oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | bicycles, electric bikes, electric cars, recreational vehicles, transportation
We’re testing additional electric bikes and city-friendly transportation options, beginning with this nut-colored cargo vehicle. Feel free to ask us anything.
Electric bikes and overall e-mobility are gaining popularity globally as well as throughout the United States. In 2024, the sale of electric bicycles in the U.S. amounted to almost $1.8 billion, as reported by PeopleForBikes.
survey data
If you broaden this to encompass electric scooters and similar devices, the total figure would likely be even greater. Even Rivian has decided to join this trend.
Also
, its misleadingly titled micro-mobility division.
As denser cities and their neighboring suburbs invest in cycling infrastructure to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance road safety, the shift towards alternative modes of transport for city and short-distance travel becomes logical. The costs associated with cars and related expenditures have surged significantly, making such options increasingly prohibitive.
one in five
first-time car purchasers facing a $1,000 monthly car payment prior to accounting for fuel or insurance costs.
25% tariffs
With new regulations on imported cars and components scheduled to come into play on April 2nd, it seems affordability won’t be improving shortly. For numerous households, an electric bike as an alternative to a second car is becoming increasingly appealing.
Photo by: Maddox Kay/InsideEVs
In other words:
InsideEVs
Is focused on exploring the future of transportation, which now extends beyond just automobiles. Therefore, we intend to use our strict evaluation methods and straightforward feedback for all things related to electric mobility—assisting you in determining which items deserve your attention and which might be unreliable choices.
We’re beginning with this: The Riese & Müller Load4 75 Rohloff HS,
borrowed from Propel Bikes
That sounds complex, so let me break it down. Riese & Müller is a well-established German bicycle manufacturer with over three decades of experience, specializing in premium electric bikes since 2009. The Load4 represents their fourth-generation model in the range of front-loading cargo bicycles, and the “75” denotes the size of the cargo area at 75 centimeters long. Another notable component comes from Rohloff, a different German firm recognized for manufacturing internal gear hubs offering 14 speeds; these systems utilize belts rather than chains and demand less upkeep. Lastly, “HS” stands for High Speed, as this pedelec is capable of reaching up to 28 miles per hour and features an additional Turbo assist setting.
Photo by: Maddox Kay/InsideEVs
Photo by: Maddox Kay/InsideEVs
Photo by: Maddox Kay/InsideEVs
The cost isn’t insignificant—at $14,419 for the model tested, it definitely makes you take notice. This places it at the high-end of the cargo electric bike spectrum, more suited to luxury pursuits rather than budget-conscious buyers. However, equipped with full suspension and featuring 1.45 kWh of battery capacity offering approximately 80 miles of practical range, it transforms into a versatile all-terrain vehicle capable of carrying substantial loads, akin to a small car. Considering its used-car-level pricing, these features become quite significant.
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(To be completely transparent: The staff at the electric bike retailer
Propel Bikes
lent me the
Load4
For a few days for this review.)
Photo by: Maddox Kay/InsideEVs
This week, I’ll put my cargo bike through rigorous use: runs to Costco and the garden center, a 20-mile total commute spanning different boroughs, plus leading a “bike bus” for school drop-offs. I will share updates later, but tell me now—what would you like to learn about the Load4 75?
When it comes to initial impressions, this bicycle is remarkably comfortable and steady whether fully loaded or empty. Initially, I was concerned about maneuvering with a large cargo box extending beyond the handlebars, but I adapted swiftly to the bike’s size and impressive handling capabilities. Additionally, the suspension system ensures a smooth journey even across New York City’s rough streets and bumpy pavements. However, the bike can seem lengthy and cumbersome when trying to navigate the tight corridors of my apartment complex.
What do you want to see in our e-bike and micromobility reviews at InsideEVs? Let us hear your thoughts.
oleh admin | Mar 31, 2025 | electric bikes, electric motors, honda, motor bikes, technology
The WH8000D, also known as “E-VO,” is an additional option for electric commuters. Let’s hope it goes into production soon.
While new manufacturers are going all-in on
electric motorcycles
, bigger brands like
Honda
,
Yamaha
, and
Ducati
They are adopting a cautious strategy. This doesn’t mean they’re opposed to electric vehicles—they aren’t at all. Rather, they are meticulously gauging the market, making sure they do not race ahead of consumer demand and risk meeting the same end as multiple start-ups that grew rapidly only to crumble equally swiftly.
This is why we’re observing careful yet steady moves from these major players instead of a complete shift towards electrification.
Honda has been inching toward electrification, focusing heavily on practical and scalable solutions rather than diving headfirst into high-performance electric motorcycles. A prime example of this is its
Mobile Power Pack e:
, a replaceable battery system created specifically for scooters and lightweight motorcycles. The EM1 e: model, introduced in 2023, serves as an instance tailored towards city dwellers seeking convenience and user-friendly features.
Next, we had the ideas that Honda hinted at.
EICMA
. The
EV Fun
was a sleek electric sports car featuring bold, aggressively styled design elements reminiscent of naked motorcycles, whereas the Urban concept suggested a more functional urban scooter, akin to
BMW’s CE-04
Both indicated that Honda is looking beyond just scooters and moving towards motorcycles that offer an enjoyable riding experience while remaining practical for daily commuting.
Honda Mobile Power Pack E:
The most recent indication of Honda’s commitment to electric motorcycles originates from its Chinese partnership, Wuyang-Honda. This firm has lately obtained approval for a new model designated as the WH8000D, featuring designs that imply it will likely be marketed under the title “E-VO.”
First reported by
Cycle World
’s Ben Purvis
The WH8000D represents a significant shift from Honda’s earlier electric vehicles. In contrast to the EM1 e: and other electric scooters, this model is a genuine motorcycle rather than merely a larger-motor version of a step-through design.
Photo by: Honda
Is this potentially the slickest electric Honda motorcycle to date—if it proceeds to production?
The WH8000D may not qualify as a superbike, yet it promises to be a enjoyable option for navigating through city streets with hints of sports appeal. This bicycle comes equipped with an 8 kW (approximately 11 horsepower) engine, which might seem modest at first glance; however, this represents the sustained power output—the peak performance can be notably greater. According to these figures, it should handle comparably to a 150cc petrol-driven motorcycle, making it agile and suitable for bustling urban environments and maybe even occasional spirited rides along winding roads.
In terms of size, it doesn’t seem to be a full-sized model but more likely an electric upgrade to Honda’s Mini-Moto series. From what I can tell, it’s roughly the same dimensions as a
Grom
or
CFMoto Papio
And I’m betting that it will appeal to occasional riders, people who commute, and perhaps even those into stunts.
Cycle World
The report indicates that two variations of the bicycle have received approval: a more lightweight model weighing 143 kilograms (315 pounds), capable of reaching speeds up to 110 kilometers per hour (68 miles per hour); and a slightly heavier version at 157 kilograms (345 pounds) which can achieve speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour). These performance metrics place this electric commuting bike in line with numerous compact-displacement gasoline-powered counterparts.
The WH8000D—dubbed E-VO based on the label visible on the fairing—is not positioned to compete with top-tier electric motorcycles such as those produced by Zero. Rather, it seems destined to become an attractive urban bicycle designed for individuals seeking both enjoyment and functionality for everyday riding. Featuring a fully faired café racer design, this model boasts greater visual flair compared to standard electric scooters known for their functional yet plain appearance. This enhanced style might particularly appeal to young riders searching for a distinctive mode of transportation ideal for showcasing on social media platforms like Instagram.
Honda’s Mobile Power Pack e: energizes tourist boats in Japan.
A major question about this bicycle concerns its potential usage of Honda’s swappable Mobile Power Pack e:. Honda has significantly committed resources to develop battery-swapping facilities in nations such as Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand. The company employs the Power Pack e: for various applications ranging from small scooters to heavy machinery, including construction equipment, and even
tourist boats
Therefore, extending that ecosystem to include a motorcycle like the E-VO is quite logical.
Despite this, specifics about the E-VO’s battery configuration are still hazy. Should Honda opt for its current technology, it might position the E-VO as one of the more user-friendly electric bikes available, enabling bikers to swiftly replace an empty battery rather than enduring long charging times. This feature could significantly benefit city dwellers looking for a hassle-free electric vehicle for their everyday travel needs.
Although Honda might not be hastily entering the electric motorcycle market with top-tier sport bikes, they are undoubtedly establishing a foundation for their future electric vehicle plans. If the E-VO becomes available globally, it could play a crucial role in this strategic layout.
For the time being, we must await official statements; however, this represents an encouraging move towards a broader range of electric vehicles from Honda. While it may fall short of our ideal electric sports bike, the E-VO emerges as a sleek and functional choice for urban commuters considering making the transition to electric bikes.
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Can-Am’s Latest Electric Bikes Have Earned Some Prestigious Design Awards, Well-deserving
-
Polaris’ Forthcoming Electric Snowmobile Boasts F1 Tech; Take a Look Before Its Debut
Source:
Cycle World
