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Tested: The Best Electric Bikes, as Chosen by Experts

The cycling experts at Bicycling have released their top E-bike picks for 2024. From leisurely commuter cruisers to rugged fat-tire bikes, here are the best E-bikes for a range of needs.

The push toward automotive electrification has set forth a wave of research and development into battery and charging technology. A byproduct of all of this R&D has been a trickle-down of some of this technology into other modes of transport, perhaps most notably the humble bicycle. The market for electric bicycles has exploded, which has led new manufacturers as well as some established cycle makers to produce their own electric bicycles.

The Gear Team knows that the interests of our car and truck-loving readers sometimes extend to things like watches and alternate forms of transportation. As we set out to assemble a list of the best electric bicycles on the market, however, we were humbled by the dizzying amount of information about them.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Electric Bicycle

Aventon level.2 commuter.

Best Around Town Electric bicycle

Co-op cycles generation e1.1.

Best Off-Road Electric bicycle

Aventon aventure.2.

Best Fat Tire Commuter Electric Bicycle

Rad power bikes radrover 6 plus.

Best Electric Mountain Electric bicycle

Specialized turbo tero 3.0.

Best Folding Electric Bicycle

Ride1up portola.

Best Cargo Electric Bicycle

Specialized haul st.

Best Commuter Electric Bicycle

Cannondale treadwell neo 2.

Best Premium Electric Bicycle

Specialized turbo vado 4.0 step-through.

Best Cruiser Electric Bicycle

Ride1up cafe cruiser, things to consider about electric bikes.

Road & Track readers know jumping into the deep end of car shopping without any of the requisite knowledge is a bad idea. Likewise, there is a lot to know about electric bicycles with all the latest tech, gadgets, and features they offer. So before you purchase one of these (not inexpensive) shiny new vehicles, take a moment to consider a few things:

Purpose and Use : First determine what you will primarily use your electric bicycle for. Different models are tailored to specific purposes, such as commuting, recreation, off-road, and cargo hauling or deliveries.

Type of E-Bike : Electric bicycles come in various types, including road , mountain , hybrid , folding , and cargo bikes. Each type caters to different riding conditions and needs.

Battery Capacity and Range : Battery capacity, usually measured in watt-hours (Wh), influences how long you can ride and how far you can go on a single charge. An e-bike’s range also depends on factors including the rider and bike weight, the terrain ridden, and the level of assistance used. Consider your typical ride length and whether the battery range meets your needs.

Weight and Portability : Electric bicycles are generally heavier than traditional bikes due to the motor and battery. Consider the bike's weight if you need to carry it upstairs or lift it frequently. Folding e-bikes offer added portability but are usually still heavier than unassisted bicycles (those without motors).

Security : Some electric bicycles require a key or key fob to operate, adding to their security. Moreover, numerous electric bicycle manufacturers design integrated batteries to be lockable and removable, offering several advantages: off-bike charging, theft deterrence, ease of transport on racks, and lighter weight for carrying upstairs.

All that said, there's nothing wrong with picking up a heavy chain lock or good quality U-lock if you plan to keep your bike in any theft-prone or outside area.

Pedal Assist vs. Throttle : Some electric bicycles offer pedal assist, which provides power only when you are pedaling, while others have a throttle mode that can propel the bike without pedaling. Decide which mode or combination of modes suits your riding style.

Fit and Comfort : Like most bicycles, electric bicycles usually offer sizing options via seat and handlebar adjustment. But these tweaks will only get you so far. Ensure the height, weight, and frame size fit your body. Test ride different models to check for comfortable seating position, handlebar height, and ease of mounting and dismounting.

Warranty and Service : Check the warranty coverage for the bike, battery, and components. Consider the manufacturer's reputation and the availability of service and parts.

Legal Restrictions : Be aware of local regulations regarding electric bicycle use, such as speed limits, motor power limits, and where e-bikes are allowed to be ridden.

E-Bike Classes: Electric bicycles are broken down into three distinct classes based on the type of assist and how fast the motor can propel you; classes one and three are the most common.

• Class 1 supports pedaling up to 20 mph with a max power output of 750 watts;
• Class 2 e-bikes feature a throttle and can reach up to 20 mph without pedaling. Some models, like Aventon's Pace 500 , mix features, reaching 28 mph with pedal assist and 20 mph with just the throttle;
• Class 3 (often known as "speed pedelec") offers assistance up to 28 mph with the same maximum power output.

The Best E-Bikes You Can Buy

The Level.2 from Aventon builds on the solid success of its first-generation Level commuter bikes. The Level.2 is a Class 2 e-bike, featuring both pedal assist and a throttle that can reach speeds of up to 20 mph. However, it has the capability to be unlocked to a Class 3 e-bike, allowing for pedal-assisted speeds of up to 28 mph.

This second-generation version of the Level includes a new torque sensor, integrated lights, and a smaller user-friendly display. The testers at Bicycling noted that the Level.2 bested their expectations in every situation, saying "the Aventon Level remains the best commuter electric bicycle you can purchase for less than $2000 and one of the best commuter bikes you can buy overall."

The Generation e1.1 is a solid bike for short trips, city dwellers, and around town. Its rigid aluminum frame, SR Suntour fork, and hydraulic disc brakes help to provide a smooth and compliant ride, the sort that those riding around cities will surely appreciate. You can choose between either blue or black, but whichever you choose, you'll also get a rack, lights, and tough Schwalbe Super-Moto-X tires.

Being the house brand of outdoor retailer REI , Co-op Cycles benefits from the established infrastructure. This means that you can get your bike serviced, warrantied, and even assembled at REI stores. Further, if you are an REI member (just $30 for life!), the bike comes with free flat-tire repair and two years of free adjustments.

Aventon updated its popular Aventure electric bicycle, resulting in significant improvements that enhance the riding experience. A new torque sensor provides better control over the bike's rear hub motor, addressing the issue of excessive torque that reviewers had with the previous iteration. This is especially helpful for those new to e-bicycles.

Other upgrades include an updated head unit interface, integrated turn signals, a front light, a rear rack, and fenders, making the bike more versatile for commuting in various conditions. While the folks at Bicycling found that the bike works well on snowy days and gravel pathways, its weight and components limit its performance on challenging trails.

The 6 Plus is a versatile fat-tire electric bicycle designed for comfort across various terrains, including urban and off-road environments. Testers at Bicycling said improvements such as an updated display and hydraulic disc brakes, enhancing the overall riding experience when compared to its predecessor.

The bike's big drawback is its weight, which will be a limiting factor if you'd like to navigate it around a congested city. While the weight may make the bike cumbersome, the powerful 750-watt rear hub motor ensures that you'll have the torque needed to push the bike's heft around.

There is also a step-through version , and buyers can opt for either charcoal or white paint schemes.

Specialized Turbo-series mountain bikes are among the favorites of the staff at Bicycling. If you're a mountain biker and want to dip your toes into the world of e-bicycles, the Turbo Tero 3.0 is a great place to start.

With 2.4-inch-wide tires, hydraulic disc brakes, and a 110-mm travel suspension fork, this bike is capable but takes some getting used to on the trail, according to one test rider. The components are durable enough for off-road conditions, and their standard sizing facilitates easy upgrades and replacements, enhancing the bike's appeal for entry-level trail riders.

The Portola from Ride1Up offers a compelling package for city dwellers or anyone low on storage space, and it does so while providing good bang for your buck. It can be folded down to fit easily into the trunk of most cars and the back of just about any hatchback or SUV.

Though it's compact, the Portola comes with a handsome list of features including a powerful 750-watt motor, hydraulic disc brakes, an eight-speed drivetrain, and an integrated rear rack capable of carrying up to 130 pounds. An optional extended-range battery can be selected for additional cost and there are a few cool accessories you can snag, like a basket , phone mount , and passenger's seat .

As its name implies, the Haul ST is probably the best bike on this list for moving big loads, making it ideal for delivery workers or just running errands. This compact bike can carry an impressive 419 pounds and features a 750-watt motor, strong brakes, meaty 3.5-inch tires, and a bunch of intuitive features. For all of these reasons and more, the Haul ST was named Bicycling 's 2023 Bike of the Year .

If you need even greater carrying capacity, you can opt for the larger Haul LT , which includes many of the same features as the ST with more space for hauling.

For casual riders looking to take a ride in the park or along the boardwalk, the Treadwell Neo 2 from Cannondale stands out for its classic good looks and comfortable riding position. The leisurely character of the Treadwell is enhanced in the Neo 2 thanks to the addition of electric power.

You'll never be overworked again thanks to an adequate 250-watt rear hub motor assisting pedaling. The package is only sweetened by a pair of Maxxis 650b tires, a seven-speed drivetrain, and a wide-range cassette for conquering inclines.

Road & Track readers know: If you want the best, it's going to cost you. The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 stands out for its exceptional design, seamless integration of components, and superior ride quality, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned cyclists and first-time e-bicycle users.

The folks at Bicycling heaped on the praise by adding, "We have ridden a lot of e-bikes over the years, and the Specialized Turbo models consistently test among the best in all categories. The brand puts a ton of development time into its Turbo series e-bikes. . . . This work pays off with best-in-class ride quality."

There are lots of options available for the Turbo Vado, including several colors, traditional or step-through frames, and a few drivetrain configurations. A full-spec Turbo Vado 4.0 can top out at over $5500, so choose your options carefully.

Classic motorcycle style and comfortable practicality are combined to create a relaxed cruiser with a casual ride. The smooth ride is provided by a torquey 750-watt motor, relaxed geometry, 3.0-inch wide tires, and a bit of heft. Bicycling testers found the big cruiser comfortable while offering enough oomph to get you over whatever small inclines block your way.

A version with a step-through frame is also available , and we recommend opting for the passenger kit as this bike is well suited for two-up cruising.

What is an electric bicycle?

An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that can provide assistance to the rider. This assistance can come in the form of pedaling support or, in some models, a throttle that can power the bike without pedaling.

Are electric bicycles legal to ride everywhere?

E-bike laws vary by country and, in the United States, by state. Generally, e-bicycles are allowed where traditional bicycles are allowed, but there may be restrictions based on the e-bike's top speed and whether it has a throttle. It's important to check local laws.

Do I need a license to ride electric bicycles?

In most jurisdictions, you do not need a license to ride an e-bicycle if it meets certain criteria, typically regarding its maximum speed and power output. However, regulations can vary, so it's important to verify local laws.

How far can electric bicycles go on a single charge?

The range of an e-bike depends on a variety of factors, including battery capacity, level of pedal assist, rider's weight, terrain, and riding conditions. E-bikes can typically travel between 25 to 70 miles on a single charge, but these numbers may increase or decrease depending on the above-mentioned factors.

How long do electric bicycle batteries last?

E-bike battery lifespan is typically measured in charge cycles, with many batteries rated for 500 to 1000 cycles before their capacity significantly diminishes. This can translate to several years of use, depending on the frequency of charging.

Do electric bicycles require maintenance?

E-bikes require similar maintenance to regular bicycles, such as tire-pressure checks, brake adjustments, and drivetrain lubrication. The electrical components, however, should be serviced by professionals or according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Why Trust Us?

Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices. Read more about our testing process here .

For this article, we reached out to our Hearst colleagues at Bicycling magazine . Bicycling provides expert reviews and advice on everything cycling, including gear, accessories, and fitness. Deputy editor Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling 's product test team. Having led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run world championship–winning mountain bike teams, and wrenched at some of the best-known bike shops in NYC, Tara is among the best at what she does, and we appreciate her cooperation for this piece.

With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something we haven't.

We've evaluated dozens of product categories, from heated steering wheel covers to traction boards and radar detectors . Our picks and recommendations of products and gear are based on testing and knowledge, not hype.

The Assistant Commerce Editor for Hearst Autos, Justin Helton is an enthusiast with a passion for heavily depreciated autos and a penchant for philosophical debate. As a lifelong Manhattanite, he has mastered the ins and outs of classic car ownership in one of the least car-friendly cities in the world.

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

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The 13 Best Electric Bikes of 2024

From mountain bikes to the best options for commuting, we have an expert-backed pick for every e-biker.

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Travel + Leisure / Marcus Millan

E-bikes let a broader range of riders access cycling, and they encourage users to ditch the motor vehicle for their daily commute, errand running, or long rides into the wild. 

Most e-bikes operate with a pedal-assist engine, meaning that the motor works as you pedal to increase your speed, typically broken out into several different pedal-assist modes, and some have a boost feature to help you get up to speed quickly. The best e-bikes also come with commuter-friendly features like fenders, integrated head and tail lights, and a long-lasting battery. Some wear the e-bike bonafides proudly, with visible batteries and large LCD display screens and controls, while others integrate the tech into the bike frame for a more traditional, streamlined look. But they all help us travel easier, farther, and faster.

Best Overall

Specialized turbo vado 4.0.

Specialized

Ready to support casual riders and long-range commuters, this bike delivers a natural pedaling experience, a four-time boost to your efforts, and loads of user-friendly details.

It’s not optimal for off-road or gravel riding, and weighs a lot compared to other options.

Outfitted with front and rear fenders, a 210-lumen light, a rear rack, a bell, and a full on-board computer, the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 provides everything you need for commuting or casual riding. The electric Turbo tech delivers a four-time boost to your natural pedaling, providing a powerful, natural feel that conquers any hill with ease, along with 11 gears to optimize performance. The upright architecture positions your body comfortably for long-term riding, and a front suspension (with 80-millimeter of travel) works with a plush suspension seat post to smooth out harsh terrain. Bluetooth-capabilities allow you to use the Specialized app to manage the system and provide advanced performance tracking, and it even locks down the electric engine and triggers a motion sensor alarm for added security. The bike comes in four sizes (S to XL), which accommodate a range of different riders, and the 250-watt motor can help you reach speeds up to 28 miles per hour. Riders report that the overall range is superior to lesser bikes, but at 58 pounds, it does weigh a lot, and may not be best suited for people who need to haul the bike up stairs.

The Details: 58 pounds | top speed 28 miles per hour | 250-watt hour battery | Step-over

Best Budget

Ancheer folding electric bike.

Lightweight, small, and easy to use, this low-cost bike provides effortless transport and a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge.

The sizing is limited, suitable only for cyclists from 4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 6 inches tall.

The Ancheer Folding Electric Bike proves that you can get a high-quality ride for less than $1,000. The bike delivers three modes of transport: manual pedal mode, three-stage pedal-assist mode (with speeds that top at 10, 15, and 20 miles per hour), and throttle mode, which delivers a boost of speed for six to eight seconds. Dual disc brakes provide confident stopping power, and integrated head and tail lights assure you’re visible in low-light situations. And, unlike some more complicated folding bikes, the folding happens in a single step — pull down the lever and the bike collapses. A telescoping seat post supports rider heights from 4 feet, 6 inches to 5 feet, 6 inches. In all but the hilliest terrain, the bike delivers a 45-mile range on a single charge, and the on-board computer provides a clear display of key stats, including your speed and remaining battery life.

The Details: 48.5 pounds | 20 miles per hour top speed | 350/500-watt motor | 374.4-watt-hour battery | Step-through

Best Folding

Ride1up portola.

The compact bike folds up easily and creates a small overall package, and when it’s on the road, it travels with a max speed of 28 miles per hour.

The bike folds up nicely, but at 59 pounds, it’s still pretty heavy, and it doesn’t have any sort of suspension.

With hinge points at the stem and downtube, Ride1Up’s Portola comes with a secure locking strap to reduce the bike into a compact footprint for easy storage. And the bike moves , with eight gears, a max pedal-assist speed of 28 miles per hour, and a robust 20-mile-per-hour throttle. The 2.2-inch LCD display lets you customize the level of pedal assist and watch live wattage output as well as track speed and battery life. It also comes with a handful of commuter-friendly features like a rear rack that can handle loads of up to 130 pounds, a 40LIX front light and rear brake light, and hardened alloy fenders to protect you from debris and water spraying up from the 20-inch by 3-inch wheels, which are wide enough to handle roads, paved trails , and even a bit of loose gravel or dirt. The removable battery comes with a key lock for added security, and it also makes it easy to swap in additional batteries, one of the many accessories on offer. All that said, it does weigh 59 pounds, and it’s sized for riders that measure in height between 4 feet, 10 inches tall and 6 feet, 4 inches.

The Details: 59 pounds | 28 miles per hour top speed |  750-watt motor | 120-watt-hour battery | Step-though

Best for Older Adults

Electra townie go 5i eq step-thru.

Easy-to-use controls, a large-format LED display, a step-through frame, and an upright riding position round out one of the funnest e-bike options available.

This isn’t built for max speed and can only handle paved terrain.

With an overall geometry that leans into the carefree cycling of a beach cruiser and an easy-access step-in frame, the Electra Townie Go! 5I EQ evokes simplicity and joy. The pedal-assist engine can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour, with four different speed levels to handle challenging hills, and the easy-to-use Bosch battery reaches 50 percent charge in 1.5 hours and a full charge in 3.5 hours. While riding, you sit upright, which improves comfort and posture, while Electra’s “Flat Foot Tech” creates a proper leg extension that always lets you plant your feet flat. The touch-button display boasts big fonts so you can read the stats at a glance, which include speed, battery charge, and toggles for the different power levels. And the other features of a bike that can sometimes catch your pants or cause hassles have been internalized, including the gear system and the cables. The chain guard keeps grease from streaking your leg, and it also comes with a front light and cargo rack. You even get an integrated lock in the rear tire (though we support locking the bike up as well).

The Details: 55 pounds | 20 miles per hour top speed | 250-watt motor | 400-watt-hour battery | Step-though

Best Mountain Bike

Santa cruz heckler.

Ready to be built to your specifications, this bike will conquer the toughest mountain bike terrain, and the battery will power your ride for day-long outings.

It doesn’t have any lighting or other commuter-friendly features.

Built for all-day exploration on the gnarliest, most technical singletrack, the Santa Cruz Heckler employs a 720-watt-hour battery to generate up to 600 watts of power, with four pedal assist modes triggered via an ergonomic switch on the handlebars. You can also connect to the Shimano ETube Project app to wirelessly customize the system. And the bike also gets all the mountain-bike specifics right, including 150 millimeters of rear travel and 160 millimeters up front, which absorbs all the bumps and rough terrain to deliver a smooth, intuitive ride. It rides on twin 29-inch wheels, which operate with calm efficiency in varied conditions and helps overcome roots, fallen trees, and rocks, while the carbon frame is tough enough to handle years of riding. Disc brakes let you feather your speed or come to a quick stop, the gear shifting is intuitive and easy, and the bike hides its e-bike features by integrating the battery into the frame.

The Details: 50 pounds | 28 miles per hour top speed | 600-watt battery | 720 watt-hour battery | Step-over

Best Road Bike

Trek domane+ slr 7 axs.

This discrete e-bike layers in all the key features of a high-end road bike along with ample pedal-assisted power and a long-range battery.

It doesn’t have integrated lights.

The Trek Domane+ SLR 7 AXS has found a way to blend the responsiveness and light weight of a dedicated road bike with all the key features of a pedal-assist electric setup. Pedal assist is driven by a TQ harmonic pin ring motor that’s light, compact, whisper-quiet, and has enough power to reach speeds of 28 miles per hour. An LED screen displays all the necessary data, and hood-mounted controls make it easy to shift through the various assist modes. Better still, the 800 Series Carbon frame is Trek’s lightest and most durable, which works with Aeolus Pro 3 OCLV Carbon wheels to keep you moving even if you kill the engine. And the drive system is also operated via electronics to deliver personalized, fast, and smooth shifting. The tires are rated to handle gravel, amping the bike’s versatility. You can also connect to the bike’s computer wirelessly via the Trek Central app, which includes custom motor tuning options, range calculations, activity tracking, and navigation and mapping features.

The Details: 27 pounds | 28 miles per hour top speed | 250-watt motor | 360-watt-hour battery | Step-over

Best Gravel Bike

Moots express.

Moots leverages its legacy of quality products and experience with gravel bikes to deliver a powerful, precise rig that doesn’t scream electric.

It’s quite expensive and doesn’t have integrated lights.

Designed, tested, and built in Steamboat Springs, Colorado , the Moots Express is as close as you can get to a custom-made, gravel-ready e-bike. The Class-3 pedal-assist runs on the latest Shimano EP891 drive unit, with max speeds of up to 28 miles per hour powered off a 504-watt-hour battery. They’ve also integrated Shimano components specifically designed for an e-bike, including electronic shifters and brake assistance. The all-carbon frame proves to be durable and lightweight. And the bike looks slick; Moots integrates all the wires and hoses into the hollow frame, providing a more streamlined aesthetic. And if you’re looking for the Express to also operate as a commuter, there are front and rear fender mounts built into the frame, along with bottle and pack mounts.

The Details: 33 pounds | 28 miles per hour top speed | 600-watt motor | 504-watt-hour battery | Step-over

Best for Commuting

Priority current e-bike.

Priority Bicycles

Outfitted with a durable belt drive rather than a greasy chain, this bike provides everything a fair-to-foul-weather commuter might need.

At 53 pounds, the bike might prove to be cumbersome when pushing or carrying it up stairs.

As with all Priority bikes, the Current comes with a carbon drive belt first used in autos rather than a chain. It provides better torque, won’t break, and – commuters rejoice – won’t stain your hands or clothing. The urban-friendly bike has five different pedal-assist modes, and employs a mid-drive motor that provides up to 140 newton-meter-seconds of torque to pick up speed quickly, powered by a 500-watt motor that runs off a 500-watt-hour battery.  When it comes to the rear hub, Priority also takes its cue from hybrid and electric cars by using a play on continuous variable transmission (CVT); to increase or decrease the pedal resistance, you just need to twist your wrist. The mid-step frame provides the comfort of a step-over design while still making it easy to pop on and off, with an upright composition to better position you to see the road. You also get powered front and rear lighting, all-weather composite fenders in the front and rear, and loads of accessory mounts throughout the frame to let you customize your kit.

The Details: 53 pounds | 28 miles per hour top speed | 500-watt motor | 500-watt-hour battery | Mid-step

Yuba Supercargo CL

This bike can haul up to 440 pounds of gear, and the variable configurations and storage options are nearly limitless.

In order to take full advantage of all that storage space, you’ll need to invest in a handful of add-ons, which ups the overall price.

Why settle for choosing between a front or a back cargo configuration when you can have both? Yuba’s Supercharge CL provides storage on both the tail and the ample front compartment, capable of hauling up to 440 pounds of cargo for gear-heavy or family trips . The frame construction and a directional cable help you handle the bike, even when fully loaded, and a 500-watt-hour provides ample pedal assist to keep things moving. A step-through design makes it easy to find your footing when needed, and the ten-speed Shimano gears move seamlessly to provide near-custom levels of tension. But the Supercargo CL really comes to life as you start to spec out your add-ons: you can go with a bamboo supercargo box or a baseboard for the front, a Thule Yepp Maxi Rack Mount kid’s seat on the back, or an open-loader box with an integrated kid’s seat for the front – and that’s just for starters. They also offer surfboard and ski racks, loads of side boards and trays, and baskets. 

The Details: 88 pounds | 440-pound maximum capacity | 500-watt motor | 500-watt-hour battery | Step-though

Best Lightweight

Carbo belt drive folding e-bike model x.

This bike collapses into one of the tightest packages available, with a robust 250-watt motor and commuter-friendly features like rear and front lights.

You may want to add a rear rack and fenders.

Weighing in at only 29 pounds, the Carbo Belt Drive Folding E-bike Model X targets commuters looking for a reliable ride with easy carrying and a small footprint for storage when not in use — an ideal solution where stairs and confined spaces are a daily reality. The all-carbon frame is powered on a 250-watt motor, running on a durable carbon belt that avoids any risk of grease stains.  Want more power? You can customize the bike with a bigger battery, a throttle feature, and a 350-watt motor. The folding aspect works with both the frame and the handlebar stem anchored by a magnet lock to keep the package secure. The tires use Carbo’s Balloonbike tech, which measure wider than average to improve comfort and smooth the ride without adding the excess weight of any suspension systems. A smart screen displays the data you want to track, including speed, battery length, distance, and the toggles for the five levels of pedal assist, and the battery can also be used to charge your devices via a USB port under the seat. The battery also powers a front headlight and a rear taillight, but, to keep things light, it doesn’t come with a rear rack or fenders, which some commuters may desire.

The Details: 29 pounds | 20 miles per hour top speed | 250-watt motor | 240-watt-hour battery | Step-though

Best Fat Tire

Aventon aventure.2 ebike.

Outfitted with a 80-millimeter suspension fork, 4-inch-wide wheels, and a robust 750-watt motor, this bike will conquer all sorts of terrain, from mellow commutes to singletrack to snow-choked roads.

At 77 pounds, the bike is heavy.

Equipped with 4-inch fat tires and ready to haul up to 400 pounds, the Aventon Adventure.2 Ebike is a monster of a bike, able to conquer variable terrain with confidence. It runs on a 750-watt motor that can reach a max speed of 28 miles per hour and boasts a range of up to 60 miles on a single charge. A large, backlit LCD display provides ample data and lets you trigger the integrated lights, and the engine’s torque sensor intuitively provides the pedal support you need mid-ride, letting you switch from four levels of support along with a throttle feature to help you get moving quickly. A suspension fork with 80 millimeters of travel helps smooth the ride, and commuter-friendly features like rear and front fenders as well as a pre-installed rear rack adds utility. The bike even uses turn signals to help announce your intention electronically.

The Details: 77 pounds | 28 miles per hour top speed | 750-watt motor | 720-watt-hour battery | Step-over

Best for Families

Urban arrow family performance line.

Urban Arrow

With two three-point seatbelts integrated into the front storage box and the ability to outfit the bike with loads of accessories, this is the car substitute families have yearned for.

Kitting out the bike with additional add-ons will increase the overall price point.

Built to replace the family car or minivan, the Urban Arrow Family e-bike uses a wide, front-loading EPP box that comes with two three-point seatbelts to let you haul your kids and other cargo with ease. An integrated light is mounted on the front wheel, and fenders at both the back and front provide protection from wet terrain, while the step-through design makes it easy to find your footing. The low center of gravity makes the bike easy to handle, with ample pedal assist and stepless gear shifting to keep the riding experience simple. You also benefit from Urban Arrow’s wide array of accessories and add-ons that let you add a rear rack, bench, a front rain cover, and more.

The Details: 110 pounds | 15.5 miles per hour top speed | 250-watt-motor | Battery: 500-watt-hour battery | Step-though

Best Tricycle

Sixthreezero evryjourney 250w electric tricycle.

Providing a stable, balanced, and secure ride, this tricycle optimizes comfort, easy pedal-assist momentum — as well as a full-electric mode — and ample rear storage.

As with most tricycles, this bike requires lots of storage space when not in use, and it’s only suitable for riders between 5 feet and 6 feet, 2 inches tall.

The key difference between a standard bike and a tricycle like Sixthreezero’s EVRYjourney is stability — that third wheel provides a balanced, stable ride for all types of riders. You’ll also appreciate the ergonomic frame design, which helps reduce joint fatigue by keeping you positioned in a relaxed, tension-free posture. The dual-mode 250-watt motor lets you toggle between full electric (with a max speed of 15 miles per hour) and pedal-assist, which lets you reach speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. In the back sits a foldable wire basket, providing a generous amount of stable storage space, and the 2-inch-wide tires help absorb uneven terrain. All the electronic configurations are controlled with a LCD display screen with push buttons, and you can also sync the bike to a smart app to track your rides and dive into all kinds of other cycle data. It does come with front and rear fenders, but no integrated lights, and is best suited for cyclists who are between 5 feet and 6 feet, 2 inches tall.

The Details: 76 pounds | 28 miles per hour top speed | 250-watt motor | 250-watt-hour battery | Step-though

Tips for Buying an Electric Bike

Understand the different classes of electric bikes.

“There are three classes of e-bikes, and riders should determine what type of bike will best suit the kind of riding they intend to do,” says Alison Dewey, Education Director at the League of American Bicyclists. “Class one e-bikes have a pedal assist and a motor that cuts off when the rider reaches 20 miles per hour. Class two e-bikes have a pedal-assist and a throttle, the motor also cuts off after the rider reaches 20 miles per hour. Finally, a class three e-bike has a pedal assist and a motor that cuts off after the rider reaches 28 miles per hour.”

Consider your environment

If you live in a relatively flat locale and don’t have any ambitions to conquer a Colorado 14’er, you can likely get by with a lower-powered e-bike. But if you do encounter hills and other variables, you probably want a class three bike, which can reach max speeds of up to 28 miles per hour and will deliver assistance to help conquer challenging climbs.

Take your fitness into account

Unless you opt for an electric bike with a fully powered setting (meaning the bike runs entirely on its engine), chances are good that your bike will be a pedal-assist model, meaning that the engine provides additional forward momentum to supplement your pedaling, with the range of support varying based on what setting you select. So you still have to be able to pedal, which requires physical effort. E-bikes do make it easier to go further, and faster, than a traditional bike, and they’re great for conquering steep hills, but be sure you can pedal a bike for a reasonable amount of time. Most e-bikes also work in full manual mode, though given that these bikes are almost always heavier than a regular bike, expect to expel more energy and effort to pedal unassisted.

Overestimate the range you’ll need

An e-bike’s range can be influenced by a number of factors, including the weather, the amount of energy you’re providing by pedaling, the mode of pedal-assist you select, your weight, the bike’s weight, whether or not there are winds, and whether or not there are hills — factors that make it almost impossible to predict how long a battery will last, or the max distance a bike can cover. You’re best off measuring the distance of your average ride (say, to and from work), and then adding another third to the equation so you’ll always have a charge.

“E-bikes can go pretty fast, and pretty slow — they can go the speed the rider is most comfortable with,” says Dewey. “The motor will only assist the rider up to 20 miles per hour on class one and two e-bikes, but the bike can go faster.” Class three e-bikes top out at 28 miles per hour.

“ Most e-bikes work by assisting the rider’s effort with a motor,” says Dewey, describing pedal assist, which typically has a series of modes from eco (modest additional momentum) to higher speeds. Some also come with a boost function to help you get up to speed faster, and a few operate entirely by the motor, albeit at a lesser speed than you’d achieve with pedal assist. Most e-bikes also come with disc brakes, which deliver more stopping power.

It depends on where you live as each state classifies e-bikes following their own guidelines. Check with your local DMV, and also take note of any other requirements — some states require e-bike riders to wear helmets, and there might be a minimum age restriction as well.

E-bikes ride just like regular bikes, only they reach higher speeds and also reach those speeds faster than you would on a traditional bike. But e-bikes are also heavier than normal bikes due to the inclusion of a motor and battery, which can make them a bit awkward to carry or push when you’re not riding.

Yes — otherwise the utility of an electric bike would be severely limited. The electronic components that could suffer from moisture are water-resistant, and also typically encased in waterproof materials to shelter them from any damage or exposure. So you can ride in the rain, navigate through puddles, and wash your e-bike with confidence. That said, if you encounter water that’s deeper than the height of your motor and battery, turn off the power completely and walk it through, trying as much as possible to keep the motor and battery dry. And wait for them to completely dry before turning it back on.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Nathan Borchelt has been rating, testing, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades, and is also a life-long cycling enthusiast. He conducted expensive research and culled through the reviews of verified customers in the process of making the final selections. For this story, he also talked with Alison Dewey , Education Director at the League of American Bicyclists on all the considerations that should be taken into account when selecting an e-bike.

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The 10 Best Electric Bikes, Tested by Our Editors

We’ve ridden dozens of electric bikes in every category—commuter, cargo, cruiser, folding, mountain, and city. Here are the ones worth considering in a range of styles and prices.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. How we test gear.

To make these reviews as helpful as possible, we focus on lower and mid-price options from brands you can purchase directly online—though we did include some recommendations for e-bikes available through bike shops and more expensive models that our bike testers loved.

Brands like Aventon , Ride1Up , and Lectric offer affordable models you can buy online that perform well in our ride testing. If you want to purchase an electric bike in person or test ride before you buy, established players like Specialized and Trek offer many types of e-bikes and have hundreds of dealers nationwide. Additionally, REI has many locations across the U.S. offering its Co-op e-bikes and models from other popular brands.

Check out Bicycling ’s 2023 Bike Awards for 12 exceptional, high-performing e-bikes rigorously vetted by our editorial team.

The Best E-Bikes

• Best Overall : Aventon Level.2
• Best Utility: Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1
• Best Fat Tire : Aventon Aventure.2
• Best Fat Tire Commuter : Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus
• Best E-MTB: Aventon Ramblas eMTB

How We Test E-Bikes

Our full electric bike reviews, things to consider when buying an e-bike, how to buy a used e-bike.

Our experienced bike test team evaluates each model included here on its overall quality, safety features, handling, motor, and battery life. We also assess whether the components and features added to the overall quality of the ride. Bicycling editors tested these bikes on our local roads, commuting to and from work, using them to stock up on groceries and beer, and running their batteries down to see how long they last on one charge. Deputy editor Tara Seplavy , the author of this article, also worked in bicycle product development for two decades and led product management for major bike brands. Plus, she commutes to Bicycling HQ daily on an e-bike.

While we rode most of the e-bikes in this story, sometimes we can’t get our hands on a great electric bike. In those cases, we rely on the expertise of our test team, interviews with product managers, and rigorous research to compare the bikes’ value and performance against similar models we’ve tested.

Aventon Level.2 Electric Bike

Although we dug the original Level , its update is outstanding in practically every way. A much smoother ride than its predecessor, it sports a new torque sensor that evenly distributes power, resulting in a more natural ride feel that’s easier to control and manage. Its update also adds visibility, not just with integrated lights, but also a full color, easy-to-read display. The Level.2 isn’t just one our favorite e-bikes—at its price, comfort level, and premium features, we think it just might be the best.

Our only gripe is with its Zoom Aria suspension fork, which can’t handle bigger bumps, though the lockout feature works well. Still, if you need an e-bike for doing just about anything, from commuting to work to zipping around pavement on the weekend, the Aventon Level.2 is our top nomination.

Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 Electric Bike

The Co-op Cycles Generation e1.1 is a reliable workhorse for around-town use, from short grocery trips to quick coffee runs. It has a rack, integrated lights, Schwalbe Super-Moto-X tires with puncture protection, hydraulic disc brakes for improved stopping power, and a suspension fork to smooth out bumpy rides. Oh, and it’s affordable, too.

Through testing, Bicycling contributor Aithne Faey found the Generation e1.1 lacked city-appropriate gearing, but REI’s product team has since resolved this issue after hearing feedback. As for the bike itself: “The aluminum frame may not be light, but it feels stiff and reliable. The Shimano Altus drivetrain is tried-and-true and shifts smoothly, and the Tektro hydraulic brakes inspire safety and confidence with their short stopping distance. The Gen e1.1 even includes a suspension fork from SR Suntour. The only parts of the bike manufactured solely for REI are the frame, wheels, seatpost, and saddle.”

Because Co-op Cycles is an REI in-house brand, its stores offer one year of free adjustments or two years for REI Co-op members (with free flat repair!), including derailleur and brake adjustments, lateral wheel truing, hub and headset bearing adjustments, tire inflation, chain lubrication, and e-bike firmware updates. Its in-store service also makes it great for anyone intimidated by at-home e-bike assembly, too—just buy it online, deliver it to your nearest REI store, and have them do it for you.

The Co-op Cycles Generation e1.2 Electric Bike is also available for more power.

Read Full Review

Another utility e-bike we like: Electra Ponto Go!

Aventon Aventure.2 Electric Bike

Aventon has been on a roll, with new models and continuous revisions to existing platforms. The brand’s update to its Aventure fat-tire e-bike is no exception. At first glance, there are few significant visual differences between the original Aventure and this second-generation model. However, once outside, the small changes feel huge.

Compared to the original Aventure, this second gen rides much more smoothly. The new torque sensor allows more control over the acceleration of Aventure’s 750W rear hub motor; previous lighter-weight testers found the previous model to have too much torque, but the latest Aventure remedied this fault. Additional updates include a new head unit interface, integrated turn signals, a front light, a rear rack, and fenders for keeping clean.

The Aventure.2 is an excellent fat-tire e-bike for commutes, especially on snowy days and gravel pathways. Off-roading, it excels on doubletrack trails, but with this burly bike’s weight and components, it has limited functionality on singletrack and more aggressive mountain trails.

More of the Best Fat-Tire E-Bikes

More fat-tire e-bikes we like: Denago Hunting 1 , Velotric Nomad 1

Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus Electric Bike

Brawny, big, and bold, the RadRover 6 Plus is powerful at its best and sluggish at its worst. With its 750W rear hub, 4-inch-wide tires, and RST spring suspension fork (with 60mm of travel), it’s cushy and stable enough to eat potholes as much as dirt, rocks, and snow. Compared to its predecessor, an updated display and solid hydraulic disc brakes make the RadRover 6 Plus a substantially comfortable and casual ride.

But with its extreme weight of 74 pounds (without a rack!), we wouldn’t dare to roll this thing upstairs. If you need a do-it-all bike to help get you to and from work or the grocery store and frequently battle the elements while doing it, or if you have a lot of land you’d like to tear up, the RadRover 6 is your beast. But anyone living in a small space might have trouble handling this steed.

Aventon Ramblas eMTB

The recently launched Aventon Ramblas is a category-defining hardtail e-MTB that impressed us during trail testing. Its trail-forward components—1x12 SRAM Eagle drivetrain that can handle most climbs, powerful 4-piston SRAM brakes, a solidly stiff 35mm RockShox fork, a comfy dropper seatpost, cushy 2.4-inch wide tires—are unmatched by any other hardtail e-MTB, especially given its price.

"The Ramblas has no true competitors for comparatively priced, trail-ready e-MTBs," says Seplavy in her rave review. "Every so often a bike comes along that entirely shifts the bicycle market—the Ramblas might do that for mountain biking. And once more bike brands see and ride the Ramblas, I expect several will soon follow Aventon’s lead with sharp-priced, trail-capable hardtail e-MTBs."

More electric mountain bikes we like: Trek Fuel EXe 5 , Santa Cruz Heckler 29 Carbon S , Specialized Turbo Tero 3.0

Ride1Up Portola Electric Bike

Ride1Up’s new Portola folding bike packs a lot of punch for how small it is. Folding down to a compact 19 x 29.5 x 33-inch footprint, this bike features a 750W rear hub motor with 65Nm torque, hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 8-speed drivetrain, and an integrated rear rack with 130-pound carrying capacity.

For less than $1,000, this is a great deal for bimodal commuters, RVers, vanlifers, or folks living in a small apartment. The standard 10.4Ah battery has a claimed range of 20-40 miles. Or bump the range up to 45 miles with an optional 13.4Ah battery for an additional $100.

More folding e-bikes we like: Denago Folding 1 , Brompton Electric P-Line , GoCycle G4

Specialized Globe Haul ST Electric Bike

If you need to haul it all, go with our 2023 Bike of the Year : Specialized’s Globe Haul ST. With a carrying capacity of a whopping 419 pounds, it’s good for a range of riding tasks, from grabbing groceries at your local farmer’s market to dropping Fido off at doggy daycare. Specialized designed this bike with the average commuter in mind, motivating riders to swap those short- and medium-distance car trips with a bicycle instead. The result is a well-designed short-tail cargo bike with wide 20 x 3.5-inch tires that can eat bumps while keeping you stable and low to the ground. It’s also a blast to ride.

Our test editor Dan Chabanov says it feels much more like a traditional bike than a souped-up e-cargo, which is to say, it’s actually fun. “If you haven’t ridden an e-cargo bike, you might take this for granted,” he says. “But the reality is that even some of the more compact e-cargo bike options out there often don’t ride like a typical bike, or worse, they simply ride poorly. As a cyclist, one of the Haul ST’s most enamoring traits is how much it rides like a ‘normal’ bike. Well, that and the ability to carry a week’s worth of groceries on it.”

More electric cargo bikes we like: Aventon Abound , Tern HSD P-10 , Lectric Xpedition

Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Electric Bike

We’re fans of the unpowered Treadwell for its clean looks and upright rider position. It’s not quite a hybrid but also not a foot-forward-style cruiser. The line is comprised of unique, practical bikes for city commuting or riding around town.

The Treadwell Neo 2 improves on this by offering electric assistance without a big weight penalty. This makes for a lighter and zippier riding bike at a lower price. A Class 1 rear hub motor moves the Treadwell along smoothly at up to 20 mph with pedal-assisted power. The 7-speed drivetrain and a wide-range cassette help you get up longer hills, and the Maxxis 650b tires roll fast on pavement.

More commuter e-bikes we like: Aventon Soltera , Co-op CTY e1.1 , Trek Dual Sport+ 2

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Step-Through Electric Bike

Specialized’s Turbo Vado 4.0 is smart and comfortable, with solid brakes, a terrific fork, a sleek design, and a clean iPhone companion app. We’ve ridden a lot of e-bikes over the years, and the Specialized Turbo models consistently test amongst the best in all categories. The brand puts a ton of development time into its Turbo series e-bikes by refining the motor tune and carefully selecting parts. This work pays off with best-in-class ride quality. If you have hesitated to try an e-bike because you think it won’t feel like your favorite non-assist bike, try a Specialized Turbo. You’ll quickly become a convert.

Specialized offers the bike at several price levels between $3,250 and $5,500. You can purchase Turbo Vados with traditional or step-through frame styles, derailleur or internal hub drivetrain configurations, and several color offerings.

More premium e-bikes we like: Ride1Up Prodigy V2 CVT , Gazelle Ultimate C8

Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser Electric Bike

Sometimes, you just want a classic cruiser to take out on the weekends. And if that casualness is your desired style, the Ride1Up’s Cafe Cruiser is your best bet. Strapped with a built-in rack, front and rear lights, a 750W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, a decent suspension fork, and 3-inch-wide tires, this upright bike is stable enough for newer e-riders and, with an added passenger kit , the little one, too.

Our testing found that the bike had plenty of oomph to climb short hills despite its weight and laidback geometry. But, like several wide-tire bikes, it has some handling issues. It’s capable of speeds up to 28 mph (and 20 mph using the throttle), which is more than enough power to get you where you need to be.

Other cruiser e-bikes we like: Electric Bike Co. Model R , Electra Kakua Cruiser Go! , Sixthreezero Around The Block

A Few E-Bike Terms to Know

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Measured in Newton meters (or Nm), torque is a rotational measurement of force—and the number to pay attention to when you want an idea of an e-bike motor’s output. More torque means more power off the line and more boost to your pedaling. The heavier the bike, the more torque it needs. Lighter road bikes typically have 30 to 40 Nm of torque, and trail and cargo models (generally) have at least 80 Nm. Most commuter bikes fall somewhere in between.

The size of an e-bike’s battery is measured in watt-hours (or Wh). This measurement represents the energy stored in the battery and how many watts it can deliver each hour. The higher the number, the longer the range, but the faster you go, the less range you get. So, if a 504Wh battery paired with a 500W motor gives you one hour of ride time at the highest assist, riding at about half that power will double your range.

Locking Battery

Many e-bike brands seamlessly integrate batteries to make the bike look sleeker (and more like a traditional non-assist bike). Most batteries lock to the bike and come with a key that lets you unlock and remove it, which serves multiple purposes: You can remove the battery and charge it off the bike, a locked battery deters (and hopefully prevents) a thief from stealing it. And an e-bike with the battery removed is safer for hauling on a bike rack and lighter for carrying up steps.

Wider Tires

Since e-bikes can maintain higher speeds for longer than standard bikes, you want extra control when riding. Wider tires provide better traction and the freedom to leave the pavement with little penalty, and a suspension fork will help tame some of the rougher roads you might explore. Good disc brakes are a must, too, for slowing a heavy bike at high speed. This is not a place to skimp.

Integrated Lights

Some e-bikes have an integrated lighting system that turns on when you power up the bike. While this is a great feature, it’s not a deal-breaker if your bike doesn’t come equipped this way. It’s just as easy to attach your own since so many great bike lights available.

Warranty and Service

E-bikes need regular maintenance and repair to stay in good working condition. Because they’re heavier and go faster than non-assist bicycles, e-bikes often require more regular service on parts like brakes, tires, and drivetrain components. We recommend having a good relationship with a local bike shop experienced in e-bike repair to keep your equipment running smoothly.

E-bikes use electronics for their motors, batteries, and displays. These parts are often proprietary to bike brands or even specific e-bike models, making replacement more difficult than parts on non-electric bicycles. Make sure to use the correct electronic replacement parts to avoid damaging your e-bike (or it catching fire). Established brands usually (but not always) have a good supply of these parts for replacement, even for years after a bike goes out of production. Bosch and Shimano are two e-bike motor manufacturers with some of the most compatibility between bikes and stock parts for previous generations of systems.

Look for e-bikes from brands that offer at least a one-year warranty on electronic components (many brands’ warranties are longer) and make items like replacement batteries for your bike. These parts are usually not cheap (sometimes up to half the cost of a new bike), but it’s the difference between having an e-bike that can be repaired or becomes a bicycle-shaped paperweight if something goes wrong.

Certification

Following a dramatic increase in fires caused by the lithium-ion batteries used in electric bikes, there is a push from local officials, regulatory agencies , and advocacy groups across the U.S. for improved safety certification of e-bikes, batteries, and motor units. On September 16, 2023, a New York City law went into effect requiring that any e-bike sold in the city “has been certified by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849”. And in November 2023, Amazon announced it ceased sales of illegal batteries to New Yorkers.

However, just because something is marketed as UL 2849 compliant, tested to UL 2849, or even “certified to UL 2849” does not mean it is UL Safety Certified. Ibrahim Jilani, UL’s Global Director of Consumer Technology, notes: “Certification is always earned by a manufacturer and not a given when they undergo a product submittal. The UL Mark, or any authorized certification mark, can only be issued upon successful demonstration of meeting the requirements of the safety standard.” You can find UL’s updated list of products Certified to UL 2849 here .

We contacted many e-bike brands on this topic. Most companies informed us they are working toward the certification process. So, expect the list of certified e-bikes to grow in the coming months. If owning a UL 2849-certified bike is important to you, ask the brand from which you plan to purchase it for proof of certification. You can cross-reference OSHA ’s Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories if you want to dive deeper into the topic.

Conversion Kits

Several manufacturers offer kits to add pedal assistance to a non-electric bike. We purchased a few popular conversion kits, fitted them to bikes, and rode them. We do not currently recommend these kits for use. While converting an old bike to an electric assist sounds good in theory, it rarely makes practical sense. Plus, it can lead to rider injury or failure of the bike.

Manufacturers do not design non-electric bikes to accommodate the extra weight and forces incurred when adding an e-bike motor, battery, and control equipment. This puts more stress on the bicycle frame and other components and can lead to breakage or failure of the bike.

Selecting most conversion kits requires knowing fitment details about your bike and might require specialized tools for installation. Many do not have a straightforward installation process, and it can be a challenging project for novice mechanics. If you want a shop to install a conversion kit, check with the shop before purchasing it. Since most non-electric bikes are not engineered to accommodate electric conversions, many shops will not install these kits.

Many economical e-bikes do not cost much more than the total price of a conversion kit plus the installation price. We recommend buying a purpose-built e-bike for the best and safest experience.

The Three Classes of E-Bikes

After determining which style of bike is right for you, the next consideration is which class of e-bike best fits your needs. In the U.S., there are three e-bike classifications. These are defined by the type of assist and how fast the motor will propel you. Most electric bikes are defined as class 1 or 3. Class 1 bikes have a motor (max 750W) that assists while pedaling up to 20 mph. Class 3 (sometimes known as “speed pedelec”) can have up to a 750W (aka 1-horsepower) motor but can assist you up to 28 mph. Both are allowed in most states and cities without needing a license.

Class 2 models have become more popular with riders, especially at lower prices. These models have a throttle that can propel a bike up to 20 mph without needing continuous pedaling.

Some bikes blur the lines. Aventon’s popular Pace 500 , for example, is technically a Class 3 e-bike in that it reaches speeds up to 28 mph, but it also has a throttle that tops out at 20 mph (the maximum legal speed for a throttle).

Good quality e-bikes can cost a lot of money; purchasing a pre-owned bike is one way to save some cash and get a better model. If you want to shop for a used e-bike in person, some bicycle stores offer refurbished units. Shopping in person allows you to check the integrity and condition of the bike before you buy it. When purchasing from a shop, make sure that the retailer is experienced with e-bike service and that the bike includes the proper charger and battery.

If purchasing a used e-bike directly from another owner on a third-party site, it’s wise to have the bike inspected by an experienced e-bike shop or mechanic before handing over your money. E-bikes experience higher wear-and-tear than non-assist bicycles, and many e-bikes use proprietary parts or require special tools to service or update software.

With the boom in e-bike sales, a few websites have recently sprung up selling reconditioned and certified e-bikes. Often, these e-bikes have low mileage or were sales floor samples at shops—some are even brand new or are new old stock of a previous model year. While it costs more than purchasing from an individual seller, buying a used bike from these sites usually means you have some sort of warranty on your e-bike and ensures that it was inspected properly.

Two sites offering high-quality, certified pre-owned e-bikes include Upway and TPC.

Upway The Pro’s Closet

As Deputy Editor, Tara Seplavy leads Bicycling’s product test team; after having previously led product development and sourcing for multiple bike brands, run World Championship winning mountain bike teams, wrenched at renowned bicycle shops in Brooklyn, raced everything from criteriums to downhill, and ridden bikes on six different continents (landing herself in hospital emergency rooms in four countries and counting). Based in Easton, Pennsylvania, Tara spends tons of time on the road and trail testing products. A familiar face at cyclocross races, crits, and bike parks in the Mid Atlantic and New England, on weekends she can often be found racing for the New York City-based CRCA/KruisCX team. When not riding a bike, or talking about them, Tara listens to a lot of ska, punk, and emo music, and consumes too much social media.  

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

Bill Strickland is the Rider-in-Chief of Bicycling . His equal passions for cycling and writing have led to the books Ten Points: A Memoir ; Tour de Lance: The Extraordinary Story of Cycling’s Most Controversial Champion ; Mountain Biking: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Ride ; and The Quotable Cyclist . His Bicycling story, “100 Pedal Strokes” won a National Magazine Award for Interactive Feature in 2008. In 2009, he assigned and edited the story “Broken,” which won the National Magazine Award for Public Interest. “The Escape,” the December, 2011, edition of his Bicycling magazine column The Pursuit, was named a Notable story by  The Best American Sports Writing . Various editions of his books have been translated into Dutch, German, Hebrew, and Japanese. He uses commas by rhythm and sound, which is a terrible way to do it but makes him happy.

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The best electric bikes for 2024: These e-bikes are perfect for sport and commutes

The best electric bike for commuting, trails and more

Whether you want to get fitter or find a cheaper, eco-friendly way to commute, an electric bike is a great investment. The electric assistance also allows beginners to go further but still reap the benefits of an outdoor ride. 

The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is our best all-rounder, but don't discount the usefulness of a cheap folding bike, like the MiRider One if you're after a city commuter. For a full breakdown of what kind of bike is best for you, scroll to the bottom of this guide for our recommendations.

If you're looking for the best deal, we recommend keeping an eye on retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods in the US and Halfords in the UK.  

Matt Evans, Fitness & Wearables Editor

The best electric bikes are a great investment if you want a way to get around that’s cheap, easy and environmentally friendly. Known as e-bikes, the best electric bikes you can buy today come in all sorts of styles and sizes, which means it can be tricky to work out which you need. In this guide, we’ll help you pick the best electric bike for you.

Below you’ll find electric bikes built for rugged trail rides, as well as slimmer e-bikes ideal for gliding along the pavement in a city, and others that fold. You’ll find the best electric bikes to be more expensive than regular bikes because you’re not just paying for a cycle, but the cost of the motor and battery, too. So it’s best to consider one of the best e-bikes as an investment.

One benefit of the best electric bikes you might not have considered is they’re a less sweaty form of cycling, but they still help you build your cardio strength. They can assist your ride with a boost of power but can’t propel the bike completely for you. Having said that, you will find their power to be incredibly helpful if you’re cycling uphill. 

We’ve put all of the best electric bikes in this list to the test in all sorts of environments to help you choose the right one for you. If space is limited in your home or office, take a look at our guide to the best folding e-bikes . Or, if you’re looking to save, we created a list of the best cheap electric bikes for those on a budget.

The best electric bikes for 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

1. Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (2022)

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has received a redesign for 2022 that's made it the best all-purpose e-bike you can buy today. Its high capacity battery means there's plenty of power to tap into, and results in an extremely impressive range of up to 90 miles with pedal assistance.

Power assistance is delivered smoothly, and controlled through the superb MasterMind ride computer that allows for real-time tuning of power levels, lets you receive over-the-air software updates so you don't have to take your bike to a service center, and can be locked and unlocked using a PIN.

The new Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 has a robust, practical build that makes it ideal for everyday riding in almost all conditions, with a comfortable upright riding position that's well suited to navigating city traffic. Lights and fenders are fitted as standard, and there's a front suspension fork to soak up bumps and potholes.

It's not a cheap e-bike, and the generous battery means it's quite heavy. During our tests, we found it a little bit of a challenge to drag around when not in the saddle, but a joy to ride and supremely practical in just about all riding conditions. Highly recommended.

View our full Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 (2022) review

2. MiRider One

A folding e-bike is the perfect solution for commuters – small enough to fit on a train or under a desk, with an added boost of power to ensure you reach your destination fresh and ready to work. The MiRider One strikes a brilliant balance here, and does so for a remarkably affordable price.

Despite its small size, it gives a smooth and comfortable ride thanks to its robust build and a rear shock absorber that absorbs any minor bumps on your route.

The motor has five levels of power assistance compared to the usual three, giving you plenty of control, with a boost button plus a throttle control to help you get away quickly at crossings and junctions. We found the extra power levels useful, with a reassuring amount of control whether you want a gentle boost or a more powerful assist. It charges from flat in just two hours, faster even than the Ribble Hybrid AL e at no. 5, and gives you a maximum range of 40 miles before it needs topping up.

When you're done, the MiRider One folds down in a matter of seconds ready to be stored in the included case. The best e-bike for commuters on a budget by a long stretch.

Read our full MiRider One review

3. Gocycle G4

The Gocycle G4 is an ideal premium electric bike option for commuters, and in our opinion, it's the best folding e-bike you can buy today if money is no object. Previous Gocycle bikes have impressed us with their smooth power assistance, and the G4's new motor is its best to date. The bike has a very respectable range too, running for up to 40 miles on a fast charge, and you can use Gocycle's well-designed smartphone app to tweak its performance to optimize power assistance and range.

The G4 folds easily for storage or carrying on public transport, but it feels reassuringly solid to ride. Gocycle has made clever use of different materials throughout the bike's build to keep weight down (it's 1kg lighter than the previous model) and ensure it's well balanced. All cables are internally routed, there's a chain guard to protect your clothing, and mudguards and lights are fitted as standard

The small wheels of a folding bike are inevitably less forgiving of potholes than full-size tires, but the small shock absorber under the seat helped soak up most of the bumps we encountered during everyday rides.

This is a premium e-bike, and has a price to match (if you need a more affordable option, the excellent MiRider One is well worth a look) but if it's going to be your main bicycle for regular riding, it's a justifiable investment.

Read our full Gocycle G4 review

4. Cowboy 4

If you're looking for an electric bike for city riding, the Cowboy 4 is impossible to ignore. 2020's Cowboy 3 was an impressive machine, but the new model pushes things even further with an even more refined experience and a choice of step-over and step-through frames.

One of the Cowboy 4's standout features is its simplicity. Even if you've never ridden an e-bike before, we found that the absence of gears, switches and other controls means we were riding effortlessly immediately, as it felt very intuitive. The motor kicks in automatically when you turn the pedal, adjusting the assistance depending on how much pressure you're applying.

Maintenance is simple too, thanks to the internal cabling and carbon belt drive system, which doesn't require oiling or tensioning like a chain. Lights and fenders are built in, and there's even a charging port to juice up your smartphone (which provides easy navigation with smart route suggestions via the Cowboy app).

Although it was initially only sold in Europe, the Cowboy 4 is now available in the US as well. The company received €71 million in Series C funding in January 2022, so it seems likely that it'll soon roll out in other countries as well.

Read our full Cowboy 4 review

5. Ribble Hybrid AL e

With its road-inspired design and super smooth ride, the Ribble Hybrid AL e is a great electric bike and the best hybrid on our list. Whether you're looking for something to take the sweat out of your daily commute, or a bike for long weekend rides, this electric hybrid could be just the ticket.

Electric bikes often aren't particularly stylish, and their chunky frame-mounted batteries are common targets for mean-spirited vandals, but the Ribble Hybrid AL e could easily pass as a conventional push-bike. Its drive system weighs a mere 3.5kg, making the bike surprisingly light (it weighs less than some electric scooters), and only a discreet power button and slightly thicker than usual downtube give it away.

It can be charged from flat in 3.5 hours, and gives you up to 60 miles of power-assisted riding over mixed terrain. There are three levels of assistance to choose from (though in our experience the highest is the most fun), and the Ebikemotion companion app provides you with turn-by-turn navigation and live stats on your ride.

If that's not enough, this is also one of the most affordable e-bikes available today. Highly recommended, and during our tests, it was simply hugely enjoyable to ride.

Read our full Ribble Hybrid AL e review

6. WAU Bike

The WAU Bike is an electric bike with remarkable range – able to travel up to an incredible 215 miles with an additional power pack attached, so you can forget range anxiety even on long leisure rides. That longevity also makes it a solid choice for commuters, meaning you only need to charge it up on the weekend.

The rear hub motor is smooth to pick up, whichever of the five pedal-assisted modes you choose, and you can easily switch between them when facing a hill or a flat. 

There’s also an eight-speed cassette on the rear, which provided just the right amount of adjustment during testing to prevent our legs free-spinning while travelling at high speeds.

There are also some carefully designed extras here, including an anti-tamper alarm, multi-function rear lights, and geo-fencing so the bike can't be ridden outside a certain area.

View our full WAU Bike review

7. Engwe M20

The Engwe M20 is a good-looking cafe racer-style bike with a bit of substance behind it. The dual-battery option (should you take it) allows you to get a serious amount of range out of a full charge, around 92 miles, making it perfect for all-day rides. The emerald-green-and-yellow combo is pretty, and it's all packaged into a very appealing price tag.

Unfortunately, it's not quite perfect. The disc brakes really ought to be hydraulic, and  the bike itself is very heavy at 35kg. It's not going to be one you're lugging upstairs and onto trains without quite a bit of physical strength. 

However, if you're willing to look past these small faults, you get a stylish four-star electric bike with great range at a very reasonable price.  

Read our full Engwe M20 review

8. Mycle Cargo

The Mycle Cargo is a big and beefy electric cargo bike with storage capacity on the rear and sides of the bike. Want to carry your shopping home regularly, or frequently moving equipment around? This bike is sure to fit the bill: it's excellent value for money, powerful and well-designed, with an intricate frame to distribute weight more effectively and a second battery to boost range.

It's not perfect, though: it's big, bulky and very heavy, extremely difficult to store and at 1.87 meters, it's not a recommended ride for first-timers.  The length and footrests that are attached to the rear sides of the bike can catch you out if you’re  slaloming through traffic. But, as a well-constructed cargo bike for a reasonable price, it's an excellent choice.

Read our full Mycle Cargo review here.

9. Ride1Up Prodigy XR

The Ride1Up Prodigy is a good value mid-drive e-bike that multiplies the power you put in with the pedals. No throttle here: even though the assistance is excellent and makes for a comfortable ride, it's still you doing all the work. The aim is to make your efforts become more powerful, and help you ride longer distances. 

It offers an upright riding position that’s comfortable, and the sophisticated torque sensor does a good job responding to input. The range is respectable, with heavy use of its 'turbo' mode offering, when tested, 26 miles on a single charge. 

There are better bikes out there, but mid-drives in this class tend to cost a lot more. It may be heavy at 25kgs, but when it comes to value for money, the Ride1Up punches well above its weight class. 

Read our full Ride1Up Prodigy XR review here

10. Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon

The Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon is one of the best lightweight eMTBs we've ever tried, with incredible specs courtesy of a powerful Specialized exclusive mid-drive motor, top components from the likes of Fox and SRAM, and very responsive handling. 

It's got a full day's worth of riding in a charge, providing you use it well and conservatively, with the motor supporting up to 20mph speeds, which is fine on trails, which this bike is made for. The wheel and suspension construction is excellent and will endure all the punishment you're going to throw at it.

This is an electric mountain bike that is lightweight, with great gearing and a premium drivetrain to support the battery and electric motor too. The design is striking, but practical and agile, easily comparable to the old Stumpjumper models.

Read our full Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon eMTB review

How we test electric bikes

We've ridden a wide range of e-bikes, so even if two models have comparable specs, we'll be able to give you a full rundown of how they actually ride on the road. We always test electric bikes in real-world conditions so you know how each one will perform in day-to-day life, and put them through their paces on a range of terrains and gradients. 

We test each bike's full range of power settings, plus custom settings, and if the bike has a navigation system then we'll also use it to plot and ride several routes. We'll also compare the GPS tracking from the ride computer with the readings from a top-end sports watch, and if the bike has a mobile app, we'll let you know just how easy it is to install and use – plus any hidden surprises you should be aware of, like the need to pay a subscription fee to download maps. 

It's always a good idea to test-ride any bike yourself before committing to a purchase, but our aim is to give you the most complete picture of the experience possible first.

How to choose the best electric bike for you

First off, you need to take a look at what kind of electric bike is best for your needs... and your budget. If you're someone who's fed up of commuting by car or bus, and you're looking for a convenient, healthier, happier and cheaper way to travel to work, a folding e-bike like the MiRider One is ideal. 

Any road-worthy electric bike makes a good commuter, but bikes are expensive, and locking them up (even with one of our best bike locks ) can risk theft. Folding bikes can be taken into work to keep them safe or bundled onto trains to cut long commutes short. 

On the other hand, if you're looking for an electric bike to take on off-road, you'll want an electric mountain bike, or eMTB, like the Specialized Levo SL Expert Carbon. While standard road bikes are designed for economical travel on flat surfaces, eMTBs require extra juice to compensate for the increased resistance and thicker tires, as well as better suspension to handle jumps and rough rides. Because of these additional complexities in construction, eMTBs usually cost a premium, and there aren't many good budget options around beyond a conventional pedal-power MTB. 

However, if you're just looking to increase the distance, decrease the effort during your ride, or even work a side-job delivering food in the evenings, a road bike like the Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 is a great investment. You can ride hard all weekend to remote spots or zip around town with ease. 

As well as budget and riding style, you'll need a battery to suit your needs. Check the distance you travel on a regular basis, and that will dictate the range you need. City-dwellers never going more than a few miles at a time can afford to sacrifice battery capacity, while people heading out on long rides will need to ensure a charge can last them during their adventures. 

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Matt is TechRadar's expert on all things fitness, wellness and wearable tech. A former staffer at Men's Health, he holds a Master's Degree in journalism from Cardiff and has written for brands like Runner's World, Women's Health, Men's Fitness, LiveScience and Fit&Well on everything fitness tech, exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing.

Matt's a keen runner, ex-kickboxer, not averse to the odd yoga flow, and insists everyone should stretch every morning. When he’s not training or writing about health and fitness, he can be found reading doorstop-thick fantasy books with lots of fictional maps in them.

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The best electric bikes of 2024

Our picks for the best electric bikes for riders of all types and budgets, based on dozens of reviews and tests.

• The best for most people
• Best budget ebike

Best fat tire ebike

• Best for commuters

Best electric dirt bike

Best under $1,000

Best cargo ebike, best folding ebike, best front-storage cargo bike, best for long distances, ebike specs compared.

• What to look for
• Ebike rules and regulations

Meet our testers

• How we test electric bikes

The best electric bike for most people

The best ebike for most people

It's not the flashiest, but we think the RadCity 5 Plus will more than fit the needs of most riders. It's comfortable, offers plenty of power, and comes with lights, fenders, and a rear rack for your gear. Plus, RadPower makes a lot of accessories that let you easily customize the bike.

In our tests, we found the RadCity 5 Plus to be responsive and powerful enough to get us up and down hills easily, and do so in comfort. It is a bit heavy at 64 pounds, but that should only be an issue if you try to go farther than it's 55-mile range.

Read more below .

The best affordable electric bike

For those who don't want to spend too much on an ebike, the Ride1Up Turris offers just about everything you could want, with few compromises. 

If you're looking for an ebike that can go anywhere, look no further. This bike is responsive, stable in all conditions, including snow, has both lights and turn signals, and even comes with fenders.

Read more below

The best for commuters

This affordable ebike has a neat feature: Its handlebars can turn sideways, so it'll take up less room when you have to store it in a hallway or some other cramped space. It's also fairly light, has a great range, and has a built-in rear rack.

This BMX-style fat tire bike delivers some great thrills on trails and dirt paths. It has a powerful motor to get you around, but no suspension.

This lightweight ebike lacks some niceties you'll find on more expensive rides — you'll have to provide your own lights and fenders — but it delivers a zippy ride around town at a great price.

The best cargo ebike

A truly versatile ebike that can be configured with dozens of accessories. It's also compact, powerful, very comfortable to ride, and one of the most affordable cargo bikes around.

Read more below 

Click to view more products...

This futuristic-looking ebike is made from carbon fiber, which keeps its weight to just 36 pounds. It has a speedy electronic shifter, responsive and powerful motor, and a great range for something this small. It ain't cheap, though.

Read more below.

When you need to haul really big loads, the Supercargo CL is your best bet. It has a ton of space, yet is very stable and even fun to ride.

Longest range

With dual batteries, this bike has the endurance to get you wherever you need to go. And, it's often on sale for a very reasonable price.

1. The best for most people 2. Best affordable ebike 3. Best fat tire ebike 4. Best for commuters 5. Best electric dirt bike 6. Best under $1,000 7. Best cargo ebike 8. Best folding ebike 9. Best front-storage cargo bike 10. Longest-range e-bike 11. What to look for 12. Electric bike FAQ 13. Ebike rules and regulations 14. How we test ebikes  

What makes for the best electric bike? With so many models out there, it's hard to know at a glance which model will get you where you need to go and which features you can and can't live without. That's why we've tested a number of the top models across all types of electric bikes to give you the best recommendations for your needs. 

We test the bikes by riding them around, to see how responsive their electric motors are when going up hills and getting started from a dead stop. We also gauge the comfort of the bikes over long miles, and note the ease with which we can use their various features, such as an accompanying smartphone app. And, we also test the bikes' battery life; while endurance is affected by many factors, such as terrain and temperature, we try to the best of our ability to see how the bikes live up to the company's estimates.

While many of the best electric bikes are expensive — upwards of $2,000 — they're coming down in price; in fact, we also have a list of the best budget electric bikes under $1,500. And before you do any riding, be sure to pick up one of the best bike helmets to keep your head safe, and one of the best bike locks to keep your ride secure. 

Read on for all our best electric bike picks. 

The best electric bikes you can buy today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

best electric bike

1. rad power radcity 5 plus.

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

For the vast majority of riders, the Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus will be the best electric bike. It has a comfortable design, plenty of power, and a multitude of mounting points for things such as baskets and child seats. Plus, it comes with a rear rack and mudguards. Its 7-speed shifter, combined with three levels of pedal assistance and a twist throttle is more than enough to get you up even the steepest of hills.

Rad Power says that the RadCity5 should get upwards of 50+ miles on a charge; in our testing, it came fairly close — about 40 miles. 

We really enjoyed pedaling around on this bike, which is offered in both step-through and step-over models. Its battery, while not fully integrated into the downtube, provides plenty of range, and can also be used to charge your phone (with the right adapter). The one caveat is that this bike weighs a hefty 64 pounds, so you're not going to want to lug it up stairs.

At a starting price of $1,999, it's reasonably affordable, but you should check out our Rad Power Bikes promo codes for the latest discounts. 

Read our full Rad Power RadCity 5 Plus review .

Best affordable ebike

2. ride1up turris.

While there are plenty of great electric bikes that cost more than $2,000, the Ride1Up Turris shows that you can get a lot of value from an ebike that costs much less. During our testing, we found the Turris' 750W motor to be more than powerful enough for most situations. We were equally impressed with how quickly it responded when we started pedaling, as many budget ebikes exhibit a slight delay in these situations. (There was a slight lag when using just the throttle, though).

Other standout features include its mechanical disc brakes, easy-to-read digital display, and bright 60 Lux headlight. Included front and rear fenders helped keep our clothes clean on wet days, and its wide, 27.5 x 2.4-inch tires made for a comfortable ride — so much so that we thought that the front suspension felt a bit extraneous. 

There's no taillight, so you'll want to check out our picks for the best bike lights , and unlike some pricier ebikes, you'll have to assemble a few pieces of the bike yourself, including the handlebars, front wheel, and pedals. We also had to make a few adjustments to the fenders, which might mean a trip to your local bike shop. 

But for those who want an affordable electric bike to get around town, the Turris should be at the top of your list. 

Read our full Ride1Up Turris review .

3. Aventon Aventure.2

If you're looking for a fat-tire electric bike that's less than $2,000, the Aventon Aventure.2 is hard to beat. It's as good off-road as it is on pavement, has a beefy battery and a clear color display, as well as fenders that'll save your clothes from getting too muddy. Other niceties include a brake-activated rear light and turn signals.

The Aventure.2 has both pedal-assist and throttle modes, and the battery and wires are neatly integrated into the frame. What's more, the battery can be removed for charging. The battery lasted nearly the advertised 60 miles on a charge, but, as with other ebikes, we drained it much faster when we relied on the throttle.

While not as capable as a dedicated mountain bike, the Aventure.2 was able to get us up and over hilly terrain, and its torque sensor was quick to translate our pedaling into power. 

Our only real critiques were the bike's 77-pound weight and its front suspension fork, which felt unnecessary. Otherwise, it's an excellent bike for the price.

Read our full Aventon Aventure.2 review .

best for commuters

4. charge bikes city.

If you plan on commuting to work, Charge Bikes City may well be the best ebike for you. Not only does it come with features like full-fenders to keep the mud off and a rear rack for a pack or bag, but it does everything well for a very reasonable price. The Charge City has a five level power assist, as well as a full-power throttle button, should the need or hill arise. 

The biggest reason why we think this bike is best for commuters is that its handle bars fold flat, so you can more easily store it in an apartment or a cubicle at work. It comes with all the necessary bells and whistles a commuter is going to want, including the bell (actually a superior and very loud electronic horn). The bike is available in both step-over and step through, and in a few color options, too.

The City's electric assist is so smooth you'll think you're doing all the work yourself. At night, the bike's lights sufficiently lit up the road and the throttle helped us zip around potential trouble when we felt out of gas. Its advertised range of 50 miles held up, too; we found we only had to recharge the bike every three days using it on our regular commute.

Founded by folks from biking icon Cannondale, Charge's sui generis feature is that even newbies can assemble the bike right out of the box in 10 minutes or less. All you basically have to do is put the front wheel on. 

Read our full Charge Bikes City review

Best BMX-style bike

5. juiced ripracer.

The Juiced Ripracer is a lot of fun, and costs a lot less than you might think. It's one of the more affordable offroad ebikes we've tested, and it can go just about anywhere. This fat-tire bike has 20-inch wheels and a 40.3-inch wheelbase that's meant for trails and other unpaved surfaces. However, its lack of shock absorbers, like most e-mountain bikes, means you're in for a rougher ride. 

Its 750W motor delivered some real get-up-and-go, and, thanks to its low-end torque, was great for charging up hills. In one concession to its price, the Ripracer has a cadence, rather than a torque sensor, so you have to rotate the pedals a couple of time before the assist kicks in. As it's a BMX-style bike, the Ripracer is a lot smaller than other mountain e-bikes, which also makes it easier to maneuver around tight spaces. 

Read our full Juiced Ripracer review .

6. Ride1Up Roadster V2

At first glance, the Ride1Up Roadster V2 It looks like a regular, non-motorized commuter bike — the better to blend in with traditional rides — but concealed inside is a battery capable of up to 30 miles of range. 

The Roadster V2 is also one of the lightest ebikes we tested — it weighs just 33 pounds, so carrying it around shouldn't be a problem — and although there's no step-through model, Ride1Up offers it in two sizes to accommodate riders of nearly all heights. 

The Roadster V2 was fast and fun on flat and rolling terrain, and its belt drive made for a very quiet ride. However, this is a single-speed model, so it's a bit hard to get moving on hills. 

There are a few concessions to get to this price: The Roadster V2 doesn't have lights of any kind, nor does it have fenders, and it uses rim, rather than disc brakes. We also found its display to be on the small side. Still, if you can live with those compromises, you'll enjoy the Roadster V2.

Read our full Ride1Up Roadster V2 review .

7. RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus

How's this for an endorsement? Our reviewer loved this bike so much that he decided to buy one for himself. 

While it can't haul as heavy loads as some other larger (and much more expensive) cargo bikes, the RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus is more than capable of carrying you, your kids, and plenty of groceries wherever you need to go. We loved its responsive 750W motor, its comfortable ride, and its low center of gravity, thanks to its 3.3-inch thick, 20-inch tires.

However, we found it to be fairly heavy, tipping the scales at 75 pounds, so you're not going to want to try pedal it without any power assist. But we found its advertised 45-mile range to be pretty accurate, so long as we didn't go too heavy on the throttle.

Aside from its performance, what made the RadRunner 3 Plus stand out so much to us was its versatility: You can outfit the bike with any number of combinations of racks, seats, bags, and other accessories to truly customize it for your needs. And, its relatively low price for a cargo bike makes it a real bargain for those looking to replace their car with an electric bike.

Read our full RadPower RadRunner 3 Plus review .

8. Gocycle G4i+

The Gocycle G4i+ looks like something a supercar designer would build, which isn't surprising given that it was conceived by former McLaren sports car engineer Richard Thorpe. Not only is this bike's unique wheels-on-one-side and tapered body eye-catching, but we were able to fold it up in less than a minute into a size small enough to get us on and off a train, and past our security and into our office elevator. At 36 pounds, it's one of the lightest folding electric bikes out there, too. 

Despite that, this bike was a real pleasure to ride. Its electric shifter responded near instantly, as did the pedal assist and throttle. However, while the G4i+ has daytime running lights, you'll have to pay extra for a legit headlight, as well as mudguards. Also, the G4i+ has a great smartphone app, but one of the flimsiest methods of holding your phone on the bike itself — a cheap solution for a bike that costs $7,000. 

If you're looking for something slightly more affordable, GoCycle also sells the G4i ($5,999) and the G4 ($4,799). A 2022 version of the G4 has an injection molded composite mid-frame. Still too much for your wallet? Then you should check out the Brompton Electric C-Line Explore , which starts around $3,000. 

Read our full GoCycle G4i+ review .

9. Yuba Supercargo CL

The Yuba Supercargo CL can haul an astounding 500 pounds, making it one of the heftiest electric cargo bikes in its class. Yet, it offers a surprisingly stable ride, thanks to its low center of gravity. Its cargo area is very customizable, letting you convert it from a place to carry groceries to a space to tote your tots to soccer practice.  

Magna hydraulic brakes and a Bosch mid-drive motor were very responsive, though the relatively small 20-inch tires and lack of suspension did make bumps feel a bit jarring. The Supercargo CL starts at around $6,000, but is incredibly customizable; you can select from a range of accessories to adapt the cargo area to suit your needs. 

If you're looking for a cargo bike that can haul more than the Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus, this is the model to consider.

Read our full Yuba Supercargo CL review .

10. NIU BQi-C3 Pro

There's nothing worse when running out of power when riding your electric bike, especially if you're miles from home — and at the bottom of a hill. With its dual batteries, the NIU BQi-C3 Pro is the best electric bike for those who have range anxiety, as it can give you up to 90 miles of range before you need to recharge. And, that's no boast — based on our testing, we found that 90-mile estimate to be pretty accurate, too. 

But range isn't the only thing we liked about the BQi-C3 Pro: It has mechanical disc brakes, front and rear lights, and a rear rack so you can carry things wherever you plan to go. A carbon belt drive is another nice-to-have feature, as it's quiet and easier to maintain than a traditional metal chain. Its step-through design also makes the bike easy to use for riders of all sizes; we tried it with both a 5' 11" rider and a 5' 3" rider, and both found it comfortable. 

Our only real complaint with the BQi-C3 Pro is that at 70.5 pounds, it's one of the heaviest electric bikes we've tested that's not a cargo bike, so this is not a model to buy if you have to go up any stairs. Still, the bike's 500W motor was more than powerful enough to get its bulk moving with ease. 

The bike's regular price is $2,199, but we've seen it on sale during the holidays for as low as $1,299, so wait for a sale to pick it up.

Read our full NIU BQi-C3 Pro review .

What to look for when buying an electric bike

Pedal-assist or throttle? All electric bikes have what's called pedal-assist; you start pedaling, and the bike's motor kicks in to make your ride a little easier. But you need to put in at least some work: you won't go anywhere unless you pedal. Most electric bikes will also let you set the level of assistance, so you can decide how hard you want to pedal.

However, some electric bikes will also have a throttle. Press a button or push a lever, and the bike will do all the work for you — no pedaling needed! Using a throttle will quickly eat up the battery life on the bike, so you'll get far less of a range if you don't want to pedal at all.

Motor type Less expensive electric bikes traditionally use a rear hub motor. Mid-drive motors located in the center pedal crank shaft tend to be more expensive but offer better overall balance and smoother shifting. 

Motors are also rated based on their power, measured in Watts. Typically, the least powerful motor will be 250 Watts, but unless you're a very large person or planning to go up really steep hills, the motor size shouldn’t be a major determining factor for your purchase. More important,  there is no industry standard for measuring Watts (is it continuous or peak and if peak, for how long?). So in general, a motor’s Watt rating isn’t a reliable indication of power.

Battery size Consider where you live. If you're in San Francisco you're going to want more help than if you're cruising around Austin. Watt hours (Wh) is the most important figure for comparison—it takes into account battery output and battery life to give you a better sense of available power. Higher Wh translates into more range. 

Many electric bike makers will also include an estimated range (usually about 40 miles) that you can get off a single charge. You should take this figure with a large grain of salt, as that number is usually determined under ideal circumstances: A fairly lightweight person riding on flat terrain with no wind, and at the perfect ambient temperature for the battery. Range is also dependent on the level of power assist being used, whether full-throttle has been applied and for how long, and your average speed. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Removable or built-in battery? Most bike batteries will handle rides of about 40 miles and need to be plugged in for at least a couple of hours to get to 80 percent of capacity. So if you have a more demanding commute, consider a model that lets you swap out the battery rather than a bike with an integrated battery. 

Also, if you live in a place where you can't bring your bike inside or get close to a wall outlet (such as if you live in a walk-up apartment), definitely look for a bike with a removable battery. It will make your life a lot easier.

Step-over or Step-through? Many electric bike makers will offer their bikes in two configurations: Step-over (which has a top bar that runs parallel to the ground) and Step-through (the bar is angled downwards). Once upon a time, step-through models were traditionally thought of as women's bikes, but that perception is changing. It's generally easier to get on and off a step-through bike, as you don't have to lift your leg over a bar. 

Safety features If you're planning to ride your electric bike in traffic or in low-light conditions (such as dawn and dusk), it's worth looking for an electric bike with built-in head and taillights. While increasingly common, it's not a standard feature on all models. 

Electric bike FAQ

What are the different types of electric bike.

Generally speaking, electric bikes fall into the same categories as non-electric bikes. Here's a quick summary of some of the kinds of electric bikes you'll find.

Road bike: These are meant solely for riding on roads, and are designed for speed. They will have thinner tires and curved handlebars, so that the rider will be crouched forward. Higher-end models may also be made out of carbon fiber, so as to make the bike as light as possible.

Mountain bike : Designed for off-road use, mountain bikes will have thick, knobby tires, full suspension, and a burlier frame to better absorb bumps and jumps. 

Fat tire bikes : Similar to mountain bikes, fat tire bikes are meant to be ridden off-road, usually on very soft ground, such as mud, sand, and snow. As their name suggests, these bikes have very wide tires — as much as four inches — which helps keep a grip on unsteadier terrain.

City/Commuter bike: Made for urban dwellers who need to get around town, a commuter bike will have tires that are somewhere in between a road and a mountain bike. Generally, the bikes will be configured so that the rider's back is vertical when seated, which gives them a better view of their surroundings.

Cargo bike: These bikes are made for carrying heavy loads, and will have a cargo area either in the front or rear of the bike. Because of the payload area, these bikes often tend to me much longer and heavier — and more expensive — than a typical bike.  

What is a good speed for an electric bike?

In the U.S., electric bikes are limited to 20 miles per hour; that is, they can only provide you with power — either through pedal-assist or with a throttle — until the bike hits 20 MPH. While you can easily go faster than 20 MPH on an electric bike, the rest of that power will have to be provided by you — or gravity. 

How much does an electric bike cost?

Electric bikes range widely in price. Some of the best cheap electric bikes start at around $1,000; you can certainly find models for less, but quality will be less. 

The bulk of electric bikes cost anywhere from $1,500 to around $2,500, and there are hundreds of models in this price range.  

Higher-end and specialized electric bikes — such as cargo bikes — will cost upwards of $3,000, and can easily reach $6,000 to $8,000, which is a sizable investment. 

rules and regulations

There has been a lot of confusion about ebikes (pedal assist versus throttle bikes) and where you can legally ride them. Some municipalities have banned ebikes from bicycle paths, for example. Many places classify ebikes depending on whether they can go full throttle and have a maximum speed of 20 or 28 mph. There are three official classifications:

Class 1: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 20 mph.

Class 2: Ebikes with a throttle that don't require you to pedal but have a top speed of 20 mph.

Class 3: Ebikes that only assist while you pedal, with a top speed of 28 mph.

So check your local regulations before you buy. And always wear a helmet.

Dan Cavallari is the former technical editor for VeloNews Magazine, who currently reviews electric bikes, the best bike lights , best bike locks , and other bike accessories for Tom's Guide. In addition to VeloNews, his work has appeared in Triathlete Magazine, Rouleur Magazine, CyclingTips.com, Road Bike Action, Mountain Bike Action, CycleVolta.com, Tomsguide.com, and much more. 

Dan also hosts two podcasts on his site, Slow Guy on the Fast Ride: One is about cycling and other outdoor activities, while the other looks at mental health issues. Most recently, Dan also covered the 2022 Tour de France. Dan lives outside of Denver, Colorado with his family. 

John R. Quain has been reviewing and testing video and audio equipment for more than 20 years. For Tom's Guide, he has reviewed televisions, HDTV antennas, electric bikes, electric cars, as well as other outdoor equipment. He is currently a contributor to The New York Times and the CBS News television program. John has also written our guide to the best bike helmets . 

how we test

All the bicycles in this feature were road (and in some cases, off-road) tested by Tom’s Guide reviewers and staff. 

The testing process begins when we first receive the bike; as most come only partly assembled, we assess the difficulty with which we have to put the final pieces together. Typically, this involves attaching the front wheel, handlebars, and pedals, but some bikes are easier to put together than others. 

Next, we take the bikes for a ride, evaluating their comfort, handling, responsiveness of their motors — some will be faster to apply power than others — as well as how they perform over a variety of terrain and conditions. For example, if we're testing a fat-tire bike, we'll take it off-roading; if we're testing a cargo bike, we'll load it with kids and grocery bags. 

If a bike has headlights and/or taillights, we'll also check to see how bright they are in dimmer conditions. After all, you're not going to only ride it during the day. We'll also try out any other safety features, such as bells and horns. 

We also evaluate the advertised battery range of an electric bike. Many companies will offer, shall we say, optimistic range estimates based on ideal riding conditions: A light rider using the lowest level of power assist, and traveling on a level road in 70-degree conditions. 

But, that's not reflective of real-world use. While it's impossible to replicate the exact same conditions from one bike review to the next, we do our best to provide as much detail in our reviews as to how we rode the bike (terrain, pedal assist levels) to determine how close to accurate the companies' claims are.

Finally, if an electric bike comes with an app — as is becoming increasingly common— we'll test it out too, to see how easy it is to use, and how well it works with the bike itself. 

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Michael A. Prospero is the U.S. Editor-in-Chief for Tom’s Guide. He oversees all evergreen content and oversees the Homes, Smart Home, and Fitness/Wearables categories for the site. In his spare time, he also tests out the latest drones, electric scooters, and smart home gadgets, such as video doorbells. Before his tenure at Tom's Guide, he was the Reviews Editor for Laptop Magazine, a reporter at Fast Company, the Times of Trenton, and, many eons back, an intern at George magazine. He received his undergraduate degree from Boston College, where he worked on the campus newspaper The Heights, and then attended the Columbia University school of Journalism. When he’s not testing out the latest running watch, electric scooter, or skiing or training for a marathon, he’s probably using the latest sous vide machine, smoker, or pizza oven, to the delight — or chagrin — of his family.

• John R. Quain

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• Marc-G Hello, I noticed a couple of errors in the article around pricing on a couple of the bikes. Regarding the Gazelle Medeo T9 classic, your article list a starting price of $1999 but clicking the link takes you to their site where the least expensive model is $2499 and no model called Medeo T9 Classic is available nor can such a model be found with search. The second model is the VanMoof S3 which is listed in the article with a starting price of $1999 but going to the site shows a price of $2299. As someone trying to persuade his wife that an ebike would be a worthwhile purchase for me, I’d be grateful if you would clarify these discrepancies. One last thing. On the article itself, it says it was published 21 hours ago when it was actually published on July 21. I’m going to assume some aspect of it was updated but I can’t spot any changes to it and would appreciate it if whatever was updated could be noted somewhere. Many thanks for the article. Pricing confusion aside, it’s been quite helpful for me. Reply
• Marc-G Thanks for the reply. Just went back to the top of this page and realized that it said 2020. However, if that’s the case, why is it made to look like a recent article? Does that mean all the authors did was change the title from best of 2020 to best of 2021? That seems kind of disingenuous to me. Reply
• mprospero Hi Marc - We've recently updated the pricing for all the models. We've also added new ones to this list as we've reviewed them. Reply
• GFujioka You do your readers a disservice and reveal your partiality by not listing the 64,5 lb weight of your number one bike. Cheers. Reply
• gtilford One factor that seems to be missing from virtually every review-support. I have some friends who could not get parts for their ebikes for 6+months, and they were only 1 year old. I've had problems getting parts with a highly recommended brand. The bike is well made, it performs well, but parts are nearly unobtainable. If I knew then when I know now about parts availability I wouild not have purchased the brand. Reply
• View All 5 Comments

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Best Electric Touring Bikes for Your Next Adventure

Bicycle touring has been around for hundreds of years, with some of the earliest records dating back to the 1800s.

Long before cars and motorbikes were invented, people would use bicycles to tour long distances, sometimes across entire continents. Typically, this was done on slow, old steel-framed bikes and required a high degree of patience and fitness.

Nowadays, with recent improvements in electric bicycle (eBike) technology, a new wave of touring eBikes has emerged.

What Are Electric Touring Bicycles?

E-Touring bikes can take you to desired locations with way smaller effort. Like any other electric bike, a touring/trekking eBike features a rechargeable battery and an electric motor connected to the rear hub or crankset.

Best Touring Bikes in 2024 for Multi-Day Cycle Adventures

While many touring bike purists might balk at the idea of having electrical assistance, for some people it’s a necessity due to injury, old age, or poor fitness.

In most cases, the electric motor doesn’t fully propel the bicycle like on a motorbike but rather provides pedal assistance, making it easier to pedal and taking pressure off the knees.

In the case of touring, where heavy loads are usually involved, or long century rides , this little bit of assistance can make a huge difference.

They may not be the best choice for long cycling expeditions, such as riding the Cairo to Cape Town route , but they are handy for shorter adventures.

Best Electric Touring Bikes in 2024

#1 santa cruz skitch cc apex.

A class 3 e-bike for gravel riding and touring

Price: $6,300

The Santa Cruz Skitch is a mid-drive electric bike that saddles the gap between gravel and touring.

The combination of 45 mm tires, stable geometry, and common touring features like fender and bottle mounts give this bike its versatile capability.

With speeds of up to 28 mph, it’s the perfect touring eBike for the more adventurous riders out there. If you are looking for the best electric bike for camping and long-distance touring, the rigid-frame Santa Cruz Skitch might be the answer to your needs.

The Skitch boasts a lightweight Fazua Ride 60 motor combined with a 430 Wh battery that provides a 60-mile average range. 

Schwalbe G-One 700c x 45 mm tires

Wide, treaded tires like these give the Skitch an off-road capability that exceeds most other touring eBikes. It is considerably more comfortable on rough surfaces and super efficient over long distances. Schwalbe tires are famous in off-road biking for their durable qualities and high performance. 

Carbon frame

The Current features a carbon frame with internal cable routing for a clean appearance and better protection. The fork is built from the same durable material and has thru-axles. The integrated 430 Wh battery conceals neatly into the downtube and contributes to the clean look.

SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed

The wide-range SRAM Apex Eagle 12-speed is geared towards long-distance and loaded touring, providing easy pedaling on most gradients. As a gravel-focused gearset, it provides smooth, reliable shifting without locking up or dropping out. 

SRAM Apex hydraulic brakes

A popular choice amongst all manufacturers, the ever-reliable SRAM Apex hydraulic brakes won’t let you down, come rain or shine. With 160mm rotors, they stop with excellent power and reliability. 

Buy on MikesBikes.com

#2 Cannondale – Treadwell Neo 2 EQ

Best electric bike for short tours and commutes

Price: $2,175

The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ is an electric bike with a frame perfectly suited to touring. With thick-treaded 47mm tires, this bike is clearly intended for mixed-terrain riding.

250W Hydrive MRC-250

The 250W Hydrive MRC-250 motor is situated at the rear hub, providing 40Nm of torque into the drivetrain while you pedal. As a Class 1 pedal-assist motor, it can take you up to 20 mph, making it ideal as a light touring bike.

250Wh lithium-ion battery

The modest 250Wh battery will provide up to 47 miles of pedal-assist power on a single charge. Pop the battery on charge and it will be full in five hours. This battery makes the Treadwell an excellent commuter or light electric touring bike.

Aluminum frame

Unlike most standard bicycle frames, touring bikes and electric bikes require a more robust design built from stronger materials. The Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 EQ is formed from SmartForm C3 Alloy with a tapered head tube and internal cable routing. 

Hydraulic disc brakes

Any experienced cycle tourist will tell you that decent brakes are a necessity not to be overlooked. When hurtling down a steep descent packed with all your life’s possessions, the last thing you need is your brakes failing you. Tektro’s HD-R280 hydraulic disc brakes are a tried and tested staple in the eBike industry, trusted by thousands of manufacturers for their consistent reliability. 

Buy on REI.com

#3 Gazelle – Ultimate C380 Plus

Women’s electric commuter bike for touring

Price: $4,749

The Gazelle Ultimate C380 Plus is an electric city bike with a difference – it uses a Gates belt drive system, which means no chains, no cogs, no grease, and extremely low maintenance. For bicycle touring, this is a great addition as it means far less hassle, fewer cleaning requirements, and less chance of breakdowns.

Bike weight: 54.6 lbs

Weighing in at a moderate 54.6lbs, the Gazelle Ultimate C380 is lighter than it looks. Despite a long-range battery and powerful motor, Gazelle manages to keep things light with an aluminum frame.

500 Wh, 13.4 Ah battery

The 500Wh battery balances a fine line between weight saving and capacity, providing power for up to 70 miles on Eco mode. If you need a bit more punch, it also has Tour, Sport, and Turbo mode.

Motor: Bosch Active Line Plus 3.0 (50Nm)

The Bosch Performance Line 3.0 mid-drive motor pushes out 65Nm of torque, slightly more than the standard found on most Class 1 eBikes. This gives the Gazelle a bit of edge over the competition, especially when climbing hills fully laden with luggage.

28″ wheels

Another unique feature of the Gazelle Ultimate C8 is the 28″ wheels, an uncommon size description in the cycle touring community. This size measures the same as 700c or 29″ wheels. They’re wrapped in Schwalbe’s eBike specific Energizer Plus puncture-resistant tires.

Buy from Mike's Bikes

#4 Blix Bikes Ultra

Best fat tire bike touring e-bike  

Price: $2,099 – $2,499

The Blix Bikes Ultra is no ordinary eBike – equipped with everything you need for city riding, off-roading, or bike touring. If you plan on touring on roads and off-road terrain, the Blix Ultra e-bike will get you there and then some.

The 750W hub motor delivers huge power and combines with a 1344 Wh dual battery setup that lasts up to 80 miles. Y ou can pull your luggage easily over rocky paths and gravel tracks on this bike if you retrofit front and rear racks or baskets that are available on the brand’s website.

Naturally, you’re going to need some serious stopping power on an ebike designed to tackle off-road terrain, which is why the Blix Ultra comes with hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes won’t let you down come rain or shine.

Blix has also included a reliable 8-speed drivetrain, fenders, and a front light to round out the build.

Buy from Blix Bikes

#5 Quietkat – Ranger

Off-road touring bike with an integrated rack and huge power

MSRP: $3,499

The Ranger e-bike by Quietkat is a highly versatile bike built for long-haul adventuring off-road and everything you need for commuting.

Each of the components has been carefully selected to ensure a high-quality ride experience on harsh terrain along with comfort and power over long distances.

Aluminum 6061 Frame

QuietKat frames are built using 6061 aluminum alloy. Due to rigorous testing, this frame perfectly balances strength and stiffness with high-end durability while keeping costs down.

750W or 1000W Geared Hub Motor

This motor delivers tons of power and torque to make hill climbing and pulling a full payload seem easy. This type of motor is the best you can get before upgrading to mid-drive motors.

614Wh Battery

The Ranger uses a medium-size battery to deliver max ranges of around 48 miles on one charge. This battery could be a little bigger to support longer days spent touring. 

7-Speed Drivetrain

This bike has a reliable SRAM drivetrain which allows you to maximize your battery and get the longest range possible by having enough gear options for uphill and downhill riding. It also has fast and accurate shifting.

Tektro Mechanical Brakes

Riders of the Ranger can have trust in the powerful 203mm rotor mechanical disc brakes by renowned manufacturer Tektro. This system provides smooth braking with a very fast response time, rapid heat dissipation, and automatic motor power-off function upon braking. This significantly reduces braking distance.

Buy from Quietkat.com

#6 Benno – RemiDemi 10D Sport

Price: $4,099

The Benno RemiDemi 10D Sport is a cargo electric bike that would make a solid eTouring option for those who want to carry huge loads over diverse terrains. This is a quality bike throughout, from the Bosch Performance Sport motor to the Duro 4.25″ fat tires.

400lb Capacity and 65lb Weight 

Coming in at 65lbs, the Benno RemiDemi is by no means the lightest bike on the market but feels comfortable as a touring eBike. This sturdy build is necessary to support the huge payload capacity of 400lbs.

4130 Chromoly Steel Frame

The Chromoly steel frame uses a convenient step-thru design for easy mounting without sacrificing strength and rigidity. The shock-absorbent characteristics of the steel provide extra comfort and durability. 

Duro 4.25″ tires

The RemiDemi 10D Sport is capable on roads or off-road terrains with huge fat tires. These tires provide plenty of comfort, traction, and durability on any surface you encounter, including snow, sand, and mud. 

Max Speed 28mph

As a class 3 pedal-assist bike, the 250W Performance Sport motor is limited to a maximum speed of 28mph. This is supported by a 400Wh Bosch battery and a Shimano Sore/Acera 9-speed drivetrain. 

#7 Lectric XPremium

PRICE: $1,599

The Lectric XPremium isn’t officially an eTouring Bike, but it provides an affordable alternative with the capability to transform into a touring bike. It’s supported by an aluminum alloy frame and powered by a 500W mid-drive motor and dual battery capacity, it’s ideal for medium to long-distance tours.

Aluminum Frame and Suspension Fork

This electric bike has a strong aluminum alloy frame. To fit riders of all ages, the frame conveniently comes in four sizes fitting riders 5’2″ to 6’5″. An 80mm fork suspension also smooths out the road and trail.

Shimano 7-speed Drivetrain

For easier pedaling on steep ascents or when heavily loaded, the bike features a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain. It may not be Shimano’s top-quality setup but is more than sufficient for a medium-distance electric touring bike.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Hydraulic disc brakes are an excellent addition to such a well-priced bike. They provide solid stopping power in any weather conditions, which is a necessity on an electric touring bike.

Buy on Lectricebikes.com

#8 Tern – GSD S10

Price: $5,399

The Tern GSD S10 is an electric bike built for hauling large cargo loads on long-distance rides across varied terrain. Loaded with a long rear rack, fenders, and lights, it’s perfect for adventures.

 Aluminum alloy frame and 70mm suspension fork

The solid frame is built from aluminum alloy, the perfect combination of strength, responsiveness, and comfort without adding extra costs. You also get a 70mm travel fork for smoothing out bumps on the road and light trails.

Shimano Deore 10-speed

Gearing consists of Shimano’s Deore drivetrain with a 10-speed cassette. This setup offers a wide range of gears, but with help from the Bosch Cargo Line 85Nm motor, you’ll hardly need them.

Magura MT5 Hydraulic discs

To complete the groupset, you also get Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes. These brakes will ensure you won’t have any trouble stopping even in wet weather.

Bosch 85Nm motor

The Bosch Cargo Line 85Nm motor is one of the most powerful you’ll find in the 250W category. It’s well-known for being tough and durable. With 85Nm of torque, it performs adequately on steep ascents and will power you along at up to 20mph on flats.

Buy from REI.com     Buy from TernBicycles.com

What defines an electric touring bicycle?

Long-distance electric bike = E-Touring Bike? – Not true. Long-distance eBikes are generally bicycled with an estimated range of 60mi and over. Touring bikes on the other hand are characterized by the accessibility to add racks and panniers to the bike. Therefore, a long-range electric bicycle can also be an electric road bike .

Technically, there is no specific set of conditions required to call a bicycle a touring bike. Although some manufacturers make touring-specific bikes, any bike that somebody chooses to tour on is, by default, a touring bike. However, there are certain features that you will commonly find on most touring bikes that make them comfortable and strong enough for long-distance riding.

For extra strength, many touring cyclists choose a steel frame with lots of mount points and a comfortable upright seating position. These are usually similar to road bike frames although some bikepacking bikes use MTB style frames. For steep hill climbs and strong stopping power on descents, touring bikes usually have a wide gear range and powerful disc brakes. Handlebars can either be dropped or straight but the more hand positions the better.

Other common extras include pannier racks, mudguards, lights, dynamos, and thick puncture-resistant tires.

Are gravel eBikes the same as e-touring bikes?

Gravel bikes are closely related to touring bikes but lack the comfort factor that one would expect from a touring bike.

Gravel vs. Cyclocross vs. Touring Bikes — Differences Explained

Are touring bikes good for commuting.

Many people use commuting bikes for touring and vice versa since they usually have many of the same qualities. If you already own a touring bike, it would make an ideal commuter since it’s strong, comfortable, and likely has the racks, mudguards, and lights. However, it wouldn’t make sense to buy a touring bike specifically for commuting as they are usually more expensive than regular commuter bikes.

EBike Classifications – Throttle vs Pedal-Assist

Electric bikes are classified into three classes

• Class 1 eBike – Pedal-assisted electric bikes. Motor limited up to 750W, speed to 20mph.
• Class 2 eBike – Electric bikes with a throttle. Motor power limited up to 750W, max assisted speed of 20mph.
• Class 3 eBike – Pedal-assisted, and optional throttle options available. Motor power limited to 750W, speed limited to 28mph.
• Class 4 eBike – An electric bike with pedals. Either the motor power is 750W or over, or the assisted speed exceeds 28mph.

Is it worth buying an eBike?

For many people with injured or weak knees, an eBike is the only option if they wish to keep cycling. In this sense, eBikes are certainly worth it for people who may not be able to continue cycling otherwise.

In recent years, eBikes have dropped in price drastically due to improvements in technology. Additionally, they now benefit from longer-life batteries, lighter frames, and stronger motors. For this reason, modern eBikes offer excellent value for money as they are long-lasting, durable, and affordable. 

Do electric bikes charge when you pedal?

No, despite a widespread belief that they do, electric bikes don’t actually charge while you pedal. The resistance required in the pedals to create enough charge would negate any additional benefit provided by the motor.

However, some electric bikes do have regenerative braking which uses continuous forward motion when braking to feed charge back into the battery. With this system, you could feed quite a lot of energy back into the battery if you were going down a long descent.

How long does the battery last on an electric bike?

The batteries on electric bikes vary greatly between models and the length they last depend on how hard and how frequently you pedal. Most batteries will take you between 40-60 miles (64-96 km) on a single charge – enough to last a whole day riding.

Batteries will need to be replaced after a few thousand cycles (recharges) depending on the type of battery. Lithium batteries are the best, with up to 1000 cycles, with nickel and lead batteries giving only half that or less.

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About the Author

Mark Hartley

2 thoughts on “ best electric touring bikes for your next adventure ”.

Trust me when I say that if you want to do extended rides on an ebike… touring, bike camping, weekenders, carrying enough gear to be comfortable, consecutive century rides, etc., you want more than 2, 3, or even 400W motors. The second thing you want is a Rohloff Speedhub so you can actually use all the gears with that additional power and not shred the gears and chain. Mid-drives love a nice clean straight chain line. For anyone that is going to carry panniers the racks (plural – a front rack is more important than the rear) need to be able to easily handle 40+ lbs. and be durable over years of riding. It’s not difficult to ride a eTouring setup with 80 to 150 lbs. of gear on the frame and another 80 to 100 lbs. in a trailer… at least when you have a “proper” motor (750 to 1000W). All the things that go into making a superior eTouring bike combine to make the best possible all-around daily commuter, grocery-getter, ride to get your Covid shot, take the pet to the vet ebike.

When you own an ebike you will find that you not only ride further but more often, even daily after you see how much you enjoy it. With that increased usage comes necessary maintainance, by a quality mech and by you. There is also a learning curve on getting the most out of the batteries and why a single large (2000+Wh) battery is better than 2 or even 3 smaller packs. You can buy a POS ebike on Amazon for $1K dollars but if you want to ride an ebike and not just own an ebike it’s best to remember that you get what you pay for.

The caveat here is “Best… to order online”, if you want to actually bike tour on an ebike not one of these bikes comes close.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27

25 Jul 20 – Mowich Lake https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qkd2LGdKv https://photos.app.goo.gl/hRSTYZ8UjzdpuQ7n8

26 Jul 20 – Rain Forest trail https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvyDGe2W4q https://photos.app.goo.gl/WcoVAreB4TUdAiPF7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwwdaVg4Y5M https://prnt.sc/tsxt5p

Everyone stay safe.

Got a wild hair up my… about trekking across the US on an ebike. Doing a lot of research. In your opinion, if not any of these bikes, what ebike would you suggest? What do you ride?

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10 of the Best Ebikes for Touring

After long hours in the saddle, we’ve selected ten of our favorite touring ebikes. We’ll go through the details of these in a moment, including the Pros, the Cons, and the typical price you can expect to pay for each. Before that, we’ll look at the key features that you should consider when choosing an electric bike for touring.

There’s no denying that cycle touring is quite hard work. Pedaling yourself and your bike along (even on the flat) for 10 miles, 20 miles, or more is a challenge. Once you’ve loaded up your bike with all the essentials for touring (including your toothbrush and clean underwear) you might even have difficulty going once around the block. Luckily, there’s an easy answer to this and it comes in the form of electric bikes (AKA ebikes). These are bikes that have an electric motor fitted to give you assistance as you pedal and they’re exploding in popularity.

How to choose an ebike for touring

At its most basic, an ebike is a pushbike with a battery and an electric motor fitted. Start hunting around, though, and you’ll soon discover there’s a wide array of brands, models and specs available. So, how do you choose the right one for your budget, tastes and needs? Well, there are a few key factors to consider and we’ll take a look at them now.

Comfort First up, you’ll want a bike that is comfortable to ride as you’re likely to be on it for long periods of time. Road bikes are built for speed and great for touring and will get you to your destination fastest. But, if you’re not used to cycling on one, then choose a bike that has a more upright riding position – our goal here is to see the sights, not set a PB time. Similarly, bikes that have wider tires and a more padded saddle are useful as these will help soak up the lumps and bumps of the road or trail surface and be more enjoyable to ride.

Battery range In recent years battery technology has come on in leaps and bounds, with some ebikes now able to take you up to 230 miles on a single charge. Choose an ebike that has a lithium-ion battery from a well-known manufacturer (such as Panasonic or Samsung).

Cargo-carrying capacity The best place to store your gear when you’re bike touring is on the bike. Loading up a heavy backpack will get uncomfortable and sweaty very quickly. It will also make you top-heavy and more likely to topple over. Look for ebikes that either have pannier racks pre-fitted or have the fixings so that you can add your own.

It’s also worth considering a step-through or low-step bike if you plan on carrying lots of cargo with you on your tour. This can make it easier to get on and off a fully-laden bike without tilting it dangerously over to one side.

Best ebikes for touring

Let’s take a look at our ten favorite electric bikes for touring. These cover a wide range of different styles and price ranges. Some have loads of added extras and some are a simpler design.

Pros: Bosch battery and motor combo, fitted rear rack and fenders, sloping downtube, front suspension Cons: What’s not to like about this Haibike! Rating: 9/10 Typical price: $2600 / Purchase at Backcountry.com

Pros: Integrated rear rack, low-step through frame, budget price Cons: No suspension, small wheels Rating: 7/10 Typical price: $1299 / Purchase at Radpowerbikes.com

Pros: Great Shimano electronics paired with a light and strong aluminum frame Cons: Limited space to install water bottle cage Rating: 8/10 Typical price: $2399 / Purchase at Rei.com

Pros: Folds for easy transport, pre-fitted fenders and rear rack, suits wide range of rider heights Cons: No suspension, small wheels Rating: 7/10 Typical price: $2799 / Purchase at Rei.com

Pros: Bosch motor, 28mph top speed, light aluminum frame Cons: no integrated rear cargo rack Rating: 8/10 Typical price: $4100 / Purchase at Backcountry.com

Pros: excellent bike package for trail touring and bikepacking Cons: non-locking front fork Rating: 8/10 Typical price: $4100 / Purchase at Rei.com

Pros: Massive cargo-carrying capacity, ideal for wide range of rider heights (4’8” to 6’4”) Cons: at 71 lbs, it’s a heavy bike Rating: 7/10 Typical price: $4999 / Purchase at Rei.com

Wilier Cento1HY Ultegra E-Bike

(Photo: wilier.com)

Amongst die-hard bike tourers, there’s an obsession with trying to cut out weight before a tour commences. Eating salads and sawing toothbrushes in half are all common practice. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Wilier does away with the need for all of that scary green stuff and suspect dental hygiene by giving us the Cento1HY. An ebike that is one of the lightest around (at only 26 lbs) and has oodles of power available (a 250W motor delivering speeds up to 20mph).

Pros: super-light ebike Cons: limited cargo-carrying potential Rating: 8/10 Typical price: $6000 / Purchase at CompetitiveCyclist.com

Pros: 26 lbs bike weight, hidden power, Shimano drivetrain Cons: limited cargo capacity Rating: 9/10 Typical price: $7200 / Purchase at CompetitiveCyclist.com

Pros: Shimano GRX Di2 electronic shifting, go-anywhere touring bike Cons: $$$ Rating: 9.5/10 Typical price: $9999 / Purchase at CompetitiveCyclist.com

—————————————————–

Ben Jones is a lover not a fighter, a cyclist not a DIY-er, and the founder of BicycleVolt a handy resource for cyclists from Tour-de-France wannabees to those just starting out on their bicycling journey.

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Best Electric Bikes: Don’t Strain Yourself Enjoying the Outdoors or Your Commute

Get pedaling.

jonathon_klein

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Two wheels are my preferred method of travel but, sometimes, pedaling sucks. Yes, it’s good for your physical and mental health. That doesn’t mean I like being winded all the damn time. Thankfully, someone who’s just as indignant about pedaling came up with strapping electric motors to bicycles, and the electric bicycle was invented.  But since that initial bike, thousands have flooded the market from all corners of the globe. That makes selecting one incredibly difficult. At least it does if you don’t listen to the writers at The Drive . We’ve put together this awesome list of great electric bikes so you can skip the BS and get the right electric bike for you. Take a gander.

Ride1Up 700 Series

Relatively inexpensive

Works on both road and gravel

Great accessories

30-50 miles of range

Limited warranty

Limited color options

Schwinn 700c Bay Ridge Hybrid

Inexpensive

Pedal assist

Up to 20mph

Frame fit riders between 5’7” - 6’2” tall

Glitches reported

Smaller battery

Summary List

Best overall: ride1up 700 series, best budget: schwinn 700c bay ridge hybrid, best mountain bike: trek fuel exe 8 xt  , best two-wheel drive: ubco 2x2 special edition.

• Best Cruiser: Quietkat Lynx

Best Cargo: Lectric XPedition Dual-Battery Cargo eBike

Our methodology.

While riding bicycles isn’t my normal two-wheeled method of transportation, I have done a lot of it. I’ve ridden bicycles both in town, through major cities (Chicago and Los Angeles), and in the backcountry of Utah. I’ve done road bikes, mountain bikes, and all manner of electric bicycles over the years, which helped me narrow down the list you have here. 

I didn’t get to test every single bike, but did put miles on a few. I do reserve the right to change my mind, my answers, and this buying guide as more come into my possession or I get to test others. As always, everything is up for debate. 

Best Electric Bikes: Reviews & Recommendations 

Though Ride1Up isn’t the most well-known of bicycle manufacturers, the 700 Series from the brands claims our top spot for a variety of reasons. First of which, it’s well-built, reasonably affordable, and comes with solid range for the money, and a good group of accessories. 

Centered around a 750-watt hub motor, the 700 Series can hit speeds of up to 28 mph with pedal assist, or 20 mph with just the throttle. And it has between 30-50 miles of range, depending on the surface and type of riding you’re doing. Additionally, the frame is a lightweight aluminum alloy for increased strength, but lightness, and the brakes are Tektro Dual Piston 180mm Hydraulic units for great stopping power. 

My only issues with the Ride1Up are the limited 1-year warranty—I would’ve liked to have seen something backed a little longer given its price—and the lack of colorways. Only three are offered: gray, white, and blue. But other than that, it’s a perfect addition for nearly any rider.  

Schwinn’s been in the bicycling game for, what, over a century? And it shows. Though the brand’s been dethroned as the bicycling king by most newcomers and those who’ve pumped millions of dollars into R&D, Schwinn still has great offerings for most riders. And that includes this 700c Bay Ridge Hybrid electric bicycle.

Powered by a 250-watt motor, the bicycle can hit up to 20 mph using pedal assist, has multiple riding and assist modes to dial in your preferred action, and can fit riders that are between 5’7” and all the way up to lanky 6’2” folks like myself. The bike has a 7-speed transmission, a front suspension fork for better ride quality, and dual disc brakes front and rear for great stopping power. 

It’s also incredibly affordable, as at the time of writing, you can pick it up for just $698 from Walmart. That’s a helluva deal. 

Trek brand quality

Shimano XT 12-speed

360Wh removable battery

Not as high-powered as others

I’ve had Treks off and on throughout my life, starting from when I was eight years old. I’ve been a massive fan of the brand, but this Fuel EXe 8 XT looks to be the best of the bunch. 

Yes, it’s not the top-of-the-line e-mountain bike that Trek makes, but those are for crazy people. Not you and me. What we want is a mountain bike that we can rail on and not feel too bad when it gets dirty or we eat dirt ourselves. And that’s this bicycle. 

The Fuel EXe 8 XT is powered by a 360-watt removable battery and sent through Shimano’s XT 12-speed. Fox Shocks both front and rear keep you moving across whoops, through rhythm sections, and whatever mud you happen to cross without slowing you down. And you have Trek’s legendary quality backing everything. It’s the best of all worlds. 

There are just two small things I’d bring up, and those are price (it’s expensive, but not unreasonable for an e-mountain bike of this caliber) and that the pedal assist isn’t as powerful as others. But if you can overlook that, and pony up the cash, you’re golden. 

No pedaling needed

Large battery

Lots of cargo room

No pedals when run out of juice

Brakes could be slightly more robust

How do I describe the Ubco 2x2? Hysterical fun, that’s how. This is a two-wheel-drive electric bike built for adventuring. Designed to go literally anywhere, most folks who grab an Ubco use it for exploring the woods, adventuring into the backcountry, or hunting. But you can use it literally anywhere. 

The Special Edition I received to test came with a rear parcel bag, but also the integrated central pouch, too. There’s also a front rack to store whatever you want. I also especially like the integrated Peak Design phone mount, which keeps my phone stationary throughout whatever scrub brush I go through. And the 3.1kWh battery is good for up to 75 miles of range, at 30 miles per hour. More than enough for just about any use. 

There are two issues I’ve arrived at with the Ubco 2x2, and that’s that the rear brakes can wear somewhat under hard terrain and repeated use. Which is a pretty easy fix from Ubco, and just more even braking application from the user. As well as it doesn’t have pedals, which puts you SOL if you run out of juice. That said, it’s not designed to have pedals, so it’s up to you to plan. 

Best Cruiser: QuietKat Lynx

Comes pre-charged

Easy assembly

Comes with toolkit

Headlight could be more condensed

Design absolutely matters. Whether it’s sleek, boxy, utilitarian, or post-modern, everyone has their preferences for how their stuff looks. And QuietKat’s Lynx definitely has the looks of a high-end electric bicycle. 

The Lynx is QuietKat’s latest offering, as is more in line with a cafe style. A 1,000-watt hub motor can propel the Lynx either through pedal-assist or strictly driving the rear wheel, and can go up to 60 miles on one charge. Brakes are handled by 2-piston Gemma units front and rear, and assembly is incredibly easy as QuietKat provides all the tools you need in the box. That said, a ratchet and/or impact driver will make assembly that much easier and faster. 

Two colors are available from QuietKat (silver and black), and the Lynx also features a great rear parcel shelf that’ll help you attach whatever cargo you have. Other accessories include travel panniers, a cargo cooler, and even a single-wheel trailer. I will say that the one thing I think QuietKat could improve is the headlight design. Yes, it hides all the wires, but it could be more fluidly integrated and look less like a dinner plate around the headlight surround. 

Cargo space galore

Great range

Shipping damage can occur

Not everyone needs a fast AF mountain bike or pavement-decimating road racer. Sometimes, all you need is trunk space. Well, bikes don’t have trunks, but they can have cargo room and that’s where Lectric’s Xpedition Cargo bike shines. 

This e-bike has a truly massive rear cargo shelf that can be transformed in multiple ways in order to suit your needs. Do you need a bags for groceries? Lectric has you covered. Two seats for your twin toddlers? You got it. How about a single seat for your kid and parcel space? Done and done. There’s even a rack that can be attached to the front fork to increase your cargo space more!

The XPedition is powered by a 1,310-watt motor connected to either one or two 48V, 14Ah lithium batteries that give the bicycle a combined range of 150 miles. That’s good for just about any type of exploration or run to the grocery store. There are also five levels of pedal assist to dial in your preferred power, and the rear rack alone can hold up to 300 pounds of payload. An incredible feat. 

Our Verdict

You absolutely cannot beat the Ride1Up for ease of use, affordability, and range in terms of electric bicycles. It’s perfect for just about everyone. However, when your use case is somewhat different, i.e. mountain biking, hunting, etc., any of our other picks would be great in your garage. 

Things You Should Know Before Buying an Electric Bike

Here’s everything you need to know.

There are a number of different types of electric bicycles, including e-mountain bikes, e-commuting bikes, e-road bikes, and even e-cargo bikes. You’ll want to pick the right type of electric bicycle for your application, i.e. you don’t need an e-mountain bike if you live in a city, and likewise, you wouldn’t want an e-road bike if you lived on a mountain. Pick the right one for you.

Range will depend on what powerpack comes with your chosen electric bike, but most have between 20 and 60 miles of range per charge. 

Price ranges wildly. Some electric bicycles cost under $1,000, while others clip into the $20,000 range depending on all the features, construction, and motors that come with it. I tried to stick to a more affordable set with the guide above. 

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers. 

Do you still have to pedal electric bikes?

Depends on the type of e-bike you get. For most of those on this list you have the option of pedaling. However, the Ubco doesn’t have pedals. 

Can you turn off an electric bicycle?

You can on some models, but not all of them. Some use passive motors and are only activated when you start pedaling, while others have on/off switches. 

What happens if you run out of power on your electric bicycle?

Start pedaling, my friend. Unless it’s the Ubco. 

Why Trust Us

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

The Best E-Bike for Every Type of Rider, According to Experts

An electric bicycle is the perfect mode of transportation, whether you’re cruising around town, commuting to work, or riding trails through the woods. With the electric assist, you can ride uphill or haul heavy groceries with relative ease. Although you still pedal an e-bike, it has a motor for help when you need it — like your very own extra set of superstrong, never-tired legs to pedal right along with you.

With all the added technology, it’s no surprise that e-bikes are more expensive than traditional bikes and that buying one involves considering a few more factors, including motor wattage, battery voltage, and top speed. You also need to choose one of three classes of e-bike: Class 1 boosts you to a maximum of 20 miles per hour as you pedal, and Class 3 gets you to 28 miles per hour. Class 2 is a little different: It peaks at 20 miles per hour as you pedal, but it also has a throttle-only mode, in which the bike takes over and pedals for you.

Beginners should make sure to get a bike with a few key features: 1. Look for bikes with different levels of pedal assistance so you can choose when you want to cruise on eco mode or call in the reserve power to muster you up a hill. 2. If you plan to use the bike for commuting, pick one with built-in lights (which run off the same battery as the bike itself) so you’re visible to vehicular traffic. 3. Integrated racks and bottle holders make it easier to haul everything from your work bag to your water. 4. Many e-bike systems have a small dashboard on the handlebars that shows the level of charge remaining in the battery, your speed, and the miles you’ve ridden. Many also allow you to make adjustments through a companion app. You want a bike that offers these things.

Even if you get all these features, it won’t mean anything if you don’t nail the bike’s fit to your body. That’s done most easily by visiting a bike shop, but if you’re not comfortable with that during the pandemic, most shops are happy to work with you over the phone. And of course, don’t forget to buy a helmet and the right accessories and learn how to fix a few common bike problems .

To make the buying process easier, we asked five e-bike riders and experts to recommend the best electric-bicycle options for a wide range of riding styles, from nimble commuter bikes to burly mountain bikes. They all agreed that Class 1 is the safest option for new riders; these bikes also generally cost less and have the fewest regulations. Here are the experts’ picks for every type of rider.

The best e-bike for commuting

Like many Class 3 bikes, this 10-speed version reaches 28 miles per hour, blurring the line between an e-bike and a moped. The front suspension fork helps to ease your ride on rougher surfaces, while the rear rack is a nice lashing point for your bags. “If you’re looking for a fast and sporty commuter, look no further,” says Chris Nolte, owner of Propel Bikes .

The best e-bike for cities

When we interviewed photographer Catherine Opie to learn what she can’t live without, she told us about her beloved e-bike. “I’ve been a proponent of electric bikes since they came out, and I’ve tested a lot,” she says. She rides the Charger3 Mixte on L.A.’s chaotic (and pothole-filled) streets. “It handles well and moves pretty quickly. Going downhill, the fastest I’ve gone on it is 35 miles an hour, but on a regular straightaway, it’s closer to 25 mph.” The bike has top-of-the-line suspension (including a suspension mechanism in the seat post for even smoother rides over those potholes), a digital display, daytime running lights, and a range of 95 miles.

The best e-bike for families

“This is the cargo bike of choice for young families ,” Nolte says. “Powered by a Bosch motor and the very smooth gearing, the bike is great for bigger families that don’t want to break the bank.” The child’s lower seating position gives the bike a lower center of gravity, which improves stability. And as it hauls up to 600 pounds, depending on the model, you could put kids in the front and on an optional rear rack, giving each their own three-point harness. With a 50-mile range and 20 mph top speed, it’s plenty to get you to the park or the grocery store.

The best (less expensive) e-bike for families

“These have become more popular recently as people are stuck at home and want to take their kids out with them,” Nolte says of the Tern HSD P9, which comes ready to accept kid seats from Thule or Bobike without adapters and can hold a combined 375 pounds of rider, kid, and cargo. This nine-speed bike is compact: It weighs less than 60 pounds and, when the handlebars fold down, is just 34 inches tall. It can fit a wide range of riders, from four-foot-11 to six-foot-five in a comfortable upright position, and its battery provides about 70 miles of range with a max speed of 20 mph. “The HSD can carry your kid from one year old until they are ready to bike on their own,” Nolte says. “The bike can easily adapt and change as your family does.”

The best e-bike for mountain biking

Legendary mountain biker Mark Weir rides the Class 1 Cannondale Habit Neo 2. “This bike will do cross-country touring and devour any hills, up or down, that you’ll face,” he says. “This is the bike you use to go deep in the mountains, and you can’t have a failure, and the crank engages with the slightest movement so even when you can’t get a full pedal stroke — say, over a big rock — the motor engages.” The 12-speed, full-suspension Habit Neo 2 has monster breaks for confidence-boosting stopping power on 29-inch tires.

The best e-bike for touring

Drumm says this 11-speed bike is “light, comfortable, and has the ability to ride gravel, pavement, and anything in between.” And its range of up to 120 miles between charges makes it “the ultimate touring e-bike.” The SL Comp Carbon EVO shares the same Specialized-designed integrated battery, motor, and frame as the brand’s speedy, road-focused Turbo Creo bike but with a wider tire clearance that makes switching to chunkier, gnarly off-road tires easy. The whisper-quiet motor packs up to 240 watts of power, which can help you reach about 28 miles per hour. And when you want to go solo, the system offers no resistance to your pedal strokes, so it feels like a regular bike. (Lesser e-bikes can feel slow when the assistance is off.) Fender and rack mounts let you outfit the ride with gear for extended bikepacking trips.

Best e-bike for shorter riders

The frame’s low bar allows riders to easily step off and steady themselves, making this a great bike for beginners and shorter riders, and the nearly one-inch-wide, puncture-resistant tires provide stability on all sorts of surfaces. Plus, says David Drumm, the technical-operations manager for VBT Bicycling Vacations , this bike comes with important safety features, like front and rear lights , and a full fender set to keep you dry on wet roads. You’ll hit speeds up to 20 miles per hour over nine gears, while the suspension in the seat post helps smooth out bumps in the road.

The best e-bike for hauling cargo

Nolte describes this 11-speed Class 3 bike as “the cargo bike Batman would ride.” It’s his favorite “because it’s fast and fun, but it can still haul everything from a week’s worth of groceries to a friend.” Deceptively agile, the Load 60 has a front and rear suspension that keeps you in constant contact with the road and helps to smooth out the ride. Various accessories are available for the storage area, ranging from a set of two five-point harnesses for kids to high side walls that’ll help you carry up to 200 pounds of groceries, gear, or nearly anything else. One caveat: It’s over eight feet long, so you’ll need to be ready to face some storage and transportation headaches.

Note: This bike is shown with optional equipment.

The best foldable e-bike

“This looks great, and it was designed by McLaren’s former Formula One car designer,” Nolte says. The three-speed, 40-pound GX has features like a rear suspension and a concealed chain to keep your pants clean, and it folds down to the size of a small suitcase. You’ll want to get the custom bag that straps securely onto the front of the bike then pops off easily to haul your lunch , laptop , or gym clothes into the office.

The best (less expensive) foldable e-bike

Strategist contributor Diksha Basu chose this foldable bike when she didn’t want to invest in a vastly more expensive Vespa scooter. The price was too good to ignore. She describes the 70-pound bike, when folded, as “about the size of a piece of luggage you might try to carry onto an airplane but will almost certainly have to check .” Charging the bike is simple, she says, although the instructions ominously warn you never to charge it longer than five hours. “​​The electric part is simple: Using a switch on the frame, you can power it on and twist the handle or simply pedal to accelerate; powered off, it functions like a basic, gearless bicycle,” she says. “When it’s charged, I can go up and down hills and not arrive at my destination looking as though I’ve gone through a car wash.” Although Swagtron says its max speed is 15.5 mph, Basu clocked herself at 18 mph on a street-side speed radar: “It’s not exactly a sexy ride, but it’s great fun. I’ve been using it every day, and I haven’t had to charge it more than once a week.”

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Best electric bikes - Assisted bikes for road, gravel, commuting and more

A roundup of the best electric bikes from all disciplines of pedal-assisted cycling

Best electric bikes under £1,000 / $1,000

Best electric bikes under £2,000 / $2,000, best electric commuter bikes, best electric road bikes, best electric gravel bikes, how to choose the best electric bike for you.

The best electric bikes cover a bewildering range of different styles and prices. If you're not looking to spend too much, we've found a selection of the best electric bikes under £1,000 / $1,000 , and the best electric bike under $2,000 / £2,000 , but you can pay over £10,000 / $10,000 for the best lightweight electric bikes which can weigh little more than a normal drop bar race bike.

As well as drop bar electric bikes, there's a wide range of flat bar hybrid electric bikes, designed for commuting and leisure use, while for a trip to work via public transport or if space is limited, riders might be best served by the best folding electric bikes .

You'll find our picks of the best electric bikes by price point and by type below, or head to the bottom of the page for our buyer's guide to how to choose the best electric bike for your needs.

Best electric bikes available today

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

First of all, we've broken down our choice of the best electric bikes by price. But electric bikes come in a variety of different types. Just like pedal-powered bikes, you can find e-bikes designed for commuting, for performance road use and for gravel biking, so we've got our picks in these categories too.

If you're looking for the best electric mountain bikes , check out our sister site Bike Perfect for all things MTB.

Rad Power Bikes RadMission 1

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The RadMission Electric Metro bike is an e-hybrid designed for getting around town, to work, and taking on leisure rides at the weekend. With mounts galore for all the accessories you can think of - mudguards/fenders, a rear pannier rack, bottle cage and a basket, you can customise this bike to suit your needs.

With an internal hub motor and single-speed gearing, the RadMission is relatively low-maintenance, with fewer drivetrain components exposed to the elements. Having a single gearing reduces the complexity for those who aren't used to using them, and the grip-twist throttle (making this a US Class 2 e-bike, see below for more on this) will make it easy to get up hills when you need to.

It's US only though.

Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

Different people have different needs. If you live somewhere where the regulations allow for a Class-III bike then this might be worth considering. When you've got to mix with vehicle traffic the max 28mph might feel safer. If that all sounds like it's speaking to your needs and you want the style of a beach cruiser then Sixthreezero has a bike for you. The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney 500W is a 7-speed bike with twist grip shifting and mechanical disc brakes. The battery is removable for charging and if you don't want to pedal at all you can use full-electric power up to 20mph.  

Pure Flux One Electric Hybrid Bike

The Pure Flux One is an electric hybrid bike that looks like a regular bike frame with a hidden motor in the back wheel and a battery that sits where a bottle cage would normally be, helping it to blend in. If you don't want to ride something that stands out as an electric bike, this could be the one for you.

Thanks to the Gates belt drive in place of the usual metal chain, there's no oil or lubricant to worry about when you're tinkering, meaning you won't get your hands (or clothes) dirty.

Finally, at 18kg, the Pure Flux One is extremely lightweight for an e-bike at this price point, and represents excellent value for money. It's only sold in the UK though.

Carrera Crosscity folding bike

If you have limited space for storing bikes in your office or need to take your bike on a train at any point, then this bike is an ideal choice for you. When you consider that this has a motor and a host of great features, the value is incredible.

The rear hub motor has a range of up to 30 miles and can push you up to speeds of 25km/h, which should make light work of any commute. The discreetly hidden battery has a recharge time of six hours, which will take longer than most here, but you can still fully charge it at the office before heading home again. Plus, it even has a USB port that can be used to power lights or charge your phone. The motor is controlled by a mini LED display on the handlebars which allows you to choose from three assistance levels. 

Elops 120 E Step Over Classic

This traditionally styled electric bike from Decathlon comes with a whole host of features that make it perfect for getting about town on. First and foremost, it comes with a removable battery that can power you for between 20 and 50km depending on how much assistance you choose to have. This is all controlled by a simple console on the bars which also shows you the remaining battery life. The power is intelligently pedal-assisted, so it’ll kick in naturally when you start to cycle and switch off when you come to a halt. There’s even a walk mode to help you push your bike when you need to do so. 

It comes with six gears to keep you rolling both on the flat and uphill, and front and rear lights and mudguards already installed to keep you riding during the winter months. To finish it off, 45mm tyres and a wide saddle mean you’ll be as comfortable as possible when cycling.

Decathlon doesn't sell the Elops 120 in the US, but it's available Europe-wide.

Rockrider E-ST 100 Electric Mountain Bike

Another Europe-only option from Decathlon, the Rockrider E-ST100 is a well-equipped trail mountain bike with 100mm of front suspension travel in a Suntour fork and 2.2-inch all-terrain tyres. It comes complete with 720mm wide bars for close control on the bike, and 180mm disc brakes for impressive stopping power. Although it doesn’t come with tubeless tyres fitted, the wheels are tubeless compatible; a perfect upgrade to make should you wish to do so. 

Alongside the eight-speed gears, electrical power is delivered via a pedal assist of up to 250w of power helping you to get to the top of trails with ease. The motor has three power modes and if there is a bit of trail you can’t pedal up, the walk-assist feature makes sure you can walk the bike uphill with ease. The average battery life of 2.25 hours means should get plenty of time out on the trails.

Schwinn EC1

The Schwinn EC1 is a bike that will give you the joy of riding a classic cruiser but with little of the effort normally involved. Whilst the bike might not have any top-of-the-range components, it does have a 250W electric motor and offers fantastic value for money. 

The bike will assist you up to 20mph in its top power mode, but if you use the motor in its eco mode, you’ll be able to get almost 40 miles of assisted riding. The bike comes with wide tyres for a plush ride on the road, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, they should handle some loose ground, should you wish to head down the bike path.

Co-op Cycles CTY e1.1 Electric Bike

Over the last few years, REI has been making some of the best bikes in their categories under the Co-op brand name. The bikes have a reputation for being better than their price and the CTY e1.1 follows the pattern. It's a Class-I bike without a throttle and powered by a Bafang rear hub motor. The battery is removable for charging and shifting through the seven gears uses Shimano components.

The CTY e1.1 is marked as REI members only, but membership only adds £30 to the price.  

Aventon Level Commuter

Most low-cost electric bikes fall into a range of a few styles. The Aventon Level is for the commuter, meaning it's a do-it-all kind of city bike. Being a class III bike, it will feel comfortable mixing with traffic if you ride at rush hour and there's a throttle  when you need it. 

The included fenders are quality alloy pieces and the frame has a lifetime guarantee. There's even a dealer network if you want to see how the bike feels before having one sent your direction. 

Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4

Rad Power bikes is a go-to name in the marketplace. If you are looking for a low price and high quality, they are tough to beat. The Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4 is the bike that makes it possible to haul two kids and a load of groceries all while staying within budget. 

Total payload capacity comes in at 350lbs and the rear rack can take 120lbs. Other cargo centric features include a sturdy double-sided kickstand and a low standover height. The long slender rear rack does lend itself to passengers over cargo but pick up a few accessories and you can carry as much as a car.  

Electra Townie Go! 7D Electric Cruiser Bike

Trek is one of the largest bike brands in the world. It is well known, has a large dealer network, and is easy to deal with. If you like the idea of sticking with a trusted brand name like Trek then it makes sense to take a look at the electric bikes it produces. Electra is the brand name that covers the most stylish cruiser electric bikes Trek has available. 

The Townie Go! 7D is a low-cost class I bike that might be mistaken for a standard pedal bike. It looks great and makes it easy to enjoy a day on the boardwalk.

Raleigh Array

The Raleigh Array makes for a great entry-level e-bike, thanks to its simple and user-friendly build, as well as its affordable price tag. Available in three different frame shapes - a low step-through, a staggered top tube, or a horizontal top tube - there's something to suit most people's abilities and preferences.

Off the shelf it's ready to roll straight into its commuting and carrying duties, thanks to the inclusion of front and rear mudguards, a rear pannier rack, a kickstand and integrated front and rear lights. Just throw on your helmet and go.

Plus if you want a bike that looks good, it's hard to deny the fun and retro style of this bike from Raleigh, with its classic tan-coloured tyres and matching saddle and grips. 

Meanwhile the Suntour e25 Hub Drive motor system at its core offers three different assist levels, combined with seven gears to help you conquer your local landscape.

Eovolt City Four

Leaving the car at home to commute by bike is great for your health and for the environment, however it's not always practical for those who live too far away to make it feasible. Combining cycling with catching a bus or train certainly makes it more achievable, but doing so with a full-sized bike can be incredibly frustrating (or even impossible) thanks to some train companies' policies.

That's where a folding e-bike really gets to shine. You have all the benefits of riding a pedal-assisted bike to work, and you can also fold it down in mere seconds to hop on a train before finishing your journey on two wheels. Eovolt's folding mechanism is said to be so fast and user-friendly, you can fold it down in 10 seconds.

The City Four is ready for your commute, with a full set of mudguards, a rear rack and integrated front and rear lights. Its 16 inch wheels are shod with chunky, puncture-resistant tyres to help you tackle potholed streets, while the brand's proprietary motor offers five levels of assistance and up to 50km range.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL

Our expert review:

With an upright riding position, robust alloy frame, integrated lights and a lightweight design, the Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0 is a great option for the everyday commuter and urban cyclist running errands by bike. The drive system is the brand's own and sees a 320Wh battery integrated into the frame. 

The mid-drive motor system makes the bike a 1x design but that only simplifies shifting, and coming with the 11-speed 11-42 cassette it can mountain goat up many a city climb. Rolling on 700c wheels, the 38mm Specialized Pathfinder Sport tyres will take the sting out of kerbs and potholes and when you need to drop the anchors, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes and 160mm rotors will stop you on a dime. 

Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 625

Available in standard, dropped top tube, and step through versions, the Cube Kathmandu Hybrid Pro is a commuter bike built for riders of all shapes and sizes. Using Bosch’s fourth-generation GX drive unit and Cube’s Modular Battery system, the Kathmandu hides the battery behind an easy-access cover on the down tube, which not only protects it from the elements but also leaves space should you want to slot in a bigger battery. 

Instead of the typical bolt-on racks you find on most commuter bikes; Cube has opted to make the Integrated Carrier 2.0 over the rear wheel a permanent fixture of the bike. This provides a more stable platform for whatever you may be carrying, and makes for a clean, integrated look. 

At the front, the bike sees a tapered head tube and 100mm SR Suntour fork. The cables are routed internally, and shifting duties are looked after by a Shimano Deore 10-speed drivetrain. 

Brompton Electric

Whether you live in a small apartment, use multiple forms of transport on your commute, or your destination doesn’t have secure bike storage, a folding bike might just be your best option. Brompton has long been the gold standard in folding bikes, and its electric version takes the origami bike you know and love, and adds pedal assist. The bike still gets a choice of handlebars, six-speed wide range gearing, and even the rear damper to improve ride comfort. 

It uses a 250-watt front hub-based motor and a handlebar-mounted 300Wh removable battery pack, that Brompton says has enough juice for between 30km and 70km, and takes four hours to recharge. What’s most surprising is Brompton says the bike only weighs 17.4kg, which is on par with some non-pedal assist folders

Have a read of our Brompton Electric C-Line review to find out more.

Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo

The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL looks almost identical to a standard road bike, and thanks to the nifty SL1.1 drive system it isn't all that much heavier. Specialized worked with Brose to design its own motor, which is claimed to weigh just 1.96kg and produce 240 watts of assistance. Integrated into the downtube is a 320Wh battery, which Specialized says weighs 1.8kg. There's a 60Wh range extender available that fits into a bottle cage should you be headed out for an epic adventure. 

Specialized has integrated its e-bike system with its Mission Control App, which allows you to run diagnostics and customize how much pedal assist is on offer.

The S-Works Turbo Creo SL is the brand's top-tier model and sees a top spec Fact11r carbon frame and the Future Shock 2.0 with tunable dampening. The frame uses thru-axles front and rear and is kitted out with a SRAM Red eTap AXS drivetrain with a 10-44T cassette.

Trek Domane + LT

The Trek Domane LT platform takes almost everything we love about Trek’s endurance road bike and gives you a bit of extra oomph to get you up any climb. The frame is made from 500 Series OCLV carbon, features the brand’s IsoSpeed decoupler, clearance for up to 38c tyres, and sees a nearly identical geometry to the non-assisted version. 

Using a Fauza drive system, the motor can output 250W and is powered by a 250Wh removable battery stored in the downtube, which means you don’t have to charge your entire bike, but also that you can ride the bike without the battery if you want.

The Domane + LT sees almost all the bells and whistles the non-pedal-assist version offers including the dual IsoSpeed decouplers, although it doesn't get the downtube storage as that is where the battery is located. 

Bianchi E-Impulso

The Bianchi e-Impulso takes advantage of the Mahle ebikemotion drive system and is one of the most stealthy-looking electric bikes on the market. The power button on the top tube gives the game away; the 250Wh battery is hidden inside the downtube, and the rear hub-based motor provides up to 40Nm of torque at full bore. 

The aluminium frame is mated with a carbon fork, while the bike sees an 11-speed Ultegra drivetrain, Vision Velomann tubeless-ready wheels finished in 32mm Vittoria rubber, and Velomann finishing kit. 

It's a road bike at heart, but Bianchi also makes the bike with a gravel-friendly build that will tackle the rough stuff. 

Cannondale Topstone Neo Lefty 3

Cannondale's Topstone Neo is a spiritual descendant on steroids of the venerable Slate. Based on the chassis of the carbon Topstone Lefty, the 30mm KingPin pivot based rear suspension is matched with the Lefty Oliver single stanchion fork, offering 30mm of air-spring suspension. The Lefty fork is a bit of an engineering marvel, and is one of the stiffest forks on the market, and sees hydraulic damping and lockout. Suspension on a gravel bike always induces eye-rolls from drop bar purists, but the fact is it adds considerable improvements to both comfort and grip. 

In the middle of the triangles is Bosch’s Performance Line Speed motor and removable 500Wh battery. With up to 250 watts of assistance and 85Nm of torque on tap, the Bosch drive unit will help you crawl up that impossibly steep fire road, while a bar-mounted Purion display keeps all the vitals at your fingertips. 

Ribble CGR AL e

Our favourite thing about Ribble is the way it sells its bikes. Its Bikebuilder platform allows you to customise every component from drivetrain to wheels, tyres and touchpoints. The CGR AL e is the brand's alloy e-gravel platform. The alloy frame will take both 700x35c and 650bx2in wheels and tyres with mudguards, and sees rack and fender mounts too.

Taking advantage of the Mahle ebikemotion system, the motor is rear hub-based, and the 250Wh battery is integrated into the downtube. This system is lightweight and doesn't change the frame's silhouette, but most of all is friction-free when the motor is not in use. The Ribble CGR AL e is also one of the most affordable e-gravel bikes, with stock builds including a SRAM Apex version and a less expensive Shimano Tiagra build, although here the rear derailleur is not clutched. 

Canyon Grail:ON

With room for 50mm tyres, the eclectic hover bar, and a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, the Canyon Grail:ON e-gravel bike is anything but vanilla. Based on the ever-successful Grail, the geometry has been tweaked ever so slightly for a more upright riding position. While Canyon’s other drop bar e-bikes utilised the sleeker-looking Fauza system, the brand says it opted for the Bosch motors for the additional torque on offer, which is what you need to get up and over those steep techy features. 

With the new geometry, the wheelbase is a tad longer to increase stability and make room for mudguards and the balloon-like 50mm tyres. The Grail:ON CF7 sits in the middle of the pricing spectrum and comes equipped with a Shimano GRX drivetrain and an FSA carbon crankset with a 44t chainring at the front and 11-42 cassette out the back.

As you'll see from our picks above, there are many different types of electric bike and a whole range of prices from the inexpensive to the very pricy, so there are a range of questions to consider when looking for the best electric bike for your needs, that will help to narrow down your search. We'll go through them.

What kind of riding do I want to use my e-bike for?

The first thing to narrow down is the tyre of riding you expect to do on your electric bike.  Are you predominantly riding it on road? Is that for recreation or commuting? Do you want a bike with drop bars or flat bars?

That's going to dictate whether you need an electric road bike or an electric hybrid bike.

If you're more interested in riding off-road, the same questions apply and will decide if you'll be better off with an electric gravel bike or an electric mountain bike. E-MTBs tend to have burlier tyres and suspension too, so they're more competent on more technical terrain. To muddy the waters, many electric hybrid bikes have wheels and tyres that make them suitable for gentler off-road use as well as on tarmac.

How will I use and store my electric bike?

How far are you going to want to ride your e-bike? If you're just using it for commuting the distance might be lower than if you're planning on recreational use. Sometimes a lower priced electric bike will have a lower capacity battery with more limited range, so it's worth considering if the claimed range will meet your needs. 

In general, electric bikes are quite heavy, so if you're going to have to carry your e-bike up stairs or onto public transport, it's worth looking for a lighter weight model. Public transport options for non-folding bikes may be limited to specific hours when it's less crowded, so you might want to consider a folding electric bike.

Do you have electric power where you're going to store your e-bike? If not, you'll need to be able to remove your battery easily and take it somewhere to charge it. Conversely, you don't want it to be too easy to remove your battery if you're going to leave your e-bike in a public place. Batteries are pricy to replace if they're stolen and some e-bikes have locks on their removable batteries.

What are the regulations regarding e-bikes?

Regardless of whether your electric bike has a Shimano, Bosch, Fazua, or any other drive system, it will be limited to comply with regional laws and restrictions. This will affect the maximum wattage, pedal-assist speed, and the need for licensing and insurance.

These vary depending on whereabouts in the world you reside and ride your bike, so here are the key things you need to know about regional restrictions in the UK, the US and Australia:

In the UK, eBikes are classed as regular non-pedal assist bikes provided the motor cuts out a 25kph, does not generate more than 250 watts of assistance, and does not kick in until the bike is already in motion. Riders must also be at least 14 years old. If your bike meets these criteria, you can legally ride it anywhere a bike can be ridden. 

If your eBike doesn’t meet these standards, it will need to be registered and insured as a motor vehicle, and you will need a license and a helmet.

Australians love simplicity and that is why eBikes are split into throttle operated and non-throttle operated. Throttle operated eBikes must be limited to 200 watts and 25kph, while pedal assist can provide up to 250 watts of assistance but is limited to the same speed limit. In keeping with this simplicity, anything that doesn’t abide by the above is considered a motorbike by law, and must be licensed and insured. 

The US is one of the more difficult countries to navigate e-bike regulations because the rules will vary depending on what state you live in, and even then, the laws are written in legalese that just about requires a member of your local bar association to translate.

According to federal legislation enacted by congress in 2002, an eBike is defined as, “A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.”

Unfortunately, state laws surrounding eBikes often supersede this legislation. Currently, 33 states have statutes that define an eBike in some manner while the rest lack a specific definition, and may lump them in with another vehicle class. To make things even more confusing, in states like Mississippi there is no mention of eBikes in the wording of the laws, but a general opinion issued by the Attorney General says an electric bicycle should be classified as a regular bike. Thirteen states have taken up the three-tiered system outlined by The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association which divides electric bikes up based on their maximum assisted speed:

• Class 1: the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling and cuts out a 20mph
• Class 2: the motor can contribute regardless of pedalling but is governed to 20mph
• Class 3: the motor provides assistance when the rider is pedalling but cuts out at 28mph and must be equipped with a speedometer.

Regardless of class, the motor can only generate a maximum of 750 watts, and the class must be labelled clearly. 

In the 17 states that lump eBikes in with other classes of vehicles, licensing and registration may be required to operate an eBike. 

If your head is spinning trying to keep these rules straight, our friends over at People for Bikes have a handy state by state guide.  

Which e-bike motor and battery do I need?

The  best e-bike motors  can be located in several areas of the bike, depending on which brand and model you opt for, and generally consist of a front-drive, mid-drive or rear-drive motor system, located in the front hub, bottom bracket and rear hub respectively.

While any of the three options will serve you fine, the motor system location will often have an impact on the handling of your bike, so it's worth considering whether or not you would have a preference. 

Generally, a mid-drive motor system is the best of the three, as it spreads the weight more evenly throughout the bike. Since the motor and battery are the heaviest parts, it's better to have that heft closer to the ground and between the wheels, so as not to throw off your centre of gravity. A rear hub motor is generally preferable to a front hub motor too, as you'll be sitting over it to give it traction and it's unlikely to affect steering.

Battery capacity is described in Wh (watt-hours). The larger the number, the further your battery will take you on a single charge, and the heavier it will be. Some motor systems let you purchase a separate range extender battery which plugs into the main battery, increasing range, in some cases doubling it.

What's torque and how much do I need?

With most electric bike motors being limited to 250 watts output, it's their torque figures that are more significant in comparing electric bikes. That's a measure of how much push the motor will give you as you ride. 

In general, electric bikes start at around 40Nm torque. That's enough to give you a light push and help you up hills, but you'll need to put in quite a bit of your own effort. Electric bikes with this range of torque also tend to have smaller batteries, because they're not providing as much assistance, so they'll usually be lighter than an electric bike with a more torquey motor.

Many city hybrid electric bikes have a motor with around 60Nm torque output. That gives you more help with starts and when carrying loads, but results in a heavier bike and needs a larger battery.

The highest torque electric motors can provide up to 95Nm and are usually reserved for electric mountain bikes and some electric gravel bikes, where you need the turning power to keep you moving up steep gradients. They're also found on electric cargo bikes and some electric city bikes, where the extra torque helps with stops and starts when loaded. These motors are usually paired with even larger batteries and add even more weight.

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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike

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15 Best Electric Bikes, Tested for Every Type of Rider

Including mountain, step-through and folding e-bikes.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

But with the multitude of options available in online bicycle stores , finding the right e-bike for your lifestyle can be overwhelming. That's why we've curated this list of the best electric bikes of 2023 .

Our top picks:

Best Overall Electric Bike

Best Value Electric Bike

Lectric xp lite.

Best Electric Bike for the City

Priority bicycles current e-bike.

Best Electric Beach Cruiser

Sixthreezero evryjourney new 500w.

Best Electric Mountain Bike

Aventon aventure.

Most Comfortable Electric Bike

Electra townie go 7d step-thru.

Best Lightweight Electric Bike

Gt egrade current 700c e-bike.

Best Foldable Electric Bike

Gocycle g4 matte black.

Best Medium Cargo Electric Bike

Rad power radcity 5 plus.

Best Step-Through Electric Bike

Charge comfort electric bike.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute , our analysts, engineers and experts thoroughly test all kinds of workout equipment , including under-desk ellipticals and exercise bikes . In our recent evaluation of e-bikes, we rigorously tested nearly two dozen models , assessing their performance, ride quality, safety and stability, ease of use and comfort. While electric bikes can be a significant investment, we have included options at every price point from reputable brands that also get positive feedback from online reviewers.

"Pedal-assist e-bikes are remarkable and practical machines that offer unmatched flexibility, allowing you to adjust to the desired level of fitness or efficiency required in any given situation," says GH Institute Chief Technologist Rachel Rothman , who oversaw our testing process. As you explore our recommendations, please remember that wearing a bike helmet (like the ABUS helmet that received positive feedback from our testers) is essential for cycling safety, especially since some e-bikes can reach top speeds of up to 28 mph.

At the end of this guide, you'll find more information on our testing process for electric bikes, along with helpful tips for shopping and a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of e-bikes.

Over the years, we have extensively tested various models of VanMoof electric bikes and consistently find ourselves drawn back to the brand. While our previous best overall pick, VanMoof's X3 , is now permanently sold out, we feel confident that the newer A5 model is just as impressive. Although it comes with a higher price tag, this e-bike is packed with cutting-edge tech features designed to enhance your riding experience, whether you're navigating city streets or exploring off-road trails.

One standout feature is the handlebars, which are equipped with an LED display that conveniently shows battery life and speed at eye-level, allowing you to keep your focus on the road — a safety detail that we deeply appreciate. Moreover, the VanMoof app enables you to charge your smartphone and track your riding stats. For iPhone users, the bike can be located using Apple's Find My network, adding an extra layer of security.

The bike's user-friendly and security-conscious design choices don't end there, either. A kick lock system allows you to effortlessly secure your bike with a tap of your toe. We're also impressed by the integrated security system, which includes an alarm and an automatic bike shut-off function, deterring theft attempts. Additionally, VanMoof offers optional accessories such as front and rear racks for optimal storage (although it's worth noting that some of the other bikes on our list already include these storage solutions at no additional cost). With its low-maintenance design, this high-tech e-bike is an investment, but one that can potentially save you significant money on repairs in the long run.

Battery: 463 Wh | Motor: 250 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 34 to 87 miles | Weight: 48.5 lbs.

The Lectric XP Lite stands out as one of the most affordable electric bikes on the market — nearly half the cost of most e-bikes — and its performance did not disappoint, either. "The Lectric offers relatively smooth transitions, comfortable handlebars and an overall pleasant ride," says Rothman. Our testers appreciated features like its large, clear display, a removable 48V lithium ion battery, five levels of pedal assist and a throttle for those moments when an extra boost is needed. But we especially loved its compactness, as it can easily fold up to a smaller size, making storage in crowded garages or small apartments a breeze .

That said, some of our staffers thought the Lectric did not provide the same level of seamless performance and stability as some of the other e-bikes we tested. "The bike exhibited jerky acceleration when using the throttle, and the single gear setup resulted in awkward transitions between the powerful electronic component and manual pedaling," says GH Lab Assistant Nikolas Greenwald .

Although we would have preferred the inclusion of gear shifting, we think this versatile bike is user-friendly, convenient and suitable for riders of varying heights. If you're looking for an e-bike that offers a budget-friendly price point and a solid riding experience, the Lectric XP Lite is a worthy choice.

Battery: 375 Wh | Motor: 720 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 40 miles | Weight: 46 lbs.

Available in two styles, three sizes and two colors, Priority's Current e-bike is a no-frills option that is straightforward to operate according to our testers, but it lacks some of the flashy features found in other bikes within the same price range.

That said, our staffers who recently took this model out for a spin gave it a perfect score for its performance on smooth surfaces like pavement; it also earned high scores for tackling hills. Testers reported that it was easy to shift gears and make turns , and that the bell was clear and loud — an important feature when riding amidst city traffic alongside cars, motorcycles, trucks and pedestrians.

While our testers felt secure and stable riding the bike, they did say that they found it to be somewhat cumbersome to transport. Although it's one of the lighter models in our list, one tester did find that "The bike is a bit heavy when carrying it up and down the stairs to the front door of my building." They appreciated the front and rear lights for urban cycling and the smooth pedal assist. "This bike has more subtle levels of pedal assist, which I find great, especially for city riding where you don't want the bike to suddenly surge forward or when you want to fine-tune the assistance level based on different situations in the bike lane," commented the same tester.

Battery: 500 Wh | Motor: 500 W | Top speed: 28 mph | Maximum estimated range: 20 to 50 miles | Weight: Varies by size

If you're looking for a beach cruiser that offers easy accessibility, the EVRYjourney e-cruiser is not only stylish but also incredibly user-friendly . "I would recommend this bike to anyone living by the water," says GH analyst Emma Seymour . "It's so gorgeous and felt easy to ride with or without the electric features." She applauds the bike for its intuitive features and comfortable seat, noting that it provided a game-changing experience by alleviating the usual sore butt she experiences after biking.

While some testers mentioned that the bike felt slightly bulky, making sharp turns more challenging, the majority of riders found their journeys to be smooth and enjoyable. In terms of the cruiser's brakes, GH editor Jacqueline Saguin points out that "you need to apply a bit more pressure on the brake controls to slow down or stop." She suggests using the bike for lighter adventures in calm parks or along beach boardwalks rather than busy roads. Similarly, Rothman discovered that the cruiser performed best on flat surfaces, noting that she felt "the acceleration was jerky and overly responsive." Nevertheless, the cruiser remains a low-maintenance and beginner-friendly e-bike. "It has an aesthetically pleasing design with its pastel colors, faux-leather details and vintage-inspired shape," says Saguin. "The wide, cushy seat provided exceptional comfort while riding, and I didn't feel the need to hunch over the handlebars."

Battery: 500 Wh | Motor: 500 W | Top speed: 28 mph | Maximum estimated range: 20 to 40 miles | Weight: 64.8 lbs.

Looking for a powerful e-bike that can conquer rugged roads, rain or shine? Look no further than the Aventon Aventure. Whether you reside in a bustling city or a rural area, this e-bike is designed to handle it all. With its 4-inch fat tire wheels, this bike effortlessly cruised over potholes, gravel and uneven terrain in our tests . That's because it's equipped with a suspension fork that helps absorb some of the shock when encountering road imperfections. "It provided the sensation of a motorcycle while embodying the true essence of a bicycle," said one tester. "The throttle kick-up was amazing, and I felt secure while riding."

Although most testers acknowledged that the bike felt heavy and would be challenging to use if the battery died, they still recommend it. "The ride was remarkably smooth and comfortable, and the bike exhibited exceptional stability," shared one tester. Just keep in mind that the Aventure requires ample storage space and may not easily fit into tight corners. However, its removable battery does make charging more convenient.

Battery: 720 Wh | Motor: 750 W | Top speed: 28 mph | Maximum estimated range: 45 miles | Weight: 73 lbs.

Available in five vibrant colors and boasting a charming, classic design, this e-bike is perfect for cruising around town . Our testers were delighted by how easy it was to mount the bike, and the wide, supportive seat cushion provided exceptional comfort. While we initially desired a more elaborate display, we soon came to appreciate the bike's simplicity. We found the small controller attached to the handlebar provided all the information we needed, such as battery life and pedal assist level.

"Although it had fewer pedal assist settings than others, the assistance was still extremely helpful," shares GH Test Engineer Alec Scherma . "I found the bike was user-friendly — just a simple press of a button for more pedal assist. Shifting gears was also pretty easy." Every aspect of the Townie Go! felt instinctive, and our experts regarded this modestly priced e-bike as an excellent choice for beginners or anyone seeking a straightforward and comfortable ride.

Battery: 250 Wh | Motor: 250 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 16 to 40 miles | Weight: 44 lbs.

For dedicated cyclists seeking a high-quality, no-frills e-bike, we think the GT Grade Current is an excellent option. With its classic appearance and impressively lightweight design, it offers a delightful riding experience (even though it lacks a throttle). While adjusting the pedal assist levels may not be as intuitive as other models, it becomes second nature once you become accustomed to switching between the green, orange and red-colored assist levels using a button on the frame.

"I'm generally not a fan of e-bikes, particularly the ones that immediately accelerate as soon as you start pedaling or have a throttle that doesn't require any pedaling at all," shares one tester, who commutes 20 miles daily via bike to the office. "This bike felt like an e-bike for cyclists. It's remarkably lightweight and the motor seamlessly kicked in only when I needed it going uphill. If I were in the market for an e-bike, I would seriously consider something like this, which doesn't interfere with the cycling experience itself and just makes some of the tougher climbs a bit easier."

While the GT Grade Current may not have the most extensive range of features on the market, it resonated with most of our testers as a quality choice for those seeking an e-bike that stays true to its traditional nature without adding unnecessary weight. Plus, if you're looking for the e-bike with the most range, you can almost double the GT's estimated range of 45 miles by purchasing a 208 wH water bottle battery range extender that plugs into the charging port.

Battery: 250 Wh | Motor: 250 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 45 miles | Weight: 33 lbs.

The Gocycle G4 is a sleek option for those that prefer a foldable design. Testers were impressed with the bike's responsive pedal assist, which they found smoothly kicked in when pedaling harder without any sudden jolts forward. While you have to adjust the pedal assist through the Gocycle app before riding, we didn't really mind that you can't adjust the settings on the bike itself — especially considering the unexpectedly powerful throttle that provided assistance when we didn't want to pedal.

“I really liked how fast and compact this bike was," says Greenwald."Despite the unconventional sizing with its low-step frame and small wheels, the bike felt lightweight enough for commuting, whether taking it on a train or packing it into a car." The quick three-hour charging time is another plus for commuters, along with the bike's easy folding and unfolding mechanism . Some of our taller testers did note that the maximum seat height still felt relatively low, while one mentioned that reaching the brake handles was a bit challenging and led to fatigue over time. However, despite these minor drawbacks, our rides on the G4 were smooth, fast and enjoyable overall, even with the bike's smaller wheels.

Battery: 300 Wh | Motor: 500 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 40 miles | Weight: 38.8 lbs.

Rad Power bikes are known for their powerful motors, attractive designs, affordable prices and customizable options . While the RadCity model may not be as budget-friendly as the brand's RadRunner 2 or offer the same rear weight capacity (120 pounds) as the larger cargo RadWagon , it serves as a great middle ground. It's ideal for those seeking a fast bike for transportation or carrying a few items weighing up to 60 pounds. Unlike the RadRunner, the RadCity offers seven gearing options, a choice between a step-through or high-step frame, an upgraded motor and brakes and slightly more range.

Once our testers got going, they found their rides on the RadCity to be smooth and secure. "I liked how easy it was to accelerate and use the pedal assist," says GH analyst Jamie Spain . "The acceleration was really nice because I was able to move around without pedaling at all." However, she also notes that she avoided cycling without the pedal assist, because the bike felt unsteady when not moving fast enough. As a result, she says she wouldn't feel comfortable taking a child on it and recommends the RadCity for bigger, taller or more experienced riders.

Overall, we appreciated the responsive brakes, fenders that kept mud and dirt off their backs and the integrated lights for nighttime rides. However, we would prefer a single central display like the one found on the RadWagon, as the secondary pedal assist display can be difficult to see in bright sunlight.

Battery: 589 to 672 Wh | Motor: 750 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 28 to 50 miles | Weight: 65 lbs.

The Comfort Bike lives up to its name by providing a fast, comfortable and stylish riding experience . While the battery located above the rear wheel is large, it is removable which allows for convenient charging. It's also accompanied by a rack that provides a useful space for transporting items like backpacks or purses. This e-bike also features a small attached display that indicates one of five pedal assist levels and shows the remaining battery power.

In terms of design, the Comfort Bike is visually appealing, and we appreciated the inclusion of fenders to keep riders drier on rainy days. The integrated front and rear lights add an extra layer of safety for riding during darker hours. While the bike is easy to mount and get started using the thumb throttle, we think a seat handle for easy height adjustment would be a convenient addition.

Battery: 418 Wh | Motor: 250 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 50 miles | Weight: 51 lbs.

Brompton Electric C Line

The Brompton e-bike stands out among the options we tested, not only because of its electric orange color but also because of its unique design.

Unlike other e-bikes, the Brompton features smaller wheels and a removable battery pack bag that can be easily detached with a simple click . It's also foldable, making it an ideal choice for urban dwellers who have shorter commutes. One of our testers, who is a long-time Brompton owner, was impressed by this bike's acceleration, stating that the three levels of pedal assist offer flexibility for various riding conditions. "The kick was very impressive without being startling, as is often the case on assisted bikes," the tester observed. "It was especially noticeable when starting and hills graded up."Another tester noted that the brakes were more responsive than expected but found the bike slightly clunkier and heavier compared to standard Bromptons, which could be a drawback when quickly entering and exiting buildings.

We also observed that the battery pack's placement reduces the available storage space on the bike, requiring commuters to carry their backpacks on their backs. Some testers found the bike less comfortable and stable compared to other e-bikes, but overall, we appreciated the adjustable seat height, accommodating a wide range of riders. While the Brompton may not be suitable for extremely rough terrains or slippery conditions, we think it's worth the investment for those seeking a compact and foldable e-bike.

Battery: 300 Wh | Motor: 250 W | Top speed: 15.5 mph | Maximum estimated range: 20 to 45 miles | Weight: 38.4 lbs.

Propella 7S

If you're in need of a reliable and nimble road bike for short commutes , the Propella 7S is a fantastic lightweight option that offers great value for your money. While the standard frame may pose some challenges for petite riders when mounting the bike, once you're on it, you'll experience a sense of speed and easy maneuverability. The bike is also equipped with an easy-to-read display, which testers said enhanced their riding experience.

"I would recommend it for inner-city rides because of the quick acceleration," says one tester, who praised the bike's agility but also mentioned an incident where they nearly lost control on an all-terrain section of their ride. "The bike's tires are very thin, which helped with speed but made it unstable on anything other than perfectly flat surfaces."

Nevertheless, if your main goal is to get around quickly and you plan to do so on paved roads, this is a reliable road bike that will provide the assistance you need. Another noteworthy feature is the removable battery that weighs just 3.5 pounds, which makes the Propella 7S one of the lightest e-bikes we tested when the battery is detached.

Battery: 250 Wh | Motor: 400 W | Top speed: 19 mph | Maximum estimated range: 20 to 40 miles | Weight: 37 lbs.

The Flyer L885 is an impressive longtail e-bike that commands attention with its sleek design, despite its large size. With a remarkable weight capacity of 400 pounds, this bike can effortlessly transport up to 150 pounds on the rear rack alone, making it an ideal choice for carrying children or heavy groceries . We were particularly delighted by the rear rack's compatibility with various accessories, including versatile kid and cargo carrier baskets or a Thule Yepp child seat .

While our testers found the dual-leg kickstand cumbersome to use (it required lifting the bike to put it down), and noted that the bike is a bit more challenging to maneuver compared to lighter e-bikes, we still valued the integrated lights, twist throttle and small display. "The pedal assist was super easy to use and provided a substantial boost," says Scherma. "The bike's large wheels contributed to a stable ride, and adjusting the gears, throttle and pedal assist settings was easy."

While the Flyer has an impressive estimated range for a bike of its size, keep in mind that charging times are longer, taking up to 10 hours according to the manufacturer. Nonetheless, if you're seeking a robust e-bike with substantial carrying capacity and a stable ride, we think the Flyer L885 is a standout option.

Battery: 720 Wh | Motor: 500 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 30 to 50+ miles | Weight: 73 lbs.

Denago City Model 1 Step-Thru

Reaching over 25 mph in our tests, the Denago e-bike is a thrilling ride that certainly doesn't lack in speed . Equipped with sensitive controls and a responsive pedal assist, this bike propels you forward with the slightest touch, rendering the throttle almost unnecessary. While speed enthusiasts will revel in the Denago's performance, we recommend it for more experienced bikers.

"You can really feel the speed on this bike, which can be both exhilarating and challenging," remarks Saguin. "At times, I reached 20 mph in a quick jump. Just a single pedal stroke can launch you forward." Despite its rapid acceleration, our testers found the Denago easy to maneuver in crowded areas, both while riding and while dismounted. They also praised its comfortable braking system. "It felt exceptionally smooth on pavement and navigated easily around other cyclists," adds Saguin. "While the speed controls were sensitive, I found the brake control to be excellent."

Additionally, we appreciated the large and easily readable display on the e-bike, as well as the quick adjustability of the seat height.

Battery: 652.8 Wh | Motor: 500 W | Top speed: 28 mph | Maximum estimated range: 20 to 45 miles | Weight: 53 lbs.

Cannondale Treadwell Neo 2 Remixte

While the Cannondale's design and number of color options could be more enticing, this e-bike stood out as one of the least intimidating models we tested.

It has a "comfy, ergonomic design," as noted by Rothman, who had no trouble riding the bike even after its battery died. Testers also appreciated the familiar Cannondale feel and control when it came to turning and overall traction. In fact, this e-bike resembles a conventional bicycle more than an e-bike, particularly with its built-in battery, offering a sense of security, reliability and comfort on the road.

One tester did mention that the controls were less intuitive to operate compared to other e-bikes, saying that they were "almost too vague to understand." (The display consists of only three buttons, and the pedal assist level is indicated by color.) However, overall, our testers found the Cannondale to be an accessible, no-frills e-bike that's an ideal choice for someone seeking a trustworthy brand without the need for aggressive pedal assist or a throttle — just the occasional extra push when required.

Battery: 250 Wh | Motor: 250 W | Top speed: 20 mph | Maximum estimated range: 37 miles | Weight: 38.8 lbs.

How we test e-bikes

Our team of analysts and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute conducted comprehensive testing of over 20 electric bicycles in Central Park for this article. Extensive evaluations were carried out, with each bike being ridden multiple times over several weeks.

We assessed various aspects of each ride, including overall quality, maneuverability, handling of sharp turns and the bike's performance on different terrains such as smooth, paved streets, uneven rocky paths and inclines. We also assessed how quickly and smoothly each bicycle responded to acceleration, either with the aid of pedal assist or the throttle.

To gather additional insights, we also invited consumer testers to join us in Central Park and provide feedback on each e-bike's ease of use, comfort and build. We evaluated the intuitiveness of turning the e-bike on, ease of mounting and dismounting and assessed the adjustability of the seat height. The design of each e-bike was scored for quality and attractiveness, while the comfort and cushioning of the seats and the overall frame construction (including handlebar positioning, brake handle placement, button accessibility, etc.) were thoroughly examined.

Key criteria such as maximum estimated range, battery power (measured in watts per hour), estimated charging time and motor performance were carefully considered to determine the quality and range of each bike. We took storage convenience into account as well as whether the battery was removable or built-in for easy charging. Finally, we tested the safety features of each e-bike, including the responsiveness of the brakes, frame stability and the presence of a loud, clear bell or integrated lights.

What to look for when shopping for an electric bike

According to Chris Nolte , the founder of Propel, a prominent e-bike dealer with locations in Brooklyn, NY and Long Beach, CA, it's crucial to first determine your specific needs and reasons for purchasing an e-bike. "Bikes are built for different purposes," he says. "If you’re commuting to work, consider a bike with fenders, lights and racks. If you’re riding leisurely or not carrying around cargo, get a simpler model to save on cost and complexity."

In addition to these considerations, the bicycle experts we spoke to identified several other essential factors that should be taken into account to ensure a well-informed decision:

✔️ Battery: When purchasing an electric bike, take note of the type of battery it comes with. "Most batteries are lithium-ion and will be specific to the bike," says Jonathan Perry, a lead mechanic, rider support technician and certified bike fitter at Velofix . One important factor to consider is if the battery is removable or built-in . Removable batteries offer convenience when locking up an e-bike outside, as they can be detached and taken with you to prevent theft. It's also important to note that larger batteries may add several pounds to the overall weight of the bike, so take that into account if you want a lightweight model. Charging time is another aspect to consider, as some e-bikes require more time to fully charge compared to others. Finally, keep in mind that, similar to a cell phone's battery, the power capacity of every e-bike battery will diminish over time.

✔️ Estimated range: Additionally, when deciding on battery size, Nolte advises considering your desired range and power usage. The distance you plan to ride will determine the necessary battery capacity. Watt-hours (wH) are used to measure the energy supplied by an e-bike battery in one hour. For instance, a bike with a 250W motor and a 250wH battery can run solely on battery power for one hour before depletion. (Most batteries have a minimum capacity of 400 watt-hours.) The actual battery consumption depends on factors such as the motor power (wattage) and usage. Heavy pedal assist and throttle use will reduce the range more than occasional boosts. If you want to maximize the range of your e-bike, Perry advises relying on your own leg power more to avoid consuming a significant amount of battery power. " Full pedal-assist or full throttle all the time use lots of watts," he says. To optimize your range, he suggests selecting a battery that aligns with your specific range requirements. Additionally, he recommends purchasing a second battery that you can keep charged and easily replace with the depleted one, ensuring uninterrupted rides when needed.

✔️ Motor: “The main difference between a $2,000 to $4,000 e-bike is the type of motor,” says Perry. There are two main types of motors commonly found in e-bikes: Hub-type motors tend to provide a rougher ride experience. Therefore, Perry advises choosing an e-bike brand with a reputation for excellent customer service and a warranty that ensures prompt assistance in case of any issues. On the other hand, crank-based motors are considered the more premium option. "Established brands like Shimano and Bosch are known for manufacturing good products with these motors," says Perry. Crank-based motors are positioned low and at the center of gravity on the bike, which contributes to better weight distribution and generally results in a smoother overall riding experience.

✔️ Weight : E-bikes can be quite heavy — some of the ones we tested weighed close to 80 pounds! Before making a purchase, it's crucial to assess whether the bike is easy to navigate up and down stairs or move around as needed. “E-bikes are inherently heavy," says Perry. "The motors are heavy. The batteries are heavy. To keep the cost low on the bikes and to keep them sturdy, they’re often made of steel and sometimes aluminum, which are both heavier materials." He advises consumers handle the bike and gauge its maneuverability, particularly when not actively riding it, before buying. If the bike feels challenging to handle, he suggests opting for a lighter model to minimize concerns about stability and ease of lifting.

✔️ Pedal assist: Pedal assist involves receiving assistance from the motor when you pedal, and you can adjust the level of assistance on a scale of 0 to 5. Nolte emphasizes that not all pedal assist systems are the same and the experiences can vary. "Some give you predictable and smoother experiences, whereas some are not as intuitive," he says. "Some systems replace your pedaling while some augment your pedaling. The difference is the sensors and how they work." There are various methods to activate pedal assist, the simplest being a cadence sensor , which detects the speed at which you pedal. However, this approach can sometimes result in a jerky motion. A more sophisticated option is a torque sensor , which senses the force you exert while pedaling. For instance, when riding downhill, you may pedal quickly without requiring much power. On the other hand, when climbing uphill, you want the bike to provide additional power. A torque sensor is better suited for adjusting the assistance based on your pedaling output in different situations.

✔️ Throttle: Certain e-bikes are equipped with a throttle that enables the motor to propel the bike without the need for pedaling. Whether you require a throttle or not depends on personal preference and the type of bike you're riding. Perry suggests that individuals seeking a cargo bike to transport children or heavy loads should consider an e-bike with a throttle. The throttle can be particularly helpful for getting the bike moving with ease. Additionally, it proves useful for riders who prefer not to pedal immediately after a complete stop, especially when dealing with a heavier bike.

✔️ Gears: E-bikes come with different gear options, ranging from seven gears to three or even just one. "If you’re an active rider, you'll want some gears on your e-bike," suggests Nolte. "A bike with no gears will either pedal too fast or too slow." It's crucial to test ride bikes on different terrains to determine the ideal number of gears for your needs. This way, you can ensure a comfortable and efficient riding experience.

✔️ Tires: Thin tires are typically lighter and most suitable for riding on paved, smooth streets. However, in areas with rougher terrain, wider tires and suspension are recommended for enhanced traction and comfort, even if they slightly decrease speed. Perry suggests visiting a local bike shop for assistance in choosing the appropriate tires based on your specific location and riding conditions. If you ride frequently, it's also worth considering puncture-resistant tires to minimize the risk of flats and ensure a smoother riding experience.

✔️ Suspension fork: "Front suspension forks provide some shock dampening," says Perry. "When you hit something rough in the road, they compress and almost bounce up." That said, if you don’t intend on taking the bike onto off-road paths, gravel dirt roads or hiking trails, you'll want to avoid a suspension fork. "It adds weight to the bike,” says Perry. However, if you anticipate encountering bumps or potholes during your rides, a suspension fork can significantly enhance comfort by absorbing the shocks and providing a smoother experience.

✔️ Brakes: E-bikes are typically equipped with mechanical or hydraulic brakes, explains Perry. In general, mechanical brakes are more affordable and require less maintenance, but they may sacrifice some performance. They rely on the strength of your hands to apply braking force. On the other hand, hydraulic brakes provide a smoother and more responsive braking experience, placing less strain on your hands. However, it's worth noting that hydraulic brakes may require more frequent maintenance compared to mechanical brakes.

✔️ Extra features: While it may be considered the least important aspect, it's still worth considering the extra features that come with your e-bike. Take note of the display and its readability — is it large enough and are the buttons easy to adjust? Assess whether the bike provides ample storage options such as a front or rear basket, or additional compartments for carrying items like a purse, backpack or groceries. Check if the bike includes a bell and integrated lights for added safety. Consider whether fenders are included to protect you when riding over puddles or wet surfaces. Since each e-bike is unique, prioritize the features that are essential to you and take note of the ones that would enhance your overall riding experience.

What the classes of electric bikes?

In the U.S., e-bikes are categorized into three distinct classes based on their capabilities and speed:

✔️ Class 1 e-bikes can reach speeds of “up to 20 mph with pedal assist," says Perry. "They can go faster than that when going downhill, but the electric motor will stop giving you any kind of assistance once you’re at 20 mph."

✔️ Class 2 e-bikes also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but they come with a throttle that allows you to reach this speed without continuous pedaling, says Perry.

✔️ C lass 3 e-bikes have a top speed of 28 mph. While most class 3 e-bikes are equipped with a throttle, it is not always the case. It's important to note that these e-bikes are generally not permitted on bike paths and trails. "Check your local laws regarding the use of class 3 e-bikes," advises Perry.

Are e-bikes safe?

Any type of biking carries inherent risks — and e-bikes introduce even more speed into that equation. While you always want to wear a properly fitting helmet, there are several other key considerations to keep in mind to ensure your safety when riding an e-bike:

✔️ Size and comfort: Choose an e-bike that fits you well and provides a comfortable riding experience. Consider factors like frame type (step-through or high-step), ideal ride position and overall comfort. Step-through frames are oftentimes the easiest to get on, and useful for days when you’re wearing a skirt or dress. High-step or step-over frames are a bit trickier to get on and less comfortable, especially for petite riders. As for ride position, Nolte recommends an upright position for better safety, comfort and visibility.

✔️ Pedal assist safety: When coming to a stop, turn off the pedal assist or set it to zero to prevent accidental throttle activation. Keep your hands on the brakes when at a standstill, similar to how you would with a car at a red light. Additionally, you can check if your e-bike's battery has Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2849 certification for fire safety.

✔️ Assembly and maintenance: It's crucial to have your e-bike assembled and checked by a professional. Contact your local bike shop for assistance. While they may not handle electrical components, they can still ensure the overall bike is properly assembled. Services like Velofix are available for e-bike owners who require servicing or repairs, even at their homes.

Are electric bikes worth it?

If you're a frequent cyclist, a commuter, or looking for a convenient alternative to driving for short trips, buying an e-bike can be worth it. E-bikes offer numerous benefits, such as faster transportation, environmental friendliness and an opportunity to stay active.

However, it's important to note that e-bikes come with certain considerations. They tend to be heavier, pricier and require comparable (if not additional) maintenance compared to traditional bicycles, which can result in higher long-term costs. Therefore, selecting an e-bike from a reputable brand with reliable customer service is essential. Before making a purchase, check with your local bike store about their e-bike servicing options and take any opportunity to test ride the bike to ensure it suits your needs and preferences.

Olivia (she/her) is a media and tech product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , covering tech, home, auto, health and more. She has more than five years of experience writing about tech trends and innovation and, prior to joining GH in 2021, was a writer for Android Central, Lifewire and other media outlets. Olivia is a graduate of George Washington University, with a bachelor's degree in journalism, political science and French, and she holds a master’s degree in communications from Sciences Po Paris.

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The Best Electric Bikes (2024 Review)

These are the best options for going with electronic pedal assist this year

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While electric bikes seemed like a fad at first, it’s safe to say they are here to stay. And for good reason. Once you use an e-bike, it’s hard to go back to a more traditional style. They’re efficient, versatile, and just downright fun to ride. Plus, hunters and anglers have found fun and innovative ways to use e-bikes to access hard-to-reach honey holes.

However, stores and online retailers have become over-saturated with different brands and styles of electric bikes. Wading through dozens of options can be time-consuming and more than a little frustrating. Trust me, I’ve done it myself. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve done all the research and the testing required to help point you in the right direction. Which includes riding a number of bikes from the most popular manufacturers. We tested them in all types of terrain so you can find the right bike for hunting, fishing, or off-road riding. Here are the best electric bikes being made today.

• Best Overall: Aventon Aventure.2
• Best Value: Lectric XP Step-Thru 3.0
• Fastest: Engwe X24
• Best For Hunting: Quiet Kat Ranger
• Most Sporty: Heybike Ranger S
• Best Commuter: Rad Bikes RadRover 6
• Best Budget Folder: Ecotric 500-Watt Folding

How We Chose the Best Electric Bikes

I’ve tested a number of e-bikes on a variety of terrain—from paved roads to dirt jumps—over the last three years. And this in-the-field experience has helped me differentiate useful features from pointless gimmicks. Many of the e-bikes you’re about to see were tested specifically for this review.

My testing process consisted of riding at least 50 miles on each bike while also evaluating speed and battery life. I also took notes on assembly, maintenance, and user-friendliness. Toward the end of my test and comparisons, I was able to categorize each bike into a best-case scenario, which you will see below. I also considered the following factors in my selection:

• Off-Road Capabilities: Can this bike seamlessly transition from dirt to pavement? Or is it strictly a city bike?
• Power: What is the bike’s top speed? How much effort does it take to get the pedal assist to engage? Can it haul a heavy load?
• Comfort: What features does the bike have to smooth out the ride? Is the stock seat comfortable?
• Accessories: What sort of add-ons does the manufacturer offer? Is the price point fair for these additional items?
• Value: Is the price point fair for the style and features of the bike? Does this bike require a ton of upgrades for an optimal ride?

Best Electric Bikes: Reviews and Recommendations

• Price: $1,799
• Motor: 750-Watt Brushless
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc
• Tires: 26” Fat Tire
• Weight: 77 Pounds
• Torque sensor pedal assist is super smooth
• Excellent price point for this style of bike
• Great battery life
• Turn signals and brake lights
• Stock seat is extremely hard

The Aventure.2 has quickly become one of my favorite electric bikes for its smooth ride and excellent build quality. My only real complaint is that the stock seat is a little hard for my liking. But I rode this bike 45 miles on the first battery charge with ease. And I believe I lost a little range on the back end as the temperature dropped, decreasing the battery life. I’m anxious to see what it does in warm weather. The torque sensor makes for a smooth ride that also provides a great workout. The Aventure.2 has a gradual take-up of speed on both assist and throttle that’s safer and won’t jerk the rider around like other bikes.

The grips have a tiny bit of tact that makes them extremely comfortable for longer rides. The throttle is on the left side, but I found it quite natural and intuitive to operate even though I’m right handed. And I found the bright display screen is super easy to read in any lighting conditions.

I got this bike up to 26 miles per hour going downhill, which felt plenty fast enough for a bike of this size and weight. The beefy construction gives it a lot of strength, which meant I felt comfortable taking it for short, off-road jaunts. The front suspension fork has a nice amount of travel that I found helped soak up some of the worst speed bumps in my neighborhood.

The Aventure.2 was also shockingly easy to assemble because of the great fit and finish of the build. Nothing on this bike feels cheap or out of place. And nothing feels forced either. Considering Aventon recently dropped the price point to $1,800 permanently, it’s an incredible deal for a bike with these features and capability.

• Price: $1,199
• Motor: 500-Watt hub with a 1,000-Watt peak
• Tires: 20” Fat Tire
• Weight: 64 Pounds
• Exceptional good looks
• Great range
• Tons of available accessories
• Terrible key placement
• Pedal assist level one is not useful

Lectric is one of the most popular e-bike brands, and it’s easy to understand why after riding one. My parents bought a couple of these bikes because they fold in half and are easy to stow in their van while on camping trips. I topped this bike out at 21 miles per hour during testing. It is capable of light off-roading thanks to a generous front oil suspension fork. The range is also solid. And because the bike is geared well enough to ride without assist, one doesn’t need to worry as much about the battery running out.

Pedal assist level one is not as useful as I’d like. It doesn’t provide much of a boost when compared to pedaling without. This isn’t a deal breaker in my mind though. It just means the bike needs to be ran on level two or above. I spent most of my time in level three during testing. That seems to be the sweet spot for performance with this bike. The $1,200 price point also makes this bike an incredible value for the money. In my opinion, it’s the best 20-inch folder out there right now.

• Price: $1,699
• Motor: 1,200-Watt Peak High-Speed Brushless
• Brakes: Hydraulic Disc
• Tires: 24” Fat Tire
• Weight: 96 Pounds
• Extremely fast
• Aggressive suspension
• Dual batteries provide great range
• Extremely heavy

The X24 is the fastest electric bike I tested. It topped out at 29 miles per hour on a paved downhill road. While I tried my best to get it over 30, it just wouldn’t break that threshold. The Engwe is ideal for off-roading because it has three points of suspension that really soak up the ruts and bumps. This is a bike that riders can be aggressive with and take on off-road trails. It is the closest thing to a mountain bike I found of all of the models I tested.

The aluminum alloy frame of the X24 is extremely robust. I’ve never seen a folder this rugged before. But the frame needs to be exceptionally strong because Engwe gave this bike not one, but two batteries. There’s a 19.2-amp hour battery and a 10-amp hour battery. A simple press of the button allows the rider to turn the extra one on or off, depending on your needs. Engwe advertises a 62-mile range for the X24, but I got about 50 miles off a full charge of both batteries. However, I was also testing in 50-degree temperatures, so I came away rather impressed by that battery performance.

My only real complaint is the extra battery adds about 20-30 pounds to the bike. At 92 pounds, it’s not impossible to pick up, but it is tough to wrangle into a smaller vehicle. But the $1,699 price point, solid range, and ruggedness of the build are all standouts.

Best for Hunting: Quiet Kat Ranger

• Price: $3,599
• Motor: 1,000-Watt Hub Drive
• Brakes: Tektro 2-Piston Hydraulic
• Weight: 65 Pounds
• Nearly bulletproof
• Great suspension
• Surprisingly lightweight
• Shorter range

Quiet Kat remains one of the most impressive electric bikes I’ve ever pedaled. The smooth handling and rugged open frame of the bike make it capable of tackling terrain that would break other models. I took one of these Rangers over some serious jumps during a test ride last year. The suspension soaks up the impact and the aggressive tread on the tires helps it dig in and out of corners like a motorbike. The 1,000-watt hub motor gives the bike a ton of torque and capability that’s hard to match for other bikes of this size.

These bikes are a popular choice for hunters who need something to handle the elements. One of my former co-workers completely submerged one of these bikes in a massive puddle on a turkey hunt in Illinois. The Quiet Kat shrugged it off and kept on running. Pair that with a 325-pound load capacity, and you’ve got a bike that will not only get you to that big buck, but will pull it out for you too.

The aggressive motor does mean these bikes have a slightly shorter range than some of the others on this list. They are also very expensive, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a tougher bike capable of going deep in the backcountry. It’s a serious hunting bike for the most dedicated hunters out there.

• Price: $1,399
• Weight: 72 Pounds
• Extremely peppy assist and throttle
• Complete package is stock
• Great brakes
• Tough to assemble
• Plastic fenders

“Spunky” is a very appropriate description of the Ranger S. It’s peppy with a surprising amount of torque for a dead start using both the throttle and the assist. I wouldn’t recommend it for kids, but it’s a super fun ride for adults (it wheelies quite easily). And I topped this bike out at about 22 miles per hour, but it feels faster than that.

I didn’t think I was going to like this bike after a tough assembly. Many of the nuts, bolts, and parts had a difficult fit. I can normally assemble an electric bike in under an hour. This one took two. However, this bike grew on me quickly in the first 50 miles I put on it. It has a very smooth ride, and surprisingly enough, the stock seat is one of the better ones I’ve seen on an electric bike.

Another thing I like about the Ranger S is just how complete the standard package is compared to similar-priced bikes. This model comes with full lighting, turn signals, an LCD display screen, and even an electronic horn. I got about 28 miles off the first charge with this bike. But keep in mind it was rather cold during my testing. I expect it will come much closer to the advertised 55-mile range once warm weather returns. The folding mechanisms also lock down securely. It was a breeze to take down and throw in the back of my van. This is a solid, complete package for anyone looking for a folder in the $1,500 range.

• Weight: 73.4 Pounds
• Extremely comfortable ride
• Excellent suspension
• Transitions well between on and off-road
• Replacement parts are an issue

Coupled with an improved saddle, the RadPower offers an incredibly cushy ride—perfect for commuting. It is one of the most comfortable bikes I tested, both on and off-road. I cruised around small town streets for hours on this bike and even took it down some infrequently used dirt paths. It only used up a small portion of the battery each time.

This RadRover 6 has a cadence sensor, but it’s one of the better ones I’ve seen on this style of electronic bicycle. The pedal assist isn’t overwhelming either and feels rather close to a torque sensor. This is a solid option if you want to actively shift between the gears.

One of the biggest issues a friend of mine has had with his RadRover is finding secondary market replacement parts. That means he’s been forced to buy more expensive parts directly from Rad Power. Still, Rad Power has recently dropped the price point of this bike, making it incredibly affordable from where it was a few years ago.

• Price: $619 – $699
• Motor: 500-Watt Brushless
• Brakes: Mechanical Disc
• Extremely affordable
• Excellent folding mechanisms
• Rugged frame
• No suspension
• Mushy brakes

The Ecotric was my first electric bike has yet to let me down. It’s a rather simple design that’s great for anyone on a budget. The price has dropped since I first bought mine during Covid. It was originally $880, but is now $699. And it’s a very solid bike for that price. I’ve taken this bike off-road, through bumpy cornfields, and over muddy trails. It will handle anything you throw at it.

You do feel the bumps while riding this bike due to the lack of a front suspension fork, but it isn’t horrible. My only other complaint is that the mechanical disc brakes are mushy, and not nearly as smooth as hydraulic ones. This bike will easily do 20 – 22 miles per hour, depending on the terrain, conditions, and battery. While the motor is only 500 watts, it’s surprisingly sporty. It takes off in a hurry with a twist of the throttle.

I highly recommend paying extra to get the LCD screen display. One of my biggest regrets was going with the LED light display. It’s functional, but also hard to tell exactly how much battery life is left due to voltage sag when the motor is assisting. Overall, this is a tough little bike packed full of great features that normally can’t be found at this price point. In fact, I’m not even sure how Ecotric makes money on these things for the prices they offer.

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Bike

With electronic bikes, most people are concerned about range and price. But you need to take the advertised range with a small grain of salt because most manufacturers list the mileage for the lowest assist settings. This is fine, but I know a few e-bike users who actually ride at level one, including myself.

External factors like throttle use and ambient temperature can also affect how quickly the battery drains. About half of my testing for this article took place in temperatures reaching into the 40s and 50s. I know I wasn’t getting the maximum performance of these bikes in those conditions. That’s just the way these batteries work.

As far as price point goes, the adage of “you get what you pay for,” tends to ring true. Although I’ve tested plenty of bikes in the $1,000 to $1,500 price range that are perfect for most riders who want a simple bike for cruising and commuting. I recommend budgeting around $1,000 at a minimum for one.

Pedal Sensor

It’s not often discussed, but the type of sensor used to kick on the pedal assist affects how a bike will ride. The two main types used today are cadence sensors and torque sensors. Cadence sensors are much more common because they’re cheaper. Basically, a cadence sensor registers whenever a rider puts pressure on the pedals and signals the motor to kick in at whatever assist level the bike is set at. On some bikes, this results in an immediate small jolt as the motor kicks into gear.

A torque sensor is more sensitive and expensive because they don’t just register the pedals in motion. These sensors actively measure how hard the pedals are being turned and then translate that into an appropriate amount of assistance. The harder you pedal, the more the bike will help, and the faster it will travel.

It’s been my experience that cadence sensor bikes are much easier to ride because they immediately take off to a pre-determined speed setting. This type of sensor is great for anyone who wants minimal effort. However, a torque sensor is a much smoother ride that feels closer to a standard bicycle. That means more effort is involved to get the bike moving and keep it moving at speed. I would recommend a torque sensor bike for anyone who wants a bike for exercise.

The large, lithium-ion batteries required to run e-bikes are heavy. Which means it requires a much beefier frame to support the battery. This all adds to the weight. It’s not unusual for a bike with 20-inch tires to weigh 55 to 70 pounds. A bike with 24 or 26-inch tires can weigh 65 to 95 pounds. Thus, it’s worth taking the weight into consideration when choosing a bike.

Standard e-bikes have a horizontal tube or construction that usually rides high on the bike. This style of frame offers great strength and durability. But a step-through frame drops the horizontal portion at an angle that makes it easier to hop on and off the bike. This can come at the cost of strength, but many bikes are being built extremely beefy these days, so it’s less of a concern.

Frame choice is largely becoming more of a personal decision than anything else. Although a step-through is significantly easier for older riders or anyone with hip or leg problems. Simply because the rider doesn’t need to lift their leg as high to get on the bike.

Seats and Accessories

Almost every manufacturer now offers a bevy of accessories for their electronic bikes. Cargo racks and bags , rearview mirrors, locks, and more are now bonus offerings often sold directly by the manufacturer. Sometimes, these accessories are offered in bundle packages that can save the buyer a lot of money.

One of the more frustrating things I’ve encountered with e-bikes is uncomfortable stock saddles. Many manufacturers put hard seats on their stock bikes. Then they sell much nicer, cushier seats as part of a “comfort” package. It’s refreshing to see a few bikes like the Ranger S and the Engwe x24 have a decent saddle straight from the factory. But until that’s standard across the industry, it’s my recommendation to budget for a better saddle when deciding on a bike.

Q: What are the three types of electric bikes?

There are three different legal classifications that most electric bikes fall under. Class one bikes have motors that kick in only while the user is pushing the pedals. Class two bikes have a throttle and can operate via pedal assist or by a throttle. Class three e-bikes operate via throttle or pedal assist but top out at faster speeds, closer to 28 miles per hour. Each state has differing laws regarding age limits and other legalities with each class of bike.

Q: How long do e-bike batteries last?

It depends on the bike, the type of battery, and how it is maintained. I have one bike with a battery that’s three years old and still going. For some bikes, that might be the maximum age before it’s time to buy a new one. Other bikes might have batteries that last closer to five or six years. Read the instruction manual carefully for battery care tips specific to your e-bike’s battery.

Q: How much should I expect to pay for an electric bike?

Because of the cost of lithium-ion batteries, and the brushless motors that power these bikes, anywhere from $800 – $4,000 is a realistic price. Although I’ve found a fair number of good bikes in the $1,000 – $2,000 price range. This style of bike is not cheap, but they are worth the price of admission.

Best Electric Bikes: Final Thoughts

The Aveton Aventure.2 continues to impress me with the comfort and smoothness of its ride no matter the terrain. It’s hard to find a bike that rides this well for under $2,000. It is also versatile enough to transition from a commuter bike to an off-road machine rather seamlessly. Add in the slick good looks, and this bike is the total package.

Why Trust Us

For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

Travis Smola is a Staff Writer with Field & Stream. He spent eight years writing about all things outdoors with Wide Open Spaces before looking for a new challenge with Field & Stream in 2023. Contact the author here.

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Best electric gravel bikes in 2024: 9 gravel ebikes rated and reviewed

How to choose an electric gravel bike

Russell Burton / Immediate Media

Paul Norman

The best electric gravel bikes combine two of cycling's hottest trends. The mix of gravel riding with electric bikes gives you the off-road capability of the former and the extra power of the latter to up your gravel enjoyment while getting the benefits of riding an electric bike .

Like the best electric mountain bikes , electric gravel bikes make a lot of sense for climbing off-road, particularly if your gravel riding regularly takes you onto steep, sketchy surfaces.

Having a motor to help on the climbs makes them a lot easier to tackle, while, on the way back down, there’s little downside to the extra weight of the motor and battery.

As with any electric bike, electric bike laws dictate an ebike motor's assistance will be limited to speeds below 15mph / 25kph in the UK, EU and Australia, and 20mph in the US.

For more advice on what to look for in an electric gravel bike, including the different types of motors available, our full buyer’s guide is at the bottom of this article .

But if you'd rather stick to paved surfaces, check out our guide to the best electric road bikes .

Otherwise, here are the best electric gravel bikes, as reviewed by BikeRadar's expert testers.

You can also head to our pick of the best gravel bikes for our top-rated, non-assisted options, and our guide to the best women's road and gravel bikes . If you're on a budget, we've got a round-up of the best cheap gravel bikes under £1,500.

The best electric gravel bikes in 2024, as rated by our expert testers

Gt grade amp.

• £2,900 / €3,200 as tested
• Alloy frame carries over non-powered Grade's responsive handling
• Quite a firm ride over rougher ground
• Weight: 14.8kg
• Motor: Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor

An aluminium frame powered by the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor system forms the basis for the GT Grade Amp.

The geometry is carried over from the non-powered GT Grade Carbon , so the Grade Amp feels responsive despite its 14.8kg weight, even when ridden with the motor off.

We really like the shape of the Grade's slightly flared bars, but they're stiff, which in combination with a firm fork and the alloy frame, makes for a sapping ride over bumpy terrain.

The 42mm WTB Resolute gravel tyres help, though; they roll fast on the road, handle confidently on dry ground and cope okay in mud, making them good all-rounders.

3T Exploro RaceMax Boost

• £7,200 / $6,999 / €6,999 as tested
• Neatly integrated motor and battery
• Top-end chassis and build make for an expensive bike
• Weight: 12.5kg
• Motor: Mahle ebikemotion

Like the GT Grade Power Amp, the 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost features the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor.

3T has even found room to fit the battery into the Exploro's frame without any mods to the pedal-powered bike, which means not only does it look smart, but the geometry is carried over, too.

The motor, in combination with the generously low gears (thanks to the 40t chainring and 11-42t cassette) and 12.5kg weight, makes even 20 per cent off-road gradients rideable.

The RaceMax Boost is kitted out with wide, aero 3T carbon wheels, with differential front and rear depths, and 35mm Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tyres that roll fast on-road, but hang on well off-road, too.

This is an expensive option, though, and the forward-facing charging port on the bottom bracket is prone to collecting dirt.

• Read our full 3T Exploro RaceMax Boost review

Cairn BRAVe 1.0

• £2,789 / $3,632 / €3,334 as tested
• Huge off-road capability
• Heavy going on the road
• Weight: 18.9kg
• Motor: Shimano Steps E7000

The Cairn BRAVe is an electric gravel bike that borders on electric mountain bike territory, thanks to its powerful Shimano Steps E7000 mid-mounted motor and massive 2.35in tyres.

Whereas Cairn's E-Adventure uses the subtler Fazua motor, the Shimano motor here jacks things up, with up to 70Nm of torque.

It's a genre-defying bike – and while the weight and chunky tyres may hold you back on the road, if you want a drop-bar bike for seriously rugged off-road riding, the Cairn BRAVe fits the mould.

• Read our full Cairn BRAVe 1.0 review

Cairn E-Adventure 1.0

• £2,989 / $4,149 / €3,800 as tested
• Updated geometry gives great stability in the rough
• Quality build with 650b option available
• Weight: 16kg
• Motor: Fazua

This latest iteration of the Cairn E-Adventure, updated from the original 2018 bike , gets shortened seatstays and a sloping top tube to make it easier to manoeuvre on tight or technical trails.

The E-Adventure is powered by a Fazua motor, with a top-tube controller instead of a bar-mounted unit.

With Cairn coming from the same stable as Hunt wheels , there's naturally a good set of hoops for the job. We'd have preferred grippier tyres, though, because the Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres are inadequate when things aren't, well, dry.

There's a version of the Cairn with 650b wheels and a dropper post if you're after more off-road grunt.

• Read our full Cairn E-Adventure 1.0 review

Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty

• £8,000 / $9,500 / €8,999 as tested
• Hugely competent off-road
• We'd expect better bars and possibly a dropper for the price
• Weight: 17.8kg
• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX

With 30mm of suspension front and rear, thanks to its single-leg Lefty Oliver fork and Kingpin rear linkage, the Topstone Neo offers bags of comfort when you hit the rough stuff.

It has serious grunt too, with an 85Nm Bosch motor paired to a 500Wh battery, which should get you up anything you might encounter.

There’s top-drawer kit on the bike as well, with a SRAM eTap AXS electronic groupset in a mullet configuration, combining SRAM Force road components and SRAM Eagle mountain bike parts.

That gives a massive range of gearing, thanks to the 42-tooth road chainring and 10-50t MTB cassette.

It’s an expensive proposition though, and given the Topstone's full-suspension intentions, it wouldn't be a stretch to expect a dropper post and better handlebars at this price.

The Topstone Neo has now been joined by the Topstone Neo SL , with a lower-powered Mahle ebikemotion motor, alloy frame and cheaper price.

• Read our full Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 1 Lefty review

Canyon Grail:ON CF 7

• £4,599 / €4,999 / $5,699 as tested
• High-powered assistance, enjoyable ride
• Impractical dual-level bar
• Weight: 16.6kg
• Motor: Bosch

The Canyon Grail:ON CF 7 is brilliant fun to ride on technical terrain. Its 50mm-wide Schwalbe G-One Bite tyres are grippy and fast. The compliance from the VCLS seatpost boosts the comfort the tyres provide.

In addition, the Bosch motor is potent enough to help you up sheer, gravel-strewn inclines at higher levels of assistance, such as its Turbo mode. In more economical modes, the 500Wh PowerTube battery managed 140 off-road kilometres in testing.

However, the double-decker Hover bar is difficult to fit bags, bike computers and bike lights to.

• Read our full Canyon Grail:ON CF 7 review

Giant Revolt E

• £4,999 / AU$7,999 as tested
• 53mm max tyre clearance
• Integrated ebike system
• Weight: 18.17kg
• Motor: Shimano

Despite the similar name, the Giant Revolt E is not quite an electrified version of our 2022 Bike of the Year winner , the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 0.

Geometry is slacker and longer, but remains relatively racy, which keeps the Revolt E 's handling agile. Cushioning from seatpost, saddle and handlebars makes the Revolt E comfortable on bumpy stuff.

The Shimano EP8 mountain bike motor delivers a massive 85Nm of torque and compensates for the bike's bulk, propelling you up vertiginous slopes regardless of the surface.

Range is also impressive for a bike of this weight. Our tester eked out nearly 120km and 2,000m of elevation.

• Read our full Giant Revolt E review

Trek Domane LT

• £7,800 / $9,250 / €8,000 as tested
• Space for 38mm rubber
• Front and rear IsoSpeed for off-road comfort
• Weight: 13.8kg

Okay, so it's not technically a gravel bike, rather an electric road bike, but the Trek Domane LT has the space for 38mm-wide rubber, so there's the potential to kit it out to head off-road, although you'll want to swap out the 32mm tyres fitted, as we found out.

The front and rear IsoSpeed system makes for a comfortable ride over lighter gravel. The Fazua motor system means the bike has shed weight from the original electrified Domane too and is removable, so you can also ride the bike unassisted.

With a road-going 50/34t chainset and 11-34t cassette, you don't have the great range of an all-in gravel bike, but that's where the motor comes in to help you out, while Shimano Ultegra Di2 gives you consistent shifting in tricky conditions.

• Read our full Trek Domane LT 7 review

Vitus E-Substance Carbon

• £4,000 / $5,000 / €4,700 as tested
• 650b wheels with wide tyres give plenty of grip
• Large gear range and sporty handling make for good progress off-road
• Weight: 14.7kg

The E-Substance is built to ride fast whatever the terrain, with the same snappy handling as its pedal-powered sibling and 47mm tyres on 650b wheels.

Since it uses the mid-mounted Fazua motor system, you can swap out easily to run a standard 700c gravel wheelset as well. There's a big range of gears to tackle a wide variety of terrain.

Other finishing kit is well specced and the E-Substance handles a good mix of off-road conditions well, without being overpowered by the assistance. However, as you'd expect, the wide tyres and 650b wheels do roll a bit more slowly than 700c wheels and tyres on the road.

Also consider…

The following bikes scored fewer than four out of five stars in our testing, but are still worth considering.

Bianchi Impulso E-Allroad TRK

• Electric commuting bike with light-adventure potential
• Weight: 15.5kg

Another bike that isn't a gravel bike, but we've included it here because the Bianchi Impulso E-Allroad TRK has plenty of multi-terrain potential.

In this build, the Impulso is designed as an electric hybrid bike for cycling to work , but the E-Allroad chassis at its heart is designed with gravel riding in mind.

The bike has a slightly more upright riding position than the drop-bar gravel version, thanks to a tweaked cockpit design, while spec choices include SKS full-length mudguards, a rear rack and rear Lezyne lights powered by the Mahle X35 hub-based motor.

Should you wish to venture onto light off-road terrain, such as the towpath pictured above, there are Kenda Flintridge Sport 35c tyres.

Kinesis Range

• £3,550 as tested
• Good riding position, if a little firm
• Some tyre squirm from narrow rims
• Weight: 16.8kg

We rated the Kinesis Range's handling and comfortable ride position, although the rear is a little firm on rough terrain.

It's well equipped, but we would have preferred wider wheel rims and more compliant tyres with less squirm when we dropped the pressure.

The Range is another electric gravel bike powered along by the popular Fazua Evation motor. It's a bit on the heavy side at 16.8kg though, so we had to run the motor on its highest output, which ate through the battery and limited range.

Buyer's guide to electric gravel bikes: what to look out for

Electric gravel bike motors explained.

Almost all electric gravel bikes are powered by either a rear-hub motor design or a ‘mid-drive’ motor.

The rear-hub motor systems tend to be the lighter option in terms of both the weight and the assistance they offer, making them a great option for road-based sports bikes. Rear hub motors are also often used on the best electric hybrid bikes and some electric folding bikes .

The mid-drive system positions the motor unit in the bottom-bracket area, and it’s connected directly to the cranks.

Having the weight of the electric bike motor lower and more centrally located in the bike delivers better handling, and provides greater torque and smoother traction – all useful off-road.

With that in mind, gravel bike motors tend to come in one of two flavours.

On the one hand, like electric road bikes, you’ll find smaller, low-profile units from brands such as Mahle ebikemotion (rear-hub) and Fazua (mid-mounted).

Although they put out 250 watts, they have quite low torque figures of 40Nm and 60Nm respectively. That results in a subtler, more progressive level of assistance, though they may lack a little grunt for tougher off-road endeavours.

Other electric gravel bikes come with a higher torque figure – up to 90Nm – and use units from the likes of Bosch, which you’ll also often see on electric mountain bikes.

That really helps you crest steep, technical inclines, particularly if you’re loaded up for bikepacking , but the motor will be larger, heavier and more intrusive, and it will be a lot more obvious that you’re riding an electric bike .

Which type of setup works for you will depend on where you’re riding, what you’re carrying and how much help you want.

Electric gravel bike batteries explained

Lower speeds, and more ups and downs, are likely to drain your battery more quickly on an electric gravel bike, compared to an electric road bike, so plenty of battery capacity is a must.

Whereas road ebikes favour lower weight over all-out range, the opposite is likely to be true for a gravel ebike.

As a result, on electric gravel bikes with more powerful motors you’re likely to see beefier batteries with capacities nearer to 500Wh, rather than the 250Wh or so of a road ebike.

For many riders, that might be overkill. So, as with their motors, other gravel ebikes will come with a smaller in-built battery and may have the option to add an external range-extender battery. This sits on the frame, often in a bottle cage, and may almost double the available range.

For most electric gravel bikes, it’s an optional accessory though. Also, it won’t be a cheap upgrade and it will block up one of your bottle cages, so load-carrying capacity is reduced.

Electric gravel bike controls explained

Electric bike motors offer a range of modes, with power output to match – from 'eco' for maximum mileage to 'turbo' for ultimate power and torque.

Most ebikes have controls on the handlebar or top tube, and some have LCD screens, which makes it easier to switch between modes, monitor battery life and see your speed and mileage. You'll up your range if you switch to lower-output modes on flatter terrain, saving the highest outputs for steeper climbs, so easy access to the controller is useful and a bar-mounted switch is a better bet here.

If you want to ride an electric bike for fitness , you will get more of a workout in lower-powered modes while also extending range.

Some systems also now offer Bluetooth connectivity and phone apps to track your heart rate and other data, so think about getting a quality bike phone mount to make the most of the data.

Electric gravel bike wheels and tyres

Having a well-built set of gravel bike wheels and grippy gravel bike tyres with plenty of volume is vital on an electric gravel bike, given the rough terrain a bike like this is designed for, along with the torque produced by the motor.

With the extra weight of the motor and battery, you’ll be adding several kilos to the bike’s weight, so you need the tyre grip for handling and the wheel strength to deal with the extra torque coming from the motor.

As with any gravel bike, the frame clearance for wide tyres (with additional mud clearance) will be important.

Be prepared to swap out tyres for something more aggressive if the going is particularly bad, or for a lighter tread if you’re doing more road riding and taking on lighter trails.

While most gravel bikes have 700c wheels, smaller-diameter 650b wheels are an option if you want to increase your tyre volume.

That can help add grip and smooth out the terrain, which can be particularly useful with the extra weight and power of an ebike.

As with all gravel bikes, tubeless tyres have huge benefits too, helping to stave off punctures and allowing you to run lower tyre pressures for improved off-road grip and comfort.

Electric gravel bike drivetrains

If you’re riding off-road, you need the all-terrain features that have made gravel bikes so popular. That starts with low enough gearing to deal with steeper climbs.

Most non-assisted bikes now have drivetrains that go below 1:1 in terms of gravel bike gearing , with a super-compact 48/32t (or similar) crankset paired with a wide-ranging cassette .

A 1x drivetrain is also a popular option, keeping things simple by using a single chainring (with no front derailleur ) and, once again, a wide-ranging cassette to provide a big spread of gears suitable for a variety of terrain.

Even if you’ve got a motor to help, you’ll want plenty of low-gear options. Most motors work better if you’re climbing seated than if you’re riding out of the saddle too, because your power delivery is smoother and it’s easier for the electronics to match. You may find the power delivery from the motor is jerky if you’re standing to climb.

Single-ring drivetrains are very popular on gravel bikes, for their simplicity and lower weight, paired with ample range. It’s something you’re likely to find on many electric gravel bikes too.

On higher-spec bikes, you may get electronic shifting, either from SRAM’s 12-speed eTap AXS or from Shimano GRX 815 Di2 . Their slick gear changes work well with a motorised system and you’re less likely to experience a mis-shift than with cable-operated derailleurs. They also usually require less maintenance than a cable operated groupset.

A mullet build with a SRAM eTap AXS Eagle rear derailleur borrowed from its MTB range will come with a really wide-range cassette, while the SRAM Force eTap AXS Wide option is designed to give space for wider tyre clearance up front, while still giving the option to run a double chainset. You can read more on gravel bike setup in our in-depth guide.

Bolts and bosses

As with any gravel bike, the versatility to take on a range of adventures will be important.

Expect to see features such as rack and mudguard mounting points, and bolts to fit a top-tube bag.

Mounts for a third bottle cage under the down tube are also the norm. They’ll be particularly important if you decide you need a range-extender battery, because you’ll lose one of the two in-frame mounts.

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Best electric gravel bikes 2024: dirt loving drop bar e-bikes with added oomph

Could electric gravel bikes be the best and most versatile e-bikes on the market?

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Everything you need to know about e gravel bikes

Here’s our pick of the best electric gravel bikes on the market right now. We've tested them across a range of riding conditions, assessing their performance for both ride quality and factors specific to electric bikes such as range and charging time.

Gravel bikes are constantly being touted as the best 'do-it-all' bikes, so it's no surprise that they feature among our list of the best electric bikes . 

For those aiming to compete, a growing number of events such as the Dirty Reiver and the Belgian Waffle Ride now have an e-gravel bike category, adding to the appeal of this burgeoning market.

The mix of all-terrain capability, confidence-inspiring stability, and additional assistance make electric gravel bikes an interesting proposition, not only for off-road riding, but also as urban commuter bikes.

Our pick of the best electric gravel bikes

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

At the bottom of the page we've got more tips on what to look for when you're choosing the best electric gravel bike for you.

Alternatively, if you're not planing to head off tarmac you can check out our pick of  road-specific models in our guide to the best electric bikes here or if you're after something a little more affordable, you can find our guide to the best budget gravel bikes (without a motor) here.

The Topstone Neo Lefty features suspension both at the front and rear for added comfort over rough terrain

1. Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Cannondale Topstone is the brand's gravel bike. Add the Neo to it and it designates a Cannondale electric bike, while the Lefty bit refers to its single legged suspension fork, plus, as you'd expect, the Carbon bit refers to its frame material. 

Cannondale calls this a full suspension gravel bike, with the 30mm travel Lefty Oliver fork upfront and the bike's 'Kingpin Softail suspension' giving another 30mm travel at the rear.

With the same drive system as the Canyon Grail:ON, Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor delivers up to 75Nm of torque, making this bike really capable of powering up rocky inclines or techy trails. The large 500Wh Bosch internal battery delivers up to a claimed 125km / 78mi range. On test, 40+ mile rides mixing the power modes barely used half the battery, so we could see how this range is certainly achievable.

The carbon fibre frame and suspension features put the Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty well above the price point of other e gravel bikes, but we felt it was "unrivalled in its class in terms of motor performance and the grin-inducing ride." It also blurs the lines between gravel and mountain bikes even more, and will probably be more bike than most will need. But hey, what fun!

Read more: Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon 3 Lefty full review

Specialized's Turbo Creo uses the brand's own motor 

2. Specialized Turbo Creo SL Carbon Comp EVO

With the same motor and battery as its pavement oriented brand mate, the Specialized Turbo Creo SL Carbon Comp EVO is ready to tackle wild and woolly conditions.

The frame is made from Spesh's' top-of-the line Fact 11r carbon fibre, and sees a Future Shock 2.0 suspension stem at the front, complete with adjustable damping. At the back is 1x Shimano GRX shifting, though the left shifter isn't a dummy, it actuates an X-Fusion Manic Dropper Post. 

When your legs run out of steam, Specialized's own SL 2.1 motor has got you covered with 240W of assistance. Integrated into the downtube is a 320Wh battery pack, claimed to be good for up to 128km / 80mi, Specialized offers a bottle cage sized ranger extender that adds an extra 64km / 40mi.

Rolling stock comes in the form DT Swiss R407 hoops with Boost hub spacing, finished in 38mm Spesh Pathfinder Pro tyres.

With the Mission Control app, not only can you adjust just how much power each of the assistance modes kicks out, but you can also set a distance you want to ride and the battery level you’d like to see remaining at the end and the bike will manage its battery usage automatically to hit these targets. 

You can even pair up a Bluetooth heart rate monitor and have the motor adjust its assistance to keep you within a certain range – perfect for recovery days.

But even before you start tinkering with these elements, the way the motor applies its power is markedly different to most other e-bike systems. There’s no whiplash-inducing jerkiness as you can get with some designs – the power comes on in a much more controlled fashion that feels much more natural.

Read more: Specialized Turbo Creo SL Carbon Comp EVO full review

Ribble's CGR AL E  features a MAHLE Ebikemotion 250W rear hub-based motor

3. Ribble CGR AL e SRAM Apex 1x 650B

On first look at the Ribble CGR AL e, you'd have no idea this machine is actually an electric gravel bike. Seriously, look at it! Where's the motor?

Building on Ribble's non-motorized CGR (Cross, Gravel and Road) which we rated highly, the electric version features a MAHLE Ebikemotion 250W rear hub-based motor and Panasonic 250Wh battery hidden away in the downtube. This is controlled from a single button on the top tube, designed to look as sleek as possible.

Ribble claims a range of up to 96 km / 60mi over mixed surfaces, and although this motor may not be as powerful as some MTB orientated setups, it does give a significantly more lightweight total build that can be totally recharged in three and a half hours.

Ribble's Hybrid AL e utilises a similar setup, and we found the power delivery to be a pretty good balance. Sure, you don't get the same instant acceleration with this as you do a more powerful system, but if all you're looking for is a bit of a helping hand a high powered motor can be rather overkill. With this, you can greatly increase the distances you're able to cover, but still feel like you've worked.  

The range starts with a Shimano Tiagra build. Shimano 105, SRAM Rival and Shimano Ultegra builds are also available and you can use Ribble's Bike Builders to customise your spec. There's even a step-through frame available.

Read more: Ribble CGR AL 105 full review

Read more: Ribble Hybrid AL e full review

The E-765 features a mid-drive motor and a SRAM 1x groupset

4. Look E-765 Gravel

Look released its all-new gravel bikes and gravel e-bikes at the same time in 2019, a range of high-end carbon fibre bikes that leans toward the racier end of gravel. These lightweight builds are stripped back for speed, so you won't find any bosses for mounting racks, mudguards or other luggage.

Just like Pinarello and Cairn (see below), Look has used the Fazua 250W motor and battery system, helping to reduce overall weight. There's a claimed range of up to 86km / 53mi in urban conditions, or 53km / 33mi over mixed surfaces.

There's space for most gravel tyres, although geared towards smaller 650b wheels with wider tyres – clearance for 700c wheels is 40mm or 55mm for a 650b. The electric E-765 Gravel version comes with Hutchinson Touareg 700x40c.

Read more: New Look gravel bike and E-gravel bike launched

The Grail:ON uses Bosch's PerformanceLine motor and battery that boasts a claimed range of up to 75 miles

5. Canyon Grail:ON

Canyon's offering is specifically targeted at those wanting an electric gravel bike that can tackle more adventurous riding with ease.

Opting for Bosch's Performance Line CX system — more routinely seen on electric mountain bikes — the motor provides up to 340% support in turbo mode and a generous 85Nm of Torque, designed for scrambling up steep climbs and smashing singletrack.

The disadvantage of this powerful 2.9kg / 6.4lbs motor is that this kind of riding is heavy on the battery. Canyon has used a larger 500Wh battery to tackle this, which gives an average 120km / 75mi range, depending on power settings, terrain, rider weight etc. You can predict your range on any given ride using the Bosch eBike range calculator here .

The Grail:ON features great clearance for up to 50mm tyres and its relaxed, upright riding position compared to the non-motorized Grail is welcome.  The unique handlebar design may not appeal to all riders, but it gives a little moe compliance when riding on the tops.

Read more: Canyon Grail: ON full review

Cairn Cycle's e gravel bike features geometry well-suited to technical trails

6. Cairn Cycles E-Adventure 1.0

The E-Adventure 1.0 electric gravel bike from Cairn Cycles really impressed us in our review, landing a 9/10 score. The alloy frame has helped to keep the price down too, which for a bike of this calibre is really respectable.

As the name might suggest, the E-Adventure certainly isn't lagging behind when it comes to the latest gravel-friendly features, including full mounting points for racks and three pack mounts on each fork leg, as well as internal dynamo routing for long-distance riding or commuting.

You can fit up to 700c x 45c or 650b x 2.25" (57c) tyres with the generous clearance. Meanwhile, the Fazua Evation 1.0 delivers a range of up to 80km /50mi and assistance up to 25kph / 15mph.

On test, we found the geometry to be really confidence-inspiring over technical terrain. To us, it's obvious that this could be a popular choice with riders seeking a little extra assistance to keep up with their riding buddies or for those heading out on bikepacking weekend adventures. Just remember you may need to recharge.

Read more: Cairn Cycles E-Adventure 1.0 full review

Pinarello's Nytro e gravel bike uses the Italian's brand's signature carbon curves to great effect

7. Pinarello Nytro Gravel

The Pinarello Nytro Gravel takes the features of the road-going Nytro electric bike but adds a gravel twist. Those features, like the curvy Onda fork, are themselves inherited from the legendary Dogma, the race bike choice of the Ineos Grenadiers pro team.

The frame is made from Toray T700 unidirectional carbon, with Pinarello's trademark asymmetric design which Pinarello says shapes the frame around the specific forces acting on the drive side and non-drive side of the bike. The frame also sees FlatBack tubing and Pinarello's Fork Flaps to slice through the air, as well as an FSC integrated seat clamp and aero seatpost.

There's added clearance for gravel tyres, with 40mm Maxxis Rambler rubber fitted. The frame will handle 42mm 700c or 2.1" 650b tyres.

The Jena e gravel bike features a Mahle motor and Shimano GRX groupset

8. Wilier Jena Hybrid

The Jena Hybrid takes Wilier's Jena gravel bike and adds a motor and battery from Mahle ebikemotion for extra grunt without too much extra weight. Wilier has mounted the motor controller on the bars, rather than on the frame as is normal with this system, so it's easier to change assistance levels and check battery status.

There's room for 44mm 700c tyres or up to 48mm 650b and Wilier has a range of its own brand wheels available including aero carbon options. There are loads of mounting points on the carbon frame and fork.

Wilier offers a range of spec levels for the Jena Hybrid and there's a flat bar option available too.

What should you look for when buying an electric gravel bike?

Although there'll be a few specific things that you'll need to consider when buying an e gravel bike, most of what you'll need to check out is the same as for any electric bike. That includes the motor type , placement and torque, battery size and range, bike weight, and, of course, your budget. Check out our handy guide on how to buy an e-bike here . 

Don't think that electric gravel bikes are simply for riding off-road though. Just like conventional gravel bikes, they can also make great town bikes or commuters, thanks to their plentiful mounting points (usually including mudguard and rack mounts), sturdy wide tyres and wide range gearing which comes in especially handy when you're carrying a lot of luggage .

You'll need to consider safe storage and charging, as these bikes tend to be pretty pricey. Check out our pick of the best E-bikes for more urban options and our best gravel and adventure bikes for non-electric options to consider too.

What motor is best for e-gravel bikes?

There's a wide range of motors used in electric bikes, with some of the biggest names including Bosch , Fazua and Shimano. As the motor fitted becomes more powerful , it also tends to become heavier, with greater energy demands that result in larger, heavier batteries.

Some electric gravel bikes that lean more towards the MTB end of the spectrum will feature more powerful motors for high torque of around 80Nm which helps on really technical terrain, while many use motors with around 40 or 50Nm. These are less powerful, so you'll need to work harder, but help keep the e-bike's weight down.

If you really want to do your homework, read up on how e-bikes work here.

How much range does an e-gravel bike need?

You'll need to think about how you intend to use your electric gravel bike when it comes to working out what your range requirements are, and the battery capacity you'll need.

Does that model have a removable battery so you can bring a spare or take it somewhere handy to recharge? Will you have a place to charge your bike on an overnight trip or commute?

Generally speaking, the larger the motor and battery, the heavier the total bike will be. Bear this in mind if you'll need to lift your bike into a car or carry it up a flight of stairs for example, as heavier bikes make this more tricky.

Is an information display important for an e-gravel bike?

Information displays will help you see how much battery life you have left, as well as what mode you're in. Typically these will come in the form of a digital unit mounted on the handlebars or a button with LED lights on the top tube.

Some will give you additional information, while others can be linked to your smartphone for more customisation and information. 

Do I need e-bike specific components and finishing kit

Keep an eye out for e-bike specific components and finishing kit when you're choosing an e gravel bike.

Think wheels, tires and groupsets, as these tend to be more robust and designed to cope with the extra weight and torque of the ebike system and the rigors of riding off-road. This helps them last longer before they need to be serviced or replaced.

What tires for an e-gravel bike

It wouldn't be an article about gravel bikes without mentioning tires, right?

Generally speaking, as the electric gravel bike you'll be riding is heavier than non-motorized gravel bikes, it's a good idea to opt for wider tires .

Even if you set your bike up tubeless, it's still possible to pinch flat if you bottom out the rim on a rock, root or curb — though sealant may plug the snakebite hole.

These wider tires will also help to take out some of the harshest bumps along the way, and make the ride a little more comfortable for you. Look for tyres that are a minimum width of 40mm, or even consider 650b wheels with wider MTB tires.

How we test

We have a dedicated team of testers here at  Cycling Weekly , whose job is to review a whole range of cycling products and to write objective reviews of their experience of using them day in day out in a whole range of conditions.

With huge experience, they're really well placed to compare products, identify their strengths and weaknesses and bring you an honest, unbiased assessment of how they perform.

In many way testing electric gravel bikes is the same as reviewing their acoustic counterparts. Depending on the bike, our testers ride a range of routes from forest roads to technical single track, as well as logging up plenty of miles on the road as well. Across this range of terrain we asses a number of factors, including comfort, handling, suitability for bikepacking and durability.

However, being e-bikes we also look at the motor and battery and consider ease-of-use and battery life and range amongst other factors.

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The Best Cheap Electric Bikes Under $2,000

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best Overall Propella 9S Pro V2 Read more

Runner-Up Aventon Soltera.2 Read more

The Best Name-Brand Bike Cannondale Adventure Neo Allroad Step Thru Read more

A Fully Loaded Ebike Heybike Tyson Read more

Electric bikes reduce car congestion, get you moving, and reduce your carbon footprint. Also, they’re just really fun. I’ve never met anyone who has tried an electric bike and not wanted one; in the Netherlands, ebikes currently outsell regular bikes . However, that four-figure price tag induces sticker shock. Many states are considering incentive programs , but how does that help you if you want or need an ebike now ?

Many factors drive up the price of an ebike, including expensive components, sophisticated computers, big batteries, and fancy frames. Thankfully, a handful of direct-to-consumer companies are making affordable ebikes so everyone can participate in the fun. Below, you'll find the best cheap ebikes we tested. Got a bike we should know about? Leave a comment! Don’t forget to check out our Best Electric Bikes , Best Family Bikes , and Best Bike Accessories guides for more recommendations.

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Best Overall

I've only been riding the 9S Pro V2 for a short time, but we've tested enough Propella bikes that I can confidently recommend this one as the best for most people. At 43.5 pounds with an aluminum frame, it's light enough for me, a smaller person, to lift out of the bike box and assemble without requiring a forklift. It comes about 85 percent assembled, so I can put it together in about 15 minutes. (The company suggests going to a shop if you don't feel comfortable.) It's a class 1 ebike , which means it assists up to 20 mph and it doesn't have a throttle, so you will have to pedal and shift through each of the 9 gears. The display is tiny but bright and intuitive. It's easy to navigate while riding, with just a button on the top and the side to turn it on, and a simple thumb toggle to scroll through 5 assist levels. This is Propella's second version of this bike, which is now lighter and has a torque sensor so that the assistance feels even more natural. I also particularly like the clean frame with the integrated battery, which makes it less of a target for thieves; however, if you want a removable battery because you lock your bike up in a garage, Propella also still sells its cheaper 7-speed . This is the best first bike for everyone who already likes bikes and just wants a little boost to make it the last few miles home.

This Aventon is a pleasure to pedal, and you should plan on spinning your feet on this sleek ebike. Like on the Propella, the rear motor puts out just 350 watts, meaning you’re not going to zoom fast by just using the throttle button. The battery—which is so thin and discreet that many won’t notice it’s there—holds just 9.6 amp hours, meaning you won’t zoom far, either. This second-generation Soltera also now has a new torque sensor, which performed flawlessly in our testing and mostly eliminated that jerkiness when cheap electric motors offer imperfectly calibrated assistance.

At 46 pounds, it's slightly heavier than the Propella 9S Pro V2, but it still maneuvers better than many budget ebikes we’ve tried. The components all feel solid if not bombproof, and this bike’s great looks and performance on pedal assist mean it’s ideally suited to keeping up with a crowd of fit cyclists even if you’re a schlub. —Martin Cizmar

The Best Name-Brand Bike

Enough friends have asked me to help them assemble their new ebike that I now recommend that everyone go to a shop. Going to a shop in person means you can try a bunch of bikes to find out what style you like and get sized properly. Shops usually include free assembly and a service program for 30 days or a year, so you don't have to tinker in your driveway or garage. If you're the kind of person who would pay an extra $250 for assembly from a company like Velofix, then going to a shop is worth it.

We've had great experiences with Cannondale's Adventure Neo line ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). With the latest Adventure Neo Allroad, Cannondale has switched out some of the components to make the bike more accessible. It has a 250-watt Bafang motor with a Bafang sensor and a thumb throttle, which makes it a class 2 ebike , even though it tops out at 20 mph assist. It's essentially a Rad Power Bike (see below) you can have assembled and tuned for you in a shop, but it's versatile and nimble on both roads, trails, and gravel, and small enough to fit my 5'2" height. I rode this for over a week on roads and dirt and gravel paths near my house. It's not the most powerful bike I've tested, but it's a perfectly serviceable bike that did get me up the 15 percent hill I've nicknamed Battery Killer.

A Fully Loaded Ebike

Changing your lifestyle from a car-oriented one to a bike-oriented one can be a big transition. An ebike isn't going to change your life if it spends most of its time in your garage because you forgot to buy lights or you don't feel safe riding it around. At 77 pounds, the Heybike Tyson ( 6/10, WIRED Review ) is incredibly heavy, and some of the components are fragile—I did crack the screen after I accidentally knocked it over from a standstill in my garage.

However, if you want to try out an ebike lifestyle in a super fast, comfortable, and convenient way, I still say this is a decent pick. In addition to an enormously powerful 750-watt motor, this class 3 ebike has dual suspension, enormous tires, and a plush seat for a comfy ride. It also has the most extensive ebike dashboard I've ever seen, with turn signals, multiple buttons, and a throttle. A proprietary app also tells you the bike's location and warns you if it's been stolen. The battery range is less than advertised, especially if you lean heavily on the throttle. Still, it's a good-looking bike that will have you riding at night and in the rain in no time. (You will still have to buy an additional lock though.)

Nena Farrell

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Amy Paturel

The Best Utility Bike

The RadRunner is Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes' flagship utility bike; I tried the first version , and WIRED commerce director Martin Cizmar tested the RadRunner 3 Plus ($2,099) . The company also sells a RadRunner Plus ($1,799) . The Plus denotes the tricked-out version with the passenger package and wheel guards; the third version has a few upgrades, like a slightly more powerful motor and the newer battery style that is integrated into the downtube. We have to note here that Rad Power was the focus of several lawsuits for a few years; however, these latest bikes are UL-certified.

Overall, the RadRunner series is one of the most common direct-to-consumer ebikes I see in my hometown of Portland, Oregon. The RadRunner 2 is a class 2 ebike , and Cizmar notes the bike feels burly and stable enough to support the weight of a grade schooler on the back seat. Rad's signature lights are blindingly bright, and the knobby tires and suspension are great for rougher city sidewalks or hopping low curbs. It's a little difficult to lock up at the thicker part of the frame, but the bike's design includes thinner tubes that will work.

Best Folding Bike

I've had a hit-or-miss track record testing Gotrax's electric kick scooters , but I'm pretty happy with its F2 electric bike. Considering the sub-$1,000 price, this fat-tire ebike had enough range to take me from Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, to Pier 57 in Manhattan, a roughly 20-mile round trip with some pit stops, and it had juice to spare. (I tested the original F2 , but a new “V2” model adds slight improvements , like a stronger rear rack, hydraulic brakes, and a comfier seat.) At 58 pounds, it's not as lightweight as the Lectric XP Lite (which costs $799), but it can go farther. The thick tires make bumps on the road a piece of cake. It has a 500-watt motor, and I averaged around 12 mph on the third pedal assistance level (there's a throttle you can twist too). You get a seven-speed Shimano shifter, which makes it more versatile to ride. The usual faults of any fat-tire folding ebike apply. It's cumbersome to fold up and heavy. The original model required a key to be plugged in on the underside of the bike to start it, but that has since been remedied in the V2 model—now you just need the key to unlock and remove the battery. The rear hub motor does keep running for a second after you stop pedaling, so just be careful when you're coming to a traffic light. Direct-to-consumer bikes usually have some kind of damage from shipping in my experience, and on the F2, it was a broken reflector (which is frankly much better than the damage I've seen on Lectrics). Still, you get all the amenities you want, including a rear cargo rack, bell, headlight, and taillight. It's hard to beat that value. —Julian Chokkattu

The VanMoof Alternative

Last year, the Dutch company VanMoof—long referred to as “the Tesla of ebikes”— went bankrupt . That was unfortunate, as we very much liked its affordable, good-looking bikes . If you want a Euro-style VanMoof alternative that's light, stylish, and affordable, you might want to try the Wing Freedom X ( 7/10, WIRED Review ). WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer notes it's an awful lot of bike for $1,500. It's a class 1 ebike with a 350-watt Bafang motor (you can purchase a throttle separately), seven gears, and five levels of assist. Jancer says it has strong acceleration and comfy grips and seat; it does, however, have a bit of a laggy throttle and only so-so cable brakes.

Best Comfy Cruiser

We're currently testing a few more sit-up cruisers, which is this particular style of bike meant for comfortable, slow riding around your neighborhood. If you need a bike for running errands in your sundress this summer, I recommend the Electra Loft Go! ( 7/10, WIRED Review ). It's almost 20 pounds lighter than the last Electra I tested, thanks to a new lightweight drivetrain system made by Hyena. It's a class 1 ebike with a 250-watt rear hub motor and an integrated 250-Wh battery.

This isn't a bike meant for a rigorous daily commute. The range is only about 25 miles, there's no suspension, and the curved handlebars are meant to be comfortable, not to steer around lots of rocks and potholes. However, it let me do what it's meant to do perfectly, which to me, meant breeze effortlessly next to my husband with a straw purse tucked under my arm as we went to get patio cocktails in the afternoon.

The Best All-Terrain Bike

One of my favorite electric bikes is the Specialized Turbo Tero ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ), which I called the quiver-killer—that one bike that can go anywhere, at any time, and do anything. The affordable version of that is this fat-tire ebike from Aventon. WIRED reviews editor Parker Hall used the Aventure.2 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) for everything from riding on trails to going to the store. It ships as a class 2 ebike , but you can unlock it to be a class 3, because, as Hall says, “more power rules.”

This is an ebike that feels a lot like hopping on a superlight motorcycle, but Hall does not consider that a bad thing. He rode it all summer and it felt remarkably powerful and stable, with big fat tires, front suspension, and components like a Shimano gearset. The price includes the built-in lights and fenders. As a non-bike-mechanic, he did have some trouble adjusting the hydraulic brakes (I'll say it again: Take your bike to a shop!), but he rode it for an entire summer of versatile commuting and park visits.

The Best Cargo Bike

It is simply preposterous that the Lectric XPedition only costs this much. Several of my friends own it; my spouse prefers it to my much more expensive Tern GSD ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). For the price, the build quality and the components are remarkable. You can set it to ride as a class 1, 2, or 3 ebike with five different levels of assist and throttle; the 750-watt motor has a peak of 1,310 W as well, so it will have no trouble carrying heavy loads.

I am 115 pounds, and my husband is 170 pounds; while I can get up the steep Battery Killer hill in Portland, Oregon, on my Tern GSD while carrying two kids, he cannot. He's much heavier and needs the throttle on the Lectric to give him the juice when he needs it. It's adjustable and has a low center of gravity, so both of us can use it, and the rear rack holds up to 300 pounds. Lectric also has an enormous amount of high-quality accessories, and you can customize it pretty easily. The dual kickstand is not that stable, and the motor is kind of loud, but that's about the only flaws. It's the easiest bike I've assembled out of the box too. This is the only cheap ebike I will regularly ride as a passenger, and it feels great.

The Best Bike for Elderly Riders

As WIRED contributor Stephanie Pearson notes, an electric bike keeps people healthy and moving long after they might have had to set down an analog bike. But older adults might require a bike with a step-through frame or other accommodations to help them keep it from tipping over.

The solution is an electric tricycle, and this class 2 trike from SixThreeZero fits the bill. The 250-watt motor is in the front hub, which gives it a speed of 15 mph in full-throttle mode. It has a range of up to 60 miles, and there's even a rear basket where your elderly loved one can put their small dog or a basket of library books. It's not easy to lift, but it comes in a wide array of colors, and it's very, very cute. As long as your loved one has a garage that they can roll it into, he or she can keep pedaling for as long as they want.

My Favorite Tiny Ebike

Ebikes come and ebikes go, but the one bike that I always want to have on hand is a JackRabbit . You might call it a microbike. This is the most useful electric bike I have tested for what city planners call trip-chaining, or putting multiple trips together. This is a bike that you can easily throw into a trunk and zip off to the grocery store while your kids are at the park, or if you want to drop off your car at Les Schwab and zip home for two to three hours.

The cheaper OG rings in at $1,000 , but the new XG has a slightly longer frame, a 500-watt motor, and two swappable battery slots. More power and more range make it much more useful than the original JackRabbit, even if it is a little bigger. (I do have to admit that it was funny forcing my much larger spouse to ride up and down the street on a quarter-sized electric bike.) I enjoy puttering around my neighborhood and startling my neighbors when I zip around a corner on something that looks like what their child should be riding. It is a cute and capable last-mile solution .

Honorable Mentions

Not every bike we've tested is a top pick, but here are a few more options if nothing above suits you:

• The Lectric XP 3.0 for $1,437 : This is the bike I see the most often in my neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu also found that it offered great value for the price, with suspension, a throttle, reliable range, and a host of affordable accessories. He also tested Lectric's XP Lite , which honestly wasn't that much lighter and was frustrating to use.
• The Lectric XP Trike for $1,715 : This is a slightly more affordable option than the SixThreeZero trike above. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu tested it and enjoyed the range and power of this trike, but he also had some difficulties maneuvering it around and keeping it maintained.
• The Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser for $1,595 : I'm always surprised that 65-pound behemoths are always advertised as entry-level electric bikes. Nevertheless, I found that Ride1Up's version offers a lot of power and comfort for the money, with big thick wheels, a plushy seat, and a long-lived battery.

Keep It Fire Free

Even cheap ebikes are vehicles, not toys. In our years of testing electric bikes, we've had components snap on us at 20 miles per hour; we've had pedals break off, kicked fenders as we rode, and even had drive trains arc on us as we were assembling them. It's important that we recommend a safe bike.

The most important factor we look for as we test ebikes is UL certification. As ebikes have boomed in popularity, so have the number of deadly fires from charging poorly regulated lithium-ion batteries . Starting on September 16, 2023, New York City requires that all battery-operated mobility devices sold, rented, or leased in New York City be certified by an accredited testing laboratory to comply with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety standards.

You don't have to let safety considerations deter you from buying a cheap ebike, but we would urge you to consider a few basic safety rules. As a general rule of thumb, treat your bike like you would any other giant battery. Do not leave it charging overnight. Do not use a third-party charger. If it gets smashed, starts leaking, or looks weird, leave it alone and call the fire department. And as always, do not let your children ride it or play with it unattended .

Medea Giordano

Ryan Waniata

Louryn Strampe

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Could “E-Bikepacking” Become a Thing?

As we’ve seen over the last five or so years, e-bikes have gained a solid footing in the bike marketplace and attracted many new riders, but can they become a mode of transport for bikepacking trips? In our latest video, Neil delves into several details in hopes of finding an answer to that question…

Just last week, Salsa launched its new range of e-bikes, and it got all of us thinking about how this fits into the adventure cycling world; after all, Salsa has dedicated its brand to backpacking bikes and “adventure by bike” for well over a decade. While Salsa’s release of these new models may have been the impetus to create this video, plenty of other brands have already developed e-bikes with a similar intent. We’ll get into that at the end of this video, but just by searching “adventure e-bikes” in Google, you’ll find yourself in a strikingly unfamiliar world.

That reminded me of how out of the loop I—and the rest of the BIKEPACKING.com team—am when it comes to e-bikes. This isn’t something we did on purpose, exactly , but we have always (and will continue to) put human-powered travel at the forefront of what we do. But to better understand if e-bikepacking is even possible and what its future might look like, we need to discuss a few things, regardless of whether all of us are on board with the idea or not. Watch the video below, and read on for a written version.

Types of e-bikes

First, we need to understand the different types of e-bikes and how they’re classified, which varies by country.

Here in the United States, there are three main classes: Class 1 provides pedal assist up to 20 mph, Class 2 offers throttle assistance alongside pedal assist up to 20 mph, and Class 3 extends pedal assist up to 28 mph. Simply put, classes 1 and 3 require pedaling, while all you need to do for class 2 is press a throttle and go.

In Canada, motors are limited to a 500-watt output and can’t travel faster than 32 kilometers (20 miles) per hour on motor power alone on level ground.

In Europe, e-bikes are typically limited to 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) per hour with pedal assist only, no throttle. Going faster makes it a Speed Pedelec, requiring registration and plates. Motors are capped at 250 watts, with some exceptions like “Boost Modes.” However, the UK may soon raise this limit to 500 watts. Compared to the US, European e-bikes are slower and less powerful but widely accepted and can be ridden almost anywhere without much controversy.

E-bikes also differ based on the bike’s electric motor location; you will see two main types of e-bikes: 1. mid-drive, where the motor is located and built into the bottom bracket; and 2. hub drive, where the motor is in the rear or sometimes front hub. The lightweight and compact design of the hub drive gives bicycle manufacturers more freedom and, as you can see here with the Confluence, makes the bike look much more conventional, but generally, hub drive e-bikes are not as powerful. Each one of these bikes also comes with one of many drive brands; for example, there are a lot of mid-drive motors such as Bosch, SRAM, Shimano, and others. It’s worth mentioning that there are also aftermarket kits available to turn existing bikes into e-bikes and back into non-assisted again. Cass has successfully done this using the Bafang mid-drive motor on a Jones .

The most significant variable among e-bikes is the battery life, which dictates ride time and distance and recharging logistics. This is where things start to get complex, and if you value the freedom of simply riding your bike and camping wherever you want, a battery-powered bike might not be for you. Things that affect battery range are weather, rider/rig weight, terrain, throttle usage, cadence, and riding speed. But to get a better idea of what to expect, you need to understand what battery/drive system you are using.

Since Salsa used the Bosch motor system, in the video I plugged the Tributary specs into the Bosch range calculator using conditions I often find myself in. I would say I’m around 190ish pounds with a loaded bike. The Tributary has a performance line mid-drive system and a PowerTube 625 battery. It appears we are on an “upright road bike” with cross-country tires, and I plugged in conditions I find in my backyard here in Colorado during the summer. I guessed I would be going about 12 miles per hour, and for kicks, I just set the auto-riding mode on. Bosch says I would likely get around 34 miles, and when I add the range extender, that gives me almost 50 miles.

Now, I know this is a case of “a lot depends,” but it should give you a good idea. You could get more in the eco mode in perfect conditions or much less in turbo mode in less-than-ideal riding conditions. We could really get into the weeds about this a bit more, but simply put, no ride or e-bike is the same, and a lot depends on the specific battery and motor, the way you ride, and the conditions you ride it on. This might be a reason why some manufacturers simply don’t even share the max range of certain bikes.

Recharging is another factor that might make you rethink a trip, as you’ll need a way to recharge your batteries to continue moving with assistance. You can still pedal an e-bike without using a motor; but bear in mind that some motors exhibit significant drag, and with the added weight, it’s much more challenging without the assistance of the motor’s power. This means you must bring a charger; some work faster than others, and some are larger than others. My Bosch 4a charger comes in at just under 800 grams and is the size of a water bottle—that’s not light or small.

Once you get a good feel for your battery range, you can better understand how far you can go between stops. While I sometimes find myself in hotels on trips, 90% of the time, I camp in the woods or under the stars, which I strongly prefer while bikepacking, and I know I’m not alone. E-bikepacking opens a different style of travel, one where you might consider riding from lodge to lodge or hotel to hotel or even to more developed campgrounds that have outlets to recharge your battery each night. Depending on the battery drain, capacity, and charge time, this could take up to a whole night with some of the largest batteries available. And while there are chargers to charge batteries rapidly, it’s best for the battery’s lifespan to slow charge them.

Overall Weight

Obviously, the more weight you have, the more energy your e-bike will use to carry you forward. When we think about adding up to 30 pounds (or 14 kilograms), that’s a significant amount and will certainly take up more battery life. I’m sure there’s a more precise way of calculating this, but again, this is an introductory video, so I won’t dive into that today.

e-bike regulations

In the United States, regulations regarding e-bikes vary by state and locality. Generally, e-bikes are allowed on roads and streets where traditional bicycles are permitted. However, access to bike paths, trails, and other recreational areas may depend on the classification of the e-bike. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are typically permitted on most trails and paths, but restrictions may apply in particular areas.

An excellent example of this is locally here in the Gunnison National Forest, where e-bikes are allowed on all motorized trails where dirt bikes are permitted but off limits to non-motorized trails. That said, it might not be as cut and dry in other areas. Class 3 e-bikes, with their higher speeds, may face more stringent regulations depending on your location, such as Colorado, where class 3 e-bikes aren’t allowed on bike paths due to the faster speeds they can travel.

E-bike Friendly Routes?

What has to be considered for bikepacking routes to be e-bike-friendly? This will require some homework, but as I mentioned, if you wanted to ride the Great Divide MTB Route, the bike path section in Colorado from Silverthorn to Breck is off-limits to a class 3 e-bike, such as The Salsa Tributary, so you would need to ride with traffic. However, Class 1 e-bikes such as the Salsa Confluence can ride that path. You must also find supplemental charging, as many stretches on bikepacking routes are 100+ miles between resupply.

In Europe, as I mentioned, e-bikes are much less controversial. In fact, many places have already built infrastructure around them. Some places in the mountains there, like the Dolomites, are completely set up for e-bikes, with charging ports in huts and public charging zones in some places too, which you could integrate into a bikepacking trip. That said, e-bikes work really well in Europe because the distance between chargers is often shorter. This all means it might be difficult to plan a trip on an already established route without doing some serious planning here in the United States. I would think the upside here is that you can likely lower your overall travel time, as e-bikes are certainly more efficient and faster from A to B. That approach might allow a bit more downtime where you can charge your bike or take a more extended lunch break in a town and get back on the bike to your next outlet.

Finally, e-bikes often require more maintenance. Not only are there moving parts, but limited-life parts like chains and brake pads will wear out faster, so if you’re on a more extended trip, you may need to pay more attention to that.

e-bikepacking as a tool

All that said, one benefit of an e-bike is using it as a tool to enable bikepacking routes—think scouting routes or trying to find out if a road goes through without as much effort. I could see where folks could use an e-bike for this reason and a slew of others, such as helping get folks on bikes who otherwise couldn’t, getting out to a trail work day without access via roads, or using cargo bikes that replace vehicles. As a commuter, I’ve been using a Surly Big Easy for the better part of three years. In the summers, it truly replaces a vehicle, picking up groceries, doing chores around town, dropping off packages at the post office, and picking up our kiddo from daycare.

But e-cargo bikes can also double as family e-bikepacking rigs or for dog hauling, as Cass has demonstrates. This also means you may not need to go and drive out to a trailhead but rather just pedal out of town on the e-bike with ease before getting into the good stuff. Not only is it more rewarding riding from your front door, but you don’t have to worry about parking your car overnight at a trailhead. So, whether you’re on a cargo bike or using your e-bike for around-town commuting or errands, these things are extremely useful.

The best e-bikes for bikepacking?

This all begs the question, is there a good e-bike for bikepacking? And if so, what kind? Obviously, like any sub-genre of bikepacking, it depends on the type of riding you plan on doing. But there aren’t many options optimized for bikepacking just yet, and when I say this, I mean performance-based bikes with big-volume tire clearance, stable geometry, and extra-long battery life. The new Salsa Tributary seems like a good option for a quick overnighter out of town or if you can plan a trip around recharging every 30-50 miles. The bike clears 2.6” rubber and generally looks like a capable bike for dirt road excursions. Another really intriguing option is the Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Comp, which has 2.2” tire clearance and a claimed 120-mile range in ideal riding conditions and bike settings (but much less from the research I have done in suboptimal conditions, or let’s say, my ideal conditions).

There are a number of e-bikes in the gravel category, such as the Niner RLT E9 RDO that comes with a 500 watt-hour battery. The Kona Libre EL is another option that’s a bit lighter than many of the drop-bar e-bikes but is a class 1 with a 500Wh Shimano battery. The Cannondale Topstone Neo is another that springs to mind. Then there are hardtails, which actually offer some of the best geometry for mixed-terrain bikepacking routes, but if you’re riding more steep, techy climbs, the battery life tends to be much shorter. A few options that look promising include the Orbea Urrun, Kona Remote, or the Trek Powerfly 4, but the market is also saturated with e-bike-specific brands. If it were me, I would stick with a brand that has a history of putting together acoustic bikes.

In my opinion, all of the above-mentioned bikes simply don’t quite cut the mustard. Ideally, there would be a bike that has an average range of 50 miles in hilly or mountainous terrain. I know that puts a lot of pressure on the battery, but that’s what I think would be a good baseline before I take one out on an e-bikepacking trip. If I did plan a trip with an e-bike, I would need to rethink my goals and how I conceptualize bikepacking—on my normal trips, I don’t always find myself in towns every day.

I appreciate the infrastructure being built and developed in Europe, but similar opportunities don’t seem to be fully fleshed out in other parts of the world. I certainly don’t foresee the industry making more dedicated e-bikepacking bikes just yet, but I do see improved run times being a priority, so maybe we will see something more apt for bikepacking down the road.

What do you think about the future e-bikepacking? Have you done it, or would you? What else am I missing? I invite you to let me know your thoughts in the conversation below.

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The Best e-Bike Tours In The US, From Wine Country to Washington

Posted: April 23, 2023 | Last updated: November 29, 2023

Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe, New Mexico

A treasure trove of Indigenous artifacts, desert-like southwestern landscapes and fascinating Spanish forts await you on this three-and-a-half hour guided tour. Run by Heritage Inspirations , the trip aims to uncover lesser-known gems in the New Mexico capital, all with the ease of battery-assisted bikes – which come in an aesthetically pleasing mint green color.

Starting at the Cross of the Martyrs in Fort Marcy Park (pictured), cyclists will pedal their way through the city, visiting attractions including the Randall Davey Audubon Center, the stunning River Park and the hip Railyard District. According to recent Tripadvisor reviews , guides are highly knowledgeable, and the tour takes guests along quieter streets, while thorough lessons in how to use the e-bikes are provided. 

17-Mile Drive Tour, Big Sur, California

Although it’s better known as a road trip destination, California’s wild and windswept Big Sur coastline is perfect for exploring by e-bike. This well-planned tour , which takes you along an ultra-scenic 17-mile (23km) section of the road in around two and a half hours, is a great way to experience some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes along this storied route.

Beginning at Asilomar State Beach, you’ll learn the history of this beautiful surfing beach before hopping onto your e-bike and cycling along the rugged coastline towards the start of 17-Mile Drive. Memorable stops along the way include Lone Cypress (pictured) – a starkly beautiful Monterey cypress set on its own headland jutting out to sea – as well as the pristine stretch of sand at Carmel Bay and Bird Rock point, where you’ll get to watch sea lions frolicking in the water. 

3-hour Guided Wine Country Tour in Sonoma on Electric Trike, California

Although they offer something a little different from the conventional e-biking experience, the e-trikes provided by Pushpak Motors are a fun and environmentally friendly way to explore California’s wine country. With space for two riders apiece, these three-wheeled electric trikes will whizz you past scenic vineyards in no time – with plenty of stops along the way.

Check out America's best destinations for wine lovers

And it’s not just sightseeing you’ll get to do on this no-holds-barred tour. Over the course of three hours, guests can enjoy stops for wine and cheese tasting at prized local wineries. If you want a little more time to relax and enjoy the views (and wine), book onto the more elaborate five-hour tour, which includes an additional winery visit and plenty more time to explore lesser-known roads.  

Fat Tire E-Bike Tour through Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Covering more than 500 square miles (1,295sq km) of Hawaii’s Big Island, including two active volcanoes (Kīlauea and Mauna Loa), Volcanoes National Park is jam-packed with awe-inspiring landscapes. And what better way to take them in than on an electric bike? Volcano Ohana offers a three-hour experience on its trademark fat tire e-bikes, which are just the thing for navigating the region’s challenging volcanic terrain. 

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Asheville Historic Downtown Guided Electric Bike Tour, North Carolina

Surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and full of historic attractions, Asheville is a great city to discover by e-bike.  The Flying Bike  offers a three-hour tour of downtown, allowing you to learn about the city’s inspiring architecture, discover its fast-changing arts and cultural scene and pick up some brilliant recommendations from local guides. 

Half-Day Electric Bike Tour of Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada

With the option to take either a guided or self-guided tour via e-bike, Escape Adventures ’ half-day experience is an ideal way to see this National Conservation Area. Recent Tripadvisor reviewers have praised the tours’ organization and the quality of the bikes, with many reporting that the added help of an e-bike was necessary to manage the hills along the route.

Discover the most eco-friendly destinations to visit this year

Guided E-bike tour of downtown St Petersburg, Florida

Tucked between the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay, St Petersburg is one of Florida’s most charming cities and it’s perfect for some pedal-powered adventures. With Bay E-Bikes’ downtown tour , a local expert will take you around the city’s most noteworthy attractions, including colorful murals, waterfront parks and St Pete Pier.

Discover more about Tampa Bay and its surrounding areas here

The family-friendly three-hour tour, which has received rave reviews on Tripadvisor , includes bike, helmet and lock rental, as well as drop-off and pick-up. Bay E-Bikes also offers a wildlife and history tour around Fort De Soto Park, located just southwest of the city, during which you’ll get to explore these gorgeous offshore keys and learn about the plants and wildlife they support.

San Juan Islands biking tour, Washington

If you’re after a full-blown, multi-day adventure, this incredibly beautiful bike tour through Washington’s San Juan Islands is well worth considering. The seven-day adventure covers a total of 134 miles (216km) by either regular or e-bike, including ferry trips across the Salish Sea, six nights of accommodation at boutique inns and a tried-and-tested, detailed itinerary.

Ketchikan Electric Bike and Rainforest Hike Ecotour, Alaska

For an intrinsically Alaskan tour experience, look no further than this highly rated excursion from the Ketchikan Kayak Company . Taking visitors around the most scenic parts of Ketchikan – famously the entrance to the Inside Passage – it includes a journey down the so-called ‘Road to Nowhere’ and a guided hike through the Tongass National Forest.

You’ll get the chance to spot some incredible wildlife, including porpoises, seals and sea lions, along the coastal section of the route. Meanwhile, the journey through the rainforest gives you the chance to see an active salmon-spawning stream, a waterfall and plenty of native Alaskan flora and fauna. The trip includes a smoked salmon meal (or vegan option) and beverages, plus round-trip transportation from Ketchikan downtown. 

Discover more of Alaska's amazing sights

Boston City View Bike Tour, Massachusetts

The historic city of Boston can be explored on foot, of course – but a little pedal power will allow you to see many of its most important sights in a shorter amount of time. Urban AdvenTours’ flagship e-bike tour , which takes around two and a half to three hours, takes you through Fenway Park, Boston University Campus, Boston Common and past plenty of attractive brownstones.

Original Electric Cruiser Fat Tire Bike Tour, Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is a great city for cycling, with more than 300 miles (482km) of bikeways , including designated cycle-only paths, bike lanes and multi-use routes. And the fat-tire, electric-assisted cruiser bikes offered by Electric Cruiser Bike Tours are a great way for all the family to get out and explore the city. 

During a two-hour trip you’ll get to see some of the city’s best-loved neighborhoods, including the University of Colorado, the historic downtown, Chautauqua and along Boulder Creek. According to recent Tripadvisor reviews , the tours are well-paced, guides are knowledgeable and there are a good number of stops at interesting locations along the way. 

Now discover the amazing North American destinations to visit with your EV

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THE BEST Bike Tours in Khamovniki (Moscow)

Bike tours in khamovniki.

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• Ostankinskiy
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Bike Tours of Moscow