Welcome back to The Weekly Recharge – Episode 62 ⚡🚴
This week we’re covering a major Trek e-bike recall, the latest developments with Rad Power Bikes filing for Chapter 11, and a deep dive into e-bike motor history + longevity (hub vs mid-drive, what lasts longer, and what really kills motors over time).
We also hit the newest conversion-kit news with Skarper, a safety program for e-bikes and scooters launching in Las Vegas, plus our trail system of the week: one of the most iconic lakefront rides in the U.S.
👕 Merch + Rider of the Week Update
T-shirts for Riders of the Week and pre-orders should be going out soon — and if you haven’t claimed your free shirt yet, fill out the form in the description so we can ship it to you!
👉 Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/t9o6SHE3aTp7hvmW9
👉 Merch Shop: https://shop.electricbikereport.com/
📰 News of the Week
Trek Recalls 700 Domane+ & Checkpoint+ E-Bikes (2026 models)
Trek issued a recall affecting select Domane+ and Checkpoint+ models due to loose chainring bolts, which could create a crash risk if bolts back out while riding. Trek advises affected riders to stop riding immediately and schedule a free dealer repair to torque bolts to spec—plus eligible customers receive $20 store credit.
Rad Power Bikes Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection (Possible Sale Incoming)
Rad says it filed Chapter 11 as part of a process to complete a sale within the next 45–60 days while continuing normal operations. We break down what that means, why it may (or may not) signal a buyer, and what we’re hoping to see for Rad owners moving forward.
Skarper Conversion Kits Offered on Sonder Gravel Bikes
Skarper’s click-on motor + battery kit is being offered on select Sonder Camino gravel builds—giving riders the ability to go electric when needed and switch back to analog for a lighter bike.
Las Vegas Motorcycle Safety Program Adding E-Bike & Scooter Training
A new safety program is launching to address rising e-bike/e-scooter incidents involving minors—focused on classifications, battery care, and crash prevention through online + in-person training.
🧪 In Testing / Recent Reviews
We’ve got a pile of new bikes from AIMA currently in testing, and several reviews that just went live—check the links below.
🌊 E-Bike Trail System of the Week
https://www.traillink.com/trail/chicago-lakefront-trail/
Chicago Lakefront Trail (IL) — an 18-mile paved path along Lake Michigan with skyline views, beaches, parks, and some of the coolest “bike-accessible” attractions anywhere. Great for commuters, tourists, and anyone who wants a scenic ride with endless stops along the way.
💬 Viewer Q&A – Real E-Bike Questions Answered
In this episode’s Q&A segment, we answer some of the most common and important questions e-bike riders are asking right now, covering battery life, ergonomics, motor reliability, and how to choose the right bike for mixed riding.
🔋 How long do e-bike batteries actually last?
🚲 Why do some folding e-bikes feel like you’re reaching too far forward?
⚙️ Mid-drive vs hub-drive longevity — which lasts longer?
🔥 Can you burn out an e-bike motor by using the throttle too much?
💰 Why does one e-bike cost $840 while another costs $2,000+?
🔗 Deals & Links
Deals of the Week:
Retrospec’s End of Year Blowout – https://ebrdeals.com/RetrospecPromos
Mokwheel’s Christmas Rush Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/MokwheelPromos
Specialized’s Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/SpecializedPromos
Rad Power Bikes Deals – https://ebrdeals.com/RadPromos
Bikes Discussed:
Electra Townie Go! S – https://ebrdeals.com/ElectraTownieGoS
Lectric XP4 – https://ebrdeals.com/LectricXP4-750
Velotric Fold 1 Plus – https://ebrdeals.com/VelotricFold1Plus
Aventon Sinch 2.5 – https://ebrdeals.com/AventonSinch2-5
Aventon Aventure M – https://ebrdeals.com/AventonAventureM
Ride1Up Vorsa – https://ebrdeals.com/Ride1UpVorsa
Priority Skyline – https://ebrdeals.com/PrioritySkyline
Euphree Stellar Falcon – https://ebrdeals.com/EuphreeStellarFalcon
Velotric Summit 1 – https://ebrdeals.com/VelotricSummit1
📩 Email questions to: questions@electricbikereport.com
(or drop a comment—we read them!)
#radpowerbikes #ebikenews #trekrecall #middrivevshubdrive
00:00 - Intro
00:29 - News Of The Week
00:47 - Trek recalls 700 bikes
02:04 - Rad files for bankruptcy protection
04:00 - Skarper partners with Sonder
06:31 - New E-Bike/Scooter courses in Las Vegas!
08:26 - Trivia Time!
15:09 - Currently Testing & Recent Reviews
17:33 - E-Bike Trail Systems
23:24 - Questions & Comments
23:38 - Do batteries die after 1 or 2 years of use?
25:55 - Are folding e-bikes really uncomfortable?
28:20 - Aventure M vs Ride1Up Vorsa vs Priority Skyline
35:26 - Why do we sit so far apart? Do we hate each other?
37:13 - Mid-drive vs Rear-hub motors in terms of reliability
43:40 - Deals Of The Week
47:41 - Rider Highlight
50:09 - Wrap Up
50:38 - Bloopers