Rope in a Maverick

This story first appeared in the November issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Mavericks are cool bikes.

In fact, that’s where we got our test electric bike from – Cool Bikes New Zealand in Albany, Auckland, specialising in cruiser-style bikes.

The e-bikes not only look cool but provide a very comfortable ride too.

So what’s a Maverick?

It’s the brand name here for the electric bike which, at first glance, resembles a circa 1930s Douglas motorcycle, particularly with the battery in a “fuel tank” lookalike.

Maverick means trend-setter, and it is also North American slang for an unbranded calf.

It certainly takes off like a startled yearling, and attracts plenty of looks and comments.

“What’s that?” some ask.
Heads turned as we cycled – pedal assisted, of course – around Auckland.

Passing motorists gawked, pedestrians gaped and other people pointed – it’s definitely a “look at me” type of bike well suited to cruising Ponsonby cafes.
The large, almost motorcycle-like white wall tyres grab attention too, known as Duro Beach Bum tyres.

There’s more to the Maverick than looks though.

It can get around quickly with seven-speed Shimano gears and five levels of pedal assist which kick in the 350W Bafang rear hub motor putting out 280-300W.
A thumb throttle provides a good boost away from the lights, especially if the rider forgets to drop down through the gears beforehand.

The e-bike knocked 10 minutes off the normal one-hour commute over 23km between home and work in Auckland – and that wasn’t caning it.

It doesn’t take long to remember to keep your knees slightly out from the “fuel tank” battery container and not tuck them in close like on a road cycle.

The Maverick can do around 40km/h in level four or five assist, but level three seemed ideal most of the way at around 30km/h so that the rider is exercising as well.

If you like keeping fit then drop the pedal assist speed levels down a bit.
The e-bike still pedals OK without power assist.
Despite looking hefty, the Maverick weighs about 25kg – similar to many e-bikes, and we could lift it with relative ease.
The only drawback – its length meant it wouldn’t fit in the lift at work, so it was tethered in a secured parking area.

Riding into a screaming head wind and a spatter of rain proved the Maverick’s worth.
It held its pace and we even allowed a cyclist to slip-stream most of the way along the north-western motorway cycle path – for which he was grateful.

Speaking of wind, hills that are challenging for a road cyclist were a breeze to get up.

And bumps in the road or cycleway are barely noticeable, thanks to the bigger tyres, suspension and a comfortable saddle.

Leather handlebar grips are a nice touch and the hydraulic disc brakes pull the bike and rider up very quickly, even going downhill in the wet.

The large motorcycle-like LED front light is great for warning other road users and pedestrians you are coming – and there’s a bell as well.

A handlebar attachment allows riders wearing a Livall smart helmet to operate the helmet’s indicators and use a smartphone hands-free.

The LCD screen on the left handlebar allows easy reading of speed, battery health, mileage and other vital information at a glance.

Our Maverick came with a rear red light too.

Range is surprising – the e-bike did one 23km run with only one of the four bars of battery health used.
Admittedly, the run home the same distance into a head wind and rain drained most of the remaining bars.
But nearly 50km on one charge with hills and a strong wind thrown in is good going.

Maverick specs put the range from full charge as varying between 45km and 75km depending on terrain and riding style.

The 2.
8kg battery recharges from flat within four to six hours, plugged in to a normal household socket.

The e-bike is safety certified, complying with the EN15194 standard and the aluminium frame has a five-year warranty, with two-year cover on the motor and one year on the electrics.

It’s priced at $3490.

Test rides are welcomed.

Check out the Maverick and others in the Cool Bikes’ range at Big Boys Toys’ Electric Avenue, booth 3020, Pavilion 3, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, Auckland, November 16-18.

Alternatively, if you are based in the South Island, visit The Rev Bike Company stand E67 on Royal Avenue at the New Zealand Agricultural Show, Christchurch, November 14-16.

Or visit coolbikes.co.nz or revbikes.co.nz

for more information.