Trek targets the fat tire e-bike boom with its new throttle-enabled Borrego+

This one's outside the scope of home energy upgrades, but here's the gist for anyone curious: Trek has launched a new fat tire electric bike called the Borrego+, aimed at the popular throttle-equipped e-bike market that's mostly been dominated by smaller direct-to-consumer brands. It's a departure for Trek, which has mostly sold pricier bikes without throttles.

The standard Borrego+ is a Class 2 e-bike, meaning it tops out at 20 mph and has both pedal assist and a thumb throttle. A faster version, the Borrego+ S, reaches 28 mph as a Class 3 e-bike, though Trek won't sell that version in California because of state rules on e-bike speed classes. Both use a 750W motor and a removable battery rated for up to 60 miles of range, and ride on wide, 4-inch tires meant for loose terrain like sand or gravel.

The bike comes with practical extras: a suspension fork for smoother rides, a heavy-duty rear rack rated to carry 440 pounds, fenders, turn signals, and a companion app that offers a digital lock and battery alerts. The Borrego+ costs $2,499 and becomes available July 16 through Trek dealers and the company's website. It's aimed at buyers who want a well-known bike brand and nationwide repair support, but at a lower price than Trek's typical lineup.