Powerful, compact, versatile, cargo e-bike
There’s a certain charm to leaving the car keys on the counter and swapping out your four-wheeled tank for something a little more human, more connected to the road. Enter the Xtracycle Hopper, the latest answer to a question not enough people are asking: Why stick with cars when there’s something smarter, lighter, and a lot more fun?
This thing—this compact, 85-pound workhorse—could carry your kids, your groceries, your sense of adventure, all with room to spare. It's got this compact feel, but don’t mistake that for delicate. It’s got muscle—415 pounds of load capacity, to be exact. Imagine rolling through your neighborhood with two kids perched securely on the back, or maybe you’ve just loaded up with enough weekend gear to shame any SUV owner. It handles it all.
At a glance, the Hopper doesn’t scream attention. It’s sleek, measuring just 80 inches long and 24 wide, small enough to slide into a garage or apartment without rearranging your life. But once you ride it, you get it. The 750-watt motor gives you just the right amount of push, taking you to speeds that let you zip past gridlocked commuters staring blankly through windshields. You’re gone—20 or 28 mph, depending on where you live—while they’re still inching along in the morning slog.
And don’t get me started on the throttle. With the simple push of your thumb, you jump back into motion without feeling like you’re pushing a boulder uphill. It’s not just practical, it’s liberating.
Xtracycle’s been around for 25 years, so there’s nothing rookie about this design. The bike feels intuitive, like you’ve always known how to ride it. It’s got this fluidity to it, gliding over bumps in the road with front suspension that soaks up the rough patches. The suspension-dropper seat post is a game-changer if you’ve ever tried to share a bike between people of different sizes—it adjusts without hassle. And when the day gets dark, integrated headlights and tail lights have you covered. There’s something about that sense of freedom, of heading into the dusk, your path lit up in front of you, that just feels right.
Is it cheap? No. $2,999 isn’t pocket change, but compared to the upkeep on a car, it’s practically a steal. And from now until October 13th, you’re looking at a $500 discount. You tell me when was the last time a new car came with a deal like that.
What I like about the Hopper is that it’s not just for the hardcore cyclists or the eco-warriors (though they’ll love it too). It’s for the parent running school drop-offs, the weekend explorer, the city dweller tired of traffic, parking, and the sheer bulk of modern life. The Hopper doesn’t ask you to slow down; it helps you rediscover a way of living that’s lighter and a hell of a lot more fun.
Pros:
- Compact Design:
At 80 inches long and 24 inches wide, the Hopper is small enough to fit in tight spaces, like a garage or apartment, and can be stored easily. - High Load Capacity:
Despite its compact size, it can carry up to 415 pounds of rider, passengers, and cargo, making it suitable for family use, school runs, or carrying gear. - Powerful Motor:
The 750-watt motor provides strong pedal assistance, with top speeds of 20 or 28 mph, allowing for efficient commuting and quick trips. - Quick-Start Throttle:
The integrated throttle helps get the bike up to speed from a stop, particularly useful when carrying heavy loads. - Suspension for Comfort:
Equipped with front suspension and a suspension-dropper seat post, the bike absorbs bumps in the road, offering a smoother ride. - Versatility:
The Hopper can carry one or two children or even an adult on the rear seat. It also includes front and rear racks for extra cargo. - Integrated Lights:
The bike has built-in front and rear lights, providing visibility and safety when riding in low-light conditions. - Eco-Friendly Alternative to Cars:
It’s a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to using a car for daily errands and short commutes. - Preorder Discount:
A limited-time $500 discount brings the price down to $2,499, making it more affordable for early buyers.
Cons:
- Price Point:
Even with the discount, at $2,999 (or $2,499 for preorders), the Hopper is an investment, especially for casual riders or those not used to spending this much on a bike. - Weight:
The bike weighs 85 pounds, which can be heavy to maneuver, especially when it's not in use or if you have to lift it for any reason. - One Frame Size:
The Hopper only comes in one frame size, which might limit its comfort or fit for people outside the recommended height range of 5 to 6.5 feet. - Top Speed Limitations:
Depending on regional regulations, the bike may be limited to a top speed of 20 mph, which could feel slow to some riders, especially on long stretches. - Battery Range:
The 60-mile range on a single charge is decent, but it will vary depending on factors like load, terrain, and the level of electric assistance, potentially requiring frequent recharging for longer trips.
$2,999
