This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines
Changes to US Tariff Rates Will Affect Bicycle & E-Bike Imports
The Trump administration recently adjusted tariff rates on many US trade partners, with the changes having been implemented on August 7th. The new tariff plan applies a 10% flat tariff to countries that the US has a trade surplus with, while a minimum of 15% will be applied to those with whom we have a trade deficit with.
As a result, the tariff rates for some countries increased, while those for other countries came down. Since April, the rate for goods imported from Taiwan went down to 10% after initially being set at 32%. The new plan doubled its rate to 20%.
Cambodia is another country with rates that have fluctuated greatly; its April 49% tariff went down to 36% and has now been further reduced to 19% alongside Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.
The rates for other bicycle and e-bike related countries include a 15% tariff on Japanese goods, 10% on products from the UK, and 20% on Vietnamese imports. Currently, the legality of these tariffs is in debate, with the Trump administration defending its side to the Court of International Trade.
Our Take:The constantly-shifting landscape of tariff rates is undoubtedly difficult to navigate for e-bike brands and retailers. Without the ability to plan ahead, we’ve noticed a general trend of companies becoming more conservative; this makes sense from a logistics perspective.
We hope to see these tumultuous shifts pacified in the near future; it would bring welcome relief to brands (and their investors) that exist both inside and outside of the e-bike industry.
Heybike Releases Two Revamped X-Series Folding E-Bikes
Shortly after releasing a line of five new Galaxy-series e-bikes in Europe, Heybike has brought two new full-suspension fat-tire e-bikes to the US: the Mars 3.0 and Ranger 3.0 Pro. Both bikes have redesigned frames, powerful 750W hub motors, color displays with security features, and Bluetooth connectivity with the Heybike app.
The Mars 3.0’s motor, which peaks at 1400W and produces 95 Nm of torque, is paired with a torque sensor and a 48V, 624 Wh battery. Heybike advertises an estimated range of up to 65 miles. The bike also features an 8-speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes with 180x2mm rotors, and a cargo rack with up to 100 lbs of carrying capacity.
The Ranger 3.0 Pro, which features a step-thru frame (available in a limited-edition paint job) is equipped with a motor that peaks at 1200W and produces 80 Nm of torque. It offers many of the same features as the Mars 3.0, like an 8-speed drivetrain and 100-lb cargo rack, but also includes an upgraded 720 Wh battery and a brake system with thicker 180×2.3mm rotors.
Our Take: We’re fortunate to have both e-bikes in for testing! Our experience so far has been positive—both bikes seem to largely be a noticeable step up from their predecessors—but we’ll save further commentary for our full reviews.
At the least, we can say that both models seem to provide excellent value for their price points of around $1300 for the Mars 3.0 and $1500 for the Ranger 3.0 Pro.
Raleigh Launches New and Refreshed Commuter E-Bikes in the UK
The Hockley, a lightweight commuter with both high-step and mid-step styles, is advertised to weigh 18kg/40 lbs. It includes a Bosch mid-drive with 55 Nm of torque powered by a 400 Wh battery with an estimated range of up to 100km/62 miles. It also comes equipped with integrated lights, fenders, a cargo rack, and an ICHU head shock with 20-25mm of travel.
The Motus, a more robust low-step commuter, features a more powerful motor offering 75 Nm of torque and a larger 500 Wh battery with the same advertised 100km/62 mile range. The bike also includes a Suntour NEX suspension fork with 50mm of travel, an MIK-compatible cargo rack, and either a 7-speed Shimano Nexus gear hub or 9-speed CUES derailleur.
Our Take: Based on their weight and motor specs, we would expect the Hockley and Motus to offer similarly active riding experiences. Both bikes seem very well equipped for commuters and urban riders of various types; the Hockley is accommodating for those who prioritize low weight, while the Motus seems best suited for those with a higher preference for comfort.
