Company:MOD BIKES
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric bicycle |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Dor Korngold |
| Headquarters | Austin, Texas |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | Electric bicycles |
| Website | mod-bikes |
MOD BIKES (founded in 2017) is an American electric-bicycle company headquartered in Austin, Texas. The company builds consumer e-bikes and is known for its MOD Easy SideCar, an e-bike with an attachable sidecar covered by a U.S. design patent.[1]
History
MOD Bikes was established in Austin in 2017 by Dor Korngold. Initially operating on a small scale, the company expanded into a boutique design house. MOD designs bicycles in Austin and production takes place overseas.[2][3]
Products and Models
- MOD Easy – a retro cruiser-style e-bike styled after vintage motorcycles.[4]
- MOD Easy SideCar – features a detachable sidecar for pets, children, or cargo; payload up to 150 lb (68 kg). Covered by U.S. design patent USD1060140 S1.[5][6]
- MOD Easy Sahara – a limited-edition variant styled after the BMW R75 motorcycle.[7]
- MOD Berlin – a commuter bike with a range of up to 50 miles.[8]
- MOD Black – a dual-suspension off-road model with a 50-mile range.[9]
- MOD Cargo – a utility e-bike with long-tail design and vertical parking capability. Reviewed positively by Electrek.[4][8]
- MOD City+ – a folding commuter model recognized as the “Best City E-Bike” by Rolling Stone and named “Best overall folding” by SFGate.[1]
Technology and features
Snap-On ecosystem
MOD markets a patented Snap-On rack and accessory system allowing riders to attach baskets, benches, and other gear without tools. The ecosystem is a core part of the company’s “MOD-ify” concept.
MOD Connect
The proprietary MOD Connect platform enables wireless pairing of accessories, including Lumos smart helmets. Paired helmets can sync turn signals and brake lights directly from the bike’s controls. MOD Connect is listed as patent pending.
Patents
- USD1060140 S1 – Sidecar design patent (issued February 2025).[2]
- Utility application (2024) describing sidecar mounting and charging station features (pending).[12]
Reception
Media outlets like Ars Technica, CleanTechnica, and Lifewire have covered its attractiveness as a lifestyle product and a topic of conversation, while also pointing out its limited practicality in tight spaces and the need for careful handling.[4]
Some independent reviewers and riders have commended the robust motor, torque sensor, and braking system, but have also criticized the weight, complexity of assembly, and decreased maneuverability when utilizing the sidecar.[9]
Cultural presence and events
MOD BIKES has participated in Austin’s cultural and technology events. In March 2024, the company presented updated models during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, adding torque-sensing pedal assist and UL-certified batteries.[8]
The brand has additionally been noted in lifestyle and travel press as part of Austin’s cycling and micro-mobility scene.[10]
See also
- Electric bicycle
- Cargo bicycle
- Super73
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Obias, Rudie (2025-04-16). "Ditch the Car (and Gas Hikes) for These Top-Rated E-Bikes Instead" (in en-US). Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/best-electric-bikes-1327073/. Retrieved 2025-08-25.
- ↑ Brown, Bruce (2024-11-08). "Mod Bikes launches a BMW-inspired, limited-edition sidecar e-bike" (in en-us). https://www.digitaltrends.com/outdoors/mod-bikes-easy-sidecar-sahara-limited-edition/.
- ↑ Ryen, Dusten (2022-11-21). "Behind The Brand - MOD Bikes - Austin, TX" (in en-US). https://www.electricbikejournal.com/behind-the-brand-mod-bikes-austin-tx/.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Mole, Beth (14 June 2024). "Mod Easy: A retro e-bike with a sidecar perfect for Indiana Jones cosplay". https://arstechnica.com/cars/2024/06/mod-easy-a-retro-e-bike-with-a-sidecar-perfect-for-indiana-jones-cosplay/.
- ↑ , Dor"Sidecar" patent USD1060140S1, issued 2025-02-04
- ↑ "Hands-On With Mod's New Easy Sidecar E-Bike" (in en). https://www.lifewire.com/mod-easy-sidecar-ebike-hand-on-8628321.
- ↑ "Mod Easy Sahara Sidecar Electric Bike: A Classic Design Meets Modern Performance". https://www.electrichunter.com/two-wheelers/mod-easy-sahara-sidecar-electric-bike-classic-design-meets-modern-performance.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Toll, Micah (17 July 2024). "Europe meets Texas? The MOD Berlin electric bike seeks to find the best of both". https://electrek.co/2024/07/17/europe-meets-texas-the-mod-berlin-electric-bike-seeks-to-find-the-best-of-both/.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "MOD Black Electric Bike Review 2024 | Electric Bike Report" (in en-US). 2023-01-01. https://electricbikereport.com/mod-black-review/.
- ↑ "Best Things to Do in Austin: Ride MOD Bikes". https://www.austinmonthly.com/.
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