there are a thousand and one e-bike companies out there. I’ve only followed HOVSCO for a few months through some pretty run-of-the-mill e-bike releases, but the company’s latest two models have really interested me. Meet the new HOVSCO HovWagon and HovScout.
If the HovWagon sounds like the RadWagon from Rad Power Bikes, it’s probably not an accident. Rad has copied itself from top to bottom on the e-bike block for years, from its designs to its product names.
But the HovWagon, despite borrowing the same naming and color scheme, brings some interesting pieces to the table.
It’s a smaller format cargo bike, bordering on utility bike territory, and uses wide 20″ tires to keep the ride fairly low for a compact cargo bike. The wheels are small enough in diameter to keep the bike’s center of gravity from rising any higher, and still offer a nicer ride with big, chunky air-cushioned tires. For anyone who takes occasional detours off-road, it will probably make a world of difference.
The 750W Class 2 electric bike ships with a speed limit of 32 km/h (20 mph) on throttle and pedal assist but can be unlocked via the company’s app to reach 45 km /hr (28 mph).
Those who plan to make use of that pedal assist will be happy to know that the bike includes a torque sensor to offer a higher-quality pedaling experience. As the company explained:
Torque sensing pedal assist systems measure the amount of power you are putting into the pedals and will increase or decrease the electric assist based on your pedaling power. Torque sensor systems have a very intuitive driving feel because they emulate the power of your pedal very well.
The frame-integrated but still removable 720 Wh LG battery is said to offer up to 60 miles (96 km) of range with pedal assist, though I’d estimate riders will get around half that range if they’re heavy on Accelerate and don’t pedal too much. Even so, it’s a nice big battery and decent range, to boot.
However, the real star of the show for any cargo bike is its cargo capacity. With a long rear luggage rack that can be converted to a bench seat, the HovWagon claims a maximum capacity of 450 lbs (205 kg). That’s one of the highest weight ratings we’ve seen in the electric bike industry. There’s almost no way to verify that claim, and since Tern’s heavy-haul e-bikes are rated for similar or slightly less weight, but routinely break the test equipment used to certify them, there can be a rough estimate of the HOVSCO weight capacity. numbers.
But with hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, a 2-year warranty, and a host of cargo-related accessories that bolt to the front and rear of the HovWagon, this still feels more like an e-bike than capable for most families, and the price of $1,999 It feels fair compared to other similarly specced electric cargo bikes on the market.
For those who want to take their adventure level a step further, the HovScout is a bit more appropriate.
This full-suspension electric bike features larger-diameter fat tires that are better for dedicated off-road riding, unlike the smaller dual-purpose fat tires on the HovWagon.
The HovScout is therefore more of a trail bike designed specifically for adventurous riding.
Despite the different geometry and design, the technical specifications are quite similar between the two. The HovScout shares the HovWagon’s 750W power rating and a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) out of the box, but can also be unlocked for Class 3 driving at 28 mph (45 km/h).
Other parts that appear to be shared by the two models are the 720 Wh battery, torque-sensing pedal assist, hydraulic disc brakes, Shimano 7-speed drivetrain, and massive weight rating.
You’ll have to shell out an extra five hundred dollars though, as the HovScout is priced at $2,499.
The taking of EVM
Color me interested. Sure, it’s hard for any electric cargo bike to compete with the Lectric XPedition these days, but it seems the HovWagon has a place to hold its own. The $1,399 XPedition may save you some money, but it has a smaller battery and no torque sensor, plus the integrated battery in the HovScout looks better than the old battery behind the seat in the XPedition.
For the HovScout, again it’s the torque sensor that really interests me. An e-bike with fat tires and full suspension doesn’t come cheap, but a torque sensor usually adds significantly to the price when putting it in a higher-quality bike class. $2,499 is nothing, but not bad for a full-suspension electric bike with this load.
Disclaimer: The Data And Price Listed Here Are For A Particular City. They Could Alter With Time. Before You Purchase Kindly Double-Check All The Information.
E Vehicles Mart Does Not In Any Way Endorse Or Promote Any Particular Vehicle Or Brand; This Information Is Added Solely For Educational Purposes.
