Aventon’s new Abound SR Cargo Ebike includes anti-theft security technology

City dwellers who want to spend less on car travel have been opting for cargo bikes en masse for years, and with the addition of built-in electric motors to help with this, cargo e-bikes are currently one of the most popular segments in bicycle sales. On recent trips to London and Paris, city centers were teeming with electric e-bikes of all sizes, like this one laden with flowers as it propelled itself along a wide bicycle boulevard in Paris:

In my hometown of Portland, Oregon, one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US (despite the hills and rain), I see more and more e-cargo bikes cruising the city’s vast bike paths, often packed with kids, dogs, groceries – or all three. While the cargo bike, once so popular in the US, isn’t as popular as it is in Europe and elsewhere, it’s now a hot seller, and ebike brand Eventon has just updated their Abound model (below), which they released in March introduced last year. The new model is called the Abound SR, which stands for Short Rack.

ForbesEbike Maker Aventon goes big with the new Abound Cargo CarrierBy means of William Roberson

With popularity comes demand, and indirectly also with an increase in the number of thefts. Unfortunately, one of my friends who relies on a cargo bike recently had theirs stolen, even though it was locked.

Keep your eBike yours

One of the key features of the Abound SR is a suite of anti-theft technology, including a lockable center stand and built-in tracking technology.

The Abound SR offers plenty of performance and features for the Price tag of $2,199. Power comes from a removable 36-volt, 708-watt-hour battery in the frame that powers a 750-watt motor in the rear hub. Aventon says the battery is good for support up to 60 miles; load, terrain and how much you pedal will cause this figure to vary.

Tektro hydraulic brakes front and rear slow the 8-by-3-inch tires, and riders can pedal with three levels of assistance across eight rear gears, or simply enjoy the ride without pedaling via the thumb throttle that reaches a top speed of 20 mph. The performance of the pedal assist system can also be massaged in the Aventon app.

A luggage rack is standard, as are mudguards front and rear and mesh leg protectors over the rear wheel for when you’re riding as a couple (or with three if you have small children). Aventon did not forget to add excellent LED lighting front and rear, including turn signals. The handlebar uses a Quill stem for quick and easy adjustment over a height of over 140mm/five inches, and a small control pod on the left bar. The front fork features travel for a smooth ride, but can also be locked out, and Aventon has also increased the comfort level with a suspension seat.

To combat anyone wanting to leave with the Abound SR without permission, the bike connects to 4G wireless systems to enable positioning and geofencing. The centerstand can be locked remotely to further hinder thieves, and battery removal is now keyless via a key sequence on a neat new control panel, which can also lock out the motorcycle’s electrical systems.

Technology is certainly welcome, but I still highly recommend you secure your precious bike to something sturdy with the new range of theft and cutting tool resistant locks like those from Litelok. Not cheap, but much less than buying a new ebike.

Naturally, the company offers a wide range of luggage racks, seats, footrests, cases and more to adapt the bike to your cargo duties. Cargo bikes are an investment, but they pay for themselves by lowering your gas bill, reducing wear and tear on your car and improving your health. Moreover, they are a lot of fun to ride and can also be used by entrepreneurs in busy cities for delivery or grocery shopping at a low price.

Look for a ride report soon.

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