The KBO Ranger Cargo Electric Bike is one of the newest product releases from the KBO brand. Somehow and after we took it for a test, it became apparent that it competes head to head with some of the best cargo bikes from Tern and Rad Power Bikes.
Everything from the portable and lightweight frame to the generous payload capacity makes it a new and exciting choice for riders who want a little more at an affordable price. There are a few reasons why this e-bike is even a top contender in the first place.
Price, speed, portability, and stellar performance are just some of them. If you’re still wondering what all the rave is about, let’s explore KBO Ranger Cargo Electric Bike Review in details.
Below are the KBO Ranger Cargo Electric Bike Review in details
Main Features of the KBO Ranger Cargo Electric Bike
Motor and Power
If you’re looking for an electric cargo bike that ticks the boxes on power and capacity, then the KBO Ranger Electric Bike may be the right pick. It comes with a high-performance 750W motor that’s supposed to make both hilly and level-grounded rides hassle-free.
Additionally, the 840Wh LG battery does power this e-bike for a generous amount of time after a full, single charge.
Range
Thanks to the geared hub 750W motor and long-lasting battery, riders may be able to enjoy up to 60 miles on the road without the need for a battery change.
This means you can ride to work, stop over and visit friends/relatives, and maybe even drive by for some quick take-out before heading home. The KBO Ranger also qualifies as a Class 3 electric bike since it can achieve speeds beyond 20 mph
In throttle-only mode, and according to our test outcomes, this e-bike can achieve up to 23 mph, even though you may be prohibited from doing so in some parts of the US.
Speed
Not all electric bikes feature a throttle and a pedal assist. Some either have one or the other. This is one of the features that put the KBO Ranger on the radar of riders who love more control when riding.
With just a press of a button, the throttle helps propel the electric bike forward. This allows riders to stop pedaling for a while and just enjoy the ride. However, pedal-assist will only kick in when you’re pedaling.
There are five levels of pedal assist to enjoy with the KBO Ranger. However, if you ever feel the need to relax a little, the twist-throttle will provide you with on-demand power.
You’ll also be able to hit speed ranges between 20 and 23 mph depending on the terrain.
Weight Limit and Net Weight
One of the greatest selling points of the KBO Ranger is its rear rack and 400lbs payload capacity. It’s a big deal since not all cargo e-bikes offer such a generous space allowance. Except you’re trying to fit a truck-load amount of cargo on an e-bike, the bike should be suitable for your needs.
This allows a good amount of cargo, or maybe one or two passengers to ride along with. In total, the sturdy aluminum rack can hold up to 120 pounds in weight. For a bike that weighs 77 lbs, you may want to admit, that’s pretty awesome.
Design and Engineering
An e-bike could have everything and still lack the very basics. One of the most crucial essentials is quality build made with durable materials. Everything from the large aluminum rear rack suggests a durable design.
Plus, the rack comes tastefully finished with a wooden top that also looks pretty solid. There’s also the rust-resistant dual center stands equally made of aluminum alloy.
You may agree that aluminum is currently the top choice when it comes to durable reinforcement and long-lasting parts.
Beyond the smart frame/component engineering, there’s also an ‘intelligent mounting bracket’ that easily supports up to 50lbs in weight. Plus, the rear and front fenders keep the dirt and other elements at bay.
Testing Evaluation
Tested against similar models within the same category
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 77 lbs (35 kg)
- Motor | 750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 35-60 Miles
- Battery | 48V, 17.5Ah Lithium-ion Battery (Samsung/LG Cells)
- Speed | 20-23 MPH
Warranty & Shipping
This is one area where major brands can either win or miss it. For the KBO Ranger, the brand offers free shipping to all the States in the US excluding Hawaii and Alaska. However, any shipment to Canada will attract a $150 fee.
At least that amount is cushioned with a 2-year warranty, which may not sound that generous to most people accustomed to how electrical products work. If it helps, there’s also a 14-day return policy in case you are not satisfied with the workings of the electric cargo bike.
Other Facts About The KBO Ranger Cargo Electric Bike. You
Known Issues and Downsides
There’s practically no product without even the littlest downside. The KBO Ranger is not exempt from that fact at all. One thing we noticed after assembling the electric cargo bike was the weight of this beast.
It’s not the lightest electric bike out there, which may be a challenge for smaller riders or anyone who doesn’t fancy that extra stress. What we also noticed was the full dose of power once the motor comes on.
We kind a wished there was a power-control button, similar to the five levels of pedal assist. Another issue we slightly disappointed about is the front mechanical disc brakes. Plus, they can be somewhat noisy, especially when climbing up steep hills.
KBO Ranger vs Other Similar Products
The KBO can undoubtedly sit in the league of top electric cargo bikes like the RadWagon and Tern GSD. However, the KBO Ranger is a bit more compact than the RadWagon.
The KBO Ranger’s 69” frame isn’t as long as the RadWagon’s 78.7” frame. This makes it easier to maneuver through tight corners. The puncture-resistant tires are also wider than most commuter e-bike tires.
This improves stability and ensures a smoother ride. At least this was the experience during our testing. The Tern was another tough contender, but the price tag is one of the factors that make the KBO Ranger a preferred choice.
Just like the Tern GSD, the KBO Ranger Cargo Electric Bike sits a bit low to accommodate shorter riders. Both of them are relatively the same size, the former is just more high-end and has more fancy features.
Plus, the Tern sports a mid-drive motor, which seems like the better choice for those that desire maximal performance and greater torques.
However, with the 750W geared hub motor, the Ranger can still make decent climbs and packs a good amount of power for a smooth ride on different terrains.
Who Should Buy The KBO Ranger?
Who Is This Product for?
The KBO Ranger Cargo Electric Bike is not just a suitable option for riders who need extra space for easy hauling. It’s also one of the few affordable options on the market. Plus, so far, it’s safe to say it’s also a budget-friendly choice for its class that delivers on quality as well.
So, for riders who need an e-cargo bike that allows up to 400lbs, with good mileage and a powerful motor, this may be an excellent choice.
Who Is This Product Not for?
Thanks to that generous 400lbs rear rack, the KBO Ranger is considerably heavy at 77lbs. It’s also not the most portable on the market because of the purpose it serves. So, if you’re big on compact and light e-bikes, it may not be the best decision to purchase the Ranger.
Plus, if you are into more high-end e-cargo bikes with silent motors and excellent climbing ability, the Ranger may not deliver on all those requirements.
Its main deliverables are the generous rear rack, relatively promising speed levels, and the long battery life that allows long and enjoyable commutes.
Testing Evaluation
Tested against similar models within the same category
Main Features:
- Riders Weight Limit | 77 lbs (35 kg)
- Motor | 750W Brushless Geared Hub Motor
- Range | Up to 35-60 Miles
- Battery | 48V, 17.5Ah Lithium-ion Battery (Samsung/LG Cells)
- Speed | 20-23 MPH
