Welcome back to The Weekly Recharge – Episode 62 ⚡🚴This week we’re covering a major Trek e-bike recall, the latest developments with Rad Power Bikes filing for Chapter 11, and a deep dive into e-bike motor history + longevity (hub vs mid-drive, what lasts longer, and what really kills motors over time).We also hit the newest conversion-kit news with Skarper, a safety program for e-bikes and scooters launching in Las Vegas, plus our trail system of the week: one of the most iconic lakefront rides in the U.S.👕 Merch + Rider of the Week UpdateT-shirts for Riders of the Week and pre-orders should be going out soon — and if you haven’t claimed your free shirt yet, fill out the form in the description so we can ship it to you!👉 Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/t9o6SHE3aTp7hvmW9👉 Merch Shop: https://shop.electricbikereport.com/📰 News of the WeekTrek Recalls 700 Domane+ & Checkpoint+ E-Bikes (2026 models)Trek issued a recall affecting select Domane+ and Checkpoint+ models due to loose chainring bolts, which could create a crash risk if bolts back out while riding. Trek advises affected riders to stop riding immediately and schedule a free dealer repair to torque bolts to spec—plus eligible customers receive $20 store credit.Rad Power Bikes Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection (Possible Sale Incoming)Rad says it filed Chapter 11 as part of a process to complete a sale within the next 45–60 days while continuing normal operations. We break down what that means, why it may (or may not) signal a buyer, and what we’re hoping to see for Rad owners moving forward.Skarper Conversion Kits Offered on Sonder Gravel BikesSkarper’s click-on motor + battery kit is being offered on select Sonder Camino gravel builds—giving riders the ability to go electric when needed and switch back to analog for a lighter bike.Las Vegas Motorcycle Safety Program Adding E-Bike & Scooter TrainingA new safety program is launching to address rising e-bike/e-scooter incidents involving minors—focused on classifications, battery care, and crash prevention through online + in-person training.🧪 In Testing / Recent ReviewsWe’ve got a pile of new bikes from AIMA currently in testing, and several reviews that just went live—check the links below.🌊 E-Bike Trail System of the Weekhttps://www.traillink.com/trail/chicago-lakefront-trail/Chicago Lakefront Trail (IL) — an 18-mile paved path along Lake Michigan with skyline views, beaches, parks, and some of the coolest “bike-accessible” attractions anywhere. Great for commuters, tourists, and anyone who wants a scenic ride with endless stops along the way.💬 Viewer Q&A – Real E-Bike Questions AnsweredIn this episode’s Q&A segment, we answer some of the most common and important questions e-bike riders are asking right now, covering battery life, ergonomics, motor reliability, and how to choose the right bike for mixed riding.🔋 How long do e-bike batteries actually last?🚲 Why do some folding e-bikes feel like you’re reaching too far forward?⚙️ Mid-drive vs hub-drive longevity — which lasts longer?🔥 Can you burn out an e-bike motor by using the throttle too much?💰 Why does one e-bike cost $840 while another costs $2,000+?🔗 Deals & LinksDeals of the Week:Retrospec’s End of Year Blowout – https://ebrdeals.com/RetrospecPromosMokwheel’s Christmas Rush Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/MokwheelPromosSpecialized’s Sale – https://ebrdeals.com/SpecializedPromosRad Power Bikes Deals – https://ebrdeals.com/RadPromosBikes Discussed:Electra Townie Go! S – https://ebrdeals.com/ElectraTownieGoSLectric XP4 – https://ebrdeals.com/LectricXP4-750Velotric Fold 1 Plus – https://ebrdeals.com/VelotricFold1PlusAventon Sinch 2.5 – https://ebrdeals.com/AventonSinch2-5Aventon Aventure M – https://ebrdeals.com/AventonAventureMRide1Up Vorsa – https://ebrdeals.com/Ride1UpVorsaPriority Skyline – https://ebrdeals.com/PrioritySkylineEuphree Stellar Falcon – https://ebrdeals.com/EuphreeStellarFalconVelotric Summit 1 – https://ebrdeals.com/VelotricSummit1📩 Email questions to: [email protected] (or drop a comment—we read them!)#radpowerbikes #ebikenews #trekrecall #middrivevshubdrive00:00 - Intro00:29 - News Of The Week00:47 - Trek recalls 700 bikes02:04 - Rad files for bankruptcy protection04:00 - Skarper partners with Sonder06:31 - New E-Bike/Scooter courses in Las Vegas!08:26 - Trivia Time!15:09 - Currently Testing & Recent Reviews17:33 - E-Bike Trail Systems23:24 - Questions & Comments23:38 - Do batteries die after 1 or 2 years of use?25:55 - Are folding e-bikes really uncomfortable?28:20 - Aventure M vs Ride1Up Vorsa vs Priority Skyline35:26 - Why do we sit so far apart? Do we hate each other?37:13 - Mid-drive vs Rear-hub motors in terms of reliability43:40 - Deals Of The Week47:41 - Rider Highlight50:09 - Wrap Up50:38 - Bloopers

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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