On the heels of last week’s big announcements, Magicycle once again makes headlines with the launch of their first folding e-bike. The Jaguarundi is a fat tire folder that brings Magicycle fans a highly-portable, versatile model designed for all-terrain adventuring.
Also in the news, Porsche announced this week that the automaker is upping its 20% stake in Fazua with a full acquisition of the German-based e-bike drive system manufacturer. Well-known for its high-quality drive systems and its role in developing the popular light e-bike market, Fazua will be a nice fit with Porsche’s continued expansion into the electric bike industry.
Washington-based REI launched two new e-bike models this week in the outdoor retailer’s Co-op Cycles electric bike range. Priced at $1,499 and $1,899, the two models are designed with utility in mind and feature 350W BAFANG rear hub motors, easy-access step-through frames, and cargo racks.
The city of San Francisco also announced some noteworthy news this week, with its new free e-bike program for lower-income delivery drivers. The city will provide more than 30 electric bikes along with riding gear to delivery drivers of several major services in an attempt to reduce the city’s emissions.
And lastly, California has one of the highest rates of e-bike ownership in the world and a new bill proposed in the Golden State would encourage even wider adoption of personal electric vehicles for daily commuting.Â
And now, for this week’s personal electric vehicle news roundup:
- Magicycle Releases its First Folding E-Bike — the Jaguarundi
- Porsche buys out Fazua, German E-Bike Drive System Maker
- REI Launches Two New Co-op Cycles E-Bikes
- San Francisco to Provide Free E-Bikes to City’s Delivery Drivers
- Proposed Bill in California Encourages Wider Adoption of E-Bikes and Electric Scooters
Magicycle Releases its First Folding E-Bike — the Jaguarundi
Magicycle continues to aggressively expand its 2022 electric bike lineup with the release of its latest model.
The brand’s first folding e-bike design, the Magicycle Jaguarundi is designed for portability and all-terrain adventures. Rolling on 20″ x 4″ fat tires and featuring a convenient step-through frame for easy mounting and dismounting, the Jaguarundi brings something entirely new to Magicycle fans.
Ideal for stowing away in a sailboat, RV, or small apartment with storage space limitations, the quick-folding Jaguarundi folds up into a compact footprint that makes it easy to store in small places. It also fits nicely into the trunk of any car, eliminating the need for cumbersome and costly car racks.
The Jaguarundi packs a 52V 15Ah lithium-ion battery, 500W rear hub motor that produces 86Nm of torque, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, and 7 levels of PAS. Capable of delivering up to 55 miles of range, this looks to be a great bike for adventure travelers.
The Jaguarundi has an MSRP of $1,899 and is currently on sale as part of a pre-sale promotion. The bike is expected to ship in late July 2022 and shipping is free. For a limited-time, you can also stack the coupon code RECHARGE1 for an extra $100 off or use RECHARGE3 to save $300 on the purchase of two e-bikes. To take advantage of this offer, just click the link above, add the bike(s) to your cart, and then use the appropriate promo code when checking out — the additional discount will be automatically applied to your order.
Porsche buys out Fazua, German E-Bike Drive System Maker
Most well-known for its beautifully designed, high-performance sports cars, Porsche continues to make its way into the fast-growing micromobility market with the acquisition announcement of Fazua. After taking an initial 20% stake in the popular electric bike drive manufacturer, Porsche has made the decision to acquire Fazua, a company that’s well-known for its role in developing the lightweight electric bike category.
On the heels of Porsche’s acquisition of Greyp Bikes in November of 2021, the buyout of Fazua further cements the automakers’ vision and commitment to the rapidly expanding e-bike industry.
REI Launches Two New Co-op Cycles E-Bikes
Outdoor gear retailer REI has just launched two new e-bike models to its Generation e electric bike range, models which feature easy-to-mount frames and utilitarian features.
Priced at $1,499 and $1,899, the Generation e1.1 and Generation e1.2 e-bikes are available exclusively to REI members until September 2022. Both Class 1 bikes feature 20-inch wheels, 350W BAFANG hub drive motors, 2.4 Schwalbe Super-Moto-X tires with GreenGuard puncture protection, Shimano 7-speed drivetrains, and Tektro hydraulic disc brakes.
Recharged Rides is looking forward to seeing how REI’s e-bike line evolves and we’re excited that the Washington-based retailer is taking a more active role in making electric bikes accessible to more riders.
San Francisco to Provide Free E-Bikes to City's Delivery Drivers
San Francisco’s Department of the Environment has just announced a pilot program that will provide free electric bikes to more than 30 food delivery service drivers. The aim of the initiative is to lower emissions caused by the city’s delivery businesses and reduce the financial burden on lower-income drivers.
Slated to begin in September of 2022, the free e-bikes will be given out to delivery drivers from Doordash, Instacart, and Uber Eats, and will be funded by a grant from the California Energy Commission.
In addition to free electric bikes, participating drivers will also receive helmets, rain jackets, bike locks, saddle bags, and more.
Proposed Bill in California Encourages Wider Adoption of E-Bikes and Electric Scooters
A California state senator from the San Gabriel Valley, Anthony Portantino (D- La Cañada Flintridge), has introduced a new bill that would provide a tax incentive of $2,500 for taxpayers who choose to forgo gas-powered vehicles for alternate forms of transportation such as e-bikes and electric scooters.
S.B. 457 would allow for credits in the amount of $2,500 for each household member. The proposal would limit the amount of issued credit to $7,500 and if approved, will begin on January 1, 2023.
Incentivizing state residents to give up their cars would certainly result in wider adoption of personal electric vehicles for daily commuting and could have a big impact on California’s goal of reducing emissions.
