Momentum PakYak E+ Cargo Bike: An Exotic from Overseas

Electric-powered cargo bikes continue to be in high demand among ebike riders. This is underlined by the latest figures from the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control in Germany. At the end of February this year, it launched a subsidy programme for commercially used e-cargo bikes. Under this programme, up to 2,500 euros are refunded on the purchase price. The industry news service “Velobiz” reports that almost 2,500 applications were received by mid-October alone.

A potential candidate for such a subsidy would be the PakYak E+ from Momentum. This model was presented a few weeks ago. The Momentum brand, a company under the umbrella of Giant, has so far only appeared in Asia and North America. The PakYak E+ is apparently the manufacturer’s first cargo bike with electric assistance.

A kind of déjà vu

The first glance at the cargo bike immediately conjures up associations with some of the popular e-cargo bikes currently being seen on the roads in our country. Would you like some examples? Here you go. Bergamont E-Cargoville LT. Tern GSD. Moustache Lundi 20, and so on. All of them are long-tails. This means that the cargo is transported on a large carrier mounted on the rear triangle. On some representatives of this type of bike, such as the Tern GSD, the rear carrier is welded into the frame as an integral part. In any case, the main cargo is behind the riders.

A significant advantage of this variant, and thus also of the PakYak E+, is the riding feeling, which is familiar in parts. Due to the construction, it is relatively close to that of a bicycle with a conventional frame design. The front and rear wheels are only 128 centimetres apart. On a full-suspension e-mountain bike like the KTM Macina Prowler, this distance measures a good 123 centimetres in size M. Such dimensions, together with the load distribution on the rear part of the bike, ensure that manoeuvring strongly resembles already learned cycling.

Own touch recognisable

Nevertheless, Momentum’s cargo bike does not seem to be stubbornly modelled with its competitors in mind. In some details it clearly differs from the rivals. The best example of this is the container attached to the frame behind the seat tube. If you don’t immediately notice the massive down tube, one might assume that it houses the battery. In fact, this would almost be correct. It is true that a battery is installed in the down tube. However, the PakYak E+ offers the option of a second battery. And it does indeed go inside the black box. It has an integrated receptacle into which the battery can be inserted. If the second battery is not on board, the box becomes an ordinary storage compartment in which you can place smaller items. The box is lockable. So normally nothing should get away.

A small drawback: The box can only be opened towards the seat post. As soon as the saddle is set a little lower, the lid can no longer get past the saddle. This could have been avoided with a hinge near the seatpost.

The second unique selling point of this e-cargo bike is its extensive standard equipment. The robust rear carrier, the front carrier, the mudguards, the complete lighting system, the sturdy two-legged stand – all this comes as standard. At a current price of 5,500 US dollars, equivalent to 4,799 euros, this is certainly worth considering.

Electric drive system a black and white issue

The bike is equipped with a SyncDrive Pro motor. At this point it becomes clear that Giant is behind the whole thing. You will find this drive system on numerous Giant and Liv ebikes. But even that is only half the truth. Ultimately, it’s a Yamaha unit that Giant has specially modified. Whatever. Even in the version for the US market, the motor produces 250 watts in continuous operation and has a torque of 80 Newton metres. Together with the built-in 5-speed Nexus gear hub from Shimano, this makes for a reliable overall package. Nothing spectacular, but something that will do miles and should hardly give rise to any major worries in between.

The battery capacity, on the other hand, seems a little skimpy. The basic version only has a 500 watt-hour battery integrated into the down tube. In relation to the tare weight of around 38 kilograms and the fact that you want to move a total of up to 164 kilograms with your weight and the load, this could also be a bit more lavish. Theoretically, of course, Giant has even larger calibres up its sleeve. Who knows, maybe the dimensions of the bike stood in the way of another solution. Those who use the PakYak E+ intensively and, for example, often ride the bike with two children in their respective child seats, will probably have to get out the charger regularly. Or they can opt for a second battery. This increases the capacity to 1,000 watt hours. A test rider equipped with both batteries stated in the US-American bicycle magazine “Bicycling” that she had managed around 110 kilometres with one battery charge. She mainly used the medium assist mode and carried an average load of about 30 kilograms.

Carrier and accessories not entirely convincing

As the heart of a long-tail, the rear carrier is particularly important. The one on the PakYak E+ does not look very big in the pictures. Nevertheless, it seems to fit two child seats in a row. You can carry a maximum load of 46 kilograms. By the way, the front carrier is approved for 15 kilograms.

All larger accessories that can be placed on the rear carrier have to be screwed on. It is therefore not compatible with common click systems from MIK or others. This makes it seem a little cumbersome for everyday use. If you are thinking about transporting loads, you can at least attach a large basket and a pair of large panniers to it at the same time.

Limited flexibility

The panniers feature a rather unconventional solution. They are connected to each other by a middle construction. This ensures that, firstly, the panniers can only be used together and, secondly, they remain firmly attached to the bike. You cannot simply detach them from the holder using buckles or a click system. At least, that is the impression that emerges from the available image material.

The simultaneous use of the large panniers and an attachment for transporting people, called Passenger Bar, is apparently definitely excluded. This was stated in the experience report on Bicycling. It is in line with the information available on Momentum’s website. The Passenger Bar is a seat with a metal railing all around, very similar to the Clubhouse from Tern.

It comes with a seat pad, large foot rests and protective guards for the rear wheel, all the accessories needed to carry children comfortably on the rear carrier.

Comfort for every body size

Also worth mentioning is the dropper seat post, which is fitted as standard. It makes getting on and off the bike much easier. In addition, the bike can be comfortably ridden alternately by people of different heights. The height can be adjusted in an instant using the lever on the handlebars. Especially on a bike with a one-size-fits-all frame, this detail proves to be extremely helpful. According to Momentum, the PakYak E+ suits people with a body height of 155 centimetres to 190 centimetres. So it’s nice not to have to constantly fiddle with the quick release or even loosen screws to set the right seat height.

If and when someone of you can rate the pros and cons of such a dropper seatpost on the Momentum PakYak E+ is not foreseeable at the moment. According to our information, the bike is not yet available in Europe.

Momentum PakYak E+ at a glance

• Motor: SyncDrive Pro
• Battery: EnergyPak Smart Compact, Range Extender optional
• Display: RideControl Dash
• Fork: ALUXX aluminium, rigid fork
• Brakes: Tektro HD-E737, 203 mm front and rear
• Drivetrain: Shimano Nexus 5-speed
• Colours: Traffic Yellow, Patina Green
• Weight: 36 kilograms, without kickstand and front carrier
• Maximum permitted total weight: 164 kg
• Price: 5,500 US$

 

Background: trendy and affordable

If you haven’t heard of the Momentum brand yet, rest assured: We feel the same way. Yet it has been on the market in the USA since 2015. In Taiwan, the home of Giant, bikes with this label first appeared in 2012. The US offshoot was intended to appeal to hip urban cyclists who prefer to take things easy. In addition, Momentum bikes cost and still cost significantly less than what you usually have to expect from Giant and Liv. Behind this is the attempt not to leave the somewhat low price segments in the USA to the less well-known competition without a fight. The brand specialises in bicycles for commuting, leisure and now also cargo transport. It maintains a widespread dealer network.

 

Pictures: Giant Bicycle Inc.