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Vintage Electric Bikes — A Company Review

Here’s my take on Vintage Electric Bikes after years of following the brand, test rides, and poring over owner feedback and pro reviews.

Short version:
If you want a bike that looks like rolling history but performs like a modern machine, this is the company.
As their founder likes to imply: “in with the old, in with the new!”

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What Makes Vintage Electric Different

Vintage Electric builds motorcycle-inspired e-bikes that balance art and engineering. Their ethos—timeless aesthetics meeting modern tech—comes straight from Founder Andrew Davidge’s early Silicon Valley/Santa Clara roots.

They’ve solidified two distinct product families:

1. 72V “Performance Line” (Roadster, Scrambler, Shelby)

• Quiet, powerful hub motors
• Optional Race Mode (private property/off-road)
• Serious torque
• Smooth regenerative braking

2. 48V Pedal-Assist Line (Tracker Classic, Café, Rally)

• Iconic vintage silhouettes
• Removable batteries on PA models
• Comfort-first geometry

They also back their hardware with human support: a factory showroom in Santa Clara, published phone numbers, and a global dealer locator.

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The Bikes (And How They Actually Ride)

72V Roadster / Scrambler / Shelby — The Performance Line

If you’ve never ridden a high-voltage hub motor, expect silent thrust, smooth torque, and a bike that feels planted at speed.

Owners and reviewers report:

• ~160–180 Nm torque (recent models)
• Quiet gearless Crystalyte-style motor feel
• Strong regen that actually helps braking
• “Range all day at PAS 2–3”
• “Smooth and planted at 37 mph in off-road mode”

Roadster 3.0: sleek street runner; heavily praised for comfort and finish.
Scrambler 3.0: knobby tires + rugged aesthetic; same core drivetrain as Roadster/Shelby.

Heritage note:
Vintage’s identity traces back to collaborations like the ICON E-Flyer—an early 1910s-motordrome-styled project that previewed their entire design language.

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Tracker Classic (48V Throttle)

The Tracker Classic channels board-track silhouettes with modern electrics:

• ~1123 Wh battery (48V)
• Up to ~75 miles quoted range
• Climbing power strong enough for steep city hills
• Hydraulic brakes and balloon tires for comfort

Reviewers repeatedly highlight its solid, comfortable, grounded feel.

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Café & Rally (48V Pedal-Assist)

If you want a true pedal-assist e-bike rather than a throttle-first machine, these two are standouts.

Café

• Removable 48V battery
• 20–60 mi quoted range
• Clean, classic class-3 commuter with premium touches (Supernova lighting)

Rally

• Chromoly frame
• MRP Baxter suspension fork
• Schwalbe knobs
• Built for city + gravel versatility

“Rowdy elegance” is not an exaggeration.

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Design & Build: Where Your Money Goes

Frames & Finish

From hydroformed aluminum (Tracker) to chromoly (Rally), paint and metalwork are exceptional.
These bikes get photographed by strangers.

Electronics & Motors

Vintage uses high-end gearless hubs with:

• Pure sine wave controllers
• Smooth, quiet power delivery
• Regen braking that feels meaningful, not gimmicky

Upgradeability & Longevity

They lean into the idea of heirloom e-bikes with:

• Concierge delivery
• Long-term service orientation
• Certified Pre-Owned and Previously Loved options

Rare for boutique e-bike brands—and great for resale and sustainability.

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Service, Support & Community

Vintage has:

• A real showroom
• Published service contacts
• A global dealer network
• Years of press coverage documenting their hands-on design culture

This is not a nameless import label.

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Real-World Pros (And Fair Notes)

What Owners and Reviewers Praise

• Ride feel: quiet, planted, linear power
• Braking: hydraulic + regen = composed stops
• Finish quality: paint, lighting, integration
• Aesthetic authenticity: genuinely vintage, not cosplay

Fair Notes to Keep in Mind

• Weight: substantial bikes; plan for storage and handling
• Race Mode: off-road/private property only
• Price: premium tier; consider Certified Pre-Owned for better value

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Who Vintage Electric Is Perfect For

• Riders who want a “keeper” they’ll love for years
• Commuters who care about feel as much as speed
• Enthusiasts who appreciate heritage styling without giving up performance
• Anyone who wants a bike that turns heads and delivers torque on demand

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Verdict

Vintage Electric occupies a lane few brands can touch:
rolling sculpture with real engineering depth.

• The 72V line is grin-inducing in ways spec sheets can’t explain.
• The 48V line nails comfort, practicality, and heritage style.

Quick Picks

• Most grin per mile (off-road allowed): Roadster / Scrambler (72V)
• Vintage style + everyday utility: Tracker Classic (48V)
• True pedal-assist with removable battery: Café (urban) or Rally (mixed terrain)

And when you’re ready to talk sizing, accessories, or delivery, Vintage’s team actually picks up the phone—part of what makes the ownership experience special.