Adjustable bars and suspension seats make the Abound SR comfortable for a wide range of riders.
City dwellers looking to save money on road trips have been flocking to cargo bikes for years now, and the addition of built-in electric motors that provide assist features make cargo electric bikes one of the most popular bikes on sale at the moment. It is one of the segments. On a recent trip to London and Paris, the city centers were crowded with e-bikes of all sizes. For example, bicycles laden with flowers were moving through Paris’ wide bicycle boulevards.
Cargo bikes were everywhere in Paris, clearly replacing cars and small vans.
My hometown of Portland, Oregon, is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the United States (despite the hills and rain), with more and more cargo e-bikes plying the city’s expansive bike lanes. Many of them are carrying children, dogs, and groceries. Or all three. Although not as popular in the U.S. as in Europe and other countries, once-mainstream cargo bikes are now hot sellers, and electric bike maker Eventon has updated its Abound model (below), which launched last March. That’s all. The new model is called “Abound SR,” an abbreviation for show truck.
With popularity comes an increase in demand, and with it comes an increase in theft. Sadly, one of my friends who relies on a cargo bike recently had it stolen even though it was locked.
Make your eBike your own
One of the key features of the Abound SR is its suite of anti-theft technologies, including a locking centerstand and built-in tracking technology.
The step-through frame makes it easy to ride and keep the bike upright.
Abound SR packs a lot of performance and features for its $2,199 price. Power comes from a 36-volt, 708-watt-hour removable battery in the frame that powers a 750-watt motor in the rear hub. Aventon says the battery can withstand up to 90 miles of assistance. That number will vary depending on load, terrain, and amount of pedaling.
Front and rear Tektro hydraulic brakes slow down the 20 x 3-inch tires, and riders can pedal with three levels of assist across eight rear gears or with the thumb throttle to reach top speeds of 20 mph. You can also just enjoy the ride without stepping on it. The performance of the pedal assist system can also be adjusted in the Aventon app.
Passengers can stand on the rear pegs (as shown above) or relax in a seat selected from the accessories catalog.
A rear rack is standard, with mesh leg guards on the front and rear fenders and on the rear wheels for two-seater (or three for small children) situations. Aventon didn’t forget to add some nice LED lighting front and rear, including turn signals. The handlebar uses a quill stem for quick and easy adjustment over 140 mm/5 inches in height, and a small control pod on the left bar. The front fork includes suspension travel for a smooth ride, but can also be locked out. The Aventon also improves comfort levels with its suspension seats.
To combat anyone trying to take the Abound SR without permission, the bike connects to a 4G wireless system, allowing for location tracking and geofencing. The center stand locks into place remotely, further deterring theft. Battery removal is now keyless thanks to a neat new control pad passkey sequence that also locks out the bike’s electrical system.
While technically welcome, I still highly recommend using a new anti-theft lock or knife-resistant lock like the Litelok to secure your precious bike to something solid. It’s not cheap, but it’s much cheaper than buying a new electric bike.
Naturally, the company offers a wide selection of racks, seats, footrests, panniers, and more to customize your bike for cargo duties. A cargo bike is an investment, but it pays for itself by cutting down on gas costs, reducing wear and tear on your vehicle, and improving your health. Plus, they’re great fun to ride and can be used to make deliveries and errands cheap for business owners in crowded cities.
I’ll be posting a ride report soon, so please look forward to it.
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