Connect with us

Published

10 months ago

on

We got to ride a pre-production model of a striking new e-bike/e-moped, the Owlet One, with lots of power in a small package.

We first met Owlet at Electrify Expo in Long Beach, CA, where we only had a couple minutes on its bike. But since the company is headquartered nearby in Los Angeles, they emailed us asking if we’d like a longer test ride, and delivered a bike to us for to spend a few hours on this time.

Just to set the stage for this ride: Owlet is a new brand, preparing to ship its first bike. So to start off, we rode a prototype, not the finished version. This means it may come with different features, and we’re not entirely sure when it will ship, either.

The first thing to notice about the Owlet One is its design, which certainly stands out immediately. The bike is made of aviation-grade aluminum, though is still quite hefty, tipping the scales at 84 lbs (but it felt even heavier in our hands).

On top of Owlet’s striking design, the bike is also somewhat of a unique shape and size. Despite offering a format that looks similar to an e-bike at first glance, it rides more like a small moped. This actually puts its 84lb weight into a different perspective – rather than being heavy for a bike, it can be thought of as light for a moped.

But photographs can’t encapsulate everything about the design of the Owlet, because it has one totally unique feature: an adjustable wheelbase.

This can be done by one person in under a minute, though requires a socket wrench and a small amount of elbow grease.

In practice, I found that the adjustable wheelbase probably won’t come up much for riding purposes. The longest wheelbase (or close to it) was the most comfortable and stable to me, and shorter wheelbases were a bit more of a novelty, especially on this powerful bike which can get a little squirrelly on the shorter settings.

Another issue is that it changes the angle of the kickstand, which means you can’t really use the kickstand outside of a narrow wheelbase range. The final bike will supposedly have a different kickstand design, but this will likely be an issue regardless of how it’s redesigned.

But it was good for making the bike small enough to fit into places you might not normally be able to fit a moped-style bike. Between its narrow handlebars and shrunk down to its smallest 44-inch-long setting, it fit into the back of both a Tesla Model Y and an Audi A3 wagon (both with seats down), but not quite into a Model 3 – which I’ve fit multiple normal-sized bikes into the back of, though with the front wheel removed. Though its hefty weight does mean it can be awkward to lift the bike in there in the first place.

And it’s got more power than you’d expect out of most e-bikes too. With a 750W motor (3000W peak), there’s plenty of get up and go, and plenty to keep you going even as you reach closer to its 30mph top speed. This top speed can be lowered through the bike’s computer, to fit your local regulations.

Speaking of regulations, the bike is officially categorized as a motorized scooter, rather than an actual e-bike, as it doesn’t have pedals. It’s in a similar category to electric kick scooters, so you need to have any class of driver’s license to ride it, though it can be used either on or off public roads (but check your area’s regulations for sidewalk use, helmet requirements, and so on).

The shrouding on the front fork does restrict turning radius, but only when walking the bike in tight corners

The throttle we tested was a thumb throttle, though we would have preferred a twist throttle. The thumb throttle is just too twitchy, and on a bike with such peaky acceleration, it could get jumpy. This was especially true with shorter wheelbase settings. Owlet says there will be an option for a twist throttle when the bike ships, but we’d also like to see the software moderate acceleration on the very low end even with the thumb throttle.

And the bike is fully throttle-driven – there are no pedals, only pegs. Owlet plans to offer an option for pegs attached to the front to allow a different, more laid-back seating position.

The motor, kickstand and pegs. This is the final wheel design, rather than the traditional spoked design in Owlet’s press photos above

I tested the bike with a few accessories I had laying around, but because of the Owlet’s unique design, not all of them would fit (the handlebar cupholder seen in some of my photos doesn’t come with the bike, for example, which has no bottle cage mount). You’ll probably want a backpack if you’re planning to carry things on this bike, rather than saddlebags or the like.

The bike’s owl-like headlights fit well with the brand name. The charging outlet is in the “beak”

Owlet says the bike’s 1500Wh battery (made with 2170-format cells) can take you around 40-60 miles, and comes with a 350W charger for a ~5 hour charge. Based on our test ride, we think this range is reasonable or perhaps even conservative – but I’m also a pretty lightweight rider at 155lbs, and always remember that e-bike ranges vary widely depending on terrain and rider.

The seat has a very cool look to it and is comfortable to sit on, partially due to integrated seat suspension. The front fork also has 3.5 inches of suspension travel. I’d have liked for both suspensions to be a little looser, but that is again likely due to my relatively light weight.

All of this comes with a caveat: we rode a prototype here, not a final bike. So the bike was missing some final features, some features weren’t working (like the headlight), and so on. Owlet says that specifically the LCD and foot stands will be changed, but we imagine other tweaks are possible (we hope one of the LCD changes makes it easier to read with polarized sunglasses – it was a bit tough, which is true of many, but not all, bike computer screens).

Owlet also has plans for a future bike, the Owlet 2, which is more solidly in the moped category, with a less wild design and higher range and top speed. Owlet shared an early prototype fact sheet with us, but given the One is already a bit of a ways out from delivery, don’t hold your breath for the 2 yet.

In short, the Owlet is a fun, quirky ride with a very design-forward ethos. If you’re looking for a bike that doesn’t look like any other, it could be worth looking into. Though it’s definitely on the unorthodox side and you have to be willing to accept its eccentricities when compared to more conventional two-wheeled devices.

The company is taking $50 refundable deposits for its bike, which it has said it wants to ship around March – but it also says that it’s waiting for a minimum batch quantity of preorders first, and that shipments would take 3-6 months after that, so we imagine March could be optimistic. If you want to get in line, you can reserve one here.

The bike will cost $3,995, though early reservers can get it for $2,995, along with an engraved serial number and a 1 year warranty/service package. Owlet wants to have service locations around LA and possibly one in New York, to begin with. It will distribute the bikes by shipping them directly to customers.

If you’re an e-bike/motorcycle/scooter owner, charge them up at home with rooftop solar panels. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing on solar, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. – ad*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Environment

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N gets a new Essentials trim in Korea and a lower price tag

Published

3 hours ago

on

September 22, 2025

By

The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N gets a new Essentials trim in Korea and a lower price tag

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials

Hyundai wants to make the electric sports car for everyone. Not just those who can afford it. The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim was launched in Korea on Monday, offering a lower price tag but the same thrilling drive.

Hyundai launches new IONIQ 5 N Essentials in Korea

The IONIQ 5 N is Hyundai’s first EV sports car under the IONIQ series. Initially launched in 2023, the IONIQ 5 N marked a new era for Hyundai’s high-performance N division.

Hyundai’s electric hot hatch not only looks the part with added sporty “N” branded elements scattered inside and out, but it’s also packed with fun features, advanced tech, and a host of drive modes.

Based on a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain, the IONIQ 5 N delivers up to 641 horsepower when N Grin Boost is engaged. Even without it, the electric sports car packs 601 hp.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

It also draws power from an 84 kWh battery, good for an EPA-estimated range of 221 miles. On the WLTP scale, it’s rated with an official range of 278 miles (448 km). The added power results in a lower range than other IONIQ 5 trims.

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 Essentials trim (Source: Hyundai)

Although it was already one of the most affordable sports cars, EV or gas-powered, Hyundai is lowering the price even further.

After launching the new Essentials model in South Korea on Monday, Hyundai said the new trim “is characterized by lowering the barrier to entry so that customers can experience the overwhelming driving performance of the IONIQ 5 N at a reasonable price through optimized specifications.”

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials
The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 Essentials trim (Source: Hyundai)

Hyundai focused on core convenience features while including the same high-performance motors, battery, and N-specific elements as the base model.

A Hyundai official said, “The Essential trim of the IONIQ 5 N is a new trim that offers greater cost-effectiveness to lower the barrier to entry for high-performance electric vehicles.”

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-Essentials
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)

The IONIQ 5 N features advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including highway driving assist and navigation-based smart cruise control. Hyundai has also added an exclusive new “Parking Assist Lite” package, offering safety and convenience features such as surround view monitoring and rear parking assistance.

The new Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Essentials trim starts at 74.9 million won ($54,000), including tax benefits. Hyundai said it will continue to make competitive products so more buyers can experience high-performance EVs.

Hyundai-IONIQ-5-N
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (Source: Hyundai)

Although the Essentials trim is not available in the US, the IONIQ 5 N is still more affordable than most sports cars. The 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N starts at $66,200. But, with the $7,500 tax credit, which is set to expire on September 30, leases are currently listed as low as $549 per month.

Looking to test the IONIQ 5 out for yourself? You can use our link to find the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and high-performance N models near you today (trusted affiliate link).


Add Electrek as a preferred source on Google
Add Electrek as a preferred source on Google

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

In a blow to Trump, judge clears Ørsted’s Revolution Wind to resume

Published

5 hours ago

on

September 22, 2025

By

In a blow to Trump, judge clears Ørsted’s Revolution Wind to resume

Revolution Wind
Photo: Revolution Wind

A federal judge has cleared the way for Ørsted’s nearly complete 704-megawatt (MW) Revolution Wind offshore wind farm to restart construction, overturning a stop-work order imposed by the Trump administration.

Reagan-appointed senior US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth granted a preliminary injunction in Washington, DC, calling the government’s conduct “the height of arbitrary and capricious government conduct.” He added, “If Revolution Wind cannot meet benchmark deadlines, the entire project could collapse. There is no doubt in my mind of irreparable harm to the plaintiffs.”

Ørsted welcomed the ruling and said in a statement, “Revolution Wind will continue to seek to work collaboratively with the US Administration and other stakeholders toward a prompt resolution. Revolution Wind will resume impacted construction work as soon as possible, with safety as the top priority.”

The decision marks a significant setback for the Trump administration’s attempts to stall offshore wind development. Revolution Wind is already about 80% complete, with all turbine foundations and 45 of 65 turbines successfully installed, and expected to power 350,000 homes in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Earlier this month, the two states’ attorneys general announced they were suing the Trump administration to overturn its “baseless” decision to halt Revolution Wind. That underlying lawsuit challenging the stop-work order will continue to progress.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Oceantic Network CEO Liz Burdock said, “Today’s decision allowing work to resume on Revolution Wind is welcome news for the hundreds of skilled workers who can now return to their jobs while the legal process continues. This Made in America energy project is putting Americans to work building reliable, affordable power to communities across New England that desperately need it.”

Read more: Connecticut, Rhode Island sue Trump to save 80% complete offshore wind farm

The 30% federal solar tax credit is ending this year. If you’ve ever considered going solar, now’s the time to act. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them. 

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.


Add Electrek as a preferred source on Google
Add Electrek as a preferred source on Google

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Environment

EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with free gifts, bonus + bulk savings all from $169, and much more

Published

5 hours ago

on

September 22, 2025

By

EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with free gifts, bonus + bulk savings all from 9, and much more

This week’s Green Deals are kicking off with EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale that is running right up to the official event with increased 65% discounts on power stations, as well as bonus sitewide savings, bulk savings, free gifts, and more starting from $169. Among the large lineup, we did spot the brand’s DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled with an extra battery and two 110W solar panels at a new $892 low. Behind that event, we also have BougeRV’s two different 2-Bike Mountable Carriers (which are e-bike compatible) for SUVs and trucks starting from a new $180 low, as well as a one-day-only sale on Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh Power Station with a 60W foldable panel at $236 – plus, so much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals from last week collected at the bottom of the page, rounded together within our most recent edition of Electrified Weekly.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale increases power station discounts up to 65% with bonus savings, free gifts, and more from $169

EcoFlow has launched its Early Prime Day Sale through October 6, which is increasing discounts on power stations up to 65% off, complete with bonus sitewide savings, free gifts at certain pricing thresholds, and even additional bulk savings when buying five or more items. Among the lineup, there is a direct-sale-only offer on the DELTA 2 Portable Power Station bundled with a smart extra battery and two 110W solar panels for $892.05 shipped, after using the sitewide code 25PDFAFF at checkout for an additional 5% savings. This bundle would normally run you $2,646 at full price, and would currently cost you $1,379 buying the power station/battery bundle with two 110W panels separately at Amazon. We’ve seen this kit dropped down to $999 in direct sales before this event, with the $1,754 markdown here dropping things to a new all-time low price. Head below to get the rundown on all the extra ways to save and the full lineup of deals.

As expected, EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale is bringing along plenty of bonus savings promotions while it lasts, including the 5% sitewide bonus discount you can score on any order using the code 25PDFAFF at checkout. There are also three gift with purchase options, with orders reaching $500 getting a free 45W portable solar panel, while orders reaching $1,500 get a free 220W panel and orders of $3,000 or more get a free 400W panel. There’s also the bulk savings with an extra 7% savings being given to orders of five to 10 pieces, an extra 9% savings on orders with 11 to 20 pieces, and an extra 10% savings on bulk orders of 20 or more pieces.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 portable power station is a great well-rounded option for your off-grid living needs, as well as your at-home emergency backup, and with the extra battery included in the bundle, you’ll be starting with a doubled 2,048Wh LiFePO4 capacity that can bump up further to 3,072Wh with one additional battery. You’ll be getting a steady 1,800W of power through the 15 ports present here, surging up to 2,200W when needed. It’s been constructed with an IP68 waterproof rating to handle your outdoor adventures and the weather you may come across, and offers the usual array of in-app smart controls.

Seeing as you’re getting the 220W of solar panels with the bundle, you’re nearly halfway to its max 500W solar input that can put the battery back to full in three to six hours. There’s also the option to recharge from a standard AC outlet to 80% capacity in 50 minutes, or wait for 80 minutes for it to get back to full, with a car port available to plug into your car’s auxiliary cigarette lighter port for on-the-go charging too.

***Note: None of the prices below have had the extra savings factored in and currently represent the starting price listed on the brand’s direct site. Be sure to use the sitewide promo code 25PDFAFF at checkout for the best deals, with the other discounts/gifts automatically applied upon hitting their thresholds.

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale member-only deals:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale outdoor power solutions:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale home backup solutions:

EcoFlow’s Early Prime Day Sale solar panel deals:

EcoFlow’s other Early Prime Day Sale accessory deals:

You can also shop the entire EcoFlow Early Prime Day Sale in our original coverage here.

BougeRV bike rack attached to SUV

These BougeRV 2-bike mountable carriers for SUVs/trucks carry up to 200 pounds starting from a new $180 low

Amazon is now offering the BougeRV Lockable Hitch Mount 2-Bike Carrier for SUVs & Trucks, which comes e-bike compatible at $179.99 shipped. It’s coming down from its usual $260 listing price here, which we’ve only seen drop as low as $200 with previous deals. You’re looking at a 31% markdown that cuts $80 from the tag to land at a new all-time low price. You’ll also find the more heavy-duty variant with a higher payload at $379.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page coupon.

If you want to learn more about these two e-bike compatible racks, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

woman charging tablet with Anker SOLIX C300X DC power station bundle in wilderness

Equip your travels with Anker’s SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh power station and a 60W solar panel at $236 (Today only)

As part of its Deals of the Day, Best Buy is offering the Anker SOLIX C300X DC 90,000mAh Portable Power Station with a 60W solar panel at $235.99 shipped. We’ve been seeing this combo bundle pop up every two to four weeks over the last few months, dropping from its usual $330 price tag, with it coming in $1 lower than the previous one-day sales. You’ll only find its grey variant sitting at higher rates at Amazon (currently $250) and Anker’s direct website (currently $270), with discounts on those alternate colorways having mostly dropped costs to $250 and had fallen as low as $220 in February. For the rest of the day only, you can pick up this solar generator bundle at the third-best price of 2025 and the fourth-lowest overall, which sits $46 above the all-time low that last appeared during Black Friday.

If you want to learn more about this compact solar generator bundle, be sure to check out our original coverage of this one-day-only sale here.

man sitting on Rad Power's RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike
man using Autel's Home 3000 power station to power phone, laptop, lamp

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


Add Electrek as a preferred source on Google
Add Electrek as a preferred source on Google

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Continue Reading

Trending