First up in this week’s personal EV news is a new promo from Belgium e-bike maker, Cowboy. For the month of October, Cowboy is throwing in 2 years of theft insurance coverage with the purchase of any Cowboy 4 or Cowboy 4 ST electric bike.
Also in the news this week is Chicago’s Dirwin Bike, announcing the launch of its all-new Pacer e-bike model. The fifth bike in the startup’s growing range, the Pacer is a handsome step-through e-bike that’s powered by a 500W BAFANG rear hub motor and a 48V 15Ah battery.
Next up is the news of Selle Royal’s new ON e-bike saddle range. The brand’s latest lineup of saddles was designed specifically for electric bikes and offers riders increased comfort and mobility.
Alex Ballinger at BikeBiz.com also reports on a review just published in the November ’22 edition of the Transport Policy journal. Based on 107 academic studies, the report discusses the possible impacts of electric bicycles on the transportation industry.
And lastly, PeopleForBikes put out an official statement recommending that Class 1 e-bikes be permitted on all natural surface trails.
And now, for this week’s top micromobility news stories:
- Cowboy Launches Theft Insurance Promo for October 2022
- Chicago-Based Dirwin Bike Releases Newest E-Bike Model — the 500W Pacer
- Selle Royal Unveils ON E-Bike Saddle Line
- Review of 107 Academic Studies Finds E-Bikes Could Revolutionize Transportation
- PeopleForBikes Recommends Class 1 E-Bikes for MTB Trails
Cowboy Launches Theft Insurance Promo for October 2022
Known for their innovative designs and excellent build quality, Cowboy electric bikes are consistently rated as some of today’s best urban commuters. The Belgium-based company has just launched a new promotion that provides customers who buy a Cowboy 4 or Cowboy 4 ST with 2 years of free theft insurance coverage.
Cowboy’s latest promotion is valid for customers in Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Italy. While the official terms of this special offer were a bit vague, we reached out to the company and confirmed that the promotion applies to purchases of both the C4 and C4 ST (step-through) models.
This limited-time offer is valid until October 31, 2022.
Chicago-Based Dirwin Bike Releases Newest E-Bike Model — the 500W Pacer
Chicago’s Dirwin Bike, an electric bike startup with a growing range of high-quality fat tire e-bikes, unveiled the latest addition to its growing lineup — the Pacer. A handsome step-through model with a 6061 aluminum alloy frame and comfortable upright riding position, the Dirwin Pacer is a well-equipped ride that was designed with comfort, versatility, and utility in mind.
Powered by a 500W BAFANG hub motor and a removable 48V 15Ah lithium-ion battery, the Pacer can be used as a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 e-bike and delivers up to 55 miles of range on a single charge. The bike also comes with a rear cargo rack for carrying shopping supplies and gear, a front and rear fender package that keeps the rider clean and dry, and a Suntour XCM front suspension fork for improved handling and comfort.
Like Dirwin’s other models, the all-new Pacer rolls on Kenda fat tires (27.5-inch by 2.2-inch) and features 5 pedal-assist levels plus throttle-only mode. Stopping power is provided by 180mm Logan hydraulic disc brakes and the Pacer packs a 7-speed SHIMANO drivetrain.
The Dirwin Pacer is covered by the company’s hassle-free 24-month warranty and will be priced at $1,999. Orders are expected to ship in late October.
Selle Royal Unveils ON E-Bike Saddle Line
Selle Royal, a leading bicycle saddle maker that’s been making some of the industry’s best saddles since 1956, has just launched its first range of e-bike saddles. Selle Royal’s ON range is designed to cater to all types of e-bike riding styles, with stylish models for athletic, moderate, and relaxed riding positions.
A popular sight on e-bikes by many of today’s top brands, Selle Royal bicycle saddles are well-known for their comfort, stylish design, and top-shelf build quality. The brand’s latest line is designed specifically for the needs of electric bike riders, and the saddles are priced at €89.90.
Selle Royal’s brand manager, Roberto Bucci, had the following to say about the company’s newest product line:
Review of 107 Academic Studies Finds E-Bikes Could Revolutionize Transportation
A newly published review of 107 academic studies concluded that the growth of electric bike adoption may very well lead to dramatic long-term changes in how we commute and get around. Published in the 11/2022 edition of the Transport Policy journal, the review yielded many fascinating industry insights and painted a clear picture of just how dramatic the impact of electric bicycles has been.
The worldwide e-bike market is forecasted to grow to $48 billion by 2028 and it is estimated that by next year (2023) there will be more than 300 million electric bikes in use. Predominately supported by strong sales trends in the US and Europe, e-bikes continue to enjoy widespread adoption across all segments of the market.
PeopleForBikes Recommends Class 1 E-Bikes for MTB Trails
PeopleForBikes, a Colorado-based non-profit organization that promotes cycling initiatives to combat climate change, has recently recommended that land managers permit the use of Class 1 e-bikes on all non-motorized natural surface trails wherever traditional bicycles are permitted.
The non-profit’s recommendation was presented by Rachel Fussell and Dr. Ash Lovell, both active members of PeopleFor Bikes’ electric bike policy program.
While the proposal was generally well-received, there was pushback from some Class 2 electric bike makers who maintained that Class 2 e-bikes should be able to access any area where a Class 1 rider is permitted.
While there’s still some work to be done when it comes to ironing out small details, this development great news for eMTB riders.
