This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines
Riese & Müller Pauses US Shipments Due to Steel Tariff
Following the Trump administration’s implementation of section 232 tariffs on imported steel products, and continued unpredictability in relation to US trade policies, Riese & Müller has paused incoming shipments. The brand has also instructed its dealers to halt orders and sell through existing stock until a plan can be put in place.
In an email, the company stated, “We need to take a few days to carefully evaluate this situation and its implications before proceeding with further steps.”
The brand, which produces premium cargo and commuter e-bikes, uses aluminum frames, which would not be affected by the new steel tariffs. Certain steel components and hardware may be affected, however, potentially leading to unexpectedly higher import costs.
Our Take: With changes to tariffs and US trade policy happening, in many cases, by the day, it is no surprise that e-bike brands like Riese & Müller are experiencing difficulty in planning for the future. Over the past year, we have seen a number of similar companies close or leave the US market, i.e. Yamaha and Stromer, due to rising costs and lower sales.
This new development regarding shipments could indicate that Riese & Müller may be the next name on the list, though we hope the brand is able to find a way to continue operating in the US. Some consolidation in the market is expected when such large changes to trade policies occur, but we don’t like seeing any brands suffer.
Lectric Releases the 750W XP Trike2 Electric Tricycle
Just weeks after releasing the updated 500W version of its incredibly popular XP Trike, Lectric’s top-tier 750W model is now for sale. The XP Trike2 750, which retails for $1,799, features a more powerful motor, a larger battery, and the widest selection of color options we’ve seen on a model from this company to date.
This electric tricycle shares much in common with the brand’s entry level model, such as a 415-lb. payload capacity, a sleek, redesigned frame, integrated lights and turn signals, a color display, and both a suspension fork and suspension seatpost.
The XP Trike2 750, however, includes a suite of other upgrades, such as a torque sensor offering responsive pedal assist, an 840 Wh battery with an advertised range of up to 70 miles, and up to 85 Nm of torque with 1,310W of peak power for tackling hills and reaching speeds of up to 17 mph.
The upgraded trike is available in standard color options, like Tempest Gray, Stratus White, and Glacier Blue. Lectric also offers this model in Phoenix Red, Dusk Blue, and Purple Haze.
Our Take: With higher speeds, a more powerful motor, longer range potential, a more responsive pedal assist system, and a wider selection of colors, we expect the XP Trike2 750 to replace the 500W version as the most popular trike in America. Let’s be real, the value this trike offers is impossible to deny!
We are happy to see Lectric offer a more powerful version of the trike for heavier riders and those hauling full loads of cargo. We anticipate that the brand’s custom programming will deliver a responsive yet easy-feeling ride, though of course, we won’t know for certain until we can test and review the new model. Hopefully we can ride it and report back in the near future!
Puckipuppy Debuts the Full-Suspension Rottweiler E-Trike
The trike boasts many uncommon features, including a 500 lb payload capacity that makes it suitable both as a utility workhorse and a mobility device for heavy riders. It also offers off-road capability, thanks to its suspension and 20×4” all-terrain tires, as well as a reverse throttle function, and a butterfly handlebar with a variety of hand positions.
With a 720 Wh battery, the Rottweiler has an estimated range of 40 to 55 miles. Puckipuppy offers the trike in two color options (Blue and Black) with an MSRP of $2,400.
Our Take: Having recently reviewed the full suspension Labrador Pro from Puckipuppy, we are curious about the brand’s evolution with its new electric trike. With this model offering relatively unique features such as a full suspension and butterfly handlebar, it is clear that the company is going to great lengths to stand out from the crowd.
The trike’s off-road potential is also seriously appealing. We are curious if the motor will deliver enough power for the Rottweiler to live up to its full potential, but as always, only hands-on testing will give us the answer.
