Are you in the market for a new mode of transportation that is eco-friendly, efficient, and fun to ride? Look no further than an electric bike. These innovative machines have been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to their sustainability and efficiency. With the advancements in technology, e-bikes have come a long way from their early models. Till now, there are a handful of electric bike options available, such as pedal assist, throttle assist, and electric scooters, to cater to different needs. At the same time, however, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one that suits your needs and budget.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide and review of the best electric bikes. Whether you’re looking for a bike to commute to work, explore the great outdoors, or ride around for fun, our buying guide and product reviews will provide you with all the information you need to make a decision.
Why You May Want an Electric Bike?
If you are tired of being stuck in traffic, dealing with high gas prices, or feeling like you’re not getting enough exercise, an electric bike may be the solution you’re looking for. Let alone the environmental advantages.
An electric bike is a versatile and eco-friendly transportation option. You can ride an electric bike to commute to work or school, go for short errands, or to participate in recreational bike rides. In addition to deliver persons, electric bikes can also be used for cargo transport. Electric bikes produce no emissions, which makes them a great choice for anyone who wants to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability. This choice is also money-saving.
E-bikes are equipped with a motor and a battery, which provides extra power to the rider. Even if you’re an older adult or those with mobility issues, you can also go biking with ease. What’s more, a bike built with extra power also allows you to travel father without having to worry about getting tired. This can be especially beneficial for people who need to commute long distances to work or school.
Unlike gas-powered vehicles, electric bikes can be charged at home instead of at special infrastructure. They also take up less space than cars and are easier to park. This can make e-bikes a great option for people who live in densely populated areas where parking is at a premium.
In short, e-bikes offer a convenient and efficient mode of transportation that can save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and improve your health. They are a great option for anyone looking to incorporate more cycling into their lifestyle.
6 Best Electric Bikes Review
We’ve picked out 6 of the best electric bikes on the market and have provided you with the key features you may want to know. The list covers electric bikes of different classes and different types, with reviews ranging from the most advanced models to the most basic ones. Whether you’re a beginning cyclist or a pro, we hope to help you make an informed choice.
Let’s move on.
#1 Best Overall Electric Bike: Aventon Soltera Step-Through Ebike
Price: $1,199
Tech Specs:
- Top speed: 20 mph
- Battery range: avg.41 miles
- Motor: 350W
- Size: S/M and M/L
- Transmission: Single-speed model, 7-speed model
- Lights: Integrated front and rear lights
- Colors: Seafoam Green, Moonrock Grey
The Aventon Soltera electric bike comes with a 350W rear hub motor and an integrated battery. It also has a throttle that is adjustable from a dead stop. When the bike is at a stoplight, it can deliver 20 miles of range. However, you may need to work a bit harder to climb hills when using the pedal assist.
The Soltera weighs about 44 pounds, which is less than most other e-bikes. In addition, it’s relatively easy to load onto a bike rack. These features make it a simple, lightweight, and ideal e-bike for city dwellers.
What’s more, it also has a backlit display, which allows users to track their mileage, set goals and record their rides.
Our comment: The Soltera is a budget-friendly e-bike that is a great option for commuting. It’s designed more for the joy of riding.
#2 Also Great: Trek FX 3
Price: $1,049.99
Trek’s FX series of hybrid bikes are also popular among e-bike riders. The FX 3 hybrid bike is the newest member which comes with a sleek and stylish design. While the frame isn’t the lightest, it boasts a strong build and plenty of quality components.
One of the best features of the FX 3 is its carbon fork, which is designed to minimize bumps. As a result, you get a smooth ride on gravel, grass, and pavement. Moreover, the disc brakes are also top-notch.
Another plus is that you can easily install accessories on the frame, thanks to the Trek Blendr stem system. You can accessorize it into a family cargo, a cruiser, or recreational transportation.
The FX3 comes with a Bontrager Hardcase construction tire that resists the size of the frame. Plus the flat handlebars, FX3 can ensure a comfortable ride.
Our comment: Trek offers a lifetime warranty, covering both the main frame and any parts that break. We like it because it is budget-friendly, fun, and comfortable for commuters.
#3 Best Electric Bike for Beginners: Cowboy 4 ST
Price: $2,990
Tech Specs:
- Top speed: 20 mph
- Battery range: up to 43.5 miles
- Charging time: 3.5h
- Removable: Yes
- Colors: Black, Khaki, Sand
- Weight: 41.7lb
Cowboy 4 ST is a great choice for those who want a simple, dependable electric bike that’s perfect for social events and wider cycling ranges. It has a low weight, smooth ride, and a powerful removable battery.
There are no gears, but Cowboy bikes have an integrated rear light, front and rear slick tires, and hydraulic brakes. Components are mostly unbranded.
The only part that is proprietary is the stem. It is adjustable, but only by lowering and raising the seat.
Cowboy is also compatible with the QuadLock wireless charging mount. This enables you to recharge your phone while using the bike. However, you may lose connection in case of a rainy day.
Our comment: The Cowboy 4 ST is designed to deliver you the most comfort while riding. It has only one speed but is very easy to handle even if you’re a beginning rider. It also has the potential to make your urban cycling a more enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a stylish and affordable e-bike, check out the Cowboy 4 ST. It has been voted as our best electric bike for newbies.
#4 Best Electric City Bike: Juiced CrossCurrent S2
Price: $1,599
Tech Specs:
- Top speed: 28 mph
- Battery range: 65+ miles
- Motor: 750W rear gear hub motor
- Weight: 59lbs
- Suspension: Air suspension fork with lockout
- Transmission: 9-Speed cassette
- Pedal assist: Cadence & torque sensors
Juiced CrossCurrent S2 has an impressive top speed of 28 miles per hour. In fact, it can reach speeds of up to 33 mph with pedal assist. This is impressive, given that the battery on the S2 packs 676 watt-hours of energy.
With its 750W rear hub motor, smooth power delivery, and sporty demeanor, it also ensures you a reliable and comfortable riding experience.
The CrossCurrent S2 is equipped with a thumb throttle, which is intuitive and easy to use. The bike’s user-friendly LCD Advanced Matrix Display lets you see your speed, your trip distance, and the assist level.
The bike’s iRide display is not removable, but it does show speed, battery life, and assists. Its rubber washers keep the unit out of the water, but the display will wear down faster in the rain and on racks.
Our comment: If you’re looking for an affordable, zippy e-bike to get you to work, the Juiced CrossCurrent S2 is a great option.
#5 Best Folding Electric Bike: RadExpand 5
Price: $1,649
Tech Specs:
- Motor: 750W hub motor
- Battery: 672Wh
- Battery range: up to 45 miles
- Folded dimensions: 29x25x41 (inch, HxWxL)
The Rad Power Expand 5 is an excellent fat-tire folding e-bike. While it lacks front suspension, its powerful motor and torque design makes it a solid choice for off-road excursions.
The lightweight and durable frame is made of 6061 aluminum. In addition to the fat tires, which provide excellent road shock absorption, the bike comes with a rack for carrying gear and a front light that mounts to the fork.
On a single charge, the RadExpand can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. The battery is 672 watts, which provides a range of 45 to 72 kilometers.
The bike weighs just over 28 pounds, making it easy to ride and store. There is also a velcro strap that keeps the bike together when folded.
Our comment: If you’re looking for a versatile e-bike for commuting, shopping, and riding around town, the RadExpand is a great option. It offers everything you need for a great ride in a compact design that folds up for storage.
#6 Best Electric Cargo Bike: Xtracycle Stoker
Price: $4,999
Tech Specs:
- Top speed: 20 mph
- Battery: 630Wh
- Max. carrying capacity: 400 lbs, 1-3 kids
If you are considering purchasing an electric cargo bike, one of the best choices for your budget is the Xtracycle Stoker. Its long rear rack provides more carrying capacity, making it ideal for carrying two children or camping gear.
Depending on the wheelbase you choose, the Xtracycle Stoker is able to accommodate up to 400 lbs of payload. It also features a full luggage rack and footrests for passengers. With its 24″ tall tires, the bike is easy to handle and offers good weight support.
Xtracycle can ride at speeds of 20 to 28 mph, depending on the motor and battery. These e-bikes also have enough power to get you through traffic and are more comfortable to ride than a typical cargo bike.
Our comment: It is very convenient if you like to take your kids to spend the weekend outside or take your camping gear to the park.
What Type of Electric Bike Do You Want?
When choosing an electric bike, you’ll also think about what kind of terrain you plan to ride on most. Based on this, there are several types of electric bikes available.
Folding Electric Bikes – These types of electric bikes can be folded up for easy storage and transportation. They are great for people who have limited storage space or who need to bring their bikes on public transportation.
Electric Cargo Bikes – These types of electric bikes are designed to carry cargo, such as groceries or packages. They are great for people who need to transport items or even people on their bikes.
Electric Mountain Bikes – These types of electric bikes are designed for off-road riding and have features such as suspension and wider tires to handle rough terrain. They are great for people who want to explore trails and go on off-road adventures.
Electric City Bikes – Also known as “Urban Electric Bikes”, they are designed for urban environments and city riding. They are typically light and have a more upright riding position, step-through frames, and comfortable seating, which makes them well-suited for commuting, running errands, or leisurely rides around town.
Electric Dirt Bikes – It is a type of off-road motorcycle that is powered by a rechargeable battery pack. Electric dirt bike often has instant torque, meaning they have more power available right from the start, making them a popular choice for off-road racing and recreational use.
Some Important Electric Bike Components You Need to Know
An electric bike is a bicycle that is powered by an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by a battery, which is recharged by pedaling or by plugging into an electrical outlet. Besides that, electric bikes have several key components that work together to provide power assistance to the rider. By understanding the components, you can better understand how the bike works and how to maintain it. Additionally, you can clearly know what type or model of electric bike suits you better.
Electric Motor – It is the heart of the electric bike, providing power assistance to the rider. The motor is located in the hub of the front or rear wheel, or in the center of the bike frame. The power of the motor is measured in watts, with more powerful motors providing more assistance when pedaling.
Battery – The battery powers the electric motor and is typically located in the frame of the bike. Some batteries can also be removed for charging. Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) and the range of the bike depends on the capacity of the battery.
Controller – The controller is the device that regulates the power from the battery to the motor. It receives input from the rider, such as the level of assistance desired, and adjusts the power accordingly. The controller is typically located on the handlebars and can be easily accessed.
Display – Most electric bikes have a display to show important information, such as the level of assistance, battery life, and speed. The display is typically located on the handlebars and can be easily read while riding.
Pedal Assist Sensor (PAS) – The PAS is a sensor. It detects the rider’s pedaling information and sends it to the controller to provide power assistance. This sensor is typically located on the bottom bracket of the bike and can be adjusted to provide more or less assistance.
Throttle – Some electric bikes have a throttle that allows the rider to control the level of assistance without pedaling. The throttle is typically located on the handlebars and can be used to provide a boost of power when needed.
What to Look for When Choosing an Electric Bike?
After learning the important parts of an electric bike, now we’ll be talking about the factors to consider when choosing the best e-bike for your needs.
Motor power – A higher-wattage motor will provide more assistance when pedaling. But that will also be added to the overall weight and cost of the bike. When selecting a motor power, you need to take the assistance you will need and the terrain condition into consideration.
Battery capacity – A larger capacity battery will provide a longer range before recharging. However, like the motor, it will also add to the weight and cost of the bike. So, you need to evaluate the distance you will be riding and the frequency you will need to recharge.
Speed – The speed of an electric bike is related to the way you plan to use it. For example, if you plan to use it primarily for commuting, a lower speed may be sufficient. However, if you plan to use the bike for recreational riding or long distance travel, a higher speed may be desirable. Additionally, you need to check and abide by the local regulations for electric bike speeds in your country and region.
Weight – Electric bikes can be quite heavy due to the added weight of the motor and battery. If you will need to carry it upstairs or into a car trunk regularly, you may need a lighter one.
Suspension – The electric bike suspension determines the comfort levels when you’re on it. There are mainly three types: front suspension, rear suspension, and full suspension. You need to consider the type of terrain and how much comfort you require when selecting a suspension.
Price – Electric bikes can vary greatly in price. While some may be budget-friendly, some may cost several thousand dollars. So, always choose an electric bike depending on your budget and what features are most important to you.
Brand reputation – Before making a purchase, you’re recommended to check out reviews and ratings of the brands and models you are considering, just like what you’re doing now. Through this, you can get a sense of their reliability and customer service.
Classifications for Electric Bikes
If you live in the United States, you must have heard of classifications for electric bikes. Simply, e-bikes are classified into three classes based on the maximum speed at which they can travel.
Class 1 – Also known as “pedal assist” electric bikes, have a maximum speed of 20 mph and a 750 watts motor. These e-bikes are typically used for commuting and recreational riding.
Class 2 – Also known as “throttle-assisted” electric bikes, they have a maximum speed of 20 mph and a throttle to control the speed. These bikes are often used for recreational riding and long-distance travel.
Class 3 – Also known as “speed pedelec” e-bikes, they have a maximum speed of 28 mph. These bikes are designed for high-speed travel, especially for commuters and recreational riders who want to cover longer distances in a shorter amount of time.
If you live in the United Kingdom or European Union, electric bikes are required to have a maximum power output of 250 watts and a maximum speed of 15.5 mph.
Whenever you’re located, you need to check the regulations in your region for sure.
The Bottom Line
The electric bike market offers a wide variety of options for different types of riders and uses. Choosing the best electric bike for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Whether you’re looking for a commuter bike, a mountain bike, or a cargo bike, there is an electric bike out there that will meet your needs.
At the same time, the future of electric bikes also looks promising. As technology improves and governments invest in infrastructure and incentives to promote sustainable transportation, electric bikes are becoming an increasingly popular and viable option for commuters, recreational riders, and delivery companies. We can expect to see more advanced and efficient electric bikes on the market, with an increased focus on safety, convenience, and technology integration.
