Ebike Industry Updates
Many products in this world don’t need to be gender-specific: TVs. Computers. Baseball caps. However, many other items need to be made to fit the specific proportions of one gender or the other: Clothes. Multivitamins. And, yes, bikes and e-bikes. Human anatomy is a fascinating thing.
Within each gender, there is wild variation in sizes and even proportions, but themes and trends do emerge. As a (very) general rule, for a given height, women have longer legs than men, as well as shorter torsos and arms. Also, on average, women are shorter than men.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average man in the U.S. is 5 feet 9 inches, while the average woman in the U.S. is 5 feet 3.5 inches.
Most bikes and e-bikes are bought by men (what’s up with that?), so the majority of all one-size e-bikes are made for a man’s proportions. This means that, while women can adjust saddle height appropriately, they will likely be left with a long reach from the saddle to the handlebar, resulting in a potentially uncomfortable forward lean.
We’ve selected a collection of e-bikes that cover a variety of uses, ranging from cruisers and commuters to special-use e-bikes such as eMTBs and even a road/gravel e-bike. Almost all of these e-bikes feature step-thru frames to make them easy to mount and dismount, while a few fit with more traditional expectations of woman-centric design.
Talaria electric dirt bikes are gaining popularity for their innovative designs, eco-friendly operation, and powerful performance. Here's an overview of what makes Talaria bikes unique and why they're worth considering for off-road adventures: 1. About Talaria Talaria specializes in high-performance electric dirt bikes designed for both beginners a...
Choosing the right electric dirt bike is essential for ensuring a safe, exciting, and enjoyable adventure. Here's how to pick the perfect bike for your needs: 1. Consider the Type of TerrainSmooth Trails & Light Off-Roading:Look for lightweight, versatile bikes like the Sur-Ron Light Bee X or the Kalk OR from Cake.These bikes are agile and easy...
Here's a list of popular electric dirt bike trails by region, offering exciting rides for beginners and experts alike. These trails cater to electric dirt bikes' quiet and eco-friendly capabilities while ensuring thrilling terrain: United StatesWest CoastBig Bear Lake, California:Trail Type: Forested and mountainous.Highlights: Scenic alpine views,...
The cost barrier is a significant challenge for many people interested in purchasing e-bikes, as they are typically more expensive than traditional bicycles. Here's a closer look at the issue and potential solutions: Why E-Bikes Are ExpensiveBattery Technology: High-capacity lithium-ion batteries are costly due to their complex production process a...
The standard build (SLX/XT) of the Pivot comes with the Bosch Performance Line CX. Let’s start here before diving into the CX Performance Race motor of our Pro model test bike.
We’ve tested several eMTBs that use the Bosch Performance Line CX (like in our Orbea Wild review). The reputation that often precedes it is warranted; It’s one of the best-performing motors you’ll find on an e-bike. At a mere 6.4 lbs, it gives you up to a 340% assist level to your efforts at the cranks, making speeds up to 20 mph easily accessible, and with 85Nm of torque, it powers you up sharp climbs or long drawn-out ones. It all flows seamlessly with your pedaling, too.
One of the features that makes Bosch so attractive in the eMTB scene is the motor overrun. It powers you a moment or so beyond when you stop pedaling. It makes it effective for getting up and over technical sections, especially if you need to hoist the front of the bike up and over that final rock or root on your way toward the crest. I’ve always found it noticeable yet intuitive to use effectively, helping me get the most out of my rides.
The CX Race motor adds more to the CX’s features in a slightly lighter package. The boost goes to 400%, the weight drops by 0.3 lbs, and the motor power doesn’t taper as much as you approach the 20 mph mark. The overrun goes on just a little longer, too.
As the name implies, it was initially built for racing, but the applications extended beyond. The motor is excellent for charging hard, making it choice for ramping up speed into a jump, or for a larger rider wanting to know they have that needed extra power when tackling hills.
Electric dirt bikes are transforming off-road adventures with their blend of performance, sustainability, and innovation. Here's a comprehensive look at their key features and benefits: Advantages of Electric Dirt BikesSilent OperationElectric motors produce minimal noise, making them ideal for riders who want to enjoy trails without disturbing wil...
Charge Smartly for Your Electric Bike Avoid OverchargingWhile most modern e-bike batteries are designed with overcharge protection, it's still a good practice to unplug the charger once the battery is fully charged. This helps preserve the overall lifespan of the battery.Charge After Each RideIt's ideal to charge your battery after each ride, espec...
Before we could ride the bikes, we toured Lectric’s HQ, met the team, and watched a brief presentation about the models we were there to test (including access to the XPedition 2.0). Fortunately, the presentation answered my biggest question: why was the XPeak getting a second generation so quickly when other models had gone years without a successor?
Lectric’s CEO, Levi Conlow, was brimming with pride as he shared his team’s sales successes. He claims the XP series is the best-selling e-bike in America. The XP Trike leads e-trike sales, and the XPedition is the leader in cargo bike sales by units sold. The XPeak saw early success but wasn’t class-leading, so why not throw all the upgrades at it now and make a better product? “Good wasn’t good enough,” he later explained to me. And so, onto Gen 2 we go.
Lectric has started standardizing many new components across its models, and several feel like natural choices for the XPeak. Let’s take a closer look at the most significant changes—at least, what stood out to me during my time on the bike.
The frame looked sturdier this time around—and it certainly rode like it. Describing frame sturdiness is tricky, but it mostly depends on how confident you feel when turning, riding over rough patches, and handling similar challenges. I’d say the XPeak 1.0 felt “mostly confident,” while the XPeak 2.0 felt “very confident” across various scenarios. While the Lectric team didn’t share specific details about what was improved, it felt as solid as any affordable fat tire bike I’ve ridden.
Once again, the bike is ISO 4210-10 approved. This certification means it meets the stress-testing standards eMTBs must pass to prove they can handle the rigors of off-roading. It adds another layer of confidence that you’re riding a bike built to take some punishment if you want to mix in off-road rides.
Upgrading Smartly: Tips for Enhancing Your Electric Dirt Bike Upgrading your electric dirt bike can significantly improve performance, comfort, and longevity. Here are some smart upgrade ideas to get the most out of your investment: 1. Battery and Range EnhancementsUpgrade the Battery: If compatible, opt for a higher-capacity lithium-ion battery to...
Ride quality is a complex subject comprised of many smaller elements. These include sizing and fit, overall comfort, handling, motor engagement, the user interface, etc. Together, these factors determine how a bike feels to ride and operate.
The Obsidian ST is offered in a single frame size advertised for riders from 5’6” to 6’8”. I found a comfortable ride with my height of 5’11”, but considering the bike’s limited range of adjustment—the saddle height has a range of 6 inches—Mokwheel’s advertised height range seems hopeful.
We appreciate that they added a quick-adjust dropper seatpost with 50mm (roughly 2”) of travel to add an extra inch of saddle height over the HS model, but taller riders may still experience less leg extension than expected. The bike’s motor and torque sensor will likely help to offset this to some degree, but it is something to be aware of.
In terms of ride comfort, there are two main aspects to consider: the bike’s suspension and its contact points (grips, saddle, and pedals). With a full suspension including 130mm of travel from a lockout suspension fork and a rear shock with 50mm of stroke, the ride felt extremely smooth and enjoyable even with riding over rocky, bumpy terrain.
I liked the bike’s wide, thickly padded saddle and was happy to see locking ergonomic grips. The grips themselves are covered by faux leather and include a gel pad, which I did not find well-suited to off-roading. Fortunately, this is a cover that can be removed to reveal standard rubber grips beneath.
Velotric’s Black Friday sales are underway, so now is the perfect time to buy one of their models.
Why consider getting one in the first place? Velotric may not be the most established brand, but it entered the e-bike market quickly and made a strong impression. Their first major success was the Discover 1, a city-cruiser e-bike.
Since then, they’ve launched around eight models, with several already in their second generation. In just a few short years, they’ve achieved impressive success. Choosing a Velotric bike means more features, a smoother ride, and exceptional comfort—all at prices that range from fair to fantastic!
Below, we’ve listed each discount currently available as part of their Black Friday savings. Remember, these deals are limited by inventory and only last so long; once they’re gone, they’re gone, and prices are likely to return to full MSRP.
For more information on any of the bikes, be sure to check out our detailed Velotric e-bike reviews!
Electric dirt bikes offer substantial long-term savings, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional gas-powered bikes. Here's how: 1. Lower Fuel CostsElectricity vs. Gas: Charging an electric dirt bike is significantly cheaper than fueling a gas-powered bike. The cost of electricity per mile is a fraction of what gasoline costs, especi...
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Rad’s sleek city commuter is a comfortable and zippy ride with low maintenance thanks to the belt drive.
It’s a quintessential Rad bike; it has a predictable feel that’s true to the bike’s styling with its agile and nimble touch on the roads, but the wider-than-most handlebar gives it a sure feel instead of a twitchy one. You can easily navigate around pedestrians and traffic, and with the lights, fenders, and rack, you have all you need for daily commutes.
The RadKick doesn’t overlean into the city bike attributes, though, and sacrifice approachability; it’s a city bike with characteristics that give it a broader appeal to more riders.
We loved the low step-over height of the step-through frame and the adjustable stem that allows you to be more upright or more forward-leaning and engaged. It’s overall pretty comfortable, especially with the help of the suspension fork. Our specific test model is a single-speed belt drive, so each ride felt actively involved. With no other gears to select and a more subtle motor experience, it felt like a more active ride than many other e-bikes.
The ‘subtle’ remark isn’t a knock to the bike either; the amount of motor power is purposeful and feels great. It’s slight yet effective—like adding a dash of cayenne to the pot of chili to give it just the right amount of “kick.” This bike is meant to be pedaled, and its torque sensor gave it an intuitive feel that enhanced our abilities making each ride fun.
The weight of electric dirt bikes can be a significant challenge, particularly when navigating technical trails or steep inclines. Here are a few ways to manage and mitigate the effects of a heavier bike: 1. Adapt Your Riding StyleMomentum on Inclines: Use momentum when climbing steep hills. Keep a steady speed and avoid stopping midway to make the...
Cross-country trails for electric dirt bikes are designed to cover long distances with a mix of terrain that tests endurance and skill. Here are some key features and tips for riding on cross-country trails: Key Features of Cross-Country Trails:Varied Terrain: These trails typically include a mix of open fields, rolling hills, wooded areas, and som...
Practicing on singletrack and technical trails can greatly improve your electric dirt biking skills, particularly when it comes to handling and control. Here's how you can maximize your practice sessions on these trails: 1. Start with a Comfortable SpeedSingletrack trails are narrow and often lined with trees, rocks, and other obstacles, so it's be...
Lectric first debuted the M24 motor on the original XPedition. On a Zoom call with the brand’s CEO, Levi Conlow, he emphasized what he wanted from this motor: No road in America should be able to make the XPedition quit, and he even offered a bounty to his employees if they could find a hill the bike couldn’t summit. Trips along the California coast and up the infamous San Francisco hills ensued.
To my knowledge, he never had to pay up, and that bears out in our testing which confirmed that this is one of the more powerful motors out there. It’s a 750W rear hub motor with 1310W of peak power and 85Nm of torque—plenty strong for hauling heavy loads up steep grades.
This time around, the motor on the XPedition 2.0 is improved thanks to two key changes: the addition of PWR+ programming and a switch to an 8-speed drivetrain.
PWR+ is Lectric’s torque sensor that signals the motor to provide more power when you’re pressing harder on the pedals. Lectric’s approach combines the benefits of both cadence and torque sensors, giving the bike a smooth, easy start while also offering better power control. This allows the bike to respond with extra power on hills or maintain steady speed on flat stretches when the rider really hits the pedals hard.
The new gearing enhances the experience even further. I’ve made no secret of my distaste for the Shimano Tourney shifter—it’s acceptable on a budget bike, but the first thing I’d want to upgrade. I welcomed the new 8-speed Shimano Acera with rapid-fire shifters, which give you more control over your gear range to find the ideal climbing gear. Iit is also a wide enough range to give you some “bite” in the pedals when trying to hit the class 3 max speed of 28 mph.
Mastering throttle control on an electric dirt bike is essential for smooth, safe, and efficient riding. Here's how to refine your throttle skills: 1. Start with Gentle Throttle InputsElectric dirt bikes deliver instant torque, which means the power is available as soon as you twist the throttle. Begin with gentle inputs and get a feel for how much...
As discussed previously in this Velotric Discover 2 review, the bike excelled at comfort; its contact points (saddle, pedals, and handlebars) prioritized ergonomics so I was able to enjoy long test rides of 1-2 hours with no discomfort.
The wide handlebars stood out as an unexpected highlight, providing comfort and excellent control over the steering. The bike’s handling was elevated as a result, with a more responsive and agile feel than I expected.
It is worth noting that I exceeded the recommended height range of our test bike, as we evaluated the Regular frame, which fits riders from 4’11” to 5’9”. At 5’11”, I am better suited to the Large, which accommodates taller riders from 5’6” to 6’4”.
Regardless, I was able to find a nearly perfect fit thanks to the bike’s long seatpost—with 8” of adjustability in saddle height—and the adjustable stem, which can adjust handlebar height and reach.
The bike’s torque sensor was one area with room for improvement, though we noticed a difference in one riding mode following a recent firmware update. We appreciated the increased responsiveness over the cadence sensor on the Discover 1; however, the Discover 2 required more effort than expected to access the motor’s full power.
