The Black Friday shopping season is now over and the new year is upon us. This week, we saw the launch of a new e-bike model as well a few other stories that caught our eye.
Being very familiar with the new C4 from Cowboy, we weren’t a bit surprised to see the news that the slick urban commuter was listed by Time as one of the best inventions of 2022.
VTUVIA also announced the launch of its fourth fat tire e-bike model, the SX20. This folding step-through model is powered by a 750W rear hub motor and features a removable 48V 14Ah LG battery.
Stanford Transportation did a nice write-up on the cargo e-bike lifestyle and how more families are turning to cargo bikes as an alternative to car ownership.
Elsewhere, Amazon continues to invest in micromobility with the expansion of its e-cargo bike fleet in the cities of Manchester and London.
Lastly, Swedish electric automaker Polestar is the latest industry name to dip its toes into the electric bike industry, with reports that it is planning to launch its own e-bike.
And now, for this week’s personal electric vehicle news, brought to you by Recharged Rides:
Cowboy's C4 Earns Spot on Time's Coveted "The Best Inventions of 2022" List
This week, the Cowboy C4 e-bike was awarded a spot on Time’s coveted “The Best Inventions of 2022” list. This latest recognition is a testament to the innovation and quality that Belgian-based Cowboy has become well-known for in the electric bike industry.
A sleek urban commuter with a cool, modern vibe, Cowboy’s C4 is beautifully designed with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Featuring top-notch connectivity, Cowboy’s fourth-generation e-bike offers riders the perfect combination of design and technology.
Packing a 250W rear hub motor that puts out 45Nm of torque and a removable 36V 10Ah lithium-ion battery, the stylish C4 comes fitted with a low-maintenance Gates carbon belt drive and 160mm SunRace hydraulic disc brakes.
Referred to by Time as the “minimalist’s e-bike dream”, the Cowboy C4 has been a hit with commuters and those looking for a premium-grade ride for cruising city streets.
VTUVIA Launches New SX20 Fat Tire E-Bike
Also in the news this week, VTUVIA launched its fourth fat tire e-bike model — the SX20. With a folding, step-through frame design designed for portability and comfort, VTUVIA’s SX20 is an ideal choice for riders with limited mobility.
Powered by a 750W rear hub motor and a removable 48V 14Ah lithium-ion battery, the SX20 is capable of cruising for 52 miles on a single charge and reportedly has a top speed of 15.5 mph.
The SX20 also comes loaded with a SHIMANO 7-speed drivetrain for smooth, precise shifting, and the 20-inch fat tires are designed to give riders a more enjoyable, comfortable ride, no matter the terrain.
Available in two colors (red and silver), the SX20 has an MSRP of $1,899 and is currently on sale as part of VTUVIA’s special launch promotion.
Cargo E-Bike Adoption Continues to Rise
Stanford Transportation’s latest report on electric cargo bike adoption is a timely reminder of the growing enthusiasm for this efficient and enjoyable mode of transportation. According to the report, bakfietsen are becoming increasingly popular with families who are looking for a viable alternative to car ownership.
Cargo e-bikes are seen as an attractive alternative to gas-powered vehicles due to their lower cost, reduced maintenance, and environmental friendliness. They offer a low-cost solution to reducing congestion and pollution in cities, and their popularity continues to increase globally.
The report also highlighted the potential of cargo bikes to improve a family’s overall quality of life, providing a fun and relaxing way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Amazon Continues Expansion of E-Cargo Bike Fleet in UK
Micromobilitybiz reports that Amazon has continued the expansion of its UK-based e-bike cargo fleet, with plans to launch three new hubs in the cities of Manchester and London. Part of a five-year, £300 million investment, the move will allow the online retailer to make more than two million deliveries by electric cargo bike and foot. As a result, Amazon has plans to reduce the number of vans in its delivery fleet.
Marking another step in Amazon’s journey of becoming a more sustainable, environmentally friendly company, Amazon’s cargo e-bikes offer a wide range of benefits over traditional delivery vans, including reduced noise and air pollution, improved safety, and lower costs.
The new hubs will also create new jobs for local residents, including new roles for delivery riders, warehouse workers, and customer service staff.
EV Maker Polestar Reportedly Working on E-Bike Model
Swedish electric vehicle maker Polestar has plans to join an increasing number of major car brands that are taking an interest in the personal EV industry. In a recent interview with The Verge, Polestar CEO Thomas Ingenlath confirmed the rumor that the company has plans to launch its own e-bike model in collaboration with fellow Swedish company Allebike.
The news is just the latest example of automakers’ increased investment in the micromobility industry. Porsche recently announced its increased stake in the sector, while other companies such as RIVIAN and Jeep are also getting in on the action with their own PEV ranges.
This latest announcement confirms yet again that the personal electric vehicle industry is on the rise, and that more and more companies are looking to capitalize on the growing demand for electric-powered transportation.
