Mod Bikes launches a BMW-inspired, limited-edition sidecar e-bike

By Bruce Brown Published November 8, 2024

MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike. — Courtesy of MOD Bikes

Mod Bikes has introduced the Mod Easy Sidecar Sahara, a limited-edition sidecar-style cargo e-bike modeled on the 1940s BMW R75 Sahara motorcycle. On November 9, 2024, Mod will exhibit the Sidecar Sahara at the Electrify Expo at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack in Austin, Texas.

Mod does sidecars

Detachable sidecar for the MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike.
The BMW R 75 Sahara, which inspired the limited-edition e-bike, is a highly collectible motorcycle. Mod Bikes is one of the few e-bike manufacturers that sells e-bikes with sidecars in the U.S., along with other styles. The versatile Easy Sidecar models transform in just a few minutes from a sidecar e-bike to a standard, two-wheel e-bike. However, the sidecar configuration is fun for carrying pets, children, small adults, and groceries or other cargo.

Removable sidecar seat for the MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike. — Courtesy of MODE Bikes

The sidecar has a detachable seat with a seatbelt

Recommended Videos

Mod Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition features

1 of 4

MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike Selle Royal seat. — Selle Royal saddle Courtesy of MOD Bikes

MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike headlamp. — E-bike headlamp Courtesy of MOD Bikes

Handbrake lock for the MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike. — Handbrake lever lock Courtesy of MOD Bikes

MIK-compatible rear rack on the MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike. — MIK-compatible rear rack Courtesy of MOD Bikes

The Mod Easy Sidecar Sahara is similar, but not identical to the Mod Easy Sidecar 3 e-bike I reviewed in April 2024. Mod added a dual-crown motorcycle-style front suspension to the e-bike and upgraded the sidecar with a longer frame, two headlights, and a top cargo rack.

Mod also incorporated a rear doggie door on the back of the sidecar. In the original model, someone had to pick up and place the animal into the sidecar to ride with a pet. According to Mod, the dog can jump into the sidecar when the doggie door is lowered. It’s probably more reassuring to pets when they can see what they’re getting into.

Rear view of the MOD Easy Sidecar Sahara limited edition e-bike. — Courtesy of MOD Bikes

The Easy Sidecar Sahara has the same powertrain specifications as the standard model, which means torque-sensing pedal assistance power, a 750-watt continuous power rear hub motor with 28-mph top speed, and a 50- to 100-mile range depending on speed, rider weight. and other factors. The e-bike has a 400-pound total payload capacity, including up to 150 pounds in the sidecar, and a 65-pound capacity multipurpose Snap-On rear rack.

The ModEasy Sidecar limited edition starts at $3,899, with an introductory $3,499 starting price until December 1, 2024.

Contributing Editor

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce…

Topics

Outdoors

Folding e-bikes are amazing, if you can deal with these caveats

Lectric XP Lite

Riding e-bikes can be a wonderful way to exercise, or to simply spend time relaxing time outdoors. But bulky e-bikes can be a hassle for taking on the go or fitting in smaller spaces. Folding e-bikes can fit in trunk of your car and save space in tiny apartments, but they come with their own drawbacks. Are they the right fit for your life? We've broken down the pros and cons.

Of course, there are a wide variety of folding e-bikes that range from budget to premium, so this generalized list of pros and cons may not apply to absolutely every model on the market. We recommend you do your own research when you begin shopping for a new folding e-bike to be certain it meets your personal needs safely and effectively.
Pro: They save space
The most obvious benefit of a folding e-bike is that they, well, fold! Most e-bikes are very simple to collapse, allowing you to nearly halve their total size by folding them at the center. Many models even let you fold in their pedals and collapse the handlebars.

Outdoors

I ditched my car for a month of e-biking. Here’s what I learned

Aventon Abound rider with plants and store bought items on road.

Since settling into my life as an "e-bike guy," I've been testing new bikes left and right. So when someone suggested trying to replace my car with an e-bike for a month, it didn't take much to convince me. With a growing variety of bikes at my disposal, it sounded exciting to challenge myself and to find out just how much of my normal routine could be maintained with two wheels and a battery.

Though I live in a rural county just outside of Atlanta, my townhome community is located right beside a commercial strip packed with restaurants, department stores, banks, and gyms. So while I've historically used my car to get around, I've always known I could easily reach anything I need on foot or by bike in a mere few minutes if needed. Now, it was time to put that knowledge into action.
Week 1: Growing pains and happy kids

Outdoors

I had written off bicycles, until e-bikes unlocked an entire world for me

Himiway C5

I have a lot working against me when it comes to riding a traditional bicycle: collapsed foot arches, bad knees, and nerve issues that extend into my pelvic floor and make it challenging for me to sit for any extended time on a standard bicycle seat. For all those reasons, I gave up on any chance of comfortably bicycling as an adult.

But when Himiway offered to let me try its new C5 e-bike, which features a motorcycle-style saddle that is both wider and longer than the average bicycle seat, I reconsidered. I cautiously hoped it could improve my ability to enjoy bike riding. However, I didn't expect it to completely change my life for the better.
The making of an e-bike guy
From the Engwe M20 to the Ride1up Revv1, e-bikes have embraced the motorcycle aesthetic, and the larger seats that go with them. For most riders, it’s just a cool look. For me, it opened a whole new world.