Earlier in the autumn season, I had the opportunity to ride the Rungu Dualie XR Rubicon Trail Edition e-bike at the Texas Off-Road Invitational hosted by Texas Motor Press Association. This electric bicycle is designed to be a focused off-road vehicle for traversing a wide range of terrains, from sandy beaches to steep trails in the woods. The current e-bike market offers e-bikes for any lifestyle, hobby, commuting, and budget. A quick google search for off-road e-bikes will result in dozens of options ranging in price and features. However, the Rungu Dualie stands out from the rest with a unique, patent dual-front wheel design.

The bike’s name signifies more than its akimbo, dual-wielding wheels. This Rungu built the e-bike with a dual role. It’s an electric bicycle suitable for street and off-road commuting. Available in multiple trim levels and accessories, the Rungu Dualie is a lighter, quieter, and subjectively safer alternative to gas-powered ATVs and 4-wheelers, offering competitive towing rates, weight capacity, and pricing. 

Two at the Front, One in the Back

More than just for looks, the Dualie’s side-by-side front wheels increase the bike’s stability. No kickstand is required on this bicycle. Moreover, the two front wheels work together to create a wider contact patch. If you’ve ever tried to ride a standard bike through soft, deep sand or mud, you’ve probably had to make constant steering adjustments as the loose terrain moves the front wheel side to side. With the Rungu Dualie, the front two wheels work together to plow forward, giving the rider better control.

More than just for looks, the Dualie’s side-by-side front wheels increase the bike’s stability. No kickstand is required on this bicycle.

Before I saddled the Rungu Dualie, they explained that one doesn’t ride it like a traditional bicycle. Instead of turning the handlebar, you have to lean into the turn, similar to riding a motorized scooter or motorbike. This riding characteristic and the Dualie’s patent dual-handle bar assembly give the e-bike a dynamic riding experience when traveling on off-road trails using pedal assist. 

Single or a Double 

Rungu’s Dualie off-road ebike comes in five variants split into two tiers of single and dual 52-volt battery packs. The single-battery models start with the Dualie Standard, followed by the Dualie Steep, which adds a rear-mounted cargo rack and mudguards. Within the single battery-powered Rungus, the Dualie Rugged is the top-of-the-line model with standard Maxxis Tires and BOX Prime 9 gearing. With a single battery, the standard capacity battery produces 939-Wh, which translates to over 20 miles of range. 

The XR Steep and XR Rubicon Trail models feature Rungu’s “Double Up” battery system. This system adds a second battery to double the e-bike’s range to over 40 miles. The motor benefitting from the battery’s power is the Bafang BBSHD 1120W, capable of producing over 1.9 horsepower. Moreover, Rungu claims the Dualie’s electric motor delivers 242 lb.-ft of torque at the rear wheel using its 30T chainring. That kind of power comes in handy when you need to ride up a steep off-road hill and don’t feel like pedaling. 

Rungu’s Rugged Construction 

The Rungu Dualie is built to be as rugged as the terrain. The bike’s frame is hand welded and constructed using 6061-T6 aluminum and finished with two coats of paint. In addition, the frame features 8mm rack mounts and 170mm symmetric rear wheel spacing and aluminum handlebars. 

Rungu modified the e-bike’s frame in 2022 to include an integrated section for the swappable battery pack. For dual-battery models,  the second battery pack is stored at the rear. According to Rungu, the new integrated frame 780-Wh battery pack reduces the e-bike’s weight by an estimated two pounds and increases the electric motor’s clearance to 10-inches. In addition, an LED fuel meter lets the rider know how much “juice” is in the battery pack. Riders can also use the battery to charge their smartphones or GPS on the go, thanks to a USB port on the bike’s frame. 

The Rungu Dualie is built to be as rugged as the terrain. The bike’s frame is hand welded and constructed using 6061-T6 aluminum and finished with two coats of paint.

The e-bike’s front suspension consists of independent forks made from alloy and steel for each front wheel. In addition, both wheels come with adjustable tension and suspension lock-out to cope with soft, loose terrain. Moreover, Rungu uses alloy metals to help prevent corrosion in the rain, snow, or salty sea air. 

In addition, buyers can option their Dualie and Dualie XR models in one of three stock colors: Forest Green, Midnight Black, and Winter Slate. However, custom color options or vinyl wrap patterns are available upon request.

Tires, Brakes and Gears 

The tires differ among the various trim levels too. Entry models like the Dualie Standard and Steep use VEE Rubber Snowshoe XL studded-ready tires ideal for soft and rough surfaces. While the Dualie Rugged and XR Rubicon feature Maxxis Minion 4.8-inch tires are suitable for handling rocking terrain. In addition, Rugnu Dualie Rugged and XR models come equipped with APF (Anti-Pinch Flat) tire liners to help prevent flats out in the wilderness. 

More importantly, if there is a puncture or damaged wheel, changing a tire on a Rugnu Dualie is a painless process thanks to its quick-release mechanism. In addition, the e-bike’s dual 180mm hydraulic disc brakes provide plenty of firm stopping power. 

Riding the Rungu Dualie 

The e-bike’s Pedal Assist feature is managed using a thumb throttle located on the handlebar. The drive chain used is the KMC x10e, specifically designed to handle high-output motors to minimize the chance of breaking under heavy load. Mounted in the center of the handlebar is a color digital screen that serves as the e-bike’s dashboard. Here, riders can select one of five power levels while on the go and monitor the Dualie’s speed, battery life, remaining range, and program trip settings. One helpful feature is a programmable PIN option to lock out access to the e-bike motor when parked. 

Taking the High Road in a Rungu Dualie 

One of the most significant drawbacks of using an ATV or 4 wheeler for hunting or exploring the wilderness is weight. They range in weight from 200 to over 1,000 pounds. Their size also makes transportation a factor, as one needs a vehicle large enough to haul or tow an ATV to the campsite. Then there’s the cost, with premium models fetching as much as $15,000. Compared to the Rungu Dualie, with a dry weight of under 100 pounds, a starting price of $4,399 for the Standard and $8,459 for the XR Rubicon Trail Edition. 

The Dualie offers a competitive alternative to the ATV for people looking to hunt, explore, or traverse the great outdoors. The Rungu Dualie e-bike is designed with the high road in mind.

Because it has the shape of a traditional bike, the Rungu Dualie is easy to store, park, and transport. It fits in the back of an SUV or pickup truck, and riders won’t risk severe back pain if the e-bike falls on them. When optioned with factory accessories like the Cargo Rack, built to handle up to 180 pounds, a two-inch tow hitch allows riders to tow up to 300 pounds. When combined, the Dualie offers a competitive alternative to the ATV for people looking to hunt, explore, or traverse the great outdoors. The Rungu Dualie e-bike is designed with the high road in mind. Its mountain bike size means it can go where big heavy ATVs cannot while making less noise. Moreover, its silent electric performance makes it ideal for hunting sport or wildlife photography. While not meant to replace the ATV, the Dualie e-bike offers something more substantial – a choice.