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In a world where every new e-bike launch seems to be bigger and more powerful than the last, there’s a certain comfort to feeling something nice and small between your legs again. I’m talking, of course, about the JackRabbit OG2 micro e-bike. It’s the latest update to JackRabbit’s original (literally OG) tiny format electric two-wheeler, and by God, it’s better than ever!

More than most of the models I review, this is absolutely one you need to see being ridden. Pictures of the bike simply don’t do it justice, especially since this model has somewhat strange proportions compared to most other e-bikes on the market.

To see it in action, check out my video review below. Then keep reading afterward!

JackRabbit OG2 Video Review

JackRabbit OG2 Tech Specs

  • Motor: 300W geared rear hub motor
  • Top speed: 32 km/h (20 mph)
  • Range: 16+ km (10+ mi) per battery (can carry extra batteries in very little space)
  • Battery: 151 Wh battery, plus the option to replace with 360Wh RangeBuster batteries
  • Max load: 125 kg (275 lb)
  • Bike weight: 11.3 kg (25 lb)
  • Brakes: Rear mechanical disc brake
  • Wheels: 20″ front and rear
  • Price: $1,249 
  • Extras: Thumb throttle, rotatable handlebars, foldout foot pegs, bell, LED dot display, kickstand, optional fenders and other accessories

What makes the JackRabbit OG2 special?

This is an incredibly special e-bike because of how unique it is – there simply isn’t anything quite like it on the market. In fact, its so unique that other companies have tried – and failed – to rip off the awesome design.

And that design is basically a super stubby bike-like setup, yet with a distinct lack of pedals.

Without worrying about pesky things like pedals, the JackRabbit can simply be much shorter and more compact. That short wheelbase is complemented by the narrow design, especially considering the special handlebar mechanism that can spin 90 degrees to create a super flat bike that slips behind a couch or under a bed.

Despite its smaller size, though, the JackRabbit OG2 still rides more like a bicycle than a scooter. Most people prefer the seated format of e-bikes since they offer a more stable feeling and larger wheels for better safety. Sure, standing scooter lovers exist. But by and large, the common sentiment is, “Why stand when you can sit?”

That’s exactly what the JackRabbit OG2 gives riders. And at the same time, it makes a number of major improvements over the original JackRabbit OG. The frame is more bike-like, almost BMX in its design, creating a more rigid structure that can support more weight. The foot pegs are improved, the display is more detailed, and the tires are better suited for urban riders.

The entire bike is also UL-compliant, including its battery. In fact, the battery is one of the coolest parts of the JackRabbit OG2. It’s a mere 151 Wh, which is just below the maximum 160 Wh limit of many US airlines for carry-on batteries – though you may still need advance permission from the airline. Combining that carry-on battery ability with the special travel bag that is built specifically for the JackRabbit OG2, this is one of the only e-bikes you can actually fly to your destination with. It’s also become popular with boat owners, private pilots, and RV drivers who all prize the convenience of a small but peppy little e-bike for traveling around their destination.

But what about performance?

The performance of the JackRabbit OG2 is what I would call, “good, but not exhilarating.”

This just isn’t a rocket of a micro e-bike, which you probably guessed by the 300W motor. On flat ground it is totally acceptable, but it’s not going to climb a hill quickly. For heavy riders, it’s also going to have slower acceleration.

That being said, it gets my 165 pounds of meat and backpack up to 20 mph (32 km/h) quickly enough, and I’m not really left wanting too much more. Sure, high power sounds nice, but I know that small battery would drain quickly if they let me rip this thing like a rented mule.

That brings me to range. The 10 miles (16 km) of range is fairly accurate, though if you’re climbing hills or just a heavy person, you could easily find yourself coming up a few miles short. This is a small battery, literally and figuratively. So you have to know that going in.

However, the small size of the battery is a plus when you consider how easy it is to stick a second battery in your pocket. It would disappear in a cargo shorts pocket, and would easily get lost in the bottom of a backpack. That’s how small these batteries are. We’re talking power tool battery-sized batteries. So carrying a second one isn’t really a big deal. And if you only want to worry about a single battery, there’s of course the RangeBuster battery that offers 24 miles of range, which is more than most people will ever need on a small e-bike like this.

In fact, if you jump on the Black Friday deal that’s currently live at the time of this review, you can even get a free RangeBuster battery with your order. That’s a pretty awesome deal!

What’s the takeaway?

At $1,249, this is not the cheapest way to get into a small e-bike. But it’s probably the smallest way to get into a small e-bike. And for some, that’s the most important thing. Portability is key for many riders, and it simply doesn’t get any more portable than a JackRabbit.

There are literally hundreds of e-bike models out there to choose from, and so I’m glad that we have options like this on the smaller end of the spectrum. For those who want more power or more cargo space, there are other options. Don’t choose this one. You wouldn’t grab a pocket umbrella for typhoon rains.

There are different tools for different jobs. But if your job is getting around an urban area with a comfortable, compact little e-bike, then this is a great option. And the fact that it’s fun and neat-looking is simply shoveling cherries on top!

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Black Friday sales on Blix e-bikes at $700 off and Hiboy EVs at 50% off, Traeger grill and smoker lows, Anker cooler 50 $569, more

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2 hours ago

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November 28, 2024

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Black Friday sales on Blix e-bikes at 0 off and Hiboy EVs at 50% off, Traeger grill and smoker lows, Anker cooler 50 9, more

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! As you enjoy time with your loved ones enjoying full meals, we have a few select Green Deals for you to browse at your leisure, starting with Blix’s Black Friday sale that is taking up to $700 off a selection of e-bikes starting from $1,399 with 30% accessory discounts, some free gear, and more. Next, there’s Hiboy’s updated Black Friday sale which has lowered some prices across its lineup even more and still features the 2024 P6 Fat-Tire All-Terrain e-bike at its new $940 low. We also have two appliance deals for you today, with the first being Traeger’s Pro 575 Electric Pellet Grill and Smoker at the $599 low, while Anker’s EverFrost Dual-Zone Portable Electric Cooler 50 has fallen to a new $569 low for today only. Plus, all the other live Green Deals from Black Friday sales are in the links at the bottom of the page, collected together in our seasonal shopping hub for your one-stop-shopping needs.

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.

Anker SOLIX C300 power station

Featured deal: Buzz Bicycles is bringing readers an exclusive promotion this Black Friday to save $400 on its Centris class 2 folding e-bike that drops costs to the best price of the year on top of including a free accessory – all for $799, after using the promo code ELECTREK200 at checkout. Featuring a step-thru and folding frame, you’ll enjoy cruising through the streets at 20 MPH top speeds for up to 40 miles, making it a great entry-level model for new riders as well as veteran riders seeking a more affordable option. There are two colorways here to choose from, and plenty of solid features like the 4-inch fat tires, front suspension, front and rear lighting – and even front and rear cargo racks too. Adding an electric solution to your commuter needs doesn’t have to break the bank with this deal.

Anker SOLIX C300 power station

Featured deal: With more than 130 years in the bicycle business, Huffy is well-known across the market, especially for its large lineup of kid-friendly models. For Black Friday, the brand is providing some exclusive savings on its iconic Electric Green Machine Trike at $419, after using the promo code ELECTREKGM at checkout for 30% off. Ideal for riders aged 8+ and falling under the 180-pound max weight, it gives kids the chance to experience 15 MPH top speeds thanks to its 250W front hub motor alongside the 36V battery. This model will also grow with your child, as its seat provides three different adjustable settings to keep them safe while they tear up the pavement with plenty of spins and drifts.

Huffy Electric Green Machine Trike: $419 (Reg. $599)

Blix Black Friday

Blix Black Friday sale takes up to $700 off e-bikes starting from $1,399 with 30% accessory discounts and more

‘Blix’s full Black Friday sale is in full swing, taking up to $700 off e-bikes, and up to 30% off accessories, while also giving away free gear and extra savings when buying two models together. Among them is the Packa Genie Cargo e-bike which is down to $1,599 shipped while the savings last. This model would normally cost you $2,099 at full price, with most of the discounts dropping things between $1,699 and $1,899, though we did see one fall to the $1,499 low in April. It’s coming in today at the second-lowest price we have tracked, beating out last year’s Black Friday and Christmas rates by $100 to save you $600 in total here. Along with your purchase, you’ll also be getting free running boards and a rear rack cushion valued at $148. Don’t forget that if you buy any two e-bikes together, you can get an additional $200 off your order by using the promo code RIDETOGETHER at checkout.

Blix’s Black Friday sale has the Packa Genie cruising into view at 20 MPH with a 40-mile travel range thanks to the combination of its 750W geared rear hub motor (peaking at 1,350W) and the 672Wh battery – plus, there is a dual-battery option for $400 more that bump its travel distance to 80 miles on a single charge. There are five levels of pedal assistance to see to it that you get the full scope of its mileage, as well as a throttle for pure electric action which cuts down its expected travel range to around 25 miles.

It comes with some nice extra features on Blix’s Packa Genie for the Black Friday rate, with a full digital display that even has a USB port for charging your phone as you ride – which is always appreciated as someone who uses my phone’s GPS to navigate the city streets. There’s also puncture-resistant tires, fenders over top both of those, integrated head and taillights, a smart bell, hydraulic disc brakes, 7-speed gear shifter, as well as the obvious mounting points along the rear rack which boasts a 200-pound payload. A rear wheel net guard has even been thrown on, which is essential, in my opinion, if you plan to take any kids on the ride with you.

Other Blix Black Friday e-bike deals:

  • Vika X Folding e-bike (new model): $1,399 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • features auto-shifting
  • Sol X Comfort e-bike (new model): $1,499 (Reg. $1,899)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • features auto-shifting

Blix Black Friday accessory discounts:

Featured deal: Mokwheel Bikes is offering up to $900 in savings across its e-bike lineup this Black Friday, with free gear coming along with select purchases too. You can buy any two ebikes and get a FREE accessory or FREE Gift Package ($499.99~$699). The biggest of these deals comes in on the brand’s latest models, the Obsidian and Obsidian ST Power Station e-bikes at $2,099, down from $2,999, with a choice between three different gifts, all worth $599. Coming with either the standard high-step or step-thru fames, what makes these newer models stand out is their built-in power station capabilities when you choose to receive the 1,000W inverter as your free gift, providing on-the-go juice for your devices using the bike’s 940W battery (on top of solar charging functionality too)

Blix Black Friday

Hiboy’s Black Friday savings drops the 62-mile 2024 P6 fat-tire e-bike to new $940 low (Save $540)

Hiboy launches its Black Friday sales that will be running through December 2 and taking up to 50% off its lineup of e-bikes and e-scooters. A notable standout is the price drop on the brand’s 2024 P6 Fat-Tire e-bike for $939.99 shipped. Normally this newer model would run you $1,480, with most sales we’ve seen this year keeping costs above $1,000, though just before these early Black Friday deals switched into gear, we saw it down at the short-lived former $960 low during the brand’s Halloween sale. That rate is being beaten here today as you’ll get a 36% markdown that cuts $540 off the price tag to land it down at a new all-time low price. You’ll even find it matching in price over at Amazon right now too.

Hiboy’s P6 fat-tire e-bike arrives onto the scene with a 750W brushless geared hub motor alongside a removable 11.6Ah waterproof battery that provide a 28 MPH top speed and enough power to tackle 20% inclines. With two main options for cruising (and the third “bike” option for manual pedaling), the travel distance can reach up to 62 miles when utilizing the five pedal assist modes, or you can get up to 30 miles using only the throttle for pure electric action. While many of the features are pretty standard for entry-level e-bikes, for such a low price, you’re mostly getting your money’s worth in its performance capabilities. Some of the standout features include the hydraulic suspension fork and puncture-resistant tires, as well as the more standard Shimano 7-speed derailleur, mechanical disc brakes, 26-inch by 4-inch fat tires, and a simple control panel for adjusting through the settings.

Hiboy Black Friday e-bike deals:

Hiboy Black Friday e-scooter deals:

Hiboy Black Friday kids’ EV deals:

Hiboy Black Friday bundle deals:

Traeger Pro 575 grill and smoker

Take your cooking to the next level with Traeger’s smart Pro 575 electric pellet grill and smoker at $599 low

As part of its Black Friday sale, Amazon is offering the Traeger Grills Pro 575 Electric Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker for $599 shipped. Down from $800, we’ve been seeing regular discounts as low as $650 over 2024, with occasional dips lower to $600 and one previous fall to $599 back during Labor Day sales. Today, you can score 25% off the going rate, saving you $201 while upgrading your BBQ game at the lowest price we have tracked for only the second time that we’ve seen.

Designed for simpler and easier meals throughout the year, the Pro 575 model from Traeger uses wood pellets for six different functions: grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and BBQ – all with one versatile device. It can reach temperatures up to 500 degrees, and offers the brand’s WiFIRE tech, giving you connectivity through a Wi-Fi network to the companion app for remote smart controls. You can even go hands-free with your voice through Alexa too – with either option of controls allowing you to pre-heat the grill without stepping outside, for example, which is especially handy for fall and winter use. The main body boasts 575 square-feet of cooking space that can accommodate “24 burgers, five rib racks, or four chickens.”

More Traeger Black Friday deals:

Anker EveFrost cooler 50

Anker’s 53L EverFrost dual-zone portable electric cooler falls to new $569 low through the rest of the day

Running alongside Best Buy’s Black Friday sale and part of its Deals of the Day, the outlet is offering the Anker EverFrost Dual-Zone Portable Cooler 50 for $569 shipped through the rest of the day. Normally priced at $949 most of the time, we’ve seen a mix of some sales inclusions with an overwhelming amount of one-day discounts like this one – often taking costs down between $699 and $799 – though, we did spy it earlier in November hitting $599. For today only, you can score $380 off its usual going rate, giving you the biggest and most advanced of Anker’s three electric coolers at a new all-time low price.

Anker’s EverFrost cooler series makes ice runs a thing of the past thanks to its battery-powered system, with this 53L model sporting what its two smaller counterparts lack: dual-zone refrigeration and freezing capabilities. It comes with an internal battery that provides a 299Wh capacity which keeps your stowed food and beverages cold and crisp for up to 27 hours on a single charge. A nice feature that Anker has included here is the 100W solar input maximum that lets you benefit from solar charging (as well as three additional recharging options) to further extend its battery life.

You can even utilize its two USB-A ports or one USB-C port to recharge your devices while it’s taking care of your perishables. It also comes designed for portability too, with an EasyTow handle and two 6-inch wheels to provide support when walking to your destination while also including an extendable table, a built-in bottle opener, and remote control of its settings via the Anker app.

Best Black Friday e-bike 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.

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Tesla releases API pricing, dev says would cost $60 million per year to run his 3rd-party app

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5 hours ago

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November 28, 2024

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Tesla releases API pricing, dev says would cost million per year to run his 3rd-party app

Tesla Mobile app

Tesla has released API pricing for third-party apps and this developer says that it would cost them $60 million per year to run their third-party Tesla app under these new pricing.

After years of operating in a gray zone without an official API, which is an interface to communicate with a service, Tesla third-party apps finally got official API documentation late last year.

It is currently geared toward fleet management, but developers hoped it would be the first step toward creating a healthy Tesla third-party app ecosystem.

Today, Tesla has released usage pricing for its Fleet API, and it is shocking many app developers:

Tesla included a cost estimation calculator based on different signals, commands, and data needs.

It doesn’t mean much to me, but the developer of the Tessie app, a third-party Tesla analytics and automation app, used it and said on Reddit that it would cost about $60 million in API fees to run his app under this pricing model:

“I’ll owe Tesla around $60 million per year using current rate.”

That’s with 400,000 Tesla drivers reportedly using the app.

Obviously, that’s not a sustainable pricing environment, but fortunately, the developer says that he can get around it by dropping the API and using “direct car communication over IP and BLE.”

Tesla has also been releasing its own fleet management features lately, which could explain this move, which throws some cold water on third-party apps.

Tyler Corsair, the founder of Teslascope, another Tesla third-party app, added that their new API cost would add up to about 7.5 times the app’s monthly revenue. According to some other devs, they are not even amongst the worst positioned.

Electrek’s Take

This is reminiscent of a situation Reddit had last year when it also updated its API pricing, which resulted in killing some popular third-party apps that had become more popular than Reddit’s own mobile app.

It’s sad to see Tesla going that way.

It will likely kill some useful third-party apps. Fortunately, it does sound like some will be able to work around it, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see some give up amid what can be perceived as an hostile move from Tesla toward third-party apps.

What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Thanksgiving and Black Friday Green Deals: EVs, power stations, tools, smart devices, appliances, more

Published

6 hours ago

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November 28, 2024

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Thanksgiving and Black Friday Green Deals: EVs, power stations, tools, smart devices, appliances, more

Happy Thanksgiving y’all! With the holiday officially here and bellies being filled throughout the day, we’ve got our annual collection of Black Friday Green Deals coming right along with it. The savings train has long been in full swing across multiple online marketplaces, and to help out with your seasonal shopping needs, we’ve rounded up all the deals we’ve spotted into this hub for your browsing pleasure. Many of the savings you see here are the biggest of the year as prices are being slashed left and right to their lowest rates. There’s plenty of opportunities to save big bucks on eco-friendly devices, equipment, and more from your favorite brands, with EVs, power stations, electric tools, ENERGY STAR appliances, smart outdoor gear, wood-burning grills, fire pits, and more all benefitting from sales. Enjoy all that we’ve collected here for you today, but don’t sit on decisions too long, there’s no telling how long stocks or these prices may last.

Black Friday Green Deals and more

Featured deal: Buzz Bicycles is bringing readers an exclusive promotion this Black Friday to save $400 on its Centris class 2 folding e-bike that drops costs to the best price of the year on top of including a free accessory – all for $799, after using the promo code ELECTREK200 at checkout. Featuring a step-thru and folding frame, you’ll enjoy cruising through the streets at 20 MPH top speeds for up to 40 miles, making it a great entry-level model for new riders as well as veteran riders seeking a more affordable option. There are two colorways here to choose from, and plenty of solid features like the 4-inch fat tires, front suspension, front and rear lighting – and even front and rear cargo racks too. Adding an electric solution to your commuter needs doesn’t have to break the bank with this deal.

Black Friday Green Power Station Deals

Featured deal: With more than 130 years in the bicycle business, Huffy is well-known across the market, especially for its large lineup of kid-friendly models. For Black Friday, the brand is providing some exclusive savings on its iconic Electric Green Machine Trike at $419, after using the promo code ELECTREKGM at checkout for 30% off. Ideal for riders aged 8+ and falling under the 180-pound max weight, it gives kids the chance to experience 15 MPH top speeds thanks to its 250W front hub motor alongside the 36V battery. This model will also grow with your child, as its seat provides three different adjustable settings to keep them safe while they tear up the pavement with plenty of spins and drifts.

Black Friday Green EV Deals

Featured deal: Mokwheel Bikes is offering up to $900 in savings across its e-bike lineup this Black Friday, with free gear coming along with select purchases too. You can buy any two ebikes and get a FREE accessory or FREE Gift Package ($499.99~$699). The biggest of these deals comes in on the brand’s latest models, the Obsidian and Obsidian ST Power Station e-bikes at $2,099, down from $2,999, with a choice between three different gifts, all worth $599. Coming with either the standard high-step or step-thru fames, what makes these newer models stand out is their built-in power station capabilities when you choose to receive the 1,000W inverter as your free gift, providing on-the-go juice for your devices using the bike’s 940W battery (on top of solar charging functionality too)

Black Friday Green Garden/Lawn Care Deals

Black Friday Green Appliance Deals

Apple Watch 

AirPods

Apple Pencil, Mac accessories, more

Google Black Friday deals

Samsung Black Friday Week deals

Smart Home Black Friday deals

PC gaming and more

PC, Snapdragon, Copilot+, Chromebook deals

Speakers and headphones

General Tech

iPhone and Apple Watch accessories

Amazon gear deals

Kindle 

Echo Spot, Dot, and Pop smart speakers

Echo Show smart displays

Fire TV Stick

Echo Buds

Fire Tablets

Smart TVs

Our master roundup of Black Friday smart TVs is waiting for you right here – there’s far too many to drop down in here, but we will leave you with some highlights below. The complete list awaits right here.

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