Nelson Morales

E-bike and electric scooter for gamers? Acer intros Predator mobility gadgets

Article (news)

Arthur Fuentes

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747742121078predator eranger alodia.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Acer brand mabassador Alodia Gosengfiao presents the Predator eRanger ebike. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false" style="text-align:left">Acer brand mabassador Alodia Gosengfiao presents the Predator eRanger ebike. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>TAIPEI — Taiwanese tech giant Acer is throwing its hat into the personal mobility market with the launch of several electric bikes and scooters at this year’s Computex tech expo.</p><p>Acer is even lending its ‘Predator’ brand, which is beloved by hardcore PC gamers, to the new mobility devices, in what appears to be a serious foray into the crowded and cutthroat world of e-bikes and e-kickscooters (EKS).</p><p>A standout entry is the Predator eRanger, with its rugged motocross looks. Acer says this bike has a range of 35 km to 55 km, depending on whether the user does full motorized riding, how fast they’re going, or if they use the pedal assist. Its 750-watt rear hub motor can propel the bike to 25 kph or up to 55 kph, which is pretty fast for an e-bike.  </p><p>On looks alone, the bike lives up to the Predator brand. It oozes ‘badass’ with its 4-inch wide knobby tires that look ready to take on rugged roads, while its downhill-mountain bike style triple-clamp fork and swingarm rear suspension provide plenty of shock absorption. I was told that both the front and rear shocks are adjustable to fit the terrain and preferred ride feel of the user. The retro, scrambler-style headlights and the black body with brown leather seat styling complete the aggressive aura.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747742196188predator eranger cockpit.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Acer Predator eRanger ebike has a digital control panel and a triple-clamp suspension fork. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Acer Predator eRanger ebike has a digital control panel and a triple-clamp suspension fork. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747742255811predator eranger rear shock.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The Acer Predator eRanger ebike has a swingarm rear suspension. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Acer Predator eRanger ebike has a swingarm rear suspension. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747742452710acer predator eranger ebike.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Acer&#x27;s e-bike and e-kick scooters at Computex. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false" style="text-align:left">Acer&#x27;s e-bike and e-kick scooters at Computex. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>Despite looking like a small electric motorcycle, this is not a Surron. The Predator eRanger is still a bike that you can pedal if ever you run out of juice. There’s also a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain to help ease the pedaling in case the battery runs out, ot you just want to work up a sweat–but I wouldn’t recommend it. As its seat height does not look adjustable, you will be pedaling in a not very efficient BMX-style position. Still, it’s nice to have that option in case you find yourself needing to do that.</p><p>It also has mechanical disc brakes on the front and back. I would have preferred if they had put hydraulic disc brakes on this e-bike though as hydro brakes are better in terms of ease of use and stopping power.  </p><p>Weighing just 33 kilos, this is light enough for a grown man to lift and stash on the back of a pickup truck for a car camping trip.</p><p>The 48V/10Ah battery can be charged in 5 hours via a 54.6V/2A charger. Maximum weight is up to 120 kg or 265 pounds, which means it can support even someone as massive as Lebron James, though he would probably look like a giant on a toy bike.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747743556717acer predator thunder.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Acer Predator Thunder e-kick scooter. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner">Acer Predator Thunder e-kick scooter. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>Another interesting micromobility gadget unveiled at Computex was the Predator Thunder scooter. This gadget definitely looks like an overclocked EKS with its V-shaped swept swing-style handlebars and its swingarm-style front and rear suspension. Even the knobby tires look aggressive.</p><p>Apparently it’s not all style either. According to Acer emobility, the Thunder is equipped with a 500W rear drive, while the Pro version is equipped with a dual drive 1200W motor that can tackle even a 35 percent slope with ease. For those not familiar with road grades, that’s as nasty as some of the steepest slopes of Kennon Road. So you can just imagine riding from La Union up to Baguio on this EKS.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1747743606015acer predator thunder suspension.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Acer Predator Thunder e-kick scooter has knobby tires and swingarm suspension front and rear. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false" style="text-align:left">Acer Predator Thunder e-kick scooter has knobby tires and swingarm suspension front and rear. Arthur Fuentes, ABS-CBN News</span></span></span></div><p>You don’t have to worry too much about range either. According to Acer, the Thunder has a range of 55 kilometers while the Pro can go as far as 70 kilometers. Of course, these numbers were probably achieved under ideal conditions, so expect a 10-20 percent decrease during real-world use. Still, that&#x27;s a pretty long range for an unmodified EKS. Top speed is pretty decent too at 40 kph. Braking won&#x27;t be a problem either with its EABS system.</p><p>Like the eRanger, the Thunder Pro can carry up to 120 kilos or someone weighing 265 pounds.</p><p>Gamers who buy this will be glad to know that it features the Predator gaming side lights, blue ambient lights, and an integrated LED display to complete that gamer aesthetic. What can I say? This definitely deserves the Predator logo up front.</p><p>Weighing just 30.4 kilos and able to fold into a more compact shape, this kick scooter is easy enough to bring onto a bus or train.</p><p>Will these gadgets be sold in the Philippines? Maybe. But I think the local personal mobility market could use some gamer-style disruption.</p>