🧑‍🏭 VanMoof Goes Back to Basics With Cheaper S4 & X4

Plus, India’s cheapest electric car, Vvolt’s new cargo ebike lineup, and Yamaha’s ebike evolution.

May 11, 2023

ICYMI: Micromobility Europe tickets are on sale for 50% off for 24 more hours. Book your passes now, then join us in Amsterdam on June 8-9 for the world’s largest gathering yet of micromobility professionals and enthusiasts. Ticket-holders also get access to a stacked lineup of after-hours activities, including a private party at one of Amsterdam’s coolest clubs, a mass group ride through the streets of the city, and so much more.

We’re also looking for a handful of volunteers to help ensure the event runs smoothly in exchange for a free ticket. This is a great chance to go behind the scenes, save money, and meet industry leaders. Are you interested? Email us quick to get involved.

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What You Need to Know Today

VanMoof just revealed their new S4 and X4 ebikes, which, retailing at $2498, are a more affordable alternative to their 5 series. The models include a two-speed gear hub with adaptive motor support, as opposed to a three-speed gear hub and torque sensor combo on the S5 and X5. These changes keep the price of the bike down while maintaining a comparably smooth riding experience.

India-based HOP Electric delivered the first over-the-air update to their OXO electric motorcycle this week. Using user-generated data to inform the changes, the HOP team improved acceleration and range-prediction of the bike. 

Cake has announced the new formation of the Cake Enduro Factory motocross team, which will include Emilie Dahl and Robert Kvarnström of Sweden. The pair will compete with the Cake Bukk Power Light electric dirt bike, which is available on their website. 

Yamaha introduced two new products this week - the Booster ebike, with a top speed of 15 mph, and the Booster speed pedelec, with a top speed of 28 mph. 

New Yamaha Booster Puts A Funky Spin On Commuter E-Bikes

Ebike riders may be noticing their vehicle has less range than advertised. Check out this discussion of why range predictions can sometimes be misleading before you make your next purchase. 

China-based Zeeho has introduced two electric motorcycles in its C!ty series: the C!ty Play, a road-focused bike and the C!ty Fun, an offroad model. Both bikes feature a 48-volt lithium ion battery and claim a range of 44 miles on a single charge.  

Portland-based Vvolt just released their new utility series ebikes this week, which includes three new models: the Slice Lite, The Pie, and the Slice DLX (pictured). Each cargo bike offers a different combo of torque and carrying capacity - check out how they compare here. (And stay tuned for a new episode of Ride On! with Vvolt to dig into the new Utility series)

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Portland-based Vvolt unveils 'Utility Series' e-bikes – BikePortland

Decathlon, one of France’s largest sporting good retailers, is beefing up its eMTB lineup with the budget-friendly Rockrider E-ST 100, which features a 250-watt rear hub motor, front suspension, and an Bluetooth compatibility for the price of €999 (or about $1,100 USD).

If you’re okay with spending a bit more, check out Canyon’s new Grand Canyon:ON, Torque:ON, and Strive:ON e-MTBs. The three new models bring electrified power for multiple offroad settings, and they’re set up with top-of-the-line Bosch motor systems. 

Speaking of affordability, Chinese vehicle maker MG Motor is bringing the MG Comet EV to India, which may take the title of the country’s cheapest electric car. Retailing at less than $10,000 USD, the Comet offers 143 miles of range in a compact, two-door package.

Honda recently released some teaser photos of a new line of four high performance electric motorcycles that are set to release in the next two years.  

My Boo takes sustainable transport to a whole new level with a bamboo frame cargo bike. Not only is this two-wheeler built to replace car trips, it’s also built from biodegradable materials. 

“Like riding inside a large helmet” - Grant Sinclair’s completely enclosed Iris electric trike is gearing up for mass production.

Ebike Giveaway

Last chance! We’re giving away a brand-new Juiced Ripcurrent S to one lucky reader. Head over to Ride Review to enter for your chance to win Juiced’s top-rated and best-selling sport-utility electric bike.