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The vintage-look MOD BIKES Straightforward e-bike is a strong, fashionable, and cozy experience by itself, however when the SideCar is connected, this combo is a severe head-turner and is nearly assured to incite some world-class envy wherever it’s ridden. Similar to another model of e-bike, it’s not for everybody, and it’s not appropriate for all routes and all terrain, however if you happen to’re in search of a feature-packed cruiser bike to software round city on (and possibly carry a child or a canine or the groceries) the Straightforward + SideCar is a superb alternative.
![MOD BIKES Easy SideCar 3](https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/MOD-Easy-Sidecar.png)
We lately shared the information in regards to the 2024 assortment from MOD BIKES, which was launched a few week in the past at SXSW, however the firm really despatched its Straightforward + SideCar 3 to me previous to that for evaluation functions. I’ve to confess that earlier than it arrived, I used to be type of skeptical about it whilst I used to be drawn to its retro-look, however I ended up being pleasantly stunned with the efficiency of the Straightforward by itself, and when the SideCar was connected, to be fairly a enjoyable and utilitarian experience. The Straightforward 3 can also be bought by itself with out the SideCar, so even if you happen to’re not desirous about that function, the Straightforward is a snug and succesful cruiser bike all by itself.
![MOD BIKES Easy SideCar 3](https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mod-easy-sidecar1-scaled.jpeg)
MOD BIKES describes the Straightforward as being “impressed by World Warfare II bikes,” and with the SideCar connected, it positively captures the enduring look of these early motorbikes, so I’ve to provide it lots of model factors simply from the get-go. Assembling the Straightforward was, properly, simple, and though when assembling the sidecar I felt like I actually wanted three fingers, it was an easy affair, and the one half that held me up for a minute was attaching the SideCar mounting bracket to the bike and leveling the SideCar, just because it was an all-new expertise for me.
![MOD BIKES Easy 3 SideCar mount](https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/easy-sidecar-mount.png)
The Straightforward includes a 750W (1050W peak) rear geared hub motor paired with a torque sensor, which delivers a really pure feeling when pedaling, because the torque sensor effectively conveys the precise pressure the rider is making use of to the pedals again to the motor (versus an e-bike with a cadence sensor, which might really feel kind of awkward or jerky to experience because of its a lot much less nuanced ‘on or off’ strategy). The battery, which is hid within the fake gasoline tank within the prime tube, is a Samsung 48V 720Wh li-ion pack that provides a variety of as much as 50 miles per cost, relying on how and the place it’s ridden and the way a lot weight is being moved — in fact, driving it with a loaded SideCar will are available on the shorter finish of that vary, as will relying closely on the throttle or a excessive stage of pedal help. An elective twin battery setup can also be accessible if an extended vary between expenses is required.
One standout function of the Straightforward’s electrical drivetrain is the power to fine-tune every of the 5 pedal help ranges by adjusting the torque-assist, the pace restrict, and the acceleration charge to be able to swimsuit the rider’s preferences and the terrain being lined. These adjustments will be made by way of the bike’s show (no app wanted), so it’s doable to regulate the settings on the fly, so to talk. There’s a thumb throttle on the bike’s handlebar, so pedaling shouldn’t be needed at speeds as much as 20 mph (though driving up steep or lengthy hills or with a heavy load is finest completed largely with pedal help, in my expertise). The highest pace with pedal help is 28 mph, however personally I might solely experience that quick with out the SideCar, because it’s an entire totally different really feel when that’s connected (I consider the beneficial prime pace when connected is 10 mph). [I just found out today how to unlock a secret off-road mode in the settings, so stay tuned, as I’ll update this post after I get a feel for that.]
So far as the texture of the experience goes, between the entrance suspension fork (100 mm of journey) and the suspension seatpost (40 mm of journey) and the huge gel saddle and the three″ fats tires, the Straightforward handles bumps and tough roads with ease. As well as, the upright driving place enabled by the cruiser-style handlebar and the body’s geometry makes for a really snug bike to pedal. Twin hydraulic disc brakes ship loads of stopping energy, which for a heavy-ish e-bike ridden at prime pace is a should, and the electrical motor cuts out when the brakes are utilized, maintaining the chances of an inadvertent acceleration accident occurring to a minimal. A neat function of the Straightforward is the parking brake operate, which basically permits the rider to drag one or each brake levers totally in and lock them into place in order that the bike gained’t roll away from you — one thing that’s particularly useful when the SideCar is connected and you’ll’t put the kickstand down.
For security, riders can go for a Lumos Extremely good helmet, which might rapidly be paired with the Straightforward utilizing the wi-fi MOD Join system, permitting for the flip alerts on the helmet to be activated by the bike’s controls, and for the helmet’s brake gentle to be activated mechanically together with the bike’s brake gentle. By itself, the Lumos helmet has a separate management unit that’s connected to the handlebar, however by having the bike sync with the helmet, it’s a way more seamless expertise, and one much less management unit on the handlebar. The Lumos Extremely options 30 white LEDs on the entrance, and 64 pink LEDs on the rear of it for flip sign and brake gentle capabilities, each of which show you how to be extra seen on the highway each evening and day. Extra security options on the Straightforward are the massive retro-styled wide-beam LED headlight (with an elective amber lens insert), a rear LED brake gentle, and a bell.
![Lumos Ultra smart helmet](https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Lumos-Ultra-MODBIKES-800x449.jpg)
Entrance and rear fenders assist shield the rider from highway grime and dirt, and so on., and the Shimano ALTUS 7-speed system has a granny gear (they name it a Energy Gear), which is useful on steep hills and when closely loaded, so the Straightforward may very well be an honest city commuter bike. At a weight of about 77 kilos, the Straightforward isn’t a featherweight by any means, so I wouldn’t need to have to hold it up or down lots of stairs on the common, nevertheless it isn’t excessively heavy for what it’s.
![MOD Easy SideCar 3 mounting points](https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mod-sidecar-mounted-600x800.png)
The SideCar connects to a mounting bracket (which is connected to the seat keep and the chain keep) on the proper aspect of the bike with three fast launch connections, so it may well simply come off for solo rides or be connected for carrying a child or some gear. It weighs 42 kilos empty, and has a 150-pound payload capability, which appeared a bit optimistic to me except you’re solely driving totally on flat floor — in spite of everything, with a mixed weight of 119 lb (empty), plus a rider, plus the load of regardless of the SideCar is loaded with, that’s an entire lotta mass to be moved. That’s to not say that you just couldn’t experience the Straightforward + SideCar totally loaded with cargo, as I used to be capable of nonetheless rise up to an honest cruising pace with a heavy load, nevertheless it felt to me that this combo is finest suited to flatter paved surfaces. As they are saying, your mileage could fluctuate, each figuratively and virtually.
There’s a little bit of a studying curve to driving with the SideCar connected, because the bike desires to remain upright and never lean into turns (though you actually can get it to lean when turning proper, with the SideCar catching a little bit of air), nevertheless it’s not extremely tough to get the cling of. I might simply recommend beginning sluggish and low (weight) at first, and solely including your treasured cargo of a canine or a child after some follow. A padded seat and a seatbelt permits for carrying a toddler within the SideCar, and there are a pair of D-rings mounted to the ground for attaching a leash or two. The one lacking issues, in my view, are a canopy for the opening of the SideCar that might preserve out rain (or preserve your cargo out of view), and holes within the backside of it to empty out any water that will get in it. Nonetheless, in a dry local weather or if it’s solely parked inside, these aren’t actually points (and I suppose you possibly can drill your individual drainage holes if wanted).
![MOD BIKES Snap-On rear basket](https://cleantechnica.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/mod-snapon-rear-800x600.png)
The corporate’s Snap-On system of equipment is one other actually cool function, and MOD despatched me a Snap-On rear basket (above), which will be rapidly and simply connected to the rear rack when wanted, after which eliminated simply as simply when it isn’t. There’s additionally a Snap-On “bench” accessible, which might connect to the rear rack for carrying a toddler with you (as much as 65 lb!). Additionally they despatched a quick-release entrance rack (not pictured), which was not fairly as fast to put in because the Snap-On rear basket, however was nonetheless a reasonably simple factor so as to add or take away. The one little glitch that I got here throughout in regards to the entrance rack was that if you happen to do relocate the headlight from the fork to the rack as beneficial, it’s not a fast course of to maneuver the headlight again to its unique place when eradicating the entrance rack. That mentioned, I really feel just like the entrance rack is a good accent to maintain mounted on the bike, whereas the rear Snap-On basket is a very simple accent to connect solely when wanted. Granted, if in case you have the SideCar connected, plus the entrance rack, after which the rear basket connected, that’s lots of helpful room for hauling stuff round.
I’m no videographer, so as a substitute of my feeble makes an attempt at a video, right here’s founder Dor Korngold introducing the Straightforward SideCar 3:
And now for the nitty-gritty. The Straightforward 3 retails for $3290, and the Straightforward 3 + SideCar retails for $4190, which could appear expensive if you happen to’re on a good funds, however if you happen to’re changing automobile journeys with the Straightforward + SideCar — particularly if you wish to look tremendous fashionable whereas doing it — then it’s really an honest worth for what it’s. For some peace of thoughts for hesitant consumers, you must know that MOD BIKES presents a 5-year restricted guarantee, with a 5-year guarantee on the body, an 18-month guarantee on the fork and suspension programs and the motor, battery and show, and a 1-year guarantee on the drivetrain. Plus, the entire e-bikes include a 14-day dwelling trial interval, so if you happen to determine a selected mannequin shouldn’t be best for you, they may refund the acquisition worth or work with you for an change, and can organize for pickup of the bike, all of which go alongside means towards assuaging any buying fears.
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