We Charged an E-Bike With Our Rivian R1T While Driving—Then Hit the Trail

Before the skies unleashed another colossal storm upon California recently, a week of serene weather presented the perfect opportunity for us to embark on an adventure: We seized the moment to pair up our long-term 2022 Rivian R1T electric pickup truck with an electric mountain bike, setting off to explore picturesque landscapes and tackle rugged terrains. The goal? To discover whether this dynamic duo truly complements each other in the pursuit of electrifying, eco-friendly exploits.

Let's meet our adventure vehicles. Our long-term Rivian R1T Launch Edition comes with a 135-kWh battery pack and four motors capable of 835 horsepower and 908 lb-ft of torque. The truck comes standard with an adjustable hydro-pneumatic suspension, and ours is optioned with a reinforced underbody shield and all-terrain tires for any off-road activity, like the Trans-America Trail off-road run we completed back in 2021.

Our Specialized Levo Comp Carbon electric mountain bike has few things in common with our powerful Rivian. A Class 1 pedal-assist-only e-bike with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, it comes with an integrated 700-Wh (0.7-kWh) battery pack, and one Specialized 2.2 Custom Rx Trail Tuned motor capable of 0.7 hp and 66 lb-ft of torque. The bike is also equipped with front and rear adjustable suspensions good for up to 6 inches of travel, a carbon-fiber frame, and a 29-inch Specialized Butcher trail tire up front and a 27.5-inch one out back.

Before embarking on our electrifying adventure, we had to tackle the task of loading the Levo onto the Rivian's truck bed. It wasn't as simple as placing the bike on the truck and hitting the road—the Rivian's 4.5-foot bed was too short for that. Instead, we removed the front wheel and positioned the bike diagonally in the truck bed, achieving a snug fit. Of course, there are more stylish ways to transport a bike, such as Rivian's roof- or bed-rail-mounted bike racks, a hitch rack, or tailgate pads, but we didn't have any of these accessories on hand.

Charging the Specialized while transporting it is easy, thanks to the Rivian's bed-mounted 120-volt outlets. We simply plugged in the bike's charger to keep the battery topped up and ensured the Rivian's outlets were live by tapping on either the Charging or Camp app at the bottom of the R1T's infotainment display, and then toggled on the 120-volt outlet. With our e-bike snugly stowed and charging, we were ready to hit the road.

Our first destination was a picturesque mountain road on the SoCal coast that offered a unique and rewarding adventure for mountain bikers seeking breathtaking views and rides.

We unloaded the Specialized Levo at an 80 percent charge, reattached the front wheel, adjusted the tire pressure using the Rivian's built-in air compressor, and readied ourselves for the 2,000-foot hill climb. We set the Levo's electric assist to Eco mode, providing just enough support to make the ascent enjoyable while still offering a decent workout for our rider. As we made our way up the 6 to 8 percent slopes, the breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains served as a stunning backdrop. The mild assist from the motor allowed us to focus on the picturesque landscape while still feeling the challenge of the climb. Along the way, we even encountered some cows grazing on the hillside, adding to the charming rural ambiance of our adventure. The quiet operation of the electric motor ensured we could enjoy the tranquility of nature and the sound of birdsong without disturbing the environment.

The Levo's stable handling and smooth suspension seamlessly absorbed the mix of paved and dirt surfaces, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout our journey. It was easy to maintain a steady pace even when faced with loose gravel and ruts on the trail. Upon reaching the summit, we reflected on our accomplishment and savored the panoramic vistas, appreciating the perfect balance between the Levo electric mountain bike's assistance and the invigorating workout on the rugged terrain.

Having conquered the 2,000-foot climb, it was time to experience the exhilarating ride back down. The descent promised a thrilling combination of speed and breathtaking scenery. As we set off toward the ocean, the mesmerizing view of the water and distant islands unfolded before us. Unlike our Rivian R1T, our Levo lacks regenerative braking capability, so the electric motor was now virtually silent. The sense of freedom and excitement was palpable as we carved our way down the mountain, feeling the wind on our face and the thrill of the ride coursing through our veins.

It didn't take long for us to return to our electric truck basecamp. Thanks to its oh-so-useful power outlet, we were able to boil some water using an electric kettle to enjoy a cup of spicy Shin Cup Noodles after a decent workout. At the end of the day, our Levo still had about 60 percent of its juice left.

The following day, we set our sights on a different kind of adventure, opting for a thrilling single-track trail that promised a more exhilarating and technically challenging ride. This time, the drive to our destination involved some muddy off-road terrain, but our Rivian R1T tackled it with ease. It safely transported our rider and the bike, charging the Specialized battery to 80 percent as we tackled the trail.

Riding singletrack trails with the Specialized Levo is a fun and engaging experience. The Levo's geometry, suspension, and motor blend seamlessly to deliver a dynamic and responsive ride. Weaving through the tight twists and turns, the Levo's nimble handling empowered us to carve through corners with confidence. The bike's suspension system, featuring a front fork and rear shock, effectively soaked up the bumps and ruts commonly encountered on singletrack trails, ensuring a controlled ride.

With about 50 percent charge left in the battery pack, we couldn't resist exploring more and tackling a 3-mile climb with a relentless 11 percent average grade. We switched the Levo's motor to Turbo mode for maximum assist and put its power to the test. With a motor capable of amplifying a rider's pedaling power output by four times, we felt invincible. Even so, an 11 percent incline is no walk in the park; despite the electric motor's valuable support, we had to dig deep, flexing our leg muscles and maintaining a steady pace to conquer the demanding ascent. Dropping to the lowest gear, especially after some adrenaline-pumping riding, reminded us that electric mountain bikes, while making climbs more accessible, still demand determination and effort from the rider. But, oh, the reward—riding farther, exploring more, and feeling on top of the world. After a rest and some fresh air up on a hill, we hopped back on the Levo, ready for the exhilarating descent back down. Within no time, we found ourselves back at our trusty Rivian R1T, eagerly sharing stories of our thrilling adventure and looking forward to the next electrifying ride.