BY MELISSA COFFEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Based on data from over 600 powersports enthusiasts ( see June issue ), the EV market is down and struggling , with a declining intent-to-buy . Consumers are still concerned about limited range , battery life , and charging options . What we also know is that the 2−wheel EV market is oversaturated with copycats and me-too products . That said , there are still emerging companies trying to bring something different to the market .

Conversely , data has also suggested that enthusiasts are still curious about EVs . There is ample excitement about how an EV could shape or pivot the riding experience , whether that be the environmental impact or the performance of the vehicle itself . So , inquiring minds want to know what product will satisfy that curiosity . Is there something out there that could truly fit in powersports ? Is there a product that could attract consumer buying dollars ? My answer is a simple YES .

We ’ re talking about the emerging category of what some have coined the “ last mile ” or “ micro-mobility ” and , more recently , the PEV ( personal electric vehicle ). We ’ re not talking about your standard e-bike with pedals that are a dime a dozen . What we ’ re talking about here is a product intended for literally those quick trips , short-to-middistance

rides , that require something nimble , lightweight , zippy , and easy to use .

Furthermore , this type of product should not be seen as competition on the powersports dealership floor but rather as an add-on purchase to the consumer ’ s primary purchase , a complement to those mainstream powersports products and purchases , which will ultimately enhance your powersports experience .

For example , look at a product like the JackRabbit OG . Retail sits under $ 1000 ( not a bank breaker ), and this baby is not only FAA-approved for flying but weighs in at 24 lbs , can fold flat to 7 ”, and fits under most beds or even behind the front seat of a car . Its standard range is 10 miles , but can bump up to 24 miles using the company ’ s Range- Buster battery . And with a 300w motor , the torque is quick and responsive . This bike is the perfect complement to someone making a mainstream powersports off-road vehicle or boat purchase . Toss it on the boat for back and forth from the car to the dock . Strap it to the back of your ATV / UTV for quick trips , whether back and forth to the car or at a campsite . It gets you places where your off-road vehicle cannot . Additionally , using a throttle and lacking pedals makes JackRabbit fit in with the powersports community and product familiarity .

The JackRabbit OG is not your traditional e-bike and may fit into powersport dealers as an add-on for boating or off-road vehicles . Staff photo ,

“ We realized that big heavy traditional e-bikes are often overkill and small-wheeled e-scooters are sketchy , and so we created something that brings the best of both and none of the bad in a new format that is super useful to the fun-loving powersports world ,” says Jason Kenagy , CEO and founder of JackRabbit .

Kenagy ’ s vision with JackRabbit has been really out of the box . He has embraced a product

and category that has been untouched . There is not another JackRabbit on the market , and with huge growth across several verticals , it makes sense for the powersports community to take a look and see how this useful PEV can complement a traditional powersports experience , whether that be in the dirt or on the water !

Till next time , shiny side up and checkered flags !

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