An electric bike can put a little more oomph in your pedal and help you get around town or the trails faster while still allowing you to move your legs and get as much of a workout as you choose. We have purchased and tested over 80 electric bikes, from budget bikes, commuters, and folding models, to top-of-the-line electric mountain bikes with all the newest features. Whatever your interest in electric bikes, we have information, advice, and recommendations to help you choose the best fit for your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Commuter bikes are purpose-built and can potentially replace cars for some riders. They often have quick power output and may operate at higher speeds to keep up with city traffic. Depending on your commute length, you may want to look for a commuter bike with a larger battery to boost the range you can travel.
We recommend gearing up with the proper protective gear like a well-fitted helmet and sturdy knee pads. In our opinion, the best cargo bikes are more likely to replace a car for most people than any other style of electric bike. Add a motor to this style of bike, and you’re that much closer to living car-free. Often, these bikes are extra long to accommodate a larger rear cargo rack or have a box/wheelbarrow-style cargo space in the front or rear of the rider. A dual kickstand is also a common feature to help support the added length and heavier weight.
With its 4-inch wide tires and comfortable front suspension, this bike offers stability and smooth rides, ideal for exploring dirt roads or leisurely trails. The 750W motor feels potent and can reach speeds up to 28mph with pedal assistance. Sleek and stylish, the bike has a frame-integrated battery and complimentary components. It comes in two frame sizes and both step-through and step-over styles to cater to your preferences.
With a rigid frame and comparatively narrower tires, it sometimes feels less forgiving over rougher terrain. Of course, the nature of its folding design and smaller wheels means it doesn’t have the same composure as the larger wheeled, non-folding competition. It has a respectable range, but it was bested slightly in that metric by bikes with bigger, heavier batteries. Those concerns aside, the Vika+ Flex proved to offer a high level of performance in a convenient folding package, making it the best folding model we tested.
The massive 720Wh battery means it has the juice to power through longer rides, while the powerful 750W motor easily supports 20 mph using the throttle or up to 28 mph with pedal assist. Ride1Up gives you options, and you can choose between a step-over or step-through style and two frame sizes. It features highly adjustable components, allowing the perfect fit for most riders. Additional baskets and rack attachments are available as add-ons to maximize your cargo-carrying capabilities. This bike’s comfort and convenience-oriented features add some weight, but good handling and balance compensate for the extra pounds. It also has features like a rear rack, fenders, and lights, so you’ll be ready for anything.
With some of the more powerful bikes riding the border between mopeds and e-bikes, a bike’s power and speed capabilities determine where you can legally ride them. Some bikes can switch modes, allowing you to ride them anywhere without limitations. Regardless of class, most e-bikes are limited to a motor with one horsepower (750W) or less. “For this bike, we’ve used Columbus MAX tubes which were introduced in 1987 but were never used by the 7-Eleven team, at least as far as I know. The modern MAX tubes are lighter than the originals and drawn from an alloy better suited to welding, but the shape is the same along with the option of a larger down tube.
The last things to consider are ease of use features and included accessories vs. accessories that come as a separate purchase. The user interface varies from bike to bike; some show minimal information like battery level and power setting, while others include huffy cruiser speed and other stats about your ride. Some models have an app to track your ride and adjust settings on your smartphone. The 3-class system is becoming widely accepted as a way to regulate e-bike use, but laws and regulations vary by state and even by country.
The Blix Vika+ Flex has several useful features, including integrated lights, fenders, and a sturdy rear cargo rack. At 51 lbs and 14 oz, it is significantly lighter than other top performers and folds down small for easy portability and storage. huffy nighthawk The Ride1Up Revv 1 won our best Moped-style Class 3 bike due to its impressive features, comfort, and power. Initially shipped as a Class 2 bike, the Revv 1 has a large display screen that allows riders to access its Multi-Class Speed System.