Feisty Scorpion X2 E-Bike Has a Powerful Sting: Speed and Comfort for $1,500

So, it's not called the cheetah, but the Scorpion X2 and it's the work of none other than one of America's fastest-growing manufacturers of e-bikes, Juiced Bikes. If you've heard of Juiced before, it's because I've covered their work on several occasions. Best of all, if you're looking for a proud American brand, this California-based crew may be for you.

As for the Scorpion, it's the sort of e-bike that's meant for the average Joe and those of us who really like flying down roads without burning a calorie. Furthermore, it's been tuned with some rather urban-oriented features to help you do more, in the process, helping leave the car at home, if only for some trips. Time to see what you can get your hands on by dishing out no more than $1,500 (€1,400 at current exchange rates, pre-order price).

Now, this is the point where I urge you to check out the images in the gallery. Why? Simply so that whatever the heck I'm talking about makes some sense. Once you do so, come back to the text and pick up where you left off.

To start our exploration into the X2, let's start off with the backbone that is responsible for any bicycle or e-bike's functionality: the frame. It would appear that Juiced aimed for the sort of e-bike that's not only comfortable but safe, too. This is all because of the step-through frame, allowing you to easily mount and dismount the X2 without losing balance. Considering that there's a rear cargo rack, this feature is a godsend for those carrying goods.

However, I'm seeing something I didn't think I'd ever see. Looking closer at the X2, it borrows elements from e-bikes that are pushing toward the whole scrambler and cafe racer look. This is true for the front section of the X2, while the rear shocks looked ripped right off a moped. Yup, it's a full-suspension beast!

Come to think of it, the speeds you'll be able to catch with this thing are enough to make you feel as though you are on a small-capacity motorcycle or moped. I'm talking about a software-limited top speed of 28 mph (45 kph); that's how fast you can fly around your neighborhood on the X2.

How is this possible? By strapping a massive motor to the rear wheel of the X2. As Juiced likes to call it, "a beefy" 1,000 W motor from Bafang is in place, pushing you and whatever cargo you have with ease. Oh, and if you have a problem with Bafang, don't; they're one of the godfathers of this industry and darn good at what they do.

Part two of all that is an X2 has to do with the battery in place. Overall, Juiced adds a removable battery onto the down tube, and in that pack hides 15.6 Ah of juice. According to the manufacturer, it's enough to have you riding around for a bit over 55 mi (88.5 km). That's quite the range, folks!

Sure, real-world riding ranges differ from those produced in test settings, but you're still going to be flying around at 28 mph for around 40 mi (64) or so. If we consider that the average American travels around 37 mi (60 km) - by car- in a day, then I don't see what's there to complain about. If you want more range, I'm sure you can pick up another pack for some extra cash, of course.

As I explored the remaining systems and features on the X2, I realized that comfort was one of Juiced's targets. Not only is the step-through and dual-suspension enough to soften just about anything the urban jungle throws at you, but the presence of 4 in cross-section fat tires is sure to be a plus against cracks and curbs. Things may just be a bit bouncy, is all.

The remainder of the X2 is completed with a pair of hydraulic brakes clamping down on a pair of discs, head and taillight for safety, a USB charging port mounted to the handlebar, and fenders for keeping clean. Then there's that rack at the rear, proving indispensable in an urban setting, especially if you're looking to carry groceries. I wonder if a child seat can be added to this space. Whatever you do, it'll hold up to 50 lbs.

Put all that together, and what do you have? Well, by the looks of things, a rather beefy e-bike with which you can run around town, saving precious gas. Moreover, with that 55+ mi range, the X2 might even be able to aid in some weekend adventures.

Now, Juiced just released this machine onto the world on September 6, 2023, and there's no telling how long the early-bird (pre-order) special will last, after which the price jumps back up to $1,900 (€1,775).