Bunch Bike Original 4+ Trike is Now Certified to UL-2849
Bunch Bikes has released its new and improved 4+ cargo bike trike, which includes a long list of upgrades, including UL-2849 e-bike system certification. Let’s explore all the upgrades and why they matter!
Why Does UL 2849 E-Bike Testing Matter?
Imagine you bought a house and never had it inspected or had any code requirements. That is essentially where the e-bike market is in the United States. Brands are buying e-bike electronics, including batteries, chargers, and remotes, without having any testing standards to ensure their safety when you are riding it or plugging it. Can you imagine doing that with anything else in your life? Unfortunately, that is the micromobility space in the United States right now. Slowly, we are seeing requirements from NYC and others, but until it is federally mandated as we see in appliances, cars, or power tools, it is up to the brand to ensure safety and the end consumer to choose with their dollars.
While owning the cargo bike shop, our insurance broker insisted that all e-bikes we sell be certified to UL-2849 and/or batteries to be UL-2771. We brought that mentality to this website when we launched. There are enough great cargo bikes out there, and adding extra testing to the most expensive and dangerous part of the bike—the electric bike system—shows that a company believes in its product and wants to protect its end customer, even if it costs the brand extra upfront. When launching, I contacted every brand I wanted to include in the directory to ask about their UL process. I was thrilled to hear that Bunch Bikes was in the middle of going through UL testing, and their UL-2849 4+ bikes are finally ready!
Other Bunch Bike 4+ Upgrades
There are several other major updates that Bunch introduced on the Bunch Bike 4 that will be included in the 4+.
Brake Upgrades
- New Tektro Auriga E-Twin+ E545 / E540 Braking System
- 180mm rotors
- Improved parking brake (a very important part on trikes that can roll away!)
E-Bike Assist Upgrades
- Now, with a torque sensor – in our opinion, this is a requirement for any cargo bike so the e-bike system responds properly.
- Updated throttle that provides a full boost on any assist mode. Previously, the throttle was limited by the mode you were in. I don’t use a throttle much, but when the bike is fully loaded, it is helpful to get started by pedaling and using the throttle.
Other Upgrades
- Updated box panel set – The front panel is taller than on the 2.0 and earlier 3.0 models for more seating versatility.
- Updated display with USB port – A USB output is now standard on all Bunch Bike 4 models.
- Updated rear rack design – This allows for a lower seat height for riders down to 5’1″ or 27.5″ inseam. Bunch Bikes can also provide an alternate flat seat for shorter riders. Riders up to 6’8″ can easily share the same setup.
Is a Cargo Trike For You?
We have spent a lot of time on the original, original, Bunch Bike Cargo Trike. You can read our Bunch Original Cargo Trike Review. Depending on your cargo needs and local bike infrastructure, a cargo trike may be exactly what you need. We will have a 4+ in later this summer to try, and I’m interested to see how it handles our very hilly area and lack of dedicated bike infrastructure. The three-wheel design is certainly a head-turner and brought in many people to my cargo bike shop to try. It isn’t for everyone, but it could be for you.
Customers commonly interested in cargo trikes:
• Multiple kids
• Carrying dogs
• Carrying children with disabilities
• Bikes for business
• Riders with mobility concerns or limitations
Buy a Bunch Before Prices Go Up
If you are reading this at the date of publishing and want a Bunch, buy soon before their prices increase from the 301 tariff exemption expiration! Support our site by buying through this link.
We are currently adding to the Bunch Original 4+ bike in our directory. If you have one, could you please leave a review?
