Momentum PakYak E

BY BARRY LYSTER

New Momentum PakYak E+ eCargo Bike Outperforms on All Terrain

The popularity of e-cargo bikes is quickly growing, both for personal and commercial use, given their ability to carry large loads, additional passengers, and pack enough supplies for multi-day adventures. We were excited to get the opportunity to test the new Momentum PakYak E+ via Giant Bicycles, the parent company. One of the recent entries into this category, our test e-cargo bike arrived in December amidst some tough winter conditions, but like its Himalayan namesake, the PakYak E+ was designed to brave the elements and was up to the challenge. Powered by a mid-mounted Yamaha SyncDrive Pro motor, the 250-watt drive system produces 80Nm of torque with up to 360% of assistance. The integrated 500Wh Panasonic battery securely locks in the downtube and has a range of up to about 100km. For extended trips, an auxiliary battery can be neatly carried in the handy lockable storage box behind the seat tube. The easy-to-use bar-mounted RideControl Dash manages the five levels of assist, including auto mode. The full colour LED screen is easy to read and easy to navigate during the ride, with the ability to push the buttons even with large winter gloves on. Another nice touch is the USB charge port. The PakYak E+ features Smart Assist technology that uses six sensors to factor in ride speed and terrain to deliver seamless power integration. Only found in the SyncDrive series, it allows riders to focus on enjoying the ride without manually adjusting. The PakYak E+ is the first electric bike featuring the Shimano Nexus Inter-5E rear hub that’s designed for e-bike mid-drive systems to guarantee smooth shifting. The frame and fork are built in-house using Giant’s proprietary ALUXX aluminum, and it comes equipped with Tektro 203mm 4-piston hydraulic brakes for stopping power. Other great features include a low-step frame, dropper seatpost for quick adjustments on the fly, a front cargo basket, a rear rack, integrated Supernova front and rear lights, and a double kickstand. Available in one size, it comes in Traffic Yellow and Patina Green colour schemes, with an extensive range of accessories and carrying options also available. Our test model was accessorized with a PakYak passenger bar and footrests. One of the benefits of e-cargo bikes is that they inspire creativity. Although the front cargo basket and rear child carrier were just slightly too small for a standard milk crate, my all-weather yellow BOB Gear Dry Sak bag from the past fit

The PakYak E+ offers amazing carrying options. Yamaha 250-watt SyncDrive Pro motor with 80Nm of torque.

Easy-to-use bar-mounted RideControl Dash.

PHOTOS: MOMENTUM BIKES

The new Momentum PakYak E+ e-cargo bike is great for any utility needs or adventures.

eBIKE TEST

nicely into the back passenger bar. Additional items in the up- daughter at the local gravel dykes. And to top it off, it was a front carrier were easily held in place with bungee cords. blast to ride the PakYak E+ on the local trails, proving that this The stabilized steering control handlebars greatly e-cargo bike is not just all work and no play. enhanced the balance of the bike, especially while loaded, When doing trips in heavy-duty raingear and boots, the and also aided when maneuvering the e-cargo bike on foot or PakYak E+ was at the ready with its wide aluminum fenders with the walk-assist mode. I was amazed at how the PakYak deflecting road water and grime. E+ performed on the ice and snow. Surviving the winter elements was The longer wheelbase and lower a breeze on the PakYak E+, but keep distribution of weight helped the bike Low-step frame, dropper in mind that sub-zero temperatures are to plow through the snow. seatpost, and removable / not very friendly to e-bike batteries for The 24x2.5” Maxxis Hookworm lockable battery. charging. It was easy to get into the habit tires are bigger and wider than most of removing it and charging it inside the other e-cargo bikes in this class for warmth of the house. The EnergyPak increased comfort, which enhanced 6A Smart charger can fully recharge the the feel and stability of the ride. By battery in under four hours, with an 80% slightly reducing the tire pressure, charge achievable in two hours. the traction on the ice and snow was As mentioned, the lockable greatly enhanced. storage box is another nice feature, The SyncDrive Pro’s smooth, along with the wide, double-sided controlled acceleration from a standstill prevented any kickstand, which easily supported the e-cargo bike while skidding, and I was impressed with how efficient it performed, parked. Additional accessories such as rear panniers, a even when pedalling at a lower cadence. The PakYak E+ passenger seat pad, wheel guards, rear basket and tote quickly got up to the maximum assisted speed of 32kph and bag are also available. purred along in a quiet, almost unnoticeable manner. Using The debut of the Momentum PakYak E+ was refreshing, the easy-access bottle mounts, I secured a cage to hold my and it’s well worth a look and/or test ride for those in the coffee mug in an easy-to-reach location, without spilling a market for a reliable and sturdy e-cargo bike. It did not drop. disappoint, and we anticipate refinements and additional This e-cargo bike quickly became a family favourite. The accessories will become available down the road. low-swung frame and mountain-bike-inspired dropper post My only regret was that due to the inclement weather I with remote seat height changer made switching between was not able to load up and take the PakYak E+ on a multiusers a snap. The PakYak E+ did recycling runs, grocery day adventure, as it would be a great companion to explore shopping, work commutes, and took my daughter Kaelen to the great outdoors. curling practice with brooms and gear securely attached. It The SRP is $6,299. For more information, visit even performed some tempo motor pacing sessions for my www.momentum-biking.com