Sturdy electric cargo bike made from the Xtracycle EdgeRunner 27D base and the BionX PL 350 watt motor
Smaller 20" rear wheel makes transporting cargo or kids easier and safer due to lower center of gravity, also provides mechanical leverage for the rear hub motor
Excellent range of accessories, one of the sturdiest kickstands I've tried on any bike, high quality frame build
Removable Backlit LCD
(Symmetrical Integrated Buttons for Right or Left Handed Users)
Readouts:
4 Proportional Assist and Generate Modes, Lighting Controls, Battery Voltage, Trip Distance, Odometer, Chronometer, Average Speed, Clock
Display Accessories:
Independent Button Pad
(With Variable Speed Trigger Throttle)
Drive Mode:
Torque Sensing Pedal Assist, Trigger Throttle
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)
Written Review
The Xtracycle EdgeRunner 27D is a 27 speed cargo bike with lots of neat options designed for hauling gear or kids. What really sets it apart is the smaller 20″ rear wheel that allows the rack to be mounted lower to the ground (making mounting or loading easier) and allowing the pedaler or motor to achieve higher torque. Powering the electrified version of the Xtracycle EdgeRunner is the BionX PL 350 which is a very capable and proven system that offers a throttle mode, four modes of pedal assist and four modes of regeneration as well as regenerative braking! It’s an awesome package that’s available in two sizes and four colors. It’s one of my favorite cargo bikes around and the attention to detail in design is really outstanding.
The motor on this bike is built right into the smaller rear wheel. The advantages of this design include increased torque and better traction (since the cargo rack and child seat are built into the rear). The motor itself offers 350 watts of power which sounds about average but actually uses the HT (high torque) setting to achieve better climbing and hauling performance. It’s a gearless motor which again, means it offers less torque for the weight (and indeed it is a bit heavier than comparable geared options) but you gain the regeneration modes and this can save your wrists and brake pads on long descents, especially with the weight of cargo.
I really like the BionX system because it offers so many modes. You get a throttle, regenerative braking, regenerative modes and four levels of pedal assist! While the bike may not haul you up a big hill in throttle only mode, you can climb almost anything in pedal assist mode with a little effort and it’s way better than using a non-electric bike. Note that, as with all BionX systems, you have to get the bike going at 2+mph in order to activate the throttle. If you are trying to climb a hill or have to stop on an incline, make sure you downshift before stopping completely. Since this bike uses a standard cassette and three front chain rings, you cannot shift at standstill as with internally geared bikes.
The battery pack on the EdgeRunner 27D is a high power 48 volt 8.8 amp hour Lithium-ion design from BionX. The mounting point, just behind the seatpost tube, is perfect because it keeps weight low to the ground and protects the pack by surrounding it with oversized seat stays that connect with the elongated chain stays in two places leading all the way back to the rear dropouts. The pack is lockable with a key and also removable for easy charging inside. This is great because the bike itself is so large that it might not fit inside easily. One downside of this extra-long frame design is the length and looseness of the chain (see the main picture above). It actually gets pretty close to the ground and is more susceptible to bouncing and chipping the chain stay tubing.
Of course when I think of the Xtracycle EdgeRunner 27D I also think of the Yuba ElMundo. They look similar, both use BionX kits and both offer some cool accessories. In fact, the ElMundo has their battery pack mounted even further forward which is an improvement in front to rear balance (though it does replace the only water bottle mounting point). Yuba has been quicker to innovate over the years but hasn’t always offered the same quality as Xtracycle. I love the thoughtfully designed rear wheel, the child-safety “Hooptie” tubing shown in the review and the fold down SideCar “plant carrier” that was featured in their “Everyday Adventures” promotional video. The ergonomic grips, soft oversized tires, lights, optional fenders, bags and mechanical disc brakes are fairly standard but very solid and decently priced.
Even riding a light weight road bicycle can get tiring over long distances, up hills and into the wind. Cargo bikes or those designed to carry children are usually much heavier just in terms of the frame and wheels and then you add the weight of the cargo and rides can become daunting or less convenient. Electric cargo bikes make so much sense and I’m glad Xtracycle is entering the space. Their EdgeRunner 27D is thoughtfully designed and the accessories are plentiful ensuring that no matter what kind of activity you’ve got in mind, the bike will be there for you. It could literally replace your car for local errands and deliver a fun, healthy experience in the process.
Pros:
Thoughtful design keeps weight low and balanced on the frame
Lots of great rack options for hauling cargo or kids including the Yepp child seat
BionX system offers throttle, pedal assist and regeneration modes, LCD computer is easy to understand and use
Battery pack is removable and can be charged on or off the bike
20″ rear wheel offers more torque and keeps the rack lower
Front and rear disc brakes keep large loads under control, upgradable to hydraulic for easier braking
Large oversized tires offer some cushion from bumps and cracks
Mounting points on downtube for water bottle rack
Comfortable ergonomic grips reduce hand strain and come standard
Gearless motor is very quiet and smooth, fewer parts to wear out over time (no gears rubbing)
Reflector stip painted on tires for safer night riding
Cons:
Longer chain seems loose and might benefit from an extra sprung gear to lift it up from the street and also keep it from slapping the chain stay
In early 2013 some of the 48 volt BionX kits were having issues, most of that seems to have been resolved but keep your receipt and ask about the warranty and service coverage
All of the neat rack options start to add up in terms of cost
Pedals are kind of basic and offer smaller surface area, rubberized grip area can get slippery in rain
RFA stands for “ready for anything” and this bike does that with a ton of standard features as well as optional accessories and upgrades, really a bike made to adapt and stay with you for years as your life changes. Your choice between utility or sport style, 2 color options, 3 Bosch motor options, 2…...
A long-tailed cargo bike that comes in both a step-through and a high-step frame, both very strong, purpose built, versatile, and smooth, optional Bosch CX or Bosch Speed motor, as well as tons of available accessories. The bike features a lot of thoughtful touches like battery integrated lights, optional dual battery…...
High quality steel frame and clever accessories combine to create a comfortable and useful electric cargo bike. 26" front wheel for improved handling and increased attack angle, smaller 20" rear wheel for…...
Second paragraph of the written review states ” It’s a geared motor which again, means it offers less torque ” but under “Stats” and then again under “Pro’s” its listed as gearless.
Love your reviews, wish the video reviews would include footage of bikes being ridden from a second party that’s off the bike or from that second party on another bike so I could better see the entire bikes components at work while under power.
Thanks for the tip Allaire, I’ve fixed the bit about the motor being geared, it’s actually gearless which does offer less torque and is heavier. I must have just made an error when typing it out!
Thanks for your support and yeah, I’m working on shooting better video to reduce wind noise and get more ride footage. My resources have been somewhat limited and on this bike in particular it was dark and rainy so I didn’t get to actually take a test ride.
I am totally new to the eBike and to cargo bikes, so I appreciate just cutting right to the chase and getting the best stuff as recommended and used by those with experience.
I am interested in the Xtracycle cargo bike to run errands, and not having to drive whenever I want to go grab a coffee, etc. I don’t have kids, so this would be for carrying stuff, shopping, etc.
If you were me, and you weighed 200 pounds, and most of your riding would be on flat sidewalk/bike paths, asphalt, with occasional steep hills, and you wanted to be able to get the maximum range between charges, and good torque, can you tell me EXACTLY which motor YOU would get? I realize there are a bunch of them. I just don’t have the desire nor the time to explore all the various opinions online. I just want a recommendation of what you personally would use, since you are much more knowledgable about ebikes.
I’ve seen the review about the Falco kit, and I’ve seen these bikes with Bionx and stoke monkey, i just don’t know what the pros and cons are and there is no local shop in Scottsdale, AZ that knows anything about these bikes it seems.
Also, I am planning to purchase the 27Dlux, but was wondering if their are particular accessories that are must haves for freight, things that you would use most often? I understand that the x2 bags come standard, and the kickstand, but don’t think the fenders with mud flaps do.
Do you recommend U tubes or wide loaders more often for carrying stuff?
What type of lock do you use with a bike like this?
Finally, I’ve seen the various X2 bags with different colors and patterns online, but do not see where these options are listed anywhere.
Again, Thank you very much for your time and for your reviews. This is a very big purchase for me, so I want to do it right the first time.
Hi Chris, it sounds like you’re on the right path. I love the Xtracycle EdgeRunner but have also had good experiences with the Juiced Riders ODK V3. The kits you mentioned can work alright but getting something complete, a purpose built electric bike, tends to be more refined and take less screwing around. You can also benefit from the warranty and have an easier time reselling.
My experience with the U Tubes and other hauling accessories is very limited. I’d suggest re-posting this in the EBR Forums because more people will respond to help you out. I’m currently on a road trip reviewing more bikes so apologies for the limited response here ;)
HI, I am new to long distance biking but, I did motorcycling in over 40 countries, some very exotic. I have done 10 trips coast to coast on motorcycles now, I want to do at least one trip on the bicycle. I seams to me that XTRACYCLE is very suitable for this trip, any comments? REGARDS, ART
Hi Art! Sounds like you’ve had some awesome adventures. Cycling trips cross country or even locally can be really fun and the Xtracycle would be an amazing platform. For the best range I’d recommend their new Bosch powered EdgeRunner. They have a special edition version available that comes with a rack and a few goodies. I’ve got a video review on the way, will try to get that out ASAP for you, keep an eye on the site or subscribe on YouTube here to be alerted. Long story short… great frame, excellent accessories and the best mid-drive system around that’s durable and capable of 50+ mile range with great climbing ability, removable battery etc.
Allaire
11 years agoSecond paragraph of the written review states ” It’s a geared motor which again, means it offers less torque ” but under “Stats” and then again under “Pro’s” its listed as gearless.
Love your reviews, wish the video reviews would include footage of bikes being ridden from a second party that’s off the bike or from that second party on another bike so I could better see the entire bikes components at work while under power.
ReplyCourt Rye
11 years agoThanks for the tip Allaire, I’ve fixed the bit about the motor being geared, it’s actually gearless which does offer less torque and is heavier. I must have just made an error when typing it out!
Thanks for your support and yeah, I’m working on shooting better video to reduce wind noise and get more ride footage. My resources have been somewhat limited and on this bike in particular it was dark and rainy so I didn’t get to actually take a test ride.
Replychris
10 years agoHello,
I am totally new to the eBike and to cargo bikes, so I appreciate just cutting right to the chase and getting the best stuff as recommended and used by those with experience.
I am interested in the Xtracycle cargo bike to run errands, and not having to drive whenever I want to go grab a coffee, etc. I don’t have kids, so this would be for carrying stuff, shopping, etc.
If you were me, and you weighed 200 pounds, and most of your riding would be on flat sidewalk/bike paths, asphalt, with occasional steep hills, and you wanted to be able to get the maximum range between charges, and good torque, can you tell me EXACTLY which motor YOU would get? I realize there are a bunch of them. I just don’t have the desire nor the time to explore all the various opinions online. I just want a recommendation of what you personally would use, since you are much more knowledgable about ebikes.
I’ve seen the review about the Falco kit, and I’ve seen these bikes with Bionx and stoke monkey, i just don’t know what the pros and cons are and there is no local shop in Scottsdale, AZ that knows anything about these bikes it seems.
Also, I am planning to purchase the 27Dlux, but was wondering if their are particular accessories that are must haves for freight, things that you would use most often? I understand that the x2 bags come standard, and the kickstand, but don’t think the fenders with mud flaps do.
Do you recommend U tubes or wide loaders more often for carrying stuff?
What type of lock do you use with a bike like this?
Finally, I’ve seen the various X2 bags with different colors and patterns online, but do not see where these options are listed anywhere.
Again, Thank you very much for your time and for your reviews. This is a very big purchase for me, so I want to do it right the first time.
Thank you,
ReplyChris
Court Rye
10 years agoHi Chris, it sounds like you’re on the right path. I love the Xtracycle EdgeRunner but have also had good experiences with the Juiced Riders ODK V3. The kits you mentioned can work alright but getting something complete, a purpose built electric bike, tends to be more refined and take less screwing around. You can also benefit from the warranty and have an easier time reselling.
My experience with the U Tubes and other hauling accessories is very limited. I’d suggest re-posting this in the EBR Forums because more people will respond to help you out. I’m currently on a road trip reviewing more bikes so apologies for the limited response here ;)
ReplyARTHUR ZAWODNY
10 years agoHI, I am new to long distance biking but, I did motorcycling in over 40 countries, some very exotic. I have done 10 trips coast to coast on motorcycles now, I want to do at least one trip on the bicycle. I seams to me that XTRACYCLE is very suitable for this trip, any comments? REGARDS, ART
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Art! Sounds like you’ve had some awesome adventures. Cycling trips cross country or even locally can be really fun and the Xtracycle would be an amazing platform. For the best range I’d recommend their new Bosch powered EdgeRunner. They have a special edition version available that comes with a rack and a few goodies. I’ve got a video review on the way, will try to get that out ASAP for you, keep an eye on the site or subscribe on YouTube here to be alerted. Long story short… great frame, excellent accessories and the best mid-drive system around that’s durable and capable of 50+ mile range with great climbing ability, removable battery etc.
Reply