As people transition away from solely car-centric lifestyles, they’re increasingly combining automotive habits with cycling and sometimes even embracing a predominantly car-free existence. While transitioning to a motorcycle or e-bike might seem restrictive at first glance, the cycling industry offers a range of styles to cater to diverse preferences and needs.
Take cargo e-bikes, for instance. These electric bikes’ equivalents to SUVs and pickup trucks are primarily. Having logged numerous miles on the Xtracycle Hopper cargo e-bike, I can attest that this family-friendly freight hauler from a leading US-based manufacturer exceeds expectations in its versatility and capabilities.
Notably, this isn’t Xtracycle’s inaugural tour around the block. The corporation’s history dates back to 1998, when it innovatively introduced longtail cargo e-bikes featuring an extended rear end? Prior to that juncture, the favored cargo bike design was the traditional Dutch-style bakfiets, commonly referred to as “cargo cycles” due to their distinctive large cargo area situated at the rear of the elongated frame.
While lengthy-tail cargo bikes may appear unconventional at first glance, they have been designed to be surprisingly lightweight and ride similarly to traditional bicycles, despite their unique ability to carry additional cargo or passengers.
While Xtracycle has introduced several premium cargo e-bikes, their price points have traditionally fallen within the range of $4,000 to $5,000. Last year, Xtracycle revamped its model with a brand-new prototype, introducing the new Hopper, which draws upon high-end design and componentry influences from its heritage while making it more affordable at just $2,999 – a rare feat in the premium cargo e-bike market.
To determine what it’s preferred to get around on the Xtrcycle Hopper, try my evaluation below. Hold your studies for a complete understanding of the narrative!
Xtracycle Hopper Video Assessment
Xtracycle Hopper tech specs
- Powerful 750W hub motor equipped with a precise torque sensor.
- Pedal assist provides a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), while throttle-only control is capped at 20 mph (32 km/h).
- 20-50 miles (32-80 km)
- High-capacity 720Wh frame-integrated battery with detachable design.
- With standard cargo equipment installed: approximately 38.5 kilograms (85 pounds).
- Enhanced lightweight performance with a cargo-ready aluminum alloy frame and a sturdy suspension fork designed for heavy-duty hauling.
- Kenda Kwick 20 inches by 2.25 or 2.4 inches, featuring entry and rear specifications on triple-wall tubeless-ready rims for enhanced performance.
- The 174 Hudson’s dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes feature electrical cutoffs for enhanced safety and control.
- Equipped with a Shimano 8-speed shifter, the bike features an KMC 8-speed chain for smooth gear transitions. The setup includes fenders, entrance and rear racks, as well as a youngster cage on the rear rack to securely carry little ones. Additional accessories include working boards, a vibrant LED display, entrance and rear LED lights, and a dropper seat post with twin telescoping latches for easy top adjustment. To protect the finish, touch-up paint is also included in the package.
A behemoth of a cargo bike?
Despite its reputation as the grandfather of longtail cargo bikes, the Hopper model here is more accurately described as a mid-tail variant rather than a true longtail. This is significantly smaller than what’s typical for a cargo bike? Although designed for everyday use, this unique bike has gained an elongated rear rack, allowing you to easily transport two children or a substantial amount of cargo – without sacrificing its sleek design, unlike those excessively long cargo bikes often seen in the market.
A convenient option for condominium residents such as myself, allowing easy transport despite occasional need to reposition it for elevator doors to close. Although my primary objective is focused on a standard-sized urban e-bike, I still need to experiment with this tiny elevator system, which provides insight into its compact nature.
While the Hopper’s compact design sets it apart from traditional longtail cargo e-bikes, it still packs an impressive load-carrying capacity. This innovative feature comes standard with a rear child-cage, commonly referred to as the Hooptie, engineered to provide a safer environment for youngsters. The design features twin side-bars, allowing the child to securely grip the inner bar while preventing finger pinch injuries that might occur if the outer bar came into contact with any obstacles.
I accompanied my two nephews on a bike ride, taking into account their tendency to squirm and dance behind me as seen in the accompanying video. I’m grateful for the Hooptie attachment that allows me to safely transport them. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for even our youngest travelers – such as my friend’s toddler – we installed a baby security seat on the rack.
The entrance of the bike features an additional rack, offering a convenient way to carry extra cargo. Actually, the bike’s body is rated for 500 pounds fully loaded, with the rear rack capable of supporting up to 242 pounds on its own, and the front rack designed to carry up to 55 pounds. This provides numerous options for carrying cargo.
I lent my friend the bike for a week, allowing him to try transporting his child to daycare daily on it. He found that engaging in this daily routine allowed him to bond with his son while also getting exercise and fresh air, making it an enjoyable way to spend quality time together. With effortless precision, he managed to secure his son’s stroller behind the car seat, allowing the babysitter to easily retrieve the child when needed, should he have to stay late at work.
I fitted additional reflectors on the portable bike rack, ensuring it stands out even more at night.
Utilizing the Hopper’s versatility, I effortlessly transformed it into a reliable grocery-getter vehicle, successfully carrying a week’s worth of essentials in just three bags via bicycle. As I rode my cargo e-bike to fetch my groceries, I found myself simultaneously reaping the benefits of a workout en route.
This flexibility in your daily routine, courtesy of a cargo e-bike, allows for the integration of unexpected productivity bursts? The Hopper features a traditional thumb throttle, allowing for effortless acceleration when desired. However, it’s also gained a torque sensor-based pedal assist system that turns riding into a pure delight. With its powerful 750W rear hub motor, you’ll enjoy significant assistance for even minimal effort, making it ideal for a gentle workout or allowing you to conserve energy while still experiencing a good physical exertion. The thrill of adventure is yours to seize, and yours to own.
Equipped with a substantial 720 Wh battery, users can effortlessly ride for extended periods even while utilizing the highest energy settings, leaving ample power reserves in reserve. While considerable distance can still be achieved with reduced energy assistance, it’s likely that you could recover from a 50-mile mark only by consistently pedaling with decreased power support; conversely, even cruising with throttle control would probably yield at least 25 miles.
The entire electrical system is certified by UL 2849, ensuring that the motor, controller, wiring, and various electrical components are thoroughly tested and proven to operate safely in conjunction with one another. The battery is certified to UL 2271 standards, providing unwavering confidence and ensuring full compliance in regions where UL certification is mandated.
While the bike is comparable in terms of its functionality, it’s not quite on par with the premium models in Xtracycle’s range, which are priced between $4,000 and $5,000, as indicated by the entry-level Shimano derailleur and the use of a hub motor instead of a mid-drive motor. With the exception of those two key features, every other aspect seems to have been lifted directly from a high-end, specialty cargo e-bike found at a top-tier bike shop.
Actually properly designed and outfitted
The Xtracycle Hopper deftly blends its upscale heritage with an affordable pricetag, making it accessible to a broader range of families. With its evident focus on luxury, the bike showcases a multitude of high-end components that are immediately apparent. 174 Hudson dual-piston hydraulic disc brakes provide reliable stopping power, while the super-stable Y-kickstand ensures rock-solid stability. The rear wheel is protected by mesh security masking to safeguard young riders’ toes from accidental kicks. Additional features include thoughtfully designed working boards and a sturdy rear rack, integrated LED lighting for enhanced visibility, and a dropper seat that allows effortless mounting and dismounting with the simple press of one finger.
Unlike traditional dropper posts familiar in the mountain biking community, which typically feature a button on the handlebars, this wireless variant features a control unit located beneath the saddle. While initially slightly awkward, the device’s layout soon becomes intuitive, allowing for seamless navigation once familiarized. You definitely deserve some enjoyable, so go out and treat yourself! Deal with your self!
The Suntour Mobie suspension fork is a premium component that expertly balances comfort and performance, delivering a smooth ride without sacrificing the bike’s raw power or rugged capabilities?
The 20-inch tires provide ample traction for navigating occasional off-road excursions, such as a smooth dirt path.
His friend took their son on a leisurely ride along the designated path, thoroughly enjoying each other’s company; it was evident that the Hopper is well-suited for extended outdoor adventures beyond the typical bike commute.
With full UL compliance on its electrical system, this motor offers an impressive speed of up to 28 mph when unlocked from the standard 20 mph pace restriction, accompanied by practical cargo-carrying equipment as standard features, making it all the more astonishing that it’s priced competitively at just $2,999. While undercutting premium e-bike manufacturers, this offering provides significantly superior build quality compared to budget options.
Here’s what you get: a comprehensive package, including a handy little bottle of touch-up paint – a thoughtful addition that sets it apart from other top-tier cargo e-bikes out there.
While it won’t rival cargo e-bikes worth double its price, it still offers significantly better build quality and superior components compared to budget-friendly cargo e-bikes typically found in the market.
What are the downsides?
Every e-bike ultimately boils down to a series of trade-offs. Extra vary means heavier. Extra pace means chunkier motors. Larger end elements inherently suggest greater value labels. The nuances of component selection result in a harmonious balance that determines the bicycle’s market viability.
The Xtracycle Hopper successfully strikes a balance between delivering a premium cycling experience and maintaining an affordable price point, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation and accessibility. Despite some minor reservations.
The rear tail light is seamlessly integrated into the fender, a design feature that enhances ruggedness and reliability by eliminating the risk of exterior wires getting snagged or damaged. However, it’s crucial to consider that even more shading may occur when viewed from a rear side-angle compared to directly from the rear, since the wheel guards only partially obscure the light source at wider angles. Consider attaching an auxiliary tail light to the kid carrier or rear rack’s back, which would provide an excellent suggestion for enhanced nighttime visibility.
While the throttle is designed to ensure long-term durability by engaging only when the bike is already moving at a slow pace, this setup can be frustrating if you want to quickly accelerate from a standstill. As you accelerate, initiate pedal movement a quarter-turn before engaging the throttle to optimize power delivery and control.
The bike’s weight, including all equipment, totals around 85 pounds, a considerable burden to lug around. Not much can be done about that anyway. While the motorcycle has already been equipped with an aluminum body, adding features that allow it to comfortably transport three people over long distances at high speeds will inevitably result in increased weight.
While I’m pleased to nitpick, the overall execution of the bike’s main components, options, and design is superb.
Sum all of it up
The Xtracycle hopper occupies a unique sweet spot as an intermediate cargo e-bike, balancing size options between smaller and larger offerings on the market, while also bridging the gap between value-focused brands and premium manufacturers offering high-quality products.
While the Lectric XPedition may offer exceptional value, this alternative will provide a much more satisfying user experience, ultimately lasting significantly longer.
It’s not going to be as high-end as a top-shelf Tern or Riese & Müller, nevertheless it prices half as a lot as these extra premium fashions.
For many individuals, this particular item tends to strike a harmonious balance that is neither too little nor too much, but rather just right in the middle. While it’s premium enough to justify upgrades like a larger battery, dropper seatpost, and more, While it may not be excessively luxurious, it’s still out of reach for many people who have to budget carefully. While you may not want to compromise on the quality of the cargo bike that carries your children, nor do you need a high-end model that breaks the bank. This is my sweet spot!
