Alloy-framed supercommuter is the lightest ebike in its class
Specialized has followed last year's launch of a 33-lb carbon e-commuter with a cheaper version that's built around an alloy frame, with the company boasting that "nothing in alloy is lighter."
"Transportation is ordinary... you’re not," said the company. "Vado SL 2 isn’t just an ebike. It’s a high-performance vehicle designed to dissect any road with more speed, style, confidence and fun. Calling it an ‘ebike’ is an Insult."
Visually, the Vado SL 2 Alloy is essentially a carbon copy of its more lightweight ancestor, but the new ride's aluminum-alloy frame sports a few weld bumps instead of smooth lines throughout. Despite the change of primary material, Specialized is claiming that "it's the lightest, most capable, best looking bike on the road" at 44 lb (20 kg).
Hand-built folding ebike claimed lightest Bosch-assisted ride
By Paul Ridden
March 07, 2025
Bike Friday has been hand-building custom folding bikes and ebikes since being founded in 1992. Now with some 40,000 bikes shipped, the company has officially announced a new ultralight ebike model called the All Day.
This fun-loving Class 1 folder is designed for mixed-surface riding and has been more than a year in development and prototyping. That's because, in collaboration with Vapor Propulsion Labs (VPL) – the North American distributor for Bosch – the team had to come up with a unique way to cram the Performance Line SX motor into the frame.
The Stark Varg SM may be the first proper electric Supermoto for the US
By Utkarsh Sood
March 18, 2025
I know many folks who dismissed Stark's initial announcement of the Varg, a 60–80 horsepower electric dirt bike intended to compete with conventional gas-powered motocross bikes, as just another ambitious EV project that would never reach the market.
Then, in 2021, the Spanish manufacturer claimed it had created the fastest and most thrilling motocross bike in the world. Years of testing, manufacturing leaps, and achieving street legality later, here we are.
And now, it has been officially announced that a supermoto version of the Varg is coming! A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) decoder for the street-legal Varg EX and Varg SM was recently released by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which all but confirmed the news.
NHTSA has added a separate file in its recalls, investigations, complaints and manufacturer database for the Varg SM
Folding micro-ebike powers Pro riders off the beaten track
By Paul Ridden
March 31, 2025
Like many oddball ideas, the JackRabbit micro ebike began as a crowdfunding project in 2018. The cross between a compact bike and scooter has been growing in power and size ever since, with the new Pro models being the most beastly yet.
It's safe to say that then startup's original Kickstarter ride was something of a strange looker. The "not a bike, not a scooter" sported a diminutive frame and mismatched wheels, it weighs under 20 lb (9 kg), and it could motor its rider to 18 mph (29 km/h).
The wheels had evened out by version 2.0, the frame had grown a little without adding to its length but it had gained a few pounds, and the motor offered two speeds to 20 mph (32 km/h). Per-charge range came in at just 12 miles (19 km) for every 2.5 hours plugged in.
It was 10 years ago that we first heard about Cocoa Motors' new WalkCar, which was used more or less like a Segway, and wasn't much bigger than a laptop. Well, it now has a new-and-improved successor.
Editor's note: Readers often ask us for follow-ups on memorable stories. What has happened to this story over the years? This article was originally published in 2021 but has been re-edited and updated with new information current as of Feb 14, 2025. Enjoy!
The original version of the WalkCar had four tiny wheels, an aluminum body, and was intended to be carried in an included bag when not in use.
Steering was achieved by shifting your weight, while acceleration and braking happened automatically when you stepped on or off. Its top speed was 10 km/h (6.2 mph) and its built-in battery took three hours to charge via USB, providing a range of 12 km (7.5 miles).
Although it looked pretty puny, the WalkCar was reportedly powerful enough to push a person in a wheelchair up an incline, and it could handle payloads weighing up to 120 kg (265 lb).
Folding ebike gives adventurous commuters more power to explore
By Paul Ridden
April 20, 2025
Around this time last year, New Jersey's Velotric announced the waterproof Fold 1, a folding ebike "built for adventurers and urban commuters alike." Now the company has added a more capable Plus model to its catalog.
At first glance, the rear-hub motor of the Fold 1 Plus ebike appears to be about the same as that of the Fold 1. But Velotric has tweaked the 750-W powerhouse so that it peaks a little higher at 1,100 watts and offers a bit more grunt when you need it – which translates to 75 Nm (55 lb.ft) of torque instead of 70.
The new model gets three ride modes and five pedal-assist levels for optimum flexibility up to 28 mph (45 km/h), and comes with a removable throttle to give your legs a rest and let the motor do all the work. Like last month's Nomad 2, the Plus sports the company's SensorSwap technology – which allows the rider to switch between the torque sensor for "a responsive ride with immediate power" or a cadence sensor for "a relaxed cruising experience."
For those looking to leave the car in the driveway yet still take the kids to school or do the weekly shop, Dutch e-mobility outfit Tenways has added another cargo hauler to its family – following last year's front loader with a longtail model called the Duo.
Initially shown off as a prototype at Eurobike 2024, the Longtail Duo is described as a "smart, practical and safe longtail cargo ebike that's ultra versatile, helping you tackle everything from school runs to grocery runs to weekend adventures with power, convenience and comfort."
The bike is built around a 6061 aluminum mid-step frame with a stand-over height of 52 cm (20.5 in). The long cargo rack to the rear can accommodate up to two children in optional seating, or the weekly shop secured in MIK-compatible storage accessories. An aluminum front carrier is onboard too.
From packages to groceries to little humans, the Longtail Duo can haul it all
Trail-happy cargo commuter aims to be Swiss Army knife of ebikes
By Paul Ridden
April 25, 2025
The Vorsa from San Diego's Ride1Up has been designed to be the "most versatile and customizable ebike on the market." The do-it-all ride can haul up to 440 lb, provide smooth assist to 28 mph, covers between 30 and 60 miles between top-ups, and even comes with AirTag tracking.
The Vorsa is designed to cater to the varying needs of riders in one ebike, who may otherwise need to consider buying more than one bike to undertake different tasks – a dedicated cargo hauler plus a weekend roamer, for example, or a commuter and a bikepacker. Hence the tag line: One Bike. Endless Possibilities.
28-mph Rad utility ebike hauls 420 lb for more than 60 miles
By Paul Ridden
May 03, 2025
Rad Power Bikes has refreshed it RadRunner compact utility ebike family, updating existing models and adding a new feature-packed Max flavor that takes pedal-assist hauling up to 28 mph.
Since its humble beginnings in the garage of founder Mike Radenbaugh's parents garage in the early 2000s, Rad Power Bikes has grown to become the largest ebike maker in the US. The brand has released a number of model lineups since, including commuters, folders and even a trike.
More power, more range, more tech for the "best-selling ebike in America"
By Paul Ridden
May 07, 2025
Lectric has brought a host of updates to the "best-selling ebike in America" for the launch of its XP4 folding utility ebike, including a powerful new motor option with an 85-mile battery that supports fast-charging, and an in-house torque sensor.
Lectric was launched by Robby Deziel and Levi Conlow in 2018, and released its first ebike the following year. The XP and its subsequent generations have since become the ride of choice for more than 400,000 bikers across the US.
"Because this model is so important to us and our riding community, we were determined to hold the line on price," said Conlow, company CEO. "While other ebike companies continue to raise prices and launch new products at higher price points, we know riders are going to appreciate Lectric going against the grain and making huge improvements for the same entry price we set more than four years ago."
Nomadic ebike doubles up suspension to heft 560 lb on and off trail
By Paul Ridden
May 15, 2025
A couple of months ago, New Jersey ebike maker Velotric unleashed a multi-terrain fat-tire adventure model with impressive cargo hauling and towing chops. Now there's an even more capable Nomad.
As you might expect from an adventure ebike sporting the same family name, the Nomad 2X is similar to its rugged stablemate but also different.
The rear-hub motor has a continuous output rating of 750 watts, but this flavor can peak at 1,400 watts and produce 105 Nm (77 lb.ft) of hill-conquering torque. And the company's SensorSwap technology is cooked in to allow the rider to switch between the immediate response of a torque sensor or a more relaxed cadence mode without stopping.
"Highest performance electric surfboard" breaks waves at over 35 mph
By Paul Ridden
May 24, 2025
It's been a few months since Denmark's Awake Boards launched a beginner-level jetboard, so water babies could be now looking to test their e-surfing mettle. The Danish company has heard the battle cry, and has unleashed the RÄVIK Ultimate.
The latest addition to the Awake family of silent wave assassins is effectively a powerful update to the playful S model, and despite my equally playful intro, this electric surfboard is aimed at experienced wave riders only.
"Engineered for raw power, crafted with precision, and made for riders who demand more from every session, this is Awake’s most advanced electric surfboard to date," said the company at launch. "Built for performance, designed and finished to perfection, the RÄVIK Ultimate redefines what it means to ride electric surfboards."
Wide-wing eFoil delivers smooth, stable cruising above the waves
By Paul Ridden
June 08, 2025
There's something magical about rising above the waves on a foiling electric surfboard. But the learning curve to smooth riding can be steep. Awake Boards has introduced a new model that's pitched as "the most accessible and intuitive eFoil" out there.
Born in Sweden in 2017, Awake launched its first foiling electric board in 2022 – the Vinga S. The company followed this with a beginner-friendly eFoil dubbed the Vinga 3 in 2023, and has now added an Adventure model to its line up.
The Vinga Adventure has been designed to help beginner to intermediate flyers explore coastal and lake environments while enjoying the kind of smooth above water experience that only an eFoil can deliver. This new model introduces a new set of Cruise Wings featuring a large surface area, which have been engineered "for maximum lift at low speeds and enhanced stability."
First shared dockless cargo ebike in the US throttles into action
By Paul Ridden
June 08, 2025
There are times when a cargo ebike becomes an attractive alternative to the family car when heading into town to pick up a few groceries. If you can't afford to splurge a couple of grand for infrequent use, shared mobility outfit Veo has launched the first dockless model in North America.
Even though I have a folding ebike, sometimes I will wander down to the city center high street on foot. But after zig-zagging from store to store for hours, I'm a little less enthusiastic about the return journey, particularly if I have heavy goods to carry home. That's when I'm grateful for the local shared ebike service.
Many models available with such platforms are low-step for easy access, and have a front basket to stow a modest amount of groceries. Though cargo ebikes are becoming a popular choice for folks looking to leave the car on the driveway when the weather is forgiving, they're somewhat lacking in the shared mobility space.
Olto ebike sports retro-futuristic looks and a 33-mph top speed
By Ben Coxworth
June 12, 2025
https://newatlas.com/bicycles/olto-ebik ... e-machine/
When we last heard from Brooklyn-based mobility startup Infinite Machine, the company was busy touting its decidedly Cybertruck-looking P1 electric scooter. Well, the firm is now venturing into new territory, with the announcement of its striking Olto ebike.
Like the P1, the single-speed Olto features a sharp-angled extruded aluminum body combined with a welded steel and cast aluminum chassis.
Its long seat accommodates two passengers, complete with slide-out foot pegs in the back. The front passenger can pedal the bike if desired, although if they want to go throttle-only, the pedals can be magnetically locked in place to serve as foot pegs.
