There are now more e-bikes on roads across the globe than ever, with more types than we can count. Some e-bike manufacturers design their products to resemble a motorbike rather than a bicycle – one example is the Volcon Brat, a versatile EV engineered to go both on and off the beaten path.
Volcon is an all-electric powersports company developing both two and four-wheeled vehicles. The company's mission is to enhance your outdoor experience, regardless of whether you use the EV for work or adventuring.
The Grunt and the Runt were Volcon's first off-road motorcycles, released in 2020. The Brat followed in 2022 as the company's first e-bike, built using the expertise of the two motorcycles. All Volcon vehicles are assembled in a facility near the company's home in Austin, Texas.
At the core of the Brat is Volcon's exo-arch frame, the same design you'll find on the Grunt. And it indeed looks like a motorcycle – if someone were to see you riding the Brat from afar, they'd probably think you're on a conventional, smaller motorcycle, maybe even a tiny cafe racer. You can also spot a slight resemblance to Super73's e-bikes.
Two models are available for the Brat: Black and Blue. Besides the color difference, the Blue Brat's handlebars are 1.17 inches (3 centimeters) taller and more swept back than the Black Brat's handlebars. Both models tip the scales at a decent 86 lb. (39 kg).
Photo: Volcon
A high-torque motor delivers up to 750 W of power to the wheels, enough to go wherever you need. The Brat is technically a Class 2 e-bike, meaning that it offers speeds of up to 20 mph (32 kph) with either pedal assistance or throttle. In this case, it's both.
Four riding modes are available – the first one maximizes your battery life and offers minimal assistance. Mode 2 is ideal for cruising urban landscapes, especially since the throttle is activated. The third mode will get you up to 20 mph, providing increased power delivery with medium acceleration.
If that's not enough for you, the fourth mode, or the off-road mode will unleash the Brat's full power, with an upgraded top speed of 28 mph (45 kph). However, there's a slight catch: to unlock this mode, you'll have to download the Volcon app and complete a waiver.
Powering the motor is a 48 V, 15.6 Ah removable battery, conveniently located on the down tube. Volcon claims that you'll be able to ride the Brat for up to 70 miles (113 km) in Mode 1 before running out of juice. In Modes 2 to 4, you get 30+ miles (48+ km). Furthermore, the manufacturer says the Brat is silent when sitting and makes little to no noise when ridden.
Photo: Volcon
It takes about 6-7 hours to fully charge the battery via Level 1 charging through a standard household outlet. What's more, according to Volcon, the Brat battery will maintain 60% or higher capacity for at least 500 charge cycles.
This e-bike rides on 20" x4" low rolling resistance tires, which are suitable for mixed terrain use. But let's see what other components enable this EV to go off the beaten path.
Of course, given the relatively high speed the Brat can accelerate to, Volcon equipped it with hydraulic disc brakes. You get an inverted telescopic adjustable fork at the front with a mono-shock suspension at the rear. Furthermore, shocks will also be absorbed by the e-bike's fat tires.
When dealing with sloped paths, you'll have to rely on the motor to help you pedal uphill, as there's a single gear available. What's more, if you want to hit the road during the night, the integrated LED headlight will light up your path, while other road users will be able to spot you via a bright brake light.
Photo: Volcon
Of course, just as with many newer e-bikes, you get to enjoy a connected experience. The Brat is equipped with a full-color display showcasing your battery percentage, speedometer, max and average speed, and more. You'll also get some info regarding the e-bike's status on the Volcon app.
A neat feature worth mentioning is an integrated locking storage just above the battery, where the gas tank would be in a conventional motorcycle. It's essentially a tiny glove box, perfect for storing your phone. The best part is that you can even charge it via an integrated USB charger.
So far, so good. Now, it all boils down to the final deal maker or breaker: price. The Volcon Brat is listed for $2,700 (€2,547), but it's currently discounted to $2,500 (€2,358). Some might say that's a high price, but I see it as a pretty good deal considering what you get. For instance, compared to the Super73-RX, a similarly equipped adventure e-bike, the Brat is almost half the price.
Starting out with a motorcycle permit just because he could get one two years earlier than a driver's license, Mircea keeps his passion for bikes (motor or no motor) alive to this day. His lifelong dream is to build his own custom camper van. Full profile
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