High quality steel frame and clever accessories combine to create a comfortable and useful electric cargo bike
26" front wheel for improved handling and increased attack angle, smaller 20" rear wheel for lower center of gravity and easier loading of cargo or a second passenger on the rear rack
Bosch Centerdrive motor is extremely powerful, responsive and efficient to handle the myriad demands of a cargo bike including heavy loads and long trips, battery is removable so you could get a spare to double range
Speed, 4 Assist Levels, Battery Voltage, Odometer, Estimated Range, Clock, Max Speed, Average Speed, Trip Time
Display Accessories:
Independent Button Pad
Drive Mode:
Advanced Pedal Assist
(Combined Torque, Cadence and Speed), (Eco 50%, Tour 120%, Sport 190%, Turbo 275%)
Top Speed:
20 mph (32 kph)
Written Review
Xtracycle is a neat company, they started making bicycle accessories around 1995 and found success with the “Free Radical”, a metal add-on that extends normal bike frames – transforming them into utilitarian cargo bikes. From there, they developed a complete cargo bike that didn’t require the add-on piece and ultimately expanded their accessories to include running board style foot rests, child seat bars, bags, seat pads and even a side-car platform thing. Fast forward to 2013 when they were experimenting with electric bike conversion options (using BionX or 8Fun motors) and then in late 2014 / 2015 they introduced a truly purpose built electric cargo bike leveraging the premium Bosch Centerdrive system. I saw this bike for the first time at Interbike, as shown in the video review above, and was truly impressed. I think this product was the highlight of the show for many ebike enthusiasts and I know several who plan on buying it for their own daily use. It’s just so practical (it could literally replace a car for daily use depending on your lifestyle) but also comfortable thanks to the chromoly steel frame, semi swept back handlebars, ergonomic grips and larger tires.
Note that you can still get the BionX powered Xtracycle 27D and the benefits there are variable speed throttle, quieter drive system, more gears (it’s a 27 vs. 10 speed) and regenerative braking with four levels of regen mode. The Bosch powered 10E really shines when riding extended distances and attacking hills but both have removable battery packs, excellent LCD panels (also removable) and a solid three year frame warranty with two year motor and battery. All of the same Xtracycle accessories can be shared between the two of them as well.
The motor on the Extracycle Edge Runner 10E is a second generation Bosch Centerdrive. It offers 350 watts of power with an impressive 60 Newton meters of torque output! In layman terms, that’s 50% more torque than most standard hub motor powered electric bikes. Some of the advantages of this mid-drive setup vs. a hub motor like the BionX edition mentioned earlier are front and rear quick release wheels (easier to repair flats), lower center of gravity on the bike vs. rear hub and improved operational efficiency. Since the motor basically helps you pull the chain and there’s a 10 speed cassette in the rear, climbing and maintaining higher speeds both become easier as and the motor as you shift gears. That’s why this bike is such a great climber or hauler and it’s also why the expected range is so high even though the battery pack is fairly standard sized. The motor activates and de-activates super fast as illustrated in the video review and that’s because it’s responding to how hard you push on the pedals, how fast you pedal and also how fast the bike is moving.
Powering this ebike is a removable, Lithium-ion battery pack that’s mounted low and center on the frame. One gripe is that there’s nowhere to easily mount a water bottle on the downtube due to the space being taken but given all of the other attachment points, that’s not a huge deal and you could always use a seat post mounting cage given the longer exposed surface required by the mid-step frame. So the battery offers 36 volts of power and 11 amp hours of capacity which is estimated to last for upwards of 60 miles on the lowest assist level given flat, paved surfaces. It’s an impressive claim and actually quiet accurate. Being removable, the pack is easier to store and charge inside and that’s good for two reasons: the bike frame is so large it might not fit inside your house as easily as a traditional frame and batteries wear out less quickly when you store them in neutral temperatures. They also benefit from being topped off every few months (I tend to top mine off after every couple of rides to stay above 50%).
The LCD display unit is also removable on this bike and experiences the same benefits as the batteries (except for being charged because it doesn’t require batteries and simply runs off the main system instead which is nice). I love how large the display itself is, showing your speed, battery capacity and current assist level at all times. It’s backlit for easy use at night and has four buttons that let you turn the system on, change display output, reset menus and activate lights. While the EdgeRunner 10E does not include lights as standard, you can upgrade to wired-in Busch & Müller Luxos LED units for a bit extra. Operating the main drive unit (changing assist levels) is very easy using the tactile button pad mounted near the base of the left grip. It’s simple, within reach (even without taking your hand off the grip) and has a nice click action that signals activation so you don’t have to look down while riding. I found myself riding in the two lowest assist levels during the demo but it’s nice to have a “turbo” setting for big hills or starting out when the bike is completely loaded with weight (perhaps kids).
The biggest benefits of any Xtracycle are all of the cool the accessories they offer and it’s great that they’re compatible across models. We showed off the sidecar and front porteur rack in the video review but there are also U-Tube foot supports, Hooptie child rails (that keep fingers safe), X1 cargo bags, foot stirrups, and a pad that can mount to the “flight deck” area in the rear for more comfortable sitting. Even though this bike doesn’t have a suspension fork or big padded saddle, the larger tires, longer wheelbase and steel frame provide a lot of comfort. I think I also tend to ride slower with a cargo bike so that might be part of what makes it feel comfortable. There are quite a fewelectric cargo bikes starting to come out but so far this is the only Bosch powered option I’ve seen. I think that says a lot about Xtracycle because Bosch is a very large, well respected company that will only partner with brands it has sort of “checked out” for quality. The Xtracycle EdgeRunner 10E may resemble the Yuba elMundo electric bike that costs a bit less, and in fact the founder of that company used to work at Xtracycle, but they only offer the rear drive design at this time and have different rack systems. At the end of the day you could probably save a few bucks by purchasing a more basic Bosch powered bicycle and adding the Free Radical from Xtracycle but that would take a lot of work, weigh more and be less rigid. Another option would be to add a Burly Trailer to any normal ebike for hauling kids or gear but those aren’t exactly free and they take space as well. Ultimately, there’s something beautiful about the EdgeRunner design and frankly, given the high quality components, excellent warranty and two frame sizes I think it can be well worth the extra cash depending on your needs.
Pros:
Durable chromoly steel frame balances stiffness and strength (up to 350 pounds of carrying capacity) with vibration dampening qualities that smooth out the ride
Lots of mounting points for racks and accessories (Xtracycle or generic third party), works great with Yepp child seats
Standard 26″ front wheel steers well, has a high attack angle for overcoming cracks and bumps and smooths out the ride while rear 20″ wheel positions rack lower for loading and balance while creating mechanical advantage for climbing
Bosch drive system provides excellent power, balance and range with 60+ miles using the lowest assist level on flat, paved terrain
Removable battery pack is easy to charge and store safely off of bike (given the size of the bike, it might not fit inside like other ebikes), additional batteries could be carried along for increased range
Two frame sizes for improved fit, mid-step design is easier to stand over when stopped and fits riders with shorter inseam
Large sturdy kickstand keeps the bike stable for loading (probably the best cargo bike kickstand I’ve seen) and the front porteur rack connects directly to the head tube so it doesn’t turn when you steer the bike
Optional X1 Cargo bags are super versatile with built in drains, over eight attachment points (so they don’t flap around), removable outer covers, optional stirrups for use as foot rests and a mesh inner for smaller items
Ergonomic grips are nice, hydraulic disc brakes provide great stopping power and don’t tire your hands and fingers out
Cons:
Longer chain has more travel and might benefit from an extra sprung gear to lift it up and avoid slapping the chain stay
More expensive premium offering, there are other electric cargo bikes for less and you could get a normal Bosch powered ebike and pull a Burly Trailer, the Xtracycle accessories also add up but are very high quality
No water bottle cage mounting point in front triangle due to battery pack mounting position, consider an add-on for the seat post or handle bars
The 10E has 17 fewer speeds than the 27D that uses the BionX rear hub, this is because it only has one front ring, for regular use I found this to be a decent number
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Sturdy electric cargo bike made from the Xtracycle EdgeRunner 27D base and the BionX PL 350 watt motor. Smaller 20" rear wheel makes transporting cargo or kids easier and safer due to lower…...
I came back to this review as I enjoyed it so much the first read. I think I might end up liking the written reviews more than the visual. Thanks for the work!
Sure thing Tom! Glad you enjoyed it, I try to pack the best information into each writeup because I’ve got more time and usually more feedback from companies about how their bikes work than I do during quick test rides at shows and shops. In the future I’m going to allow feedback on stats from readers so the reviews can become even more detailed as each model goes out into the real world :)
I was going to purchase an Edgerunner Freight with BionX for my gardening business, but have decided to wait for the 10E. I’m hoping it lives up to the accolades (because FIVE LARGE is a lot to drop on a bike… no matter how nice it is). I’m wondering what the range is for the different assist levels. That 60+ sounds nice, but what is the “real world” estimate using the higher assist levels? I’d also like to know how much an additional battery is, as well as the lighting system that can be wired into the 10E as mentioned in the review. Great review by the way! Thanks!
Hi Johnnie! Great questions… I thought additional Bosch Powerpack 400 batteries were somewhere close to $700 but found Motostrano selling them for $900+ which seems like quite a lot. It might be worth checking with your local dealer that sells Bosch powered ebikes like the Xtracycle 10E, Haibikes, Felt electric bikes etc. to see if they can offer it lower. As far as range estimates, I’ve arrowed through the different levels and seen 25+ in Turbo mode and 65+ in Eco mode which is actually achievable. Here’s a video overview that might clarify the in-between levels.
While both BionX and Bosch are wesome drive systems manufacturers, I think for hauling and climbing the mid-drive will be superior and definitely get increased range on the stock battery as it’s pedal assist only vs. the BionX which has a little throttle built in. I’d wait to order a second battery until you’ve actually tested this thing out, it’s very impressive and charges super fast so you could always bring your charger along for extra juice vs. buying a second pack (which would also be heavier). As for lighting, that’s another great question for your local dealer. I know that Long Island Electric Bikes has done dozens of bikes like this using different light setups and if your local shop doesn’t carry this bike or can’t do the wiring I could put you in touch with them. They might even be able to create a package deal for you if you buy some accessories and stuff. If you have more questions or want some personal feedback I can be reached with the contact form to find a good dealer who does custom stuff.
Yes, awesome review!! Johnnie, I am in a similar boat. I work for two gardening businesses. I want to replace my Ford Ranger as much as possible. I need to haul 100-200 pounds regularly and up fairly steep hills here in Washington D.C. There may be moments when I would haul more but I do have the truck. Anyways, just curious how your search for a suitable cargo ebike has gone. I have a hill topper and I’m completely in love with ebikes now but that kit is super entry level and i need a serious upgrade if i want to mostly replace my small pickup truck. Ciao.
Nebula722 aka Tom Tucker
10 years agoI came back to this review as I enjoyed it so much the first read. I think I might end up liking the written reviews more than the visual. Thanks for the work!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoSure thing Tom! Glad you enjoyed it, I try to pack the best information into each writeup because I’ve got more time and usually more feedback from companies about how their bikes work than I do during quick test rides at shows and shops. In the future I’m going to allow feedback on stats from readers so the reviews can become even more detailed as each model goes out into the real world :)
ReplyJohnnie
10 years agoI was going to purchase an Edgerunner Freight with BionX for my gardening business, but have decided to wait for the 10E. I’m hoping it lives up to the accolades (because FIVE LARGE is a lot to drop on a bike… no matter how nice it is). I’m wondering what the range is for the different assist levels. That 60+ sounds nice, but what is the “real world” estimate using the higher assist levels? I’d also like to know how much an additional battery is, as well as the lighting system that can be wired into the 10E as mentioned in the review. Great review by the way! Thanks!
ReplyCourt Rye
10 years agoHi Johnnie! Great questions… I thought additional Bosch Powerpack 400 batteries were somewhere close to $700 but found Motostrano selling them for $900+ which seems like quite a lot. It might be worth checking with your local dealer that sells Bosch powered ebikes like the Xtracycle 10E, Haibikes, Felt electric bikes etc. to see if they can offer it lower. As far as range estimates, I’ve arrowed through the different levels and seen 25+ in Turbo mode and 65+ in Eco mode which is actually achievable. Here’s a video overview that might clarify the in-between levels.
While both BionX and Bosch are wesome drive systems manufacturers, I think for hauling and climbing the mid-drive will be superior and definitely get increased range on the stock battery as it’s pedal assist only vs. the BionX which has a little throttle built in. I’d wait to order a second battery until you’ve actually tested this thing out, it’s very impressive and charges super fast so you could always bring your charger along for extra juice vs. buying a second pack (which would also be heavier). As for lighting, that’s another great question for your local dealer. I know that Long Island Electric Bikes has done dozens of bikes like this using different light setups and if your local shop doesn’t carry this bike or can’t do the wiring I could put you in touch with them. They might even be able to create a package deal for you if you buy some accessories and stuff. If you have more questions or want some personal feedback I can be reached with the contact form to find a good dealer who does custom stuff.
ReplyChristian
9 years agoYes, awesome review!! Johnnie, I am in a similar boat. I work for two gardening businesses. I want to replace my Ford Ranger as much as possible. I need to haul 100-200 pounds regularly and up fairly steep hills here in Washington D.C. There may be moments when I would haul more but I do have the truck. Anyways, just curious how your search for a suitable cargo ebike has gone. I have a hill topper and I’m completely in love with ebikes now but that kit is super entry level and i need a serious upgrade if i want to mostly replace my small pickup truck. Ciao.
ReplyJohnnie
10 years agoThanks for the detailed reply Court! It’s much appreciated.
Reply