KBO Ranger Review, 2024

The goal of our Range Test is to determine a reasonable high- and low-end estimate of the distance that most riders could expect to travel on a single charge of the battery. With the KBO Ranger, we achieved this by riding the bike in PAS 5 and PAS 1 until its 48V, 840 Wh battery expired; using Strava, we recorded 32.9 and 64.2 miles respectively.

Compared to similar cargo e-bikes we have reviewed – that is, those with single batteries and rear-hub motors – the KBO Ranger fared well. It landed squarely in the middle of the list of comparable models with its PAS 5 results, but ended up at the top with its PAS 1 test! We were also pleased to note that we met KBO’s advertised range of 60+ miles.

The Ranger’s great performance is largely a factor of its battery capacity; 840 watt-hours is the largest capacity we’ve seen from among the pool of similar e-bikes with 750W motors. With so much power available to the motor, the Ranger can stay on the road long after its competition needs to take a break and recharge.

For proof, look no further than the data for our PAS 1 test: the bike gained 1,243 feet of elevation during its 64.2 miles over the course of 6 hours and 41 minutes. With one exception (a bike that traveled slower), the other cargo bikes we have tested expired 2-3 hours sooner.

It’s worth noting that we performed this test (as well as the Range Tests of all other cargo e-bikes we have reviewed) with no added cargo. The Ranger was also in its Class 2 riding mode with a 20 mph speed limit. Riders carrying a heavy load and/or using the unlocked 28+ speed limit should expect a reduction in total range; we recommend performing your own range test to determine a more realistic figure depending on your preferred usage and riding style.

Ultimately, we were extremely satisfied with the bike’s performance in this test. The Ranger lived up to its name by covering an impressive number of miles that similar cargo haulers will likely find difficult to match!

Using its throttle, the bike reached the top of the path in 1 minute and 35 seconds while maintaining an average speed of 11.4 miles per hour. As is common, it traveled faster when we added some effort through pedaling in PAS 5; the Ranger completed this portion of the test in 1 minute and 21 seconds with an average speed of 13.4 miles per hour.

Compared to similar e-bikes we have tested, the Ranger’s results were decidedly on the slower side, though there is likely one major contributing factor to its performance. I personally performed our Hill Test on this bike instead of our usual test rider Justin. With an added 20+ lbs of body weight, the Ranger likely had a more difficult time carrying me up Hellhole Trail than it would have had otherwise.

As is true with all of the cargo bikes we tested previously, I did not perform our formal Hill Test with added cargo on the rear rack, though I did carry a passenger (our mechanic Brenden) when testing the bike at a secondary test location on my personal time. While this hill is not as intimidating as Hell Hole Trail, it is a challenge. The bike was affected by Brenden’s additional 150-ish lbs, but it made the climb steadily using solely throttle power. Considering this, it should be able to handle hills when pedaling with relative ease.

Overall, while the Ranger may not have been the speediest of cargo e-bikes in this test, we don’t think it needs to be; like a tractor, it clearly has low-end power with enough torque to keep moving uphill while carrying a heavy load. We were satisfied with its power and capability, and we consider the bike to be a successful climber.

The KBO Ranger is equipped with a Tektro Aries mechanical disc brake system that uses 180mm rotors on both wheels. We followed the process described above to determine an average stopping distance of 21 feet, 4 inches when the brakes were applied.

This figure is on the high end when compared to similar cargo e-bikes we’ve tested, but for perspective, it is well below the average for all of the e-bikes (of all styles) we have brake tested.

In our experience, it is uncommon to find mechanical disc brakes on a cargo e-bike; the Ranger is currently the only e-bike of its type we have tested to use them. Hydraulic disc brakes are typically what we would prefer to see on an e-bike that is made for hauling a heavy load due to their improved responsiveness and modulation, but with that in mind, we have measured consistently good results from the Tektro Aries system. This equipped system is both affordable and easier to maintain than a hydraulic system, making it a good choice for an entry-level cargo bike.

Riders should be aware that an increase in weight corresponds to an increase in stopping distance, so those planning to regularly carry a full payload may want to consider upgrading to a hydraulic system. We expect that those using the bike for lighter duty hauling would be satisfied with the current system’s performance.

Beginning with the good, we found the bike generally comfortable to ride. The saddle and ergonomic grips made the upright riding position feel relaxed and enjoyable. At 5’-11”, I could tell that I was nearing the high end of the bike’s accommodation range of 4’-11” to 6’-3”, as my hand position seemed somewhat low and my legs were not as extended as I usually prefer. Taller riders may want to take note, but those of shorter-to-average height should feel right at home.

The Ranger felt more nimble than we expected based on our prior experiences with cargo e-bikes. This made more sense when digging into the bike’s geometry; at 47” or 1194mm, its wheelbase is shorter than that of similar bikes we have reviewed, all of which were well over 1200mm. The difference in dimensions is relatively small, but the effect on the bike’s handling was noticeable.

While the shorter wheelbase has the side effect of reducing the size of the cargo rack, I personally think the tradeoff for improved handling is worthwhile. Many other cargo e-bikes I have tested felt long and awkward to ride without added cargo, but the Ranger behaved and responded much like a shorter utility e-bike.

The Ranger’s total payload capacity is 350 lbs – which is slightly below what we commonly see (400 lbs seems to be the norm for a full-size cargo hauler) – but still quite practical. The bike includes bamboo foot/running boards to make it possible to carry passengers, and while two kids may feel slightly cramped, the Fence accessory should help to keep little ones contained. The brand also offers a front and rear basket to hold groceries, gear bags, or anything else.

It was great to see the included running boards, though prospective owners should be aware that we found it necessary to remove these components along with the rear fender when taking off the rear wheel to change a flat. With the right tools, the task was simple enough, though it is not something we’d prefer to do on the side of the road.

We liked the overall power and responsiveness of the motor; the bike could feel punchy when increasing PAS levels but was generally more reserved. With a cadence sensor, the motor activated and re-engaged in roughly ½ turn of the cranks, which we feel is good for a bike in this price range. When traveling on flat ground with no added weight, the bike did ghost pedal in its mid-to-high range of settings, though this was improved on hills and when carrying cargo.

One element we’d like to see changed, however, is the motor’s engagement on the top end of the bike’s speeds. When riding in PAS 5 at the 20 mph Class 2 limit (19.9 mph as shown in our Speed Test above), the ride became somewhat jerky as the motor turned off and on to maintain but not exceed its top speed. The experience could be somewhat jarring, so we would suggest that KBO examine the cause and find a solution to smooth out the ride.

While we liked the bike’s overall maneuverability, one portion of its handling also had some room for improvement. When testing the bike, I experienced a noticeable amount of frame flex around the bottom bracket area that led to a “slippery” feeling when cornering. When comparing the Ranger’s frame design to similar e-bikes, it seems to lack some larger structural members to stiffen the junction of the seat tube, down tube, and chain stays. Again, we encourage KBO to consider making changes for added stability.

Otherwise, we liked the 20”x3” CST street tires. They provided a good balance between stability and maneuverability without the added weight of wider 4” tires. The rigid fork may initially appear to be a downside to some riders, but we have found the absence of a suspension to be a benefit for improved handling when carrying cargo.

The simplicity and straightforwardness of the bike’s cockpit layout was also appreciated. With a twist throttle and over-the-bar thumb shifter on the right bar and a small control panel on the left, the Ranger was easy to operate.

Ultimately, while there is certainly room for improvement, the KBO Ranger does many things correctly. It was a fun bike overall, so we hope that KBO continues to upgrade some areas to make the foundation even stronger.

We were impressed by the bike’s ability to live up to its name; it performed very well in our range test, proving that its 840 Wh battery is enough to keep it moving further than many similar bikes on the market. It has a predictable and intuitive array of speed limits through its pedal assist system. It also demonstrated a significant amount of power for hauling a full payload – even uphill with an adult passenger.

For its entry-level price point of $1,799, the Ranger gave a respectable performance, and while we hope that KBO addresses our points of critique, we found much to appreciate. The bike fulfills its purpose as a powerful long-distance cargo carrier, while being offered a price that is simply tough to beat.

Happy Riding! Make sure to let us know if you have any questions or if you think we left anything out in this review of the KBO Ranger down in our comments section.