Looking for a more efficient way to commute to a destination, like the office, without breaking a sweat but still opting for a pedal approach? Electric bikes or e-bikes are making huge waves in getting people from Point A to Point B. They're convenient and helpful and, some are even transportable on a train or bus.
That's why we've researched and compiled a top 10 list of some of the best e-bikes based on use and performance. Charge Bikes' City Electric Bike took the top spot in our list for its functionality and comfort. There are nine other options to choose from, plus a buying guide that should give you some helpful tips for shopping on your own.
Quick List - Top E-Bikes
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Given the hefty price tag that they usually come in, choosing an e-bike can be a daunting task. You want to be sure that it's stable, rides smoothly, and gets you to places as efficiently as possible. Keep reading to learn how to find the perfect e-bike!
E-bikes are increasingly separated into three classes based on the level of motor assistance it proves, and it also helps to define which classes of e-bikes you're allowed to ride in certain areas. Class 1 bikes are generally alright to ride anywhere, and they are defined by motor assistance up to 20 miles per hour. Class 2 bikes are very similar to Class 1 but have a full throttle-powered mode.
Class 3 e-bikes are also pedal-assisted, but they continue to help you until you hit 28 miles per hour. State regulations are often strictest about Class 3 e-bikes, often stating that you are prohibited from using them on linear paths, bike paths, and shared paths with some exceptions.
We recommend choosing a particular e-bike class based on where you plan to ride it on the most, to ensure that you abide by state regulations. Here's a list of policies and laws on electric bicycle usage that you can reference.
In addition to the different e-bike classes, you should check that the type of bike fits your lifestyle. You can usually choose between a mountain, cruiser, road, or commuter bike, or you can get a more specialized bike.
Mountain e-bikes are equipped with rugged wheels for trails but can also be used on city riding depending on their class. Cruiser e-bikes are all about cruising in comfort and style and feature large balloon tires that can cruise on uneven or soft surfaces. They're also one of the heavier options, weighing up to 55 pounds.
Road or commuter e-bikes help you get around paved and flat roads with ease. They often have low-step frames that are easily accessible and suspension forks to absorb road vibrations. They're efficient and functional, plus they are often the most lightweight option.
You can also match the e-bike type with the class. For example, if you are using the e-bike for commute, a class 3 commuter bike will allow you to keep up with traffic and carry heavier loads.
If you plan to carry a lot of items with you while you ride, perhaps a cargo e-bike will suit you better with its front or rear cargo accommodations. For example, you can carry groceries or children while you ride.
You can quickly tell a fat e-bike apart from the rest thanks to its extra-wide four-inch or greater wheels. These help the rider tackle any surface, on- or off-road, with ease. Wide wheels also mean better shock absorption while riding.
Fat bikes are great for off-road riding, especially on soft terrains such as snow and sand. The wider tires give you more traction, unlike other wheel sizes. If you plan to use your e-bike at faster speeds or require more power, some manufacturers can upgrade a class 1 or 2 bike to class 3.
Meanwhile, an e-folding bike is collapsible, allowing you to transport it more easily by car or public transportation. They typically weigh less than 40 pounds, so they're light to carry. Additionally, a foldable bike might be more convenient to store in an apartment or apartment building.
E-bike motors are installed in two possible locations: at the frame or central structure of the bike (also called "mid-drive system") or in the hub of one of the wheels. The position of the motor affects how easy the bike is to use and how it needs to be maintained.
A frame-mounted or mid-drive motor is common in high-end e-bikes and is considered "smarter" because of its performance. This position allows the motor to measure how much force you're applying with each pedal stroke, and assist accordingly. Depending on your chosen assistance mode, the motor provides the right amount of support while saving battery along the way.
Take note, however, that this motor type requires a specifically designed bike frame built around it, meaning you can't install the motor on an existing bike. It's also harder or places more stress on the bike's drivetrain (the gears, chain, and other parts that work to push or pull a bike along).
If you need to do maintenance or service on a mid-drive motor, you can simply remove the two bolts to access it.
There are two types of hub motors - geared or gearless - that are placed on the center of the back or front wheel, propelling the tire where it's mounted. As a result, the system doesn't directly impact the pedal drive system or drivetrain.
With a gearless hub motor, the wheel's axle passes through the center of the motor in a seamless design. It can give you a significant amount of power when needed and is often offered with high-performance e-bikes. However, it's big and heavy, adding to the overall weight of the bike.
A geared hub motor is smaller and lighter and reduces the speed of a higher RPM (revolutions per minute) motor to match the bike mode. Just keep in mind that this can lead to a gear's tooth breaking or the nylon gears stripping.
Whether you want a geared or gearless hub motor is going to depend on your weight and power needs. For a powerful motor, choose gearless. If you want a lighter option, to get around town easily, we recommend geared.
A hub motor is straightforward and inexpensive to maintain. It can also be retrofitted or customized, even on traditional bikes. Furthermore, if your motor breaks, you can still pedal; or if your chain breaks, you can rely on the electric motor.
On the downside, the motor's location makes it more complicated to replace a flat tire or a broken rim. Additionally, one wheel will feel heavier than the other, which can be tricky to balance. Some buyers have noted that a hub motor feels more like being pushed or pulled along, and doesn't always provide as smooth a ride as a frame-mounted motor.
The battery of an e-bike will ensure the motor performs reliably. With the right battery capacity and setup, you can expect your e-bike to give you that boost when needed.
It's important to consider the battery specs when choosing an e-bike. Battery capacities are measured in watt-hours (Wh), such as a 300Wh or 500Wh battery. To gauge the e-bike's performance, you need to consider it alongside the motor's wattage.
A more powerful motor with higher wattage will drain a battery faster. Many class 1 e-bikes, for example, have a 250-watt motor paired with a 500Wh battery. This lasts longer than a class 3 e-bike with a 500-watt motor relying on the same battery capacity.
Some higher-end models have an LCD display on the handlebar to show you the battery's charge level, so you know when it's time to recharge. The display also often shows other essential information such as your current speed and mode or the time and distance.
Most e-bikes of today take about three to four hours to charge fully. To quickly gauge how many miles you can get out of each charge, you can divide the battery capacity by 20. For example, a 500Wh battery on a 250-watt motor will give you about 25 miles with full assist per charge.
Other factors that affect mileage include the bike's weight and the terrain you're riding in, so the above calculation is only an estimate.
To enable you to go on long rides or minimize recharging, you can choose an e-bike with an extra battery to serve as a backup when the first one is dead. You can also opt to take the charger with you or have a replacement ready to recharge and replace it when needed.
The higher-end the e-bike, the more bells and whistles you get. For example, some offer multiple pedal assists levels that go beyond just the motor helping you out on inclined terrain. You can also find options like eco-mode to conserve battery life or turbo or boost mode for more torque and power. E-bikes may also come with multiple gears to match the pedaling tension with the terrain.
Other extra features that make an e-bike more worthwhile include bright lights for safety, racks to accommodate a basket, smartphone integration for GPS and tracking, or a built-in security system on the wheels and battery to prevent theft.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Charge Bikes City Electric Bike | ![]() | A City Bike With the Commuter in Mind | |
2 | Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 1 | ![]() | The Best Utility Electric Bike | |
3 | Aventon Pace 350 - Step-Through Ebike | ![]() | A Highly Accessible E-Bike | |
4 | Electric Bike Co. Model X | ![]() | The Best Built-to-Order Cruiser E-Bike | |
5 | Rad Power Bikes RadRover 5 | ![]() | The Best Electric Fat Bike | |
6 | Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike | ![]() | A Trusty Mountain E-Bike | |
7 | Canyon Grail:ON CF 8 | ![]() | A Powerful and Sleek Class 3 E-Bike | |
8 | Tern Vektron S10 | ![]() | The Best Folding E-Bike | |
9 | Pedego Boomerang | ![]() | The Lowest Low Step E-Bike | |
10 | Urban Arrow Family | ![]() | An Extra Useful E-Bike for a Family |
This city e-bike makes commuting easy. It has a powerful 250-watt motor plus a throttle mode to give you that extra boost on inclined planes. It also has safety lights and easy-store features such as foldable handlebars and pedals. Inflating the tires is also convenient as the tires are equipped with air pressure sensors that inform you when they need air.
A couple of reviewers found the fenders to be a bit flimsy and added that extra shock absorption would have been nice. Still, this was a highly recommended e-bike for city commuting. Many said that set-up was a breeze and riding the bike was fun, smooth, and reliable.
This utility e-bike has 330 accessory combinations, allowing you to customize the bike according to your needs. Add racks, baskets, or a child seat; you can customize your ride to your heart's content. Its 750-watt geared hub motor, paired with a 48-volt battery, lets you ride up to 45 miles on a single charge.
A few reviewers had difficulty removing the battery from the bike and struggled to get in contact with customer service. On a positive note, many loved their utility e-bike, praising its low height, accessible pedals, and smooth riding experience. They noted that each piece was well made.
The upright, step-through frame makes this Aventon e-bike easy to mount. You can even choose between two sizes to get a better fit. It also comes with a ton of neat features, like five levels of pedal assist and an LCD display. It has a powerful motor and a full-throttle mode.
A few reviewers had issues removing the battery, noting that the instruction manual was hard to comprehend. Meanwhile, many customers shared that the bike was very comfortable and fun to ride. They could rely on the extra assist from the throttle and still get a workout from the seven gears.
You can customize this e-bike the way you want it, and it will arrive you fully built. The base parts include hydraulic disc brakes for added security and motorbike-grade, double-walled rims for higher speeds without compromising comfort. It also has a thumb throttle design for a safe activation of boost.
A few reviewers noted that the shipping took a while due to the built-to-order process. Still, they said it was worth the wait because the bike is very smooth to ride. They liked the color and accessories options that come with the bike. They also said that it was well-built.
This option is extra stable with four-inch-wide tires. Whether you're riding through rocky terrain or on any other off-road adventure, you can expect smooth and reliable performance. Furthermore, the front and rear fenders protect you from the splashback, while the integrated lights ensure safe riding.
A few reviewers were disappointed that it was hard to reach customer support at times. They experienced issues such as the battery not charging and parts needing replacement.
Meanwhile, many other buyers of this e-bike shared that they ride really well. They loved the powerful motor, which was especially helpful to those who needed a little extra assistance.
This is the e-bike to get for riding on different terrains. It has carbon steel shock absorbers to minimize vibrations and features battery protection from overcharging, short-circuiting, and unstable temperatures. The battery can be charged on or off the bike. Plus, the bike comes with Shimano 21-speed gears for a customized riding experience.
According to a few reviewers, the instruction manual is very unreliable and others had issues with the battery being defective. On a positive note, many loved how fun the bike was to ride. They said it was easy to assemble and got good mileage on a single charge.
If you're looking for a powerful bike for on- and off-road use, this one from Canyon will meet your expectations. It features comfortable handlebars and seat cushioning for extended use. It comes with a compact and reliable charger that gives you fast charging capabilities.
Weighing less than 40 pounds, this lightweight e-bike can get you places swiftly. It's also available in seven frame sizes so you can get the right fit for you. And it comes with protective films to prevent unwanted scratches on the frame or components during rides.
This e-bike can be resized in seconds, allowing you to take it with you on various types of transportation. It also doubles as a utility bike, with enough room at the rear for a basket or child seat. Despite being on the smaller side, the bike has a lot of power, functionality, and assistance to offer.
Those who've reviewed the bike noted that it only comes in one frame size, which can be too small for some. Still, many loved the performance of this e-bike. They praised the folding mechanism as well as the attention to detail of its top-quality parts and accessories. Those who have tried other folding e-bikes said this was truly one of the best.
This e-bike only has eight inches of standover height, making it very easy to mount and begin cruising. You can opt to customize the bike with fenders, side mirrors, and trunk bags to make it even more functional. With a five-speed drivetrain, you can climb and descend hilly terrain with ease.
Many reviewers said the low frame made it easy for riders who tend to fall over or have mobility issues. They loved the helpful and knowledgeable staff that helped them get the right parts. Reviewers liked how quiet, stable and smooth the bike was to ride.
If you have kids or items to bike around, this family e-bike might be a good choice. With an extra-large front box featuring a low center of gravity, up to three children can ride safely in it. It has many features, such as fenders with mud flaps, a rain cover, and a double-legged kickstand so you can load and unload safely.
You can choose between two models, the performance line or the cargo line. The former allows you to trek, with the bike's accessories geared for off-road riding. Meanwhile, the cargo line is perfect for transporting lots of groceries, multiple kids across the city. With a 551-pound limit, you have a lot of space to work with.
Are you an avid cyclist? Here are a few more suggestions that can make your ride more enjoyable, comfortable, and safe.
No. 1: Charge Bikes|City Electric Bike
No. 2: Rad Power Bikes|RadRunner 1
No. 3: Aventon|Pace 350 - Step-Through Ebike
No. 4: Electric Bike Co.|Model X
No. 5: Rad Power Bikes|RadRover 5
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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