Will you soon need a license plate for your e-bike? 🚲 In Episode 72 of The Weekly Recharge, we’re breaking down the controversial new bills in California (AB 1942) and New York that could require everyday e-bike riders to register their bikes and display plates. We also cover California’s SB 1167, which takes aim at high-speed e-motos masquerading as e-bikes.
Plus, we’ve got the latest e-bike industry news! We’re looking at the massive tariff lawsuits hitting the federal government, PeopleForBikes' fight against aluminum/steel tariffs, and an exciting first look at Xtracycle’s brand-new Swoop ASM family cargo bike. Finally, we answer your top questions on mid-drive vs. hub motors, coil vs. air forks, and the perks of Pinion belt drives!
👕 Merch + Rider of the Week
Riders highlighted during the Rider of the Week section get a free T-shirt! If you’ve been mentioned in this or any previous episode, and you haven’t received your t-shirt, fill out the form below so we can ship it to you!
👉 Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/t9o6SHE3aTp7hvmW9
👉 Merch Shop: https://shop.electricbikereport.com/
Deals of the Week
- Euphree discounts: https://ebrdeals.com/EuphreePromos
$450 off City Robin X+ ($1899)
ST frame, comfortable dual suspension, great motor power, and easy cruiser steering.
- Retrospec Winter Sale - up to 35% off: https://ebrdeals.com/RetrospecPromos
$200 off Valen Rev 2 ($1299)
Simple cafe cruiser styling. Seat for two, throttle power, and fat tires.
Trail System of the Week: Great American Rail Trail
https://www.railstotrails.org/resource-library/resources/great-american-rail-trail-route-assessment-2025/
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and let us know your thoughts on e-bike license plates in the comments below! 👇
00:00 - Intro
01:34 - News Of The Week
01:45 - New Xtracycle Cargo Bike!
03:56 - Companies sue for tariffs rebates.
07:10 - People for Bikes focuses on tariffs.
09:30 - California and New York might mandate license plates for E-Bikes?
13:28 - California bill will make clear distinction between e-bikes and e-motos.
16:42 - Trivia Time
24:14 - Currently Testing & Recent Reviews
27:30 - E-Bike Trail Systems
35:00 - Questions & Comments
35:10 - Doesn't the Ramblas ADV have a torque sensor?
38:20 - Recommendations for Patrick!
44:47 - Our thoughts on the Ramblas ADV's coil fork.
57:40 - Is the Pinion system worth it?
53:40 - Do good sensible citizens exist? And how?
55:51 - Deals Of The Week
57:19 - Rider Highlight
59:42 - Wrap Up
01:00:14 - Bloopers