VoltBike Yukon 750 Review

2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Electric Bike Review
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Wattbafang Hub Drive
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 High Capacity Battery Bottle Cage
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Cockpit View Compass Bell Display
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Optional Front Rack Integrated Headlight
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Kenda Krusade Sport Tires With Front Adjustable Suspension
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 With Optional Waterproof Pannier
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 With Optional Rear Rack Optional Fenders Slap Guard
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Optional Rear Rack Integrated Rear Light
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 White Without Optional Accessories
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 White Angle View With Front Fork
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Tool Set With Keys
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Portable Battery Charger
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Stock 20 Inch High Step Black
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Stock 17 Inch High Step White
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Electric Bike Review
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Wattbafang Hub Drive
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 High Capacity Battery Bottle Cage
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Cockpit View Compass Bell Display
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Optional Front Rack Integrated Headlight
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Kenda Krusade Sport Tires With Front Adjustable Suspension
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 With Optional Waterproof Pannier
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 With Optional Rear Rack Optional Fenders Slap Guard
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Optional Rear Rack Integrated Rear Light
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 White Without Optional Accessories
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 White Angle View With Front Fork
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Tool Set With Keys
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Portable Battery Charger
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Stock 20 Inch High Step Black
2019 Voltbike Yukon 750 Stock 17 Inch High Step White

Summary

  • A lower priced fat-tire ebike at that comes in 2 colors (matte black or matte white) and 2 frame sizes; a smaller 17” frame as well as a 20” frame, optional fenders, racks, and waterproof panniers
  • 750 watt Bafang fat-tire specific hub-drive, 48v 16ah high capacity battery, with throttle and 9 modes of cadence based pedal assist
  • Great stopping power with the Tektro 180mm hydraulic disc brakes and motor inhibitors, the only way to go for a high powered setup like this
  • Features a high powered setup, but the drivetrain is a little weak with just a 14-28 tooth cassette, the controller is slightly exposed, and the rear light feels more like a reflector

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

VoltBike

Model:

Yukon 750

Price:

$1,699 ($1,899 CAD)

Body Position:

Forward, Upright

Suggested Use:

Neighborhood, Commuting, Trail, Sand and Snow

Electric Bike Class:

Throttle on Demand (Class 2)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

1 Year Comprehensive

Availability:

Canada, United States

Model Year:

2019

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

67 lbs (30.39 kg) (65.5 for Smaller 17-inch Frame)

Battery Weight:

9 lbs (4.08 kg)

Motor Weight:

8.5 lbs (3.85 kg)

Frame Material:

6061 Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

20 in (50.8 cm)17 in (43.18 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

20" Seat Tube, 21.5" Reach, 30.5" Stand Over, 34.5" Minimum Saddle Height, 27.25" Width, 75.5" Length, 17" Seat Tube, 22.5" Reach, 28.25" Stand Over, 32.25" Minimum Saddle Height, 28.25" Width, 75.5" Length

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Matte White with Silver and Red Accents, Matte Black with Silver and Red Accents

Frame Fork Details:

MoZo FatMan Spring Suspension, 80mm Travel, 32mm Stanchions, Hydraulic Lockout Clicker, Preload Adjust, 135mm Hub Spacing, 9mm Axle with Quick Release Skewer

Frame Rear Details:

170mm Hub Spacing, 11mm Threaded Axle with 10mm Flats and 18mm Nuts

Attachment Points:

Rear Rack Bosses, Fender Bosses, Bottle Cage Bosses

Gearing Details:

7 Speed 1x7 Shimano Acera RD-410 Derailleur, Shimano MF-TZ500-7 14-28 Tooth Cassette

Shifter Details:

Shimano Tourney TX50R6CT Indexed SIS Thumb Shifter on Right

Cranks:

Prowheel Forged Alloy, 170mm Length, Square Tapered Spindle, 44 Tooth Steel Chainring with Alloy Guard

Pedals:

Wellgo LU-313 Aluminum Alloy Wide Platform with Fixed Pins

Headset:

NECO, Internal Cups, Sealed Cartridge, Tapered 1-1/8" to 1-1/2"

Stem:

Promax MA-596, Adjustable Angle 35° to 145°, 70mm Length, 70mm Base Height, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, Two 10mm Spacers

Handlebar:

Promax, Aluminum Alloy, Low-Rise, 680mm Length

Brake Details:

Tektro Auriga HD-E500 Hydraulic Disc with 180mm Rotors, Dual Piston Calipers, Three-Finger Levers with Motor Inhibitors

Grips:

Faux Leather, Stitched, Ergonomic

Saddle:

Velo Plush VL-6142

Seat Post:

Promax SP-252 Aluminum Alloy

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

30.4 mm

Rims:

Jinhua Mingtai, Aluminum Alloy, Double Wall, Punched Circles, 83mm Outer Width, 36 Hole

Spokes:

Stainless Steel, 13 Gauge Front 12 Gauge Rear, Silver with Nipples

Tire Brand:

Kenda Krusade Sport, 26" x 4.0" (98-559)

Wheel Sizes:

26 in (66.04cm)

Tire Details:

5 to 30 PSI, 0.4 to 2.1 BAR, 60 TPI Casing

Tube Details:

Schrader Valve

Accessories:

Flick Bell with Compass on Left, Aluminum Alloy Fenders (100mm Width), Red Tire Liners, Neoprene Slap Guard, Adjustable Kickstand at Rear, Custom Aluminum Alloy Bolt-On Rear Rack (25kg 55lb Max Weight, 14mm Tubing), Steel Derailleur Guard, Blaze-Lite Integrated Headlight, Blaze-Lite RL1900 Integrated Backlight, Multi-Tool, Optional Waterproof Pannier Bags ($70 Each), Optional Front Rack ($40)

Other:

Locking Removable Semi-Integrated Downtube Battery Pack with USB Port and 4-LED Indicator, Sans 2.7lb 5 Amp Charger, KMC Rust Buster Chain, Neco 910, 23.5mm + 120mm + 23.5mm Sealed Bottom Bracket

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Bafang G06

Motor Type:

Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

750 watts

Motor Torque:

80 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Panasonic NCR18650B 3400mAh Cells

Battery Voltage:

48 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

16 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

768 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

6 hours

Estimated Min Range:

35 miles (56 km)

Estimated Max Range:

75 miles (121 km)

Display Type:

Voltbike Branded, Intelligent 800S, Fixed, Grayscale, Backlit LCD

Readouts:

Speed, Avg Speed, Max Speed, Battery (5 Bars), Assist Level (0-9), Trip, Odometer, Timer, Motor Inhibitor Icon

Display Accessories:

Independent Button Pad on Left: Buttons +, Power, -, (Double Press Power Button for Settings Menu, Hold + for Backlight and Integrated Lights, Hold - for Walk Mode), Full Sized USB Type A Port on Battery (5 Volts, 1,000 Milliamp)

Drive Mode:

Cadence Sensing Pedal Assist, Twist Throttle (12 Magnet Disc)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)


Written Review

To run the forums, host the website, and travel, I charge a universal service fee for my reviews. This review was sponsored by VoltBike. My goal is to be transparent and unbiased, this video and written review are not meant to be an endorsement of VoltBike.

VoltBike has released their new Yukon bike, a hub-drive fat-tire bike made to take on just about anything you can throw at it. I was happy to have the chance to review it on a snowy day in Vancouver, B.C., which let me really put it through its paces and see what it was all about. The Yukon is a value priced ebike at $1,699 ($1,899 in Canada) and comes in not only 2 colors (matte black or matte white) but also 2 frame sizes; a smaller 17” frame as well as a 20” frame. Both are very approachable, even the larger frame has a top tube that slopes down a bit making it easy to jump on and off. The 67lb Yukon frame is a hydro-formed aluminum alloy frame and can handle quite a bit, and that is thanks to the Kenda Krusade Sport fat tires with 60 threads per inch casing and punched out holes in the rim to keep it light weight. The tires are 26” x 4” and rated for a 5psi-30psi… the lower levels, such as 5psi, really work well on various terrain such as sand or snow, I highly recommend dropping that tire pressure if you want to take it out on adventures because it makes a world of difference. But these tires here keep everything comfortable since each of those little knobs somewhat act as mini absorbers for the bumps on the road. Assisting the tires with comfort is the front suspension fork. It looks like it has about 80mm of travel with some fairly large stanchions. I love that it has not only a compression clicker, but preload adjust as well just really giving you a lot of configuration in the setup. The front suspension is a spring suspension, rather than air, but I suppose you could switch that out with a fork of your choice since the head tube is tapered. Looking around the bike I notice that it has bottle cage bosses, which is a favorite feature of mine, but I do want to make sure you notice that while they are there on the 17” frame, the real-estate of the area is rather small, so you wouldn’t be as able to fit as many accessories here as you would on the 20” frame. I do love the internally routed cables, stitched grips, adjustable angle stem, Prowheel 170mm crank arms, and Wellgo extra large platform pedals. They also have a lot of optional accessories, the 20” I tested here was fitted with a front and rear rack, waterproof pannier, as well as some durable aluminum alloy fenders. The front rack is mounted on a mounting point on the steering tube, so it keeps the load straight when you turn the handlebars. However, this does move the headlight forward onto the rack itself so then the headlight will no longer point where you steer. I guess that kind of goes into the next feature, the integrated lights. I love that more and more bikes are becoming standard with these and it really is a nice feature to have it run off the battery power. The Yukon has both an integrated headlight and an integrated rear light as well… the rear light is only 1 LED however, so it kind of can feel like big reflector at times. Other features include an adjustable kickstand mounted in the rear to eliminate pedal lock, neoprene slap guard, 30.4mm seat post, and my favorite, this super cool integrated compass and bell hybrid.

Diving the Yukon is this 750 watt fat-tire specific Bafang geared hub-drive motor with 9 modes of pedal assist and a twist throttle with throttle lock out via an on/off switch. It has a 12 magnet high resolution cadence sensor, which used to be kind of a premium setup, but nowadays it is considered somewhat older technology. Compared to todays top of the line systems, it tends to feel sluggish because it has this very pronounced on or off feeling, so I recommend using the throttle to ramp up your speed if you want that smoother feel. It kicks up to 20mph with no problem and stopping is nice since they also equipped it with motor inhibitors. On the mechanical side, they have a 7 speed Shimano Acera derailleur which is a step up from the typical entry level derailleurs I usually see on value priced ebikes. I love that it has a derailleur guard too, that really helps protect these systems in the shipping process of if the bike gets knocked over. It has a 14-28 tooth on the cassette… not the best for climbing but is fine for cruising around the city. A thumb shifter is here, and I have never been a big fan of these, but I understand if you have a twist throttle attached, sometimes the thumb style shifter is the only option for the engineers to mount a shifting system. A big win for the Yukon is the 180mm rotor hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors. So many value priced ebikes spring for the mechanical brakes, which are easy to adjust and maintain, but I really prefer the immediate stopping power and responsiveness of hydraulic brakes. Hydraulic brakes really compliment higher powered systems, so having a 750 watt hub motor and a 48v battery really need a helping hand in the brake department and it doesn’t get better than hydraulic with motor inhibitors. Overall, the system works great giving the bike a very capable feel.

Powering the VoltBike Yukon is a 48v 16ah lithium ion battery pack. I would consider this a very high capacity battery with that 16ah rating. The amp hour designation refers to how long the battery can perform at its peak, while the volts act as the peak itself. With a rating such as this, it would be able to go the extra mile and then some. I love that included on the battery itself is a USB port, so you can literally remove the battery and use it as a power brick for your USB device like a phone or laptop, really a cool option and I love that it’s here. The battery is secured via lock and key and that key comes with the bike along with some tools as well. It also comes with this 5v 2.3lb charger which is alloy encased, making it a little tougher than most! To really care for this and other lithium-ion packs, I have heard that storing in a cool dry location vs. extreme heat or cold will extend the life and try to keep it about 50% full when not using for long periods so you won’t stress the cells. Try not to let it run down to zero, because that’s really hard on the cell chemistry.

Operating the VoltBike Yukon is straightforward, in fact, it’s using the exact same display system and button pad as before. The LCD is large, backlit (if you hold the up arrow), and adjustable angle to reduce glare. It is not removable, but there does appear to be a disconnect spot for easy replacement if you experience damage at some point down the line. All of the standard readouts about current speed, battery capacity, and assist level are shown, and if you tap the power button (the little rubber button on the remote pad) it will cycle through advanced readouts like average speed and max speed. Holding down on the button pad activates walk mode, and double tapping the power button opens a menu where you can adjust the maximum speed of the bike, though you’ll need a password from VoltBike to do so. This cold be handy for people who want to ride slower for safety reasons… but you can always just arrow down on assist for less power. The real consideration is how fast the throttle will get you going, because it’s always offering up full power when pushed all the way down. I was able to reach just over 20 miles per hour in the highest assist level during my tests. I would have been happy with a 5 level assist vs. 9 because I don’t love clicking through so many levels when trying to focus on riding. At least the display is within reach and easy to learn (there are only three buttons). After a bit of practice, it’s easy to click up or down without even looking at the display for feedback. The one thing I have noticed about this particular button pad is that if you snag the buttons with fabric or somehow bump them when parking, the plastic cover can get bent up and become vulnerable to breaking off. I have only seen this once, but I have never seen the rubberized buttons get broken, so I consider it a point of consideration and extra care. A secondary four-LED display is built into the top of the battery box, and this allows you to get a quick idea of how full the pack is, even when it’s not mounted to the bike.

All in all, the Yukon is a great bike if it falls under your consideration, but there are some tradeoffs I should mention. For a high powered setup, the drivetrain can seem a little basic. They offered a lot of features here, so it would be nice to see a larger sprocket rather than the 14-28 tooth cassette to go along with that. Also, I noticed you can see the controller a bit and that could really leave it exposed to some of the elements of the rougher terrain you scale. It is encased well, but something to be mindful of nonetheless. A minor gripe here, but I wish the rear light was a bit brighter. All these may seem like nitpicking, and for a bike priced at $1,699, it is hard to fault. I had a lot of fun testing it out and you can even see me do some burnouts on the snow in the video! Truly a capable bike that is well supported by a caring company as you can see by my factory tour. I would like to thank VoltBike for inviting me out to check out their lineup.

As always, I welcome questions and feedback in the comment section below. Whether you own the bike, have taken a test ride, or are brand new to the space, my goal is to provide an objective and honest resource. You can also join the VoltBike Ebike forums and share your own photos, videos, and review updates to help others! Have fun out there, and ride safe :)

Pros:

  • A value priced fat-tire bike at $1,699 ($1,899 in Canada) and comes in 2 colors (matte black or matte white) and 2 frame sizes; a smaller 17” frame as well as a 20” frame
  • Kenda Krusade Sport 26” x 4” fat tires with 60 threads per inch casing and punched out holes in the rim, rated for a 5psi-30psi
  • A front suspension fork with 80mm of travel and some fairly large stanchions, has a compression clicker and preload adjust to really give you a lot of configuration in the setup
  • They have a lot of optional accessories, such as a front and rear rack, waterproof pannier, as well as some durable aluminum alloy fenders
  • Comes standard with battery integrated headlight and rear light, something that more bikes are doing these days and I love since it adds visibility and safety
  • The adjustable kickstand included is mounted away from the pedals in the rear, so that eliminates pedal lock, an annoying occurrence when reversing a bike with the kickstand down that this bike doesn’t have to worry about
  • If you do opt for the front rack, it is mounted so it doesn’t turn when you steer so it keeps the load nice and straight while maintaining stability
  • Probably one of my favorite included items is the integrated bell with a moving compass mounted on top, some may find it useful, others may find it gimmicky, but I actually love that it’s here, it really adds to the adventure if you are out in the wilderness on this bike
  • The 750 watt rear hub motor is powerful and I love that the throttle has a lockout if you want to turn it off and on, overall a really capable electric setup
  • The 48v 16ah battery is a powerhouse of a workhorse, it really can go the extra mile and having it be removable with a USB attachment to charge other devices just really opens up the capabilities a whole bunch more
  • A lot of cool little touches like a neoprene slap guard, derailleur guard, Wellgo extra large platform pedals, and bottle cage bosses
  • A big win here is the Tektro 180mm hydraulic disc brakes with motor inhibitors, really the only way to go when you have a high powered setup like this, adds a lot of rider confidence since you can stop on a dime

Cons:

  • I notice that it has bottle cage bosses, which is a favorite feature of mine, but I do want to make sure you notice that while they are there on the 17” frame, the real-estate of the area is rather small, so you wouldn’t be as able to fit as many accessories here as you would on the 20” frame
  • On a frame like this, the battery and the controller sort of stick out like a sore thumb, the controller in particular, is kind of in a precarious spot, luckily they encased it well to keep it safe, but I do worry about its exposure to the elements you may be encountering on a bike like this
  • It is great that there are both an integrated headlight and rear light, however, the rear light is 1 LED and can feel a bit like just a really large reflector rather than a rear light
  • The drivetrain is a bit basic with just a 14-28 tooth cassette so it would be nice to see a larger sprocket to help the more active pedaler have that range
  • I got really used to the fenders, rear rack, waterproof pannier, and front rack, but it should be noted that those are all optional and will cost extra money
  • 9 modes of pedal assist may be a real treat for some, but for me personally, I did not enjoy scrolling through all the many levels to get to the one I wanted
  • The controls for the display have a groove in them that can catch cloth and other material, so if you are wearing gloves for example, be aware of that
  • The front suspension is a spring suspension, rather than air, but I suppose you could switch that out with a fork of your choice since the head tube is tapered

Resources:

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Comments (36) YouTube Comments

Robert
6 years ago

Just a thank-you. No response required. You are like a trusted member of the family. I check the EBR site every morning, hoping for one of your latest reviews. Because of you, I have become an e-bike enthusiast and ambassador. I can now speak with authority about these bikes and convince others of their potential enjoyment and benefits. Sincerely, a fan

  Reply
Court
6 years ago

Sweet! Thanks for the compliment and encouragement Robert. One of my favorite activities is publishing a new review, getting all of the pictures and videos setup, sharing the excitement of a model that has been updated and improved or something brand new… Lots more in the works here, I’m actually sitting on like 10 bikes but balancing that with filming more, traveling, and taking care of myself (church, family, surfing!) hope you have a wonderful day, you’ve certainly gotten mine off to a great start :D

  Reply
Gary Goldberg
6 years ago

i am trying to decide between the yukon and the m2s fat tire. u mentioned the m2s was sluggish at lower speeds how is the yukon at lower speeds? most of my riding will be trails and beach not high speed.

  Reply
Court
6 years ago

Hi Gary! I reviewed the VoltBike and Mikey covered the M2S so I really cannot say how they compare motor wise. I can say that both companies seem to offer great customer service. This might come down to availability, price, or style. It’s nice that the Yukon has a top-end 750 watt motor and has been in business for a long time. Perhaps someone else will chime in with more feedback :)

  Reply
Gordon
5 years ago

Hello, Thanks for your usual in depth and am now finally at the two finalists: M2S All Terrain 750 and the Volt Yukon Limited. Am a tall guy and a bit heavy and am failing to make a decision. Any advise which bike is better

Vaibhav
6 years ago

Thanks for the review! I am thinking of buying my very first electric bike. I live Canada so I expect it should be reliable in all seasons especially in winters. Is it a good idea to opt for fat tires if I plan to use it everyday, all seasons or regular tires would suffice? I would most likely be using it for commute on a road. I am confused between Volt Bravo, Volt Yukon and Amego Elevate. I would not mind considering any other good options other than mentioned above. Thanks

  Reply
Court
6 years ago

Hi Vaibhav. My understanding is that the VoltBike Yukon is one of their most popular models. No, you don’t need fat tires to ride year-round (especially if streets are cleared), but they do add some comfort and stability… they can ride through soft ground and snow a bit easier than narrow ones. Compared to the VoltBike Bravo, you get fat tires with more off-road traction. Compared to the Amego Elevate, you just get fat tires. The Elevate is a more traditional hardtail mountain bike vs. a fat tire mountain bike. Basically, the Bravo is for urban riding and commuting, the Elevate is for mountain biking, and the Yukon is for some trail riding and sand or snow… but any of these bikes would be fine for the city. The Bravo is probably going to be most efficient because it reduces the weight and drag compared to big fat knobby tires. I hope this helps! You can also click the comparison box for each one of these bikes and then see their stats side-by-side on the compare page here.

  Reply
Jeff
6 years ago

Great reviews!!! A couple questions (I’m a large guy (6’1 about 215 pounds)… First, how realistic are the range spec’s posted here (35-75 miles)? If riding on gravel/asphalt mix, on a medium assist level, would the 35 miles be realistic? Second, zero experience with fat tires. Obviously a great thing in sand/snow. But on gravel roads or just loose dirt roads, are they overkill and adding a great deal of drag (i.e. draining the battery faster)? Would the fat tires be kinda silly for normal road rides? Thanks for you assistants!

  Reply
Brent
5 years ago

I have exact same Qs as Jeff above!!!

Thx

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Jeff and Brent! Fat tires do increase weight and drag, but they improve comfort, stability, and traction. For gravel, sand, and even snow, they significantly improve traction in my experience. As for the range question, that’s tricky… it really depends on how much energy you spend pedaling, what level of assist you use (or throttle), and even how full the tires are. Terrain, and even wind can play a role. I do think that 35 miles is very realistic, especially if you aren’t using the throttle constantly. Worst case scenario is that you see the battery getting low and decide to lower your ride speed and assist level to make it home… or stop off for a 15 minute charge (which will fill the pack significantly if it’s getting low). The lower a battery is, the faster it is going to charge… the delay happens when cells begin balancing towards the end. Most ebike packs can go from 0 to 50% in an hour or so :)

  Reply
Walter
5 years ago

Can you get these bikes up 42 km about 30 mph

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Walter, I’m not sure about that. Perhaps someone else who owns one and has done more riding and experimenting will chime in. You can also check in and post the same question on the EBR VoltBike Forums here.

  Reply
Barry O'Neill
5 years ago

Which is better: The Yukon Limited (2019) – or – the Spark Leisure ?

The Yukon has a bigger motor (which I believe can be unlocked) and metal fenders which seems attractive. And you can get the front carrier rack added for the same price as the Spark Leisure. I’m torn!

Barry
Ottawa

  Reply
Mike Yurganov
5 years ago

Hi Court, I’m new to electric bikes. Considering RadRover 5 vs VoltBike Yukon 750. Is the battery that Yukon 750 using compatible with other bike brands? I’m thinking of buying two bikes eventually, one for me one for my wife and would prefer to have interchangeable batteries. How ever do not want to be limited to chose the same brand. Also I heard that Rad bikes are using proprietary batteries which tires you up to OEM parts and prices. Which of two models is more reliable?

Thank you,
Mike

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Court
5 years ago

Great question, Mike! I believe that this VoltBike Yukon (and many of their other models) is using the Reention Dorado battery pack. This is a very common battery that can be found on a wide range of products including NCM, some of the Surface 604 models, some of the Magnum models, and Amego. There’s a new Dorado battery design that actually spills out the left side of the frame a bit so they could fit more cells! All of this said, I’m not 100% sure that these packs are all cross compatible, I think you need a 48 volt pack for a 48 volt system.

Regarding Rad Power Bikes, I like that all of their newest models use the exact same battery pack. You’ll notice that some Surface 604 and Magnum deviate and introduce different designs. I’m not so sure that Rad’s design is proprietary, because I’ve seen similar packs from other companies like this. Anyway, Rad has great customer service, a wide selection of models, and a recognizable brand (helping with resale). I think they are VERY dedicated to their battery pack, so it will be available for a long time as a replacement or second range-extension option. They still sell their original batteries and have a big team of support people answering calls and a couple of physical shops and repair vans now. All things considered, I don’t see them as quite so “proprietary” like Specialized or Giant who are designing batteries that you cannot repack etc. I think Rad’s batteries are more open source, and they use the external controller box which is a little ugly but makes replacement batteries less expensive. I wish you luck choosing, and hope this has helped to answer your question :D

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Mike
5 years ago

Thank you, Court for a quick answer! Your resource is such an asset for some one like me. I would like the idea of Rad Rover for all the reasons you mentioned above, however there is one more thing that makes me wonder – why mechanical brakes on such a heavy bike… Most owners reviewing their Rad Rovers on Youtube are under impression it’s not enough. Would Rad custom install hydraulic brakes as a part of upgrade? If not, and I still decide to buy from them, I would like to retrofit it with hydraulic brakes, at least in the front. Which brand of hydraulic brakes would you recommend for retrofit for this model? Really appreciate your input, Mike

Derek C Stuart
5 years ago

Hi Court, love your website, navigation, comparison, and reviews. The best on the internet. I have spent hours watching and reading your reviews and have learned so much, thank you.

I have a budget of $2,000 and currently ride on a combination of gravel groomed paths, paved and some mountain trials. Because of this I have narrowed my decision to the RadRover5 and the VoltBike 750 Yukon Limited. I am a fit 54 yr old, 6’1 235 lbs. and am leaning toward the Yukon Limited because of several standout features; the 20″ frame option, adjustable handles, hydraulic brakes, battery range and free helmet. With that said comfort/sizing is most important. I currently own an Electra Townie 7, an extremely comfortable upright bike but not good for off road. Your opinion would be helpful because you chose the RadRover5 as your ‘Best Of’ for ‘Fat Tire’ affordable e-bikes. With the added Yukon features I listed and why I am leaning this way I am curious your deciding factor on the RAD Best of decision as I feel I might be missing something important? With the added racks I am looking at a $240 difference.

Look forward to your feedback as I do not usually purchase bikes without riding first, so big decision. Also, if I should be considering a missed model I am open as well.

  Reply
Court
5 years ago

Hi Derek! Thanks for your patience as I catch up with comments here. The hardware advantages of the VoltBike Yukon 750 are definitely there. Rad has great lights, the reflective and puncture resistant tires, a good geometry from the start (adjustable stem is nice but not as solid if you go off-road a lot my experience). The biggest wins are the included rack and hydraulic disc brakes. I personally don’t love the helmet that VoltBike provides, it just feels heavy and doesn’t fit my head super well. That said, it’s nice that they include one! RadRover probably has a higher resale value, and their support team is great, but VoltBike is definitely up there. I’m not sure about availability, like if one model is sold out, but I know a lot of bikes have been going fast due to Spring and the COVID situation. I think either bike would be a great fit for you, but given your taller height and extra weight, the longer stem of the VoltBike Yukon 750 and hydraulic disc brakes might push it ahead, and you’d save money! It’s difficult to choose one winner foe each category… so the takeaway here is that both of these models are good and it could come down to your personal preferences and situation. I hope this helps!

  Reply
Derek
5 years ago

Thank you Court. I purchased 2 Voltbike Yukons with front racks. Cannot wait. They also made some advancements with 2020 model. The 2020 edition now comes with a powerful Samsung 48v 17.5Ah Lithium-Ion Battery which they say provides 15% more range compared to the year before. The tires got upgraded to Kenda Juggernaut K-Shield with a puncture-resistant layer. The new tire comes standard with reflective liner so you are more visible in the dark. For 2020 they also added chainring with double bash guard so chain does not escape even in harsh riding situations. Sounds like they made several improvements from last years review which shows me thier commitment to making one of the best ebikes for the money. Appeicate it.

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Court
5 years ago

Sweet! They made a bunch of great improvements, thanks for listing them all here Derek :D I’ll have to get in touch and cover the latest models. Have fun, and feel free to chime in again with comments as you receive and use the bike ;)

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Brij
4 years ago

Hi Court, I’m in the market for my first ebike. I always used EBR and your reviews as my go-to for knowledge.

I’m currently deciding between Rize X, Yukon 750 or RadRover 5. Would you recommend one over the other? This is a big decision for me as it’s a lot of investment. I’ve spent 3 months on research but can’t decide. Was looking for your advice/recommendation. Thanks.

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Brij! Cool name :) yeah, these are tough to decide between… you’ve narrowed it down well. I used to differentiate between VoltBike and Rize (previously SparkBike) and Rad by country… but Rad has recently launched a physical store and improved support in Canada and some European nations, so to me they are the clear leader. If you’re looking for the best customer support, best accessories, and best long term value (if you resell it someday), then Rad is the winner in my book. I like how VoltBike and Rize improve upon some of the hardware choices and design elements that Rad has lead with (Rad really pioneered the electric fat bike), but to me there is still a trade-off in terms of support and reliability. You might notice that Rad Power Bikes uses the same battery pack across all of their models. This makes it easier to replace and more reliable because their focus isn’t fragmented. The biggest question right now might be availability, to be honest. I think most companies are backordered (including Rad). My Dad just bought one for himself and his wife and it took a month and a half to arrive, but he’s very happy with it now. I hope this helps! I think the ride experience across the three models is going to be fairly similar, apart from the hydraulic brakes where Rad uses mechanical.

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Brij sahni
4 years ago

Thanks for that Court! I appreciate your time. I guess my only concern with Rad was my weight since I do weigh 260lbs and their weight capacity is 275lbs. I hope the bike can take my load. I heard from member the weight capacity is conservative. You have any suggestions on that? Thanks! I too was leaning towards Rad.

George Krastev
4 years ago

Appreciate everyone’s interest in the VoltBike. I would like to bring some insight on the conversation as it appears few of you are on the verge between VoltBike and other competitors. Our first edition VoltBike Yukon got introduced back in 2015 and was actually the first electric fat bike on the Canadian and the US market. Court was kind enough to come and review it in August 2015 in our Canadian HQ in Burnaby, BC. Around the same time (or later) Rad Rover popped up on the market. Since 2015 many things changed and the Yukon model turned out to be our bestselling bike. The model evolved throughout the years and we used our expertise to make it more advanced and reliable. There is many things which differentiate us from the competitors and I will try to outline them here.

Each VoltBike is individually inspected, tuned-up and partially assembled prior to shipping which includes also test ride in our facility. This ensures that when the bike arrives it would be fully functional and ready to ride right out of the box. Most of our competitors simply ship bikes direct from China which results in many disappointments when you receive your long awaited bike. Even though this procedure adds significant overhead for our products I strongly believe that it’s adding long term value for our customers and our brand. Since mid 2020 Yukon comes with top of the line technology including Reention battery Samsung 17.5Ah. This design is proved to provide better weight distribution as it is evenly positioned on the frame. It’s also more reliable in vibration because it’s partially mounted into the frame. In a matter of fact, our 2015 edition Yukon was using battery similar to the Rad Rover battery style which we found unstable on the frame (shaking) and affecting the steering. The recent edition Yukon also comes with hydrualic brakes with 180mm disc rotors which is a must for fat bike this size. It also comes with rear LED brake light which illuminates every time the brake is activated. Yukon Limited comes standard with fenders/rack which is usually extra for our competitors. And finally, because we care about the safety of our customers we do include motorcycle style DOT approved helmet with each bike. The helmet which comes with our bikes is chosen between many others and most of our customers voted for the half face style helmet which is currently included with VoltBike. For most of our customers VoltBike is the first bike in the household so a helmet would probably be a good addition. In 2020 we acquired a brand new 15,000 sqft facility in Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada which allowed us to carry more inventory and to grow our team even faster. For the Vancouver, area we do have an in-house truck which is doing white glove deliveries. This only shows the commitment we have in the ebike field and our long term vision.

Brij sahni
4 years ago

Based on customer service and value, I ordered a yukon 750 a few weeks back. Fingers crossed!

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hi Brij! I think that you made a good choice, VoltBike is pretty good… they’ve been around for a long time and have continued improving their product offering. I’d love to hear your thoughts once it arrives and you go for some rides though :)

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twocreeks
4 years ago

I’ve watched and am now reading numerous reviews of yours. I am very impressed with your diligence and transparency and effort to be helpful. I am 72 with some physical anomalies, as I prefer to call them. I live north of Vancouver, BC at the lower end of what was a logging road. the upper end still is and is accessible directly from my home. I am considering three bikes; The Rad Runner Plus, VoltBike Mariner and Volt Yukon Step thru. The size and maneuverability of the the two smaller bikes is appealing, but the step thru (17″ frame) is not much bigger although somewhat heavier. Any suggestions?

  Reply
Court
4 years ago

Hey, sounds like a nice spot there! If you’ve got the garage or storage space for a full sized 26″ fat tire ebike, I’d lean that way. The ride will be smoother because of the lower attack angle and higher air volume (air is squishy). Now that many companies have step-thru fat tire bikes, I see less incentive to go the 20″ or folding route. In terms of maneuverability, I feel like the turning radius can be similar on two-wheel ebikes and the larger wheel feels smoother and more stable to me. Both VoltBike and Rad Power Bikes have step-thru models now, and both have a suspension fork, which the RadRunner Plus also has. I do like that model, but I’d probably still go full size because of saddle comfort and adjustability. I live in Coquitlam, would love to meet and go ride sometime if you’re up to be friends! You can text me at 650.930.0342 if you’d like, my name is Court :)

  Reply
twocreeks (Ed)
4 years ago

Really good feedback, Court. You must be very occupied with this job. I hope you benefit as much as we do. Once I actually have an ebike I’d love to connect with you. We have great roads and trails for you to try. I get the sense that Volt doesn’t have the company capacity to give really good service, yet. I’m sure they’re working hard to get there. In the meantime, Rad is doing it. I can see why you endorse Rad. I’m a little partial to the Yukon Ltd. step thru as it has a 17″ frame, more accessible. I don’t think Radrover ST has a 17″ frame. I have room for storage. Thanks so much for your time. I’ve got your contact info. I’m on the Sunshine Coast, Roberts Creek.

Twocreeks
4 years ago

I just watched your rad rover ST review. I haven’t found a Yukon limited ST review. Not Yet?

twocreeks
4 years ago

Well, I’ve been very impressed with number of reviews to date. a change is good, too. I think you’ll find the current Yukon Limited step thru to be enhanced since your last review. No surprise. I look forward to see your take on it. One thing that bothers me is the lack of response I’ve gotten from my chat questions and email. somewhat disconcerting. Rad is all over the response thing, maybe too much.

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