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May 23, 2024
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The company is best-known in the micromobility share space, but is now moving into the direct-to-consumer market.
OKAI has announced three new e-bikes that will be joining its line. Best known as a maker of e-bikes and e-scooters for share programs, it is now moving into the private ownership market and these three new models are the first to launch.
The three e-bikes hit three distinct price points from just less than $1000 to just below $2000. The line includes two city/commuter models and one fat-tire model.
The Ranger EB50 is a fat-tire e-bike that features a 750W Bafang brushless, geared hub motor powered by a 706Wh battery which OKAI says should be good for 45 mi. of range. Other features include an 8-speed Shimano drivetrain, suspension fork and mechanical disc brakes.
The LyteCycle EB60 is a Class 2 city/commuter e-bike with a step-thru frame, and a 350W brushless, geared hub motor that produces a maximum of 55 Nm of torque. A 346Wh battery is estimated to offer riders up to 62 mi. (100km). Rather than using a cadence sensor, the LyteCycle EB60 comes equipped with a torque sensor to give riders more immediate acceleration and finer control over their speed. While it appears to come equipped with hydraulic brakes, the page for the e-bike doesn’t include any details on the drivetrain.
With the Stride Commuter EB40 the attraction is its introductory price. It’s going for less than $1000, making it one of the most affordable commuters with 27.5-in. wheels on the market. It is built with a 500W brushless, geared hub motor, a 460Wh battery, 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and mechanical disc brakes.
All three models come equipped with a touchscreen display that is integrated into the stem and offers NFC security, so that owners can unlock their e-bike with (among other options) their smartphone.
OKAI’s move into the direct-to-consumer market may be a bumpy one for the company.
The Stride Commuter EB40 should be able to find an audience with commuters who want something ultra-affordable but with big enough wheels to make cruising at speed a calm and stable experience. One thing 27.5-in. wheels offer over 20-in. wheels is a calmer ride at speed. Think SUV rather than sports car in handling.
At nearly $1500, the LyteCycle EB 60 is an example of a manufacturer including a more premium feature—the torque sensor—while going with some components that would otherwise be out of place on an e-bike in this price range, namely the 350 motor, 346Wh battery and mechanical disc brakes.
The Ranger EB50 will have a tougher time finding an audience as the heavier weight of a fat-tire model generally calls for hydraulic disc brakes, and at nearly $2000, most consumers would expect to see hydraulic disc brakes.
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