Micah Toll

Specialized has announced a voluntary recall for several of its popular Turbo e-bike models after identifying a safety issue with the chain guard that could pose a fall risk to riders. The culprit? A clothing-eating drivetrain setup that may be a bit too hungry for its own good.

Ride1Up got its start as a dedicated urban-focused electric bike maker, bringing affordable e-bikes with excellent performance to commuters all over the US. The brand has since expanded into a number of diverse categories both on and off-road, but continues to lead in the urban sector. Now Ride1Up has launched its newest model, the Vorsa, which sets a new high watermark for value among urban riders.

We recently covered the launch of the JackRabbit OG2 Pro and XG Pro electric bikes, which added more range and power to the existing micro e-bike lineup from JackRabbit. Having spent a few weeks testing the XG Pro myself, I can attest to just what that means from the perspective of someone with saddle time doing things you wouldn’t have thought possible on a micro e-bike.

In what is unlikely to become a new trend but really should anyway, Ampler Bikes has just unveiled the world’s first production electric bicycles that feature recharging via USB-C, allowing riders to share the same charger they already use for their laptop computers.

In a world where personal mobility devices are getting sleeker and more compact, Cocoa Motors has unveiled the WALKCAR 2, a device that might just make you question the need for walking altogether. Imagine a laptop-sized gadget that lets you glide through the streets or mall with zero effort. It sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, right?

Last year we reported on the storied e-bike brand Juiced Bikes falling on hard financial times and eventually closing down. Now, in a video announcement just posted to the seemingly defunct Juiced Bikes YouTube channel, the charismatic young founders of Lectric Ebikes have announced their purchase of Juiced Bikes along with their intention to revive the brand to its former glory.

JackRabbit, the leading name in micro e-bikes, has just unveiled two new models that put the micro in micromobility. The new JackRabbit OG2 Pro and JackRabbit XG Pro build upon the success of the company’s existing models, but add more of what the riding community has longed for.

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 a visit to electric moped maker NIU’s factory, Tern’s new GSD e-bike, Rad Power Bikes getting a new CEO, a Segway scooter recall, X Games kicking out electric motorcycles, and more.

On my most recent trip to China, I had the pleasure of visiting NIU’s factory and showroom to see the wide range of electric mopeds, scooters, e-bikes, and more produced by one of the world’s leading smart electric mobility companies. As an electric mobility journalist and enthusiast (and as an owner of my own NIU e-moped since 2020), it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to peek behind the curtain and see where the magic happens.

And now after such an eye-opening visit, I’m even more excited to share that experience with you!

Orange County, California, is set to enforce new regulations for electric bicycles starting in April 2025, reflecting growing safety concerns amid rapidly increasing e-bike use. According to county supervisor Katrina Foley, e-bike-related accidents have surged by an alarming 500% since 2020, prompting local authorities to introduce stricter rules aimed at curbing dangerous riding behaviors and enhancing public safety.

Tern has unveiled its third-generation GSD cargo electric bike, introducing significant upgrades designed to enhance utility, safety, and convenience. Originally credited with pioneering the compact cargo bike category, Tern continues to innovate with this latest iteration, delivering improved handling, higher load capacity, and advanced safety features.

Segway has issued a significant recall affecting approximately 220,000 units of its popular Ninebot Max G30P and Max G30LP electric scooters. The recall addresses a safety issue involving the scooters’ folding mechanism, which can unexpectedly fail during use.

The major electric bicycle brand Velotric has just launched its newest model, the Velotric Breeze 1. Part commuter, part cruiser, the Breeze 1 is a fast yet comfortable e-bike intended for those who want a relaxed riding style without sacrificing performance.

In a discussion on the increase in crime committed by individuals riding electric motorbikes, the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has claimed that a certain style of bike is being used “almost exclusively” for criminal actions.

Rad Power Bikes has announced the appointment of Kathi Lentzsch as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership change as the company leans further into retail expansion and reduces its emphasis on direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales.

In yet another new example of an industry defying progress out of preference for “the old ways”, X Games riders and fans are going to be seeing a lot fewer electric motorcycles in the air this year. That’s after a new rule change has quietly banned electric motorcycles from competing. And the reasoning? It’s not fair to the gassers who are trying to keep up.

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 a new e-bike it from Clip, Orbea’s unveiling of the Denna e-bike, our Velotric Nomad 2 review, Rad Power Bikes’ CEO has stepped down, Segway and Apollo are shipping new scooters, and more.

The latest addition to Orbea’s electric road bike lineup is here, and it’s designed to handle more than just pavement. The Orbea Denna, announced today, is a gravel-optimized electric road bike that builds on the company’s previous experience with models like the Gain and Terra. Featuring a mid-drive motor “tuned specifically for off-road conditions”, the Denna aims to blend power, range, and versatility for riders looking to tackle everything from steep climbs to loose trails.

Fat-tire electric bikes are all the rage these days, designed to triumph on the trails but just as often seen conquering the pavement. Now the newly-released Velotric Nomad 2 is here to take a slice of that adventure-ready market. Designed for riders who want a mix of commuting practicality and off-road capability, this e-bike brings a powerful motor, excellent comfort, and a surprising amount of premium features at a relatively affordable price. But how well does it actually perform? I put it to the test to find out.

Brooklyn-based e-bike conversion kit maker CLIP has launched BOLT, a front-mounted electric motor designed to transform standard bicycles into e-bikes. The company is marketing the device as the world’s most affordable quick-install e-bike upgrade, with a focus on making electrified transportation accessible in low-to-moderate income communities and emerging markets.

If you’ve ever thought, “Man, I wish my scooter was faster, smoother, and had more underglow,” then Segway has been reading your mind. The company just opened pre-orders for its new Ninebot Max G3, the latest in its Max series, and it’s packing more features than ever before.

Phil Molyneux, CEO of Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes, has left the company under unclear circumstances, marking another major leadership shake-up for the embattled e-bike brand.

In what could either be a sign of the times or perhaps the start of a terrible decision-making chain, that famous $2,000 electric mini-truck I bought from China several years ago has somehow gotten even cheaper.

In a new high watermark for Canadian electric scooter company Apollo, the brand’s new flagship electric scooter has begun shipping in North America. With speeds topping 50 MPH (80 km/h) in the highest power version, the Phantom 2.0 is set to push Apollo into even more premium scooter territory.