Texas-based MOD Bikes launches 28 MPH full suspension adventure e-bike
MOD Bikes, the Austin, Texas-based e-bike maker with a flair for the unconventional, has just announced the newest addition to its electric bike lineup. The new MOD Black is the brand’s newly updated full-suspension electric bike, designed with adventures in mind.
In fact, I had the chance to get a sneak peek and test ride of the new model when I was in Austin at the SXSW Festival. There, MOD Bikes unveiled their entire new 2024 lineup, which featured a number of new components across the line.
Several of those updates, such as the new color displays and integrated torque sensors, also made their way onto the new MOD Black e-bike announced today.
The new e-bike features MOD’s new electrical system, including a 750W rear hub motor that allows the bike to reach a peak of 28 mph (45 km/h), though it can be electronically limited to slower speeds if riders desire.
Throttle lovers will rejoice to see that the bike comes with a throttle, though the included torque sensor and four PAS settings of Eco, Cargo, Sport, and Turbo actually make the bike a pleasure to pedal. With a full-suspension ride that feels like a sporty mountain bike, pedaling is a big part of the fun. That’s one of the first things I noticed on my own test ride of the bike.
Pedaling also helps the 48V 15Ah UL-certified battery eke out up to 50 miles (80 km) of range, since throttle-only riding tends to reduce that max range quickly. For riders who want even more range, a factory-installed second battery is available, doubling the max range to 100 miles (160 km).
The MOD Black also works with MOD’s signature Snap-On rack accessories on its rear rack, meaning riders can easily add various gear to the bike’s rear rack without busting out a multi-tool and spending several minutes tightening a handful of bolts.
Just like MOD’s other e-bikes, the Black uses the MOD Connect system to integrate various wirelessly connected products into the bike.
For example, one of the first partnerships MOD touted was with Lumos, makers of smart helmets that can be wirelessly connected to the bike’s turn signal controls. When the rider pushes the turn signal buttons, the helmet flashes on either side. Pulling the brake lever also flashes brake lights on the helmet, in addition to operating the bike’s own brake lights.
Other nice-to-see parts sprinkled around the bike include punchy hydraulic disc brakes, 3-inch tires that split the difference between softer fat tires and more nimble mountain bike tires, and a bright 300 lumen headlight.
Then of course there’s that full suspension setup, giving riders the most comfortable ride across various terrain. Afterall, MOD is pitching this bike as an adventure-ready two-wheeler, and so they’re certainly expecting riders to make full-use of off-road trails around them. Though at the same time, the included rack and wireless turn-signal connectivity means that it would make a pretty awesome full-suspension commuter, too.
The MOD Black is now available for pre-order ahead of deliveries starting in mid-June. Priced at US $2,999, it’s more expensive than most direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes, but MOD is likely banking on its nicer tech and reputation as a reliable, local-feeling national e-bike company. Plus, it offers a generous 5-year limited warranty and free returns.
I spent about an hour with the bike back in March, so I can’t yet give you a full review (unlike the Mod Cargo, which I have a full review of coming in the next few days).
But what I can tell you is that the Black rides so much nicer than the typical direct-to-consumer electric mountain bikes we see. It feels much nicer, looks less clunky, and sports better suspension for a ride that actually feels confidence-inspiring and not like I might eat dirt if I hit a log too hard.
The 750W motor is probably more powerfull than I really need, but I’m glad to have it. And while I enjoy that the bike has a throttle, I spent most of the time pedaling the bike since the torque sensor makes it feel so responsive, and it makes me feel like I’m actually part of the ride, instead of just sitting on the bike as it does the work. Realistically, I’m sure the motor is still doing more work than me, but I like to feel as if I’m helping, and dropping it down into Eco mode definitely still makes my heart beat faster.
So while it’s pricey, it’s got a much better ride than some cheaper alternatives, and that’s before I even consider the added technology.
Below you can see several images from my own early test ride. This model had a suspension seat post, but I don’t think that’s included on the production version (and triple suspension is probably overkill, anyway).
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If you’re considering going electric, May will be a great time to score a deal on an EV lease. Automakers are slashing lease prices on some of the most popular EVs to move inventory – here are four standouts.
Nissan Ariya SUV
The Nissan Ariya SUV has an MSRP of $41,805. Its lease term is 36 months, with $4,409 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 10,000 a year. Monthly payment? A sweet $129!
Nissan cut the 2025 Ariya Engage’s price by $144 in April, so it now has an effective monthly cost of $251 – that’s seriously affordable for an electric SUV. If you’re already a Nissan driver, then you’re going to get an even better deal, because Nissan is offering a $1,000 loyalty discount on the Ariya, which brings its effective cost down to $224 per month.
CarsDirect, which sniffed out this deal, thinks this Ariya deal will be in place until Memorial Day, so take advantage of tariff-free pricing while you can.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Nissan Ariya in stock. –trusted affiliate copy
Honda Prologue SUV
The Honda Prologue SUV has an MSRP of $48,850. Its lease term is 36 months, with $1,399 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 10,000 a year. The monthly payment on the Prologue is $239.
The 2024 Honda Prologue has up to $18,800 in rebates, and the price includes a $1,000 lease loyalty discount or conquest offer. In California and other ZEV states, the EX has an effective cost of just $278 per month; in other parts of the US, pricing will be around $30 higher. This offer ends July 7.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Honda Prologue in stock. –trusted affiliate copy
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 has an MSRP of $43,880. Its best lease term is 24 months, with $1,044 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 10,000 a year. The monthly payment on the Model 3 is $349.
The 2025 Tesla Model 3 still has the $7,500 federal government EV rebate. Several months ago, Tesla reduced the amount due at signing on all Model 3s. And for those who want to lease a Long Range Model 3, the effective cost can be as low as $393 per month.
You can lease the Model 3 for 36 months, but the folks at CarsDirect found that the better deal will be had on 24-month leases. They compared the Model 3’s MSRP to the 2025 Lexus IS 300 F Sport’s MSRP, which is nearly identical, and the Model 3 was around 30% cheaper to lease.
Acura ZDX
The 2024 Acura ZDX has an MSRP of $65,850. Its best lease term is 36 months, with $4,699 due at signing and a mileage allowance of 7,500 a year. The monthly payment on the ZDX is $299.
The 2024 ZDX is Acura’s cheapest vehicle to lease because it features up to $29,450 in lease cash. However, the best deal is limited to California and ZEV states. If you cash in on a loyalty discount or conquest cash, the effective cost is $430 per month. This offer runs til June 30.
Click here to find a local dealer that may have the Acura ZDX in stock. –trusted affiliate copy
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Ford (F) reported its first-quarter earnings, beating Wall Street’s revenue and EPS expectations. However, with Trump’s auto tariffs, Ford is suspending full-year guidance. Here’s a breakdown of Ford’s Q1 2025 earnings
Ford Q1 2025 earnings preview
After crosstown rival General Motors cut its full-year financial guidance last week, investors are waiting to see if Ford will follow suit.
Ford’s previous 2025 forecast called for EBIT of $7 billion to $8.5 billion and capital expenditures between $8 billion and $9 billion.
The biggest threat is Trump’s new auto tariffs, which include a 25% duty on imported vehicles and many parts. Since Ford builds a greater percentage of vehicles in the US than any other major automaker, outside of Tesla, it isn’t expected to see as big of an impact.
CEO Jim Farley called it “an opportunity for Ford,” during an interview with CNN last week, saying the company has a “different footprint, a different exposure for tariffs.”
Ford imports around 21% of the vehicles it sells in the US, while GM imports around 46%. According to Estimize, Wall St expects Ford to post Q1 EPS of $0.0 on revenue of $38.02 billion.
The company reports earnings for each of its three business units, Ford Blue (gas-powered vehicles), Model e (electric vehicles), and Ford Pro (commercial and software business).
In the fourth quarter, Ford’s EV unit (Model e) lost another $1.4 billion while Pro and Blue each reported an adjusted EBIT of $1.6 billion.
Financial breakdown
Ford beat Wall Street estimates, reporting first-quarter revenue of $40.7 billion with an adjusted EPS of 0.49.
- Q1 2025 Revenue: $40.7 billion vs $38.02 billion expected.
- Q1 2025 Adjusted EPS: $0.49 vs $0.0 expected.
The company posted adjusted EBIT of $1 billion, down 63% from Q1 2024. Ford said its first-quarter EBIT suffered a nearly $200 million hit from added tariff costs, primarily in Ford Blue and Ford Pro.
Ford Pro generated an EBIT of $1.3 billion, Ford Blue $96 million, and Ford Model e reported an EBIT loss of $849 million.
For Model e, the company is focused on improving gross margins and “exercising a disciplined approach to investments in battery facilities and next-generation products.” Although still a nearly $1 billion loss, it’s still a $500 million improvement from Q1 2024.
Ford said higher Model e revenue was driven by new EVs launching in Europe, like the electric Explorer and Capri.
The company said its “Power Promise” promotion, which includes a free home charger and several other benefits, has helped drive demand in the US.
Although it’s tracking within its previous full-year adjusted EBIT guidance of between $7 billion and $8.5 billion, Ford is suspending full-year guidance due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
Ford estimates the full-year gross cost of tariffs to be around $2.5 billion. It expects a tariff-related net adverse adjusted EBIT impact of about $1.5 billion for the full year 2025.
Ford also extended its “From America, For America” campaign last week. The promo includes employee pricing on most 2024 and 2025 models and now runs through July 4.
Check back for more info from Ford’s first quarter conference call. Ford is also hosting its annual meeting on Thursday, May 8, where we should learn more about its EV plans and how it will navigate the new tariffs.
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