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Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Step-Through Review

RadRover 6 Plus Step-Through E-Bike Review

The RadRover model from Rad Power Bikes has long been the benchmark with which all other affordable electric fat bikes are compared. It’s a high bar to clear for other brands, with the RadRover 6 Plus boasting quality, performance and an economical price point that is difficult to compete with — to put it short, it’s a lot of e-bike for the money.

It seems only fitting that one of the only companies that can best Rad is Rad itself. They seemingly have done this with their newest version of the RadRover, the RadRover 6 Plus.

In this Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Step-Through review, we take a close look at the more accessible frame option of the new RadRover. Unlike its high-step sibling this bike is missing the top tube, making it easier for riders to get on and off of.

As the name suggests, this is the sixth iteration of the RadRover and this one seems to boast the biggest jump in refinement. Rad gave the bike a total facelift, making the frame far more angular and aggressive looking. They also redesigned the motor and battery to be more torquey and energy efficient. And finally they gave the bike a set of hydraulic disc brakes, greatly improving the braking performance. It may just be the newest version of an e-bike that’s been around for a while, but in many ways the RadRover 6 Plus Step-Through feels like an entirely new e-bike.

We put this bike through a gauntlet of tests to get a better picture of how it performs in the real world. From braking performance to hill climbing capability, our testing should help you understand if the RadRover 6 Plus is the right fit for you.

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Bakcou Storm Review

An e-bike designed to go where few others can, the Bakcou Storm is a full-suspension electric fat bike with the soul of a 4×4 and the guts of an ultra-powerful eMTB.

Founded by hunters and outdoorsmen who needed a quiet but capable mode of transportation in the backcountry that wouldn’t disturb wildlife, Utah-based Bakcou specializes in all-terrain electric fat bikes that’ll do just about anything you ask. The full-suspension storm is their flagship model.

Bakcou loaned Electric Bike Report a Storm during the Big Gear Show in Park City, Utah so we could put it through its paces for a morning. To put it short, this isn’t your average electric fat bike. We typically are quick to voice a disclaimer when we review fat e-bikes that not all of them are built with heavy off-road use in mind; most are best used on bike paths and light gravel roads. Bakcou builds e-bikes that are the exception to this rule.

Backou Storm Electric Bike Review front angle

The Bakcou Storm is a burly full suspension electric fat bike with a mid-drive motor.

Bakcou is a member of a growing cohort of e-bike companies that cater to the hunting and outdoors crowd, a quick growing niche in the e-bike world. And while they may look like a more capable electric fat bike or a burly eMTB, they really are pioneering a new category of e-bike. I think of it as the 4×4 category, but I’m not sure if that accurately captures it. Whatever we decide to call it, the Storm is an ultra-powerful and ultra-capable full suspension fat bike that’ll get you into the sticks and back without batting an eye.

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DYU D3F Review, 2024

DYU D3F E-Bike Review

Electric bikes are getting cheaper and cheaper, but fewer are cheaper than the electric minibikes made by DYU.

In this DYU D3F review, we dive into the specs and real-world performance of one of the most inexpensive e-bikes money can buy. Powered by a 240W rear hub motor and a surprisingly large 360Wh battery, the D3F has fast become a popular option for those on a budget or who just dig the bike’s quirky looks.

Though this e-bike has a weight capacity that can accommodate a full-grown adult, the tiny frame and 14-inch wheels have made it an easy choice for kids. We test this, too, by breaking our normal review mold and incorporating the feedback of a 10-year-old junior test rider.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap ride, a ride for your kid or you just really appreciate this bike’s quirky looks, the DYU D3F is a solid choice for few dollars. Our impression is that it’s mostly a toy — best used for having fun over function — but it may also be a good option for those looking for affordable transportation.

[Read more…] about DYU D3F Review, 2024

Tern HSD S11 Review 2024

Tern HSD S11 Electric Bike Review

The bicycle version of a mid-size SUV, the Tern HSD S11 is a cross between a small(ish) cargo bike and a high-speed commuter.

The HSD has the stature of a larger folding bike but doesn’t fold (though Tern has devised a creative way to store the bike in a compact space), a rear rack that can carry up to 132 lbs and, most importantly, extremely well balanced handling that makes this compact bike handle like a much larger machine. Tern built the bike around the Bosch Performance Sport motor that throws down 65Nm of torque and has a maximum pedal-assisted speed of 28 mph, placing it in the Class 3 super commuter category.

Electric Bike Report got to spend some time with the Tern HSD S11 during the Big Gear Show in Park City, Utah. We didn’t have the time to put the bike through our typical in-depth review process, but we were impressed with the HSD’s incredibly stable handling and the performance of the Bosch motor. The S11 is one model below the highest-end version of the HSD and retails for just shy of $5,000.

Tern HSD S11 Electric Bike Review frame

The HSD’s looks take a little getting used to. Tern is a company that prioritizes function over form (though the quirky style has quickly grown on us).

The HSD has one foot in the commuting category and the other in the cargo category. It’s the mid-size SUV of e-bikes; sporty enough to race traffic during the morning commute and roomy enough to take you kid to soccer practice in the evening. But, like all of Tern’s e-bikes, the HSD is so much more than just a simple commuter/cargo crossover — it’s built to meet the daily challenges of carless commuting.

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Dirwin Seeker Review 2024

Dirwin Seeker Electric Fat Tire Bike Review

Dirwin Seeker Review: Overview

The Dirwin Seeker is a Class 3 electric fat bike that combines a powerful motor with a long battery life, intuitive display and comfortable ride geometry. When we reviewed the Dirwin Seeker we quickly learned how well rounded it is compared to some other e-bikes we’ve reviewed. From hill climbs, to off-road to general handling the Seeker impressed us with its wide array of strong suits.

The Seeker’s 750W motor produces up to 80Nm of torque. This makes for a very capable all-terrain bike that doesn’t have any issue plowing through sandy pits or up gravel roads. While plenty of fat tire e-bikes claim to have all terrain capability, very few prove it like the Seeker.

If you’re looking for a fairly priced Class 3 e-bike that won’t be confined to one terrain or style of riding, the Seeker may be the bike for you. With 4-inch wide tires, front suspension and plenty of power it’s ready for any adventure any time.


***The Dirwin’s throttle and pedal assistance max speed are tied and must be adjusted together, so unless you disconnect the throttle it can only legally be a Class 2 e-bike. Keep your area’s e-bike laws and regulations in mind.***

[Read more…] about Dirwin Seeker Review 2024

Gazelle Medeo T9 City Review 2024

Monterey, CALIF. (Sea Otter Classic) — Who said mid-drive electric bikes had to be expensive?

At this year’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California — the first edition of the event after a year-long COVID-19 hiatus — Dutch e-bike maker Gazelle quietly touted their all-new Medeo T9 City, the cheapest e-bike they’ve ever built.

This new member of the Medeo lineup isn’t yet available for purchase — part of the reason its presence at Sea Otter was slightly less advertised than some of the other new bikes shown off at the event — but at just $2,299, it’s priced to compete with some of the most affordable Bosch powered mid-drive e-bikes on the market. That’s a lot of motor for not a lot of bucks. Electric Bike Report got a chance to take the new T9 City out for a quick test ride during the show.

Gazelle Medeo T9 City glamor shot

Mid-drive but cheaper — The new Gazelle Medeo T9 City is an affordable electric commuter with a Bosch drive system, quality components and good looks to boot.

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Nakto Folding OX Review 2024

Nakto Folding Ox Ebike Review

Every now and then an e-bike comes along that throws everything at you but the kitchen sink. This one may have included the sink too. Today we’ll take you through our review of the Nakto Folding OX – a bike that can correctly be called a cruiser, fat tire, step-thru and more.

Not only does it try to give you so much in terms of styling, but it’s also trying to maintain an entry-level price to entice the e-bike curious who might not be ready to make a substantial monetary investment into e-bikes. It makes this bike a curiosity of sorts – one that we were eager to test out as we’ve seen plenty around our corner of Southern Utah.

Besides the handling characteristics of this amalgamation of different bike styles, we also wanted to see how the Folding OX’s 500W motor, 480Wh battery, 160mm mechanical disc brakes, and more would hold up while out in real-world conditions.

Over the course of several days and many miles, we put the Nakto Folding OX through all of Electric Bike Report’s standard tests to see how it performed. To get a better glimpse into how this e-bike does, and if it’s the right one for you, dive into the full review down below.

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Vvolt Proxima Electric Bike Review 2023

Vvolt Proxima E-Bike Review 2023

Since most modern internet users have the attention span of a Petsmart goldfish, I’ll cut right to the chase with this Vvolt Proxima review: Buy this e-bike.

It’s fast, has a mid-drive, handles superbly and boasts a component package that’s not only functional and high-performing, but is nicer quality than almost any other e-bike I’ve ridden in the sub-$3,000 price bracket.

It’s also designed by people that get it: They get that good e-bikes — especially good commuter e-bikes are made in the small details — they get that mid-drive motors can and should be affordable, that durability matters and, perhaps most importantly, that you shouldn’t need to take out a second mortgage to get all of the above.

For those still with me (analytics data tells us the average Electric Bike Report reader does, in fact, have a much better attention span than the nine seconds we’d get with a goldfish), our real-world testing has shown that the Vvolt Proxima is a nicely rounded e-bike that’s billed as a versatile model, but will serve those looking for a light and fast commuter very well. We put it through a gauntlet of tests to help paint a picture of how this bike performs in the real world, the results of which are detailed in the sections below.

It’s not a perfect e-bike, as there are a few things (mainly the battery range) that left our review staff wanting a little more, but as a complete package, the Proxima has quickly become one of our favorites.

*Vvolt has discountinued the Proxima line, but make sure to check out the Alpha II.

[Read more…] about Vvolt Proxima Electric Bike Review 2023

Surface604 Shred Review – 2024

Surface604 Shred E-Bike Review
Electric mountain bikes are not known for being inexpensive, and there’s a lot of reason for this: Building an eMTB that isn’t just fun on trail, but is durable enough to withstand the repeated impact and rigor off-road riding entails is difficult. It requires lots of engineering and careful parts choices; which requires a lot of investment from the brand; which, in turn, means consumers should expect a larger price tag for a capable eMTB.

But as technology and eMTBs have aged and advanced, the price tag for quality appears to be slowly inching down. Brands have become more innovative and cost effective in how they design eMTBs, which is good for those of us who don’t want to shell out $4,000 or more just to get on a trail.

In this Surface604 Shred review, we take a deep dive into one such eMTB that’s pushing the envelope of low cost and off-road performance.

With a MSRP starting several hundred less than $3,000, the Shred is a (compared to mainstream eMTBs) very affordable option that takes the frugal rider’s approach to a trail-capable eMTB. In this review, we dive into the bike’s spec sheet and parse out how Surface604 made some careful component selections and utilized a torque-activated hub motor to keep costs down while still keeping an eye on performance.

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MOD Black Electric Bike Review 2024

MOD Black Review 2024

E-bikes by their very nature are versatile products. The addition of a motor to a bike allows you to go further and ride more diverse areas regardless of what style of bike you have. But while you can commute on a mountain bike, or have a beach cruiser be your cargo hauler, there is no better solution to true versatility than purpose-building a bike for it. Making a bike that effortlessly achieves multiple ride styles requires thoughtfully assembling a parts that lets you ride in two worlds. And that is exactly what the MOD Black bike we’re reviewing here sets out to do: be as capable a commuter as it is a trail bike.

That’s a pretty ambitious task for any bike maker to undertake – heck, it’s hard enough to really nail one style of e-bike let alone two. But MOD seems to have done their homework on pulling in the best elements of both styles while giving the bike a signature look that doesn’t feel haphazardly slapped together. Instead, you get a unique bike that fits nicely in a spot all its own amongst some of the other MOD e-bikes we’ve reviewed, and it gives consumers a chance to purchase one bike that can satisfy different wants and needs.

In our MOD Black review, we will take a look at how this bike does at being both a commuter and off-roader. We’ll be evaluating their choice to spec a 350W mid-drive Shengyi that produces 90Nm of torque as well as our battery of performance tests. The Samsung battery offers 557Wh of charge; we will see how its range stacks up. And of course we’ll weigh in on the suspension, tires, shifting, braking and more.

[Read more…] about MOD Black Electric Bike Review 2024

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