u/trevor_plantaginous

I’m currently in kid carrying configuration. In about a minute I can convert to cargo bike. Bike is not perfect but it’s a great platform for customization.

What I’ve changed:

1. I swapped out every m5 bolt on the bike. The Lectric bolts are awful and strip and rust. For about $11 you can swap it all out.
2. Extra battery! Added a 20ah battery. Put a Velcro wrap on it because it rattled a bit. Battery and splitter and mounts were about $350 all in.
3. Tires! Added ultraverse tires and tubes. About $100.
4. Brakes! Added new hydraulic brakes - about $70.

This bike is far from perfect but it’s an amazing platform for configuration. I also have the “hack” where if I set the tire size to 5 inches I get 28+ mph on throttle. With the extra battery I’m getting over 50 miles on throttle.

I think I’m done putting money into this. It’s really an amazing bike with some modifications. Folding is key for me as I throw in the back of the truck and go on adventures to Yosemite, Zion, Catalina, etc.

I’m sure plenty of brands try to influence the conversation on Reddit, but what I’m seeing around Urtopia and Pedego is particularly blatant.

There seems to be a steady stream of supposedly organic posts from “customers,” followed by remarkably similar comments and talking points repeated across multiple e-bike subs. The screenshot here is just one example: the same account posting variations of the same comments across Reddit throughout the day.

Maybe there’s an innocent explanation. But when supposedly independent users repeatedly post the same brand-friendly messaging across multiple communities, it starts looking a lot less like genuine word of mouth and a lot more like coordinated marketing.

I don’t own a Urtopia or Pedego and have no issue with either bike. My issue is with marketing that presents itself as authentic customer conversation when it may not be.
If these accounts are affiliated with the brands, agencies, dealers, or anyone being compensated to promote them, that relationship should be disclosed. Reddit users deserve to know when they’re reading an actual customer recommendation versus marketing dressed up as one.

Been documenting this for months and it’s gonna make an amazing media story.

I won't get into range and installation because thats been beat to death on this sub. I originally opted to go with the GT3 battery as it increased range by 50% and didn't take up deck space or add weight. I finally broke down and bought the external when it came available - I figured at the least I'd be able to resell with their ongoing supply issues, and every now and then there is a specific beach spot that I like to go to that is a nearly 40 mile ride round trip (been taking ebike for that trip specifically). So far I'm pleasantly surprised.

Pros:

Easy to install: No issues playing with GT3 battery. Didn't have to do any firmware update and scooter displays both batteries.

Weight: I was concerned the 8lbs would mess with the balance/stopping/etc. Oddly the scooter almost feels more balanced with the external. I never had any wobble issues but the scooter almost feels more balanced with the external attached.

Foot space: This was my biggest concern. Was concerned the battery would make it awkward with my from foot (I'm a 12 1/2 shoe so deck space was already at a premium). The external isn't really a problem - my foot fits well under the battery and I don't really notice its there.

Cons:

Locking: This is a legit pain in the ass. External pretty much makes my Ulock useless. The frame the battery attaches is prefect for locking. Now its almost impossible to use a ulock on a bike rack.

As much as I despise Elon - it's the second time sentry mode has saved me with insurance. First time person just backed into my car and fled - this time they just side swiped in broad daylight, pulled off the front bumper and just drove away (woman in the passenger seat starts yelling "drive! drive!" after the collision. Police report filed, and videos sent to insurance. I hope they actually follow up and get them. What is wrong with people.

Best investment ever. All range anxiety is gone. I was on tour for the first 20 miles with little throttle and only used 10% battery. Almost all throttle on turbo the second 20 miles and used 20%. I think 80+ miles is totally doable.

How is this still burning???