Welcome to our deep dive into the KBO Ranger, a cargo electric bike that’s turning heads for its blend of functionality and value.
In this article, we’re not just sharing our experiences with the Ranger, but also enriching our review with insights from Ryan, a respected voice in the eBike community from Ebike Escape. Ryan’s extensive experience with the Ranger gives us a unique perspective on what makes this bike stand out in a crowded market.
So, let’s gear up and dive into what makes this bike a noteworthy contender in the world of cargo eBikes.
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KBO Ranger Review
Motor: 750W | Top Speed: 28 mph | Max Payload: 400 lbs | Battery: 840Wh | Max Range: 60 miles
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KBO Ranger Performance
Motor and Speed
The KBO Ranger boasts a robust 750-watt motor that delivers reliable performance. Its five distinct pedal-assist modes offer varying levels of assistance, allowing riders to customize their experience from a gentle boost to significant power support.
Additionally, the bike features a half-twist throttle, providing an intuitive and controlled way to engage the motor’s power.
Ryan from eBike Escape, in his hands-on review, highlighted the bike’s impressive speed and acceleration. He observed that the throttle propels the bike up to around 21 miles per hour, slightly surpassing the standard 20 mph limit typical of Class 2 e-bikes.
This extra speed provides a welcome boost, especially when carrying cargo or navigating city streets. Ryan’s experience underlines the Ranger’s capability to balance speed and control, ensuring a ride that is both exhilarating and secure, suitable for a variety of urban and load-bearing tasks.
You may wonder that why it goes only 21 mph and not 28 mph like many other 750W ebikes. Well, I can say that it’s quite standard that cargo e-bikes won’t go over 20 mph.
The purpose of these bikes is not to go fast, but rather to carry weight and get to your destination safely.
Battery and Range
The Ranger has a 48V 17.5Ah LG/Samsung Lithium-ion battery. It has an 840Wh capacity, and on paper, it will provide a range of 35-60 miles. It’s quite a vague estimate and we need a little more exact number.
I asked Russ from the Russ is Right YouTube channel, who conducted a comprehensive range test on the KBO Ranger. He used a combination of throttle and pedaling, which is a more realistic representation of how many riders would typically use the bike.
He reported achieving a range of approximately 23 to 23.5 miles on a single charge. It’s important to note that this result is below the advertised range. However, this discrepancy can be attributed in part to Russ’s weight of 260 pounds, which is a significant factor affecting the bike’s battery performance.
Heavier riders generally experience a reduced range due to the increased demand on the motor and battery. Russ’s test provides a realistic perspective on the bike’s performance under more demanding conditions.
Mechanical Disc Brakes
The KBO Ranger is equipped with mechanical disc brakes, specifically the Tektro Aries model. These brakes are a common choice for budget-priced electric bikes but are known for their reliable performance.
The inclusion of name-brand brakes like Tektro Aries is a significant plus, as they are known for effective stopping power and durability.
Ryan from eBike Escape confirms the effectiveness of these brakes. Despite being mechanical rather than hydraulic, Ryan found that they perform admirably. He particularly noted their efficiency during his hill descent test, stating that he was able to come to a complete stop safely and comfortably.
In my own experience with Tektro mechanical brakes, I can say that if they are optimally adjusted, they work very well. If you push hard enough, the bike will be halted quickly. The only thing that bothers me is that when the conditions are wet, these brakes tend to make a screeching noise
Shimano Altus Gearing
The KBO Ranger features a 7-speed Shimano Altus derailleur. Although it’s an entry-level gear system, it’s a common component in electric bikes within its price range and it offers sufficient reliability and performance for everyday commuting and cargo-hauling needs.
Ryan also acknowledges the functionality of the Shimano Altus system. He notes that it’s a basic but dependable setup. He appreciated that the system includes a barrel adjuster for easy shifting adjustments.
KBO Ranger Design and Features
Frame
The Ranger has a strong frame that can accommodate various types of cargo up to 400 pounds. The 6061 aluminum frame is favorable for an e-bike because of its affordability, lightweight nature, and tensile strength.
The frame can withstand the impacts and stresses of riding the bike, including carrying cargo. Additionally, its relatively lightweight nature (compared with other cargo e-bikes) reduces the bike’s overall weight making it easier for riders to maneuver and handle it.
Additionally, the frame is stiff, contributing to the bike’s responsive handling and power transfer. It is also corrosion-resistant, adding to the bike’s durability and longevity when exposed to various environmental conditions.
On top of the frame, you can find a durable and comfortable adjustable saddle that reduces any impact felt when riding on bumpy roads. Riders can adjust their posture by moving the saddle up, down, back, or forth to improve their comfort.
Cargo Capacity
The Ranger has a significant cargo-carrying capacity. It has a 400-pound cargo capacity with a wood-topped rear rack that measures 19.7” by 7.9”.
Additionally, the bike has running boards that have wooden toppers. The panels provide riders with foot support and could act as extra places to carry some cargo.
It also has a front mount with four bolts on the bike’s frame for an additional rack.
Wheels and Tires
The KBO Ranger is equipped with robust 20-inch wheels, complemented by 3-inch wide tires that provide a stable and comfortable ride.
This tire size strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability and the cushioning effect needed for a cargo bike.
The wider profile of the tires enhances stability, a crucial aspect when the bike is loaded with cargo or passengers.
Additionally, the tires’ width allows for lower-pressure riding, which adds a natural suspension effect, compensating for the lack of a front suspension fork.
This setup makes the Ranger well-suited for city riding, ensuring a smooth experience on paved paths and urban environments.
Center Stand
The Ranger features a thoughtfully designed dual kickstand, which stands out for its practicality and stability.
Unlike some single kickstands that may wobble under heavy loads, this dual kickstand offers a solid base, ensuring the bike remains upright and secure, particularly crucial for a cargo bike loaded with goods or transporting children.
An additional detail that enhances the functionality of this kickstand is its rubber feet. These provide extra grip and stability on various surfaces, preventing slippage and making loading and unloading safer and more manageable.
The positioning of the kickstand is also noteworthy – it’s set in a way that doesn’t interfere with the pedal movement, a common issue in some bikes where the kickstand can obstruct pedaling or cause accidents if not retracted properly.
However, it’s essential to remember that while this kickstand provides excellent stability when parked, it’s advisable not to load the bike heavily while it’s on the stand. This precaution helps prevent tipping or undue stress on the stand, ensuring both the bike’s and the stand’s longevity.
Other Features
The bike has full fenders and all necessary hardware on both the rear and front. The resilient fenders help keep you clean and dry, especially when riding in wet conditions.
The Ranger also has an LCD backlit display that provides vital information to help you track your riding conditions. These include a charge indicator, an odometer, a speedometer, a pedal-assist level, a trip odometer, and other features.
Additionally, the Ranger has a 48V headlight that you can turn on by pressing and holding the “UP” button for three seconds. The light makes it easier for riders to ride the Ranger at night.
It also has an integrated LED rear light powered by the battery pack. The rear LED light activates when you apply the brakes and immediately illuminates to alert other road users whenever you want to slow down or stop.
KBO Ranger Review Conclusions
The KBO’s price tag makes it hard for potential customers not to like it. It is an excellent e-bike that doesn’t break the bank.
The bike is perfect for individuals searching for a cargo bike that ticks several boxes similar to other e-bikes in a similar niche.
Read also: Overview of All KBO eBikes
The Ranger looks and feels like a top-quality bike with great features like its cargo-carrying capacity and maneuverability. It is an entry-level e-bike with few premium specs. However, it is an excellent bike that will suit your lifestyle.
KBO Ranger Specs
General
| Bike Name | KBO Ranger |
| E-Bike Class | Class 3 |
| Availability | United States |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Electronics
| Motor Type | Rear-Hub Drive |
| Motor Power | 750W |
| Top Speed | 28 mph |
| Battery | 48V 17.5Ah (840Wh) LG |
| Range | Up to 60 miles |
| Display | LCD |
Bike Details
| Dimensions | 69″ x 53″ |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Frame Size | One Size |
| Frame Type | Step-Through, Cargo |
| Recommended Rider Height | 4’11″ – 6’3″ |
| Frame Colors | Gray, Orange |
| Fork | Rigid |
| Rear Suspension | – |
| Gearing | 1×7-Speed Shimano Altus |
| Brakes | Mechanical Disc |
| Wheel Size | 20″ |
| Tires | 20″ x 3″ Fat Tires |
| Weight | 77 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
GET $20 OFF with a special discount code: EW20
The founder and the editor-in-chief of the Electric Wheelers blog. With a previous background in IT, sales, and video editing, he has now established himself as a micromobility expert.
He bought his first e-scooter over 5 years ago and since then has owned dozens of e-scooters and e-bikes. His deep understanding of the technical aspects, coupled with a keen eye for market trends, enables him to provide insightful and reliable content.
His commitment to promoting sustainable and efficient urban mobility solutions has made him a respected voice in the community of eco-friendly transportation enthusiasts.
