Pave BK review: a street-legal electric motorbike on the blockchain
The Pave BK is a premium 30 mph, fully street-legal motorbike that strikes a great balance between fun and utility. As someone who always checks the top speed specs first when looking at e-bikes, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that while the BK lacked in top speed, it more than made up for it in terms of utility, design, and, more interestingly, technology—but more on that later.
The BK is the first model of the relatively young company Pave, which is based out of Newlab in Brooklyn, NY. To get a better understanding of the electric bike that supposedly utilizes blockchain technology, I headed over to Newlab, where Pave’s co-founder, Nico Nagel, was able to give me an in-depth look at the bike and explain just how it works. First, let’s get some quick specs out of the way.
Pave BK specs
- Motor: 3000w brushless rear hub motor
- Top speed: 30 mph
- Range: Up to 50 miles
- Battery: Premium Lithium-Ion 21700 50.4v, 39.2 ah
- Charge time: Stock Charger to 80%: 8 h, fast charger to 80 % in 1 hour
- Max load: 300 lbs / 150 kg
- Weight: 101 lbs without battery
- Suspension: Single crown inverted suspension fork in front and comfortable seat for rear.
- Brakes: Single piston automotive brakes
- Extras: Lock & Unlock: Pave+ Phone Application (iOS & Android) or NFC card, Connectivity: BLE, LTE, Anti-theft: GPS based tracking system
- Price: $6,900
The tech
What sets the BK apart from almost all other e-bike manufacturers is their integration with the blockchain for both security and ride-sharing capabilities. The way I understand it, after my talk with Nico, is that with every BK bike, there will be an NFT issued, which will act as a sort of digital title that can prove ownership, as well as record data such as a VIN number and an odometer reading. The NFT token will also be able to act as a key, where if someone were to steal the bike and resell it, the new person would not be able to unlock the bike without having that key.
Additional safety features include a shake-wake feature that will notify the owner when the bike is being moved and activate its GPS even when the main battery is taken out. As for the ride-sharing, the bike comes with an added feature that allows users to set up their own digital contracts with other riders, where a deposit can be required to borrow the bike, and specific requirements will have to be met, which are set up by the owner.
The ride
As for the ride, the bike has an incredibly comfortable 32-inch seat that is made for up to two people to fit. The higher riding position and general lightweight aspect of the bike make for a really nimble e-bike capable of zipping through traffic without a problem. I found that the bike has very adequate braking power and is able to activate regenerative braking automatically when using the standard brakes.
The BK comes with 3 different ride modes plus a boost mode. Pave claims that with its highest setting, the bike can accelerate to 30 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It’s not the fastest out there, but given that this is also a utility bike, I was quite pleased with the performance. Unlike some other electric bikes, the BK is able to switch through the different modes without having to be stopped.
Utility and design
When it comes to the physical design of the bike, the most notable aspect is its minimal visual profile that comes as a result of hiding the battery underneath the seat and hollowing out the entire middle section. For those needing lots of storage on their rides, the bike has a series of optional attachments, including an incredibly spacious basket that can be added to the middle section. For additional space, you can also purchase saddlebags and even carry things on the rear.
I was told that the bike would even be able to carry two extra batteries within the middle section, giving you a total range of 150 miles. But luckily, unless you’re looking to ride 150 miles before having access to the next outlet, there’s a much better option. Available for purchase will be a fast charge that gets you up to 80% in an hour. A few other features include passenger pegs and a built-in phone holder in the front.
Electric’s take:
For those who are looking for a fun, utility electric motorbike that is 100 percent street-legal and don’t necessarily need highway speeds, the BK has plenty to offer. You can ride it with just a regular driver’s license, and you might even be able to get your plates straight from Pave, as you would with a car dealership. The ride is comfortable, and the bike comes with security features that would give me a little more peace of mind than I would usually have.
The use of blockchain within electric motorbikes is something that I look forward to seeing put into action, but with the technology still being pretty new to real-world use cases like this one, I would be very curious to see how it works out when put into action. I can imagine that, like with any new system, there will be plenty of hiccups, but personally, I can’t wait to one day rent one of these from someone while in a new city, especially if I can use the fast charger and carry a large camera bag with me.
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A couple years ago, my wife started a new job as an elementary school principal. It was an exciting milestone, but it also came with a stressful commute. The school isn’t far – just a few kilometers across the city – but during rush hour, taking the bus often meant sitting in gridlock for 45 minutes. Not exactly the best way to start or end a workday.
So we got her an electric bike.
Not just any e-bike, either. She picked out a sleek little folding model called the Rayvolt Exxite XS. It’s light, stylish, easy to ride, and best of all, it doesn’t take up much space at home or at school.
But here’s the kicker: it only goes 25 km/h (15.5 mph). It doesn’t even have a throttle. You have to pedal it, you know, like a neanderthal.
And yet… it’s faster than cars. A lot faster.
Her commute now takes about 10 minutes. Maybe 12 minutes if she catches a few red lights. She zips past long lines of idling cars, breezes down bike lanes, and parks right at the school entrance. No searching for a parking space. No waiting for late buses. No moving so slow that you can clearly see a piece of gum stuck on the road. Just hop on and go.
In raw numbers, her commute time has been cut by more than 75%. Now she’s easily traveling 3-4x faster than a car or bus.
And the only thing that changed was swapping four wheels for two – and ditching the idea that the “faster” vehicle is always the one with more horsepower and an extra few thousand kilos to lug around.
She went with something of a sleek-looking e-bike, but anyone could get the same or better performance from a simple, mass-market e-bike like a $999 Lectric XP4, all for a few months of car payments or nearly a year of bus riding. This isn’t expensive stuff. In fact, it’s cheaper, it saves time, and it’s more fun.
In cities choked with traffic, a modest Class 1 e-bike like hers can be 3–4 times faster than driving. Not because it’s a speed machine (it’s not), but because cars are stuck. Stuck behind other cars. Stuck behind buses. Stuck behind the myth that they’re the only real way to get around.
The bike’s other benefits aren’t lost on her either. She gets a bit of exercise every day to help keep her in shape. She gets fresh air. She gets to actually experience our amazing city instead of watching it go by through a window. And she arrives at school with a smile instead of a headache.
At school, she parks in a guarded area. Back home, she can easily take her bike right up to our apartment in the elevator. It’s no muss, no fuss, easy breezy beautiful e-bike girl.
So yeah, I got my wife an e-bike that’s faster than cars. It didn’t take 1,000 watts or some monster battery pack. It just took rethinking what speed really means in a city.
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The best-selling Mercedes-Benz SUV is going electric, and it’s bringing a new style with it. Mercedes promises the new GLC EV “redefines” the face of the luxury brand. Here’s our first look.
Mercedes previews flashy new face with the GLC EV
We will get our first look at the new electric SUV in a little over a month at the Munich Motor Show. Ahead of its official debut, Mercedes has been hyping the GLC EV up as what could be one of its most important vehicles (EV or gas) to date.
The GLC is already the best-selling Mercedes SUV globally and in the US, but the luxury automaker is promising the electric version will take it to the next level.
“Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand,” according to Gorden Wagener, Mercedes’ chief design boss. Wagener says the new look is “the perfect fusion” of lasting design (and more LED lights) that will be used on upcoming vehicles.
The new electric GLC will be the first to showcase the new face. Mercedes gave us a sneak peek of it on Monday, revealing the revamped grille design.
When you pass by the iconic three-point star, you know it’s a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. For over 100 years, the chrome grille has been the face of nearly every model.
Although it’s been updated and evolved, this is its most extreme redesign yet. The new grille is bold and wide. Again, you won’t be missing this one when it drives by.
After adopting a more “EV-look” with the closed-off grille in its first-gen electric vehicles, Mercedes is reverting to a more traditional luxury design, similar to that of Cadillac or BMW, with a chunky, wide chrome grille. An illuminated version will also be available, featuring 942 backlit dots.
Mercedes says the optional high-tech pixel design can even be animated to bring the electric GLC to life.” The iconic star and border of the panel are also illuminated.
The GLC EV is the first of a new family of vehicles that will feature its advanced new MB.OS supercomputer alongside the updated design.
Mercedes is also promising an optional new MBUX HYPERSCREEN, “elevates the interior of the new GLC in a way never seen before.” We will get our first official look at the new Mercedes GLC EV on September 7 at the Munich Motor Show.
The luxury automaker says the event will mark the beginning of a new era with its largest product launch yet. In addition to the electric GLC debut, Mercedes will hold the world premiere for the new CLA EV, CLA Shooting Brake, and Concept AMG GT XX. Check back soon for more updates leading up to the event.
What do you think of the new face of Mercedes? Are you a fan? Or should the luxury brand go back to the chalkboard again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Costco’s EV Marketplace hopes to guide its members through every step of their electrification journey with helpful articles, insights, and resources. The online resource gas just hit its six-month milestone, and to celebrate, they’re rolling out fresh deals on three new Volvo EVs.
SKIP THE STORY: take me to the deals.
“It’s normal to have questions when you’re considering an EV,” reads Costco’s Marketplace copy. “Are EVs safe? How long will my EV last? Can EVs handle harsh weather? We’ve answered these questions and more so you can have peace of mind about living the EV life.”
That’s how it starts, and the Marketplace, true to its word, continues with informational articles about EV incentives (Money Matters), charging FAQs (All About Charging), the differences between hybrids, PHEVS, and EREVs (Hybrids and PHEVs), and Expert Perspectives on topics like autonomous driving and buying usd EVs.
It’s pretty basic stuff, and you’d probably get a lot more nuanced and useful real-world takes on the hows and whys of fitting an EV into your everyday life by reading the comments on Electrek, but the Costco site passes the Jo Borrás Father-In-Law Test™: it’s easy, accessible, and does everything it can to avoid taking any sort of environmental or political stand.
And, best of all, it neatly organizes all the different GM EVs eligible for Costco member discounts. And, now through September, that list includes a (returning) trio of all-electric Volvo models: the EX90, EX40, and Electrek EV of the year for 2024, the Volvo EX30.
Check out the deals, below, and click on the Make/Model names to find more discounts and deals on new EVs in inventory near you.
Costco members only Volvo deals
- Volvo EX90
$ 1,500 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 2,000 incentive for Executive members - Volvo EX40
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Volvo EX30
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members
Costco members only GM deals
- Chevrolet Blazer EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Chevrolet Equinox EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Chevrolet Silverado EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - GMC Sierra EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - GMC Hummer EV
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Cadillac OPTIQ
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Cadillac VISTIQ
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members - Cadillac ESCALADE IQ
$ 1,000 incentive for Gold Star & Business members
$ 1,250 incentive for Executive members
Brightdrop Costco member deal
Finally, I absolutely must stop and highlight what might be the absolute best deals going. With 272 miles of range and more room inside its walls than your college dorm, GM’s Chevy Brightdrop electric van is one of the best commercial EVs you can buy. As a Costco Executive member, you can get one for yourself or your business with an absolutely incredible $31,500 discount. (!)
You can check out Costco’s EV Marketplace for yourself at this link, then let us know what you think of it as a resource – and if you’d recommend it to your in-laws – in the comments.
SOURCE: Costco; images via Volvo, GM.
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