We Tested Some of the Best Fat Tire E-bikes of 2024...

Plus, iconic Smart tiny car may not be dead after all.

July 25, 2024

Welcome to Ride Review, your weekly roundup of new tech and vehicle launches in the world of micromobility.

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Heads up: Our famous “Almost Free” ticket sale ends in less than 1 week.

That means time is running out to secure your spot at Micromobility America (November 14-15) in Southern California for only $150. Join us for two unmissable days of breakthrough product launches, leader-to-leader networking, and test rides of innovative small electric vehicles. Don’t delay.

What You Need to Know Today

Continuing our Best Of 2024 Competition Series, this week we're diving into the ever-popular world of fat tire e-bikes. We put eight models by leading brands like Aventon, Lectric, Himiway, AIMA, Elux, and MOD through a series of ridiculous, hard-charging tests to see which one performed the best. Who will take home the goose? Watch to find out.

ICYMI: Last week we released our video breakdown of the Best Affordable E-Bikes of 2024.

Designed with urban commuters in mind, the new Okai LyteCycle e-bike features a lightweight frame, 700c wheels, and an efficient rear hub motor that makes zipping through city streets a breeze. And it’s not just about speed; the LyteCycle boasts an impressive range. Check out our full review.

In other news, Cowboy released a free OTA update that will enable owners of Cross, Current, and Cruiser e-bikes to climb “50% steeper hills,” while saving 10% battery on flats. (We recently reviewed the Cowboy Cross and were impressed by its connectivity features—now you see why.)

Canada-based Rocky Mountain has introduced the Reaper Powerplay, a full-suspension eMTB for kids equipped with the Dyname S4 Mini motor, available with 24-inch or 26-inch wheels and a frame-integrated battery. Designed with parental control over motor settings for added safety, this bike also offers customization options as the child grows, with prices starting at $4,399.

Plans are afoot to possibly revive the Smart Fortwo, the iconic European mini car which recently ended production after 26 years, as an EV.

Image Credit: Smart

The new E-Tango from Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Rieju is an electric dirtbike perfect for both beginners and experienced riders, featuring a 4 kW motor with three riding modes: Turtle, Rabbit, and Rocket, and a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph).

Here’s one of the most impressive customization jobs we’ve seen in a while. A YouTuber built a giant electric monowheel from scratch.

This 100% carbon-fiber EV motorcycle from UK-based Solar Scooters weighs a mere 138 lbs (62.5kg).

The Mooncool TK1 folding electric trike is a fresh entrant in the expanding market of full-size electric trikes, favored by seniors and parents for its stability and cargo capabilities. Equipped with a 500W motor, 48V battery, 20-inch wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes, the TK1 reaches a top speed of 16 mph (10 kph), all for a price of $1,599.

Last but not least, we’re hosting a new webinar on August 6th to explore the digital transformation of the micromobility industry. Autodesk will be joined by Stilride, a Swedish moto maker that is revolutionizing manufacturing with their unique approach based on industrial origami (we did a podcast with Stilride about this very subject). Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn from technology and industry leaders. Register here.

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