Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
This type of electric bike utilizes a motor system that is positioned at the middle of the frame, usually exerting force on the same chain that the rider is cycling as they pedal. They are known for their balanced weight distribution, unsprung weight advantage, battery use efficiency (because they benefit from gear shifting, just like the rider), and improved climbing power. Because they often require custom motor interfaces, mid-drive ebikes tend to cost more money. They exert more strain on the chain, belt, and drivetrain than hub motor and friction drive, and usually do not offer throttle on demand power. Most high-end and European ebikes utilize mid-drive motor systems.
The Kalkhoff Sahel Compact i8 electric bike isn’t exactly a folding bike but it does offer a smaller footprint and lighter overall weight. The pedals fold up and the stem pivots to twist the handle bars in line with the frame, allowing it to squeeze into cars, RV’s, busses or trains more easily. This is […]
The Kalkhoff Sahel i8 electric bike is a step down from the Tasman Tour C8 but offers a similar experience. While you won’t get the seat post shock, suspension fork, tool-free adjustable stem or larger 700cc wheels you do still get a gel seat and ergo grips with swept back handle bars for comfort. The […]
As the video review shows, it was raining and getting dark when I spent time with this bike. As a result, this review will be based more on my observations and research. Feel free to comment below if you own or have spent time with the Pro Connect C8! All in all, this is a […]
The Tasman Tour C8 Premium is one of the most refined, utilitarian electric bikes I’ve ridden! Produced by one of the largest German ebike manufacturers, Kalkhoff (and its parent company Derby Cycle Werke) this thing comes with all the bells and whistles you could ask for in a city bike from fenders, dynamo powered LED […]
This review is for the 2013 version of the Optibike Pioneer Allroad (it was the first generation model) and the latest version has also been reviewed here. The new version has a quieter motor that offers a bit more torque. The frame design has changed along with the LCD display panel and front suspension fork. […]
eProdigy is an electric bike company based in Vancouver BC, Canada. It’s a joint venture between a motor and battery manufacturer that began in 2008 under the name EPIK Bikes but changed to eProdigy in 2013. The Logan is their top of the line offering that uses a proprietary mid-drive system to leverage the rear […]
This review is for the 2014 eProdigy Whistler, the company has since improved the motor design and updated components on the bike. The 2016 model offers a 500 watt mid-drive and a 48 volt 11.6 am hour battery! To learn more about this model and read my latest review go here. eProdigy is an electric […]
IZIP is taking a cue from Bosch and Optibike, delivering its first mid-drive system with the E3 Peak. The middrive or “centerdrive” motor offers excellent performance in technical off road settings and really compliments the sophisticated pedal assist features at work here. It allows the motor to leverage the rear cassett and compliment rider input […]
Haibike is a high end German bicycle manufacturer which is part of the Accell group, a Dutch holding company that also owns Currie Technologies (IZIP, eZip and eFlow). They offer a range of mountain and cross country style electric bikes that utilize midmount or mid-drive motor systems. The Haibike XDURO AMT Pro is their top […]
The iGo Urban electric bike offers a mid-mounted electric motor designed to leverage the same gears the rider does to overcome hills or reach higher speeds more efficiently. In practice, the bike meets these goals… but only just. I found that it struggled to reach higher speeds and wasn’t as satisfying to ride as a […]
