I tried the JackRabbit XG Pro, and it's the ebike version of a jacked-up chihuahua

Tom's Guide

19-05-2025

'The JackRabbit XG Pro is made for pros. Don't say we didn't warn you.' That's the first line on the product page — and yeah, they mean it. Like other JackRabbit micro e-bikes, the XG Pro looks like a beefy BMX with chunkier tires. But with its 750W motor, short wheelbase, and sub-40 lb frame, you're looking at a ride that'll either make you grin like a maniac, land on your butt, or, in my case, both.
Let's just say they weren't kidding about the warning — this thing is a wheelie monster.
Motor
749 geared rear hub motor
Top speed
20 mph (32 km/h) / 24 mph (39 km/h) in off-road mode
Range
48 miles (77 km)
Battery
720 Wh battery (2x 360Wh RangeBuster batteries)
Max load
275 lb (125 kg)
Bike weight
37 lb (16.7 kg)
Brakes
Front and rear mechanical disc brakes on 180 mm rotors
Wheels
2.8 x 20-inch off-road tires
It ships mostly assembled — just expect to fumble a bit with the front and rear lights, which are oddly finicky to install. But once set up, you really start to appreciate how compact this thing is.
At just 37 pounds, this is one of the lightest 750W e-bikes around. The 90-degree fold-flat handlebar is a huge win — it let me roll it under my dining table or tuck it neatly by the wall without clogging up the hallway. Between the short wheelbase and folding pegs, it's super apartment-friendly.
Visually, it hides its 'E' roots well. The dual 360Wh batteries sit on top of the frame like they're straight out of a Mad Max gas rig. They look more like ammo cans or fuel packs than batteries, and paired with the Army Green paint on mine, it gives the whole thing a rugged, military vibe. Minimal branding, too—thankfully.
You wouldn't think a bike this size could be this punchy. But pop it into the highest power mode and prepare for whiplash — no joke, it will lift the front wheel if you're not leaning in.
The first few takeoffs caught me completely off guard. I'd hit the throttle at a red light and suddenly find myself standing while the bike tried to bolt off with my hands just barely keeping it from rolling off without me. It's fun, no doubt, but it demands respect. I eventually got the hang of feathering the throttle from a stop, but even then, it's easy to get caught off balance if you're not careful.
But that same power is what makes this thing so capable. It crushed steep hills — think 30–40° grades — without breaking a sweat. I was able to accelerate up hills and maintain 15+ mph while climbing. That's rare, even for bigger e-bikes. Although I'd be lying if I said I wasn't leaning way forward like a cartoon character to avoid tipping backward.
The base top speed is 20 mph, which it hits effortlessly with my 5'10', 160 lb frame. But Off-Road Mode takes it to 24 mph… once you sign a waiver, confirm you're 18+, and pinky-promise not to use it illegally. No, seriously, you need to do that. JackRabbit is covering every legal base here — and I don't blame them.
As for off-roading? The knobby 2.8 × 20-inch tires help a lot with grip and smoothing out bumps from roots, gravel, or curbs. But with zero suspension, you'll be standing on those pegs for sure.
Earlier JackRabbit bikes leaned hard into portability but had limited range and power. The XG Pro changes that. The dual RangeBuster batteries bring a massive bump in capacity — 720Wh total, which is 2.5x the capacity of its standard airline-friendly packs (which yes, you'll need to buy separately if you want to fly with this).
The batteries are no longer integrated into the frame like on previous models, and weight goes up by about 5 lbs over the original XG. But for a lot of people, that's a tradeoff they're willing to take.
JackRabbit claims up to 48 miles of range, which is solid for a bike this size. But let's be real: if you're goosing the throttle and riding like a hooligan (which is half the fun), that number will drop. Still, it's a massive step up from earlier models and competes with or even beats many full-size e-bikes in this weight class.
This might look like a bike, but there's no way to pedal it. Instead, it uses folding foot pegs, which do help keep things compact — but that's a major limitation you need to keep in mind.
Even throttle-heavy e-bikes usually include pedals as a backup. The XG Pro? Nope. If you run out of battery, you're walking it home or calling an Uber.
That's a big deal for me. I've been caught out more than once with a dead battery, and being able to pedal — even sluggishly — makes a huge difference. It's also nice to have the option to pedal for range extension or, dare I say, exercise. Something I'm told bikes are traditionally used for.
So while it's fine for short commutes or being a hooligan, this wouldn't replace a true commuter e-bike for me. Something like the Urtopia Carbon 1 Fold (which I reviewed earlier this year) is much better if you want compact and practical — plus it's even lighter at 29 lbs, though its range is reduced to 40 miles.
Many e-bikes — especially higher-end ones — now route their cables internally for a cleaner look and better protection from the elements. The XG Pro doesn't do this, at least not for its front and rear lights. That might make them easier to service or replace, but it also means the wires and ports are left more exposed — something I've been keeping a close eye on.
Hopefully it won't become an issue long-term, but I've already run into one annoyance: a few times while moving the bike around, I accidentally unplugged the front light. For something that leans so heavily into rugged minimalism, this felt like an oddly clunky oversight.
The XG Pro uses 180mm mechanical disc brakes front and rear, but in my tests, they felt mushy. At lower speeds, they're fine. But once you're over 15 mph and need to stop quickly, the brakes feel spongy and don't inspire much confidence — especially on steep downhill runs.
Coming down the same hill I mentioned earlier, I had to seriously dial back my speed because I just didn't trust the brakes to stop me in time or not throw me over the handlebars. Not ideal when drivers treat stop signs like suggestions.
For a bike that emphasizes performance and off-road fun, it's disappointing. Hydraulic brakes would've made a huge difference — and at this price point, that's a corner I wish they hadn't cut.
The XG Pro is fast, compact, and an absolute blast to ride — but it's also expensive, impractical, and kind of ridiculous in the best way.
Looking for a serious commuter or a do-it-all e-bike? This isn't it. But if you want something that can pop wheelies at will, squeeze under a desk, and still hit 20 (or 24 mph, if you're feeling brave) with zero effort? There's really nothing else quite like it.
Just don't say we didn't warn you.