Review: Pedego’s City Commuter Platinum rides dreamy, but the best part isn’t even the bike
Normally when we get review e-bikes here at Electrek, they are pushed off the back of a FedEx truck in a beat up box for us to assemble ourselves. That’s the typical e-bike introduction, unfortunately.
The experience at Pedego with the City Commuter Platinum that I’ve been riding for the past few months couldn’t be more different and less daunting – and I think that’s one of the biggest differentiators about Pedego bikes. So, let’s talk not just about how impressive the bike is but also acknowledge the whole experience.
I know a lot of you want the Pedego City Commuter Platinum specs first and nuance later, so I’ll just link up a nice PDF from Pedego. It’s top shelf all around, including the price, which starts over $4000.
I arrived at the local Pedego store in Croton on Hudson NY run by Riley Mueller and the City Commuter Platinum was waiting for me. I’m used to (and don’t mind) putting bikes together off the back of a truck, but I have to say this was refreshing, and dare I say, pampering!
Not only is the bike put together, but it is tuned nicely and, probably most important of all, there’s an expert to take you through all of the features and nuances of your bike. The Pedego City Commuter Platinum has lots to talk about.
To lay it all out, this is a Dutch-style commuter/cruiser bike with a powerful 750W/1100W motor, 52V/17.5Ah nearly 1kWh battery, and lots and lots of add-ons. While a lot of fly-by-night bike companies will let you go beyond the limits of regulations, Pedego sticks pretty firmly on regulations with Class 2 twist throttle with speeds up to 20mph. The limiter can be taken off to go pedal assist class 3 up to 28mph.
At first touch, you’ll notice there are stylish soft faux leather grips that are both nice to look at but also very functional. Probably most innovative is the slide out rear battery that also houses the controller and turn signal/lighting. That’s right, this bike has pretty effective turn signals, which I think can be a big safety addition, particularly riding on streets.
Safety’s a big big component of Pedego bikes, and it really shows itself here with reflective kevlar belted tires with self-sealing tubes. The ride is smooth thanks to a 60mm-travel, air-suspension fork with lockout. There’s even 40mm of travel on the suspension seat post.
I also really like the display, which shows which of the 5 levels of pedal assist you are in or how far through that big battery you’ve gone. The wide seat is built more for cruising that racing. But, you really never have to pedal if you don’t want to with over a kilowatt of power and an hour of battery to burn at that top power level. Realistically, at 20mph with some pedaling, you’ll see up to 50 miles of range with this big battery.
Admittedly, I’m not in this bike’s target audience. I don’t enjoy riding upright, which this classic cruiser/commuter geometry frame demands. I’m also a big pedaler, and the big soft comfy seat doesn’t seem to be built for fast moving thighs. The biggest downside for me is probably the rear weight distribution with the big battery up high over the back wheel with added cargo on top. Add the motor weight and all that rear weight is going to make steering a little bit less solid up front. The Platinum is heavy at just over 50lbs without the battery, so it won’t be doing any wheelies, either. I’m also concerned about that battery taking a beating, though in my few months of testing, it did fine.
Altogether the bike is a great package, and it is just lovely for long casual scenic rides or commutes. The wheel guards even make wet roads a pleasure.
Pedego Stores are like Apple Stores for E-Bikes
I’ve only been to a few Pedego Stores, but those have improved dramatically in my experience. Riley’s store, opened this Spring, felt like an Apple Store for bikes. Not only are the bikes creatively displayed throughout the store, but the shelves are filled with really nice accessories, most of which can work on any bike, not just Pedegos (and not just electric bikes).
There isn’t a Genius Bar, but there are bike experts to help you with e-bike issues. While they specialize in Pedego bikes, they are often nice enough to help out folks with other brands of bikes.
These are the same bike experts who can help you pick out a bike, including size and variety, and then introduce you to your bike and give a full run though. Then, after a few weeks they can also make adjustments to brake cables and such.
Pedego also rents e-bikes, and now that we have a store in town, we often see people coming up from NYC on the train hop off and onto bikes to explore our town and the surrounding area.
Pedego Bikes evolution/revolution
A few years ago you could have said that Pedego’s selection of e-bikes was pretty mediocre. The bikes were similar to drop-ship Chinese e-bikes with a healthy markup. But I was always a big fan of the company because it had lots of physical stores/boots on the ground and would put butts in e-bike seats. A ton of e-bike addicts got their first “hit” from a Pedego rental or hands-on trial with an Pedego e-bike expert.
But looking at today’s selection, Pedego now has a lot of unique bikes that the rest of the industry is trying to copy. For instance, the Pedego Element (below) was the first mass-market BMX fat tire e-bike, and it was quickly followed by some of the drop-ship makers. It is super fun and very portable. There’s also the wildly configurable Avenue starting under $2000. But I digress.
Electrek’s Take
Admittedly, at $4500, The Pedego City Commuter Platinum isn’t the cheapest commuter bike you could find. And, frankly you could probably piece something similar together from Alibaba for much less. You might not be able to find such high end components, and obviously they aren’t going to work together as well nor be assembled upon delivery.
But, you aren’t just buying a well designed and put together e-bike. You are buying the Pedego brand, which includes a nearby store and a network of Pedego locations around the United States. That means whenever something goes wrong, you’ve got a place to go. Bike makes a weird sound? Get on the phone or take it in for a checkup. Need new brakes or an upgrade? Maybe you just want a sportier helmet or winter bike clothing. Just head to your local Pedego shop.
For a lot of people, having that peace of mind is easily worth the price premium that Pedego charges and much more. And, if their prices are a little out of your league, your local Pedego also offers used bikes and bike rentals.
Note: Special Thanks to Riley at Pedego Croton for donating this bike to a New Era Creative Space (NECS) fundraiser where it is currently listed at $1500 if you are in the NYC/Tristate area.
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The current EV era is ripe with revered classic car designs and nameplates that are being reborn as battery-powered rides – and the success of cars the Renault 5 proves it can be a winning formula. Today, I’m suggesting another classic that deserves a modern electric update: the OG Ford Taurus.
It might seem old and dated now, but when the original Ford Taurus made its debut in 1985, it was so fresh, so different, so futuristic that it was included, almost unchanged, in Robocop’s sci-fi vision of a dystopian Detroit. Really.
I’d buy that for a dollar
The aerodynamic design of the Ford Taurus wasn’t just futuristic, it was successful – and, from 1992 through 1996, the OG Taurus was not just Ford’s best-selling car, but the best selling car in North America.
The sedan market is very different forty years on – so different, in fact, that Ford doesn’t actually sell any sedans in North America. With the exception of the 2-door ICE Mustang, the Blue Oval brand doesn’t even sell any cars, and operates almost entirely as a truck and SUV brand.
Now, imagine Ford decides to get back into the sedan game. It’s 2025 now, and the Tesla Model 3 has proven that there’s enough demand for at least one successful electric sedan in the US. And, crucially, it seems like most of those buyers won’t be trading their Tesla back in for another one.
If there was ever a time to do it, that time is now – and Ford is perfectly positioned to fast-track a new-age Taurus.
The VW connection
Yes, I know that’s a Volkswagen – but hear me out. Ford and VW have a strong, existing relationship when it comes to EVs, having co-developed the MEB electric skateboard platform that underpins both the high-riding Ford Capri (itself a modern take on a classic Ford) and the Volkswagen ID.7 shown, above.
The ID.7 is an interesting piece, because it was always Volkswagen’s original intention to bring the car to the US, but slowing sedan demand and a dealer body that would rather sell Scout-branded SUVs and pickups than near/entry-luxe sedans killed the car’s chances before before the first one made it over. Now, it’s not coming to the US at all.
That might have been a mistake, since the the midsized ID.7 sedan is currently the best-selling EV in Germany, with sales continuing to accelerate throughout Europe in the wake of Tesla’s catastrophic, politically-fueled decline.
So, VW dealers don’t want a perfectly capable, Ford-developed, aerodynamic midsized sedan to sell in the US? No problem. Ramp up the BlueOval SK battery plant, set off a hiring frenzy at BlueOval City, start building an oval-badged ID.7-based Ford Taurus in the US, and slap a Tesla conquest rebate on the thing to help overcome Tesla buyer’s increasingly negative equity.
It even looks good in 90s Ford Taurus green.
Original content from Electrek; featured image by ChatGPT.
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Aventon has officially announced its latest electric bicycle, the Pace 4, adding advanced smart bike technology and enhanced rider comfort to its popular line of urban-friendly e-bikes. The Pace 4 builds upon Aventon’s successful formula of accessibility and ease of use, now augmented with new connectivity and security features that make it harder to steal and easier to get back.
At the heart of the Pace 4 is Aventon’s latest innovation: the Aventon Control Unit (ACU). The ACU significantly upgrades the bike’s intelligence and security capabilities, bringing GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote locking to the Pace 4.
With the addition of the ACU, riders gain the ability to monitor their bike’s location in real-time, set virtual boundaries that trigger alerts if the bike leaves a specified area, and remotely lock the rear wheel, helping to improve security and peace of mind. A startup passcode can also be enabled to further improve theft deterrence, ensuring the bike can only be activated by authorized users.
The remote locking and passcode can help deter some theft, but the GPS tracking makes it easier to get the bike back if it ever does find itself in the wrong hands. The GPS feature and the 4G data communication both require a 4G data subscription, which is provided complimentary for one year at the time of purchase.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a theft-proof bicycle, but these types of smart features help riders get closer to that goal. Plus, as bike thieves become more aware of which e-bikes include built-in GPS or other theft deterrence features, hopefully those models will become less attractive targets.
The Pace 4 doesn’t only upgrade its intelligence. Its performance and comfort have also received their own improvements.
Powered by a 500W rear hub motor rated for a peak output of 864 watts and 60 Nm of torque, the Pace 4 provides decent power for smooth urban commuting and enjoyable leisure rides. According to Aventon, riders can expect consistent and reliable performance across various terrains and riding conditions.
It may not match the 750W continuous-rated motors we often see in the North American market, which usually output peak power in the low four figures of watts, but it should still provide good power and climbing performance on moderate hills.
The Pace 4 features a 36V 20Ah battery, which Aventon states can deliver a range of up to 70 miles (112 km) when ridden in ECO mode. Of course, few people actually ride solely in the lowest power mode, and so the real-world range is likely to be somewhat lower – especially for riders who make ample use of the throttle. But with just over 720 Wh of battery capacity, the Pace 4 is likely still ideal for extended city commutes, recreational rides, and weekend exploring. And with the included torque sensor, the pedal assist is more responsive, giving riders more reason to let go of the throttle and enjoy the pedal assist performance.
The 27.5×2.1″ urban tires will be most at home on pavement but can likely still handle fairly smooth trails. Whether for daily commuting or leisurely outings, the bike seems outfitted for a variety of use cases.
The Pace 4 lacks traditional suspension but the bike does include a suspension seat post offering 2 inches (50mm) of travel. This feature absorbs shocks and vibrations from rough roads, preventing them from traveling up through the saddle and into the rider’s rear, enhancing the riding experience. Complementing this is an ergonomic handlebar design aimed at promoting a relaxed, upright riding posture, reducing rider fatigue on longer trips and increasing overall comfort.
Neither of these can replace true front or rear suspension, but they go a decent way toward adding more comfort to the ride.
Aventon has also emphasized accessibility with the Pace 4. It features a step-through frame design that makes getting on and off the bike much easier than swinging a leg over the rear, helping the bike cater to riders of all ages and abilities. Available in two frame sizes and three colors of Flint, Mica, and Blue Steel (grey, black, and light blue), the Pace 4 also offers a bit of variation to help riders dial in the size and style closer to their tastes.
Priced at $1,799, the Pace 4 is entering the market at a time when new tariffs are hammering e-bike prices. The model is now available for purchase through Aventon’s official website and Aveneton’s wide network of authorized dealers.
Electrek’s Take
The new Aventon Pace 4 sticks with the company’s recent drive to push the boundaries of e-bike technology, combining smart connectivity, enhanced security features, modest performance, and some nods toward comfort. I’d imagine the bike would appeal to a broad range of riders if it wasn’t for the price, which feels fairly high to me. Plus, the base model doesn’t include a rack, fenders, or other commuter staples that will only elevate the price further. That being said, the Pace 4 launches at a time when e-bike prices are expected to arrive across the board, either slightly for models built in various Asian countries or significantly for models built in China.
But ignoring the price (as hard as that may be), I do like what I see here. It’s hard to compare to Class 3 e-bikes with more powerful 48V systems, but this isn’t designed to compete with those models. It’s a more modest, easier-going model. But for its intended audience, it comes with some nice features that we don’t often see elsewhere.
I really hope features like built-in tracking become more common across the board, as they’re hugely valuable for riders.
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British Columbia got its first 400 kW DC fast charger last week at Canadian C-store chain On The Run, but that’s not the good part. As part of a limited time offer, these chargers are FREE!
The Canadian convenience store chain just took the wraps off its new, ABB-developed, 400 kW chargers earlier this month, but they’re already planning to bring the ultra-fast 400 kW dispensers to at least four more locations in BC this spring, and have them online just in time for the summer road trip season – something On The Run hopes its customers will appreciate.
“The A400 charger delivers an enhanced customer experience, with reliability and performance from a 32-inch screen to higher power charging sessions and power sharing,” reads the company’s official announcement, via LinkedIn. “Download the Journie Rewards app to start the charge – free for a limited time.”
On The Run’s new 400 kW ABB DC fast chargers are compatible with CCS and CHAdeMO plugs, and can accommodate Tesla and other NACS-equipped vehicles with an adapter. That said, the company seems to imply that Tesla drivers in particular will have a maximum charging speed of “just” 50 kW, which feel hilarious (given the current state of affairs between Tesla and the Canadian government), but probably isn’t.
In addition to the ABB A400 400 kW units shown here, On The Run locations also employ the ABB Terra 184 dispensers rated at 180 kW. On The Run plans similar deployments at the four BC locations mentioned above, as well as two more each in Quebec and Ontario slated to go live towards the end of this year.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla’s controversial CEO Elon Musk once mocked 350 kW charging speed as being “for a child’s toy,” despite the fact that, nearly nine years later, his own cars and Superchargers can barely make it to 325 kW while others have sailed right on past. I made fun of that fact on the Quick Charge episode shown, above – and, while I do think it’s funny and relevant, the much more relevant piece of news here is that companies like BP Pulse, Revel, and Wallbox are actively deploying 400 kW solutions, today (while others hit the same mark as far back as 2017).
It’s just a fact: Tesla has fallen way behind.
SOURCE | IMAGES: On The Run, via Electric Autonomy.
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