Tenways Launches New EU Models, Upway Partners with BikeInsure, Another Helmet Recall

This Week’s E-Bike News Headlines

Tenways Launches New CGO009 and AGO X Models in Europe

Image Source: Tenways

The new CGO009, pictured above, is a lightweight city cruiser with a design reminiscent of a Van Moof. It boasts a handful of upgrades over the original model of the bike, including a redesigned frame, a frame-mounted running light, and a stem-mounted headlight. It also features a handlebar-mounted color display, seatpost-mounted rear lights, and an electronic bell.

It also features a high-tech Smart Connect Module that pairs with the Tenways app. With an affordable subscription fee, this module enables theft detection, contactless unlocking, location tracking via Find My Bike, motion detection, and movement notifications.

Other specs included 250W custom motor with 45 Nm torque, a removable 374 Wh battery, hydraulic disc brakes, and a Gates Carbon belt drive. It also features a boost button for short bursts of extra power when climbing hills or passing other cyclists.

The Special Edition AGO X trekking e-bike boasts a sleek, redesigned frame with internally routed cables. It also comes equipped with a custom 250W mid-drive with 80 Nm torque, a 560 Wh battery, a 10-speed Shimano CUES drivetrain, and a stem-integrated TFT display.

It has a few additional upgrades over the standard version of the bike, including an adjustable stem, an MIK HD cargo rack, a stem-mounted headlight, and a built-in rear light. It also features a slightly lower weight of 28.2 lbs, versus the 29 kg of the standard model.

Both the new CGO009 and the Special Edition AGO X are priced at €2.199.

Our Take:
Put simply, these e-bikes look great. Based on our previous experiences with Tenways’ e-bikes, we’ve been excited to see the brand’s launch announcements. It’s clear that the company is focusing more on the European market with these models, but we hope to see US versions offered here in the future.

Tech such as the CGO009’s onboard Smart Module, enabling security and location tracking, is becoming more common—and we think that’s a good thing. Not only do such features offer protection on a costly investment, they also make the experience of owning and using a bike feel more robust and high-tech.

It’s no secret that we’ve been huge fans of the AGO X since its debut. This new version looks more contemporary, offers greater range potential, and includes more functional features. Both bikes seem to mark a step forward for Tenways, and we look forward to seeing what the brand brings to the US market next.

Upway Partners with BikeInsure to Cover Lease-to-Own Program

Image Source: Upway

Upway, an international retailer of refurbished e-bikes, has partnered with BikeInsure to protect consumers in its Flex e-bike subscription program. This lease-to-own program allows customers to rent new or refurbished e-bikes, and now includes the e-bike itself, theft and damage insurance coverage, a maintenance plan, and a bike lock.

According to Maxime Ranson, the Head of U.S. at Upway, the goal of this partnership with BikeInsure is to reduce barriers to entry for potential e-bike riders. He explained that, “By integrating BikeInsure into our e-bike subscription offering, we’re making it easier and more affordable for riders across the United States to experience e-bikes with confidence.”

Buzzy Cohn, the CEO of BikeInsure, said, “Through this partnership, Upway Flex customers gain access to an e-bike subscription that includes BikeInsure coverage, offering a compelling alternative to traditional full-price purchases or financing options.”

According to a BicycleRetailer article, Upway has refurbished and sold over 100,000 e-bikes from over 200 brands. It has the goal of refurbishing and selling over a million bikes annually by 2030. In addition to sales and the lease-to-own Flex program, Upway also offers maintenance and financing services to its customers.

BikeInsure, on the other hand, is the Official Bike Insurance Partner of Canyon Bicycles, Tern, Pivot, the International Mountain Biking Association, and other groups. They’re able to provide insurance within all 50 states and Washington DC.

Our Take:
E-bikes can be a significant investment, even on a rental basis, so it’s encouraging to see Upway expand the appeal of its lease-to-own program by adding BikeInsure’s insurance coverage to the Flex program. Many e-bikes include security and theft prevention features baked-in, but these aren’t yet universal, so it makes sense to provide customers with protection.

Would you be more likely to purchase an e-bike directly or participate in a structured lease-to-own program? Let us know in the comments section below!

ProRider Recalls Over 9.5k Adult and Toddler Bicycle Helmets

Image Source: ProRider

The 9,546 recalled helmets involve multiple models, including ProRider’s Economy Bicycle Helmet, Bike Helmet with Turn Ring, Bike Helmet Black Foam, BMX Helmet, and Toddler Bike Helmet. They are being recalled for violating safety standards related to shock absorption and dissipation as well as positional stability, certification, and labeling requirements.

The affected helmets were manufactured in China from April 2022 through December 2022 and come in black, blue, green, red, and purple. According to the CPSC, they were “distributed by Wisconsin Bike Federation, Kiwanis Club, Foster Love nationwide, and sold online at ProRider.com from June 2022 through May 2023 for between $5 and $18.”

If you have one of these helmets, stop using it, destroy it by cutting off the straps, and send photos of the destroyed helmet to [email protected] for a full refund.

You can also check out the recall page on the CPSC’s website or contact ProRider by phone at 800-642-3123.