KBO Ranger Cargo E-Bike Review
Last Updated on June 27, 2024 by Kristina Grant
The KBO Ranger is impressive, offering a compelling package at a competitive price point. It stands out for its impressive range, powerful motor, and comfortable ride, making it a great option for those seeking a reliable and feature-rich electric cargo bike.
Reasons to Buy
- Reasonable Price: Compared to other cargo e-bikes, the Ranger offers excellent value for its features.
- Powerful and Fast: The 750w motor provides quick acceleration and a top speed of 24 mph.
- Long Range: With a massive 840Wh battery, the Ranger can travel 35-60 miles on a single charge, exceeding many competitors.
- Many Features: The Ranger comes equipped with fenders, lights, a kickstand, a rear rack with running boards, and a multi-tool for assembly.
- Fits on Some Bike Racks: Due to its shorter wheelbase, the Ranger can fit on some car-mounted bike racks for transportation.
Reasons to Avoid
- Slightly Less Stable: The Ranger’s smaller size makes it less stable than some cargo bikes, especially at higher speeds or on turns.
- Lower Cargo Capacity: The rear rack is a bit smaller than some other cargo bikes, limiting the amount of cargo you can haul.
- Limited Accessories: KBO offers fewer cargo-carrying accessories compared to some other brands.
Overall Ride
The Ranger offers a comfortable ride quality for cruising around town. While not the most stable due to its smaller size, the maneuverability is excellent thanks to the shorter wheelbase. The 20-inch puncture-resistant tires provide a smooth ride on pavement and well-maintained bike paths. They can handle light dirt or gravel at slower speeds but lack sufficient tread for rough terrain.
Components
The Ranger’s components are functional but not top-of-the-line. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes provide adequate stopping power, and the Shimano Altus drivetrain shifts smoothly. The shifters are positioned on the right handlebar, which may not be the most ergonomic design for some riders.
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Features
The KBO Ranger boasts a range of features that enhance convenience and safety. Large fenders keep you dry, integrated lights ensure visibility, and the rear light even flickers during braking. The rear rack with running boards offers a sturdy platform for cargo and doubles as passenger footrests. The kickstand is sturdy and a bell is included for additional safety. Notably, the Ranger lacks a deflector to keep the front wheel straight on the kickstand, but this is a minor quibble.
Out of the box, the Ranger comes with several free accessories that add significant value to the package:
- Rear rack: A sturdy rear rack made of wood provides a platform for hauling cargo.
- Running boards: These offer additional support for cargo and double as footrests for passengers.
- Full fenders: Keep you dry by deflecting water spray from the wheels.
- 16-in-1 repair toolkit: Be prepared for minor roadside repairs with this handy toolkit.
Range
The Ranger excels in terms of range. With its 840Wh battery, you can confidently travel farther on a single charge than most competitors in its class. Testing showed a range of 29.9 miles with 1500 feet of elevation gain on throttle only, and real-world use with pedal assist can extend this distance significantly.
Power
The 750w motor offers impressive power, providing quick acceleration and a top speed of 24 mph. While it may not be the most refined motor on the market, it delivers strong performance. The throttle control is smooth and responsive, reaching top speed in just 12 seconds from a standstill. The pedal-assist function has five modes and provides a helpful boost, though it can be slightly jumpy when initially shifting gears.
Cargo Carrying
Despite being smaller than some cargo bikes, the Ranger can still haul a significant amount of weight. The bike has a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs (including the rider), and the rear rack can support up to 120 lbs of cargo. The 19.7″ x 7.9″ wooden rack offers a decent amount of space, and the front mount allows you to add another rack or basket for additional cargo capacity. KBO’s selection of dedicated cargo accessories is somewhat limited compared to other brands, so you might need to look elsewhere for specific attachments like child seats.
Interface
The Ranger’s interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The controls are ergonomic and placed intuitively on the handlebars. The twist throttle is on the right, and a three-button controller on the left controls power, mode, and pedal-assist levels. The display is basic but functional, showing battery life, speed, pedal-assist mode, odometer, and trip distance. The battery is housed in the downtube for a clean look and can be easily removed for charging.
Assembly
The Ranger is relatively easy to assemble for an electric cargo bike. KBO provides clear instructions, an online video guide, and a multi-tool to assist with the process. The entire assembly process typically takes around 45 minutes.
KBO Ranger Ebike Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Battery | 48V 17.5Ah Lithium-ion with LG cells |
| Range | 35-60 miles |
| Motor | 750w sustained brushless geared |
| Total Payload Capacity | 400 lbs |
| Recommended Rider Heights | 4’11” – 6’3″ |
| Charger | 3.0 Amp Quick charger |
| Controller | 48V /22A |
| Display | LCD backlight display |
| Weight | 77 lbs |
| Pedal Assist | 0-5 level |
| Included Accessories | Rear rack, running boards, full fenders, 16-in-1 repair toolkit |
Should You Buy It?
If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich electric cargo bike at a competitive price, the KBO Ranger is an excellent choice. It offers impressive range, strong power, and a comfortable ride, making it a great option for running errands, transporting groceries, or commuting around town. While it may not be the most stable bike due to its smaller size and has a slightly limited cargo capacity compared to some competitors, it makes up for it in its user-friendly features, affordability, and ability to fit on some car-mounted bike racks for transportation.
Alternatives to Consider
Here are a couple of alternative electric cargo bikes to consider depending on your specific needs:
- RadWagon 5 (RRP: $1,999): A well-established competitor to the Ranger, the RadWagon 5 offers a similar price point and feature set. It boasts a slightly larger carrying capacity (315 lbs) and more extensive cargo accessories from Rad PowerBikes. However, the Ranger might edge it out in terms of range with its larger battery.
- Aventon Abound (RRP: $2,499): If you prioritize stability and cargo capacity, the Aventon Abound is worth considering. This premium cargo e-bike features a larger frame, a more robust build, and a whopping 400 lbs carrying capacity. It also boasts a sleek design and a more powerful motor, but comes at a slightly higher price point than the Ranger.
Ultimately, the best electric cargo bike for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider factors like budget, desired range, cargo capacity, and stability when making your final decision.
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
