Electric Cars

Juiced Bikes has unveiled the Scrambler Core, an electric bicycle designed to be more budget-friendly while retaining the distinctive moto-style design of its Hardtail counterpart. This new offering aims to broaden accessibility, particularly for younger riders, by incorporating a parental control feature that enables speed limitation through a PIN code. This strategic move by Juiced Bikes, following its acquisition and subsequent re-launch, signals a renewed focus on delivering value and safety within the e-bike market, ensuring that the brand’s popular Scrambler platform reaches a diverse demographic.

The introduction of the Scrambler Core marks a significant step in Juiced Bikes' strategy to re-establish its presence in the electric bicycle market after its acquisition by the co-founders of Lectric Ebikes. Since its founding in 2009 and subsequent acquisition in 2025, Juiced Bikes has been working on a new generation of its popular Scrambler platform. The Scrambler Core, priced starting at $1,399, is notably more affordable than the existing Scrambler Hardtail, which sells for $1,699. This price reduction is achieved by making specific adjustments to components without compromising the bike's fundamental appeal. An extended-range variant is also available for $1,599, and a “Midsize” frame option caters to shorter riders and teenagers, enhancing the bike's versatility.

A key innovation in the Scrambler Core is the “Speed Lock” feature, which serves as a parental control mechanism. This allows parents or guardians to set a maximum speed limit using a PIN, preventing unauthorized modifications by younger riders. This feature addresses a crucial safety concern, especially given the growing popularity of moto-style e-bikes among teenagers. The design ensures street-legal performance in most major markets, offering peace of mind for parents while providing an engaging riding experience for teens.

The primary modifications in the Scrambler Core are observed in its powertrain, battery, braking system, and suspension. While the flagship Scrambler Hardtail features a 750W nominal motor with 90 Nm of torque and a top speed of 28 mph (45 km/h), the Core model is equipped with a 500W nominal rear hub motor, delivering 1,176W peak power and 80 Nm of torque. Its top speed is slightly reduced to 25 mph (40 km/h), with throttle-only operation capped at 20 mph (32 km/h). Despite these adjustments, the retention of a 52V architecture ensures that the Core maintains a robust performance profile, distinguishing it from typical budget-friendly e-bikes.

Battery capacity has also been adjusted to meet the new price point. The standard Core comes with a 52V 10Ah battery, offering 520 Wh of capacity and an estimated range of up to 40 miles (64 km). For an additional $200, the Core Long-Range version provides a 52V 15Ah, 780Wh battery, extending the claimed maximum range to 60 miles (96 km). It is important to note that real-world range may vary from advertised figures, which are typically achieved under optimal low-power pedal assist conditions.

Further cost optimizations include the substitution of the Talon P4 four-piston hydraulic brakes found on the premium Scrambler with Talon P2 two-piston brakes for the Core. The inverted KKE fork, which offered 140mm of travel, has been replaced by a more conventional aluminum triple-crown fork with 100mm of travel. While these are notable changes, they are strategically implemented to reduce the price by $300, a common practice in the industry to make high-demand products more accessible without entirely sacrificing their core attributes.

Despite these changes, the Scrambler Core retains many signature elements that define the Juiced Scrambler series. It features 20 x 4-inch fat tires, hydraulic disc brakes, a frame-integrated TFT display, four pedal-assist levels, and essential safety lights including a headlight, taillight, brake light, and turn signals. The bike operates as a single-speed model, weighs 73 lb (33 kg), and boasts a payload capacity of 300 lb (136 kg), ensuring its practicality and durability.

A particularly appealing variant is the Scrambler Core Midsize, designed for shorter riders, recommended for individuals 4'10" and taller, compared to the regular Core's 5'2" recommendation. Pricing for the Midsize version remains consistent with its full-sized counterpart, offering the same 520Wh or 780Wh battery options. This smaller frame, combined with the PIN-protected parental speed lock, makes it an ideal choice for younger individuals seeking the moto-style aesthetic. The Core is available in an array of vibrant colors, such as Black Nectar, Fruit Punch, and Blood Orange, with preorders expected to ship by the end of the month. The blend of competitive pricing, robust features, and strong support from Lectric, including a 3-year warranty, positions the Scrambler Core as a compelling option in the e-bike market.

Garmin and Waze have forged an innovative alliance to significantly bolster the safety of cyclists on shared roadways. This collaboration introduces a novel feature that integrates real-time location data from Garmin cycling devices into the Waze navigation platform. The primary objective is to enhance drivers' awareness of cyclists' presence, thereby reducing potential hazards and fostering a safer environment for everyone.

Enhancing Cyclist Visibility Through Technology

Garmin and Waze have launched a groundbreaking safety initiative designed to increase awareness of cyclists among drivers. This new feature enables cyclists using compatible Garmin Edge bike computers or smartwatches to broadcast their live location via Garmin's LiveTrack. This data is then displayed in real-time as moving icons on Waze maps for nearby drivers, providing an advanced warning of cyclists' presence on the road. The integration is particularly crucial in regions where dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited, forcing cyclists to share lanes with motor vehicles. By making cyclists more visible, the collaboration aims to proactively prevent accidents and enhance road safety.

The collaboration between Garmin and Waze represents a significant step forward in leveraging technology for road safety. Cyclists can activate this feature through Garmin Connect, with location sharing being session-based and temporary, ensuring privacy by not displaying personal information in Waze. This expanded safety net, previously available only to friends and family through LiveTrack, now extends to motorists using Waze, a platform boasting approximately 200 million global users. While not a substitute for essential infrastructure like protected bike lanes or slower vehicle speeds, this early warning system offers a crucial layer of protection, particularly in low visibility conditions or on narrow roads where unexpected encounters between cyclists and drivers are more likely, ultimately contributing to a safer cycling experience.

The Impact of Advanced Warning Systems on Road Safety

The introduction of this joint Garmin-Waze feature highlights the critical role of advanced warning systems in improving road safety for vulnerable road users like cyclists. By integrating cyclist locations directly into drivers' navigation views, the system addresses a major challenge: the perception of safety, which often deters individuals from cycling. This technological intervention acts as a preventative measure, giving drivers precious extra moments to react to cyclists, especially in situations where visibility is poor or road conditions are challenging. It underscores the potential for smart technology to bridge the gap in infrastructure and behavioral safety, fostering a more harmonious coexistence on our roads.

While this innovative feature significantly contributes to cyclist safety, its effectiveness relies on both cyclists utilizing compatible Garmin devices and drivers actively using Waze. Despite these prerequisites, the vast user base of both platforms suggests a substantial impact on road safety. The system is designed to provide an additional layer of protection, complementing rather than replacing the need for better road design, dedicated cycling infrastructure, and attentive driving. By making cyclists' presence known before they are visually seen, particularly in complex traffic scenarios or adverse conditions, this partnership offers a practical solution to enhance mutual awareness and reduce the likelihood of incidents, ultimately fostering a more secure environment for cyclists.