The primary time I noticed a JackRabbit, I couldn’t assist however giggle. For somebody that comes from the e-bike world, the proportions are simply so humorous trying. However the extra I’ve considered it, the extra this humorous little “micro e-bike” looks like it may remedy loads of issues for city commuters.
The San Diego-based mobility firm refers to its JackRabbit as a micro e-bike, although I’m certain that my most pedantic readers can be fast to level out that it’s extra precisely described as a scooter because it lacks useful pedals.
However identical to motorcyclists discuss with their “bikes”, so too do the JackRabbit creators. And no matter what you name it, there’s some attention-grabbing functionality packed into this pint-sized electrical two-wheeler.
On the bike facet of issues, the JackRabbit options 20″ bike wheels with a wider tire on the rear to make up for its lack of suspension. There’s a inflexible bike fork up entrance and a single disc brake on the rear. A bicycle seat and handlebars add to the bike credentials, however then the fold up foot pegs put us again in scooter territory.
There’s a small 158 Wh detachable battery within the prime of the body and a (barely bigger) 300W geared hub motor within the rear wheel. With a push of the thumb throttle on the handlebars, the JackRabbit will get as much as 20 mph (32 km/h), and carries a claimed vary of 12 miles (20 km).
That’s not a very massive vary in comparison with most e-bikes as of late, however slightly is extra par for the course in comparison with scooters. Contemplating that is very a lot meant as an city commuter, 12 miles looks like a pleasant steadiness for ample vary whereas sustaining a low weight.
And at simply 24 lb (10.9 kg), it’s tremendous light-weight. The JackRabbit additionally folds to a width of simply 7 inches, which means you may raise it simply to carrying into an residence or dorm room, then fold it all the way down to relaxation towards a wall or underneath a dorm. “Folding” won’t be one of the best phrase, since regardless of the pegs really folding up, the handlebars pop off and clip inline towards the body. Both manner you slice it, the JackRabbit undoubtedly tucks down into a skinny little type issue when not in use.
That’s the entire concept, which got here to co-founder Tom Piszkin someday when watching his college students present up late. As a coach at UCSD, he noticed his athletes typically struggling to navigate campus successfully. Parking was practically unattainable to seek out, bikes had been repeatedly getting stolen, and skateboards/scooters had been solely good for easy, manicured paths. He needed to design a greater resolution that was small and light-weight so it might be introduced inside a classroom or dorm room to forestall it being stolen outdoors, but nonetheless had the secure and speedy experience of a bicycle. With a little bit of ingenuity, the frankenstein creation he got here up with mixed points of bikes and scooters into the JackRabbit.
In the present day’s model is definitely the JackRabbit 2.0, which is the brand new and improved model that adopted a profitable crowdfunding marketing campaign on Kickstarter. Over 100 backers pledged funds to assist the JackRabbit staff deliver the brand new design to life, and now the brand new and improved model is in inventory and delivery throughout the US. It’s priced at $1,199, and add-on equipment resembling a rear rack, spare battery and a fender set are additionally accessible.
Whereas it actually has limitations such because the brief vary from a small battery, the corporate says that it performs nice on the activity it’s designed for: brief city journeys. Most e-bikes have for much longer ranges than 12 miles, however most e-bikes are additionally designed for a mix of leisure cruising in addition to city transportation. The JackRabbit is solely designed to get riders from level A to level B, after which largely disappear towards a wall when not in use. That’s additionally helped it develop into widespread with RV house owners, boaters and others who require a light-weight, small type issue transportation choice when away from their most important experience. The battery is even sufficiently small to make it one of many solely “e-bikes” you may fly with, because the battery capability is beneath the 160 Wh restrict imposed by TSA and lots of airways.
I had the possibility to speak to JackRabbit’s CEO Jason Kenagy in regards to the humorous little micro e-bike, and he helped shed some extra gentle on the design.
In response to my first response, which was an involuntary chuckle, he took it in stride:
“A brand new type issue will at all times increase a couple of eyebrows at first. Bear in mind when scooters got here out? Individuals laughed on the concept and thought they appeared dorky. However at present, you may’t stroll down a block in most cities with out seeing a row of them. They’re now fully accepted by the mainstream.”
That’s completely true. Not solely are electrical scooters in every single place in cities all over the world, however they characterize a multi-billion greenback business. Heck, particular person scooter-sharing corporations have achieved billion greenback valuations by themselves.
It’s about extra than simply acceptance although. As Jason continued, it’s about being efficient:
“However in all seriousness, one of the best half in regards to the small measurement of a JackRabbit is its comfort. Our e-bike is just 24 lbs, so you may simply throw one into your automobile or carry it up stairs. And since a JackRabbit can fold all the way down to 7 inches broad, it could possibly simply tuck inside a closet or a small house. Nevertheless, our “fun-size” doesn’t sacrifice efficiency or high quality. Our e-bikes pack a punch with a prime pace of 20 mph and are constructed with solely top-notch supplies, made to final.”
Electrek’s Take
I’ll admit that I laughed on the idea at first. However after a extra vital look and talking with Jason, I agree there’s actual advantage right here.
Clearly this isn’t the e-bike you select for an extended Sunday cruise or to get in a exercise. However for light-weight, easy city navigation, this appears nearly excellent. And in the event you actually needed to go additional, simply snag a spare battery for $199 and also you’re all set to double your vary. The spare battery even has a bit of holster so you may retailer it underneath your seat. In case you’re particularly fast and dexterous, you would possibly even be capable to swap it in with out coming to a cease.
Typically after I write about standard electrical scooters, particularly ones that hit increased speeds of 20 mph or extra, commenters will point out how harmful the small wheels look. Hitting a pot gap with 8″ scooter wheels at 20 mph is a recipe for catastrophe, sending the rider over the handlebars and hurtling to the bottom. However 20″ bike wheels can cowl most obstacles you’d anticipate finding in an city jungle. And the brief wheelbase of this factor appears so nimble that you can in all probability toss out a handful of change after which weave by every coin like a slalom.
I additionally like that it is available in a shiny yellow colour choice. These in-your-face colours are onerous to drag off for many any automobile, e-bikes included (it takes a uncommon breed of particular person to drives a shiny yellow automobile). However one thing as wild and fun-looking because the JackRabbit appears to rock it completely.
As our readers already know, Electrek has developed a fame as a pacesetter in e-bike and e-scooter critiques. So that you higher imagine that I’m going to return again quickly with an in-depth evaluation of this superior little bugger. Till then, let’s hear what you consider the JackRabbit within the feedback part beneath!
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