Ditch the Car (and Gas Hike) for These Top-Rated E-Bikes Instead. Great electric bikes

Top Ebike Brands of 2023: Our Favorites List

We started as a family of two, looking to ditch the second car, as we entered the world of ebikes. A few years later, now a family of four, we have quite a few trusty ebikes and still only a single car. Through our extensive time riding, my wife and I have our favorites when it comes to ebike brands. Each of our top ebike brands offers a quality ebike, good customer service, and a variety of models to select from to suit your needs. Browse our favorite brands below. This page will continue to be updated as we experience more brands of electric bikes.

Rad Power Bikes

Rad Power Bikes is the largest ebike brand in North America. Based out of Seattle, Washington, this company is growing extremely quickly and announced in February 2021 that they had raised a 150 million minority of investment to further its brand. If you want to learn more about the origins of Rad Power Bikes, I recommend NPR’s How I Built This podcast with Mike Radenbaugh, the company’s founder.

The upside and downside to this brand are that it is a direct consumer company. This means they cut out the middleman by selling directly to consumers instead of through bike dealers. However, if you are looking for that bike dealer experience, Rad has begun to open its own “Rad owned” stores in order to be able to provide service and test riding to its customers.

The RadWagon was my family’s first ebike. It is still our most consistently used ebike. Before our child, my wife and I rode on it together. We also use it for hauling groceries, rummage sale finds, and now a child. Since that first Rad ebike we have had the opportunity to try out their entire line-up of bikes. So if there is a model you are interested in, we have a review for it. We talk about this brand so often that we made the most frequently asked questions post for Rad Power Bikes. We also have created a Rad Owners Forum so we can hear from other Rad lovers.

Rad Power Bikes will forever be our first (ebike) love.

For related Rad Power Bikes ebike model reviews, see:

Buying a Rad Power Bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Lectric eBikes

Lectric ebikes makes just one electric bike model offered in both high step and step-thru variations. The Lectric XP 2.0 comes in at just 999 offers a large-enough-for-most 9.6 Ah battery with a 800-watt peak motor. We like that the frame design makes this ebike accessible to a variety of riders regardless of height or biking ability. New for 2021 is the optional accessories including front and rear racks, a more comfortable seat (plus seatpost), folding bike lock, and premium headlight. Did we mention it folds? Suffice to say we believe the Lectric XP 2.0 packs a lot of value at 999 and is perfect for those who just want to cruise around without breaking the bank.

Buy a Lectric electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Aventon

Aventon solidly fits in the value-priced ebike space. Their go head to head with some of the biggest names in electric bikes. On top of their great prices, there are Aventon dealers across the United States which means you can test a bike out for yourself before purchasing. Plus many of their models come in various frame sizes meaning you don’t have to compromise on the one-size-fits-all approach that many ebikebrands take.

For Aventon electric bike coverage check out the following:

Buying an Aventon electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Ride1Up

If you are looking for a down-to-earth company with a heart for getting more people on bikes and less in cars, then look no further than Ride1Up. I was blown away by the generosity that the founder, Kevin Duggar showed by welcoming an interview with me (see it here). He spent a crazy amount of time talking with me about his ebikes even though I know he is an extremely busy brand owner. His passion for creating a quality and affordable ebike lineup was extremely evident during our conversation. This is a company whose leadership shines through in everything they make.

Ride1Up offers six models to choose from with a clear FOCUS on commuter style electric bikes. You won’t find any fat tire models on their website. One of their most unique models, the Roadster V2, doesn’t even look like an ebike. With its slim, lightweight design and built in battery, this ebike masquerades as a low-tech commuter bike in disguise. Ride1Up is sending us this model to test ride. We will add the video review link once we have one.

ditch, hike, these, top-rated, e-bikes, instead

I love this brand for its passion for not just selling a product, but getting people excited about moving more and driving less. This company is incredible to work with and I have loved every bike I have test-ridden and owned. Ride1Up is a quality, direct consumer company like Rad Power Bikes which means less cost to the consumer.

For related Ride1Up articles and resources, see:

For related Ride1Up ebike model reviews, see:

Buying a Ride1Up electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Ariel Rider

Founded by two brothers, Ariel Rider is a quiet achiever in electric bikes. Their sweet spot as of late has been moped style electric bikes which provide incredible performance for the price. If you’re in the market for a moped-style electric bike you’ll be able to find something that suits your specific needs. Here is the current lineup:

Rideal: traditional frame design at an incredible price (999)
C-Class: Fully-outfitted mid-drive ebike for the daily commute (1,799)
M-Class: Urban electric bike with a mid-drive motor (1,649)
X-Class: Moped-style electric bike that packs a punch (1,699) Also available in 52V variation (2,099.00)
D-Class: Dual motor moped-style electric bike that packs a bigger punch (2,399.00)
Grizzly: The ultimate moped-style electric bike: dual suspension, dual motor, dual battery (2,999.00)

For related Ariel Rider articles, see:

Buying an Ariel Rider Electric Bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Juiced Bikes

Juiced Bikes biggest differentiator is their batteries. It is rare to find a direct-to-consumer ebike company in 2022 offering 52-volt batteries. On top of the 52-volt batteries are the 19.2 Ah batteries offered as an option (or included) on some models. The nearly 1000 watt-hour capacity will surely cure your range anxiety.

As of late Juiced Bikes has been focusing on moped style electric bikes with the introduction of the Scorpion, HyperScorpion, and the new dual-battery HyperScrambler 2. They continue to offer a commuter model called the CrossCurrent and a fat tire electric bike called the RipCurrent.

For related Juiced Bikes articles, see:

Buying a Juiced Bikes electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Biktrix

Originally launched as a Kickstarter campaign, this Canadian company has expanded its direct-to-consumer ebike company into a wide range of ebike models that ships worldwide.

The ultimate selling point for Biktrix: you can CUSTOMIZE your heart out. Customizable options include color, frame size, battery, wheels, forks, brakes and more. You can truly purchase the ebike of your dreams.

Biktrix has many models to select from in four series/categories:

Buying a Biktrix electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Blix Bikes

Blix Bikes was founded all the way back in 2014 in Santa Cruz California. That alone comes with some street cred, but the company backs that up with great ebikes. Previously Blix has offered city-oriented ebikes including folding and cargo ebike models. For 2022, they have expanded further into fat tire ebikes with the Ultra and a model designed for urban environments, the Dubbel.

We came away impressed with the quality during our Blix Packa Genie review and can’t wait to get our hands on their other models as well. Not only do we feel like they offer a great value proposition but their customer support is US based making them an easy brand for us to recommend.

Buying a Blix electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Electric Bike Company

There aren’t many ebike brands that can claim their ebikes are built in the United States. Electric Bike Company or EBC for short is one exception. Because of this, their ebikes have a certain quality about them, and it’s something you can’t fully appreciate until you see them in person.

Most of their models are cruisers or beach-style ebikes, meaning an upright riding position with swept-back handlebars. Paired with the seats, their ebikes are among the most comfortable to ride. Another unique thing, EBC ebikes are shipped via freight. While shipping isn’t free, their ebikes arrive at your home more fully assembled than most brands, and best of all – they arrive in pristine condition!

For related EBC articles, see:

Buying an Electric Bike Company electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Super73

Super73 is a motorcycle-inspired ebike brand founded in 2016 in Southern California. They have a dedicated community, and they have carved out their niche in the moped-style electric bike space. They have, for the lack of a better comparison, evolved into the Apple of ebike brands. Part of this is their excellent marketing which has been buoyed by celebrity endorsements. I typically don’t get excited about buying a product because it’s “cool” but I have to give Super73 credit – their ebikes look incredible.

Planning to buy a Super73 electric bike? Using my link will get you 100 off your purchase.

Propella

7S and were hard pressed to find something we didn’t like about it. While the small motor and battery (250w motor and 7ah battery)are not going to fit everyone’s use case. The lightweight (37lbs total weight), and simple styling make this a great city or short distance commuter bike. Propella does offer the option to purchase a second battery, to help fight that range anxiety.

The upcoming 9S Pro is likely to fit the bill for more riders. The 9S pro comes equipped with a larger battery and a more powerful motor (350w motor and a 9.7ah battery). But sticks to the “elegant, lightweight and affordable” mission of Propella. (41lbs and 1699 MSRP) We are excited for the 9S Pro to release in August 2022. But cannot speak highly enough of the 7S and the other great offerings that Propella has. We cannot wait to see what this US based company has in store for the future.

Buying a Propella Electric bike? Using our affiliate link makes content like this possible.

Top Ebike Brands Wrap Up

If you are shopping for an electric bike you can’t go wrong with any brands in our top ebike brands list. They all are reputable ebike brands with an established history in the electric bike space. It’s going to be exciting to see the new models coming out of these brands.

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

Hi. I live in Santa Fe, NM. What’s your recommendation for a good mountain/trail bike, some flat terrain, and some up the mountain trails. Thanks!

Depends on your price range. There are so many great E-MTBs on the market today! Depending on the trails something like the Vvolt Sirius might be an option: https://ebikeescape.com/vvolt-e-mobility-ebikes-launches-with-four-belt-drive-models/

I moved to mexico but cannot find a Mex E bike. Can you suggest a company or some company that ships to mexico

Thank you for all the great information you provide for the e-bikes. However I am running into a problem finding e-bikes for 300-380lb person. As I like to bike as much as anyone else. Are there any e-bike companies out there that accommodate this. It would be for all around use, Pavements concrete, mild dirt road etc… Thank you.

Hi Paw, Vvolt’s framesets have a weight limit of 440 lbs but they say to contact them regarding modifications: https://bit.ly/2VPMy8q The other company that comes to mind is Biktrix, weight limits depend on model but they have higher capacities than most: https://lddy.no/wzo3 Hope this helps!

I highly recommend Benno Bikes. The Boost is a fantastic bike. Very reliable. Strong. They are powered by Bosch. Practically Bullitt proof and fun to ride!!

Hi Ryan, I love your YouTube channel, great job! My husband and I will be purchasing e bikes (through your affiliate link, of course). We are looking to spend around 2000 per bike. He is 6’1 and I am 5’3 so I’m thinking Aventon might be our best option because of different frame size. I would like something with good range and comfort. I have found that my current hybrid trek bike gives me Wrist pain, also without any suspension it is a bumpy ride. We will be moving to Florida so I hope to find something that can go on paved trail as well as the sandy. crushed shell paths that can find in Florida Do you think aventon is our best choice? I also really like the Rad bike company. We do not require a folding bike, by the way. Thanks for your help!

Hi Ryan! Thank you for all of this information. I am 5’2”, 105#, 48 yo female in good physical shape and am stumped between the Aventon Level and the Ride1Up 700. I haven’t ridden the R1U but Комментарии и мнения владельцев from owners are making me lean that way. The one thing about the Level is that I don’t think I will get the exercise that I would like bc the PAS is so strong on #1. I like how the Pace 500 felt but the NexGen does not allow one to have a back fenderbasket. I really want both. I’m scared to get a bike that depends on ME to put it together. Plus, what if I don’t even like it? Can you help me decide??

Both great options! Call around to see if they will assemble your ebike. Perhaps you live near an Aventon dealer.

Hello, I noticed you actually reply to every, thank you! My gf is 4″8 is there an e bike that would fit her?

Hello, What we really need to know is what her inseam measurement is? Really any step-thru design bike will fit her for stand over height. However figuring out the most comfortable pedaling bike, inseam measurement is going to be really important here. Will keep an eye out for your reply. Best, JT

Hi! I live in San Diego and although most of the terrain is flat, I’d like to use to commute to work (3mi with some up hill). Mostly going to be used as a cruiser…any recommendations? Is there a brand that you’d recommend over another?

Hard to narrow it down to just one. The market has so many great options right now. Some of out favorite brands have to be Rad Power Bikes, Aventon, or Ride1up. They all offer great cruiser style bikes, just comes down to some personal preferences at that point. Take a look into those brands, and let us know if you have any specific questions about any models.

I’m a long-time experienced rider who has been off the bike for a while. I don’t know much about ebikes but am learning fast. This article is great! Thank you! I’m 6’1″, 235 lbs., and looking at a ride home from work that includes a 5-mile, 1400-foot ascent. Any specific recommendations? Thanks!

I would honestly recommend a Mid-Drive ebike for you. Being that you have experience riding a bike, the Mid-drive option will feel more natural for you to ride. Ride1up Prodigy is a great option or maybe even a VVolt Sirus. We have video reviews on both if you are curious about them. Ebike Escape YouTube Channel Hope that helps.

Just watched your video on the Propella 7S v4. I’ve never watch a bike being built; very entertaining! I have the Propella. Wanted a light weight low priced good bike. And that is what I got. Tell me, if I want more power and a longer ride ….and insist on Light Weight, have you found anything comparable to the Propella? I did notice that Propella was not included on your list of favorites. Tell me more

Hello John. For the price, there is not anything else we have found. If you are willing to spend a bit more GT makes a bike called the eGrade and there are a couple of other “big box” brands that have similar offerings. But for the budget-minded, Propella takes the cake. Thank you for pointing out the “Top Ebike Brands” Page. They are actually listed on there, I just forgot to add them to the “Jump to” section at the top. Will fix that now. We are very excited to try out the 9Pro in the near future.

Hello, can i ask why lectric ebikes are so low on the list? Does it have to do with quality? Thank you

Their placement on this list has nothing to do with quality. The list is just written in the order of us “discovering” and adding the brands. It is not in descending order or anything of that nature.

My wife is 5’0 and watched your video on the Velotric Discover 1 Commuter Bike. Her inseam is around 26″. She prefers a ST frame. Is there a different Bike that you would recommend in a similar price range?

The Aventon Pace 350 or Ride1up Core-5 are both options. Really for any ebike I think she will not be able to be stopped and sit on the seat. But she should still be able to pedal them all with little issue.

Hello! What a wealth of information you provide! Thanks! Here are my specifics; 70 years old, live on a dirt/gravel road with hills around me. Don’t have the storage space for a 4×4 plus years ago, when living in the city I had a Trek road bike that I loved! So.with all this being said and with all the brand’s available could you filter out what brands you would recommend? I know this might be a tall job given my needs so any help you can give would be appreciated!

There are quite a few brands that fit your needs. But I think I need a bit more information based upon some things you said. Are you looking for an ebike that can replace a 4×4? Do you need a step-through frame? Is the weight of the ebike an issue? What are you looking to do with it? Ride it to town to do errands?

70 year old 5’10”, 175#. Want to ride but have neck injury so need to reduce up and down jerky movements, need step thru, upright position. Ideally would like folding, but comfort most important. Any ideas for me? Whatever I buy I will do thru your links, your site is fantastic!

I would hate to recommend something for you and have it irritate your neck injury. What I would really recommend for you would be to go to a riding center or find a dealer near you for ebikes. That way you could try out some ebikes before making any purchases.

Ryan, I’m interested in a folding eBike with a mid motor and carbon belt drive, and would love to see you do a review of the Evelo DASH. I want to compare it with the Electric Bike Company model F and get your opinion about the comparison between the two. Thanks

We will definitely add that to our “wish” list of ebikes to review. It looks like an awesome-ly spec’d ebike.

I’ve been watching a lot of your videos and I say you are doing a superb job of helping every type of rider!! I’m a 71 year old female who is on the look for my 1st ebike. I think I need 2! A small, lightweight for camping and a better one for around town. I’m leaning towards Lectric for camping and Rad for home. However, there’s a Pedego dealer very close to me. I’m very mechanical, but the idea of having support nearby is tugging at my heartstrings. I better visit Pedego. Don’t you agree? And of course, I’ll purchase through you, to repay you for all your help!

Completely agree. Having local service and availability of parts is hard to pass up. We wouldn’t fault you for following your heart on that one.

Hoping to get an opinion on my quest to find an e-bike that meets my needs. Here are my wants. Need bike with enough power to handle moderate/steep hills. Need to be able to carry a passenger, my 6yo son. I am around 250lbs and son is 44 lbs. Prefer fat tire type bike with step thru or lower top post. Needs to be configurable for class 3. Can’t spend more than 2500 or so. Here is where I’m at in the process. I first tried Radrunner plus. Good support for hauling kid on back but very unpowered. Had a tough time getting up fairly steep hilll had to pedal really hard. So retuned that. Then bought juiced bikes rip current s due to powerful motor. Bike was damaged on arrival and they took too long to replace so I moved on. Now I’m looking at Blix Utra. It seems to have the right mix. Nice hefty rear rack that can support 150lbs. 750 watt motor with peak output around 1300 watts. Any issues with Blix in general? I also like the aventon aventure but rear rack not as solid and they have throttle lag issue that I don’t like. I would rather have a 1000 watt motor but prob don’t really need it. Any others I should look at? Thanks in advance for any info.

We recently reviewed the Blix Packa and have nothing but good things to say about it. It might even replace Ryan’s current kid hauler, the Radwagon 4. I think the Blix Dubbel might actually fit what you are looking for a bit more. Currently in Pre-Order, but should be shipping in November: https://bit.ly/3ye1VaO (affiliate link)

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I like the form factor and versatility (off road, etc)of the Ultra. The Dubbel has a similar form factor to the Radrunner Plus, which I felt was too small for me, being 6’1″. One other question for you. My only remaining concern about the Ultra is use of the Shengyi motor over the more common Bafang, which appears to be the gold standard for e-bike motors. Any concerns there?

Not really. Hub motors have been around for a long time, and are really a proven component. Shengyi looks to have been making motors for close to 20 years (established in 2003). Blix also has a 1 year warranty on motors and frames (which is standard, but always nice to see).

Love your YouTube videos! I am interested in the Priority Current. Have you ridden one and do you have an opinion on this model. Do you have an alternative recommendation to the Current? Thanks and keep up the good work!

We have not ridden any Priority ebikes. They look like some nice spec’d models. We are big fans of mid-drive ebikes. Ride1Up has the Prodigy ST or XR and we are fans of the Vvolt ebikes. Both of those ebikes we have video reviews on.

To be honest I have 2 Focus bikes, a 29ner hardtail and a full suspension, know my bikes, work on them and do Centuries, I’m 74. Bought a Rad and Lectric bike and sold them, didn’t like mechanical brakes and too slow. Recenty bought a Magic Cycle Oscelot Pro and couldn’t be happier. Techtro hydrolic brakes, the best and up to 80 mile range with pedal assist. Have gone 75 miles with partial throttle. Army Green, in my opinion the welds are fantastic and components are great. Too bad they are not on your list, far superior to your #1 Rad bike. And they have only been in business for 2 years. Will purchase the Cruiser Pro upon the sale of one of my Focus bikes. Just my opinion. Also the best packaging upon receipt!

Which ebike are you talking about? If you are just getting something fixed up on the mechanical side of the bike, most local shops should be able to help.

I am so torn between Rad Rover plus 6 steps-through and Aventon Aventure 2 step-through. What’s your recommendation.

They are both great bikes. The Aventure offers a different look and a slightly more powerful motor. Is there something specific that is holding you back from one vs the other?

Thank you so much for your fast response! The weight of the bike, and the customer service. I am not sure which customer service is better. I would like to not have issues and can’t reach anybody. I wish it was a Walmart product. Do you think purchasing it online is the same as a dealer’s? I would like to purchase online. I don’t want to pay almost 2000 for a piece of metal that can’t be ridden.

Ditch the Car (and Gas Hike) for These Top-Rated E-Bikes Instead

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Popular on Rolling Stone

With expensive gas, scarce parking, and traffic, there are plenty of good reasons to ditch your car for a bike. But bikes have their downsides too — whether as commuters or weekend cruisers — leaving us sweaty, tired, and possibly late to our destination. Thankfully, there’s now a middle-ground: the best electric bikes.

After tremendous advancements over the past couple years, the best electric bikes (a.k.a. “e-bikes”) are now better than ever. They can travel up to 40 miles on a single charge and hit speeds of 28 miles per hour (all without us breaking a sweat), and their price tags are now more reasonable as well.

In other words, the best electric bikes are now a viable alternative to driving — especially for daily commuters. With the physical exertion of a light walk, e-bike riders are able to zip by traffic, park almost anywhere, and save a fortune on gas. Plus, the best electric bikes provide a lovely weekend activity to boot.

If you’re thinking of investing in an e-bike, read on. We’ve rounded up some of the best electric bikes to buy online, as well as a few key considerations to help you make the right purchase.

The Best Electric Bikes to Buy Right Now

Whether you’re commuting, cruising the park, or hitting the trails, electric bikes are now well worth considering. Below are some of the best electric bikes for all terrains and activities.

Best Overall: Ride1Up Prodigy

Best Moped-Style E-Bike: Super73-S2

Best Cruiser: Velotric Nomad 1

Best Budget Pick: Lectric XP 2.0

Best Road Bike: Vela High-Step

Best Mountain E-Bike: Go Power Go Speed

Editor’s picks

The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time

Ride1Up Prodigy

Far too many modern electric bikes pack on power and features without considering power delivery, balance, and overall quality. Hence our love for the Ride1Up Prodigy. It’s one of the smoothest, most nimble, and most sturdy-feeling e-bikes we’ve tested, but still brings speed and features to rival any brand.

The riding position is somewhere in between a cruiser and a road bike, lending control for tight turns and enough comfort for longer rides. On straightaways, it’ll quickly blast to more than 25 miles per hour, and the 9-speed Shimano trigger shifter ensures easy peddling at any electric setting or speed.

But the real deciding factor for us was Prodigy’s power delivery. At any speed, electric power feels like a boost to your organic pedaling instead of a jerky surge (which we see a lot). This, plus the Prodigy’s do-anything hybrid build, makes it our favorite e-bike of 2023.

Super73-S2

You can tell just by looking at the Super73-S2 that it’s not like other e-bikes. With beefy tires, a rugged, aircraft-grade aluminum alloy frame, and a long seat, the S2 looks closer to a motorcycle than a bicycle. It feels more like a motorbike too, as you sit in a lower, more relaxed position. And once you’ve started up the bike, it moves with more power than others, easily hitting almost 30 miles per hour — even without the use of pedals. Lastly, 40 miles of range means you can enjoy the bike’s smooth, fun power for long rides or commutes.

In our testing, the Super73-S2 stood out just by feeling noticeably more sturdy, rugged, and powerful (although on paper it doesn’t seem too different than others). In other words, the S2 not only brings high-end power, but also the build quality to match that brawn. The bike does command a higher price for this unique sturdiness, but we think it’s worth it.

Electric Bike Buying Guide

Shopping for electric bikes isn’t quite the same as finding a regular bicycle. Below are some specs we looked at while choosing the best electric bikes for you.

If you already bike and just want minor help from a motor, a lower-wattage electric bike should be fine. Also, note that e-bikes cap their reported electric-powered speed at 28 miles per hour by law — any faster and they’d have to be classified as a moped or motorcycle. If you’re just riding a regular e-bike, you don’t need a special drivers license.

Battery: Longer battery life equals a longer range, which is always a plus. This is usually listed as a range because speed, rider weight, and terrain (i.e. uphill or downhill and street or trail) can affect a battery’s range. Typically, good e-bike batteries will get you 20 to 40 miles of range.

Style: Most customers purchase e-bikes for commuting — these kinds of bikes are described as hybrid or city models. But there are also some excellent sporty road bikes with motors, as well as electric mountain bikes. Those are bikes that take you from riding on the road to off-road adventures with ease.

Another term to keep in mind when it comes to style is “step-thru.” These kinds of bikes feature a top tube (the upper bar in the frame) that’s been lowered or removed completely for easy mounting and dismounting.

Brakes: Stopping power becomes more important with electric bikes. Look for high-quality brake systems, ideally using hydraulic technology instead of mechanical.

Size: Proper bike sizing is always key for power transfer and comfort. Be sure to check a bike’s size before buying (many bike listings will display the rider height range).

How We Chose the Best Electric Bikes

Although specs can give you an idea of an e-bikes prowess, getting time in the seat is the only way to find out if a bike is worth your money. We spent as long as a few weeks testing out certain e-bikes, and at least a couple of hours for others, looking for balanced handling, smooth power transfer, and overall ease of use with the bike’s electrical and mechanical systems. We also did our best to use the bikes in a variety of environments, including dense traffic, wide-open bike paths, and even dirt trails in a few instances.

The Best eBikes for Families

I’m so excited to share today’s blog post because Radio Flyer and their fabulous new Flyer eBikes (also on Amazon) have truly changed our lives. I don’t think I’m overstating things to say that this electric bike is the single greatest thing I’ve ever owned. (And Kelly says the same about hers!)

What are eBikes?

Electric Bikes (or eBikes) are bicycles with battery-powered motors. Of course, pedaling is a great thing for bikes that are used for exercise. (We have regular bikes, too, and use them frequently.) But when we want to use bikes for the same purposes as a car—getting places quickly and transporting people/stuff, for example—it’s sure great to have the extra firepower that comes with the electric ones. Even cooler is that electric bikes can actually replace the need for cars for some people, depending on their situation. Additionally, they’re a sustainable micro-mobility transportation alternative to gas-powered cars.

Compared to cars, eBikes are way more affordable and nearly hassle-free. You don’t have to deal with drivers’ licenses (good for Kelly, haha), insurance, city stickers, or parking tickets. You just get on your bike and go. There’s no true traffic. No circling the block for parking. No expensive mechanics appointments. No gas stations. No oil changes. No battling to get your kids into car seats in the back of a dirty car. You just jump on the bike, put on your helmets, and go. And the kids laugh and squeal and love every second of the ride.

How we use them why they’ve changed our lives

We’ve been riding our new Flyer eBikes for over a month now and I still cannot wrap my head around how life-changing they’ve been.

Like most parents, our days are filled by running to and from school, activities, playdates and sleepovers. It’s a lot! But the eBikes make it all so much more enjoyable. We’re outside, experiencing the city and interacting with our neighbors. Oh, and I can have my girls to school in under five minutes on the back of my FLYER eBike. FIVE MINUTES! Round trip in under 10. Drop-off and pick-up used to take forever on foot, on (regular) bike or in a car. And it was a battle. Now, though, we’re there in a flash—and the girls adore it. We rarely have meltdowns anymore while getting out the door because Lucy is excited to get on the bike.

We’re lucky enough to live in a dense city with nearly unlimited places to experience, and these bikes have also increased our exploring range. Unless we wanted to get in the car (such a hassle in the city!), we used to be limited by the maximum possible walking distance with a stroller or by places close to the subway. Now, though, we go anywhere we want and have a blast while getting there. And thanks to some expert planning by Kelly, we’re even comfortable doing so in the colder weather! (See below for her cold-weather biking essentials.)

There’s no other way to put this: They’ve made us a happier family.

Safety

When Radio Flyer first sent us our eBikes, we were often asked by friends and family, “Is it safe?!”

And our truthful answer has always been, “We feel safer on the eBikes than we do while walking in the city.”

As you might imagine, safety was top priority when we made the decision to switch to a more bike-centric lifestyle. In addition to researching and purchasing top-tier helmets, we also did a deep dive on the safety standards for biking with kids in the city.

Before our eBikes, we would need to get two little girls—one in a stroller and one either on foot or on a little pink bicycle—across multiple insanely busy city streets in order to get them around. It was terrifying—especially our “commute” to school—and we’d often have literal nightmares about it. Now, though, the Emma and Lucy are literally attached to me, and I don’t have to worry about the danger of one of them accidentally veering off.

We plan our routes out, prioritizing those that are quiet and avoid car traffic, and then quickly and safely getting them across intersections in dedicated bike lanes when the coast is clear. Lastly, we strictly follow the Department of Transportation’s bicycle safety guidelines when riding. Signals and all!

In terms of the physical bikes’ safety features, they have Tektro lever brakes—the best I’ve ever used, intelligently working in tandem with the motor to cut off acceleration when the brakes are triggered. The bikes also have headlight and brake lights for improved visibility. We have zero complaints.

Btw: Lucy is 3.5 years old and above average in size, making her is 100-percent well-suited for the Kid and Cargo Carrier. (The sturdy kickstand provides a ton of support so that it doesn’t tip over while she’s climbing in and out, too.) However, for younger children, the highly rated Thule Yepp Bike Seat (which we used to own!) attaches right onto the carrier. It goes without saying but this is a safety must for younger children.

Radio Flyer eBike options

Radio Flyer is a 100-year-old company founded and based in Chicago. And while you might be familiar with their famous red wagons and bikes for children, Radio Flyer has been absolutely crushing it with adult eBikes as well.

The current eBike marketplace is pretty confusing, with a wide variety of bikes and price points. And as you might have guessed, the cheaper the bike, the lesser the quality—and many discount bike batteries have had safety problems this year. Luckily, our Radio Flyer eBikes are the best on the market. There’s honestly no comparison! Their batteries are tested to the highest standards and are proven to be reliably safe. Radio Flyer has an eBike for each adult rider’s needs, too. Sure, I’m biased, but I think these eBikes are also the best-looking bikes on the road!

Radio Flyer sells four varieties of eBikes:

FLYER M880 – Mid Tail Fat Tire Cargo eBike (Also on Amazon): First up is Radio Flyer’s smallest cargo bike, and the one that Kelly owns. It’s called “Mid Tail” for that elongated storage bench above the rear tire. This bench can haul cargo or easily mount Radio Flyer’s rear basket which doubles as a child’s seat. The “Fat Tires” being referred to here are 3”-thick bad boys which offer puncture resistance and plenty of stabilizing bounce. This bike looks much bigger than it feels, even with a kid on the back. We got the small for Kelly and it fits her perfectly. It has an impressive electric motor offering up to 50 miles of range on a single charge, and the bike can reach a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
FLYER L885 – Longtail Fat Tire Cargo eBike (Also on Amazon): This is my bike, and it features an elongated storage space for hauling cargo, or with the special Kid Cargo Carrier, two kids! I’m riding the large version here which is awesome; it has plenty of space for the girls and their gear. Just like with Kelly’s bike, it gets up to 50 miles of range, and it can reach a maximum speed of 20 miles per hour.
FLYER Folding Cargo eBike: Featuring an easy folding mechanism for compact storage, this bike is perfect for commuters. It has a cargo rack and a thumb throttle, and it gets up to 40 miles of range. Plus it’s pretty sweet-looking.
FLYER Cruiser: This electric cruiser has us positively drooling. Both the Cruiser and Cruiser Step-Thru varieties are absolutely perfect for a summer ride down the boardwalk. It has a comfort saddle, leather accents, and a range of up to 40 miles.

Accessories

Radio Flyer has accessories for nearly every possible use case imaginable with these bikes. Each accessory is custom made for Radio Flyer’s electric bikes, and constructed to the highest quality standards. Here’s what we’re using with our bikes:

Kid Cargo Carrier for 2 Kids: For use with the Flyer L885, this versatile basket easily adapts to fit cargo or kids. It’s turned our L885 into a hauling machine and it easily replaces our SUV for most family outings. I love this thing. I could never be without it ever again. (Copying and pasting this from above, but I should note again that Lucy is 3.5 years old and above average in size, making her is 100-percent well-suited for the Kid and Cargo Carrier. However, for younger children, the highly rated Thule Yepp Bike Seat—which we used to own!—attaches right onto the carrier. It goes without saying but this is a safety must for younger children.)

Kid Cargo Carrier for 1 Kid: For use with the FLYER M880, this smaller rear basket hauls cargo and unzips to comfortably fit one child. Kelly zips around Chicago with Lucy in tow thanks to this carrier. It’s opened up the whole city to her since she doesn’t have a driver’s license!

Front Storage Basket: Lastly, we highly recommend this front storage basket for all eBikes mentioned in this post. It’s an easy attachment that makes the bikes so much more functional. I also think it looks cool.

Locks: These are valuable bikes, and I’m not lying to you when I say that we cherish them. So I took the deep dive on the best locks and strategies for using them. We chose the Kryptonite New York Legend chain lock for its 10/10 rating and 15mm thick chain links. This chain wraps around the seat stem on the bike and you totally forget it’s there. The chain lock weaves through the body of the bike and around the bike rack. We also use this Kryptolok Combination U-Lock to secure the front tire. Lastly, we remove the battery from the bikes when leaving them for extended periods and we have wireless tracking devices hidden on each bike because I’m obsessed with them.

Helmets: It took us a while to find helmets that we all loved, but we did it. I wear this Nutcase helmet (which Kelly says is fitting), Kelly wears this Retrospect helmet, and the girls wear these (size small) adult helmets because Larkins have huge heads and they sized out of the kiddo ones long ago.

Cold weather gear: The girls wear these ear warmer headbands or these ski masks, which both fit safely under helmets. They also wear these awesome fleece-lined seahorse unicorn mittens. (Though Emma has recently been refusing to wear mittens because they’re “not cool.” I’m sure she’ll change her tune in January.) Kelly swears by this super squishy and incredibly warm Patagonia jacket for them. It’s wildly comfortable and allows them to move (and thus get on and off the bike easily). Kelly wears this J.Crew puffer, this ear-warmer headband, this ski mask when it’s really cold, and ski mittens—and she also plans on using these on her handlebars since she has Raynaud’s. I wear a Barbour jacket and these gloves. Soon I’ll switch to this warmer parka.

Holiday specials on FLYER eBikes

If you’re still reading, you’re probably getting the feeling that I should start a fan club for FLYER eBikes. But man. They provide endless adventure, help create happy memories, and make life a whole lot easier and more fun. They’re also the perfect example of a sustainable micro-mobility transportation alternative to gas-powered cars.

Act now and get 500 off the Flyer M880 via this link. Radio Flyer is also offering free shipping. Bikes still arrive in time for Christmas, too!

Thank you to Radio Flyer for the best gifts EVER!

The Best Electric Bikes: Upgrade Your Commute For A Sustainable Ride

At Luxe Digital, we independently research, review, and recommend products we love and that we think you will love, too. Learn more about how we curate the best products for you.

We’ve been lucky over the past four years to test and review some of the best electric bikes on the market. From the top electric commuter bike to fat tire e-bike, folding bikes, and eMBX — if you can name it, we’ve most probably tried it. When testing the most popular electric bike brands, we follow strict testing guidelines to make sure that we can compare e-bikes objectively (more on that below).

What does it mean for you?

Well, if you’re here, I’m guessing you want to understand the different ebike options available today and figure out which electric bike is best for your particular use case.

If that’s you, you’re in the right place.

This is the fourth year in a row that we update our ranking of the best electric bikes. We’ve organized our list by bike category (e.g., city bike, cruiser, mountain bike, etc.). We’ve also shortlisted the top three overall best ebikes that we think will be great options for most people.

In a rush? No problem! Here’s our shortlist of the absolute best options available right now:

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? We’ve been regularly updating our ranking of the best electric bikes since 2019. We started by testing only high-end ebikes. Those were expensive, premium options at the time. But since then, we’ve broadened our ranking to also include more affordable ebikes across multiple categories as the market itself has evolved.

We personally ride as many of the bikes in this ranking as possible to give you our unique point of view and hands-on experience. If we were unable to get our hands on a particular model but thought it was worth being included on our list for your consideration, we performed detailed online research to give you the best recommendations possible.

The 11 best electric bikes of this year

Here’s the full list of the best ebikes of the year. You can directly click on the category that you’re most interested in:

Overall best electric bike:Ride1Up-LMTD
Best premium ebike:LeMond Prolog
Best value electric bike:Ancheer Commuter
Best foldable ebike:Lectric XP 3.0
Best cargo utility ebike:Specialized Haul ST
Best city commuter electric bike:RadCity 5 Plus
Best electric cruiser bike:Flyer Cruiser
Best mountain bike:Specialized Turbo Levo Expert
Best fat tire electric bike:Ride1Up RIFT
Best road electric bike:Specialized Turbo Creo
Best electric trike:Lectric XP Trike

Methodology: Our approach to testing and ranking the best electric bikes

At Luxe Digital, we rate every product against the values that are important to us:

Craftsmanship: How is it made? Is the brand using high-quality materials and expertise?
Design: How does it look and feel? Is it aesthetic and timeless?
Function and purpose: How well does it perform? Does it achieve its stated claims?
Impact: Does the brand have a positive impact on your daily life and the planet?
Value for money: Is it worth its retail price? Is the price justifiable?

Things you should pay attention to when buying an electric bike

Let’s quickly go through the things you should take into consideration when shopping online for an electric bike.

There are really only two factors to consider when comparing electric bikes: What you’ll do with your ebike and how much you’re ready to spend on it.

We told you it would be quick

Okay, there’s a little bit more to it once you get into the details, but these are the two important questions you should start with to keep your search for the best ebike focused and relevant.

Once you’ve defined your use case and budget, you can start comparing technical specs and features for the different electric bikes that are most relevant to your needs.

We’ll do that in a second, but first, let’s briefly talk about the three different types of electric bikes available today. There are categorized into three classes.

The three legal classes of e-bikes

First thing first, you should understand the class of ebike you want. There are three legal classes of electric bikes on the market in the US:

Class 1 electric bikes: The easiest and safest to start with, class 1 ebikes use a pedal-assist motor to support your ride. You need to pedal in order to engage the electric motor. The motor will disengage as soon as you reach 20 mph.
Class 2 electric bikes: These ebikes are equipped with a throttle motor that you can engage without pedaling. The throttle is usually a grip-twist or a button. Type 2 ebikes are also limited to 20 mph.
Class 3 electric bikes: This is the fastest class of e-bikes with a pedal-assist motor that can reach a top speed of 28 mph. While you don’t need a license to ride them, it’s highly recommended.

Check our dedicated guide to electric bike classes to learn more about the system and see examples for each type. Check also your local rules and regulations to know where and how you can ride each class of ebike. For example, the city of New York enacted a law in 2023 prohibiting the sale, lease, or rental of electric bikes that fail the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standard 2849.

Next, let’s see what you want to use the bike for.

The eight categories of electric bikes

Based on our experience riding electric bikes for several years, we’ve broken down this guide into eight categories of ebikes. These categories are based on different use cases and terrains. It’s important to choose a bike that suits how and where you want to ride to get the best experience possible.

Here are the eight different categories of electric bikes you should consider:

Folding electric bikes: They are designed for portability and can be stored in small spaces. Folding bikes are ideal for travelers, RVers, city dwellers, and office workers who want to easily store their bikes. Just keep in mind that their design usually makes for a less stable ride.
Utility cargo electric bikes: These bikes offer a large cargo capacity and can be customized to your needs, which makes them perfect to replace your car for most trips. Cargo ebikes are heavier, however, and thus best suited for riding out straight from your garage to school to drop your kids or to the store.
City commuter electric bikes: These are great if you primarily want to ride to and from work. Commuter bikes are designed for city use and can replace your car. They have quick power output, higher speeds, and features like brake lights to improve your visibility on the road.
Cruiser ebikes: This type of bike is built for comfort and ease of use. They are perfect for long slow rides on dedicated bike lanes or by the beach.
Mountain electric bikes: Purposefully built for off-road use with rugged suspension systems, light frames, strong tires, and frame geometry that make them well-suited to riding trails.
Fat tire electric bikes: Specially designed for off-road and rough terrain. They have wide tires that provide traction and stability, and a powerful motor that helps you to move quickly over different surfaces.
Road electric bikes: Ideal for riders who want to go faster and farther on well-paved roads. Road ebikes are lighter and come with narrow tires to improve traction and speed.
Electric trikes: These three-wheelers are a category on their own. They offer additional cargo space (ideal for children or groceries) with a comfortable and stable ride.

We’ve selected a winner for each category in our ranking below.

Now let’s look at the technical specifications to consider when comparing ebikes.

Technical specs to consider when comparing ebikes

You’ll see a lot of technical jargon on manufacturers’ websites when comparing electric bikes online. But really, we think you can narrow it down to only two essential elements:

Motor power output: The speed and electric assistance you need.

The electric motor determines how fast you can go and how much electrical assistance you will get while pedaling. Electric bike motors are measured in Watts and typically range from 250W to 750W—the higher the number, the most powerful the motor. Powerful electric motors will deliver more torque to carry heavier weights. They also accelerate faster and can reach higher speeds (although your top speed will be limited depending on your bike’s class).

Another thing to consider with the electric motor is its placement on the bike. There are two common options on the market: hub-drive motors, delivering power to one of the wheels, and mid-drive motors, delivering power to the pedal crank.

Hub-drive motors are cheaper and easier to maintain, but they’re less efficient and make tire replacement more complicated. On the other hand, mid-drive motors are more expensive but also more efficient and offer a more balanced weight distribution.

Battery capacity: The distance and duration of you ride.

Your ebike’s battery determines how far and how long you can ride. Batteries are measured in watts per hour (Wh)—the higher the Wh number, the more power storage. Higher Wh batteries are generally also heavier, however, so you’ll need to find the right balance between the overall bike’s weight, your own weight, and what you want to do with your bike.

Another thing to look out for is the option to remove (or not) your ebike’s battery. Some models offer a removable battery, which might be more convenient for you to recharge or store. Removable batteries are also easier to change if your battery gets old.

Now that you understand the two most important technical specifications related to electric bikes, let’s look at a few extra elements to consider:

Weight: the battery and motor can add significant weight to your bike. Understand how that might affect your ride quality, speed, and distance.
Tires: depending on your use case, you’ll want appropriate tires for the terrain.
Step-over vs step-through: this refers to the height of the bar in the middle of the frame. Step-over bikes have a high bar that provides more balance and rigidity to your ride. Step-through bikes have a lower bar that makes it easier to get on the bike. I generally recommend step-over for most scenarios, but a step-through is a good option short distance commuting.
Safety features: look for options such as integrated lights and capable breaks. Break lights are especially important if you want a city bike to ride in the traffic.
Warranty: we only recommend ebikes from reputable manufacturers, but you should always check what the warranty is like and the quality of the brand’s customer service.
Additional features: a few extra things to consider depending on your use case is the type of suspensions and the electric bike’s interface (for example, does it come with an app).
Payment plan: there are so many options available on the market this year that you’re bound to find an electric bike that suits your budget. Many states and brands offer attractive financing plans, vehicle loan programs, or cash incentives to help support your purchase. We’ll mention them in our review below whenever possible.

One more thing before we get to the main course: you should check our selection of the best electric motorcycles if you want more speed and comfort while riding. And if you’re looking for a cheaper and lighter alternative, we have a detailed guide to the best electric scooters too.

Now, let’s get to the most interesting part of this article: our ranking of the best electric bikes of the year!

Overall best electric bike: Ride1Up LMTD

Ebike category	Class 3
Motor	750W rear hub with 95Nm of torque
Battery	672Wh
Top Speed	28mph pedal assist and 20mph throttle
Range	Up to 50 miles
Weight	53 lbs

Sources:

https://ebikeescape.com/top-ebike-brands/
https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/best-electric-bikes-1327073/amp/
https://kellyinthecity.com/the-best-ebikes-for-families/
https://luxe.digital/lifestyle/technology/best-electric-bikes/