Cycle News

Cycle News 2023 Issue 21 May 31

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1500384

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VOLUME ISSUE MAY , P115 STANDOUT FEATURE Mini electric bike makes life easier at the track RIDER ANALYSIS The JackRabbit eBike was original- ly designed for those living in urban settings without space for storing something like a full-size bicycle. When I saw Troy Lee speed past me on one at the Anaheim 1 Super- cross this year, I knew this thing had multiple uses. Immediately, I thought about how tightly packed my van is on a race weekend and how annoying it can be to walk from my pit to sign ups, concession stands, or anywhere else at the track. Enter the JackRabbit. While it looks almost too small to ride, the JackRabbit handles surprisingly well even for my six-foot-one frame. The bars sit out front over the front wheel and the seat height can be adjusted to fit. Despite its ultra-compact wheelbase, it still feels comfort- ably stable when maxed out at 20 miles-per-hour. You can't help but laugh when you get on this thing because it works so well. Even in boots, knee braces, and a full set of gear, I've had no issues zipping around camp. And yes, everyone will be asking you: "What the heck is that thing?!" Like all electric vehicles, you're limited on range. The Jack- Rabbit claims a top speed of 20 mph and 10 miles of range, and I've pushed the limits of these both a few times now. It easily gets up to speed on hard-packed dirt and totes me around with- out a problem (there is a 240-pound weight limit). It's powered by a small, lightweight battery that can be completely removed if needed. A thumb throttle, like that of a Super 73, moves the motor on the rear hub. The bike is basically silent and easy for anyone to get on and go. Harder surfaces are the JackRabbit's bread and butter since deep sand and softer conditions will obviously drain the battery a bit faster. A portable generator is already part of my race day setup, so I'm not worried even if I drain the battery. You're not going to be pre-riding the GNCC racecourse on this thing, but running back and forth around the track facility will be no problem. LIST PRICE: $999.99 WEBSITE: www.jackrabbit.bike MICRO EBIKE Or if you bring a friend, this is a no- brainer for them to cruise around on. It doesn't have the power or speed of something like a 110 or a Surron, but many track owners are cracking down on fast pit riding anyways. I love that it packs up so compact since space is always limited in my van. The JackRab- bit has quickly become part of my must-haves at the track. Ryan Nitzen surprisingly well even for my six-foot-one frame. The bars sit out front over the front wheel and the seat height can be adjusted to fit. Despite its ultra-compact wheelbase, it still feels comfort ably stable when maxed out at 20 miles-per-hour. You can't help but because it works so well. Even in boots, knee braces, and a full set of gear, I've had no issues zipping LIST PRICE: WEBSITE You feel surprisingly comfortable aboard the compact design.

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