Micah Toll

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 new e-bikes from Heybike, the Priority Skyline launch, Segway’s new 50 MPH electric scooter, a Bafang hub motor with automatic shifting, and more.

Huffy, the classic bicycle brand that became a staple of so many childhoods, is selling its Coastal Cruiser e‑bike for an enticing $299.

Cowboy, the Brussels-based connected e-bike maker, says it has secured the lifeline it needs to keep the lights on – and the wheels turning – after what the company calls “the most challenging period in its history.” And while market downturns and supply chain woes set the stage, it was a recall that nearly pushed the brand over the edge.

Forget fiddling with derailleurs and gear levers mid-commute. Instead, Bafang wants to make urban e‑biking smoother than ever with its all-new H730 hub motor, featuring its patented GVT (Gear Variable Transmission) technology. The idea is to combine the advantages of internally geared hubs with Bafang’s own hub motors to create an internally geared hub motor.

JackRabbit, the San Diego-based micromobility company that made its name on tiny, featherweight, pedal-free “micro e-bikes”, is taking a big swing with something entirely new. Today the company announced is new line of “Micro Hauler” rides. Think of it as a portable, modular, utility-focused small EV that can haul people, gear, and a surprising amount of ambition without the bulk of a full-size e-bike or the limitations of a scooter.

Portable power stations long ago became one of those “why didn’t I get one sooner?” products for me. Whether it’s keeping a fridge running during a power outage, charging cameras in the field, or juicing up my growing fleet of electric bikes, a good battery box is worth its weight in gold. Sometimes I use them simply when I’m too lazy to go find an extension cord! I recently got my hands on the new Dabbsson 2000L power station, and after putting it through its paces, I think this one’s going to earn a permanent spot in my gear lineup – and yes, probably a spot in my e-bike charging garage!

Yep, I did it again. I bought something weird and crazy from China. It’s a mini electric jet boat. “What’s a mini electric jet boat?” you might be asking. Think: comically small one-seater boat with an electrically powered jet ski drivetrain.

Basically, I plopped down a not insignificant amount of money online and then crossed my fingers. Here’s what happened next.

Guys, I think JackRabbit has a two-person e-bike coming, errr… electric scooter? I’m not really sure what you call this thing, but it looks wild.

Small package, big impact: that’s the story behind Maxon’s new Air S mid‑drive motor. On the surface, it looks almost identical to the original Air: sleek, nearly invisible, and designed to disappear into your bike’s frame. But beneath this minimalist exterior is a dramatic leap in capability.

Priority Bicycles just pulled the wraps off its most advanced electric bike yet, and it’s got some serious hardware under the hood – or rather, in the bottom bracket. Say hello to the absurdly high-end for a direct-to-consumer (D2C) e-bike, the Priority Skyline.

Heybike has just announced the launch of its new X-Series, with the Mars 3.0 and Ranger S 3.0 Pro comprising the first two big new models. Or maybe not so “big”, as they’re actually kinda compact-sized, at least for full-suspension e-bikes. They’re both 20″ wheel folding e-bikes, and they pack in a lot of performance into comfortable rides. I’ve been testing both, and today we’re jumping in with both feet to check out how well the Mars 3.0 rides.

Ride1Up recently threw its hat into the electric mountain bike ring — and not with a tentative little toss, either. The new Ride1Up TrailRush is the company’s first fully fledged, fully class 3 eMTB, and it’s aiming to take a big bite out of a segment that has traditionally been dominated by pricey, big-brand models.

Heybike just dropped two new flagship fat tire e-bikes in its brand-new X Series – the Mars 3.0 and Ranger 3.0 Pro – and they’re bringing some serious upgrades in power, comfort, and tech. Whether you’re looking for raw speed or plush long-range cruising, these two models seem designed to check both boxes.

Segway just dropped what might be its most outrageous electric scooter yet: the GT3 Pro SuperScooter. And with a top speed of 50 mph (80 km/h), it’s safe to say we’re not in commuter scooter territory anymore.

We’re long past the point where electric bikes were seen as just a trend. At this stage, they’re clearly transforming the way we get around. And perhaps nowhere is that transformation more impactful than among America’s youth. In fact, it’s not a stretch to say that electric bikes might be the healthiest thing to happen to American teens in a generation.

Electric motocross just got another serious upgrade. Stark Future has unveiled its latest evolution of the VARG MX platform – meet the VARG MX 1.2. With more powertrain efficiency, longer range, and a tech-infused new onboard computer that moonlights as a military-grade Android phone, this bike is maintaining the Stark VARG playbook of doing more than keeping up with gas-powered competition, it’s burying them.

Segway has just unveiled a striking new version of its popular Xafari electric bike in Crimson Red. The micromobility giant, best known for its scooters and self-balancing tech, is adding a splash of personality to its multi-surface cruiser, all without compromising on the impressive comfort, connectivity, and performance that made the original so interesting and distinctive looking.

A couple years ago, my wife started a new job as an elementary school principal. It was an exciting milestone, but it also came with a stressful commute. The school isn’t far – just a few kilometers across the city – but during rush hour, taking the bus often meant sitting in gridlock for 45 minutes. Not exactly the best way to start or end a workday.

So we got her an electric bike.

In one of the most innovative battlefield escapes to date, a Ukrainian soldier managed to flee Russian encirclement thanks to a drone-delivered electric bike.

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 “70 MPH e-bikes” prompting new law changes, recalled Amazon/Walmart e-bikes, Vietnam banning gasoline-powered motorcycles, and more.

After kicking off production last month, Zero Motorcycles has now officially begun deliveries of its highly anticipated X Line models. The first wave of customers is taking delivery of their new Zero XE and Zero XB electric motorcycles, marking a major milestone for the company’s push into more affordable off-road and adventure EVs.

The e-bike industry has seen its fair share of unexpected players over the years, but today marks the US debut of one of the most interesting newcomers yet: drone giant DJI. Through its electric bike-focused subsidiary, Amflow, DJI has officially launched its first e-bikes in the US market, the Amflow PL Carbon and Amflow PL Carbon Pro, and they’re not messing around.

Honda is set to pull the covers off a new electric motorcycle on September 2, teasing the upcoming reveal with camouflaged images on the brand’s social media. The upcoming unveiling is sparking speculation that this could be one of the first models in Honda’s long-promised push into more powerful motorcycle electrification.

Velotric, one of several prolific e-bike makers in the US electric bike market, has announced the launch of its first-ever electric trike. The new Velotric Triker sees the brand enter the rapidly heating e-trike industry, with a growing number of seniors and other riders flocking to the more stable e-bike format. But unlike many e-trike makers, Velotric has ratcheted up the performance and the technology in their e-trike, giving us more of just about everything.