Photo: JackRabbit (Composite)
What about the “micro” in “micro-mobility”? For all of us debating whether to use an e-bike or an e-scooter as a first- and last-mile solution, JackRabbit says we shouldn’t have to choose at all. Not when there’s always a JackRabbit-powered hybrid around.
Our cities may be getting busier by the day (and they are), but at least we don’t lack options for coping, from bikes to scooters to electric versions of both and hybrids that blur the lines between the categories. The two-wheeler JackRabbit also falls into the latter category, as it’s neither a seated electric scooter nor a true electric bike, though it does combine distinctive features of both.
JackRabbit has been around since 2018, when it debuted in crowdfunding. It is the brainchild of San Diego-based triathlon coach Tom Piszkin and was designed specifically to avoid easy classification. Piszkin tackled the problem of first- and last-mile solutions for urban mobility by taking the best of both bikes and scooters and combining them into a deceptively cute motorized two-wheeler.
Since it was neither an electric bike nor an electric scooter, Piszkin called it a “micro-electric bicycle.” From a legal standpoint, however, it is very likely that the JackRabbit is a Class 2 e-bike.
Photo: JackRabbit
The first iteration of the JackRabbit, released that year, was the funkiest of the lot. Since then, the two-wheeler has evolved to look more refined and more bike-like, but also to offer better and more reliable performance. In 2020, the flagship JackRabbit 2.0 debuted, again through crowdfunding, which would later become the JackRabbit OG.
This is JackRabbit OG2, which the company describes as the result of taking “the best micro e-bike” and making it even better. As such, the OG2 offers a little more power, a little more speed, and overall a more comfortable and enjoyable ride. And that's saying a lot when you consider that the OG, i.e. “the best micro e-bike”, It has been unanimously described by reviewers as the most fun electric two-wheeler around.
Immediately noticeable changes include a curved down tube under the stem that hides the battery and the ability to fold completely for easy transport. To be clear, the two-wheeler itself doesn’t actually fold, but you can hide the footpegs and rotate the handlebars to create a “flat” package that can then be carried on public transport or in the trunk of a daily driver, even if that driver is a passenger car.
Photo: JackRabbit
Power comes from a 300W rear hub motor that can take the OG2 to a top speed of 20 mph (32 km), with three riding modes (Low, Mid, High) available. The motor is paired with a UL-certified 36V 151.2Wh Li-Ion battery pack that’s good for an estimated range of 10 miles (16 km).
That doesn’t sound like much, but keep in mind that the two-wheeler isn’t a typical e-bike that can completely replace your car or public transportation on your daily commute. This is a first- and last-mile solution, which means a reduced range is a given. The upside is that the battery is hot-swappable, which means you could get 20 miles (32 km) on a single charge if you buy a second one as a range extender. A full charge takes three hours, by the way.
Improvements over the previous generation model also include a new digital display for stats and an auto-off function to save battery life, sturdier aluminum footrests, and a more stable kickstand. The 20-inch wheels are wrapped in all-terrain tires for a smoother ride, and you can add an optional seat post for even more comfort.
Photo: JackRabbit
The 6061 aluminum monocoque frame retains the very compact dimensions of the four-year-old 2.0 model and the mechanical rear disc brake for stopping power. However, unlike its predecessors, it is slightly heavier, weighing in at 25 pounds (11.3 kg). It is still light enough to lift with one hand, making it ideal for city dwellers who have to climb stairs to get home.
Also turning JackRabbit into an indispensable little electric car, the OG2 is FAA compliant, which means you can take it with you on a plane—as long as you remove the battery and use the JackRabbit travel bag for transport. “Fits anywhere, travels anywhere” It is one of the guidelines underlying the design of the new model and the attention paid to it is immediately evident.
Photo: JackRabbit
The JackRabbit OG2 starts at $1,250, not including extras like a suspension seat, extra battery, lights, or travel bag.
Availability is currently limited to the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, and likely depends on e-bike legislation in other countries. A two-wheeler like this, no matter how cute, comfortable, or environmentally friendly, requires registration and a license in countries in the European Union, for example.
