After several months of ownership, I have more to say about the Trek I ended up getting.
I went with the Trek FX+. It's the exact same bike as the DS+ except for the wheels & the FX+ includes a rack.
I went with the FX+ almost exclusively because it was MUCH lighter than the Verve: 38lbs claimed for the FX+, 54.5lbs for the Verve. I also wanted as stealth an e-bike as possible. It's pretty obvious to me that the FX+ is an e-bike given the huge downtube, but I am surprised that a lot of people don't notice. it doesn't have the largest battery or the strongest motor. But it's great at doing exactly what I wanted an e-bike for (and which is apparently NOT what most people want considering I think this bike is great & most other people seem to think it's pointless).
First off, the battery IS removable. It's not really something you'd hot swap, but there are just a couple screws holding it in, a trap door by the bottom bracket, and a few electrical connectors to undo. Lining up the screw holes when you put the battery back is the hardest part. You wouldn't remove the battery to take it inside & charge it. But it is easy to replace if it were to go bad - I would never buy any brand that didn't have a removable battery - it doesn't need to be "snap-in" or anything, but battereies go bad & if you can't replace it, what's the point? There's an option to mount a second battery on the outside if you need more range. It also has both cadence & torque sensors despite having a hub drive. The torque sensor might not be as smooth as on higher end bikes, but compare it to some of those drop ship brands that don't offer a torque sensor at all.
Range & power? Sure, it's a bit down on power. But it depends on what you're looking for. If I wanted to ride a bike without pedaling, that's what I have a motorcycle for. I got an e-bike because I'm getting older & hills are killing me. I sorta wish the bike had maybe 4 levels of assist instead of just 3, but then I remember what I paid for it. I can get up most of the hills I encounter pretty easily. I might get a little tired or lose my breath on particularly steep or long hills, but it's not so bad that I get off my bike at the end of ride & then feel like I never want to do that again. Instead, I feel great! The Hyena hub motor has a very basic app that you can use to adjust the assist levels. It ain't much, but some bikes don't even have that.
The FX+ & DS+ seem to always be on sale too, at the price point that these bikes actually sell for (as opposed to MSRP), they should be getting compared next to budget e-bikes at around $2k. This is a way better all around bike than a Superhuman Babymaker or the Ride1Up V1 Gravel. Those other simple stealth e-bikes are kinda cool with their super light weight (I think the Babymaker was only 32lbs) & belt drive. But they lack gearing & a torque sensor. Any time I brought up the Treks, internet people would say "the Sepcialized Turbo Vado is a better bike." Sure, yes. The TV IS a better bike: it's 34lbs with a hub motor! That's also why it costs ~$1500 more. Stop comparing them - they're not the same market!
www.trekbikes.com
