The e-bike market of today provides a bewildering array of bikes that are loaded with advanced technology. In fact, it might be argued that modern electric bikes are just as much Internet of Things gadgets as they are alternate modes of transportation. As a result, it’s encouraging to see electric bikes that only provide the basic minimum in terms of electric two-wheeled mobility. HOVSCO is one such brand that is shown to us.
In case it isn’t obvious enough, let me reiterate that the goal of the e-bike industry is to displace your car for transportation and urban duties. But from a competence and safety perspective, the concrete jungle can be quite demanding. So, our goal is to determine whether Hovsco’s HovRanger Step-Thru can effectively lower your emissions.
What should you know about the Hovsco HovRanger Step-Thru?
We have covered many products from the Canadian e-bike company during the previous few months. It’s obvious that HOVSCO wants to preserve the simple, enjoyable experience of cycling while also offering the utility and usefulness that have come to be anticipated from an electric bicycle. A straightforward, simple-to-ride electric bicycle like the HovRanger Step-Thru serves as a wonderful illustration of this.
Starting off with this bike, the frame is the most crucial component of the design. Yes, the top tube is absent, which is the only reason this contraption qualifies as a step-through bicycle. Why is this crucial? This type of frame shape is intended with comfort and safety in mind, unlike bicycles with a top tube.
For instance, because mounting and dismounting only requires you to lift your leg a few inches off the ground, your body is kept steady. Second, you won’t have to tip your bike over to clear the top tube if there is cargo mounted to the rear rack. Given that the bike weighs a solid 25 kilograms and is an e-bike laden with heavy components, the step-through frame also helps.
The HovRanger Step-Thru essentially takes everything that makes the standard HovRanger amazing and puts it in a way that makes it much more accessible to riders of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. As suggested by its name, the bike has a step-through frame, which is quite useful if you’re cycling for comfort and practicality.Â
Since we’re talking about the comfort elements of the bike, allow me to say that even if this two-wheeler is made for city use, Hovsco nevertheless includes a suspension fork with 75 millimeters (3 inches) of travel. This is ideal for filling up road cracks and even curbs, and a lockout function enables you to fully enjoy any smooth tarmac you come across. Additionally, 2.2-inch tires are better able to handle abrasive surfaces. Heck, if you’ve ever driven on cobblestones with thinner road tires, especially when traveling at 28 mph (45 kph, the top speed of the Step-Thru), you might need to spend some money on new tires and rims after that brief encounter.
Hovsco HovRanger Step-Thru: Motor and Battery
With regard to performance, HOVSCO has given the HovRanger a strong hub motor with a nominal output of 500 watts. You may reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour thanks to the motor’s 970 watts of power when it is operating at full blast. This is the ideal opportunity to highlight Hovsco’s wizardry in the battery game because this motor needs to be powered from somewhere. A 15 amp-hour battery provides 720 watt-hours of power overall, which is sufficient for a range of up to 97 kilometers. It’s safe to assume that, under ideal circumstances, you’ll travel between 81 and 81 kilometers, depending on your load and the terrain you face. Hovsco’s batteries also have a fun little feature; they have an embedded LED light that can be used to illuminate your surroundings at night, which is ideal for e-bike excursions outside of town.
The second reason a step-through frame is necessary and even preferred for city use is safety. The absence of a top tube and the upright riding position provided by the placement of the handlebars allow you to extend your legs for stability and quickly plant them on the ground in the event of an emergency. This eliminates the need to consider your carbohydrate intake when someone opens a car door in your path. If you’re utilizing a child seat at the back, this frame style enables you to preserve all those goods and potentially your child as well.
The bike’s step-through frame inevitably means that some stiffness and sportiness are sacrificed in the process. However, in return, you receive a bike that is simple to mount and dismount, enabling you to swing your leg over in front of you as opposed to behind you. Additionally, the HovRanger Step-Thru has a rear baggage rack that you may attach your everyday necessities to. Additionally, a front baggage rack is an option for days when you need to transport additional luggage.
Listen, I could talk about the brakes on this bike, its geometry, the app, etc blah, but in reality, the best way to determine if this device is what you’ve been looking for to ride the e-bike wave is to just go on one and go from there. You can either purchase one straight from Hovsco or locate one in a nearby store. Nowadays, most manufacturers, including Hovsco, provide a refund policy that essentially enables you to test their creatures and return them within a specific time frame if they aren’t up to grade.
As for the price of the new Hovsco HovRanger Step-Thru?
In all honesty, the HovRanger Step-$1,800 Thru’s price tag is quite reasonable given its strength and capabilities. I would advise doing it.
