🎰 All the New Tiny Transports from CES
Las Vegas launches from VinFast, Cake, Verge, and more.
Hi there - Two quick updates before we get down to business:
🎟 Due to popular demand, we’re extending the free ticket special for our online Micromobility World event for a few more days. Sign up to see interviews with luminary thinkers like Kara Swisher, Horace Dediu, Gabe Klein, and Matthew Yglesias, as well as the dramatic conclusion of the Rider Choice Awards, next week on Jan. 19th.
🗳 The last week of voting for the Rider’s Choice Awards is here and the competition among finalists is fierce. Winners will be determined by popular vote, and in many categories, the leader is only ahead by a few ballots. Don’t forget to vote by Jan. 17th to make your voice heard.
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by… Faction Bike Studio
Faction Bike Studio is the one-stop solution for product development in the micromobility industry; offering strategy, design, development, and industrialization services. Entrusted with over 350 projects, from 100+ clients from around the world, Faction incorporates client values with extensive knowledge to develop unique design solutions. Learn more.
What You Need to Know Today
While it’s true that CES is on its way to becoming the preeminent American car show, the de facto place for auto execs to get together and do business, there were still tons of innovative one-, two-, three-, and (small) four-wheel devices whizzing around the Las Vegas convention centers and hotels this year. So this week we are recapping some of the most interesting new vehicles we saw:
You can add VinFast to the list of automakers that are getting into in electric bikes. The Vietnamese electric SUV company unveiled a total of four new electric bikes at CES last week, including a foldable version, city commuter, and sports model. Because the company didn’t provide much detail about when the bikes will go into production, it’s fair to question whether this could be a publicity stunt, given similar track records from other automakers. But before you write off them off, it’s worth noting that VinFast actually does have extensive experience making and selling mopeds in Asia. So maybe these new bikes really will see the light of day.
RCA, the electronics company known for inventing the VHS back in the ‘70s, debuted a new line of electric bikes, dirtbikes, and kickscooters.
Atmos Gear came out with a pair of $500 electric inline skates for zipping around town, and teased that an extra-lightweight set of motor-rollers (5.5 lb) will be coming soon.
Swedish motorbike maker Cake debuted its first ever pedal-assist bike. The $6,470 Cake Äik can reach speeds of up to 20 mph with a mid-drive motor (500W in the US; 250W in the EU), haul 176 lbs worth of cargo, and travel an Odyssey-like 223 miles per charge when equipped with 3 extra battery packs. Because it is geared toward people who earn their living on two wheels (tradespeople, delivery workers, etc), the bike can be customized with a wide array of racks, bags, trailers, and other utility gear.
Verge Motorcycles turned heads with its electric superbike, Verge TS, which features an elegant hubless design that eliminates parts like chains and cogwheels.
China-based Brightway made vehicle news too, showcasing its new Navee lineup featuring an eBike, plus scooters made for both retail and sharing.
A Canadian startup called GlüxKind unveiled an electric-assist stroller, prompting the question, would you pay $3,800 for a high-tech pram that you still have to push?
Chinese electric motorcycle startup Davinci brought its DC100 to U.S. shores for the first time and impressed CES visitors with the bike’s Road Warrior-esque design and ability to go 0-60 in three seconds.
CES also saw new micromobility solutions launched by GreenWorks, Heybike, and many more, but we covered those in earlier newsletters.
Okay that’s enough about CES! In other news, Sweden-based Vässla is earning high marks for its stylish new Pedal electric bike, winning gold in the German Design Awards. Vässla’s founder will speak about how subscription can make durable, quality bikes more accessible next week at Micromobility World.
On average it takes 21 days to sell a used micromobility vehicle on Craigslist.
2023 is shaping up to be the biggest year for trikes since we were in kindergarten. Hot on the heels of Rad Power’s RadTrike launch, Lectric just unveiled its own electric three-wheeler for riders who want more stability and comfort than a bike has to offer. As you might expect of the budget-friendly brand from Arizona, the Lectric XP Trike is shockingly affordable at a mere $1,499. Details about the XP Trike are scarce for now, but you can expect the inside scoop from Lectric’s CEO next week at Micromobility World.
Golf cart dealers in Florida are starting to add electric bikes to their showrooms as a way to lure in shoppers looking who are looking for a less expensive EV.
You’d be forgiven for mistaking this classy, new ultra-slim pedelec from Detroit Bikes for an old-fashioned pedal bike.
BMW plans to start selling its Motorrad CE04 electric moped in China after seeing success in India.
What it’s like to drive the most expensive tiny car in the world, the $300k Tango T600?
Tired of having your bike stolen? Dance, a subscription eBike service headquartered in Germany, claims its new anti-theft tech has 75% recovery rate.
eBike brand Stealth brings Aussie outback energy to the city with the rugged new Overlander, an urban commuter that is designed to last with an aluminum alloy monocoque frame and 10-year warranty.
Japan’s Edgenity designed this slick-lookin’ eBike that is loaded with LED lights and airplane sensors to make night-riding safer. The bike’s projected price is $1,570, which isn’t bad! You could also just buy a some bike lights to brighten up your nocturnal adventures.
These ten-wheeled, motor-powered Moonwalker shoes let you walk 250% faster, so it feels like you have an airport moving sidewalk under your feet wherever you go.
Guides
🤔 The Best Mid-Drive Electric Bikes: Searching for an electric bike with extra range, a more natural-feeling electric assist, and better handling? You may want to look into something with a mid-drive motor. We answered the top questions about mid-drive electric bikes and recommended a few of our favorites.
⛑ Top Picks for Best Kids Helmets: When it comes to keeping your children safe while they’re riding their bikes, skateboards, or scooters, having a good helmet is essential. But with so many different helmets available, it can be challenging to know which one is best for your child. Check out our comprehensive buying guide for some of our top picks for best kid helmets.
💺 The Best Bike Seats for Kids, a Buying Guide: When choosing a bike seat for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind. We reviewed a few of the top options to help you make a decision.
Reviews
The Scott Aspect eRIDE 920 is a tough and rugged offroader as well as suitable for everyday rides. Its stylish aesthetics and wide range of useful features make it the ultimate no-nonsense ebike. The Aspect combines fun and performance with an abundance of trail energy, a moderate sitting position, and wide, comfortable tires. Even though the bike is a bit heavy, it handles itself well on light terrain.
The Kugoo Kirin M4 Pro has unmatched features in its price range of $700. If occasional quality control and customer support problems are not an issue, then the M4 Pro is a great choice.
The West Biking Folding Bike Lock is a lock that can be easily folded into a compact shape. The flexibility of this lock provides various options and a high level of protection. It comes in an integrated design, which allows it to deliver a rattle-free experience. This heavy-duty lock works well against drills, hammers, and other tools.
Thanks for reading Ride Review - a weekly missive about the people, places, and products that are accelerating the adoption of tiny transportation all over the world.
Each week we share a fresh dose of consumer-driven dispatches, highlighting the best news, opinions, and reviews about electric scooters, bikes, boards, buggies, and more. If it has to do with riding or buying small vehicles, you can find it here.