Austin , Texas based Volcon has introduced the latest model in the young company’s stable and it is somewhat of a surprise but that only depends on what segment defines the company but also what separated a powersports vehicle from a other segments.
The new offering is the Volcon Brat and it lives in that netherworld of bicycle / motorcycle. The Brat has pedals but it also has a full suspension, fat tires, a digital display and great big ol’ headlight upfront. It’s also fast. With a top off-road speed of 28 mph achievable when the mode is “unlocked”, it is a quick little beast. It also has a range of 70 miles but that is achieved with a couple of caveats – as every other electric vehicle’s range does. The longest range is achieved in Mode 1 which is the mode that provides the least pedal assist function meaning it is you that will be doing most of the work and considering the 86lb weight and large 4-inch wide tires, that could be a lot of work. Range decreases as the assist is added through Mode 2 and Mode 3 and once in that 28 mph “off-road” mode is unlocked the range will likely be well less than half of that that 70 miles on the removable 750wh batteryolcon .
Volcon is using smart marketing with the Brat – one utilized by the likes of Honda, KTM and others. Start them on a Volcon and they may well remain on a Volcon. The enticing feature of the Volcon Brat is the price – $2799 (US$). Compare that to the $7995 price of the Grunt. The company CEO Jordan Davis states:
“The proverbial leap from the Brat to the Grunt isn’t far. If you can ride the Brat, you can ride our Grunt, meaning as your riding style changes and experience progresses, we’ll have the product for you.”
The Brat poses an interesting dilemma for Volcon. The new e-bike is intended mostly for street use. Say the rider of the Volcon Brat wants to stay on the street but go further or faster. That, so far, is a segment that Volcon has yet to address. And we strongly believe that it is a segment that the company will inevitablely address and considering the speed of product development, will it be long? Other electric bike produced have taken the same path. See the Super73 concepts.
Now about those names. Yes, we get there is a rugged outdoor theme going on here but please, no Volcon Rut or Shed or Molt.