Flyer L885 Cargo eBike Review ($1999 Longtail Cargo and Kid Hauler)
Вставка
- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- 2023 Is shaping up to be the year of the cargo eBike in America. Major players began releasing cargo bikes during the last half of 2022 and we understand there are many more in the pipeline. Radio Flyer has a marketing edge with its nostalgic name and family friendly reputation. The L885 cargo bike is poised to give the brand new context for kids and adults. Miss GoElectric puts this capable eBike to the test in the real world.
Check out the Flyer L885 with this link:
alnk.to/bP9yvyc
If you decide to purchase one, Flyer may support the Miss GoElectric channel.
This is the first of several cargo eBike reviews, so please subscribe to the channel to be notified about the others.
Post Production Notes:
There are three frame sizes. This review features a large frame which suits Miss GoElectric at 5'11". This review unit was priced at $2896 with the front rack, front waterproof bag, rear cargo and kid carrier, and the extra battery. This video was filmed in southeastern Florida not long after hurricane Ian directly hit this area. That is the reason for the tarps on rooftops.
We've been asked which bike rack we use to haul this one. Here is the link:
velotricbike.info/44Ji4nr
Featured in this video:
Xnito Ebike Helmet Review: • Class 3 eBike Helmets ...
View/Buy Xnito Ebike Helmet: xnito.com/MISSGOELECTRIC (use code MISSGOELECTRIC for 10% off)
View/Buy Fantikk Tire Inflator: alnk.to/apPNxoZ
Thanks for watching!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow me on social media for EV news & more!
/ missgoelectric
/ missgoelectric
Visit my website for Deals on eBikes, EV accessories, etc.: deals.missgoelectric.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters:
00:00 Why a Cargo eBike?
00:45 Pricing and Range
01:10 Power and Wheels
01:41 Frame Design
03:59 Included Features
04:14 Brakes and Shifters
04:56 Flight Speed Extra Battery
05:35 No Assist Observations
07:24 Pedal Assist 1
08:25 Pedal Assist 2
09:42 Pedal Assist 3
10:32 Pedal Assist 4
11:42 Pedal Assist 5
12:30 Throttle Only Testing
14:40 Comfort Observations
16:33 Full Brake Test
17:19 Switching Battery Source
18:04 Storage Utility
18:47 Flyer L885 Use Case
19:26 Positive Observations
21:20 Opportunities for Improvement
22:44 Final Thoughts - Авто та транспорт
You're on a roll, Laycee! Um… literally! 😂 Domino's Pizza will want to buy these for deliveries! 👍 What was I saying about putting a canopy on such e-bikes for hauling cargo, kids, & doggies in inclement weather? 😃 The only thing I didn't like… is that the grocery store uses plastic bags…!!! Ugh. 😟 FUN to see you in the rear passenger seat! 😜
For business use there may be some less refined and lower priced fleet options on the market. The L885 fits the bill for family and stylish individual use. We have a few more very impressive cargo bikes slated for review in February.
We think there may be a bit of an inventory oversupply in some eBike sectors, but cargo bikes seem to be picking up steam right now.
Thank you for checking this one out!
So happy to see you reviewing a cargo bike, and one I wasn't familiar with. Great point about the delayed motor start. When you have a full cargo load and are starting on a hill you need that power instantaneously, or you cannot proceed with a two wheel cargo bike. Only thing worse than falling on an e-bike, is falling with kids on the back. Thankfully, their throttle fixes this. Most cargo bike designs are mid-drive to give the torque multiplier effect, and by the time you're paying a lot for a niche large cargo bike, a premium torque & cadence sensing motor like a Bosch begins to make sense. But there is no denying it's a major price step and you even pay dearly for additional batteries in that case.
This looks like a good first cargo bike for someone who isn't sure if they can replace a car. And if you love it and want to upgrade to something with more cargo friendly feature sets, this bike should resell well and hold its value.
Now it's time to review a Long John!
Thank you for your encouragement.
We think some riders in warm climate cities will replace second cars with eBikes like this. The throttle operates smoothly and we suspect most riders hauling heavy loads will prefer to use the throttle.
We look forward to bringing you more cargo eBike reviews in February.
I had the opportunity to ride this bike and being a novice, I was thrilled with it. I love the look of it and found it a blast to ride. The versatility of being able to haul a large amount of items to the community pool, carry out dinner from the local eatery's, and a decent size cargo of groceries works for me!! Oh, and the nostalgia of being a radio flyer takes me way back to my childhood!!
Ok I like this bike 👍.. it would be great for camping the beach. I would be able to build a back seat for this lol .. another great review my dear.👍👍😄
The rear cage frame can be removed leaving a long seat with an optional pad. We show that briefly. It is quite comfortable and fun... If you couldn't tell in the expressions on the faces of not riders in the scene with two riders on the bike.
Looking forward to more of your Cargo ebike reviews in February. Your reviews are great and really tell us the things we want to know about a particular model. I think Cargo bikes are a great way of replacing the car. There is so much potential with ebikes and Cargo ebikes in particular. I am from the UK and unfortunatly we can not get the more affordable price point that you get in the US on cargo bikes. Neither do we get the max 750w motor allowed with 20mph/28mph max speed, or throttle only. These specifications make all the difference. I think the lower UK/Europe legislation and high prices hamper the growth of ebikes in the UK. Cadence is quite popular in the US like the bike you have reviewed, whilst the UK has more torque sensor ebikes. I actually much prefer cadence. I prefer the bike to do most of the work for me. Great reveiws, you do a great job Miss GoElectric. I look forward to watching more of your reviews.
Thank you, we will continue doing our best.
As for cadence vs torque, we have throttles on most offerings in the US. Those are wonderful when riders prefer not to pedal. We have reviewed a few cadence sensing eBikes which do not delay or surge, but those are fairly uncommon paired with 750w+ motors. Each torque sensing eBike we have reviewed delivered immediate and predictable power as intended. We think that is the safer result.
Nice to hear a UK perspective on the harshly low Eurozone limits on ebikes. I can understand that cities have needs for lower speeds, but this can easily be limited by software and enforced as any other vehicle if local authorities see fit. Any bike under 1500 watts should be considered legal, and that should be globally. We have our fair share of problems in America, and there are localities that put on restrictions, but we're pretty lucky with what we can take on roads and trails here in Michigan and many other states. I respect the power of the biek and always pay extra respect to peds. It's easy for me to speed back up when the path is clear. What's clear to me is many politicians haven't really ridden ebikes.
Its huge! Looks alright considering the added cargo areas.
Super high utility
Nice beginner cargo bike. Nice to see the reviewer comment on the good looks of the bike. I have bikes with hydraulic, mechanical, and even caliper rim brakes. Compared to old style brakes, mechanical disc brakes are a wonder. Perhaps my Biktrix needs a brake bleed, but I feel like I get more leverage out out of my 2007 Gary Fisher mechanical disc brakes. They also don't require any knowledge of hydraulic fluid to service. If Flyer were able to pack more value somewhere besides brakes, I'm fine with that design choice. What I'd like to see is an option fo motor upgrade, especially considering the dual battery option. Would like to hear price w/ tested config.
We have received a few eBikes with hydraulic brakes which had some air in the lines. We bled them and they are good. For the most part, we think most riders with hydraulic brakes will probably never need to bleed the lines. Like you, we have bikes dating back to the early 2000s and several dozen newer ebikes at all price points and form factors. We think hydraulic brakes are the best option, but a good set of mechanicals is sufficient. Hopefully we made that point effectively in this video.
This bike was about $3000 with the additional battery, rear basket/kid carrier, front basket, and waterproof front container. We think the $1999 base model with its rear rack and rear seating will be plenty for a typical rider. There are a great many accessories which are easy to install any time after the purchase. We should have noted that Flyer's instructions were the best we have ever seen. Clear, direct, and illustrated complete with QR codes to polished video tutorials. The packaging from top to bottom felt premium.
We think most family riders will be more than pleased with the level of refinement, available accessories, as well as the torque and top speed offered by the Flyer L885. That said, we have several cargo ebike reviews coming soon for those with larger budgets and a greater need for speed.
I agree. Commuter and cargo bikes should always have sprung seats.
I'd like a better look at that center stand. Some are better than others.
I have a Mongoose Envoy adventure bike (lots of carrying capacity, but too tall for a cargo bike) which came with a center stand that was too narrow. It has a reputation for falling over if the ground isn't level.
I replaced it with a folding center stand. I can walk up and kick the bike and it just slides sideways.
A good center stand is vital for a cargo bike, particularly with a rear loader that has a higher cargo mass.
The best center stand we've ever used is on the Flyer Cruiser. That review is in post production and will be published soon.
The bike does have potential just needs few up grades paddle shifter would be a must for me . And hydrologic breaks for sure and every thing that you mentioned .would make a nicer bike 😀
For some riders, the modifications are a fun part of the experience
It's a great-looking bike, dynamite aesthetic and practicality of the canvas and cage baskets. But missing so many features present on its competition for the same price. I think you would have to just be in love with this bike that you wouldn't want to look elsewhere.
We have reviewed several cargo bikes and hope you'll check out many of the alternatives. Surely you'll find the best option. -Producer Tim
@@MissGoElectric yeah, the review was thorough and insightful I appreciated it. Subbed.
I had the opportunity to ride one at the last New York City auto show. They had an ebike expo at the same time in the lower level. The Flyer was a nice bike but seemed a little underpowered for my tastes.
We think most riders will be happy with 750watts and 20mph. The L885 is marketed as a family bike for the neighborhood. We think this Class 2 cargo bike checks the boxes for that audience.
Of course there are riders like you and I who have 9000w eBikes like my Luna Surron XX. We might have an uncommon baseline for speed. We are not the majority of US consumers. There is something for everyone.
We were there at the NY auto show, too. We presented on stage a few booths down with Generation 180 for a panel on EV education.
@@MissGoElectric I wish I knew you guys were there. Are you going to the NYC auto show in April 2023?
@@iscootct probably. Join us on Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram to stay in the loop.
We recently won the Consumer Electronics Show's Media Trailblazer award. Consequently we will be back in Las Vegas this year during the first week of January bringing ultra-in-depth coverage. We also have something special planned at the Fully Charged Live show in the UK this April.
The model you reviewed, do you know the frame size you rode? And your height for comparison
The frame size featured in this video is large, but Flyer offers three frames with a huge range of height compatibilities specified on their order page. Miss GoElectric is 5'11.
The video description also contains this information.
Some stray thoughts...
Suspension- You can only make the tires fatter and fatter up to a point to make up for deficient or non-existent suspension.
Brakes- I will take a cable braking system over a cheap hydraulic system any day. Most of the gripes with cable braking have nothing to do with the actual wire cable - many of them are still using spiral wound housing, which is squishy. Put a set of compressionless housing cables on and you will feel immediately like your levers are connected directly to your brakes.
Gearing - this goes to many ebike manufacturers; allow for a reasonable pedal cadence in top gear at the rated top speed. Hopefully, this bike uses a cassette rather than a freewheel, which gives you an easier path towards getting a higher top gear.
Lighting- integrating the rear light into the fender looks really cool - until you bump it in a bike rack or moving around in your garage. Move the rear light up to the rack, where it's higher, can be seen better and is better protected. The factory-installed front lights are almost universally useless. - 100 lumens is inadequate for a bike headlight, and more lumens won't compensate for bad optics. It would be nice to see a nighttime test of any bikes equipped with lighting.
Saddles are incredibly subjective. As long as they are a decent quality, which this one is, chances are it's going to fit somebody's posterior just fine. The American love for barcalounger overstuffed pillow saddles is not universally shared in cultures that are more cycling oriented.
Suspension with a cargo bike is tricky. Weight can vary wildly with or without load. That is why VERY few cargo eBikes have a rear suspension. As we stated in the review, we prefer hydraulic brakes and a front fork suspension. The market is filled with wonderful options and surely you will find what you are looking for if this is not the one for you.
Himiway Big Dog Electric Cargo Bike or the Mokwheel Scoria which are the same both have 400 lb payload capacity in a standard wheelbase size.
There are a great many competitors in this segment. This review features the one and only Radio Flyer brand. They are a very cool team out of Chicago.
Himiway and Mokwheel are foreign brands and new names in America. There are currently over 300 eBike brands each selling multiple models. We will do our best to cover the eBikes we think hold the most promise.
Seems like a good package overall. Agree with you about hydraulic brakes but these appear to do okay. The paint job on it is real nice.
You probably already on the 11 tooth gear in '7th' gear, you need to change the chainring to a larger gear, which already is a 44 tooth...
We always review eBikes as they ship from the factory. We appreciate customization and we often recommend basic accessories but we recognize that a very small percentage of direct-to-consumer ebike buyers are interested in making modifications to fundamental systems like the powertrain or brakes. That said, thank you for watching and for taking the time to offer modding advice for those viewers who would prefer to tinker with a specific model rather than keep looking for a readymade out-of-the-box solution. -Producer Tim