2013 Outrider 422 Alpha Review - $12k

The 2013 Outrider 422 Alpha is an extremely powerful and fast electric recumbent bicycle built on the KMX Venom frame. Custom fabricated battery case, durable LiFePo cells, powerful mid-drive Astro 3220 motor. Excellent two year warranty, upgraded rear rack, fender, lights, LED flag and water proof panniers.
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Disclaimer: Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. EBR assumes no liability for money loss, property damage, or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. My goal is to report in a transparent and objective way since 2012. Use this information at your own risk. EBR recommends safe practices when working on bicycles, riding bicycles, and using accessories seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EBR, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EBR.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

To Logan Henderson: you change speeds by either using your heel to click this silver button on the bottom bracket (which uses an internal gear like the front rings on a bike) and then you can also twist the grip shifter on the left handle bar to activate the rear cassette and change between more gears. In total it has 18 speeds. Here's the official rundown: "18 speeds with nine ring Shimano SLX cassette in the rear and two speed Schlumpf planetary geared crank in front, twist shifter on right handle bar, heel shifter on front crank with 2.5 to 1 reduction" You can also change the speed of the bike by using the motor, just twist the grip shifter on the right handle bar ;)

[@gben82]

Man, that's totally worth the $12K! I want one!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

It's a pretty amazing machine and depending on how you use it, much more affordable than a car which requires insurance, a license, regular oil changes and of course... gasoline ;)

[@johnnyzee383]

Ok guys i have to say....i own the Arctrike..which has front suspension and is also capable of doing 40+mph..however...at these speeds, the basic design is inherently not as stable as a 4 wheel go cart for example...and without suspension, hitting a pothole or an uneven irregularity in the road can cause the trike to become extremely hard to handle...it becomes "twitchy"....i have worked extremely hard with my suspension setup to minimize this...i just cant imagine driving a non suspended trike on a normal road with that kind of power...

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I have to admit, you feel the bumps at that speed... The guys at Outrider have designed a special steering dampener that makes it easier to handle and put it to use on the 85mph super version they used to break the electric bike speed record earlier this year 85 MPH Electric Bike | World Speed Record | Outrider USA

[@johnnyzee383]

Steering Dampener?..compared to a real suspension setup?...mmm...sounds like they need the Arctrike frame and suspension setup... lol ;)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

John Zoccano Hey John, they have a new model that does have suspension called the Horizon, pretty sweet setup: electricbikereview.com/outrider/horizon/

[@johnnyzee383]

I know, but it has its inherent pluses and minuses...My trike is a thing of beauty, a very powerful (5500 watts) and capable (85 kph) trike that is very robust and durable, looks like nothing on the market...for quite a bit less money but more for your buck ;) facebook.com/john.zoccano.7

[@rickymiddleton6732]

thanksagain

[@nebula7226]

Where are the anti gravity thrusters for cornering? This is my favorite ebike. I like the simplicity of the motor and belts. I like the whole damn thing! How easy is it to control at 40 mph?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I like it too, this bike is stable, powerful and very well built. Hard not to appreciate it :)

[@calvinowens9404]

One of the newest members of the electricbikereview.com forum is awaiting delivery of this bike! Hopefully he will post his impressions also. 

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Cool, thanks for the heads up Calvin, who is the user and where is the post? This is a link to the Outrider section: electricbikereview.com/community/forums/outrider/ but I didn't see anything about a rider getting one.

[@calvinowens9404]

Electric Bike Review That would be BikerBob, he stated that on his profile.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

calvin owens Nice, you're right! Just checked his profile page: electricbikereview.com/community/members/bikerbob.928/

[@SB-ir3iy]

Can we buy the battery without buying the whole trike? I would like to build my own and use this battery.

[@zawest2011MoBiLe]

To EBR, do you continuously re-review specific bicycles or trikes if they continue to improve their products? I sure hope so, because Outrider sure does seem to be on the fast track in the way of making sure that all individuals are able to be involved within the cycling community.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Zachariah, I re-review ebikes as frequently as I can (when they are updated) but have limited time and bandwidth... it's sort of random which bikes get updates and which don't but I did re-shoot Outrider's bikes just recently, check it out here: electricbikereview.com/brand/outrider/

[@Digitalfiendscom]

I've always been fascinated by trikes and it looks like they've come a long way since I last looked into them. A 40mph trike sounds pretty cool to me (and it looks awesome) but can you actually pedal something like this up a steep hill *without* assist? I can't imagine what 100 lbs would be like up a 10-12% grade without using the electric assist; what cassette is in the rear? I guess what I'm curious about is whether you can get a good work out with something like this or is it better to stick with something like a HP Scorpion FS 26 or KMX Venom? I love speed though, so having that motor would make this thing like a street-legal go kart. :)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Great question, this thing actually pedals fairly well and you can climb moderate to steep hills without being completely overwhelmed thanks to the gearing. It has 18 speeds consisting of a nine ring Shimano SLX cassette in the rear and two speed Schlumpf planetary geared crank in front. To change gears you use a twist shifter on right handle bar and a heel shifter in the front front crank with 2.5 to 1 reduction. All of the detailed specs for this ebike are in the full written review which is linked in the description :)

[@riceoobxg]

I have numerous $20k road bicycles and none of them go 45mph (my fault) so this thing is worth $12k in that perspective.

[@EnergyReturnWheel]

You just need a set of ERW's to hit higher speeds. The acceleration improvement alone is worth the price.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

EnergyReturnWheel Ha! You guys have a neat product for sure, did you see us chatting about it at electricbikereview.com/community/threads/slime-thorn-resistant-tires-and-airless-bicycle-tubes.49/#post-230 I live in Fort Collins, CO and would love to try a set out and do a review sometime :)

[@hawaiisidecar]

I would like to see some stiff active suspension on that.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

That's what she said... But really, Outrider just announced an electric recumbent with suspension called the Horizon: electricbikereview.com/outrider/horizon/ it's my favorite :)

[@top5bigdog]

Is the price ever come down from the "Ohhh SHIIIIT! " range? It can't possibly be that much in materials,right? You could purchase a small car and use it in the rain also...

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hi Howard, these guys make the Outriders one at a time and custom fabricate almost all of the parts... even the battery packs. It's not a big operation at all and even though the price is higher I don't get the impression that they are trying to overcharge, just slowly and steadily build the business and fun new projects like the Horizon electricbikereview.com/outrider/horizon/ if you're looking for a less expensive eTrike you might consider using one of the BBS02 kits from 8Fun like this: electricbikereview.com/8fun/bbs02/ with a KMX recumbent.

[@josepha.chavez8060]

Hi powered long range e-trikes like this will be well out of reach for us poor people for quite some time. Probably decades.

[@loganhenderson9117]

How do you change speeds

[@nattsurfaren]

I always suffer from buttache after 1-2 hours with a normal bike. How long time can you ride this trike without having to rest your butt for a couple of days. Another question: Because the trike is placed so low how do people react to road security the first time they switch to a trike? I mean wouldn't it be harder to spot sudden danger in traffic.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Great question, the seat is very comfortable for your butt and back but I find that the reclined position can cause neck stiffness because you sort of have to look forward like you're on a recliner. They do have a head rest that helps but that also transfers vibration and shock directly into your head and neck at higher speeds (like 25+ miles per hour). Regarding your second question, yes. People often question recumbent trikes like this because they seem more dangerous than upright bicycles (harder to spot by cars) but there is a large LED flagpole on this thing that gets noticed pretty well. I also think that using the rear view mirrors helps and being able to accelerate to 40+ miles per hour can get you out of the way better than a regular ebike. That's why the founders made this actually, they wanted to command more respect on the road and were tired of feeling dominated by cars... so they made a super bad-ass electric trike (and then broke the small e-vehicle speed record with it) check this out Fastest Electric Bike | Fastest sub 100-lb vehicle | Outrider USA

[@nattsurfaren]

Electric Bike Review Thanks for the response. I guess a solution for the neck stiffness and vibrations a solution that many mountain bikes have for chock absorption would be an ideal solution. That is good to know the day I decide to buy one.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

nattsurfaren Yeah, it's worth keeping in mind at least if you also get a stiff neck and back sometimes. Outrider is also working on an off-road trike that incorporates suspension called the Horizon. Have you seen it before? electricbikereview.com/outrider/horizon/

[@nattsurfaren]

Electric Bike Review No that's the first time I've seen it. The suspension setup and the hub motor are the parts I would like to prefer for an electric trike. Because I own a custom electric bike with a hub motor set up from crystalyte I know that I like that type of solution. The only negative thing I can say about the hub motor is that it got very hot fast for a 72 volt set up and I burned up one motor already. I know there is other type of hub motors that can withstand much more power and only get a little bit warm but I'm not sure if there is a price to pay for that benefit. The perfect electric trike would be equipped with A123 batteries and a battery charger that can charge a 36 V battery pack as fast as possible. The A123 batteries are nano-based and are especially endurable for that type of charging. If I want to go for a long ride and had to stop with depleted batteries to charge them I wouldn't like to have to wait several hours to charge them up. Instead I would like to wait max 20 minutes and then go with fully charged batteries. Unfortunately I can't find anyone that can provide me with that type of setup for batteries. Do you know who could help me with that? The perfect electric trike would also have a switch that would enable me to change for example a high power controller to a low power controller by just a flick of a switch. I would feel more secure that way if the police stopped me and I would be able to use the low power controller as a power saver. The perfect electric trike has a gear set up that would allow me to pedal at high speed to save battery range. Everyone knows that when you start to reach 40 km/h you have to pedal so fast that you will have trouble adding any force properly from your feets.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

nattsurfaren I'm not sure about fully charged in 20 minutes but many batteries will get to ~80% in just a couple of hours vs. ~5 hours for a full charge. Regarding the high power vs. low power idea, that's what Stealth electric bikes do. You can switch from "USA Mode" to "Competition Mode" which goes from 750 watts to ~2,000 watts and a top speed closer to 50 miles per hour electricbikereview.com/category/stealth/ Regarding the gearing setup (that would allow you to pedal at high speeds) that's something that the Outrider trikes have, in addition to sprockets in the back they also have a Schlumpf gear in the front (built right into the crank) that changes the gear ratio when you tap it with the heel of your foot.

[@Taggerung]

For $12K does it come with the mirrors, or did your friend put those on?

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I'm not positive but I believe he added them. It's definitely one of the more expensive ebikes ;)

[@Taggerung]

Yes, one of the more expensive, but still drool-inducing!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Taggerung Just try not to drool on the electronics... might end badly :P

[@Taggerung]

Electric Bike Review At least I'd die happy! :-)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Taggerung lol!

[@ChiefDork]

ya need to get mounts for a or a couple go-pro's, most of your videos are you on a powered bike and riding around one handed

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, pretty much all of my videos at this point are one handed. I just purchased a couple of GoPros but have ~20 more videos that were pre-shot to upload and write reviews for so the new footage is a ways off. Appreciate the support!

[@ChiefDork]

cool looking to forward to more reviews & vids

[@BushPilot444]

They also take away the joy of balancing a bike which gives you a similar high like flying this way and that......

[@DavidStruveDesigns]

$12,000?! You're better off buying a Smart car! You'd still save a small fortune in petrol costs, insurance costs AND it can keep up with traffic and even go on the motorway. Oh, and it also can keep you dry, has a radio, air conditioning, just as much room for luggage. And you're not going to die if you collide with a car going 25+mph too because it even has airbags and crumple zones. This trike is SO not worth that price tag, hand built or not!!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

I agree it's an expensive bike, very capable but not as versatile as a Smart electric car. It might depend on how you want to travel, whether you're looking for exercise and are avoiding insurance and licensing or maybe don't have space for a full sized car? I don't know... but I like the Horizon because it's especially made to be flexible for handicapped people and get them out into nature on their own vs. feeling reliant: electricbikereview.com/outrider/horizon/

[@josepha.chavez8060]

These are toys for rich people.

[@Cee64E]

I keep seeing people, like yourself, calling these vehicles replacements for autos... I'm all for E-bikes but a car replacement it isn't. My car keeps me warm and dry, has a top speed of over 100 mph, and goes 300 miles on a tank of gas. Oh, and it cost me 1/8 what this bike sells for. I'd have to ride this thing every day for 4 1/2 years before it paid for itself in fuel savings. That's just nuts.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

You make some great points. While there are ebikes and light electric vehicles that can keep you relatively dry, most are exposed and very few (if any) can go 100mph. The price consideration is complex because there are less expensive ebikes for ~$1k but they offer limited performance compared with the Outrider here. The biggest advantage with electric bikes vs. cars is the savings on gas, insurance and licensing. Charging an ebike, even a large one like the Outrider, may cost $0.35 (depending on your electric rages) and if you can also save on parking, like if you commute to work, then the increased up front expense can be slowly paid back over time. Many electric bikes, just like regular bikes, are priced high based on fancier components and branding. You can finds lots of non-electric road bicycles for example that cost in excess of $10K and some people would call that nuts as well but it's nice to have that option :)

[@Cee64E]

I actually have an electric bike. I took an old garage sale mountain bike, put new brakes and shifters on it and added a Currie 450 watt drive to it. I've got maybe $500 involved in it. It's great for short trips to the grocer, or with bike racks on the city buses, getting across town. But for 12 grand I could build an electric VW Bug or Rabbit, or even a small van and have money left over. If we want to see these kinds of vehicles come into mass use and break this country's oil addiction, the manufacturers need to start making some better decisions about price points or they will stay niche vehicles.

[@gMan1971]

I do think they are. I've ditched my car for a trike just as capable as this one; except that I've built mine, myself, for less than 1/2 of this one. I am enjoying the savings already. I ride mine everywhere, and no pun intended on that one, rain or shine; and if it rains I just put a coat and long pants problem solved. The thing I love the most is when I drive by a line of cars stuck in traffic, or a blocked road with accident, and here I go by, driving at 20 mph on the shoulder, or the grass, watching the faces of the frustrated drivers stuck... not to mention I don't have to fight for a parking spot at work.... and I chuckle at all these parking lot related emails.... I can park mine anywhere. My 8 mile commute averages to be 2 minutes faster with my trike than with my car; that is abiding the speed limits or very close to it. Obviously you've claimed your car can go faster... well FYI my trike can top out at 65mph and take shortcuts that your car can't take... so if we are going to be going the illegal route all bets are off, and chances are if they were to clock a car doing 70 on a 35 I can assure you that claiming "Officer I was passing the pedal trike on the shoulder that was doing 65 isn't going to fly. It won't be pretty. As for savings, you need to add a car payment, which is what? 150-200 dollars? Then add insurance a month, what another 40-100 bucks? Yearly registration? (which can be pretty expensive in certain states) hmmm... that evens the playing field... I've worked the math and to amortize my trike (not an Outrider) It came out to be less than a few months (not going to quote exact figures) but lets just say I am now at the Its paid for itself point.

[@jclar3565]

Takes nearly a year to have built

[@HansumRob100]

awesome bike.... so wunt 1

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, this thing is pretty amazing. They just used a modified version of the 422 Alpha to break the ebike speed record at 85.4 miles per hour!

[@romyjugroo4542]

I will be happy with a much lighter bike with just enough power to see me through the little uphills on my 20km ride to work.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Hey Romy, the Outriders are definitely heavier than most ebikes but the speed and range are great for extended commuting and carrying stuff. If you're looking for a lighter recumbent with just a touch of assist then consider one of the after market kits or maybe making an ebike push trailer. Lots of recumbent riders do this and it seems to work pretty well. It's also nice that you can remove the trailer for normal pedaling sometimes :)

[@romyjugroo4542]

Electric Bike Review Yes,you are right.A light hub motor should do the trick.Used to do 100km rides for many years but dangerous and heavy traffic made me shift to trail running recently.My bikes are still here though.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Romy Jugroo Yeah, the traffic thing is tricky... I got hit by a car last year and that was no fun but at least I wasn't hurt too bad. Trail riding is great! I've never seen a recumbent trike on off-road trails with rocks and stuff but I could imagine on smooth dirt paths it could work. Which bikes do you currently have? One person in the forums is talking about converting his two wheel recumbent to electric, maybe you'll have something in common if you decide to do it too electricbikereview.com/community/threads/converting-a-bacchetta-giro-att-20-to-e-assist.267/

[@romyjugroo4542]

Electric Bike Review Hi,Thank you for all the advice.My favorites are a LOOK racing and a 20 year old Hercules mountain bike.My recumbent is most probably among the bikes stacked in the garage.Been toying with the idea of making one for years now.The electric assist will definitely add a lot of fun to the ride.Would be nice to follow the steps of someone doing the electric conversion.Thank you again for all the info.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Romy Jugroo Sure thing! Glad I could help you out :D

[@NewtonEnergy]

Belt drive like a Harley.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Yeah, this thing uses a belt drive for the motor much like a motorcycle but the human drivetrain is actually a very long traditional chain that runs through a plastic tube from the front chainrings all the way to a cassette in the rear. Neat hybrid combination here... but there are some ebikes that purely use belts like the Faraday Porteur: electricbikereview.com/faraday/porteur/

[@Adam01Time]

it is to small if your 6 foot and 38 inch waist do not waist your time

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Thanks Adam, did you get a chance to try the Outrider 422? I visited their headquarters and asked about seat adjustment. One of the founders is taller than me ~6ft (I'm 5'9") and he said the seat was very adjustable so maybe that would help?

[@Adam01Time]

I will check it out it out. I do repair them when they come in and lace sturmey 8 speeds into them. Do to the derailler being so close to the ground the derailler always gets hit and bumped thrown out of alignment. Going to lace a nuvinci n360 hub into one soon. We will see how it goes. Sturmey works out well the cabling goes over the top of the frame protecting it.

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Adam Time Cool, I can see how the derailleur would be more exposed. Great idea to try out a NuVinci... Hope it works out.

[@erikstuurwold5144]

Come on... got to be kidding me! Appreciate the attempt, but you really use '80s electric motors. There are electric hubs for sale for 800 dollar, buy a good performance accu and you don't need to engineer triple friction systems?!... and for that price you buy an electric car even... just keep it for real please

[@ElectricBikeReview]

The Outrider team is working on a really interesting recumbent trike for disabled people called the Horizon. It's also expensive but comes with full suspension and can be setup with pedals, hand cranks or arm controls so people who are paralyzed or even quadriplegic can ride.

[@M3iscool]

He wears zip-off pants...

[@ElectricBikeReview]

Oh yeah... you never know when it might get too hot out then BAM! shorts :P

[@M3iscool]

Yeah they're pretty convenient alright. Great for hiking/outdoor activities.

[@anim8dideas849]

trike........ not bike

[@josepha.chavez8060]

Too bad you have to be rich to get one.

[@MB031]

$12K you must be kidding..

[@ElectricBikeReview]

It's an expensive bike to be sure... not the most expensive (I just reviewed one that costs $38,500 electricbikereview.com/m55/terminus/) but what you're getting is quality build, refined software, support and warranty. Also, maybe some art value with the M55 ebikes ;)

[@ElectricBikeReview]

***** I agree, the Outriders are hand crafted and have lots of higher end parts (many made locally in the USA). It's an amazing machine... Just re-reviewed the 422 Alpha and the new Horizon, videos coming soon!

[@ElectricBikeReview]

***** Yeah, these guys are great... I'm about to publish two more reviews (tomorrow hopefully). The motor, wheels and controllers are built in the USA and the shop designs and assembles by hand in North Carolina. The majority of this bike is built domestically, more than any other ebike I've seen.