Pedego is known for making durable, beautiful, cruiser style electric bikes. They started off with a Classic Cruiser design and eventually developed a smaller 24″ version for petite riders and then introduced a Tandem cruiser to accommodate multiple riders (which could double as a cargo bike if you removed the rear saddle and handle bar). But now they have an official cargo ebike called the Stretch… This thing offers plenty of storage with a removable front porteur style rack and an elongated rear platform rack with interchangeable sections of tubing that can increase the overall length or width of the storage area. The interesting thing is, much like the Tandem Cruiser before it (where the rear seat area could double as a cargo hold) the Stretch’s cargo rack can double as a passenger seat with running boards and a back rest! It’s a fun looking creation that’s quite capable in terms of storage space, motor power and stability thanks to its smaller 24″ wheels (which keep the center of gravity low) and step-thru frame design (which makes stabilizing the bike at stops much easier).
For the video review above I got to test ride a pre-production Pedego Stretch at a trade show in late 2014. You may notice the sticker placed on the side of the rear pannier blockers advertising a pizza shop called Gina’s Pizza which is a real place in Newport Beach California (near Pedego’s headquarters). Apparently, part of the inspiration for the stretch was to provide ebikes like this to Gina’s that could serve as nimble, efficient delivery vehicles around town. Pretty neat stuff… I can imagine these bikes with little insulated boxes attached to the rear rack, zipping around the boardwalk delivering fresh pies. And that’s the thing about cargo style bikes, you can use them to haul kids, groceries, building supplies, food or sometimes a second passenger as mentioned earlier. In addition to the creativity of this system, I love that they kept on eye on utility and chose to include a standard gauge rail for use with traditional panniers on the rear rack. As mentioned in the video, the larger tubing isn’t compatible with many of the clip-on systems out there but this extra rail is.
The motor powering the Stretch is capable and very responsive. It’s a geared hub located in the rear wheel offering 500 watts of nominal power with ~730 watts peak and ~40 Newton meters of torque output. Being geared, it feels extra zippy and is smaller and lighter than a gearless design. For this application, the smaller footprint doesn’t matter much because it’s already hidden behind the pannier blockers but the reduced weight is nice. Another cool design aspect of this bike is the step-thru frame that’s extra low and stable thanks to smaller 24″ (vs. standard 26″) wheels. One benefit to this smaller diameter is that it improves the mechanical advantage of the rear hub motor. So you get more effective power with this setup than you would on one of the Pedego beach cruisers and that’s useful when you’re transporting a full load of gear or a second rider.
The battery on the Pedego Stretch is designed differently than most of the other Pedego electric bikes and that’s a great thing! Instead of being mounted high-up on a rack, over the rear wheel, this pack is mounted low-down and more forward (just behind the seat tube). This design change was made possible by the “stretched out” frame of the bike and it allows the rear rack to be completely dedicated to hauling cargo. It also brings weight forward which contributes to improved traction and steering while reducing frame flex. The battery comes in two sizes, both offering an impressive 48 volts of power. The standard pack offers 13 amp hours of capacity or for $400 more, the larger pack offers 17 ah which is quite a bit. Pedego estimates that you’ll get between 26 and 52 miles with the standard battery and 34 to 68 miles with the large. That’s a wide range of distances and the actual distance you achieve will really depend on how much cargo you’ve got, what the terrain is like and how much pedaling you’re doing because this bike does offer both twist throttle and pedal assist mode with five levels to choose from. To care for the battery, be sure to charge it after riding and store in a neutral temperature environment because extreme heat and cold can damage the Lithium cells. The pack is removable, has a built in handle and the saddle that is located just above it has a handy flip-forward lever that makes the whole process much easier as shown below.
Operating the Stretch is much like operating other 2015 Pedego electric bikes but there is a toggle style on/off button on the battery that you have to click first (before activating the display console). Once the battery and display are on you can use the up / down arrows to navigate from level 0 (which is throttle only) through 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 levels of assist which offer increasing power output but also drain the battery faster. I like that the Stretch uses a 12 magnet cadence sensor to activate the pedal assist because it’s more responsive than the older 6 magnet design but doesn’t require much pedaling force to activate (as compared with a torque sensor that does). As long as you’re moving the pedals, the motor will be activated by pedal assist if that’s the mode you’re in. The new Pedego LCD display console offers back lighting for use in day or night riding conditions and has multiple readouts from speed, battery level and distance which can be navigated using a “set” button. The LCD is mounted to the left bar and is fairly easy to reach from the left grip while riding without taking your hand completely off. Some older Pedego bikes had a centrally mounted display with an independent button pad that worked similarly. I’m okay with either setup and this one probably reduces complexity, cost and failure points so that’s good. One thing I love about the assist modes of this bike is that you can override them with the twist throttle at any time! Maybe you’re using assist level 1 to save energy but then encounter a hill… just twist the throttle for a few seconds and then let off once the hill is passed. It’s easy, intuitive and very effective with the strong motor and battery combination.
At its heart, the Pedego Stretch is still a Cruiser style bike and that means it looks beautiful but is also heavier and has a more basic drive train. You get seven speeds to choose from and the gears and derailleur are value components. This is also true of the thumb shifter which is oversized and not quite as integrated feeling as micro triggers on some other ebikes… but! they might actually be perfect for a bike like this given how easy they are to shift when wearing gloves for work or deliveries. In short, the larger saddle might chaff your legs when riding long distances and the relaxed seating position just isn’t as efficient for pedaling. The oversized 180 mm mechanical disc brakes are upgraded to Avid BB7’s and don’t squeak or rattle as much as some lower end hardware, the large aluminum alloy platform pedals feel great and don’t slip, the matching full length aluminum fenders keep you dry and front and rear lights keep you safe. For $3,500 base price, this is a very useful and versatile electric bike that works best for zipping around neighborhoods in throttle mode and pedaling casually. I appreciate the padded comfort saddle and seat post suspension to keep your back and neck feeling great on longer rides as they work very well with the swept back handlebars for an upright seating position that’s perfect for spotting cars. I also like the super large double legged kickstand and deflopilator that stabilize the front wheel when loading. This thing really can haul, it’s a worker even though it looks pretty, and the solid warranty and quality support of Pedego dealers means you could actually use it for more than just show.
Pros:
- Low-step cantilever frame is easy to mount and stand over (to hold the bike upright when loaded) if you have to pause momentarily at a stop sign or stop light
- Beautiful, high quality paint job (available in three colors), thoughtfully integrated wires and matching frame accessories including black grips and saddle
- Powerful 500 watt geared motor is zippy, capable of climbing medium sized hills though relatively quiet, compact and light weight
- Front and rear Avid mechanical disc brakes with larger 180 mm sized rotors provide great stopping power and don’t jitter or squeak as much as some more basic brakes
- Front and rear LED lights, full length matching aluminum alloy fenders with mud flaps and matching chain guard offer rider protection and utility day or night, rain or shine
- Medium sized city cruiser handlebars enable an upright riding position that’s comfortable to pedal in but also absorbs some vibration
- Mid-frame mounted battery keeps weight low and more evenly distributed than a rear rack design, provides more space for cargo, also removable and the flip-up saddle makes it easy to take off
- Tektro brake levers cut power to the motor when activated, the left lever has a built in bell that works very well and keeps the handlebars uncluttered
- Backlit LCD display panel is easy to operate with power on / off and up / down for navigating pedal assist levels as well as set to change menu readouts
- Offers twist throttle that works from standstill and overrides pedal assist (activate at any time), powerful and zippy ride experience
- Smaller 24″ wheel diameter lowers the bike frame which makes the Pedego Stretch easier to mount and more stable when riding, also offers mechanical advantage to the rear hub motor for increased effective power and torque
- Seat post suspension, padded saddle and large balloon tires help to smooth out the bumps and make for a more comfortable ride
- Two powerful battery options for increased range, solid three year limited warranty on all Pedego battery packs
- The ebike comes with removable tubing supports that act as running boards or foot rests as well as a rear rack widener as well as a removable tube support that acts as a back rest or rear rack extender
- The main rear rack platform has two standard gauge tubes attached to the sides which enable use of mainstream panniers with clip-on systems, this means it works with more bag systems and accessories
- Extra large double legged kickstand pairs nicely with deflopilator spring on front wheel to keep the bike stable when loading and riding
Cons:
- The battery pack has to be switched on (with a toggle button on the pack) before the LCD console can be turned on, many newer ebikes don’t require two on switches like this and it can be confusing at times because you might wonder if the battery is charged or just not know why the ebike won’t start
- LCD display panel is large, bright and easy to operate but not removable so it may experience increased wear if left outside or parked in public places
Resources:
- Official Site: http://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/
- More Pictures: https://goo.gl/photos/tHZFcKJo2kFZzQG29
Gilles Leblanc says
Very interested in purchasing the pedego strech cargo. Feel it would be right for where I fish and camp. Need to know how long and high it is so I can put it in my closed chev truck. Also weight? Also I live in Grand Falls New Brunswick Canada. Where is the nearest pedego store. I also seen that you would pay for shipping if no store available near here.?. Thanks for service response.
Court Rye says
Hello Gilles! I reached out to Pedego with your questions and they shared the following: The Stretch measures 76.5″ end to end and 40.5″ from the ground to the top of the stem. Nearest Dealers to Grand Falls New Brunswick Canada are: I Heart Bikes at 1507 Lower Water Street, Halifax, NS B3J 1S5 and Scooteretti at 85 Murray Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5M5 hope this helps you out!
Gary Lucas says
Just wondering about tall riders (as well as heavy riders).
I’m seriously considering an electric bike to help me get back into the habit of daily cycling (specifically my 26km commute which has a few decent hills in it).
However, I’m very overweight now. I have a surly long haul trucker with overbuilt wheels and tires. But haven’t been on it in a couple of years (more’s the pity). I’m afraid I’d crush it at my current weight (around about 400lbs).
So my options are: an electric cargo bike, an electric kit for the surly and worrying about crushing it… Or another heavy duty bike.
This looks like it might fit the bill except for my height (6’2)… Any other suggestions?
Court Rye says
Hi Gary, I applaud your interest in hopping back on a bike! Your Surly sounds pretty cool, you could probably fit a BionX kit onto it and have a sweet bike but for a bit more you could get the Pedego Stretch or their Interceptor which is going to come with Magnesium rigid wheels for added strength. You’d be at the upper limits of their rated weight capacity but I think it’s your best shot. I should have the updated Interceptor review (with the mag wheels) posted in a week or so, check back at the all reviews page every couple of days and look for the Interceptor.
David says
Hi, Do you think this bike would need the wheels tuned often if I’m a 280lbs rider who rides on smooth surfaces? I currently have a 700x40c tire on a Raleigh Misceo 2.0 with 36 spoke wheelsl and when I ride with groceries in my panniers I eventually get spokes that loosen and it requires a trip to the bike shop.
Court Rye says
Hi David, I’ve heard about spokes loosening on ebikes and increased weight is definitely a contributing factor. I don’t know enough about this type of situation to comment in an informed way here, I just get feedback from shops. Some of them use professional Loctite super glue to keep the spokes from coming undone. I don’t know exactly how this is performed… In any case, Pedego is now offering rims made with cast magnesium arms instead of spokes as an upgrade option and this could be perfect for you because they are super strong and cannot come untrue. Here’s an ebike I’ve reviewed with similar solid rims (though this one uses smaller wheels which tend to also be sturdier and offer more power leverage for hub motors. Ask Pedego about this option for sure!
David says
Hi ended up buying the stretch. I have almost 500kms on it in 3 weeks. I haven’t had any serious issues so far. My spokes came loose after 150kms but that happens on most new bikes. The power of the bike with the 48V and 17 amp battery is nice. I used 2-3 pedal assist to go to work for the week and I can get over 80kms a charge. The bike does have a few minor things that bothered me. The mud guards are about same width used on the regular pedegos with 2″ wide tires so they just barely cover the 2.4″ wide tires on this bike. Also my bike here in Canada didn’t come with Schwalbe brand tires. I have some cheaper brand instead. The seat was also very slippery so I shaped it for a Megasoft gel seat I was using on my hybrid bike instead of the super wide pedego seat. Thanks for a reply back on my previous comment. David
Court Rye says
Cool! Thanks for sharing your experience David, your thoughts on the fender width are great. Maybe the Schwalbe tires cost extra and are an upgrade? Sounds like it’s holding up well for your rides, I have heard that some people use Blue Loctite super glue to keep the spokes from coming loose, I’ve never tried it myself but here’s an article I found :)
ayaz says
I want to buy a pedego strech bike.
Court Rye says
Hi Ayaz! I do not sell Pedego (or any other) electric bikes. If you’d like to find a dealer you can use this map on their website to help locate one: http://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/find-a-pedego-electric-bike-dealer-near-you/ good luck! The Stretch is a fun ebike for sure :)
Matt Dubuque says
Hello, you mentioned storing this in a temperature neutral environment because high heat damages the battery.
Do you think this stretch could be used as a delivery vehicle in Phoenix? It gets over 100 degrees there all the time. Thanks! Matt
Court Rye says
Hi Matt! I think it would work very well for that, Pizza delivery was one of the inspirations for this model (Pedego tells me…) so yeah! The temperature thing is a mixed bag. You really notice on freezing cold days if the battery is cold because your range nearly halves. Heat is less noticeable and I think the cells do alright but if you’ve ever had a smartphone that said “warning, getting too hot” and it shuts itself down, that’s the same sort of situation only with a larger battery. Most fancy ebikes have custom controllers that help to regulate performance and I haven’t experienced much shutoff myself but it could happen. If there’s a Pedego dealer nearby I’d go and ask them. At the end of the day, maybe your battery doesn’t get as many full cycles or you have occasional overheating but if you work with the system and use pedal assist and pedal along it could help a lot… and just not parking the bike in direct hot sunlight, look for shade or bring the battery inside when not in use :)
Amanda says
What exactly are the weight restrictions on the bike? This would be ideal for my roommate and I. I’m on the heavy side and she’s pretty thin, so I wanted to know the restrictions so I can total our weight. Is there accessories to add cushioning onto the back rest and seat?
Court Rye says
Hi Amanda, I reached out to Pedego to help get an official answer to your great question. Brendan helped me out with the following:
“Hi Court, Our recommendation for the Pedego Stretch is 400 pounds. We have had many customers use the Stretch in this fashion for carrying a second person and have not had an issue yet. So as long as the bike is properly maintained and the spokes are kept in proper tension, this individual should not have an issue.
For the Stretch, we offer the “Passenger Package” which includes a backrest and cushions for both the seat and the back rest. I believe this to be exactly what Amanda is looking for. The cost of this is $59 for the three components and can be shipped with the bike or purchased separately through the dealer. If you have any further questions regarding the Stretch, please let me know! Thanks, Brendan”
Susie Kowalczyk says
I am interested in the Stretch Pedego, but I live in the country and would be riding on a lot of dirt roads. I would be using this bike for beekeeping. I have bee hives around the mountainous valley in which I live and would need to carry honey, hive parts, smoker, tools etc. Can you get tires for off road riding for this bike? Thanks
Court Rye says
Hi Susie, I think the tires that come stock would be alright for packed Earth but I did a search and found some knobbier off-road tires on Amazon that say they have Kevlar puncture protection, so that could be an even better option. You could get the bike and swap these tires on for better grip, comfort, and reduced flats. I hope this helps, the extra details about tire width on my Pedego Stretch review seem to have disappeared or been deleted… but you could call Pedego and ask if these tires would fit.
Amy says
I just saw one of these at my Pedego dealer–he just did a servicing on it, and it has *20,000* miles on it!
court says
Wow! That’s incredible, thanks for the in-person update, Amy. Sounds like the Stretch model is holding up very well for customers… I hope to do an updated review sometime soon because the’ve made a few adjustments and also have a dual-drive version in the works ;)