Sometimes I wonder what goes into a product name. In this case it’s the name of a very comfortable e-bike, the Pedego Boomerang. Did they name it for Boomers? Perhaps for the shape of the frame? Or even the notion that you’ll like it so much you’ll keep coming back to it? All are true.
What sets the Boomerang apart is comfort. Comfort getting on and off, comfort on the ride, comfort with the range. The obvious feature is the extremely low step through frame, just about nine inches off the ground. That makes it ideal for anyone who is looking for an easy way on and off the bike with just about zero strain. One of the issues that arises with a design like this, which lacks the triangular support of traditional frames, is whether the frame will be sufficiently stiff to provide a solid ride. Turns out it just isn’t a problem.
The Boomerang is a pedal assist bike with five power levels. It uses what’s called a torque sensor to trigger the assist. That’s based on your level of effort as opposed to a cadence sensor that kicks in based on your revolutions. It also has a twist throttle which helps getting started at the bottom of a hill or from a traffic light. I found that even at the lowest power setting, I got quite a lot of boost.
It has a powerful 500-watt motor get you up the toughest hills and a substantial 48-volt battery system that sits in a solidly built rear rack. Because both motor and battery are in the rear, it makes the bike a little back heavy. It uses mechanical disc brakes, which are less finicky than hydraulic discs. The brake levers are specially designed for e-bikes so that when you apply them you also cut power to the motor. Clever. Maximum range is estimated at about thirty miles, but that figure is always dependent on the weight of the rider, the terrain, and riding style.
The “Plus”version of the Boomerang comes with built-in front and rear 
lights that run directly off the battery. The non-plus version has the built-in tail light but only a front reflector. The “Plus” has color matched fenders. All models feature a substantial chain guard to protect clothing and the handlebars provide a very comfortable upright ride. Even though there are no shocks, it has a plush saddle sitting atop a suspension seat post. And it has extra-fat 26-inch tires that themselves will cushion the ride. And yes, there’s even a built-in bell.
I found the display to be big and readable, even in bright sunlight. It shows pedal assist level, battery level, speedometer, and distance. The display also has a USB port so you can charge a phone, GPS, or other bike computer.
The bike is a bit on the chunky side, with a total weight of 62 pounds. That puts it at the weight limit for many bike racks. Because of the lack of a cross 
bar, you’ll either need a platform or a bar add-on to transport it. The sturdy rear rack has a built-in spring loaded clip. It’s easy to velcro on a bag, but the thick bars are not very pannier friendly.
Pricing for the Pedego Boomerang begins at $2,496.
Here’s the company’s video:
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