Ebike Industry Updates
The bike is extremely responsive. It’s a stiff bike with a rigid fork and a 680mm handlebar. It feels lively and light on the road, yet it corners really well and inspires confidence when riding at speed.
The handling has a downside – it’s a rougher ride overall, and you’ll feel more bumps in the road. In truth, this was the type of bike I hated when I first got into cycling. Still, over the years, I’ve appreciated the handling characteristics, and, well, my backside has toughened up over thousands of miles, so the sharper handling is a worthy tradeoff for me.
The bike rocks a clean aesthetic. Ride1Up has always had nice paint jobs, but they’ve nearly eliminated any visible cables, so the Roadster V3 is about as sleek and visually appealing as anything they’ve produced.
Riders of different heights can pick from three frame sizes. The brand has often opted for just two – a high step and a low step – so this is further growing and evolving. As a 6’1″ rider, I felt great on the size large high step model.
The previous Roadster was only available in a single-speed option. This time around, you can choose either the single-speed belt drive or the Shimano Deore 10-speed. Our tester was the 10-speed, and it had a great and practical range to work with.
Generally speaking, electric bikes are perfectly legal. That’s because People for Bikes, the largest advocacy organization for cyclists in the U.S., wrote a model law and then lobbied heavily for a three class system that states could adopt to give e-bike riders consistency across the 50 states.
That said, we’re beginning to see news reports of e-bikes being banned or restricted in some communities. The village of Key Biscayne recently outlawed all e-bikes and e-scooters. In some places, only certain types of e-bikes are permitted. If you’re confused by what you’ve seen on TV or read in the news, it’s understandable.
Most states (42) have gone on to adopt the law defining the three class system; it positions the three classes of e-bikes within a state’s existing motor vehicle code and gives e-bike riders most of the same rights (and responsibilities) as riders of traditional bikes. A handful of states (Alaska, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Carolina) have adopted laws that deviate from this by varying degrees.
Unless explicitly forbidden, all three classes of e-bikes are permitted on streets. Those three classes are:
Class 1: pedal assistance up to 20 mphClass 2: pedal assistance or throttle up to 20 mphClass 3: pedal assistance up to 28 mph (if it has a throttle, the throttle’s assistance tops out at 20 mph)These three e-bike types, which cover more than 90 percent of all e-bikes sold, are permissible on any road that a bicyclist is allowed to ride. Like bikes, e-bikes are not permitted on interstates or similar highways. Riders are required to obey all the rules of the road, just as a driver would. Some states limit rider age, especially with Class 3 e-bikes. They may also require some riders (such as minors or riders of Class 3 e-bikes) to wear a helmet.
Transporting an electric dirt bike requires careful planning to ensure that it's safe, efficient, and convenient. Since electric dirt bikes are heavier than traditional bicycles and contain delicate electronic components, you'll need to take extra precautions. Here are some tips and methods for transporting your electric dirt bike: 1. Use a Hitch-M...
Maintaining your e-bike is essential to ensure optimal performance, prolong its lifespan, and ensure safety on the road or trail. Here's a comprehensive guide to e-bike maintenance that covers key components like the battery, motor, drivetrain, and tires. 1. Battery Maintenance The battery is one of the most important and expensive components of an...
Custom graphics and aesthetics upgrades for electric dirt bikes can add a unique and personalized look to your ride. Whether you want to reflect your style, brand your bike for sponsorships, or make it stand out on the trails, here are some key options for upgrading your bike's aesthetics: 1. Custom Decals and Graphics KitsPre-Made Graphics Kits: M...
Upgrading the motor of your electric dirt bike can dramatically enhance performance, improving speed, acceleration, torque, and overall riding experience. Here's a detailed guide to motor upgrades and considerations to help you make the right choice: 1. Upgrade to a Higher Wattage MotorStock Motors: Many electric dirt bikes come with motors ranging...
The bike is offered in a single step-thru frame sized for a wide range of riders between 5’1” and 6’4”. At 5’11”, I found the bike extremely comfortable and well-sized, but I also felt it important to verify the extremes.
I asked two of my fellow reviewers—Matthew at 5’5” and Sydney at 5’1”—to take a test ride since they fit the extreme ends of the Discover’s advertised height range. Both expressed that the bike felt great; Matthew specifically is often cramped, but enjoyed good leg extension and comfortable handlebar positioning thanks to the bike’s adjustable stem.
Personally, I found the bike’s upright riding position to be a highlight. In addition to its thick saddle, ergonomic handlebars, and rubber grips, this felt natural and relaxed with no sources of strain or pressure. The high vantage point also gave me a wide view of my surroundings while also making me visible to other cyclists and pedestrians.
The Discover handled predictably thanks to its curved handlebars and 26” wheels. Its suspension fork felt appropriately forgiving (its 80mm of travel is an upgrade from the original model’s 60mm).
We received two other “Plus” models for testing along with the Discover 1: the T1 ST Plus city bike and the fat tire Nomad 1 Plus. The T1 ST Plus included a color display with multiple riding modes and power levels, while the other models did not.
Keeping your electric dirt bike clean is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Here's a guide to properly cleaning and maintaining your bike: 1. Gather Your Cleaning SuppliesSoft Brush: Use a soft brush to remove dirt, mud, and debris.Mild Soap or Bike Cleaner: Opt for a bike-specific cleaner or mild soap that won't damage the fr...
Eco-Friendly Transportation refers to modes of travel that have a minimal environmental impact, often through reducing emissions, using renewable energy, or promoting energy efficiency. Here's why e-bikes and similar transportation options are considered eco-friendly: 1. Reduced Greenhouse Gas EmissionsZero Emissions: E-bikes produce no direct emis...
Smooth power delivery is one of the standout features of electric dirt bikes, and it offers several advantages for riders: What It Is:Definition: Smooth power delivery refers to the way electric dirt bikes provide a consistent and controlled flow of power when the throttle is engaged. Unlike traditional gas-powered bikes, which can have a more abru...
The bike is offered in two sizes: a Medium for riders 5’4”+ and a Large for those 5’8”+. At 5’11”, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable the medium frame of our test bike was; with a relatively stretched and aggressive riding position, I would have guessed we had the larger model.
The bike’s contact points (saddle, grips, and pedals) were extremely comfortable. Our test bike was standard, aside from its color (a raspberry-like purple hue) and TranzX suspension seatpost. I am confident I would have liked the standard saddle without the upgraded seatpost, but I highly recommend one of the three suspension options for a smoother ride.
Handling is one of the primary areas we hope Biktrix will improve. We appreciated the Duo ST’s relatively nimble handling—a result of its 24” wheels—compared to many other fat bikes with larger 26” wheels. But the step-thru frame had a lot of flex when cornering, creating a loose feeling on faster turns that was not helped by its soft suspension fork.
It is possible that the standard RST Guide suspension fork on our test bike was a dud, but we recommend that Biktrix upgrade to a sturdier base model.
It’s also fair to point out these problems aren’t unique here – they are true of most fat tire e-bikes with step-thru frame. That’s why ST models are often best suited for paved areas instead of lots of off-roading or quick cornering.
Marketing your eBike YouTube channel effectively requires a combination of strategic planning, engaging content, and consistent audience interaction. Here's how to do it: 1. Define Your Niche and Target AudienceIdentify Your Niche: Focus on a specific aspect of eBikes, such as off-road adventures, city commuting tips, product reviews, or DIY mainte...
Italy offers a variety of trails for electric dirt bike enthusiasts, ranging from scenic countryside routes to more challenging mountain paths. Here are some of the top areas and trails in Italy that are popular for electric dirt biking: 1. Dolomites RegionTrail Highlights: The Dolomites, part of the Southern Limestone Alps, offer stunning landscap...
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What better way to celebrate than by giving one away, right?
We’re happy to announce we’ve partnered with Ride1Up to give a brand new Prodigy XC to a lucky member of the Electric Bike Report audience. All it requires is your email – that’s it!
So, what do you need to know about the Prodigy XC? It sports a fantastic Brose motor that active riders will love. This e-bike makes for a great ride on paths and light trails alike. It’s responsive, nimble, and, most importantly, fun! The lightweight and efficient design will keep you actively pedaling for many miles while you enjoy faster speeds and easier hill climbs.
We originally tested this bike a year and a half ago, but it still holds top marks in some of our tests. The Prodigy XC has a top 10 all-time range result, and it’s hill-climb time is still a top 10 for mid-drive motors.
In terms of fit, the bike is advertised to be appropriate for “most riders,” which is reinforced by the range of adjustment in its saddle and handlebar height. The bike includes a long seatpost with 9” of range in saddle height and a telescoping, collapsible stem with 5” of range in handlebar height. We found this to be suitable for our tallest and shortest testers.
The bike’s geometry seemed good, too. In many cases, riding a folding e-bike can feel awkwardly cramped or stretched out, but with so much adjustability and reasonable reach, I found the bike to be appropriately sized and enjoyable to ride without feeling stuck in an uncomfortable position.
As I stated in the opening paragraphs, I greatly enjoyed the Lynx Folding’s comfortable, upright riding position. Saddles are very personal, and while its shape wasn’t what I’d choose for my daily ride, its thick and plush cushion was extremely forgiving. The bike’s soft rubber grips were comfortable and squishy; even longer rides felt great.
With relatively narrow handlebars and 20”x3” mid-fat tires, the Lynx’s handling was on the twitchier side, but not to an unusual degree.
One area with room for improvement was the user interface. The bike’s control panel is on the underside of its pretty color display, which I found difficult to reach due to the throttle lever placed between the grip and the screen. To make the buttons more accessible, I rotated the throttle and display beyond their ideal positions.
Horsepower (HP) is a unit of measurement that indicates the power output of an engine or motor. It is commonly used to describe the performance of vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and even electric dirt bikes. The term "horsepower" was coined by the engineer James Watt to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses. Und...
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You’ll find the latest on Rad Power Bikes deals and discounts here. We’ll keep this page updated with the latest holiday sales, clearance pricing, or if Rad is feeling friendly and shares a discount code with us (which has been known to happen after we review a Rad bike).
Below, we’ve listed current details on reduced pricing in a rough order of which ones we feel will be best for the majority of people. Good luck, and happy shopping!
Oh, and if you need more info on these bikes, check out all of the Rad Power Bikes we’ve tested and reviewed.
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Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs): Overview and Benefits Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs) are rapidly gaining popularity among outdoor enthusiasts due to their ability to combine the thrill of traditional mountain biking with the added assistance of an electric motor. Here's an overview of what makes eMTBs unique, their benefits, and what to consider ...
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A Unique, Premium Ride That Is Rugged and Capable for XC & Trail Riding in Any Weather
For some, trail or XC mountain biking is a fair-weather-only activity. Fighting the muck after some rain might not sound like a joyride. For others, local trails may not be the most conducive to riding if you live in a sandy, gravelly, or snowy locale. However, a cure exists for these particular ailments in the form of true fat tire eMTBs for XC and trail riding.
The Borealis Keystone operates in this niche, and it was impressively outfitted to thrive in different riding scenarios.
Borealis has been making fat bikes for a long time—as evidenced by their owning the domain fatbike.com—and their first take on an electric bike is an impressive one. The Keystone has the modern geometry associated with trail and XC riding, is spec’d with a host of desirable Shimano and SRAM parts (hello, electronic shifting!), and lets the rider pick the tires ranging from offensive lineman to sumo wrestler sizes.
One of the most surprising takeaways from our time on the Keystone was how simple it is to ride. The bike weighs 60 lbs, but it feels light by fat bike standards—there are several in the 70 – 90 lbs. range, after all. It was surprisingly easy to maneuver around on our local trails, and we even found it worked well with the motor off.
Electric dirt bikes offer a lot of benefits, such as quieter operation, lower maintenance, and eco-friendliness, but like any vehicle, they can face some issues. Here are common problems and solutions associated with electric dirt bikes: Common Electric Dirt Bike IssuesBattery Life and PerformanceIssue: Battery degradation over time can lead to red...
