Xtracycle’s fame precedes it within the bicycling trade, with over 20 years of constructing cargo e-bikes that trip and really feel extra like a standard bicycle. Lengthy recognized for premium builds, the model’s line of cargo electrical bikes has additionally carried premium costs. Not less than till the launch of the brand new Xtracycle Hopper immediately, which ushers in not solely a brand new compact format but additionally a way more engaging value.
In comparison with Xtracycle’s flagship cargo e-bikes within the $4-5k vary, the brand new Xtracycle Hopper’s US $2,999 MSRP (or $2,499 promotional value) is designed to make high-quality cargo electrical bikes extra accessible to a wider vary of households.
The corporate obtained there with a significant redesign, together with adopting a rear hub motor as an alternative of a standard mid-drive setup.
Nonetheless, premium components nonetheless abound, together with a suspension dropper publish, punchy hydraulic brakes, and key cargo equipment like cargo racks and baby security enclosures which are included within the value.
The Xtracycle Hopper could appear to be a sleeker, extra European-styled e-bike from afar, nevertheless it positively sneaks within the American muscle the place it counts. That features a highly effective 750W rear motor and the all-important handlebar-mounted throttle that lets riders often (or constantly) depart pedaling behind for a better trip.
After all, the bike nonetheless affords conventional pedal help and even features a torque sensor to make that pedaling as pure and responsive as doable. It could actually even obtain Class 3 speeds of as much as 28 mph (45 km/h) on pedal help, although the inclusion of a throttle is vital for a lot of riders who need to know they’ve all the time obtained a backup in case they get a bit drained on a protracted trip.
And for riders who frequently carry heavy masses or youngsters (the bike is rated to help as much as 500 lb or 227 kg), a throttle is a fast and straightforward option to get rolling.
A 720Wh detachable battery is hidden within the downtube, eradicating the chunky eyesore of an externally mounted battery however sustaining the fascinating function of having the ability to cost the battery off of the bike now and again.
Each the bike’s e-bike system and the lithium-ion battery are licensed UL-compliant by SGS laboratories, marking a key security metric that’s turning into more and more vital within the US.
The bike isn’t a light-weight at 85 lb (38.5 kg), however that additionally consists of the entire equipment that include the bike, together with the entrance rack, foot rails, and the Hooptie (that baby safety cage within the again to maintain the kiddos safely contained within an aluminum construction).
The rear rack even encompasses a Tern-like construction that permits the bike to be parked vertically on its tail to take up much less house in a storage or house.
The Hopper additionally has a number of different included options that come customary, reminiscent of fenders and LED lighting, hydraulic disc brakes, a dropper suspension seat publish (deal with hidden below the saddle), a large double kickstand for secure parking, and a brightly lit LED show.
Starting presales immediately, riders can use the promotional coupon HOP500 to drop the Xtracycle Hopper’s value to $2,499. Delivery is anticipated to start on October eleventh.
Electrek’s Take
I’m tremendous enthusiastic about this launch (and never simply because I’ll be testing a Hopper quickly too). I’ve all the time liked seeing cargo bikes achieve traction in changing SUVs as around-the-town utility automobiles. However to be able to obtain every day use, they typically must be greater high quality fashions.
Don’t get me unsuitable: a budget-priced cargo e-bike has its place. However these tremendous low-cost fashions usually are designed extra for sporadic use, reminiscent of just a few instances per week. When used every day for months, they rapidly present their put on. However greater spec’d fashions with extra strong elements have a tendency to carry as much as that every day grind using a lot better, and that’s the important thing to getting extra individuals to depart their SUV within the storage for as many journeys as they will carry out on a motorcycle.
At $2.5k for a higher-end cargo e-bike, that is beginning to get a lot nearer to justifiable for a lot of households, particularly these that may lastly contemplate turning into a one-car-and-one-e-bike household as an alternative of needing two vehicles. And as an added bonus, there’s much more house left within the storage, particularly contemplating that you possibly can match 4 Hoppers within the spot of a mean automobile.
Certain, you don’t get the flowery Bosch motor or top-shelf shifters you’ll discover on pricier cargo fashions, however you continue to get numerous nice components right here, to not point out the entire equipment which are included within the value. So that is positively an thrilling launch for anybody contemplating a cargo bike as a every day rider state of affairs.
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