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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