When he was the owner are four wheels getting that expensive? Forget sky-high gas pump prices, dealer profits and a dearth of new cars, and do it all on two wheels. Biking is a great way to stay active and healthy, run errands around town, and most importantly, it’s fun. Right now, tons of our favorite e-bikes, helmets, cycling apparel, and even scooters are on sale.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get a one year subscription to WIRING for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if desired). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
Electric bike offers
Read our guides to the best e-bikes and the best scooters for more recommendations. If you don’t have an e-bike classification, we explain the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 right here.
The fat-tire RadRover 6 Plus has been in the WIRED test fleet for a few months now, and it performs admirably on rough terrain and steep hills. At 73 pounds, this all-terrain bike is heavy and difficult to pedal unaided once you run out of charge in its 45-mile range, but the powerful 750-watt motor and manual throttle will get you up to 20 miles per hour, and its hydraulic braking system provides the power to stop when you need to catch your breath. This is the lowest price we’ve ever tracked.
Photography: Wing
Enter the code 1 WING at checkout to see the discount. The Freedom 2 has strong acceleration, weighs only 39 pounds, and comes with a long list of features, including a built-in headlight and taillight and a built-in anti-theft alarm. I’ve reviewed the nearly identical Freedom X (7/10, Wired Recommends) if you want to learn more. This deal also includes fenders, an accelerator, and a location tracking kit (which only works on iPhone) for free with the code.
With a range of 40 miles, a top speed of 20 mph, and a weight of 48 pounds, the CTY e1.1’s specs are acceptable but not spectacular. We haven’t tested it yet, but its hydraulic brakes (for stronger braking) and integrated headlight and taillight are welcome additions at this price. Your local REI will fit any bike purchased from REI, free of charge.
Photography: Apollo
This scooter can go fast (up to 27 miles per hour) thanks to its 500-watt motor, and WIRED Comments Editor Julian Chokkattu managed to get 16 miles out of it on a single charge. It’s 6’4”, though, so you can probably get close to 20 miles of range if not more. It’s 57 pounds, so it’s not too easy to carry around. Apollo says it will ship the Pro model in August and the standard City in October (the Pro model can go even faster, is even heavier, and has slightly better range).
I have been testing the Scrambler for some time now and I am satisfied with its quality. It weighs 71 pounds, but the powerful 750-watt motor allows it to reach 28 miles per hour, and the bike comes with a manual throttle, 45 miles of range, and a mini-off-road motorcycle look.
Offers of cycling accessories
Check out our guides to the best bike accessories and the best bike locks for more.
Let them feel it coming. Whether it’s pedestrians, cars or other cyclists, people tend to get in the way of a bike. Give them some kindness ding ding to raise your head It’s much more polite and non-confrontational than yelling or, you know, stabbing them.
.jpg)
Photography: Nutcase
Nutcase makes some of our favorite bike helmets. They are stylish and have a proven track record of protection. This model features a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS), which reduces the risk of brain injury from rotational forces to the head during an impact. There are more designs for sale too, if this Darth Vader style design isn’t your thing.
Even when you’re driving in the city or on streetlight-lit suburban roads, it’s important to have lighting at night so cars can see you. The NiteRider’s 500-lumen headlamp and 110-lumen taillight are brighter than most lights at this price, and the front light, especially, should be enough to fully illuminate the roads without lighting up the night
The Vio (8/10, WIRED recommends) is more than a helmet. It is a viable alternative to using headlights and taillights on your bike. The front-facing 200-lumen light isn’t enough to illuminate a pitch-black road, but the 360-degree LED coverage will help other riders and drivers see you. In my review, I see this as a great solution for people who ride multiple bikes, use bike share programs (which likely won’t have lights installed), or are tired of removing lights every time they leave their bike to prevent it from being stolen. . Only selected colors are for sale.
Pannier bags are the best way to carry the usual load on your bike. They attach to racks above the rear wheel of the bike and keep the center of gravity low. The problem is that once you get off the bike, you have to carry them on the leash. The Bug converts into a backpack, so you can avoid a sweaty back while riding, but keep your hands free once you’re off the bike. With an optional padded laptop sleeve, it will also protect your computer from bumps.
Men’s size is available for the same price. Good liner shorts do more than just pad your rear, although that’s a big plus when you’re riding frequently or on long trips. They also absorb sweat and prevent irritation. These lined shorts slip under cycling pants or casual pants as a base layer.
Photography: Hiplok
This was the easiest bike lock to take on rides when I was testing bike locks. It features a built-in clip that easily slides over a belt or backpack strap so you don’t have to mount it to your bike frame, and at just 2.4 pounds, it won’t weigh you down. Its U-lock is 14 millimeters thick, which means it has good protection against a thief’s tools.
At just 6 ounces (for a medium), the Heli is a lightweight jacket that will keep you dry without suffocating you with loads of unnecessary insulation. Perfect for warm summer storms. WIRED editor Adrienne So likes the Heli, calling it an affordable classic in her Best Rain Jackets guide. The women’s size is available for $127 at another retailer (Backcountry doesn’t have many sizes or much in stock).
