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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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Wheel-E Podcast: Lectric XPeak 2.0, bike gear, Yadea scooters, more

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3 hours ago

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November 29, 2024

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Wheel-E Podcast: Lectric XPeak 2.0, bike gear, Yadea scooters, more

Wheel-E Podcast by Electrek

This week on Electrek’s Wheel-E podcast, we discuss the most popular news stories from the world of electric bikes and other nontraditional electric vehicles. This time, that includes the launch of the Lectric XPeak 2.0 fat tire e-bike, Ride1Up’s Prodigy XC eMTB on super sale, a roundup of great e-biking gear, cheaper Zero motorcycles inbound, Husqvarna’s newest e-moto launch, Yadea shows off its scooters at EICMA, and more.

The Wheel-E podcast returns every two weeks on Electrek’s YouTube channel, Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter.

As a reminder, we’ll have an accompanying post, like this one, on the site with an embedded link to the live stream. Head to the YouTube channel to get your questions and comments in.

After the show ends, the video will be archived on YouTube and the audio on all your favorite podcast apps:

We also have a Patreon if you want to help us to avoid more ads and invest more in our content. We have some awesome gifts for our Patreons and more coming.

Here are a few of the articles that we will discuss during the Wheel-E podcast today:

Here’s the live stream for today’s episode starting at 7:00 a.m. ET (or the video after 8:00 a.m. ET):

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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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20 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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JackRabbit OG2 review: Hey everyone, come look at my micro e-bike!

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21 hours ago

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November 28, 2024

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JackRabbit OG2 review: Hey everyone, come look at my micro e-bike!

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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