Segway launching wild-looking 100 mile smart e-bikes & new US bike division
Segway is planting its e-bike flag in the US with a new dedicated electric bike team ahead of the upcoming launch of its two hotly anticipated long-range electric bicycle models, the Segway Xafari and Xyber.
The two impressive (and perhaps slightly imposing) e-bike models were first unveiled earlier this year and are still slated for a launch in Q1 2025, which is now fast approaching.
While Segway hasn’t spilled all the beans yet (that’s likely coming ahead of the January 7 pre-order launch), we do know that the more commuter-looking Xafari is rated for 88 miles (141 km) of range while the moto-styled Xyber will apparently be capable of up to 100 miles (160 km) per charge in its dual battery format.
Despite the radically different designs of the two bikes, they’re both technically classified as electric bikes, sporting all the necessary gear (mainly the fully functional pedals) and presumably operating within the current US three-class e-bike regulations.
But more than typical electric bikes, Segway’s models appear to be armed to the teeth with smart tech, providing incredibly connected bikes using what is known as the “Segway Intelligent Ride System”. The company describes it as “industry-leading technology with features that have more in common with cars than e-bikes.”
“In many ways, we’re a technology company first,” explained Segway’s head of e-bike Nick Howe. “Product conversations start with discussions of ‘tech stacks’ and expand from there. We are using our technology to create a more seamless user experience much like what has been done with automobiles.”
What kind of features are we talking about here? Your guess is as good as mine, but we expect to learn more as the pre-order date approaches early next year. From the pictures alone we can see both models feature full-suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lighting, fenders, and chunky batteries indicative of the long-range figures we’ve heard so far, not to mention the futuristic and sleek designs. The Xafari takes on a more recognizable cycling-focused design and includes a rear rack, while the Xyber looks more like a mini-moto, despite its pedals helping it retain that coveted e-bike classification for legal riding.
As part of the preparations for what is shaping up to be a major US launch, Segway has begun building up extensive operations stateside, including a dedicated e-bike division.
The company’s head of e-bike, Nick Howe, joined Segway this summer, bringing with him 25 years of experience in the cycling industry. That includes serving as the executive director of Orbea and as the global brand director for Trek, not to mention having owned and operated several Colorado bike shops.
Other key additions to the team include Heather Henderson as senior brand manager and Sophie Eaton as sales operations director. Henderson previously served in various roles at Trek, Cannondale, and Cervélo Cycles, and she has also owned and operated her own bike shop. Eaton has senior sales experience with HLC, Cinelli Bicycles, Giant Bicycle, and Clif Bar.
In other words, Segway has snatched up some key cycling industry folks for its e-bike division’s leadership team, underscoring the brand’s focus on a major rollout with these two new models and perhaps more to follow in the future. “These are two incredible yet very different bikes and this is only the beginning,” said Howe. “We can’t wait to show you what else we have in store for 2025 and beyond.”
In addition to building up its US team and preparing for the launch of the Xyber and Xafari models, Segway has also announced plans to grow a national dealer network in the US.
The brand has shared that it will focus on independent bicycle shops, dedicated electric bicycle shops, and what it is calling “other bicycle dealers” or OBDs—shops that may not be bike-specific but are a good fit for its e-bikes, such as motorcycle, powersports, and outdoor retailers.
Not limiting itself to only retail sales, Segway is also offering online sales options where the bikes can be ordered online and then shipped to a local dealer of their choice for assembly. This method also helps ensure riders know where they can easily find service for their bikes.
“These are awesome machines,” said Howe. “But they’re also very sophisticated and technical. We want to ensure the customer has the best experience possible, and that means professional assembly and service. It also gives us a great opportunity to support the dealers who are the backbone of the bicycle industry.”
While there are many technical details and specs we’re still waiting for, we do have a hint at the pricing. Segway has claimed that the new models will “top out in the $3,000 range.” The company is pitching that as a major deal considering the technology included in the bikes. It’s a bit hard to judge that yet without knowing what that technology package looks like, or the rest of the bikes’ specs, but suffice it to say that we’re likely looking at e-bikes that will fall somewhere in the underserved gap between the budget and premium ends of the spectrum.
These aren’t likely to compete on price with the budget e-bikes out there, but should also be more affordable than heading to the usual suspects of premium e-bike companies like Specialized, Trek, Giant, and others that have long enjoyed major market share on the more premium end of the spectrum.
What do you think of the upcoming Segway Xafari and Xyber, at least based on the details we know so far? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
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Aventon has officially announced its latest electric bicycle, the Pace 4, adding advanced smart bike technology and enhanced rider comfort to its popular line of urban-friendly e-bikes. The Pace 4 builds upon Aventon’s successful formula of accessibility and ease of use, now augmented with new connectivity and security features that make it harder to steal and easier to get back.
At the heart of the Pace 4 is Aventon’s latest innovation: the Aventon Control Unit (ACU). The ACU significantly upgrades the bike’s intelligence and security capabilities, bringing GPS tracking, geofencing, and remote locking to the Pace 4.
With the addition of the ACU, riders gain the ability to monitor their bike’s location in real-time, set virtual boundaries that trigger alerts if the bike leaves a specified area, and remotely lock the rear wheel, helping to improve security and peace of mind. A startup passcode can also be enabled to further improve theft deterrence, ensuring the bike can only be activated by authorized users.
The remote locking and passcode can help deter some theft, but the GPS tracking makes it easier to get the bike back if it ever does find itself in the wrong hands. The GPS feature and the 4G data communication both require a 4G data subscription, which is provided complimentary for one year at the time of purchase.
Of course, there’s no such thing as a theft-proof bicycle, but these types of smart features help riders get closer to that goal. Plus, as bike thieves become more aware of which e-bikes include built-in GPS or other theft deterrence features, hopefully those models will become less attractive targets.
The Pace 4 doesn’t only upgrade its intelligence. Its performance and comfort have also received their own improvements.
Powered by a 500W rear hub motor rated for a peak output of 864 watts and 60 Nm of torque, the Pace 4 provides decent power for smooth urban commuting and enjoyable leisure rides. According to Aventon, riders can expect consistent and reliable performance across various terrains and riding conditions.
It may not match the 750W continuous-rated motors we often see in the North American market, which usually output peak power in the low four figures of watts, but it should still provide good power and climbing performance on moderate hills.
The Pace 4 features a 36V 20Ah battery, which Aventon states can deliver a range of up to 70 miles (112 km) when ridden in ECO mode. Of course, few people actually ride solely in the lowest power mode, and so the real-world range is likely to be somewhat lower – especially for riders who make ample use of the throttle. But with just over 720 Wh of battery capacity, the Pace 4 is likely still ideal for extended city commutes, recreational rides, and weekend exploring. And with the included torque sensor, the pedal assist is more responsive, giving riders more reason to let go of the throttle and enjoy the pedal assist performance.
The 27.5×2.1″ urban tires will be most at home on pavement but can likely still handle fairly smooth trails. Whether for daily commuting or leisurely outings, the bike seems outfitted for a variety of use cases.
The Pace 4 lacks traditional suspension but the bike does include a suspension seat post offering 2 inches (50mm) of travel. This feature absorbs shocks and vibrations from rough roads, preventing them from traveling up through the saddle and into the rider’s rear, enhancing the riding experience. Complementing this is an ergonomic handlebar design aimed at promoting a relaxed, upright riding posture, reducing rider fatigue on longer trips and increasing overall comfort.
Neither of these can replace true front or rear suspension, but they go a decent way toward adding more comfort to the ride.
Aventon has also emphasized accessibility with the Pace 4. It features a step-through frame design that makes getting on and off the bike much easier than swinging a leg over the rear, helping the bike cater to riders of all ages and abilities. Available in two frame sizes and three colors of Flint, Mica, and Blue Steel (grey, black, and light blue), the Pace 4 also offers a bit of variation to help riders dial in the size and style closer to their tastes.
Priced at $1,799, the Pace 4 is entering the market at a time when new tariffs are hammering e-bike prices. The model is now available for purchase through Aventon’s official website and Aveneton’s wide network of authorized dealers.
Electrek’s Take
The new Aventon Pace 4 sticks with the company’s recent drive to push the boundaries of e-bike technology, combining smart connectivity, enhanced security features, modest performance, and some nods toward comfort. I’d imagine the bike would appeal to a broad range of riders if it wasn’t for the price, which feels fairly high to me. Plus, the base model doesn’t include a rack, fenders, or other commuter staples that will only elevate the price further. That being said, the Pace 4 launches at a time when e-bike prices are expected to arrive across the board, either slightly for models built in various Asian countries or significantly for models built in China.
But ignoring the price (as hard as that may be), I do like what I see here. It’s hard to compare to Class 3 e-bikes with more powerful 48V systems, but this isn’t designed to compete with those models. It’s a more modest, easier-going model. But for its intended audience, it comes with some nice features that we don’t often see elsewhere.
I really hope features like built-in tracking become more common across the board, as they’re hugely valuable for riders.
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British Columbia got its first 400 kW DC fast charger last week at Canadian C-store chain On The Run, but that’s not the good part. As part of a limited time offer, these chargers are FREE!
The Canadian convenience store chain just took the wraps off its new, ABB-developed, 400 kW chargers earlier this month, but they’re already planning to bring the ultra-fast 400 kW dispensers to at least four more locations in BC this spring, and have them online just in time for the summer road trip season – something On The Run hopes its customers will appreciate.
“The A400 charger delivers an enhanced customer experience, with reliability and performance from a 32-inch screen to higher power charging sessions and power sharing,” reads the company’s official announcement, via LinkedIn. “Download the Journie Rewards app to start the charge – free for a limited time.”
On The Run’s new 400 kW ABB DC fast chargers are compatible with CCS and CHAdeMO plugs, and can accommodate Tesla and other NACS-equipped vehicles with an adapter. That said, the company seems to imply that Tesla drivers in particular will have a maximum charging speed of “just” 50 kW, which feel hilarious (given the current state of affairs between Tesla and the Canadian government), but probably isn’t.
In addition to the ABB A400 400 kW units shown here, On The Run locations also employ the ABB Terra 184 dispensers rated at 180 kW. On The Run plans similar deployments at the four BC locations mentioned above, as well as two more each in Quebec and Ontario slated to go live towards the end of this year.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla’s controversial CEO Elon Musk once mocked 350 kW charging speed as being “for a child’s toy,” despite the fact that, nearly nine years later, his own cars and Superchargers can barely make it to 325 kW while others have sailed right on past. I made fun of that fact on the Quick Charge episode shown, above – and, while I do think it’s funny and relevant, the much more relevant piece of news here is that companies like BP Pulse, Revel, and Wallbox are actively deploying 400 kW solutions, today (while others hit the same mark as far back as 2017).
It’s just a fact: Tesla has fallen way behind.
SOURCE | IMAGES: On The Run, via Electric Autonomy.
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Terawatt Infrastructure‘s first medium- and heavy-duty electric charging truck stop in California is now online, in Rancho Dominguez.
Located 12 miles north of the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the private Rancho Dominguez site, which is shared among multiple fleets, will support electric trucking fleet operations in and out of the largest container ports in the US.
First customers include Dreaded Trucking, Hight Logistics, PepsiCo, Quick Container Drayage, Southern Counties Express, Tradelink Transport, and WestCoast Trucking & Warehousing.
Terawatt’s electric charging truck stop features 20 pull-through and bobtail DC fast charging stalls with a capacity of 7 megawatts (MW), enabling charging for up to 125 trucks per day using a simple reservations system. Terawatt’s site features a proprietary charge management system, in-house technicians, 24/7 customer service, and onsite parts management.
“This launch underscores growing collaboration between enterprises, shippers, carriers, and charging infrastructure providers to advance sustainable technologies across logistics and transportation operations, especially in the medium and heavy-duty sectors,” said Neha Palmer, CEO and cofounder of Terawatt. Palmer added that the company will bring another charging site online in Rialto, California, in June.
Terawatt joined some of the world’s largest shippers and carriers in September 2024 to launch the I-10 Consortium heavy-duty EV operations pilot, the “first-ever US over-the-road electrified corridor.” Terawatt is providing charging infrastructure, including software, operations, and maintenance support at six of its owned charging hubs along the I-10 corridor.
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