Tony Carrick
Content Writer & Editor
Featured Work
Cycling and Outdoor Gear
I tested Lectric's XP4 750 commuter e-bike. It's a lot of bike for the money.
CERO One eBike Review: Make Your Commute and Weekends More Fun
Commuting to work on two wheels is growing in popularity with more and more cities adopting bike lanes and greenways as part of their urban plans. In fact, from 2000 to 2019, the U.S. saw a 61 percent increase in the number of commuters biking to work.
Ebikes, which make it easier to go farther than ever on a bicycle, are no small part of that increase. I spent the past few weeks testing an ebike that’s part of the movement to get more people out of their cars and on bicycles — the CERO One.
T
Ebikes, which make it easier to go farther than ever on a bicycle, are no small part of that increase. I spent the past few weeks testing an ebike that’s part of the movement to get more people out of their cars and on bicycles — the CERO One.
T
The Best eBikes of 2023 - Futurism
Since eBikes emerged onto the scene some 20 years ago, they’ve only grown in popularity as people look to abandon their cars for greener and healthier alternatives to commuting. Improvements to battery technology have made these power-assisted bikes lighter while improving their range. Batteries and motors have also become smaller, allowing them to fit into sleeker-looking bike frames, making eBike technology suitable not just for commuter bikes but road bikes and mountain bikes as well.
eBikes...
eBikes...
10 Best Ebikes of 2022 for Commuting and Fun
Since ebikes emerged onto the scene some 20 years ago, they’ve only grown in popularity as people look to abandon their cars for greener and healthier alternatives to commuting. Improvements to battery technology have made these power-assisted bikes lighter while improving their range. Batteries and motors have also become smaller, allowing them to fit into sleeker-looking bike frames, making ebike technology suitable not just for commuter bikes but road bikes and mountain bikes as well.
Ebikes
Ebikes
The best folding electric bikes for commuting and navigating your neighborhood
I narrowed in on the top foldable e-bikes through a mix of research and hands-on testing. I road tested the MOD City+ for more than a week, taking it through urban roads and even on a few gravel paths, evaluating its power, ride, and range. For those bikes that I didn’t test, I conducted extensive research, carefully comparing specs for each bike while also scouring through dozens of user reviews. In making my picks, I considered many factors, including weight, power, portability, and price. Sin...
We Tested the Best LED Lanterns, Our Favorite Lasts Up to 12 Hours on One Charge
If you don’t want to risk being left in the dark during a power outage, after a severe weather event, or while on an outdoor adventure, it’s smart to have an LED lantern at the ready. Even if you have a flashlight under your sink or in your car, it might be better to have a light that allows you to use both hands for cooking, changing a flat, or gathering essentials.
Still, choosing an LED lantern fit for such a variety of potential uses isn’t as simple as it sounds. To help you determine whi...
Still, choosing an LED lantern fit for such a variety of potential uses isn’t as simple as it sounds. To help you determine whi...
The 5 best treadmills for indoor running and walking
I ran my first 5K at age 10 and have been a runner ever since, so I know a thing or two about what makes a good treadmill. I used my decades-long experience as a runner to help inform my decisions. I considered several factors, including, size, foldability, top speed, and incline. Many of my selections also come equipped with large touchscreen displays and apps that give users access to on-demand instructor-led workouts. Since budgets for workout equipment can vary from user to user, I included...
The best backpacking sleeping pads for when you’re miles from a mattress
Despite its plush design when inflated, this pad packs down remarkably well. When packed, it's only 8.1 inches tall and 4.3 inches wide, which is even smaller than our ultralight pick. The sleeping pad is also very durable, especially when compared to ultralights. It uses a 30-denier top and 40-denier base, and for added peace of mind, Sea to Summit includes a repair kit with six self-adhesive patches and a spare valve insert. Plus, the fabric has a nice, soft feel and is noticeably quieter than...
For Under $30, This LED Lantern Lights the Way
Whether camping in the woods, dealing with an unexpected power outage, or facing some other dimly lit situation, it’s crucial to have a quality battery-powered lantern at the ready. To help consumers find the right one for their needs, I recently spent hours in deep, dark woods and pitch-black rooms testing a variety of LED lanterns. With its exceptional brightness, portable size, and versatile light modes, the Lepro LE Super Bright LED lantern proved to be the best of the bunch.
I tested the L
I tested the L
Smart Home, Consumer Tech & Energy
What's next in home security?
Fierce competition in the home security market will continue to breed new technologies and services that will improve the security and automation in your home. From cutting-edge Wi-Fi sensing technology and smarter surveillance cameras to the emergence of Matter, a universal standard that makes it easier to build a smart home, the home security market is continuing to evolve to the betterment of homeowners everywhere. This article will delve into the exciting technologies you can expect to see in home security systems in 2023.
How AI-Equipped Appliances Can Make You a Better Homeowner
Artificial intelligence has arrived in our homes and it’s changing our relationships with our refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances. These machines no longer sit idly by waiting for us to tell them what to do. By tracking patterns in how we use them, AI-equipped appliances are proactive, adjusting how they operate to better work with our household. With its innovative technologies, LG Electronics is leading the charge in AI appliances.
How secure is my home security data?
While that home security system you invested in may be doing a great job of keeping burglars at bay, it could be opening the door to hackers. Without the proper digital security precautions, cybercriminals can steal your security system password, giving them access to personal account information and even live camera footage of your family.
How to install solar panels (2024 guide)
If you live by the philosophy “if you want something done right, then do it yourself,” you might be thinking of installing your own solar panels. There are certainly plenty of good reasons to do so. By performing the labor yourself, you can cut costs in half. You’ll also learn about how your solar system works, making it easier to troubleshoot any problems that may occur with the system in the future.
But while there are many benefits to mounting your own solar panels, it’s not a project for th
But while there are many benefits to mounting your own solar panels, it’s not a project for th
Can burglars jam my home security system?
Are solar panels worth it?
Rising energy costs may have you thinking of going solar, but are solar panels worth it? Home solar panels can save you hundreds of dollars annually on your electric bill. And with new federal tax rebates that allow you to save 30% on the cost of a solar panel system, it seems there’s no better time to take advantage of solar.
Still, solar panels cost thousands of dollars, and their savings depend on the weather, which seems more unpredictable than ever. Given these pros and cons, it’s crucial
Still, solar panels cost thousands of dollars, and their savings depend on the weather, which seems more unpredictable than ever. Given these pros and cons, it’s crucial
Keeping Connected: How to Improve Your Home's Wi-Fi
These days we depend on Wi-Fi for streaming our favorite shows, gaming online, working remotely, and helping maintain Sense’s connection, which is why it’s so frustrating when the Wi-Fi suddenly stops working.
Range problems, bandwidth, interference from other devices, and an aging router are some of the most common causes of an unreliable Wi-Fi network. There are fixes you can employ to solve these issues in the short term, such as relocating your router, upgrading your firmware, and prioritiz
Range problems, bandwidth, interference from other devices, and an aging router are some of the most common causes of an unreliable Wi-Fi network. There are fixes you can employ to solve these issues in the short term, such as relocating your router, upgrading your firmware, and prioritiz
Wired vs. wireless home security systems
Security systems dramatically reduce the odds that your home will become the victim of a burglary, but they aren’t foolproof. Nearly all security systems are susceptible to “jamming,” a process whereby a burglar uses radio frequencies to disable your security system.
Are solar panels worth it? | CNN Underscored
Rising energy costs may have you thinking of going solar, but are solar panels worth it? Home solar panels can save you hundreds of dollars annually on your electric bill. And with new federal tax rebates that allow you to save 30% on the cost of a solar panel system, it seems there’s no better time to take advantage of solar.
Still, solar panels cost thousands of dollars, and their savings depend on the weather, which seems more unpredictable than ever. Given these pros a...
Still, solar panels cost thousands of dollars, and their savings depend on the weather, which seems more unpredictable than ever. Given these pros a...
Solved! What Is a Fuel Cell?
Q: During a recent blackout, my neighbor and I kicked around the idea of alternative power sources. Besides solar and wind, he mentioned fuel cells, which I hadn’t heard much about. What is a fuel cell, how is it used, and how is it different from other energy sources?
A: A fuel cell creates electricity through a process that transforms energy created from a chemical reaction between a fuel (usually hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (typically oxygen). Though fuel cells aren’t used as widely as
A: A fuel cell creates electricity through a process that transforms energy created from a chemical reaction between a fuel (usually hydrogen) and an oxidizing agent (typically oxygen). Though fuel cells aren’t used as widely as
Best Crypto Gifts for Bitcoin Lovers in 2022
The world of cryptocurrency has its own memes and slang. Its members are a dedicated community willing to endure the uncertainty and risk of the cryptocurrency investing roller coaster. Like sports fanatics, these HODL-ing risk takers like to demonstrate their passion for blockchain technology with hats, shirts, and various tchotchkes. As the holiday season arrives, we’ve assembled a list of crypto gifts that even the most discerning cryptocurrency enthusiasts will geek out on. Our diverse colle
Not Sure Which Size Portable Power Station You Need? Here's How to Figure it Out.
Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?Portable power stations are a quiet and clean alternative to the noisy, exhaust-spewing, gas-powered generators out there. These power stations use banks of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide enough juice to charge up personal electronics, run small appliances, and even power a refrigerator for hours or even days.I use a large portable power station to power my travel trai...
Cove Home Security Reviews
I Worked in the Middle of Nowhere with the Bluetti Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Station
Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?There’s working remotely, and then there’s working remotely, as in places where there’s no power source for potentially miles. Bluetti’s Handsfree 2 Backpack Power Station is designed for the latter.I’ve used and tested a variety of lightweight power stations, but none (until now) comes with a means of transport more convenient than a handle on the unit or a set of wheels. These desi...
The Best Property Management Software of 2022
Buildium tops the list of property management software with its comprehensive design. There are tools for advertising properties, collecting applications, and screening tenants. Tools are also provided for managing tenants once they’ve taken up residence, including an automated rent payment system and a function for handling maintenance requests. Additionally, property managers can use the software to manage finances and review financial performance, as well as create individual portals to commu
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 review: A portable back-up power station for the whole home
When bad weather strikes and the lights go out, you can fire up a gas generator or turn to something quieter and cleaner like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 to keep your lights on and fridge running. The latest release in EcoFlow’s line of portable power stations, the futuristic looking EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, is one of the highest capacity portable power stations we’ve seen.
When bad weather strikes and the lights go out, you can fire up a gas generator or turn to something quieter and cleaner like the...
When bad weather strikes and the lights go out, you can fire up a gas generator or turn to something quieter and cleaner like the...
The best solar generators to keep the lights on during outages and camping trips
The EcoFLow River 3 offers plenty of power in a compact form. It has a 245Wh capacity with a max sustained output of up to 300 watts and an X-boost that allows it to deliver up to 600 watts of surge power. This means you can use it to charge devices, power a PC, keep lights on and even watch TV. Despite all of that, it’s compact and weighs under 8 lbs, making it easy to tote to wherever you need it. It comes equipped with one DC output, two USB-A and one USB-C outputs, one three prong AC plug an...
The Government Is Paying People to Upgrade Their Home Comfort, Here’s Why
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
This content has been brought to you by American Standard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.
The federal government has a goal of reducing electric prices by 9 percent by 2030, and in order to do so they need your help; and they are willing to fork over thousands in rebates and tax credits in return.
Thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the Home Energy Rebates Program,
This content has been brought to you by American Standard. Its facts and opinions are those of BobVila.com.
The federal government has a goal of reducing electric prices by 9 percent by 2030, and in order to do so they need your help; and they are willing to fork over thousands in rebates and tax credits in return.
Thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act and the Home Energy Rebates Program,
How to save videos from Facebook
Facebook probably has a lot of your favorite videos—from lovely, mischievous puppies and memes, to all the memories from that wonderful trip to Europe last summer. They don’t have to stay there, though: You can easily save videos from Facebook, if you want to.
However, there are limitations. The platform doesn’t have a direct way to download videos, but there is an easy workaround to save footage that’s labeled as public or has been posted by your friends. This method doesn’t require downloader
However, there are limitations. The platform doesn’t have a direct way to download videos, but there is an easy workaround to save footage that’s labeled as public or has been posted by your friends. This method doesn’t require downloader
How to check your Internet speed on your phone, a browser, and Google
Learning how to check your internet speed can come in handy if you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth after splurging on a fiber connection. Knowing your true download and upload speeds can also be useful if your favorite streaming platform is lagging and you need to make your case to a representative of your internet service provider (ISP).
Luckily, doing an internet speed check is easy. There are many apps and websites you can use for free, and some even let you schedule netw
Luckily, doing an internet speed check is easy. There are many apps and websites you can use for free, and some even let you schedule netw
The Best Online Course Platforms of 2022
Why It Made the Cut: The sheer breadth of Udemy’s courses, its relatively low prices, and the high volume of students make Udemy a highlight of online learning platforms.
Udemy boasts a staggering 185,000 courses in 75 languages covering a diverse range of topics from web development to some of the best online interior design courses. The platform’s class descriptions provide a comprehensive course overview, including price and class length. Udemy reviews and ratings are available for every cla
Udemy boasts a staggering 185,000 courses in 75 languages covering a diverse range of topics from web development to some of the best online interior design courses. The platform’s class descriptions provide a comprehensive course overview, including price and class length. Udemy reviews and ratings are available for every cla
The Anker Solix F3800 Plus is One of The Biggest Power Stations We've Tested: Here's How It Ranks as a Backup Power Solution
In these days of extreme weather, power outages are becoming an all too frequent issue in many parts of the country, making backup power a home necessity. Historically speaking, Gas-powered portable generators have been the primary solution for folks who want an affordable way to keep the fridge cold, the lights on, and the TV running when the power goes out. Portable Power Stations have been in the mix for awhile, but only a scant few can store enough power to serve as backup power at home.That...
Energy Efficiency: What Do All Those Ratings Really Mean?
Do you know how the SEER rating on your new air conditioner impacts your energy bill? How about HSPF of your heat pump? Does your home meet NGBS standards?
The acronyms used to rate the energy efficiency of a home and everything in it can be confusing. However, decoding them and understanding what they mean is the key to reducing your home’s carbon footprint, improving its indoor air quality, and unlocking energy savings in your current or future home. Ahead, learn what some of the most importa
The acronyms used to rate the energy efficiency of a home and everything in it can be confusing. However, decoding them and understanding what they mean is the key to reducing your home’s carbon footprint, improving its indoor air quality, and unlocking energy savings in your current or future home. Ahead, learn what some of the most importa
It Pays to Make These 5 Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades in 2023
This is the first installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI home improvements on energy efficiency, sustainable kitchens, rooftop solar, and emergency preparedness. Each week, we’re pulling from our vast library of informational content, vetted shopping guides, and connections to industry professionals to present primers on the top projects to take on this year.
Upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system, adding insulation, and installing be
Upgrading to a more efficient HVAC system, adding insulation, and installing be
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