The Hovsco Hovcart is a class 2 electric cargo bike designed for utility and versatility. It arrives ready to cruise at speeds up to 20 mph with pedal assist and a thumb throttle, but you can unlock it to class 3 speeds for up to 26 mph through the companion app. This bike is perfect for riders between 4’11” and 6’3”, coming in two attractive colors—orange and gray.

Motor and Battery

The Hovcart is powered by a 48V, 750W pseudo rear hub motor offering a peak power of 1300W and 90 Nm of torque, delivering strong performance on flat roads and moderate hills. The battery is a 48V, 15Ah (720Wh) pack integrated into the down tube, providing an estimated range of 40 to 60 miles per charge depending on terrain and usage.

• Charging: Comes with a 3-amp charger that fully charges the battery in about 5 hours.
• Removability: The battery can be easily removed with a key for off-bike charging, adding convenience for apartment dwellers or those without easy outlet access near their parking spot.
• Certifications: Tested and certified to UL2271 and UL2849 standards, with an IPX5 water resistance rating for protection against rain and splashes.

Drivetrain and Gearing

Equipped with a Shimano 7-speed derailleur, the Havart uses a 48-tooth chainring paired with a 7-speed trigger shifter. The gearing is optimized for low-end torque, making it ideal for carrying heavy loads or riding at moderate speeds. However, riders looking for sustained high-speed performance might find the gearing a bit limiting.

Brakes and Suspension

Stopping power comes from radius two-piston hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, ensuring confident braking even in wet conditions. The front suspension fork by Zoom offers 45mm of travel, preload adjustment, and lockout capability for a smoother ride on rough terrain.

Tires and Wheels

The bike rides on 20×3 inch Chao Yang tires with a multi-terrain, puncture-resistant tread pattern mounted on six-spoked mag wheels. These wide tires provide stability and a comfortable ride over urban streets, gravel paths, and even sandy beaches.

Frame and Cargo Capacity

• Weight: 66 lbs
• Maximum Payload: 450 lbs, including rider and cargo
• Length: 69.5 inches
• Cargo Options: The rear rack supports up to 100 lbs and comes with a passenger setup by default (footboards, seat, and orbiter). Optional baskets are available for those preferring cargo hauling over passenger transport.

Ergonomics and Fit

The bike features high-rise handlebars that allow a comfortable, upright riding posture, reducing strain on the back and shoulders. The adjustable seat post and handlebar positioning accommodate riders from just under 5 feet to over 6 feet tall. The medium-sized padded seat is comfortable for long rides, and the floorboards and chain guards provide safety and convenience when carrying passengers or cargo.

Controls and Display

The left handlebar houses a thumb throttle, front brake lever, and a control pad with power, assist level, and headlight buttons. The display is simple but effective, showing battery level, speed, pedal assist level (up to 5), odometer, and trip mileage. Though not full color, the display includes color indicators and is easy to read in various lighting conditions.

The right handlebar features the rear brake lever and a Shimano 7-speed trigger shifter, allowing precise gear changes with thumb and index finger.

App Integration and Settings

The Hovsco app is necessary to unlock the bike from class 2 to class 3, enabling speeds above 20 mph. The app also provides basic ride data such as mileage, battery status, and GPS tracking. While simple, it is functional, though advanced settings are limited and mostly handled within the app rather than the on-bike display.

Speed and Acceleration

• Throttle Only: The bike reaches a top throttle speed of about 26 mph, with acceleration that is smooth and gentle—ideal for passenger comfort.
• Pedal Assist: Pedal assist levels boost speed up to 28 mph, with torque sensors responding well to pedaling force for a natural riding feel.
• Gearing Considerations: At higher speeds, pedaling can become strenuous due to gearing optimized for torque, not speed, making the throttle the preferred option for sustained fast riding.

Braking Performance

Hydraulic disc brakes delivered reliable stopping power in wet conditions, with a stopping distance of approximately 20 feet from 20 mph and 38 feet from 28 mph. The brakes felt secure and responsive, providing confidence on city streets and trails.

Off-Road and Hill Climbing

Thanks to the suspension fork and wide tires, the Hovcart handled rough terrain, wet grass, and sandy beaches with ease. The hill climb test on a steep 20° incline showed that pedal assist significantly improved climbing ability compared to throttle-only mode. The bike’s torque was sufficient for most urban hills but not overwhelming.

Range and Battery Life

In real-world conditions including off-road, hills, and sand, the bike managed about 26 miles on a single charge before the battery was depleted. The display’s battery indicator sometimes showed sudden drops from two bars to zero, which was unexpected but didn’t immediately cut power—though it did highlight some inconsistency in battery readout accuracy.

Comfort and Practicality

The high-rise handlebars and padded seat provided a comfortable riding position. The double kickstand was easy to deploy and very stable, making loading and unloading cargo or passengers effortless. The inclusion of floorboards and a rear passenger setup make this a family-friendly utility bike.

Pros and Cons of the Hovsco Hovcart

Pros

• Strong, reliable 750W motor with peak power for varied terrain
• Impressive payload capacity of 450 lbs
• Versatile cargo and passenger configurations
• Comfortable riding position and ergonomic design
• Good hydraulic brakes with solid stopping power in wet conditions
• Easy-to-remove battery with integrated charging port
• Suspended front fork for added ride comfort
• Great deal during holiday sales with warranty and discount codes

Cons

• Limited advanced display features; basic app functionality
• Gearing favors low speeds, making fast pedaling tiring
• Battery indicator can be inconsistent near depletion
• Headlight placement obstructed by front basket when loaded
• Front wheel tends to wobble without steering stabilization aid
• Could benefit from suspension seat post for rough terrain rides

Who Should Buy the Hovsco Hovcart?

The Hovsco Hovcart is an excellent choice for:

• Urban commuters who need a reliable cargo bike for groceries, kids, or deliveries.
• Riders who want a comfortable, upright riding position with easy-to-use controls.
• Those who plan to use the bike mostly at moderate speeds and rely on throttle for occasional bursts of speed.
• Individuals looking for a rugged, durable bike that can tackle light off-road conditions like trails, sand, or gravel.
• Anyone seeking a budget-friendly cargo eBike with solid components and a strong warranty.

This bike is less ideal for riders who want to maintain high speeds through pedaling alone or need highly detailed digital displays and customization.

Final Thoughts on the Hovsco Hovcart Utility Cargo Bike

The Hovsco Hovcart blends practicality, comfort, and power into a competitively priced utility cargo eBike. It shines in its role as a daily workhorse—whether you’re hauling kids, groceries, or gear—while still offering enough power and suspension to handle light trails and city hills. Though it has some quirks, such as the basic display and battery indicator behavior, the overall package is impressive for the price point, especially during holiday sales.

If you want a dependable, easy-to-use cargo bike that balances power and comfort, the Hovsco Hovcart is worth serious consideration.