Rad Power Bikes Sold to Life Electric Vehicles for $13.2M - What This Means for Owners By the Editorial Staff @ ebiking.us | Last Updated: February 2, 2026 If you own a Rad Power bike or were considering buying one, you've probably heard the news by now: Rad Power Bikes has been acquired by Life Electric Vehicles Holdings (Life EV) for $13.2 million following the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in December 2025. For a company that was once valued at $1.65 billion in October 2021 and has sold bikes to over 550,000 riders worldwide, this sale price represents a dramatic fall. But what does this actually mean for current Rad Power owners and the future of the brand? What Happened? On January 22, 2026, five companies participated in a bankruptcy auction for Rad Power's assets. The bidding started at $8 million and climbed from there, with Florida-based Life Electric Vehicles emerging as the winning bidder at $13.2 million ($14.9M including liabilities). The sale still requires final court approval at a hearing scheduled for January 30, 2026. Retrospec was the backup bidder at $13 million, meaning if the Life EV deal falls through, they would step in. Who is Life EV? Life Electric Vehicles bills itself as a "developer, manufacturer, and distributor in the light electric vehicle industry." They offer electric bikes on their website, though most models were listed as "sold out" when the acquisition was announced. The company's CEO, Robert Provost, has been tight-lipped about specific plans, only saying: "There is still a process underway and there is an exciting future being planned for Rad Power." What Led to This? Rad Power's decline mirrors the broader eBike industry's post-pandemic struggles: - Pandemic boom, post-pandemic bust: Like many eBike companies, Rad Power saw explosive growth during COVID-19 but struggled as that momentum dried up - Multiple layoffs in recent years as the company tried to cut costs - Four CEOs in three years: Founder Mike Radenbaugh (2007-2022), Phil Molyneaux (2022-25), Kathi Lentzsch (March-Dec 2025), and most recently Angelina Smith (Dec 2025-present) - Battery fire issues: The Consumer Product Safety Commission identified 31 reported fires tied to older Rad Power batteries, though the company disputed the CPSC's characterization.

New Jersey Just Passed the Most Restrictive eBike Law in America - Here's What You Need to Know by William Pearl•3 days ago If you ride an eBike in New Jersey, your life just got a lot more complicated. On January 19, 2026, Governor Phil Murphy signed S4834/A6235 into law—legislation that advocacy groups are calling "the most restrictive eBike law in the United States." Starting July 20, 2026, after a 6-month grace period, ALL eBike riders in New Jersey will need registration and a driver's license, with Class 2 and Class 3 eBikes also requiring liability insurance. This law was rushed through the legislature during the lame-duck session despite universal opposition from bicycle advocates, seniors, families, mobility-challenged individuals, bike shop owners, and delivery workers. Over 5,000 people sent action letters opposing the bill, but it was signed anyway on Governor Murphy's last day in office. What Changed? New Jersey's Confusing Classification System New Jersey has abandoned the standard 3-class eBike system used in 46 other states and created its own confusing categories: NJ-Class-1: "Low Speed Electric Bicycles" - What it is: Class 1 eBikes only (pedal assist up to 20 mph, NO throttle) - Requirements:Registration with NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (first year FREE) - Driver's license (age 17+) OR - Motorized Bicycle License (age 15+) NO insurance required. NJ-Class-2: "Motorized Bicycles" - What it is: ANY eBike with a throttle OR pedal assist up to 28 mph (includes Class 2 and Class 3) - Requirements:Registration with NJ MVC - Driver's license (age 17+) OR - Motorized Bicycle License (age 15+) - LIABILITY INSURANCE - (early quotes: $75-$350 per bike per year) - Treated the same as mopeds "Electric Motorized Bicycles" (Motorcycles) - What it is: Over 750W and/or over 28 mph - Requirements: Full motorcycle license, registration, and insurance (already required before this law)

Complete eBike safety gear guide for 2026. Learn about reflective vests, bicycle mirrors, bells, horns, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, and essential protective equipment for electric bike riders .By William E Pearl, Last Updated: February 2, 2026 Beyond helmets, additional safety gear significantly improves eBike riding safety and comfort. Reflective clothing makes you visible to drivers, mirrors provide awareness of traffic behind you, and protective gear reduces injury risk in crashes. This comprehensive guide covers essential safety equipment including reflective wear, mirrors, audible warning devices, protective pads, and accessories every eBike rider should consider.Reflective and High-Visibility ClothingBeing seen is crucial for eBike safety. Many bike accidents occur because drivers fail to see cyclists.[1] Reflective and high-visibility clothing dramatically increases your visibility, especially in low-light conditions.Reflective Vests and JacketsReflective vests are the most effective visibility gear for cyclists. Quality reflective vests feature large panels of reflective material that create a bright outline when illuminated by vehicle headlights. Vests are inexpensive ($15-40), lightweight, and can be worn over any clothing, making them versatile for different weather conditions.[2]Look for vests with 360-degree reflectivity, meaning reflective panels on front, back, and sides. This ensures visibility from all directions. Adjustable straps allow the vest to fit over bulky winter clothing or light summer gear.High-visibility jackets combine bright fluorescent colors (yellow, orange, lime green) for daytime visibility with reflective strips for nighttime visibility. These jackets provide both visibility and weather protection, making them ideal for commuters who ride in various conditions.[1]Reflective AccessoriesReflective ankle bands create a distinctive moving pattern as you pedal, making you highly noticeable to drivers. The up-and-down motion of your legs catches drivers' attention more effectively than static reflective elements.[3]Reflective gloves make your hand signals more visible when turning or stopping. They also provide visibility when your hands are on the handlebars.Reflective helmet covers or strips add visibility at head height, which is often at drivers' eye level. Many helmets include reflective elements, but you can add reflective tape or stickers to any helmet.Reflective backpack covers turn your backpack into a large reflective surface. These covers are especially useful for commuters who carry bags.Choosing Effective Reflective GearPrioritize reflective material over fluorescent colors alone. Fluorescent colors improve daytime visibility but don't help at night. Reflective material works in all lighting conditions when illuminated by headlights.Place reflective elements where they'll be seen. Side visibility is often overlooked but critical for cross-traffic. Ensure you have reflective elements on your arms, legs, or bike wheels for side visibility.Combine active lighting with passive reflectivity. Reflective gear works best when combined with bike lights. Lights make you visible from distance, while reflective gear enhances that visibility when vehicles get closer.Bicycle Mirrors: Eyes in the Back of Your HeadRearview mirrors are essential for cycling safety, allowing you to monitor traffic behind you without taking your eyes off the road ahead or removing your hands from the handlebars.[4]Types of Bicycle MirrorsHandlebar-end mirrors mount on the end of your handlebars and provide a wide field of view. They're popular for their large viewing area and ease of adjustment. Quality handlebar mirrors feature 360-degree rotation for perfect angle adjustment and stay securely in place once tightened.[5]Helmet-mounted mirrors attach to your helmet or glasses and move with your head, always showing what's behind you. They're lightweight and don't add bulk to your bike, but they require getting used to having a mirror in your peripheral vision.Handlebar-mounted mirrors clamp onto the handlebars near the grips. They're easy to install and remove but may provide a smaller viewing area than handlebar-end mirrors.Benefits of Using MirrorsCheck blind spots safely without turning your head or removing hands from handlebars. This is especially important at eBike speeds where momentary inattention can be dangerous.Monitor approaching traffic to make informed decisions about lane changes, turns, and positioning. Knowing what's behind you allows you to take the lane when necessary or move right when safe.Reduce neck strain from constant shoulder checks. While shoulder checks are still necessary before major maneuvers, mirrors reduce the frequency of head turns needed.Increase confidence by maintaining awareness of your surroundings. Many riders report feeling more comfortable in traffic after installing mirrors.Using Mirrors EffectivelyGlance at mirrors frequently to maintain awareness, but don't stare at them. Quick glances every 5-10 seconds keep you informed without distracting from the road ahead.Still perform shoulder checks before major maneuvers like lane changes or left turns. Mirrors have blind spots, and a physical head turn confirms what the mirror shows.Adjust mirrors properly before riding. You should see a small portion of your shoulder or handlebar in the mirror for reference, with the rest of the view showing the road behind you.Keep mirrors clean for clear visibility. Dirty or scratched mirrors reduce effectiveness.Audible Warning Devices: Bells and HornsBells and horns alert pedestrians, other cyclists, and sometimes drivers to your presence. Many jurisdictions require bicycles to have an audible warning device.Bicycle BellsTraditional bicycle bells produce a clear, pleasant ringing sound that's recognizable and non-threatening. They're effective for alerting pedestrians on shared paths and other cyclists. Quality bells feature durable construction and clear, loud tones.Trigger bells mount on the handlebars and are activated with your thumb without removing your hand from the grip. This design allows you to ring the bell while maintaining full control of the bike.Bicycle HornsAir horns produce loud, attention-grabbing sounds suitable for alerting distracted drivers. Some eBike riders use 110-decibel horns for maximum effectiveness in traffic.[6] However, extremely loud horns may startle pedestrians and other cyclists, so use them judiciously.Electronic horns offer multiple sound options and adjustable volume. They're powered by batteries and can produce various tones from gentle alerts to loud warnings.When to Use Audible WarningsAlert pedestrians on shared paths when approaching from behind. Ring your bell early enough to give them time to move aside, and slow down as you pass.Warn other cyclists when passing. A friendly bell ring announces your presence without startling them.Alert drivers who may not have seen you. A horn can get a driver's attention at intersections or when they're about to pull out in front of you.Use judiciously to avoid becoming a nuisance. Excessive horn or bell use annoys others and may make them less responsive to legitimate warnings.Protective Gear: Pads and GuardsProtective gear beyond helmets reduces injury risk, especially for aggressive riding, mountain biking, or riders learning eBike handling.Knee Pads and Elbow PadsKnee pads protect your knees from scrapes, cuts, and impact injuries in crashes. They're especially important for mountain eBiking where falls are more common. Quality knee pads feature durable outer shells, impact-absorbing foam, and adjustable straps for secure fit.[7]Elbow pads protect your elbows similarly to knee pads. Elbows are vulnerable in crashes, and pads can prevent painful injuries.Look for pads with full adjustability that can be worn with sleeves or with bandages for different weather conditions.[8] Breathable materials prevent overheating during rides.GlovesCycling gloves provide multiple benefits beyond crash protection. Padded palms reduce hand fatigue and numbness on long rides by cushioning against handlebar vibration. Gloves improve grip, especially in wet conditions. In crashes, gloves protect your palms from road rash.Full-finger gloves provide maximum protection and are preferred for mountain biking, cold weather, or aggressive riding. Fingerless gloves offer good palm protection while maintaining dexterity for operating controls and touchscreens.Wrist GuardsWrist guards protect against wrist fractures, which are common in cycling crashes when riders instinctively extend their hands to break falls. They're particularly useful for new riders or those riding in challenging conditions.Protective ClothingAbrasion-resistant pants and jackets made from materials like Cordura or Kevlar provide protection against road rash in crashes while looking like regular clothing. These garments are popular with commuters who want protection without appearing to wear motorcycle gear.Padded shorts don't provide crash protection but dramatically improve comfort on longer rides by cushioning your sit bones and reducing chafing.Eye ProtectionCycling glasses protect your eyes from wind, debris, insects, and UV radiation. Clear or yellow-tinted lenses work well in low light, while darker lenses are appropriate for bright conditions. Photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight offer versatility.Look for glasses with shatterproof polycarbonate lenses that won't break if you crash. Wraparound designs provide better coverage and prevent wind from drying your eyes.FootwearProper cycling shoes or athletic shoes with good grip improve pedaling efficiency and safety. Avoid loose shoes, sandals, or flip-flops that can slip off pedals or get caught in the drivetrain.For commuters, shoes with recessed cleats allow normal walking while providing secure pedal connection. For casual riding, any athletic shoe with good grip works well.Additional Safety AccessoriesFenders (mudguards) aren't just for keeping clean—they prevent water spray from obscuring your vision and keep water off your brakes, improving braking performance in rain.Kickstands allow you to park your eBike safely without leaning it against objects where it might fall and get damaged or injure someone.Bike locks (covered in detail in the Theft Prevention guide) are essential safety equipment for protecting your investment.Building Your Safety Gear KitEssential Gear for All Riders•Quality helmet (covered in Helmet Buying Guide)•Front white light and rear red light•Reflective vest or jacket•Bicycle bell or horn•Cycling gloves•Eye protectionAdditional Gear for Commuters•Fenders•Rearview mirror•Reflective ankle bands•High-visibility clothing•Quality lockAdditional Gear for Mountain/Trail Riding•Full-face helmet (for aggressive riding)•Knee and elbow pads•Full-finger gloves•Eye protection with clear/yellow lenses•Hydration packFrequently Asked QuestionsDo I really need reflective clothing if I have bike lights?Yes. Lights and reflective gear work together—lights make you visible from distance, while reflective material dramatically enhances visibility when vehicle headlights hit you. The combination is far more effective than either alone.[1]What's better: handlebar mirrors or helmet mirrors?Both have advantages. Handlebar mirrors provide larger viewing areas and are easier to adjust. Helmet mirrors move with your head and don't add bulk to your bike. Many riders find handlebar-end mirrors most effective, but personal preference varies.[4]Are knee and elbow pads necessary for street riding?For casual street riding, they're optional. For aggressive riding, mountain biking, or learning eBike handling, they significantly reduce injury risk. Many commuters skip pads for convenience, but they're valuable for higher-risk riding.What color is most visible for cycling?Fluorescent yellow, orange, and lime green are most visible during daytime. At night, reflective material in any color is most important. Combining bright colors with reflective elements provides maximum visibility.[2]References1.<a id="ref1"></a>eMovement. "E-Bike Safety Gear: Helmets, Lights & Reflective Wear." September 26, 2025. https://emovement.co.uk/blogs/news/e-bike-safety-gear-helmets-lights-amp-reflective-wear2.<a id="ref2"></a>Bicycling Magazine. "The 6 Best Reflective Vests in 2024 - Reflective Cycling Vests." December 21, 2023. https://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/g40970442/best-reflective-vests/3.<a id="ref3"></a>Bicycle Warehouse. "Bike Mirrors & Reflective Safety Gear." https://bicyclewarehouse.com/collections/bike-mirrors-reflective-safety-gear4.<a id="ref4"></a>Selle Anatomica. "Rearview Mirrors: Safety Tips for Cyclists." October 25, 2023. https://selleanatomica.com/blogs/homepage-blog/why-cycling-mirrors-are-essential-for-safety5.<a id="ref5"></a>Amazon. "Handlebar Bike Mirror, 4pcs Bicycle Rearview Mirrors Set." https://www.amazon.com/Handlebar-Bicycle-Rearview-Adjustable-Mountain/dp/B0D228P77G6.<a id="ref6"></a>Facebook eBike Group. "A helmet and Hi-Visibility gear. Yay or Nay?" March 3, 2025. https://www.facebook.com/groups/926685377947023/posts/1656652214950332/7.<a id="ref7"></a>Freego Bikes. "E-Bike, E-Scooter Outdoor Sports Knee Pads And Elbow Pads." https://freegobikes.com/products/bicycle-knee-pads-set8.<a id="ref8"></a>eBike Super Shop. "eBike Protective Gear - Kid's Elbow and Knee Pads - Blue." https://escondido.ebikesupershop.com/products/ebike-protective-gear-kids-elbow-and-knee-pads

Trail Etiquette and Safety for eBikers [2026]: Rules, Right-of-Way, and Environmental Responsibility. Essential trail etiquette guide for eBike riders in 2026. Learn right-of-way rules, passing techniques, Leave No Trace principles, environmental impact, and how to share trails responsibly with hikers and equestrians.By William E Pearl, eBike Enthusiast since 2012Last Updated: February 2, 2026 Trail riding on eBikes offers access to nature and outdoor recreation, but it also requires understanding trail etiquette, right-of-way rules, and environmental responsibility. As eBikes become more common on trails, practicing good etiquette ensures positive relationships with other trail users and protects trail access for future riders. This comprehensive guide covers trail rules, passing techniques, environmental impact, and how to be a responsible eBike trail rider.The Golden Rule of Trail EtiquetteTrail rule number one is always BE NICE. [1] Courtesy, respect, and friendliness go further than any specific rule in creating positive trail experiences for everyone. A friendly greeting, patient yielding, and considerate riding make you an ambassador for eBiking and help maintain trail access for all cyclists.Remember that many trail users may be unfamiliar with eBikes or hold misconceptions about them. Your behavior shapes their perception of all eBike riders. Ride responsibly, follow the rules, and demonstrate that eBike riders are conscientious trail users who respect nature and other people.Right-of-Way Rules on Multi-Use TrailsUnderstanding and following right-of-way rules prevents conflicts and keeps everyone safe on shared trails.The Basic Hierarchy On multi-use trails, the general right-of-way hierarchy is : Horses have right-of-way over everyone. Horses can be spooked by sudden movements or unfamiliar objects, potentially endangering riders. Always yield to equestrians. [2]Hikers have right-of-way over cyclists. Pedestrians are more vulnerable than cyclists and typically move more slowly, so cyclists yield to them.