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.

Ebike News: Propella’s Mini, Juiced’s RipRacer and More!

Once upon a time any bike you would see with small wheels was more than likely going to be a child’s bike. The advent of e-bikes has, in recent years, changed all that. Rather than being seen as child’s toys, small wheeled bikes – and e-bikes in particular – are clearly hot sellers.

It’s not just fashion either as small wheels have clear advantages. The bikes are easier to store, the small wheels accelerate quickly and make the electric acceleration even more fun, not to mention the fact they make the bikes more maneuverable too. This week’s small-wheeled e-bike launches are from longstanding US e-bike concerns Propella and Juiced and the latter also see the small wheeled phenomenon as appealing to younger e-bike riders in particular – it’s often wrongly assumed e-bikes are only for middle-aged or older riders. Whatever the reasons for their current popularity, expect to see more small-wheeled e-bike launches in future.

In this week’s news::

  • Mini – the new pint-sized e-bike from Propella
  • Juiced RipRacer – big fun in a small package
  • Bafang’s new hub tech now available and mid-drive success
  • New Brooklyn Bridge cycle lane boosts cyclist numbers
  • Cannondale’s US and Euro expansion

[Read more…] about Ebike News: Propella’s Mini, Juiced’s RipRacer and More!

Evelo Launches new Omega Step-thru Electric Bike

Omega

Evelo Launches new Omega Step-thru Electric Bike

After five years of design and waiting, Evelo’s newest electric bike is finally rolling into the limelight.

Evelo announced its new Omega model on Monday, an all-new addition to their lineup that sports a retooled 750W mid-drive motor, the ultra-cool Enviolo AutomatIQ CVT drivetrain and a fully-integrated battery.

The Omega is Evelo’s new flagship e-bike that will eventually replace their ever-popular Aurora model. At first glance, the new Omega has a sleeker, more updated look over its predecessor thanks to the integrated battery (a first for Evelo) and fresh design, but we’ve been told the bike received much more than just a visual makeover. Under the hood, Evelo has retooled its 750W mid-drive motor to be higher performing and more powerful than the Aurora. It has an option for an add-on battery that would further increase the Omega’s range.

Omega side profile

The Evelo Omega, but a new angle.

While you can preorder the Omega now, Evelo says they don’t expect the bike to start hitting the U.S. until early 2022. Evelo has promised that Electric Bike Report will get one of the first Omegas to arrive in the country for a full review, so stay tuned for that. But until then, keep reading for a first-look at the new e-bike.

[Read more…] about Evelo Launches new Omega Step-thru Electric Bike

Ebike News: E-bike Tax Credits Back on Track, New Schwinn and Gazelle E-bikes and Much More!

We brought this up in last week’s news, but it bears repeating: the 30% tax credit is gaining momentum once again. EBR doesn’t really get political and certainly not partisan, but news that the proposed e-bike credits are back at the 30% rate and are in Joe Biden’s 1.75 trillion dollar Build Back Better budget has to be good news. Some have carped that the $1500 e-bike credits proposed looks mean compared to the potential maximum of $12,500 that could be offered in similar tax credits to buyers of an electric car (though to qualify for this maximum figure the current proposal is that the car has to be US-made and with union labor).

But it wasn’t that long ago that most legislators – indeed most Americans – had little if any idea what an electric bike was. That they are now included in this huge piece of legislation is a sign of just how far they have come in such a short space of time.

In this week’s news::

  • ICYMI: Biden’s latest budget plan offers tax credits for e-bikes
  • Schwinn’s three new e-bikes now on sale
  • Gazelle’s $2299 Bosch-powered e-bike announced
  • Moustache’s funky mini-e-cargo bike
  • 2022 e-bike holiday destinations revealed
  • Are Aventon planning a US manufacturing future?

[Read more…] about Ebike News: E-bike Tax Credits Back on Track, New Schwinn and Gazelle E-bikes and Much More!

Rubicon EP Corral: E-bike Ready Bike Rack First Look

Rubicon EP

Rubicon EP: E-bike Ready Bike Rack First Look

Need to carry a lot of e-bikes (more than two) on one rack? Rubicon EP has a bike rack that can carry up to five 60 lb e-bikes at one time — a load that very few (we actually can’t think of any) bike racks can handle.

The Rubicon EP Corral hanging-style bike rack is an all-aluminum, all-American made rack that boasts a whopping 300 lb total carrying capacity. In a competitive market where overbuilt bike racks are becoming the norm, the Corral is one of the burliest we’ve seen. But despite its capable looks and high weight rating, it clocks in at a relatively light 72 lbs in the five bike configuration, making it easy to handle.

As long as they are under 60 lbs, you can carry up to five e-bikes on the Rubicon EP Corral rack.

Electric Bike Report got the chance to take a first look at the Rubicon EP Corral bike rack at the Sea Otter Classic this past October and get a rundown on its features and the company that makes it.

[Read more…] about Rubicon EP Corral: E-bike Ready Bike Rack First Look

The Ride Radiant Carbon: First Impressions

TheRide Radiant Carbon review

Bicycle designer Tony Ellsworth made his name building some of the most recognizable mountain bikes of the 90’s and early 2000’s. But now, in the years since the 2014 sale of the bike brand that bears his last name, Ellsworth has been up to something new — he’s building electric bikes.

In this TheRide Radiant Carbon review, we take a look at the very unique first model released by Ellsworth’s latest project. Ellsworth and TheRide opted to release their most premium model first. It’s a full carbon and fully-integrated affair that blurs the line between cruiser comfort and every day functionality. It’s also going to be a very rare e-bike, with only 360 units of the Radiant Carbon ever being made.

The goal, according to Ellsworth, was to build a bike using materials and technology really found nowhere else. The Radiant Carbon boasts a Shimano STEPS 6100 drive system, a full-carbon frame and a very unique styling we’ve never really seen before. If you’re looking for something comfortable but with a performance bend and, above all else, premium — TheRide Radiant Carbon may be worth a look.

TheRide Radiant Carbon review - headtube

It’s full carbon, full-luxury and has a funky cool frame design to boot.

Electric Bike Report got a chance to catch up with Ellsworth and get some first impressions of the Radiant Carbon at the 2021 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. While this bike — priced at just under $5,300 MSRP — is the first released by TheRide, Ellsworth said more affordable models will come close on its heels.

“The goal is to keep that user experience top notch,” Ellsworth said.

While this is a first-look review of TheRide Radiant Carbon, we’re currently in the process of doing a long-term review of the bike, so stay tuned for more details.

[Read more…] about The Ride Radiant Carbon: First Impressions

eMTB racing at the Sea Otter Classic 2021

Sea Otter Classic eMTB Race

I raced an eMTB at Sea Otter. Here’s what it was like.

Racing bicycles is nothing new, but what about racing an electric bike? At this year’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, I got a chance to find out what e-bike racing is all about. Bosch loaned me a Cannondale Moterra powered by the Performance Line CX motor and I hit the track for the Sea Otter eMTB race.

I’ve ridden and raced quite a bit on my enduro bike and I’ve also had plenty of miles in the pain-cave on my XC bike. Both of these disciplines are ones that I’m very familiar with and feel comfortable doing, but I wasn’t sure what to expect racing an eMTB.

Sea Otter Classic eMTB Race

The 2021 Sea Otter Classic eMTB racecourse was built specifically to challenge modern e-bikes.

The race took place on an XC short-track style course that was about 3.5 miles long. The goal? Do as many laps as you can within an hour. I didn’t think much of the challenge, as I figured I’d be railing on maximum assistance simply holding on to the bike as it did its thing. I got the “hold on” part right, but it ended up being a challenge of harnessing the beast of a motor, and maintaining speed on steep, loose terrain.

The bike I used was a 2020 Cannondale Moterra powered by a 250W Bosch Performance Line CX mid-drive motor and PowerTube 625 battery pack. With 85 Nm of torque, there’s no forgetting the Moterra is an e-bike. It’s an enduro-oriented model that had the power and poise on nasty terrain to give me an edge on the steep, loose climbs that were a large part of the race course.

[Read more…] about eMTB racing at the Sea Otter Classic 2021

Ebike News: Rad Power gets (another) $150M in funding, the world’s smallest e-bike, new Trek eMTBs and more!

This week brings news that there may be hope for those who want an ultra-light, ultra-compact electric bike … as long as you’re willing to look a little ridiculous while riding it.

The 30% e-bike tax credit looks to be back on after another round through congress. We’ve also got some very new and very cool eMTBs from Trek, news that Rad Power Bikes may or may not have a Scrooge McDuck-style swimming pool of cash and a patent on a cardboard box that bike industry wonks are reading like a Ouija board

In this week’s news::

  • The (allegedly) world’s smallest rideable e-bike
  • The proposed e-bike federal tax credit is back to 30%
  • Trek releases new Rail eMTBs
  • With another $150 mil investment, Rad Power becomes “most funded electric bike company in the world”
  • Camelbak & Lifestraw team up for filtration bottles and packs
  • Trek files patent for apparent D2C bike box

[Read more…] about Ebike News: Rad Power gets (another) $150M in funding, the world’s smallest e-bike, new Trek eMTBs and more!

Hiplok D1000 Bike Lock Review

Hiplok D1000 review

Call this Hiplok D1000 bicycle lock review tempting providence, but this hunk of angle grinder-repelling, Ferosafe-reinforced metal is the closest to theft proof of any D-lock we’ve ever tested, researched or heard of.

If there’s anything bicycle commuting has taught us it’s that the above statement is probably bad karma, but we’ve got good reason to tempt the fates with this one. Why? Because Hiplok designed the D1000 specifically to ward off the bike thief’s weapon of choice: The high powered angle grinder.

Hiplok D1000 review - stamps

At first glance it looks like an average D-lock, but this one turns angle grinder blades to dust.

Angle grinders are the Achilles heel of traditional bike locks. Bike thieves use the high power tools to grind through the shackle of most traditional bike locks — or really any lock, for that matter — in just a few seconds. Hiplok’s answer to the angle grinder is a material called Ferosafe, a graphene reinforced ceramic composite that effectively disintegrates angle grinder cutting blades and carbide drill tips.

So naturally, when Hiplok sent us a media sample of the D1000 the Electric Bike Report’s first instinct was to do what any other reasonable person would: Let’s bust out the angle grinder and try to cut it.

[Read more…] about Hiplok D1000 Bike Lock Review

First Look: BULLS Iconic Line

Bulls Iconic TR 1 Full Suspension Commuter Electric Bike

BULLS Iconic line – electric city bikes

The BULLS electric city bike lineup next year will be a little simpler, be entirely powered by Bosch and (hopefully) will have a dash of color.

BULLS, a long time German manufacturer of electric bikes with a growing presence in the U.S., had much of their Iconic e-commuting lineup (alongside their Copperhead eMTBs) on show at this year’s Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California. Adam Anderson, BULLS’ North American marketing manager, walked Electric Bike Report through the Iconic e-bike family and what we can expect from the brand in the upcoming year.

Bulls Iconic eCity Bikes

The BULLS Iconic EVO 1 Speed, a Class 3 e-bike powered by the Bosch Performance Line Speed motor and a 625Wh integrated battery.

BULLS doesn’t do model years, so while these aren’t technically 2022 bikes, they’re what’s going to be on offer from the brand for the upcoming year. While some of the bikes are similar to BULLS’ existing electric city and commuter lineup, there are some changes coming down the pike. Namely, the entire city and commuting lineup is being paired down and brought into the Iconic family of e-bikes and all bikes will be powered by Bosch systems.

We’re also going to be seeing several BULLS e-bikes powered by the brand new Bosch Smart System, which includes the new 750Wh Bosch battery. There will also be a number of full suspension commuter and Class 3 options. In total, next year we’ll see four different styles of BULLS electric commuter and city bikes with a number of spec levels of each — making for lots of style, price and spec choices. We got to see a number of these in person at Sea Otter.

To the bikes:
[Read more…] about First Look: BULLS Iconic Line

BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave Review

Bulls Copperhead EVO HD Wave Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike

BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave Review: A step-thru eMTB

German e-bike manufacturer BULLS is one of the earliest adopters of electric bikes and, while their presence is still growing in the U.S., they’ve been a longtime innovator in the e-bike space.

Those innovations have gone further than integrating small motors and batteries into well made bicycles. At the 2021 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, BULLS had one of their more eye-catching (and to some, head-scratching) eMTBs on display — a step-thru hardtail eMTB called the Copperhead EVO HD Wave.

Electric Bike Report got a chance to get our hands on the bike and do a short BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave review in the hills around the famous Laguna Seca raceway. It’s not our typical in-depth review, but it was enough to get some general first impressions of this relatively unique eMTB.

Bulls Copperhead EVO HD Wave Electric Hardtail Mountain Bike

Tradition be damned, it’s about time we see more step-thru eMTBs.

The Copperhead EVO HD Wave is just one of several eMTBs in the Copperhead lineup — including a cool full suspension model and a women’s-specific eMTB we’ll look at below — but it’s one that appears to be getting some special attention.

Why? “We cannot keep it in stock,” said Adam Anderson, BULLS marketing manager for North America. “It’s so popular … (the step-thru design) opens up a multitude of opportunities for so many riders.”

[Read more…] about BULLS Copperhead EVO HD Wave Review

Sponsor