I hate to break it to backers of the Indiegogo-offered Nireeka Mega, but they are not investing in an electric-powered mountain bike. Sure, it uses bicycle components from its wheels to its handlebar grips. And it even has a drivetrain that can be engaged by spinning a pair of pedals attached to a crank rotating a chainring and chain. So why isn’t this a mountain bike? Let Nireeka tell you.
“With our powerful electric motor, you can go further and faster than ever before, reaching speeds of up to 38 mph and tackling any challenge that comes your way.” That folks is not an e-bike that can be operated legally (or sanely) on any trail unless that trail is designated for Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use. The 1500W motor and almost 40 mile per hour top speed blows past any recognized definition of what constitutes an e-bike.
The company doesn’t list the claimed weight (even though they do say it has a “lightweight” carbon-fiber frame). I’m guessing here, but I’m gonna peg the bike to be in the 70-pound neighborhood because of its large battery. It is a heavy bike propelled at high speeds using bicycle components that were optimized for a human-powered mountain bike. You had better be a skilled rider or you’re going to rip this bike apart.
My final observation is that the company claims the Mega is in the “Prototype” stage yet they forecast August delivery. In my opinion, there is no way that is going to happen.