KBO Ranger Review

The KBO Ranger is a Class 3 electric cargo bike with an 840-watt-hour battery and a 750-watt motor. A 6061 aluminum frame sits atop 20-inch wheels, and the total max load is 400 pounds (rear cargo limit is 120 pounds). The bike itself weighs 77 pounds and has a comparatively shorter wheelbase of 47 inches.

Ride

The KBO Ranger delivers a dependable ride, though its smaller stature creates a distinct handling profile compared to full-sized cargo bikes. Because it is shorter and more compact than many competitors, it trades some high-speed stability for exceptional maneuverability.

The 20-inch wheels are a key factor here; while they keep the center of gravity low for easy loading, they don't offer the same “planted” feel as larger wheels when navigating sharp turns or maintaining top speeds. However, the shorter wheelbase is a major advantage in tight urban environments, providing a much smaller turning radius that makes the Ranger feel significantly more nimble than the “long-tail” models in our lineup.

The components on the Ranger are sufficient, though not outstanding. The Tektro mechanical disc brakes bring you and your cargo to a stop effectively, and the Shimano Altus drivetrain did not give us any issues while changing speeds underway. The over-bar shifters on the right of the handlebars have room for improvement, as this position isn't the most ergonomic. Plus, they don't strike us as robust. The plump, three-inch-wide puncture-resistant tires dampen the ride quite well. The comfortable tires have a smooth, file-like tread, good for paved roads and designated bike lanes. It can ride on dirt and smooth gravel at slower speeds, too, though it won't gain purchase in rough terrain like tires with deeper tread.

The Ranger is comfortable pedaling around town. There is a fairly large claimed height range of 4'11" to 6'3". Our six-foot-tall lead tester almost achieved full leg extension with the seat height maxed out, though we acknowledge that he has especially long legs. The handlebars do not have an adjustable stem (one is available as an accessory), but instead rely on the spacer positioning to adjust the handlebar height. This proved functionally inconsequential, as our riders were able to position the seat and handlebars into a casual, upright seated position easily enough. The faux leather grips feel great, and the generous padding of the saddle kept us comfy.

The KBO Ranger is remarkably well-equipped for its price point, offering several thoughtful touches that enhance the daily commuting experience. Standard equipment includes large front and rear plastic fenders to protect your clothing from road spray, along with integrated front and rear lights powered by the main battery. We especially appreciated the safety-minded rear light, which flashes automatically when you apply the brakes.

The aesthetic is elevated by wooden toppers on both the expansive rear rack and the included running boards, providing a sturdy and stylish platform for cargo or passengers. Given the bike's 77-pound weight, the heavy-duty, two-legged kickstand with rubber feet is an essential addition for stable loading. While the head tube features mount points for an optional front basket, there is one minor omission: a “deflopilator” (steering stabilizer). Because the battery is located on the underside of the downtube, there is no room for a spring to keep the front wheel straight while parked. Despite this small oversight, the Ranger doesn't skimp on the details that make a cargo bike truly functional.

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Real-World Range Test Results

The Ranger far exceeds its price point in terms of range. With a whopping 840-watt-hour battery, you can depend on this bike to take you further than most of the competition on a single charge.

The KBO Ranger is built for the “long haul.” During our hilly range test, the motor carried us for 29.9 miles and climbed 1,500 feet entirely on its own. Averaging 17.6 mph through undulating terrain, the Ranger never felt underpowered, even as we pushed toward its 24 mph limit.

Because these results were achieved using the throttle alone, riders who contribute even a little pedal effort will find this bike capable of truly massive distances. It's rare to find such a high-capacity battery at this price point, giving you the freedom to explore or run errands across town without constantly checking your charge level.

Power

Like its prowess in range, the Ranger equally impresses with its power. The 750-watt motor is a beast that offers quick acceleration and a speedy top speed. It doesn't strike us as the most refined motor, but it certainly doesn't lack power.

We hit 24 mph, and sometimes a touch faster, with the throttle of this bike. The twist throttle reacts immediately, but doesn't jump out of control. Instead, it ramps up smoothly and quickly, reaching its top speed in just 12 seconds from a dead stop. In our uphill testing. We were able to cruise at 18 mph, slowing only to 17 mph in the steepest section. These results are excellent, and we were thoroughly impressed.

Mastering the KBO Ranger's power delivery takes a few minutes of “getting to know you” time. Initially, the acceleration can feel a bit eager, but once you adapt to its rhythm, the pedaling experience becomes quite enjoyable.

The speed intervals are consistent and helpful for navigating different traffic conditions, starting at 12 mph and climbing steadily. It is worth noting that while the marketing suggests a 28 mph top speed, we found the motor's practical limit to be closer to 24 mph. However, for most urban cargo needs, 24 mph is more than enough to feel fast and secure on the road. Whether you're using the throttle to get across an intersection or pedaling to maintain a clip, the Ranger consistently provides a high-energy ride.

Cargo Carrying

Despite being smaller than several other electric cargo bikes we tested, the Ranger can carry significant cargo. KBO lists its maximum load at 400 pounds (including the rider), which is probably much more than most folks will attempt.

The wood-topped rear cargo rack measures 19.7" long by 7.9" wide. This is a bit shorter than the rear racks on other models we tested, but should still easily accommodate a fair amount of cargo. The rear rack weight limit itself is 120 pounds. The running boards also have wooden toppers, which provide foot support to a rider. The front mount appears very sturdy with four bolts on the head tube, so you can add another rack or basket to the front and still transport a lot without hitting the weight limit of this bike.

Before you purchase this bike or any electric cargo bike, take a look at the accessories KBO offers. Upgrading a cargo bike with accessories is usually necessary to max out its carrying capacity. In comparison to other bikes and manufacturers, KBO's selection of accessory upgrades is somewhat limited. If you are looking for a nice bike seat for a toddler, for example, KBO does not sell one at the time of publication, although they do have other options for carting around kids. It also comes with running boards, something you typically have to purchase with other bikes.

Unlike most other cargo models we tested, this bike is able to fit onto some tray bike racks for transport by car. This is made possible by its comparatively shorter wheelbase length of 47 inches and is awfully handy when moving this bike farther than you can pedal it. The caveat is that it still weighs 77 pounds, which may exceed the single bike weight limit of many racks and makes it challenging to load.

Interface

The interface of this KBO model is pretty standard for the price range. It works well enough and we have no real qualms, but if the controls and display are very important to you, you might not be all that impressed.

The bike controls are ergonomic and easy to manipulate with thumbs. No tricks here, just an intuitive design that gets the rider used to the bike quickly. There's a twist throttle on the right side of the handlebar, and a three-button controller on the left that controls the power, mode, and pedal-assist levels.

The display is functional, not inspirational. Located in the middle of the handlebars, it is large, and the data it displays is easy to read at a glance. The 10-segment “Energy bar” provides feedback on battery life in small increments, which is nice, and the current speed shows up in big numbers. It also reads the pedal assist mode and an odometer with a trip counter clocks your distance traveled.

The battery is housed in the downtube of the frame for a clean look. It locks into place with a key for security, and it can be easily removed for charging off the bike.

The battery releases from the bottom of the downtube for off-bike charging.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

If you choose, you can charge the battery while it is on the bike. A rubber stopper keeps dirt and liquid out of the charging port.   Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Assembly

As far as electric cargo bikes go, the Ranger is above average in its ease of assembly. This only has to happen once, so it's not a deal-breaker for most people, but we appreciate that KBO made efforts to make the process a little smoother than other models.

Assembly instructions are included, and KBO offers an instructional video online to guide you through the process. The bike comes with a nice folding multi-tool to assist in assembly. You will also need a wrench for the pedals and the small nut behind the front fender. To start, prop the bike up on its sturdy kickstand, which makes it easy to remove all the packaging. Further, the steps include installing the handlebars, front wheel, front fender, headlight, pedals, and running boards. It took us a total of 45 minutes.

Should You Buy the KBO Ranger?

If you want a reliable cargo e-bike that does not break the bank, the Ranger should be a consideration. It has the look and feel of a top-quality bike, yet it costs less. While it features solid power, range, and top speed, it doesn't have the most stable or enjoyable ride quality. If you're not well-versed in riding a standard bicycle, the Ranger isn't a great choice.

What Other E-Bikes Should You Consider?

The main area where the Ranger falls a bit behind is its ride quality. For individuals who ride most days of the week, this might be a factor that makes it worthwhile to spend a little more to make the ride more enjoyable. If that describes you, check out the Blix Packa Genie. It has a longer rear rack, but more importantly, has a fantastic ride quality for daily rides and commutes. If you're looking for high-end ride quality and the most cargo capacity, the Yuba Spicy Curry is a great option, though it is much more expensive. It foregoes a throttle in favor of a quality mid-drive motor with super smooth pedal assistance. It comes with higher-end components, and Yuba offers the deepest selection of accessories for customization.