The Pedego Boomerang is cruiser style electric bike designed to be extra easy to mount and dismount. Pedego has long offered traditional step-thru designs (even one that’s specifically built for shorter riders) but this model, new for 2015, takes that concept even further by reducing the step height by about one foot. The top tube and down tube have been combined for the Boomerang and while the benefit is convenient mounting the trade off is frame rigidity. The bike is so low you can literally sit yourself on the saddle from one side and turn onto the bike, only having to lift your leg about one foot total. The downside is that the frame is less stiff than the other Pedego cruisers I’ve tried and this is exacerbated by the high and extended mounting point of the rear battery pack. For relaxed cruising it works fine and I love the great accessories including LED lights, full length fenders, large mechanical disc brakes and an integrated bell. Keep in mind that the bike is heavier than some competing models, very rear-heavy and trickier to mount to some bike racks… You’ll probably need a special tray-style rack or a truck to move this thing around (unless you live near a dealer and can ride it home).
Driving this unique ebike is a wonderful 500 watt internally geared hub motor mounted in the rear. I love this thing because it’s so small, quiet and light weight but still capable of accelerating and climbing quite well. With the seven speed Shimano Acera cassette on one side and a 180 mm disc brake rotor on the other, the motor basically disappears. If you put panniers on the rear rack some people might mistake this for a traditional bicycle and that’s kind of neat.
The battery pack powering the motor, display and LED lights on the Boomerang offers 36 or 48 volts of power and comes in 10 or 15 amp hour configurations. This means you can pay more for extra power or range. If you weigh over 180 pounds or do a lot of hill climbing I’d recommend the 48 volt pack but it will add a couple more pounds to the frame. All battery pack options have a built in LED tail light, a battery level indicator that works whether the pack is on or off the frame and indeed, they are removable. Being able to remove the battery for charging, safe storage (to avoid extreme temperatures) or to reduce weight when transporting the bike is very convenient. The battery chemistry used here is top of the line Lithium-ion that’s long lasting and Pedego offers an amazing three year warranty. The only negative to the pack is where it’s mounted on the frame. Ideally you want to keep weight low and centered on any bike so you can see how the high and rear location of these ~8 pounds is less than perfect. Still, it’s surrounded by a custom built metal rack that’s great for adding a bag and has a spring latch built right in for small light weight items. I also want to add that I love how Pedego has removed the requirement to keep the key in the battery when riding!
The cockpit of the Pedego Boomerang is spacious and uncluttered. You’ve got a half grip twist shifter on the left (to switch between 7 speeds) and a half grip twist throttle on the right. I love that you can operate the throttle at any time when the bike is powered on. That includes level zero (when pedal assist is completely turned off) as well as any of the six assist levels. The display panel is activated with a power button and then you can change readouts with a “Set” button. Displayed at all times are your assist level, speed and remaining battery voltage. An up and down button allow you to set assist levels and this bike uses a torque sensor vs. a cadence sensor seen on older Pedego models. The torque sensor offers smooth, responsive power activation and overall it felt good to me during the test. In addition to drive modes you can also activate the lights through the display panel and it is backlit.
Older Pedego models have separated the display from the button pad but the Boomerang and other 2015 models have them combined. It’s still relatively easy to reach the buttons without taking your hand off the left grip when riding and the display is similarly easy to read. I should also mention that this display has a built in female USB charging port that’s can be used to charge your phone, music player, portable speakers or holiday lights. I love the way Pedego refines their ebikes each year and am impressed with their dealer network, solid warranty and support and fun company culture. While the Boomerang doesn’t have the stiffest frame or the best weight distribution it’s beautifully crafted, very capable and enjoyable to ride. I’d love to see a water bottle mounting point in the future but you could always use a rack bag for this and I also hope to see more sizes and maybe a smaller 24″ model (UPDATE! It appears that newer Pedego Boomerang models do have bottle cage bosses and I’ve updated the main image to show this).
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N. A.
10 years agoI saw no way to lock the seat down when parked. They should make the LCD magnetic so you can whip it off there when you park (there’s gotta be an ultra-low radiation way of communicating with the LCD within an inch or two’s range while it’s on the bars…). The USB charging is a fantastic addition! Fantastic handles, handlebars, and brake triggers! I do worry about spongy response with disc brakes, and would like some kind of rating for their stopping power on the bike… Top-heavy but even transfering the motor to the front wheel wouldn’t solve that; with a low-step, mounting the battery near mid-frame would exacerbate frame tensions, though I would welcome it if they can design for it. I would be keenly interested in just how great that seat performs, given there’s no other shock absorption; for the handlebars’ sake alone, I would really prefer there be a front shock. Smoothness of acceleration is a huge selling point on this for me, and I love you can start from standstill just with the twist throttle and pedal assist off!
ReplyGeorge Sears
10 years agoNice review. I think Pedego actually understands the market for ebikes, at least here in Southern Utah. It’s ALL older people, and the step through is absolutely, positively, the highest priority. Unfortunately, I rode a Pedego and just could not take to the configuration. I prefer ebikes that are styled like hybrids, not cruisers. But Pedego has done really well with that style, so a lot of people like it.
It’s interesting they aren’t moving away from the rear battery, rear motor. I think for most of their clientele, it isn’t too much of an issue. I think they cheap out a little on the mechanical disk brakes. I have the hydraulics on an X3, and mechanicals on a hybrid, and I’ll take the hydraulics any day. It’s really nice to get a good set of pedals. The Shimano they spec is probably fine. Maybe the seat shock is a better choice. With all the weight on the back of this type of bike, it’s harder to make the front shock absorb much.
Seeing this bike, it’s hard not to notice a huge divide, probably a generational one, between, say, the Bike of the Year Haibike, and this style. The dealer I visited to look at the Haibike still mostly sells the ebikes designed for the older crowd. I’m sure there is some market for mid-drives, even Bosch mid-drives, maybe on bikes with a deep step-through. But you don’t really need a mid-drive until you are climbing 9% grades and up. That’s my calculation. That is most trails, but not most streets or bike paths. It’s a little hard to compare a trail bike to a street bike, anyway, but I don’t see how hub drive hurts most street bikes. Again, I think Pedego knows where they want to be, and it’s not a trail bike.
Overall, for all the fancy stuff I’ve seen highlighted from Interbike, I think this ‘super step-through’ is just about the smartest new feature I’ve seen. That’s what one large segment wants. The guys know their market and they know their cruiser bikes.
ReplyMichael Moore
10 years agoAwesome review, 48 volt / 15 ah / 720 wh, looks like they gone to the new Samsung / Lithium-ion batteries. Will some of the other 2015 models be offering this battery setup? I’m planing on buying a Pedego next year before the opening of the Capital to Capital bike trail in VA, Richmond, VA to Williamsburg to James Town.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Michael! That sounds like an awesome ride. I’ve based the specs in this review on conversations I had with Pedego at Interbike two weeks ago. Their bikes tend to evolve throughout the year and this one isn’t even listed on their website yet. So I can’t be 100% sure but they now offer most bikes with a 36v 10ah or 15ah and 48v 10ah or 15ah and this extra-large spec is what I’ve posted above. The weight of the bike will increase with the larger packs as well as the price but since none of that is posted yet I’ve just done my best based on the information available :)
ReplyCatherine Strain
10 years agoHey, Just making a note. I believe this is the Boomerang Plus. As there will be a version without pedal assist. There are a couple of differences on the Boomerang Plus 48V 10Ah (Pedal Assist, LCD, Light & Balloon Package) – $2,995
ReplyVersus the Boomerang- 36V 10Ah (Throttle Only, Standard Whitewall Tires) – $2,295. PS- HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY COURT!
Court Rye
10 years agoWohoo! Thanks for the clarification Catherine, I’m always trying to get this stuff perfect and it helps to get feedback. Has been a good birthday and you made it even better :D
ReplyNext
10 years agoYou really did NOT noticed reviewing this bike that it uses the BIRIA FRAME? NOT ONE WORD?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoBefore reviewing this electric bike I contacted the leadership teams at both Biria and Pedego who denied working together. I agree that the frames are very similar in appearance and speculate that we may see a design shift in the future if there has been a design patent violation. A similar shift may have happened between 2013 and 2014 when the bottom bracket on Pedego Cruiser electric bikes changed position (moving backwards, directly under the seat tube). This happened around the same time period that Electra (who own’s the Flat Foot design patent) was acquired by Trek.
Replyoliver.
10 years agoI like PEDEGO bikes. My favorite is the INTERCEPTOR. With the optional battery : 48 V 15 AH that should be a good PEDEGO bike ?… In France there is a dealer : Ocobike. Ocobike sells PEDEGO bikes and build chopper – custom bikes with electric motor. We say VAE = Bike with electic assistance. Excuse me for my bad English. I’m sorry… Have a good RIDE. Thanks. OLIVER.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Oliver, your English is pretty good! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Pedego Interceptor. I agree, it is one of my favorite models as well because it is powerful and offers great accessories (fenders, lights, comfortable saddle and grips). The company offers good support and it is best to buy at a dealer so Ocobike would be perfect. I think this could be a good choice for you :)
Replyoliver.
10 years agoThanks Court Rye. I have yet one question: Can you tell me if the bike Pedego Interceptor make noise (when the assistance is on). Have a good day and a GREAT RIDE. Oliver.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Oliver, yes the pedal assist activates the motor just like the throttle in higher levels and it does make some sound. If you choose lower levels of assist the noise is less but still noticeable (can you hear it in the video?)
Replyoliver.
10 years agoThank you Mister Court Rye. Have a good ride. Oliver.
ReplyScott
10 years agoCourt, I rode this bike and found the pedal position uncomfortable. The pedal crank is moved back about 4 inches or so to accommodate the frame shape and it makes the pedals more under the seat than slightly out in front. I found it less comfortable to pedal due to this configuration.
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoGreat feedback Scott… wow, you’ve tapped into something here. If you look at the 2013 Pedego Cruisers and compare them with more recent designs you’ll notice that the bottom bracket has moved more directly under the seat tube. This is because Electra owns two patents, one of which is called “flat foot technology” that moves the cranks forward creating a more relaxed leg position (check out the Townie Go! electric bike). Unfortunately, Electra doesn’t offer the same breadth of ebikes that Pedego does and in my experience they operate with more noise and offer less power. But, given that they own the rights to that design it seems like the Boomerang and some other Pedego models will follow this less comfortable pedal placement. In short, I think they’d like to make it ride more comfortably and move the pedals forward (super low step frame or not) but are limited by that patent.
ReplyRyan
10 years agoI am currently considering this (the Pedego Boomerang) vs the Izip e3 Zuma step through. I notice the Pedego has a nicer display unit, torque vs cadence, and a bigger battery 15ah vs 8.7ah. But, of course, the high mounted battery and (appears) non-standard gauge rack. The look of the eZuma with battery concealed is nice and would support a wider variety of racks. I am a taller (6′) heavier rider (250lbs) and plan to mount a child seat (considering Yepp Mini front mount or traditional rear mount if not enough front clearance). Do you have any comments on the differences between these two bikes?
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Ryan, you’ve hit on some great points here… I don’t mind cadence sensors for around-town riding because it means you don’t have to push as hard. Given the motor inhibitors in the brake levers you can still get the system to stop quickly but range may suffer a bit as you’re not required to work as hard to get the bike going or keep it up to speed. I also like the look of the Zuma and appreciate the mid-mounted battery for balance. The thing is, you’ll have to buy a rack and build it up to support that child seat. The Boomerang might be your best bet in this case and does offer larger battery options as you said. It’s a great bike from what I could tell with my limited ride test. I hope this helps you out, one alternative might be the Juiced Riders bikes which have the battery much lower and have a really sturdy and long rear rack. Have you seen these at all?
ReplySteve Cameron
9 years agoI was able to ride this bike at the Last Turbo Bob seminar in San Diego and was quite excited about the very low step through design. We have many customers with physical problems that make getting on and off of any bike a problem so this seemed like the best solution I had ever seen for these people. The weight comes with the design and is a little problematic but understandable. The big problem I saw was the seat height. I am 5′ 9″ tall and even with the seat all the way down, it felt a little tall. The Pedegorep suggested that the suspension seat tube could be removed to solve this problem. I would say a large % of the maket for this bike is in my height range or less so this severely limits it’s market. One other thing, I was of my bike last year with a lower back/hip problem. My physician thought that it might have been due to my 30 mile commute to work that I started in earnest without preparing physically in advance. I also found out that this can be exaserbated with a high seat position so this makes the above mentioned issue even more of a problem. We do not carry Pedego but I would have considered adding the Boomerang if it were not for this problem. Hopefully they or some other major company will have a solution by Interbike time.
ReplyCourt Rye
9 years agoHi Steve! Interesting… I hadn’t focused much on seat height when I reviewed this but you make an excellent point. Good suggestion on the standard seat post vs. suspension but yeah… I like the suspension, it seems like maybe they should figure out how to lower the seat tube mounting point to allow for shorter-legged riders. Great insights :)
ReplyPaul
4 years agoMy charger goes from to green to orange to nothing. According to book it go green to orange to green. I put my battery on charger & goes from green to orange to nothing. I put battery on bike & I have only 3 bars. I put back on charger & 4 bars. I was in customer service at UPS & I took care of a lot problems. I think charger isn’t working right. I spent over 3 thousand dollars for this bike and I think it should work better than this. I’ll never buy any one or refer any one else to buy one. They ask if my charger is charging, but not like it should.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoAww, that’s no fun! I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’re having there, Paul. Did you get the bike from a shop? That’s usually how Pedego sells vs. online direct. If you go into the shop, they should be able to help or sell a new charger or battery pack. That’s one of the best parts of Pedego, and why they charge more. They are supposed to have good customer service :/
ReplyApril King
4 years agoThe bike itself is fine however, I can’t say the same for the shop that I bought it from. The front wheel came off while I was riding the bike so the bike and myself got banged up. After speaking with the Pedego Company they basically told me to work it out with Mr. B’s. Now Mr. B’s in Yuma, Arizona is telling me they won’t make good on the damages. I can’t believe I spent thousands of dollars on a bike to only find out that I am shit out luck. You guys really suck.
ReplyCourt
4 years agoOh man! That really sucks, I’m sorry April. Are you alright? I’ve crashed before and hit my chin and now have a scar. It’s a good idea to check the tire pressure, axles, and just give the drivetrain a look before “each ride” but that’s almost unrealistic because of the trust and comfort of riding that develops, especially if a shop set things up and you’re not super familiar with bike hardware. I wish this whole thing could have been avoided for you, and I hope that you are still able to ride and enjoy bikes in the future. Is there anything I can do to help?
Reply