Magnum Payload Review

Solid value and functionality in a midrange-priced e-hauler.

The longtail Payload is Magnum Electric Bikes’ one and only cargo offering.Toby Hill

The Magnum Payload came into my life at the perfect time. I had just sold my car and renewed a long-lapsed commitment to make as many trips around town as possible by ebike. This bike—the sole cargo offering from the multi-channel brand Magnum—felt like the right rig to jump-start my ambitions to drive less and ride more. I immediately zip-tied a front basket on the front rack, stashed some bungee cords in case I needed to strap gear onto the rear rack, and began a several-week period of nearly car-free bliss. Beach trips, takeout pickup, grocery runs, grabbing coffee or lunch—almost any time I was driving, the Payload was my car.

Magnum says the Payload is capable of up to 60 miles of range on a single charge.Magnum Electric Bikes

What Is the Magnum Payload?

Indeed, the throttle- and pedal-assist longtail Payload bills itself as the pickup truck of ebikes, and backs up that claim with a big 48V battery that boasts a max range of 60 miles and 10.5 hours of run time. Its extra-long frame is outfitted with an integrated rear rack, fenders, front rack, and running boards and footpegs for a kid passenger.

It’s plenty powerful for light hauling duties thanks to the 1,008Wh battery and the 500 nominal watts (750 peak) delivered by the Das-Kit rear hub motor. The leather saddle, faux leather grips, and wooden running boards, racks, and accents dress up the aluminum frame, while a suspension seatpost, 26-inch wheels, and 2.4-inch-wide tires add some off-pavement versatility to the Payload’s personality.

The Payload features handsome wood accents.Toby Hill

The bike can be configured as a Class 1, 2, 3 ebike from the manufacturer, and has six levels of assist. My Class 2 test bike was governed at 20 mph with the assist delivered by pedaling or via the bar-mounted trigger throttle. It felt plenty fast for around-town errands and bike-path jaunts. But if I was primarily using it as a commuter and planned to ride exclusively with traffic or in the bike lane, I’d consider requesting Class 3, which in the Payload’s case tops out at 25 mph.

The front cockpit includes an adjustable-height stem, faux leather grips, a left-hand controller, center-mounted backlit LCD display, a right-hand thumb throttle, and a bell.Toby Hill

A Das-Kit Backlit LCD Smart display mounts on the center of the Payload’s handlebars, showing speed, battery voltage, assist level, remaining battery, odometer, and tripmeter. A “miles remaining” estimate might be a handy feature here too, but the battery life and voltage indicators suffice. The cockpit is rounded out by shifters for the Shimano eight-speed Acera drivetrain and brake levers for the Tektro hydraulic disc brakes. The frame has front and rear lights that switch on manually, although if this was my full-time ride I’d augment that setup with a bar-mounted front light, as the stock option wasn’t quite bright enough after dark.

The Payload still feels maneuverable and comfortable with cargo aboard.Toby Hill

How Does the Magnum Payload Ride?

The Payload is built on an aluminum alloy chassis, and the frame’s 450-millimeter reach and 17.25-inch-long seat tube dictate a 5-foot-5 minimum rider height. I’m 5-foot-7 and felt comfortable and balanced aboard the bike. It’s long, though, and—at 77 pounds—quite stout. Still, riding the Payload is an overall pleasant experience. It doesn’t feel like a Cadillac when maneuvering around corners, even when racks are loaded with groceries or beach towels, and it has a distinct get-up-and-go.

The pedal assist initiates instantaneously and delivers power evenly and quickly as you move through the levels of assist. Even though it doesn’t feel quite as efficient as a mid-drive motor, the time between pedaling and motor engagement is never jerky or jarring. For most rides, I kept the assist between 3 and 4 and my speed around 18 mph, and almost always used the pedal assist versus throttle (call me old-fashioned). The throttle is useful, however, to restart quickly after you’ve come to an unexpected stop or when riding with traffic and you need to accelerate quickly to keep pace with traffic, say when you’re first in line at a green light. I also used it for an added boost on short, steep uphills—the only time the Payload lacked pep.

Battery life is true to the published 30- to 60-mile range, and, as expected, varies depending on headwind, load weight, and assist level. I tested the limits of the range on a 25-mile loop with some significant uphills, wind, and two heavy bags of groceries on the front rack most of the way. I ran the assist near full power almost the whole time, and still had a battery bar left when I got home.

Ideally, I would’ve been able to ride my toddler the 5 miles to and from school on the Payload, but at 3, he’s too little to ride without a protective cage around the rear-rack seat. Magnum doesn’t offer that accessory, but Yuba Bicycles’ Adjustable Monkey Bars should be compatible, and worth the $200 if you have toddler-toting needs. I currently transport him using the Thule Yepp seat, but that wouldn’t fit on the Payload’s rear rack without some modifications, which I would do if I owned the bike.

This is Magnum’s sole cargo offering, so while it’s still a burgeoning category, I do think offering passenger accessories, like a padded seat, bars, and Yepp seat compatibility, makes sense, especially given the breadth of what’s offered by competitors like Rad Power Bikes and Yuba. If you are putting a passenger on the back, be mindful of the Payload’s…uh, payload, which is 308 pounds.

The Payload can be purchased direct online or through brick-and-mortar dealers at an MSRP of $2,800.Magnum Electric Bikes

How Much Does the Magnum Payload Cost?

Magnum’s MO is finding a middle ground between quality and affordability, and the Payload certainly strikes a nice balance here with its $2,800 price tag. It’s not quite entry-level or typical consumer-direct pricing, but it is in line with the Payload’s solid build, premium look, and ride characteristics. Also, Magnum sells through a network of dealers if you prefer an in-person purchase or customer service. The brand also has a private Facebook group where owners can ask questions and connect with other riders.

My test bike came to me from the Magnum store in Encinitas, California, but the bikes can also be purchased online at magnumbikes.com or at a growing number of ebike dealers across the US. Magnum also has its own branded stores in the company’s hometown of Salt Lake City, as well as in Park City, Utah, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

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