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As one of the few people who can claim to now be in my third decade of living an electric bike-focused life, I’ve tested a lot of gear over the years. Between the gear I buy for myself and the piles of random stuff that shows up on my doorstep from overzealous PR agencies, I’ve gone through a wide range of tools, locks, clothing, accessories, and more. Here are my favorites of all the stuff I’ve tested this year.

I’ll start with locks because I’m a bit of a bike lock collector. I have boxes overflowing with them. That means if a lock has made it out of the boxes and into my regular-use collection, it must have some really good features and utility.

Foldylock Forever from Seatylock

Seatylock is one of my favorite lock companies due to the various products’ combination of security and value. The strongest lock that I use every day is my Foldylock Forever. It weighs around 1/3 of a high-security chain lock (just under 3.9 lb or 1.8 kg) and is much quieter than most folding locks due to the higher precision security rivets. It is rated Gold-Certified by the premier lock testing agency Sold Secure, and is resistant to the most common attacks of blades, bolt cutters, nut splitters, pry bars/jacks, and freezing attacks.

It opens wide to function like a chain lock, wrapping around wide objects like trees or small objects like sign posts, and I also really like the convenient holster that makes it easy to stow and grab one-handed. The wide design means you can also lock both the frame and a wheel, which is important if you want to have wheels on your bike when you come back to it.

This lock is actually quite fairly priced at US $99 on Amazon. High-security locks cost a lot because they are meant to protect expensive e-bikes, and this one is worth every single penny. And that’s even a great sale price, considering it normally costs $125.

I’ve also been testing a smaller version of the same lock, the Foldylock Compact. It comes in multiple colors, but I like the orange-accented one since it has that nice poison treefrog coloring to let thieves see it from a distance and remind them to move on to the next poor shmuck’s bike.

While this one isn’t quite as robust as the over-the-top Foldylock Forever above, the Foldylock Compact is smaller and lighter for those who don’t want a chunky lock. At just 2.2 lb or 1 kg, it’s almost half the weight and still features many of the same important security components like those patented high-security rivets.

This would be a great option for scooters, too, since it’s smaller and more compact for the lighter frames on scooters.

At US $71 on Amazon, it’s a more affordable version of the flagship Foldylock Forever lock.

The third and last lock from Seatylock that I’ve really taken a liking to is the Mason 220. This may look like a standard U-lock at first, but there are two main differences I really like about it.

The first is that it is wide enough to fit around the chunky battery downtube in all of my e-bikes. Most U-locks can’t fit around this wide part of an e-bike, meaning you’re more limited on locking locations. The Mason 220 has no problem fitting anywhere on my e-bikes.

The second thing I like is that the lock’s shackle has a pentagonal profile. That helps reduce weight while strengthening the cross-section compared to round or square bars. The engineering answer is that it puts more material further away from the center axis without wasting material where it isn’t needed. It also prevents thieves from having two flat surfaces on either side for applying various tools. But in layman’s terms, it’s just a more efficient profile for anti-theft.

On top of all of that, the lock is Diamond-certified 20/20 by Sold Secure, which is the highest possible security rating. It’s resistant to cutting, grinding, drilling, bending, prying, freezing, and basically every main lock attack.

At its current price of US $76 on Amazon, it’s a no-brainer.

I always recommend using two locks at the same time, and I often combine the Mason 220 with the FoldyLock Compact (since my wife tends to steal my FoldylLck Forever for her bike).

E-cuffs electric scooter lock

This one is a bit of a strange lock, but stick with me. These handcuff-style locks make great scooter locks, which is what they’re designed for. But in a pinch, you can also use it on an e-bike.

These aren’t the most secure locks out there, so I generally try to use them in conjunction with a second lock when possible, but the E-cuffs do have several good safety features as part of their design. The triple-ply steel is harder to cut and the tight locking cuff makes it hard to get a pry-bar inside of the lock for leverage attacks.

They also mount really nicely to the stem of a scooter so they can deploy quickly around whatever you choose to lock onto.

I used them on the VMAX scooter I was recently testing and found them to be a really convenient solution for quick and convenient locking.

Waterfield Vitesse waxed canvas backpack

For those of you who bemoan the lack of American manufacturing, here you go! The Waterfield Vitesse waxed canvas backpack is made in America. It’s also got made in America pricing at US $219, but hey, you said you’d pay for American manufacturing, right?!

This bag is a work of art, made of beautiful waxed canvas from an American mill that has produced it this way for nearly a century. The bags are sewn in San Francisco and feature a main open pocket with organizer pouches inside, a laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch laptop, and a pleated front pocket. The roll-top design also has a waterproof zipper, meaning you don’t have to roll the top if you prefer to stuff it fairly full. You can just zip it when you don’t have the extra material left over to roll it.

The neoprene-padded straps and leather-wrapped handle are comfortable and obviously built for years of wear, as this is a buy-it-for-life type of bag. I often ride on days when you never know what kind of weather you’ll have, and so the waxed canvas and waterproof zipper are key for cyclists who want a good-looking bag that still withstands the elements.

Remco electric lifting bike stand

This stand has changed the game for my bike work. I assemble a lot of e-bikes for reviews and am constantly doing work on my bikes, whether steady maintenance or major repairs. Lifting heavy e-bikes onto a stand isn’t fun, especially as many of the “e-bikes” I review are basically 100-lb light electric motorcycles.

That’s perfect since the Remco electric lift bike stand can support up to 100 lb models, and I actually put that to the test with multiple 100lb+ models!

It’s got a super stable (and heavy) base plate, and the lift itself can be programmed to remember various heights that are most comfortable for you.

The modular design lets you use your own clamp or theirs, meaning you can stick with your trusty Park Tool clamp if you prefer.

A little over a year ago I hurt my back (and had my first “OMG this must be what getting old is” moment), and so the use of an electric bike lift for heavy electric bikes is just such a nice addition to my bike workflow that I can’t imagine anymore muscling those 80 and 90 lb e-bikes into the air while trying to support them one handed and close the clamp with the other.

This is really meant for bike shops and professionals, but even folks like you and me who just tend to do work on one or more heavy bikes can really benefit from it!

Beyond Riders protected riding clothing

I’ve written before about the importance of wearing protective clothing, especially on faster electric bikes. Beyond Riders has become my go-to brand because its clothes look like typical everyday garments yet have hidden armor and are produced with heavy-duty fibers designed for abrasion resistance.

I’ve just started testing out their flannel shirt and cargo pants, which have options for Level 1 or Level 2 armor inserts to protect your shoulders, elbows, spine, hips, and knees. I’ll do a deeper dive on those soon.

Their canvas riding jacket is still one of my favorites too, and it doesn’t even look like a motorcycle jacket. It just looks like a nice canvas jacket!

My wife also likes that I don’t look like I’m heading out for a motorcycle ride, but rather I can wear this stuff on date night. While that’s not my primary concern, the “happy wife, happy life” doctrine always applies. So if I can combine safety and fashion in one, that’s the best option.

beyond riders canvas jacket micah toll
You can see the hidden back armor from the inside

The BEAM’s Virgo helmet

Helmets are obviously critical safety gear for e-bike riders, especially since we tend to spend more time at higher speeds. But no matter the technology included in a helmet, if it only sits on the top of your head, then there’s a whole lot of face material left flapping around in the wind.

The Virgo helmet is a full face helmet with added chin bar to add extra protection.

You pay handsomely for that protection, to the tune of US $299, but you get a lot more face coverage than your typical helmet. That means your jaw has a better chance of staying attached in a catastrophic impact with a vehicle or concrete curb. The included MIPS system also reduces torsional impact on your brain, which is becoming standard on all higher-quality helmets these days.

And for less disastrous crashes, you don’t have to worry about regrowing the skin on your face. If your face is how you make your money (or you just don’t want to look like a lasagna), a full-face helmet is a good idea. The chin bar here is a bit flexy, so it’s not going to withstand the same level of crash as my motorcycle helmets, but it’s also a lot lighter and more comfortable than my motorcycle helmets, making it perfect for cycling.

Even just the visor adds great benefits. I can’t tell you how many times I ride through a flock of gnats or a big dust cloud with one eye closed just in case it gets compromised and I need a backup eye. With a visor, you have eye protection even on the days you aren’t wearing sunglasses. And of course you can never predict the random rock that gets kicked up by a car tire and sent directly towards your eyes. You only get two eyes and they don’t heal the way skin does. Protect them!

There’s also the built-in rear light for added visibility, and of course, the several size and color options. There’s a lot to like here, even if the price is rather lofty.

Peak Design phone holder

I have tested many phone holders for e-bikes, scooters, and motorcycles. By far, my all-time favorite has got to be Peak Design’s phone holder.

I got the case for my iPhone, and now I have the matching holding on several of my e-bikes, as well as one on my Gogoro scooter and another on my LiveWire Del Mar motorcycle.

The basic concept is similar to Quadlock or other quick-release holders, except that there’s no twisting. A magnet guides the phone’s case onto the spring-loaded locking tabs, which snap into place in the back of the case and securely hold the phone. To release it, you can press a button on either side of the mount and your phone instantly pops off. It’s rugged yet easily released – a tricky combination to master.

I bought the $39 universal mount for my bikes and scooters and I have the $79 dedicated motorcycle mount on my LiveWire, but there are lots of different mount options available.

Tentsile camping hammock

I LOVE bike camping, and one of my newest acquisitions is meant to make e-bike camping all the more fun with a relaxing hangout. Tentsile’s tree hammocks aren’t your traditional hammocks, but rather oversized triangular hanging platforms that can take the form of tents or hangout hammocks.

I got the six-person giant hammock recently, but sadly I haven’t had a camping trip yet to try it out. So far it looks like it should work well though, as it’s nicely constructed and huge! That’s another nice thing about e-bike camping, you can afford the extra weight of gear like this because the battery helps take the pain out of the pedaling.

This is another one that ain’t cheap, at $384. But if you’ve got the luxury of adding fun gear to your recreational bike-camping setup, this is definitely one that will change the game. Instead of a bunch of folding chairs, you and your friends can all be lounging in the air, suspended from Mother Nature’s anchors – trees!

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This 2026 luxury Genesis electric SUV already has a massive $14,000 discount

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This 2026 luxury Genesis electric SUV already has a massive ,000 discount

The redesigned 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is arriving with significant discounts of up to $14,000. Genesis upgraded the luxury electric SUV with a longer driving range and a refined design, both inside and out. Here’s how you can score some savings.

Genesis introduces 2026 GV70 EV discounts

After launching the updated model in Korea earlier this year, the new GV70 EV is now arriving in the US. The new 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 is an improvement in nearly every way compared to the outgoing model.

Like the gas-powered model, the EV version features a revamped design with a new Crest grille, a revised bumper, and MLA technology added to the Two-Tone headlights.

Inside, the GV70 EV has been “reborn” with more space and luxury. A new 27″ screen combines the infotainment and driver display, while the climate control now has a separate screen. Other premium features like the crystal electronic shift dial remain.

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Powered by a larger 84 kWh battery, the new GV70 EV offers a driving range of up to 423 km (263 miles) in Korea, an increase from 400 km (249 miles) in the outgoing model with a 77.4 kWh battery.

Although US specs have yet to be announced, the 2026 model is expected to feature slightly more driving range than the current 236-mile EPA rating for the 2025 GV70. It’s expected to provide closer to 250 miles of range. It will also include an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.

According to a recent note sent to dealers viewed by CarsDirect, the 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is already available with discounts of up to $14,000 for a 24-month lease.

The savings vary by trim, with up to $3,500 in lease cash available on the Standard trim and up to $ 5,250 on the Advanced trim. Meanwhile, the range-topping Prestige trim features up to $14,000 in lease cash discounts.

Although the discount is significantly higher, the Prestige model also has a higher lease rate of 5.4% compared to 0.1% for the Advanced trim.

If you choose the 36-month loan, lease cash drops to just $500 for the Advanced and $3,250 for the Prestige. The base Standard trim offers no lease cash, but has a lease rate close to 0%. Other special finance rates include 5.99% APR for 60 months and 6.49% for 72-month loans.

20265-Genesis-EV-discounts
Genesis Electrified GV70 updated model (Source: Hyundai Motor)

The national lease offer is $679 for 36 months based on the Standard trim with an MSRP of $65,830. With $5,999 due at signing, the effective monthly cost is $845. The offer ends on April 30.

If you’re looking for a cheaper lease option, the upgraded 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most affordable EV lease deals right now. It starts at just $199 for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing.

Ready to score some savings while they are still here? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on the Genesis GV70 EV and Hyundai IONIQ 5 in your area.

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Windrose electric semi truck isn’t coming to America – it’s already here

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Windrose electric semi truck isn't coming to America – it's already here

The 2025 edition of the ACT Expo hasn’t even started yet, but there’s already at least one big takeaway wort talking about: the Tesla-fighting Windrose electric semi truck from China Belgium is not coming to America … it’s already here. And it’s already in customers’ hands.

The Chinese Belgian heavy truck manufacturer announced plans to build its R700 Class 8 electric truck in the US in a bid to sidestep the heavy tariffs and trade restrictions on imported HDEVs last year – and last week, the company delivered the first-ever all electric, long-haul sleeper truck to a US fleet customer.

The trucks are deployed by JoyRide Logistics, a Phoenix-based carrier and the first US regional trucking company to operate fully electric sleeper trucks on long (-ish) distance routes that include overnight drives. The initial rollout is happening in Arizona, California, and Nevada, with nationwide expansion already “in sight,” according to both companies.

“This isn’t just a prototype or promise-this is a fully operational, long-range electric truck that’s ready to haul freight today,” says Wen Han, founder and CEO of Windrose. “We’ve validated our technology globally and are proud to bring it to the US – one of the most important logistics markets in the world.”

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Meeting the needs

Windrose Launches First All-Electric Long-Haul Sleeper Truck in U.S., Partnering With JoyRide Logistics & EO Charging to Deliver TCO Parity for Shippers
JoyRide Logistics deploys their first Windrose sleepers; via Windrose.

JoyRide Logistics LLC partners with a number of its Fortune 500 customers, many of whom have public ESG goals and are actively working to reduce Scope 3 emissions. The integration of the Windrose R700 electric semis into their fleets is a targeted effort to help achieve their stated sustainability goals.

“Partnering with Windrose allows us to stay ahead-not just on sustainability, but on total operational performance,” said Adis Danan, President at JoyRide Logistics. “We’re talking fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and a future-ready fleet that our customers can get behind. We want to make electric logistics efficient, scalable-and cool.”

Windrose brought one of its all-electric R700 Class 8 trucks to this year’s ACT Expo, giving journalists and fleet buyers a chance to see the truck first hand. At last year’s show, Windrose impressed with a preproduction truck featuring what appeared to be a slick UI, well-finished interior, and solid construction.

The R700 packs a 729 kWh battery is reportedly good for about 420 miles of range on a single charge with a full, 49 ton GVW. The company has shown concepts (some renderings, some mules) in long-haul, severe duty, and dump body configurations.

Windrose is backed by HSBC, Citi, Fountainvest, GSR Ventures, HITE Hedge, Goodman Group, and other world-renowned investors, and has now worked with Decathlon, Remy Cointreau, Nestle Wyeth Nutrition, and many other top brands. Watch this space for more.

Electrek’s Take

In a bid to shake the “Chinese truck” stigmas in the west, Windrose has moved its corporate offices and is now based in Antwerp, Belgium – but it doesn’t matter if they say they’re based on Venus. The fact remains they have a capable, competent battery electric sleeper truck in the US and in customers’ hands right now … and they are absolutely full speed ahead.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Windrose; via Access Newswire, CleanTrucking.

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Toyota unveils two sleek new EVs launching in China soon: Meet the bZ7 and Lexus ES

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Toyota unveils two sleek new EVs launching in China soon: Meet the bZ7 and Lexus ES

Toyota is preparing to launch two new electric vehicles in China by mid-2026. The flagship Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES are part of Toyota’s effort to regain market share from domestic electric vehicle (EV) leaders like BYD. Here’s our first look at the sleek new electric cars.

Meet the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES EVs

At Auto Shanghai 2025 last week, Toyota announced plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in China. According to Toyota, China is a “highly advanced market that leads the way in electrification.”

To keep pace, Toyota unveiled its new flagship electric sedan, the bZ7. The new bZ7 was developed locally with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co, and Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by TOYOTA.

The bZ7 is over 5 meters long and will compete with the BYD Han L, Tesla Model S, BMW i5, and other premium EV models in China.

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Toyota said the electric sedan will feature its “safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing” while infusing “China’s advanced tech.”

Although no other details were offered, Toyota said its new flagship EV will be equipped with the latest intelligent tech and is expected to launch within a year. The bZ7 will join the bZ4X, bZ3, bZ3X, and bZ5 in Toyota’s expanding EV lineup for China.

Toyota also unveiled the new Lexus ES at the event. The new model will be the first next-gen Lexus with EV and HEV powertrain options.

The eighth-gen ES is based on the LF-ZC concept, marking the beginning of the next generation of Lexus. The EV version will be available with FWD and AWD powertrain options, offering driving ranges of up to 685 km (425 miles) and 610 km (379 miles) on the CLTC cycle, respectively.

Inside, Lexus said the ES will debut with the world’s first Responsive Hidden Switches, which “seamlessly blends physical controls into the interior” for added convenience. It will also include a Lexus-first, Sensory Concierge, for a personalized in-car experience.

Lexus’ new electric sedan is 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall, approximately the same size as BYD’s Han L model (5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall).

The ES is the second of three new Lexus electric vehicles set to debut by March 2026. It will follow the RZ and UX in the luxury brand’s EV lineup for China.

What are your thoughts on the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES? Can they compete in China’s intensifying EV market? Let us know in the comments below.

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