Experience the Thrill: Unveiling the Antic E-Bike

Unleash Your Inner Rider: Master the Antic E-Bike!

A Unique Riding Adventure in the Heart of Las Vegas

My recent trip to Las Vegas, spanning three decades, marked a memorable first: deliberately attempting a wheelie on an electric bicycle. After a demanding day navigating the CES exhibition, I was eager for some playful excitement. As dusk settled, I connected with the Future Motion team, known for their OneWheel and the newly introduced Antic e-bike, outside the Venetian. Equipped with a helmet and initial guidance, I embarked on a ride aboard this retro-inspired electric mini-bike.

Initial Impressions and Urban Maneuvers

My instructor, Jack, and I began our ride, traversing a spacious area that allowed for comfortable acceleration and wide turns. Once I demonstrated proficiency in basic handling and assured him I wouldn't collide with any decorative fountains or pedestrians, Jack advanced me to a faster mode. The increased speed immediately brought a wide grin to my face. It was somewhat ironic, given that I had started the day riding a Segway e-bike on an indoor go-kart track. I found myself wishing the order had been reversed, as the Antic's robust tires would have been perfect for carving through the track's many turns.

Conquering the Wheelie: A Balancing Act

While I appreciate speed, I wouldn't categorize myself as a seasoned skateboarder, surfer, or snowboarder. This made the prospect of balancing during a wheelie a bit daunting, but I was determined to try. Fortunately, the Antic's rear wheel, much like a OneWheel, offered a familiar sense of stability. The initial challenge involved standing with the bike between my legs, applying throttle, and pulling back to lift the front wheel. A pink indicator light on the base board signaled the optimal wheelie angle. For a brief period, the bike seemed to have a will of its own, until I discovered that leaning back, contrary to intuition, provided greater control.

Achieving Lift-off: The Art of the Wheelie

The next progression involved maintaining the wheelie position while seated. Then, it was a matter of gathering the courage to lift my feet and lean slightly forward. Performing wheelies on this mini-bike strikes a satisfying balance between challenge and attainability; it requires practice but isn't overly difficult. I'm pleased to report that within 15 minutes, I was able to execute wheelies spanning approximately 10 to 12 yards before smoothly returning the front wheel to the ground. The key insight was trusting that leaning back was essential for control, with the lateral balance becoming simpler as speed increased, a principle familiar to any cyclist.

Customization and Versatility of the Antic E-Bike

Beyond being a fun novelty, the Antic e-bike is specifically engineered for wheelies. Its accompanying app allows riders to adjust settings such as the automatic wheelie angle and regenerative braking, enabling a personalized riding experience that evolves with your skill. For me, cycling has always been about efficient transportation. However, with this mini-bike, I envision embarking on recreational rides purely for enjoyment and stress relief. Its performance during my half-hour test ride suggests it would excel on diverse terrains, including sand and grass. The base model is currently available at AnticBikes.com for $2,100, representing a $400 discount. A version with extended range can be purchased for $2,700, and a premium model with performance-enhanced tires is offered at $2,900. Optional accessories include a surf rack, a phone mount, fenders, pegs, and a cup holder, though attempting a wheelie with a beverage might prove precarious until a spill-proof solution is devised