The 2015 Pedego Trail Tracker builds on the original Trail Tracker design which was launched in 2013. It was one of the very first electric powered fat bikes that I saw in the US and it offered the same power, quality build and customer support that Pedego has built its reputation on. The downside was that it only offered one gear to pedal with and that meant slow difficult starts and rapid unstable high speed rotations (if you tried to keep up). Thankfully, that issue has been addressed with the latest model! You get a seven speed Shimano Acera cassette with an oversized “granny gear” for climbing. Pedego has also added an integrated headlight, backlit LCD display panel with integrated USB charging port, a narrower more active saddle and pedal assist with five levels! It’s better in just about every way than the original but the price has stayed just about the same as before. The only real downside to the Trail tracker in my view is weight distribution. It’s a rear heavy bike (like many Pedego ebikes) and the battery is also mounted fairly high up which decreases stability. Thankfully, the included kickstand is really nice and does a good job of stabilizing the bike on most surfaces. Eventually Pedego might decide to built the Trail Tracker battery into the rear rack (like their other 2015 models) which would make it possible to add a bag or panniers. Their new designs also let you remove the key while riding (which this one does not) and that reduces jingling and potential snags.
Driving the Trail Tracker is a high quality Dapu geared rear hub motor. This is the same brand that Easy Motion uses on many of their bikes (the 350 watt Neo and Evo series) and it feels zippier and more powerful than some comparably sized alternatives. For the Trail Tracker, Pedego has installed a 500 watt motor and it feels very satisfying. Considering the heavier frame build and larger tires on this bike, it was a great choice in my opinion. I’ve test ridden a few 350 watt electric fat bikes like the Sand Viper and they tend to struggle in soft conditions. In the video review you can see me climb a fairly steep section of packed dirt and while the motor does struggle towards the top, I was able to ascend on throttle power only! I like that the hub motor used here isn’t too heavy or large (it’s basically hidden behind the disc brake and cassette) and I appreciate the quick disconnect they added to the power wire for simplifying maintenance.
Powering this bike is a super strong 48 volt pack with high quality Lithium-ion Samsung cells. You get to choose from a 10 amp hour or 15 amp hour version (for ~$200 more) and this will extend your range but add a couple of extra pounds. I like that the battery is locking and removable for easier charging (you can charge on or off the bike) and I like the matching black paint job. One possible downside here is that black absorbs heat and heat is not so great for batteries… I’m not how big of a deal this is and you could always take the pack inside using the nice little built in handle on the back. I’m a big fan of Pedego’s newer battery+rack design which surrounds and protects it. On the Trail Tracker, you really don’t have much to work with in terms of mounting a bag or panniers and this might also prevent air from cooling the battery. I also don’t love that you have to leave the keys in this bike in order to operate it, sometimes they jingle and are just more exposed to bumps and snags. In short, the cells and power are great but the mounting design and position limit your options.
Operating this updated version of the Trail Tracker is more complex than the original (which just had a twist throttle and LED battery gauge). Now you get a full LCD display panel with speed, distance and assist level readouts. The display is backlit for use at dusk or dawn and also controls the headlight (just press tap the power button). There’s no rear light unfortunately (this is built into the battery on other Pedego models) but there are plenty of reflectors on the wheels, pedals and even below the headlight. The display itself is not removable but it does swivel forward and back to help reduce glare or just improve your viewing angle. There are four buttons along the left ridge of the screen and these are fairly easy to reach while gripping the left bar. Overall it seems well sealed against rain and other elements and I love the USB charging slot underneath (which includes a rubber plug for water protection). Once the pack is charged, mounted and clicked to on using the key you can press power on the display and pick from 0-5. At any time you can twist the throttle to override assist and the assist itself is fairly responsive and easy to ride with. The bottom bracket area has a plastic disc with 12 magnets installed that activate a sensor as your cranks turn. It starts and stops fairly quick but you can always override it by tapping either brake lever. These levers also activate the mechanical 180 mm disc brakes that provide great stopping power, even for heavier loads.
There are some obvious areas that the Trail Tracker can still be improved but so many great updates have already been made. As stated early on, I feel like this is really a neighborhood electric bike with the potential to romp around trails, sand and snow but not really excel there. Consider a mid-drive powered bike for something like that but expect to pay at least $1.5K more. Pedego has a solid reputation, they stand behind their products and have a specialty dealer network that will assist you along the way. I wish this bike had quick release wheels because the tires are so large but at least the battery is removable and I like the bottle cage bosses and kickstand. The colors are fun, the power is fun and with the addition of pedal assist and the larger 15 amp hour battery option this bike should go the distance.
A compact fat tire electric bike designed around a sturdy but approachable mid-step frame. With its low stand-over height and potential for low minimum saddle height, this is one of the few ebikes that works well for petite riders and even kids! The highly adjustable top-speed settings for pedal assist and throttle add safety or extend range by reducing power consumption. Optional aluminum alloy fenders, rear rack, headlight, and bags add utility.. Six beautiful colors allow for personalization if friends, partners, or family members each buy an…...
An efficient city style electric bike available in 17" step-thru and 19" high-step frames. Pedego is known for their fun styles, and the Avenue is available in six premium colors with frame, fork, and rims matching! Intuitive display panel with USB charging port built in.. The removable downtube-integrated battery is nearly hidden, and and can be charged on or off…...
Possibly the lowest low-step mass market electric bicycle ever created! The standover height is just 8" (20.3cm) off the ground, making it extremely easy to mount and stabilize. Available in two frame sizes with 24" or 26" wheels respectively, five beautiful colors that span the fork, rear rack, and chain cover, and two battery pack sizes (480wh or 720wh).. Premium Schwalbe puncture resistant balloon tires with reflective sidewall stripes pair nicely with the Satori…...
One of the original, most proven, cruiser style electric bikes. With a lower price point, larger dealer network, and the addition of pedal assist in recent years... this ebike stands out from the crowd. Available in two frame styles (step-thru and high-step) two wheel sizes (24" and 26") and three colors (Coral, Blue, or Red).. Beautiful aesthetic with premium paint on the frame, fork, chain cover, and even the rims!…...
The Conveyor takes smoothness to another level by using a Brose S mid-drive motor with internal Gates Carbon belts driving it, and external mechanical belt drivetrain, and a Shimano internally geared shifting hub, really this is top-shelf if you are looking for the most smooth bike out there. Features 2.4” wide high volume efficient tires, fenders with mud-flaps, comfortable pedals with grip tape,…...
A powerful mid-drive powered city style electric bike with cruiser styling, the stem offers adjustable height and angle for different body positions and Pedego sells three frame sizes. The smallest frame size offers 26-inch wheels vs. 28" which brings it closer to the…...
A powerful, well-balanced, trail or all-mountain style electric bike with 140 mm dual air suspension, available from one of the largest ebike dealer networks in the world with a great warranty and two sizes. This is the first Class 1 pedal assist only electric bike from Pedego, the Shimano…...
A tricked-out city bike with some cruiser styling and lots of comfort features, adjustable air suspension fork, adjustable seat post shock, adjustable stem, and swept-back handlebar. Everything is black on this ebike, even the suspension stanchions! this helps the motor, battery,…...
One of the only 24" sized fat e-bikes I have ever seen, it's easier to approach, stand over, and handle for short to mid-sized riders, Pedego also offers a 20" fat model for kids. Large comfortable tires that work well on sand or snow when deflated to 5-8 PSI,…...
A premium cruiser style electric bike with upgraded suspension fork, suspension seat post, integrated LED lights, a sturdy rack and hydraulic disc brakes. Powerful 500 to 1,000+ watt hub motor from Dapu with high-torque rating and durable protected…...
A custom designed electric trike with large plastic cargo bin at the back, three-speed internally geared hub can be shifted at standstill and is more durable than a traditional derailleur. Two mechanical disc brakes provide good stopping power, max speed limited to 7 mph in…...
A sturdily built, lower speed electric bike with seven gears and throttle-only operation designed primarily for kids and youth but also a good fit for short riders. Max weight of 350 lbs, bosses in the rear for adding a rack and hauling…...
A sturdy folding electric bike with a full-sized feel, the extra long seat post and telescoping stem fit a wider range of body types than most folders I've tested. Premium drivetrain features and accessories including a Gates belt drive, Shimano Nexus internally geared hub,…...
Fined fat tire electricbike with balanced down tube battery and purpose-built "extrawide" hub motor for improved drive train operation and torque. Nice LCD display panel with integrated buttons and swivel, includes a USB port for charging…...
A delightfully capable and refined 27.5" hardtail electric mountain bike with powerful 500 watt motor and 48 volt battery pack. Nice upgrades on the adjustable air fork with lockout, 15 mm thru-axle, locking grips, hydraulic…...
A smaller version of the Interceptor that's easier to mount, it offers great power thanks to its smaller wheels paired with a 500 watt geared hub motor and 48 volt battery. Offers twist throttle and five levels of assist for increased range, throttle override puts you…...
A stripped down comfort cruiser with easy-mount step-thru frame, throttle on demand only, optional fenders, multiple color choices and multiple battery size options from 36v 10ah up to 48v 15ah. Locking removable battery pack is protected in the color-matched rear rack, mechanical disc brakes are…...
A sturdy, powerful cruiser style electric bike with large 500 watt geared motor and 48 volt Lithium-ion battery. Balloon tires, comfort saddle, suspension seat post and oversized handlebars create a relaxed upright ride...
A sturdy and powerful electric bike that's a bit more active than the cruisers (more forward body position, narrower handlebars) and is available in several frame sizes for improved fit. Lots of great extras including full length aluminum fenders, chain guard, puncture resistant tires with…...
A stylish and comfortable cruiser style electric cargo bike with removable tubing supports that extend the carrying platform or double as a back rest and running boards to accommodate a second rider. Offers two battery options for extended range and two drive modes including pedal assist (1-5)…...
One of the easiest electric bikes to mount with extra low step-thru design, frame stiffness reduced as a result. Powerful 500 watt geared motor is quiet to operate and blends in well with cassette…...
Iconic cruiser style frame is sturdy, provides a relaxed seating position and comes in multiple colors. Powerful 500 watt direct drive (gearless) rear hub motor is durable, fast and relatively quiet...
A smaller step-through electric bike with 24" wheels for riders who are petite. Very powerful for its size, uses a 500 watt direct drive hub motor with three…...
One of the only purpose-built electric bikes that is setup to be a tandem for two adult riders. Sturdy frame, fun classic design, reliable drive system with six speeds, great support and warranty...
Sturdy cruiser style electric bike with simple twist throttle operation and upgradable battery pack. Large tires, swept back handlebars, plush seat and padded grips dampen vibration to smooth out…...
Great power for acceleration, climbing or moving heavier riders with a 500 watt geared rear hub motor and 48 volt Lithium-ion battery combination. Offers twist throttle and five levels of pedal assist for increased range, removable battery for…...
Off-road design with 4" wide tires, increased contact patch enables the bike to ride on sand, snow and other rugged terrain, larger tires also provide cushion for improved riding comfort. Ultra powerful 600 watt geared motor and 48 volt battery pack for improved torque and…...
Stable three wheel design with battery, motor and controller mounted low under the cargo bin. No pedal assist option with this bike but the twist throttle is intuitive to use…...
Powerful combination of 500w motor and 48v Lithium battery. Durable and proven frame is borrowed from the Pedego Comfort Cruiser...
One of the only tandem style electric bikes available anywhere, large 500 watt motor offers good power. Built on the time tested, super simple, Pedego Cruiser cantilever style aluminum alloy frame...
Classic upright commuter frame is quiet, sturdy and functional with welded rear rack. Integrated seat post shock, lights, bell, and computer with clean wire management...
Solid, durable and extremely quiet to ride due to gearless rear hub motor. Casual design looks like a laid back cruiser and comes in many fun color choices...
Be the First to Post a Comment