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 a lot of spectacular choices. Now the corporate has formally launched its newest electrical bike, the Flyer Flex.
Now not identified only for their iconic pink wagons, Radio Flyer’s Flyer Flex is simply the newest 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 youngsters but with out taking on 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 day by 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 splendid for each quick journeys and prolonged rides.
An included torque sensor implies that for these riders who can keep away from the temptation of the throttle, responsive and natural-feeling pedal help ought to make the journey extra pleasing and fewer jerky than when pedaling most much less subtle cadence sensor-based electrical bikes.
The bike’s drivetrain has been examined to UL2849, which covers all the 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 numerous using types and makes use of, that includes a load capability of 330 lb (150 kg). Radio Flyer explains that this makes it a superb alternative for riders who want to hold groceries, transport youngsters, or just take pleasure in a leisurely journey across the neighborhood. In response to the corporate, the bike’s sturdy body and ergonomic design prioritize consolation and stability even when absolutely loaded.
For robust stops, the bike is supplied with hydraulic disc brakes, which provide superior stopping energy and fewer frequent upkeep than mechanical disc brakes. This characteristic has grow to be a preferred differentiator for mid and high-tier electrical bikes, serving to to make sure rider confidence and security, notably in city environments the place sudden stops can ceaselessly be essential.
The bike additionally features a built-in show that exhibits key data resembling pace, battery life, and distance traveled, conserving 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 using and numerous use circumstances. Whereas that is true of many e-bike makers today, Radio Flyer affords an intensive lineup of equipment for carrying all the pieces from gear to youngsters.
The bike additionally is available in a number of body sizes and coloration choices, permitting riders to decide on a mannequin that most closely fits their fashion and physique sort.
The Flyer Flex is now accessible for buy instantly by way of 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 popularity for high quality and buyer help, one thing that the majority new e-bike corporations 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 approach to decide e-bikes.
The one space that basically surprises me right here in a unfavourable manner 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 want a much bigger battery as a result of it merely drains extra energy to journey it with out pedaling. And if you happen to’re loading up the bike with cargo or youngsters, 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 prior to now and have all the time been impressed with the standard. Their equipment have additionally been fairly nicely made, so I positively really feel like that is a type of “you get what you pay for” conditions. If it wasn’t for the somewhat small battery, I’d be extra constructive about this launch, however I nonetheless suppose it’s a great-looking possibility. Perhaps they’ll provide a much bigger battery possibility, after which I positively name it a winner.
