Radio Flyer, a model that has lengthy been synonymous with childhood nostalgia, has spent a number of years pushing additional into the electrical bicycle area with various spectacular choices. Now the corporate has formally launched its newest electrical bike, the Flyer Flex.
Not recognized only for their iconic crimson wagons, Radio Flyer’s Flyer Flex is simply the most recent in a line of e-bikes that has demonstrated the model’s profitable enterprise into the electrical mobility market.
The utility e-bike section has been booming for years, with these short-format cargo-style electrical bikes providing loads of room for hauling gear or children but with out taking over the identical area as a bigger cargo e-bike.
As a utility e-bike, the Flyer Flex appears to be designed with versatility at its core, making it appropriate for a variety of makes use of from every day commuting to household outings and cargo hauling. That includes a 500-watt motor, the e-bike can hit speeds of as much as 20 mph (32 km/h) on throttle or pedal help. The seat tube-mounted 48V 9.8Ah battery helps the bike provide a spread of 20 to 40 miles (32-64 km) per cost, relying on the extent of help used, making it preferrred for each brief journeys and prolonged rides.
An included torque sensor signifies that for these riders who can keep away from the temptation of the throttle, responsive and natural-feeling pedal help ought to make the trip extra gratifying and fewer jerky than when pedaling most much less refined cadence sensor-based electrical bikes.
The bike’s drivetrain has been examined to UL2849, which covers the whole e-bike and its programs, whereas the lithium-ion battery itself has been examined to UL2271, which particularly covers lithium-ion batteries.
The bike’s design accommodates varied driving types and makes use of, that includes a load capability of 330 lb (150 kg). Radio Flyer explains that this makes it a wonderful alternative for riders who want to hold groceries, transport kids, or just take pleasure in a leisurely trip across the neighborhood. In keeping with the corporate, the bike’s sturdy body and ergonomic design prioritize consolation and stability even when absolutely loaded.
For robust stops, the bike is provided with hydraulic disc brakes, which supply superior stopping energy and fewer frequent upkeep than mechanical disc brakes. This function has grow to be a preferred differentiator for mid and high-tier electrical bikes, serving to to make sure rider confidence and security, significantly in city environments the place sudden stops can steadily be essential.
The bike additionally features a built-in show that exhibits key info reminiscent of velocity, battery life, and distance traveled, maintaining riders knowledgeable and in management always.
One of many many benefits of utility e-bikes is the power to mount a variety of equipment for various types of driving and varied use instances. Whereas that is true of many e-bike makers today, Radio Flyer presents an intensive lineup of equipment for carrying the whole lot from gear to children.
The bike additionally is available in a number of body sizes and shade choices, permitting riders to decide on a mannequin that most accurately fits their model and physique sort.
The Flyer Flex is now accessible for buy straight via Radio Flyer’s web site. Priced at US $2,299, it follows the identical basic pricing pattern that has stored Radio Flyer’s e-bikes barely costlier than many others in its product class.
Nevertheless, Radio Flyer additionally advantages from its longstanding fame for high quality and buyer assist, one thing that the majority new e-bike firms have but to develop.
Electrek’s Take
The corporate’s launch of the Flyer Flex represents a continuation of Radio Flyer’s growth into the electrical mobility market. It’s not going to win on a dollar-per-watt foundation, however I’ve by no means felt that was a good strategy to choose e-bikes.
The one space that actually surprises me right here in a damaging method is the small battery. A 48V 10Ah battery is fairly diminutive on a throttle-enabled utility e-bike. Any bike with a throttle goes to wish a much bigger battery as a result of it merely drains extra energy to trip it with out pedaling. And in the event you’re loading up the bike with cargo or children, you’ll need extra battery too. It is a below-average battery pack on what’s in any other case an above-average e-bike.
Having mentioned that, I’ve examined a number of of Radio Flyer’s electrical bikes previously and have all the time been impressed with the standard. Their equipment have additionally been fairly effectively made, so I undoubtedly really feel like that is a kind of “you get what you pay for” conditions. If it wasn’t for the reasonably small battery, I’d be extra optimistic about this launch, however I nonetheless assume it’s a great-looking choice. Possibly they’ll provide a much bigger battery choice, after which I undoubtedly name it a winner.
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