In many parts of the world, carrying excess cargo on two wheels is just a way of life. In others, the idea of taking a bicycle to the store for a grocery run while leaving the car at home is still a wacky concept. But even in those car-centric places, cargo bike conceptions are slowly changing. Now, Momentum is hoping to enter the #carryshitolympics with their new PakYak E+—their first e-cargo bike.
The PakYak E+ is a burly machine. The class 3 e-bike tops out at 28 mph and boasts a quick recharge time and respectable range with battery help from Panasonic. It gets an automatic shifting internal gear rear hub from Shimano, and the SyncDrive Pro motor cranks out 80Nm of torque so you can keep speed and stability even when you’re weighed down. Beefy four-piston disc brakes make it stop regardless. And riders can add an auxiliary battery to double the 60-mile standard range.
Finally, an array of baskets, racks, and lockable storage cases give riders plenty of ways to carry the load.
“The PakYak E+ is the ultimate cargo E-bike for everything from carrying kids to school, bringing home groceries or enjoying a weekend adventure,” said Phoebe Liu, chief branding officer of Giant Group, which includes Giant, Liv, Momentum and CADEX brands. “With the ability to use an optional auxiliary battery to go further, the PakYak E+ gives riders another reason to leave their cars at home.”
Momentum PakYak E+: beefy build
Momentum developed their latest motor with help from Yamaha for the PakYak E+’s drivetrain, which features their Smart Assist Tech which uses six different sensors to measure various factors like ride speed, terrain and surface grade for smooth power integration.
SyncDrive is Giant’s own in-house motor line, and it’s supposedly the only motor range to get the Smart Assist tech. And the Shimano Nexus Inter-5E rear hub provides fully automatic shifting designed specifically for e-bikes.
The bike’s 500Wh lithium-ion battery can be re-charged in about four hours with the 6A charger. Momentum claims that it recharges to 80% — enough to ride almost 50 miles — in just over two hours. Equipping with the auxiliary battery increases the bike’s range to a maximum 120 miles but limits space in the built-in storage case. Both batteries can be locked for security.
The small dash screen shows all the typical stats like speed, remaining range and battery charge, and assist level indicator. The associated app, Momentum’s RideControl, collects performance stats like cadence and rider power (in watts), plus navigation and route planning features.
A step-through frame and dropper seat post add to the PakYak E+’s rider comfort quotient. 24” x 2.5” tires give the heavy craft a stable base.
Accessorizing and pricing
There are too many accessory choices to explicate; apart from the usual racks, cases, mudguards and water bottle holders, buyers can also bring (little) passengers along with the PakYak E+’s seat attachments.
The PakYak E+ looks like every bit of an urban workhorse, at a stock weight of 79 lbs. MSRP: $5,500 to start.
