Every so often, a new product comes out that I shouldn’t want…but do.
The key to both my heart and my wallet is the word “Jeep”: You could brand that logo into the top of a pancake and I’d be there with my wallet out. So when I learned through the outdoor writer’s grapevine that there was a new Jeep electric bike powered by QuietKat in the works, I marked my calendar and started saving. This bad boy goes for $5,899 to $6,177, but it’s been motoring me through my dreams and soon it will be motoring me through the backcountry. How soon? However long it takes my Jeep electric bike to get from the factory on its ship date of September 1, 2020.
The e-bike that is soon to become mine, all mine, is a full suspension electric mountain bike. Geared towards exploring the far corners of the earth (or at least the areas where it’s legal to ride an e-bike), the Jeep electric mountain bike is the definition of “rugged.” The Fire-Link suspension system is a true four-bar linkage, providing the ultimate traction and capability, while 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes allow for maximum control on steep descents and hard-to-navigate terrain.
This e-bike wasn’t built for bunny trails. The manufacturer calls it “the most capable electric mountain bike in existence,” and in about three weeks I’m going to put that to the test. Constructed on an impressive 26″x4.8″ Fat-Tire platform, the Jeep e-Bike is designed to easily tackle a variety of technical, off-road terrain including soft sand and snow, as well as hardpack trails and rocks. It will achieve speeds of up to 20 mph (and that’s just the part where I drive it out of the store dragging the still-attached tags behind it).
The Jeep e-Bike comes standard with the industry-leading BAFANG Ultra-Drive 750 Watt motor, packing a powerful 150 watts at peak performance and is configurable as a Class 1 or 2 Electric Bicycle. A wide-range drivetrain delivers all the torque you will need to climb the steepest hills. According to the manufacturer, it will do this for riders who weigh up to 300 pounds, which is good for me. (I’m not saying whether I “gained the COVID 19” during quarantine, but I gained the COVID 19 during quarantine.) It can also slow down those same 300 pounds, with the help of Tektro four-piston hydraulic disc brakes paired with 203mm rotors.
Look for the Jeep electric mountain bike the first week of September; QuietKat.com
Not So Free says
A very expensive toy.
There are many other electric bikes out the which will do the same thing at 1/2 -1/3 the price.
I’m actually in the market for one to carry in the RV.
Mark Cozy says
It’s interesting reading all the comments from so-called experts. Check out the Quiet Kat webpage to see how much they charge for all their e-bikes and the price on this model will not seem all that out of line. I did find a new e-bike for my wife, the cheapest I could find that was immediately available, and spent about $1,300 for it. It’s not nearly the bike as the Quiet Kat Jeep Model. Actually I’ve purchased 4 new bikes over the past 5 years. My full suspension 29er, that closely resembles this Jeep e-bike, without the motor, set me back about $2,500 in 2016 and it was a previous year’s model on closeout. Just road it 65 miles over the last couple days.
That being said this e-bike is still too rich for my blood…
J.R. says
This is just straight up stupid. Brand whoring does not look good on men or women over 17 and that much money for a bicycle is beyond ridiculous. I would direct your view to the RadRover 5 ($1500 or less)
David says
Not even in site of my price range. Again we have to wait for something to drop in price for us ordinary mortals to even dream of owning something like this.
Roland says
Cal,
Once again, a bicycle in the price range of $10K+ is not something that would be purchased by someone of moderate means. This sort of thing is marketed for the same folks that drive Bentleys, Lamb’s and the like. People like me, even in my ‘hay day’s’, were relegated to mid-range Nissans or Toyotas, although I did splurge on a very nice Honda 1800 VTX, but, it was less than $3K….even with accessories!
You have to admit that a $5 or $6 thousand dollar bike is going to have an elite market.
Roland
cal says
I hear complaining of the cost and I agree you can get a used vehicle for that price, but BMX bikes can go higher and are run by foot power. I know this because I have built quite a few of them with my son. Just the bike frame alone can run you over a $1000. A fork handle bars, tires, wheels, pegs, crank, meat grinders, etc, ect., etc. can run you a couple of thousand more. Mountain bikes can cost you more. I just saw the Yeti SB130 TURQ T3 XX1 EAGLE AXS carbon wheel mountain bike that is suppose to be a steal at $10,099.00!
Roland says
Holy Fat Tires, Batman! You could buy a real Jeep for that kind of money or hire somebody to push you on your Barbie Bike! You obviously have more dollars than ‘cents.’ BTW, you never said how far it would go on a full charge or how long it takes to charge. Then again, your distance may be limited by the length of you extension cord!
Roland
Maurice Fontenot says
If I paid that much for an e mountain bike, i would have to immediately sell it to paid my lawyer in my divorce.
Sheldon says
Guess your paying 2grand+ for the Brand. They are looking for brand bunnies. Justify that cost to me as your article doesn’t? PS I Have had two Jeeps and they were pretty darn good but this version is way over priced.
Catfish says
I could see it going for around $1,500.00 to a very max of $3,000.00
Jim says
It’s a $3000.00 seems about right to me.
Change my mind.
Andy says
$5,899 to $6,177 for a bike and a battery, yeah right. You can build one for less the $600.00.
Donald Strauss says
this E-Bike sounds great and I would love to have one but the price is hard to swallow.