drives and Lots More!

Bosch Performance Line SX Motor

Bosch Performance SX Motor

German e-bike system manufacturer Bosch has unveiled a new addition to its Performance Line of motor and battery systems, just in time for the Eurobike trade show. The Performance Line SX now ranks as Bosch’s lightest drive system.

The Performance Line SX is aimed at higher-performance e-bikes, particularly eMTBs, road e-bikes and gravel e-bikes. The entire system, including controller weighs just a bit more than 4kg total. We will dig more into the weight in a bit, but because so many lightweight systems give up performance to save weight, we will first look at the impressive output of this system.

Surprising power

The Performance Line SX motor produces up to 600W. That’s the number they lead with because it’s the number that most impresses on paper, but it doesn’t really sell this motor the way it deserves. It also produces 55Nm of torque. What they don’t say up front is that like other Bosch mid-drive motors, the Performance Line SX runs at 250W nominally, which is the same as other Bosch mid-drive motors.

A 250W mid-drive motor that produces 55Nm of torque and maxes out power at 600W would be a snooze-a-rama if this were a hub-drive motor, but for a mid-drive motor, these are very solid stats. Mid-drive motors are able to multiply their output with the aid of the e-bike’s drivetrain. Just as gears help a rider get up a hill and back down, those same gears can help a mid-drive motor’s output translate into what is effectively more than 1500W thanks to the 600W max output of the Performance Line SX motor.

People often wonder why Bosch’s motors are limited to a nominal rating of just 250W. There are two answers to this question. The first is simple: EU regulations don’t permit them to make a mid-drive motor that produces 750W and 100Nm of torque. The second answer is more existential: Once someone has had a chance to ride an e-bike with a Bosch motor, they are unlikely to declare it underpowered.

[Read more…] about Bosch Performance Line SX Motor

Specialized Levo SL Kids Review: First Look at a Kids EMTB

Specialized Levo SL Kids

It’s a problem as old as kids’s bikes: How can a child hope to keep up with mom or dad on a bike ride? The deck, as we say, is stacked against even the most athletic aspiring ripper: Kids aren’t as strong as adults. Their lungs are smaller. Their bikes are heavier in proportion to their bodies. The wheels are smaller, which makes them slower. And that’s really just grazing the surface.

Specialized has introduced their solution: The Levo SL Kids. This eMTB is what happens when you turn a ray gun set to “shrink” on the Turbo Levo SL, Specialized’s lightweight eMTB which features their SL 1.2 motor, which produces 250W (nominal) and 45Nm of torque. It’s powered by a 320Wh battery, and features high-end componentry, including an 11-speed drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes, air-spring shock and dropper post.

All this is assembled around an aluminum, hard-tail frame that comes in one size and a couple of colors.

Specialized has a long history of hiring some of the best writers in cycling and in recent years their copy has sometimes favored poetry over reality. However, in their press kit announcing the Levo SL Kids they nail the challenge of introducing kids to mountain biking. They write: “Discovering the true benefits of mountain biking has a physical barrier of entry, no question. As adults, we understand the grit it takes to appreciate a deep section of trail that took some serious effort to get to. Our kids haven’t seen the views we have, had the experiences (yet), and built the inner motivation to push through for that satisfying mountain overlook. But that’s changing. What kids lack in pedal power they make up with endless wonder and the desire to explore. Levo SL Kids levels the playing field so their imagination to experience the outdoors won’t be limited by their pedal abilities.”

Amen, brother.

In our Specialized Turbo Levo SL Kids review, we break down our first impressions, thoughts on the spec, and what this can mean for moms and dads looking to hit the trails with the kids.


[Read more…] about Specialized Levo SL Kids Review: First Look at a Kids EMTB

E-Bike News: Specialized’s Premium Kids’ E-MTB, High Quality E-scooters in the Bay Area and Lots More!

Electric bike news 16th June

The importance of education comes up in two very different ways this week. Firstly Specialized’s new, high quality kid’s e-mtb show that they, for one, rate the importance of getting kids into e-bikes early and on reliable and impressively performing e-bikes. Less positively news from the US and the UK shows how the label of ‘e-bike’ is still being misinterpreted – either wilfully or innocently – even though the legal definitions of e-bikes on both sides of the Atlantic have been well publicised for many years now. Clearly it’s an ongoing challenge for all in the e-bike industry.

In this week’s e-bike news:

  • Specialized’s Turbo Levo SL Kids is just for kids
  • Äike and Tempo bring high quality, durable e-scooters to the Bay Area
  • Pendix look to challenge Bosch, Shimano et al with new mid-drive
  • E-bike terminology still causing confusion
  • Stromer and Alinghi Red Bull adopt Pinion’s latest Smart.Shift transmission technology

[Read more…] about E-Bike News: Specialized’s Premium Kids’ E-MTB, High Quality E-scooters in the Bay Area and Lots More!

Magnum Premium 3 Low-Step Review, 2024

A fun, fast, and functional folding e-bike for road trips, camping adventures, or daily rides!

Magnum Premium 3 Review 2024
Folding e-bikes like the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step offer flexibility to riders who might lack plentiful storage space or a large vehicle with a bike rack. In this case, a centrally-hinged frame and collapsible stem allow the bike to become compact enough to fit in smaller areas with limited space. Does a smaller bike mean that you’re getting less? The reviewers at Electric Bike Report answer this question – and more – in our Magnum Premium 3 Low Step review!

This e-bike ships as a Class 2 and 3 that allows you to travel up to 25 miles per hour when pedaling (and a throttle to bring you to 20 mph). Not all of the other folding e-bikes we have tested are capable of speeds above 20, but in our experience, the Premium 3 Low Step handled it confidently.

Magnum’s advertisements state that the Premium 3 Low Step has a range of 30-50 miles, thanks to its 720-watt-hour (Wh) battery. This is one of many things we tested on the bike, but you’ll have to read on to our Range Test section to see how the bike performed for us.

The Premium 3 Low Step provides its riders with a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to its front suspension fork, saddle, and fat-ish tires. In our testing, these absorbed some serious bumps that would have been painful on some other folding e-bikes!

This is just scratching the surface, though; continue reading for a much deeper dive into the Magnum Premium 3 Low Step in our review!

[Read more…] about Magnum Premium 3 Low-Step Review, 2024

EUYbike S4 Review | Moto Looks; Moto Power

A seriously speedy and stylish e-moped that can be bought at a steal!

EUYbike S4 Review
Listen up, adrenaline junkies! The EUYbike S4 just rolled up. This super-fast and fierce-looking e-moped brings the heat when it comes to balancing price and performance. We take a look at it specs, features, real-world performance as measured in our standardized tests, and more in this EUYbike S4 review!

First things first, the S4 puts the moped in “moped-style e-bike.” With an insane 1000W rear-hub motor, it doesn’t just blur the lines between the two types of vehicles – it runs right over them. On the plus side, it also puts the demon in “speed demon.” This bike can move!

Thanks to its full suspension and thick, padded seat, the S4’s ride is casual, comfortable, and smooth. We covered well over 100 miles across several days in our testing, and it checked all the boxes for a fun, comfy ride.

We at Electric Bike Report expected this bike to be priced much higher than its current cost of around $1500. With moped-style e-bikes being all the rage these days, friendly competition in the industry has done its job. The S4 is awesome value for its price tag!

Keep reading as we dive deep in this EUYbike S4 review!

[Read more…] about EUYbike S4 Review | Moto Looks; Moto Power

(e)revolution E-Bike Show

(e)revolution Show 2023 Day 1

The (e)revolution Show is a new e-bike show at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. It is being presented alongside The Big Gear Show, which is an outdoor gear/clothing/nutrition show. There’s also an e-bike test track and the e-bike brands in attendance have most of their models available for test rides.

Opening day of the show was attended largely by retailers, suppliers and journalists. We at Electric Bike Report were stoked to get an early glimpse of the new offerings!

Special Edition Yamaha YDX Moro 07

Special Edition Yamaha YDX Moro 07

The first e-bike we saw upon walking in the hall was a brilliant silver Yamaha YDX Moro 07, the flagship of their eMTB line. The special edition of 300 eMTBs feature a polished aluminum finish to celebrate the brand’s 30th anniversary making e-bikes. Yes, 30 years! While the standard YDX Moro 07 goes for $6399, the commemorative edition only goes for $100 more—$6499.
[Read more…] about (e)revolution E-Bike Show

Zen Samurai E-Bike Review, 2024

Top of the Line Technology and Energy Efficiency with this Awesome Bosch-Powered Adventure e-Bike

Zen Samurai Review 2024
With summertime’s arrival, many of us are thinking about our upcoming adventures. Whether they be short or long, in the city or out in the boonies, the Zen Samurai adventure/touring e-bike can give you a thrilling time. Designed by Guinness World Record holder Ravi Kempaiah, who holds the title for the longest 5000+ mile e-bike journey, the Zen Samurai evolved from Kempaiah’s world record-breaking experience by featuring the technology and components that will have you thinking about adventures.

The core of this bike is its Bosch 350-watt mid-drive motor, Gates Carbon Belt drive, internal gear hub, and Bosch 13.4 amp-hour battery which combine to give an awesomely advanced ride that will make you want to keep riding (I wanted to keep riding, and find some record to break, before finally dismounting from this bike!)

In our following review of the Zen Samurai electric bike we cover all the details of what makes this adventure/touring bike a great option as a precision-built e-bike that’s easy to ride and can take you many, many miles.

Whether you’re a distance rider or not, the Zen Samurai feels like a top quality e-bike, designed by high performance professionals, and giving this e-bike a ton of value for what you pay for. The Electric Bike Report team had some memorable experiences test riding this e-bike, giving us lots to report to you in the upcoming sections. So, if you’re as intrigued as I was, then you’ll want to keep reading this Zen Samurai e-bike review.

[Read more…] about Zen Samurai E-Bike Review, 2024

Xprit Shuttle Electric Bike Review, 2024

Xprit Shuttle Review 2024
Searching for e-bikes, eventually you will find one that reminds you of a gas-powered moped or trail bike: enter the Xprit Shuttle, an e-bike that does more for less. The following Xprit Shuttle Review will show how this Class 3 utility e-bike can satisfy riders’ needs and conciliate cost-conscious concerns, with its competitive price and the freedom it delivers enabling you to roam city streets and country roads.

Adorning its modern styling with a splash, this e-bike has a nostalgic look of the past, with its dual shocks and moped design; but its technology is definitely in the present. Complementing the Shuttle’s looks are its performance: with its great starting power – thanks to its 750-watt motor – it offers other important amenities, such as the 19-amp hour battery, 20” x 4” all-terrain knobby tires, and Logan hydraulic brakes. This e-bike invites you to climb aboard and take it for a ride anywhere across the land.

Notable features on the Shuttle include: long seat for carrying a passenger (up to 264 lbs total, rider and passenger); bright LED headlight and taillight, turn signals and an electric horn to help to warn other drivers you’re coming through. Riding it around town, the Shuttle was easy to handle and wiggle around trail impediments. Whether it was darting around bike path pedestrians or passing slower bikes, this was one mobile little monster.

Unlike its dirty smog hog moped and trail bike counterparts, this clean running e-bike has the features to make it the new moped for the 21st century. When you buy the Xprit Shuttle you get a stylish set of wheels that safely scoots you through the city, as well as taking you on treks to the beach and outskirts beyond, and even a romp in the woods.

The EBR Team recently spent significant time on the Xprit Shuttle, testing its performance, handling, safety, reliability and functionality. This e-bike offers great features to anyone looking for a cargo/utility e-bike that they can cruise around town, carry groceries and light cargo, take camping, ride to beach bonfires, or just ride with friends and family. Continue reading to find out how this could be the e-bike for you.

[Read more…] about Xprit Shuttle Electric Bike Review, 2024

Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station Review – 2024

A Versatile Charging Companion for Keeping Your E-Bikes and More on Full Batteries.

Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station Review

More and more it seems that modern life requires a source of electricity. From e-bikes to toothbrushes, we’ve electrified seemingly everything but coffee tables (someone probably has).

However, the electrical grid is not always readily at hand, and sometimes it goes out. The Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station is a power inverter that can handle all the duties of a generator without the noise, fumes or emissions.

In our e-bike-first lens though, we were highly interested in the potential such a device could have to be an excellent companion for weekend-long bike trips in rural country where power outlets are in short supply. Could this be your new best friend on camping trips with plans of riding your e-bike a lot? See the full Electric Bike Report Bluettic AC200P review to find out.

[Read more…] about Bluetti AC200P Portable Power Station Review – 2024

Sponsor