58 Best Electric Bikes Under $1500. 1500 watt ebike

The BikeRide Guide to Choosing the Best Electric Bike Under 1500

What is an Electric Bike?

Electric bikes use an electric motor, along with pedals and some of the gearing of a traditional bicycle. This helps riders to travel longer distances and up more hills, than would otherwise be possible under their own power.

Most bikes use a system known as ‘pedal-assist’. This means that rider input is ‘helped along’ by the motor. Electric bikes are great for anyone looking to travel further than they could on an unpowered bike. This makes ‘e-bikes’ suitable for senior cyclists and riders with compromised ability.

Some e-bikes offer throttle-only power, which means that riders can accelerate without pedaling at all. In most nations, it’s a requirement that electric bikes are partially human-powered.

The uses for an e-bike are as varied as the uses for regular bicycles.

What Can I Use an e-Bike For?

Commuting

There are probably more electric bikes designed for commuting than for any other purpose. The benefits are multiple.

You can use an e-bike to replace a commute by car. By doing so, you can avoid the costs of fuel, car maintenance, registration, tolls and parking. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint and any emissions you would otherwise contribute by driving.

It can replace your public transport commute. You won’t have to pay for bus or train tickets and you can avoid standing in crowds and queues. By switching to e-biking, you’ll never have to waste time waiting around at bus stops and train stations.

Your electric bike lets you commute much longer distances than you could by pedal-power alone. Not only this, but you can arrive at your destination without being exhausted or drenched in sweat.

Off-Road

For some riders, it’s all about ripping it up off-road. In this price range, most electric mountain bikes are ‘hardtails’ (with front suspension only) or ‘rigid’ (with no suspension).

Fat-tire bikes are common and popular. The large tires act as a form of suspension, sometimes without adding the cost or weight of a low-end suspension fork.

E-Gravel is the most recent off-road e-biking genre. E-Gravel bikes give riders the option to hit higher speeds and longer distances on flatter dirt roads. These bikes start at around 2250.

Weekend Rides, Family Rides and Jaunts

Many casual cyclists are seeking an extra boost on a weekend ride or family outing. A lot of bikes are used to make short runs to the shop, bar or café.

E-bikes have the potential to even out the fitness level between energetic youngsters and easy-going grandparents.

They also offer a less exhausting way to run errands or make shop-runs.

Deliveries and Cargo

E-bikes can be an important tool for professional delivery workers and owners of small businesses.

If this is you, you’ll be looking for a bike that’s powerful and strong enough to haul your required cargo.

Large battery capacities feature on delivery and cargo bikes, in order to handle big loads and long days.

Rehab and Limited Ability

For whatever reason, you may have limited ability to cycle. This could be due to age, injury or a physical disability. E-bikes can be a great way to supplement or rebuild strength.

Car Replacement

Some folk decide to go-the-distance by using an e-bike to replace their car, outright. For this, you’ll need a hefty steed that can haul your groceries and/or up to two children. Cargo and family-oriented bikes are outside of this price range, generally starting at around 1600.

Depending on your intended use, you’ll have different requirements concerning motor wattage, battery capacity, torque, build and configuration.

Consider these factors while reviewing the following information and when choosing a new e-bike.

Types of Electric Bikes

Electric bikes are built in almost every style that regular bikes are available in. Whether you’re looking for something to get you to work, or you want a hardcore full-suspension rig to help you get to the top of that gnarly mountain trail, there’s an e-bike available to meet your needs.

Commuters and Urban / City Bikes

At this time, the most popular types of e-bike are commuter and urban bikes. Many riders are looking for an e-bike that can get them to work over long distances or without working up a sweat.

For an electric commuting bike, you’ll want all the features that you would seek in a pedal-powered commuter, plus a moderately powered motor and battery capacity (unless you are commuting exceptionally long distances).

Tough D-locks and a removable battery are essential if you are locking up your e-bike in a public area.

Folding E-bikes

Folding e-bikes are also popular as commuters. They suit a multi-modal work commute that also involves using a train, bus, car or ferry.

For some riders, they can be used in conjunction with travel, to suit being transported by car or stored in a mobile home or boat. A folder may suit you if you live in an apartment.

A good folding bike is small, light and often used for shorter distances. This means that you can get away with a less powerful motor and a battery of moderate capacity. These factors help to lower the overall weight of an electric folding bike.

Mountain – e-MTB

Electric mountain bikes (e-MTBs) are available in hardtail (front-suspension), rigid (no suspension) and full-suspension varieties. In this price range, quality full-suspension electric mountain bikes are unaffordable.

Some mountain bikers just like to ride for longer distances without exhaustion. If you’re a senior rider, less-able or recovering from an injury, these bikes can be ideal for keeping up with friends or family members.

You’ll be looking for a high-torque motor to get you out of difficult situations on less-stable surfaces. A mid-drive motor is preferred. However, these become available at around 2000.

e-MTBs can be thirsty for power. You may want a high-capacity battery. Alternatively, you can keep a second, fully-charged battery on-hand.

E-MTBs are now permitted in most National Parks. But in certain areas, they are still restricted. Check the relevant laws in your local area.

Gravel

A new sector of e-biking has appeared with the emergence of e-Gravel bikes. There are currently very few options available under 2250.

Gravel is more of a performance sector. High-speeds, long distances and efficiency are priorities. As such, you might look to light-weight builds with high-capacity batteries, in a higher price bracket.

Cargo

For every household, e-Cargo bikes offer an exciting alternative to the family car. Some families have even sold their second or only vehicle, after purchasing a versatile cargo e-bike. High quality specimens can be configured to carry two children, in conjunction with a load of groceries.

For anyone employed in the delivery business, electric bikes provide a cheap means of transporting cargo, especially in urban areas. Running costs are low. Also, an electric bike can easily wend its way through heavy traffic and won’t need a parking spot when it reaches its destination.

Electric cargo bikes are usually quite heavy. In conjunction with the big loads that they’re expected to lug, the drain on batteries can be considerable. Look for a high capacity battery or a dual-battery system. You’ll also need a reasonably powerful motor and a system that expresses considerable torque.

Fat-Tire E-Bikes

Hauling heavy tires through snow, mud or sand can get tiring and limit rides to shorter distances.

The extra boost from a pedal-assist system can allow riders to carry more and ride further. A powerful motor and high capacity battery are important here.

But electric fat bikes are not just a niche choice.

Many first-time e-bike buyers head straight for a bad-ass, do-anything, monster-truck look and floaty ride style. This can only be provided by a big, heavy bike with balloon tires. There are many models to choose from, in all price ranges.

Retro

For some, a retro-styled e-bike is the way to go. If this is the direction you’re heading, then performance and speed probably aren’t your top priorities. As such, you can get away with less torque and a moderately-powered motor.

Even so, some of these frames are large and heavy. So you’ll need at least enough battery and oomph to reach optimum cruising speeds.

Pedal Assist

In many countries, pedal assist e-bikes are the only e-bikes that can be ridden without a license or registration.

In the United States, these are categorized as ‘Class 1’ and ‘Class 3’ e-bikes. The motor kicks in when you begin pedaling.

On the best electric bikes under 1500, this feeling is intuitive. It should allow you to maintain a desired level of input and fitness, according to the level of assistance that you choose.

Most e-bikes have 3 to 5 levels of pedal assist available. They’ll also give you the option of disabling the motor. With no pedal assist, your e-bike acts like a regular (but heavy) push-bike. Here’s a run-down of an average, three-level pedal assist system.

LEVEL 1 – ‘ECO’

This is the lowest mode and is optimized for maximum range. Some manufacturers will claim up to – and in excess of 60 miles. The level of assist offered here is usually 25% to 80% of the maximum available. It suits level terrain and a decent amount of rider input.

LEVEL 2 – ‘NORMAL’

At this level you’re looking at 100% to 150% assist, in addition to the rider’s pedal input. This level provides more torque on take-off, from a standstill.

LEVEL 3 – ‘HIGH’

At this level, you can expect a maximum of 200% assistance from your motor. It’s great for steep climbs and headwinds. Your range is greatly reduced at this level, and is best reserved for short bursts when in need.

Throttle Only

This is fairly self-explanatory. Some e-bikes offer a throttle-only option, activated by a grip-shift lever or button. Using this method, you can activate the motor without pedaling. These bikes come under the legal category of a ‘Class 2’ e-bike.

Many of these bikes also feature multi-level pedal assist options. Keep in mind that working the throttle unassisted will drain the battery fairly quickly.

Before you can make sense of the e-bike options available to you, it’s helpful to get a basic understanding of e-bike terminology.

Terms

Sometimes, approaching the world of e-bikes can be daunting. Even if you are a clued-up cyclist and bike aficionado, the additional knowledge needed to make a discerning e-bike purchase can be bewildering. But it needn’t be. You don’t have to be an electrical or electronics engineer, but it’s handy to have a few terms under your belt.

Watt Hours (Wh)

On your e-bike, ‘Watt hours’ is a measure of available energy. This is probably the most important measurement to look for in your e-bike specs. It will be abbreviated as ‘Wh’ and is the most reliable measurement of your bike’s battery capacity.

In gas-guzzling terminology, think of it as the size of your fuel tank. In simple terms, the higher the number of Watt hours, the more range that is available to you. The amount of energy that your battery has available is known as its ‘capacity’.

Watt hours can be calculated if you have access to the voltage and amp hour figures for a bike’s battery. It’s a simple calculation.

• 24v x 20ah = 480Wh
• 36v x 10ah = 360Wh
• 36v x 11ah = 396Wh (≈ ‘400wh’)
• 48v x 17.5ah = 840Wh

So what does it mean, this term ‘Watt hours’ ? A ‘Watt’ is a unit of power. ‘Watt hours’ is a measurement of power used over a period of time and represents a measure of ‘energy’.

In terms of what you need to know, regarding your e-bike purchase:

A 250wh battery can deliver:

How does this translate to your ride? If you are really working the throttle at its limit, your battery will last half the time that it would if you were running the battery at half of its capacity. Simply put, if you lay off the juice and contribute some pedal power, your battery lasts longer.

A bigger battery will take you further, but can add considerable weight.

“But how far?”, I hear you ask. This varies according to a number of factors, including:

• Bike weight
• Rider weight
• Elevation
• Rider input (pedal power)
• Wind speed (and direction) – this can dramatically affect energy consumption

One expert puts it like this:

“On a lightweight electric bike, on typical fairly flat roads, not much wind or none at all, while barely pedaling… not working up a sweat, on pumped tires, typical 200lb or less rider, expect burn rates of 17 watt hours per mile on average (= 10Wh per km)… It can be much more or much less depending on countless factors but this is a realistic number to start with.” 10

Therefore, as this same expert goes on to say, “A 36v 10ah battery pack with 360Wh of capacity would… in theory provide 22 miles (36km) of range, from a full 100% charge.”

These calculations are much more straightforward if you pay attention to the kilometer figures in the calculations (and convert them to miles). From this info, you can easily work out what battery would be suitable for you. Is your commute longer or shorter than 22 miles, return? If so, and you were using the battery mentioned above, you wouldn’t have to charge at your destination.

Amp Hours (Ah)

In reference to an e-bike’s battery and on manufacturer’s specifications, Amp hours should always be listed.

For the buyer of a new bike, Amp hours is useful in calculating Watt hours.

This is done by using the aforementioned formula:

VOLTAGE x AMP HOURS = WATT HOURS.

Amp hours will almost always be within the range of 8Ah to 28Ah.

Voltage

Voltage relates to the entire system on an e-bike. Voltage pushes the flow of energy and generally relates to speed. The higher the voltage, the faster your e-bike can go. A 36V system won’t necessarily use a battery that’s exactly 36V, but it will be close.

Usually, new e-bike systems sit between 24V and 48V. There are also 52V options.

Now that you get the basics, let’s look at the important components that make up an e-bike.

Batteries

The battery-pack you see on e-bikes looks like a singular unit. It usually takes the appearance of a long, black box.

Within this ‘battery pack’, a number of smaller battery units are connected together in succession (as a pack).

Individual battery units are clearly visible within this battery-pack

Once you’ve got the basic technical factors sorted, you can understand your battery needs. The experts advise to seek out a battery that offers slightly longer range than what you’ll usually need. This will cover you when you inevitably get lost on a lonely, unlit highway, far from home.

Many first-timers aim for a huge battery, in an effort to cover the longest possible ride. The problem here is that large batteries add considerable weight. This extra weight slows you down and requires more power to overcome, creating a Catch 22 situation. In any event, ‘slightly more than what’s needed’ is a good yardstick.

Some bikes come pre-configured to accept a dual-battery setup. This means that you can keep weight down and use a single battery on less-demanding trips, while having the option to slot in a second battery on epic quests and trips to the lumber yard. A second battery means double the range, but double the weight.

Many bikes come with a lockable battery. You will be provided with a key that allows you to lock your battery pack to your bike’s frame.

Almost all modern battery packs are removable. This allows you to charge the battery wherever a convenient outlet is located.

Just as importantly, it allows you to remove the pack to prevent theft. But if you’re just spending two minutes to dash into the bodega for a loaf of bread, it could be more convenient to lock the pack and leave it where it is.

Range

We’ve discussed how technical factors relate to range, but what should you expect when you’re shopping around? If you are consulting a seller about your needs, they should be able to give you advice based on a few factors. It’s a good idea to either consult an expert who can give you trusted advice or use the information available to assess the specifications listed for new e-bikes.

The reason for this, is that some vendors and manufacturers may overstate range expectations.

Using either of these methods, an expert or yourself should assess your needs based on your genre and style of riding (commuting, mountain bike, gravel, cargo etc), the amount of pedaling you’ll contribute vs. the amount of pedal-assist that you’ll require and your own weight.

The average range of an e-bike, using moderate levels of assist, is around 20 to 35 miles. Do you need more than this in a day? For most riders’ commuting needs, this is ample.

For bigger cargo needs, you may need more power and a bigger battery. Previously, we mentioned how range is affected by a number of factors including; wind, elevation, pedal effort and the combined weight of you and your cargo.

Your range is also influenced by how you use the motor. A lot of stop-starting and throttling will tear through juice in a Rapid fashion.

The resistance of muddy, slippery or snowy surfaces will require more effort from your battery to overcome.

One of the factors that is mostly outside of the rider’s control, is the outside temperature. Both extremes of weather can lead to deficits in battery capacity. First in the short-term, then eventually degrading the capacity on a long-term basis.

Battery Life

Most batteries are expected to last for 500 charge ‘cycles’ or 3 to 5 years. After 3 to 5 years, your battery will not last as long as it did when box-fresh. It’s natural for battery life to reduce over time.

Most major brands give their batteries a 2-year warranty.

Temperature extremes can be detrimental to battery capacity

Experts advise e-bikers to seek a battery that has a two year warranty, at minimum. Other factors that affect battery life include:

• Storage
• Maintenance
• Use with heavy cargo loads
• Exposure to extremes of temperature
• Frequency of charging (a battery should be charged at least every three months)

It’s a good idea to make every effort to prolong your battery’s life, as they can cost from a few hundred to as much as 1500 to replace.

Charging

Manufacturers will often state how long it takes to fully charge the battery on an e-bike model. This information can be invaluable. If you’re someone who has a long commute, you might need to charge-up for a few hours at your destination. Or, you might not have this opportunity.

Charging times vary according to the capacity of your battery and the amperage of your charger. 2-amp and 3-amp chargers are common stock options that are often sold with new e-bikes.

If your e-bike comes with a 4-amp charger, you’re in luck. This is considered to be a ‘fast charger’.

It’s possible to charge a battery at either a fast or slow rate, though persistent ultra-fast-charging would lessen the life of your battery.

Here are some rough averages of how long it takes to fully charge an e-bike battery, using the charger provided by the manufacturer.

• Average time to full charge: 3.5 to 6.0 hours
• Average time to half charge: 1.5 to 2.1 hours
• Average time to 80% charge: 2.0 to 2.5 hours

According to recent figures, the average price of electricity in the United States is 13.08 cents per kilowatt hour. There are 1000 watt hours in one kilowatt hour, so a 250Wh battery will cost less than four cents to fully charge.

A fully juiced 500Wh battery would cost you less than seven cents! Removable battery packs are now common. They keep your battery safe, by allowing you to take it with you when you lock up. They also allow you to charge your battery separately from your bike.

Controllers

This device is the brain of your e-bike. It’s connected to your bike’s battery, motor and (if present), your throttle. It controls the movement of power from the battery to the motor, by pulsing on and off very quickly. This function is known as ‘Pulse Width Modulation’ (PWM).

It prevents excess stress and overheating of your battery, as well as ensuring that your motor doesn’t overheat. What this means, is that you can’t instantly slam the throttle from a dead stop to full bore.

The controller sets a limit of how many Amps are allowed to flow to the motor. This is known as the controller’s maximum amp rating. As we’ll soon see, this radically affects how much power is available to you.

Motors

Many sellers will advertise their e-bike models according to the motor’s wattage. Mostly, you’ll see 250, 350, 500 and 750-watt e-bikes. At first, this may come across as a straightforward way to determine the power of your desired e-bike. However, wattage means very little on its own. It’s important to take into account your battery’s voltage and the maximum current (in amps), that your e-bike’s controller can handle.

An e-bike with a 36 volt battery and a 15A controller is capable of putting out 540 watts at peak power. 36 x 15 = 540. This is the case, even if it’s advertised as having a ‘250 watt’ motor. So you might be getting more power than you originally expected.

The intricacies of e-bike power ratings can become very detailed. You can find resources online to satisfy your deepest level of curiosity. For now, let’s go into the other characteristics of e-bike motors.

There are two main types of e-bike motor; Hub Motors and Mid-Drive Motors. They both have benefits and drawbacks. In this price bracket, you are looking at electric bikes with a hub motor. Currently, mid-drive motors only become available on bikes at around 1300 and higher.

Hub Motors

Hub motors are situated within the hub of an e-bike’s rear or front wheel.

On new e-bikes, rear hub-driven motors are the most affordable option available.

Front-driven hub motors are becoming less popular and are usually found on electric conversions of standard bicycles.

A direct-drive rear hub motor

Hub motors can be either Geared or Direct Drive.

Geared hub motors use internal nylon gears to reduce the motor’s output to optimal speed and efficiency. This makes them more complicated but lighter than direct drive systems.

They offer more torque and are a bit noisier than direct drive systems, which are simpler, more reliable and more powerful. But they’re heavier and larger than geared options, resulting in more demand on your battery.

Benefits

• Hub motors are usually the cheaper option
• As a reliable, self-contained system, it requires minimal maintenance
• If your chain breaks, you can ride home solely on the power of the electric hub
• If your hub motor fails, you can pedal home using your bike’s drivetrain
• Hub motors put less stress on the bike’s other gearing components

Things to Consider

• Hub-driven systems can overheat on long, steep climbs
• They’re heavier than mid-drive options
• Tire changes can be complicated, involving disconnecting motor wires
• Direct-drive motors don’t have any internal gears
• Geared hub motors have a single gear ratio
• Having a heavy hub motor on the rear or front wheel can imbalance an e-bike
• Spokes are more likely to break, due to the weight of the hub in the wheel
• The width of a hub motor may limit cassette gears to seven speeds
• Tire widths are limited by the rim that’s attached to the hub motor
• Hub motor cadence sensors may result in lurchy or awkward motor timing

Internally-geared hub motors can be discrete

Rear wheel hub motors will shift weight toward the rear of your e-bike.

Front hub driven systems have decreased in popularity. With minimal weight on the front-end of most bikes, riders can easily spin-out under torque, on wet and slippery surfaces.

This has led to a number of wipe-outs.

Mid-Drive Motors

Mid-drive motors are situated between the cranks of your e-bike. These motors require a specific kind of frame, that accommodates a motor in place of a regular bike’s bottom bracket.

A mid-drive motor on an electric gravel bike

Benefits

• A central location leads to even weight distribution on your e-bike
• They are typically lighter and smaller than a hub motor of comparable power
• Direct pedaling input leads to more range, especially across climbs
• Tire changes are unaffected by mid-drive motors
• A torque sensor accurately meters out assistance according to pedal power
• Riders generally report a smoother ride quality
• Tackles steeper hills for longer than a hub motor of similar power
• open to different set-ups that use standardized bike components

Things to Consider

• Few options are available under 1500
• These motors depend on more rider input, through pedal-power
• Mid-drives wear harder on chains and cassettes
• They are more complex and require more maintenance than hub motors
• Most brands don’t offer repair options outside of warranties

For your money, the best electric bike under 1500 will be a mid-drive motor e-bike.

Choosing a Motor

Hub-Driven Motors offer maximum assistance for less pedal effort. This suits senior riders or those with a disability, as well as anyone seeking physical rehabilitation for an injury.

But they’re also great for anyone who’s a less-experienced or less-frequent cyclist. If you’re a new rider or returning to cycling, a hub-driven e-bike may be for you.

Mid-Drive Motors suit riders who want a boost, but who still want to stay fit. They are the preferred option for experienced cyclists. Riders who know how to change gears will be able to attain an efficient ride and extend the life of a mid-drive e-bike.

Torque

To simplify, torque describes the amount of power available to you at lower revolutions (RPMs). In straightforward on-road terms, the benefits are two-fold. A motor with higher torque will give you more power from a dead stop. It will also help you climb hills at a faster speed, for a longer period of time.

This motor claims up to 85Nm of torque

Torque is measured in ‘Newton Meters’ and you’ll see it listed in e-bike specs, using the abbreviation ‘Nm’.

Lighter bikes require less torque, so 40 to 50Nm should be plenty, while e-mountain and cargo bikes need more torque to overcome heavier loads and troublesome terrain. Expect figures up to and beyond 75Nm.

Direct-drive hub motors have less torque than geared hub motors.

Geared hub motors are the choice for more torque, from a hub-driven option.

Mid-drive motors in low gear, can climb steeper hills for longer than a similarly powered hub motor.

Brakes

An hydraulic brake on a rear hub motor e-bike

There’s nothing unique about e-bike brakes. But with consistently high speeds and extra weight (compared to a regular push-bike), you’ll be seeking ample stopping power.

Almost all e-bikes use disc brakes. Nowadays, a buyer’s choice is between mechanical disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes.

Mechanical disc brakes are affordable, reliable and easily adjusted. Hydraulic disc brakes are more powerful but add significant cost and often require professional adjustment and repair. However, the price of hydraulic brake technology is always falling.

Some cheaper e-bikes come fit with rim brakes, usually as v-brakes. You may also find drum brakes on a rear wheel, sometimes used in combination with a front wheel rim brake. Be wary of the increased stopping distance and foresight that these brakes will require.

Weight

This sub-1500 bike weighs 87lb

Electric bikes are heavier than their pedal-powered counterparts. That’s just a fact. Maybe one day, this won’t be true. But for now, it’s unavoidable. A motor, battery and cabling all add up to decent heft.

Eventually, most e-bikers run into the unexpected situation where they run out of battery. It’s important to consider how heavy an e-bike is to pedal unpowered. Some e-bikes are relatively easy to propel on flat ground, without juice. Others can be a real slog.

Perfect for walk-ups, at only 41lb

There is another situation where the weight of your bike can have heavy implications.

If you live in an apartment or walk-up, carrying some e-bikes can be almost impossible. Others aren’t too much of a problem.

Here’s a rough idea of electric bike weight ranges.

A sub-1500 full-suspension bike

Commuter, City and Hybrid Bikes commonly sit somewhere between 33lbs and 55lbs, but can get as heavy as 80lbs.

Full-Suspension Bikes do exist in this price range, but they are not intended for rough trails. Examples weigh between 45lb and 65lb. Retro-style e-Bikes may have large, sweeping frames. They suit a casual riding style that isn’t radically affected by extra bulk. They often weigh between 55lbs and 65lbs.

The weight of a long, flowing frame keeps things ‘slow and low’ on a retro e-Bike

E-Road Bikes are the lightest of all, with an overall weight as low as 24lbs. Most sit somewhere between 28lbs and 31lbs. These trim figures are reflected in the high of these bikes.

E-Cargo Bikes present the heaviest options, weighing in above 70lbs. But these rigs may be capable of carrying as much as 440lbs in extra baggage.

Cost

As it is with most other kinds of bicycles, there are options available at all price-points. Here is a rough idea of what to expect for your dollar.

500 to 700

Hub motor, front v-brake and rear drum brake

At this price, expect e-bikes with a hub-driven motor in a configuration that may be similar to an e-bike conversion. You can source bikes at this price from big-box retailers. Componentry and gearing will be similar to the level of a low-cost big-box bike. Some folding e-bikes come in at this price range.

Most bikes in this range are urban commuters or present as ‘mountain bike-style’. They may be set up with rim brakes (v-brakes) or even drum brakes, rather than disc brakes. Steel and heavier aluminum frames can be expected.

On low cost bikes, front suspension is not unheard of. At this price, it can offer limited benefits and durability. It’s possible that cheap suspension will only add complexity and weight, without real benefits. E-bikes will use either 36v or 48v systems.

The price savings you receive from online retailers are due to the fact that many of these manufacturers don’t have to pay for a ‘middleman’ or storefront. Your e-bike will be partially assembled for packaging and transport. Keep in mind that any warranty that’s offered may be contingent on having your e-bike professionally assembled by your local bike mechanic.

After-market servicing and parts may or may not be locally available.

700 to 1500

Motors at this price range are mostly hub-driven. Frames are usually mid-range aluminum. Disc brakes are standard but are almost always mechanical. Hydraulic disc brakes are within reach. Some accessories, such as lights and fenders, may be included.

Componentry may be similar to that found on a 250 to 500 pedal-powered bike. Most bikes in this range are commuters and city bikes.

Accessories

Ready-to-go: fenders, lights and a rear rack

It pays to consider the inclusion of extras and integrated accessories as part of the cost of your new e-bike.

Some e-bikes come fit with front and rear lights. The best systems are connected to your e-bike’s battery and can be operated from a switch on the handlebar.

Other e-bikes are equipped with fenders and racks. A chainguard may be integrated into the design of your e-bike. It’s a sure way to keep your clothes grease-free on commutes.

These accessories can cut costs and make things easier, because your bike is ready-to-go from new.

E-Bike Classes and Laws

In the United States, electric bike laws vary massively from state to state.

It’s best to check your local laws before purchasing an electric bike.

This is especially true when you are ordering a bike online, as it may be tuned to match the laws of another state or country.

E-bikes are not illegal and you needn’t fear that you’re flouting the law by buying and owning one. Local governments and authorities are also users of electric bikes.

In many areas, electric bikes are classed into three categories. This affects where you can ride your chosen e-bike and how fast you can ride it. All classes are limited to a motor size of 750 Watts.

Class 1 – Pedal Assist Bikes

Pedal-assist bikes are also used by the enforcers of road regulations

On these bikes, the electric drive of the bike must be activated through pedaling.

Sensors measure pedal movement, pedal torque and / or bicycle speed.

In most parts of the United States, these bikes are limited to a top speed of 20 mph.

Because of their limited power, they can be used in the same areas as regular ‘push-bikes’; streets, bike lanes, bike paths and off-road trails.

Class 2 – Throttle Activated

These bikes are able to be activated by a throttle, without any pedal assistance.

Many of these bikes also have a pedal-assist function.

Like class one bikes, they are limited to a top speed of 20mph and are permitted to be ridden in the same areas as regular push-bikes.

Class 2 bikes are less common outside of the U.S. and China, where they are more highly regulated.

Class 3 – Speed Pedelec

These bikes are pedal-assisted, with a top-speed limit of 28mph. This speed must be achieved with pedal assistance.

Class 3 e-bikes are permitted on roads and on-road bike lanes but are not allowed to be used on bike trails and multi-use paths.

Even though the higher speed of a Class 3 bike may seem attractive, keep in mind that this may limit your access options to paths and trails.

Class 3 e-bikes are suitable if you enjoy on-road cycling and use your e-bike purely for commuting.

Feel the Spark!

In the last decade, cyclists have realized that e-bikes are a great way to ride for longer distances and at higher speeds.

Electric bikes allow many cyclists to make that long-distance commute to work, while leaving their car in the garage.

In times past, e-bikes were sometimes seen as exclusive to a less-able or less-motivated rider base. This is no longer the case.

In recent years, e-bikes have revealed themselves as one of the fastest-growing transport solutions in built-up metropolitan areas, worldwide.

Whatever your reason for choosing to go electric; shop around, choose wisely and ride on!

Owen Jesse Owen has spent decades building and riding bikes; as a messenger, photographer and for an environmental non profit. He’s volunteered teaching others to fix their bikes and loves a genre busting bike build.

Sources

Best Electric Bikes 2023

45 Комментарии и мнения владельцев

Electric Bike Report aims to help consumers find the right electric bike for their needs. When you buy a product we recommend, we may earn a commission.

There’s never been more options to choose from in the world of e-bikes, but which are the best electric bikes of 2023?

The team at Electric Bike Report put our heads together and chose 16 e-bikes we’ve deemed the Best Electric Bikes of 2023. Some of these e-bikes are new for this year, but some are ol’ reliables that are tried, tested and still hold true as the best in their class.

As with every list of best e-bikes, ours has some nuance as to why a specific bike was picked — ranging from value and componentry to overall ride feel. We’ve also leaned heavily on e-bikes we’ve tested in-house, though there are a few e-bikes here that were picked based on merit and reputation alone.

Whether you’re looking for the best e-bike for older riders, the best electric commuter bike or the best electric beach cruiser, this list will point you towards what we think are the best in each category.

How we picked the best electric bikes

In a fast-growing sea of products, how did we make our picks for the best e-bikes? The answer to this question varies depending on the bike and category. But in every case, these e-bikes were picked through consensus among our team of expert e-bike testers.

Some bikes, such as the Aventon Aventure 2 electric fat bike, leapt out as obvious frontrunners during testing. While others, like the Blix Aveny Skyline and Ride1UP 700 Series, were sleeper contenders chosen for very specific reasons. But in all cases, we evaluated the bikes based on a few key criteria, mainly:

• Value: How much e-bike are you getting for your dollar? The e-bike market has grown flush with overpriced and under-spec’d electric bikes that don’t offer much value. Every bike on this list we’d call fairly priced.
• Components and extras: What else comes with the e-bike? Does it come with racks, bags, lights and fenders, and do those accessories make sense? Is there anything else that should be included but isn’t?
• Does it offer something unique?: In a market chock-full of options, what’s unique about this bike that sets it apart from the competition? There are many categories of e-bike — particularly at the more affordable end of the spectrum — that are flush with copycat brands and e-bikes that just aren’t that special. We’re looking for the ones that are.
• What does the manufacturer say it was built for?: What was this bike designed to do, and how well does it execute that purpose? Of course you can choose to use your bike however you’d like, but we want to make sure the e-bikes on this list function as advertised.
• How does it actually ride?: Last but not least, the most important question: Does the e-bike ride well? Most of these e-bikes we know intimately through rigorous testing.

Aventon Aventure 2

The Best Fat Tire Electric Bike, 2023

One of our favorite e-bikes since 2021, the newly-updated Aventon Aventure 2 electric fat bike truly is something to write home about.

It has all the typical accouterments you’d expect from a sub-2,000 electric fat bike: A 750W motor, a suspension fork and a solid component package — but where the Aventure sets itself apart are in its little details. Details like its full-color LCD display, metal fenders, hydraulic disk brakes and integrated tail lights that function as turn signals. Or the fact that this is one of the few e-bikes in this category and at this price point with a fully integrated battery that blends seamlessly into the frame, and sports a torque sensor for more responsive motor engagement.

All these small things add up into an e-bike that feels much more expensive than it is. It rides stable and inspires confidence in rougher terrain, and did we mention it’s really quick? Electric Bike Report has reviewed both the standard Aventure and the Aventure Step-Through and both put up some of the quickest times we’ve recorded on our test hill and our test circuit.

The Aventure series has retained the top billing on our list of the best electric bikes for over two years, and it’s continued to be one of our go-to e-bikes on filming days for hauling all gear and camera equipment. Its overall performance and utility has so far stood the test of time.

Aventon may not have reinvented the affordable electric fat bike, but they sure did raise the bar for what we expect from any sub-2,000 e-bike.

This bike can be anything you need it to be whether that’s your daily commuter, weekend plaything, or leisure ride. It’s mix of versatility and downright fun have kept it among the highest ranks of our choices for the best electric bikes of 2023.

Pro’s

• This is a surprisingly quick e-bike. The motor is powerful and smooth and likely to be a hit with new and experiend riders alike.
• The full-color LCD display features big numbers and a very helpful battery life indicator that gives the percentage of charge the battery has.
• Improved battery range on the newest model thanks to the efficiency / more responsive torque sensor that engages motor power as needed
• Metal fenders don’t wiggle as much as plastic ones and they have a quality look to them
• This is a distinctive e-bike with a stylish look and does a great job of integrating the battery

Con’s

• The Aventure 2 improved over the Aventure 1 in small and large ways, but the Shimano Altus it now uses is technically a downgrade from the previously equipped Shimano Acera (although we saw no performance issues in our 160 miles of testing).

The Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus

One of the most confidence inspiring affordable e-bikes on the market, with good power, good componentry and the backing of one of the most reputable e-bike brands.

Lectric XP 3.0

The Best Folding Electric Commuter Bike, 2023

It may not be the fanciest or highest-spec’d folding electric bike on the market, but by golly it’s hard to deny the popularity and value of the Lectric XP 3.0.

The Electric Bike Report staff is always watching for e-bike sightings out in the wild. We like to know what people are riding and why, and Lectric XP series is arguably our most frequent sighting. It’s popular for very good reasons: Not only is it remarkably cheap (in terms of price, not feel) at just about 1,000, it’s actually a terrifically fun e-bike.

This is Lectric’s third iteration of their XP folding fat tire e-bike. This new version, released in 2022, comes with a 500W motor, a suspension fork, mechanical disk brakes on 180mm rotors and a 48V, 10.4Ah battery that has a pretty decent range (for its size). Toss in recent editions like a rack that can support 150lbs (and a buddy with the right accessory package), revamped contact point’s that are softer and more.

That spec sheet on its own is quite value packed at this price, but we’re not recognizing this bike for its components — we like it for its ride. The XP 3.0 is a meaty little folding bike that reminds me of those old Honda three-wheelers popular back in the late 80’s. It’s not super fast or overly nimble, but it romps around like no other and feels like it won’t let you down.

The Lectric XP 3.0 stole our hearts for its sheer affordability and fun factor. To be clear: There are more premium folding bikes that cater to different needs, but this one seems like the people’s Champion for affordable folding e-bikes. Of all the e-bikes listed on this best electric bikes list, there may not be a more affordable and versatile one of the bunch.

Pro’s

• It’s hard to find as full-featured an e-bike at such an affordable price
• The XP 3.0 has a terrific motor that provides spirited acceleration and a very fun ride
• As folding bikes go, this shrinks to a very manageable package, making it easy to stow away once folded
• Having such a large LCD screen makes it easy to read and serves up all the helpful ride data
• Not only is this an affordable e-bike, it includes a number of features we think of as premium, like front suspension, rack, fenders and lights
• The 3-in. tires are knobby and give the XP 3.0 the ability to take in some off-road riding

Con’s

• Moving a 60-lb. e-bike isn’t easy, even when folded; we suggest removing the battery before picking it up
• We wish the key didn’t have to remain in the bike to operate it since it’s under the frame and easy to forget

The Aventon Sinch

With its low step-thru frame, big tires and suspension fork, this is a comfortable and easy to ride e-bike perfect for commuters or anyone short on storage space

Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus

Best Utility Electric Bike, 2023

The Rad Power Bikes RadRunner Plus exists somewhere between a small cargo e-bike and a peppy commuter, and frankly, we’re in love with it.

Its moped-style seat, small wheels, built-in rear rack and semi-ridiculous BMX handlebars give the Runner Plus a quirky style that takes a little getting used to. But when you’re on the bike, it all just makes sense. It handles quick despite its 74.3 lb heft, and its funky frame design is actually functional: Rad’s built booko accessory options that either attach to the rear pannier-style rack and they make a big tank-style box that fits between your legs.

It’s powered by a 750W rear hub motor and a 672Wh battery that’s situated below the seat, which offer plenty of oomph for carrying people, cargo or just quickly getting around town. There’s also a twist throttle and the Runner Plus comes with a bench seat mounted to the rear rack and foldable foot pegs that make it pretty comfortable to take a friend.

It’s not just one of our favorite e-bikes, but it feels hands down like one of the year’s best electric bikes. We think the RadRunner Plus is a spectacular option for anyone looking for one bike that can do a little of everything.

Pro’s

• This is an unusually adaptable e-bike that can serve well for commuting, errand running or just cruising for fun
• The number of accessories that can be used to customize the RadRunner is larger than we typically see
• The 750W hub motor provides the power necessary to carry loads (including kids) and get around quickly as well as conquer hills
• 20-in. wheels and a low-slung frame make this a very well-balanced bike that handles with easy
• Because this isn’t an especially heavy e-bike, the 672Wh battery provides plenty of range

Con’s

• We would prefer to see a more traditional saddle; the one included can rub the inside of the rider’s thighs
• Because this e-bike has 20-in. wheels, the mechanical disc brakes provide adequate stopping power, but hydraulic discs modulate better and would be more befitting of a “plus” model.

The Blix Dubbel

With the ability to carry up to 200 lbs. And a longer-than-usual rack, the Blix Dubbel is a utility bike that can double as a child carrier. Riders with long commutes will love that it can be ordered with two batteries.

Ride1UP 700 Series

The Best Class 3 Electric Commuter Bike, 2023

So Class 2 speeds aren’t your thing? Well, say hello to a top-notch Class 3 commuter that will keep pace with traffic without breaking the bank.

Ride1UP’s 700 series found its way to our best electric bikes list because we’re still scratching our heads how they packed this much value into an electric commuter bike.

Notice some of the names and numbers that jumped off the spec sheet to us: a 720Wh Samsung battery, 750W motor with 60 nm of torque, Tektro dual-piston hydraulic brakes, 100mm travel suspension fork, Schwalbe SUPER MOTO X 27.5×2.4” tires, and an 8-speed Shimano Acera drivetrain.

Not to mention they toss in all the typical trappings one hopes to find on a commuter with integrated lights, fenders, and a sturdy rear rack for your panniers.

The real kicker though? It feels like a bit of a steal considering that most affordable full-package commuters cost 200-300 more. The value here is off the charts as is the fun factor.

Pro’s

• It may not look like a commuter, but with its parts package, it offers all the features of a proper commuter at a great price
• This is a pretty speedy e-bike but never feels overly powerful
• The balloon tires have a great feel and roll easily
• The 720Wh battery offers enough range for multiple days of commuting without a rush to charge
• The 100mm suspension fork is more than many commuters offer making it a chushier ride

Con’s

• It has a little more assembly than some other DTC e-bikes, but the instructions are pretty detailed and easy to follow
• It’s a mighty fine hill climber on PAS, but throttle only power may struggle on steeper hills.

The Vvolt Proxima

A long-reigning favorite among our staff, the Level looks nice, is appropriately outfitted and is just plain fast. Featuring an Enviolo continuously variable gearing drivetrain, a Gates belt drive and a powerful MPF mid-drive motor, this is a very versatile e-bike.

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus

The Best Class 2 Electric Commuter Bike, 2023

Rad Power Bikes really overhauled the latest iteration of their uber-popular commuter. The RadCity 5 Plus came equipped with a host of new parts on top of a freshly redesigned look. We were such fans of how the new RadCity came together that it easily sprang to our minds to be included on our list of best electric bikes.

The aesthetics upgrade is apparent: Rad swapped an exterior battery pack for a semi-integrated, frame-mounted battery. The modern paint job on a classic dutch-styled bike is a marriage that works quite well too. Rad also employed the use of a dual display set-up we rarely see which breaks up the information in a good way.

Powering the bike is a 672Wh battery and a 750W geared rear hub motor. Rad has dialed in the electronics to smoothly engage while riding and keep the rider comfortable and in control.

Not only does it roll well, but it stops well too. We tested both the step-through and high-step versions of the RadCity Plus’ frame and in both brake tests the RadCity was among the top performers in bikes we’ve ever tested. The NUTT hydraulic disk brakes with 180mm rotors perform very well and seem like the right spec choice.

Add in the 59.5 lbs capacity rear rack, 50 mm suspension fork, fenders and front and rear integrated lights and this e-bike will check nearly all the boxes on your commuter wishlist.

Pro’s

• 672Wh is plenty of battery for commutes, and it looks great on the bike.
• The handling is stable and predictable.
• It’s currently in the top-tier of our brake tests.
• The 750W motor will get the job done for you day in and day out.
• The Rad Power Bikes branded tires also performed well.

Con’s

• For as much as the looks were upgraded, we feel some tidier cable management would have been nice.
• We like the functionality of two displays, but the LEDs on the left-hand display are hard to read in sunlight.

The Aventon Level 2

This is a very full-featured commuter with great lines, a powerful motor, front suspension and includes a commute-ready package with fenders, lights and rear rack.

Himiway Cruiser

The Best Electric Bike for Big and Tall Riders, 2023

Most e-bike companies produce a wide array of models. They may have a cruiser, a commuter, an all-terrain model and may even have a cargo e-bike. Himiway has gone a little different direction. Every one of their e-bikes sports fat tires at least 4 in. wide, making the cushy ride of a fat bike a signature part of their appeal.

Himiway delivers in four key areas on nearly all of the bike in their lineup: the bikes are big, fast, provide all-day battery life, and they don’t break the bank. So what makes them so good for big and tall riders? Well, the heavier a bike’s payload (rider load) the more power is required to move the rider. Having an exceptionally sizable battery offers a rider some reassurance that they can do a full commute and not worry about running out of battery. And an 840Wh battery is uncommon on bikes going for less than 2000.

The hallmark of a Himiway bike is the motor hits the pavement fast and hard. The larger batteries enable the programming to hold little back as there is plenty of battery to draw from, so when the bike promises class three speeds it will get there regardless of how heavy a rider or payload on the bike is. It’s quicker than most on hills too.

With wider tires you find more stability and comfort, and the 26 X 4.0″ tires are plenty wide. As Griffin the 6′ 1″, 230 lbs. rider from our team puts it, “I’m a bigger dude and there’s just something I like about what a bigger tire does for me.”

We like that they include lights and a rear rack to make the Himiway Cruiser as versatile as possible. It makes for a pretty killer value on the bike all around.

You don’t have to be a bigger or taller rider to appreciate what the Himway Cruiser can do, but it definitely checks that particular box on our list of the best electric bikes.

Pro’s

• Very powerful e-bike – many e-bikes can get you to the same speeds, but this one has a lot of acceleration off the line.
• The bike feels pretty stable all around – it handles well especially for the higher speeds it produces.
• 840Wh battery makes for very long rides, even in higher PAS riding.
• 350lb rider weigh limit is much higher than we typically see bikes rated for – and the motor still seems to work well for larger riders too.

Con’s

• While speedy bikes can be fun, we wish we saw a little more dialed back speeds in lower PAS settings.
• It’s not the least responsive cadence sensor we’ve had, but it’s not the best either. It may take a couple of cranks on the pedals for PAS to kick in – especially after engaging the motor cutoff on the brakes.

The Mokwheel Basalt

400 lbs of payload capacity alone make it a compelling option, but the bike offers much, much more. The motor and battery life are inviting for all day fun on the Mokwheel Basalt.

Lectric XP Lite

The Best Affordable Electric Bike, 2023

Shopping for an e-bike that retails for less than 1000 can be a mixed bag. We understand people wanting to stretch a dollar as far as possible, especially with inflation being what it is. However, there’s a point of diminishing returns where the sacrifices made to reach the low price have eroded the e-bike’s quality to a point we don’t feel good recommending. The Lectric XP Lite bucks that trend by offering one of the most affordable e-bikes we’ve ever given a thumbs up.

Rather than design an e-bike from the ground up to be affordable, Lectric took the approach of putting their very successful XP 2.0 on a diet. Lectric eliminated the suspension fork, rack, fenders and multi-gear drivetrain to achieve a price anyone in the market for an e-bike can afford.

In removing those elements, the XP Lite lost weight and Lectric was able to capitalize on that by spec’ing a 300W motor and 374Wh battery, which gives it nearly the same range as the XP 2.0. Its 46-lb. weight makes it one of the easiest-to-fold e-bikes we’ve encountered.

When looking for the best blend of light weight and affordability, the XP Lite is tough to beat. A 70-lb. e-bike can be difficult for smaller riders to manage as well as elderly riders who may have lost strength; we appreciate an e-bike with such a broad appeal.

Pro’s

• We don’t often recommend e-bikes that retail for less than 1000, but this one gets a solid thumbs up
• With a weight of just 46 lbs., this e-bike has terrific handling
• By removing the battery before folding it, riders can cut the e-bike’s weight by 7 lbs., making it easier to manage
• To cut the chance for flats, the tubes come with Slime sealant installed
• The 20 x 3-in. tires feature knobs for unpaved surfaces
• Most sub-50-lb. e-bikes can’t carry as much weight as the XP Lite’s 275-lb. payload capacity
• There really isn’t much you could do differently with this bike without increasing cost. It fits the bill for being a fun, practical folder for riders on a budget
• The XP Lite strikes an amazing balance of features vs. affordability; any upgrades would increase its cost

Con’s

• We would prefer to be able to remove the key after turning the e-bike on
• The single-speed drivetrain was a key part of hitting this price, but it will make hills a bigger challenge and practically necessitates PAS 5 usage on steeper grades

The Ride1UP Core-5

We don’t often see Class 3 e-bikes that are unquestionably affordable, and even with the powerful Shengyi motor, the bike is spec’d with quality parts.

Blix Aveny Skyline

The Best Step-Through Electric Bike, 2023

The Blix Aveny Skyline isn’t the lowest step-over height of any bike we’ve tested. So why is it taking the crown on the step-through category of our best e-bikes list? Because it balances frame rigidity with ease of access. The top tube is low enough for most but the fact that it’s still there is important for the bike’s ride quality. You won’t notice the wallowy or flexy ride that so often plagues step-through e-bikes, which is confidence-inspiring in corners and when you’re looking to ride it for years to come.

Aside from being easily accessible, this e-bike it’s beautifully simplistic to ride too. It resides within the small category of e-bikes that feel remarkable to ride without any motor assistance.

But make no mistake, we’re fans of the electrical components too. The 500W motor and 614Wh battery pair nicely with the 7-speed drivetrain.

Thanks to it’s comfortable orientation, the Blix Aveny Skyline is inviting and approachable for those who may be concerned with throwing a leg over a traditional diamond frame.You’ll also turn a few heads with its classic car-esque paint job.

Pro’s

• Keeping the top tube while making it a step-through frame gives you the best of both worlds: easy access and good frame integrity.
• Regardless of the color you pick, they all seem to look great with classic car color choices.
• The 500W motor and seven gear range is a good combo for you to find your ideal cruising speed.
• Overall it’s a very poised-feeling ride. It handles predictably and comfortably.
• For a bike with no suspension (which always adds price), it felt notably smooth.

Con’s

• It’s a one-size-fits-all bike that should accommodate between 5’1” – 6’2”. Our main reviewer is 6’2” and felt a tiny bit cramped.
• There is some rattle noise in the metal fenders. It’s not a deal-breaker for us, but notable if you’re searching for a silent ride.

The Aventon Pace 500 ST

With its combination of affordability and super-low standover height, this is one e-bike that is always easy to recommend. It ships as a Class 2 e-bike, but can be unlocked to achieve a Class 3 max speed of 28 mph.

Aventon Pace 500.3 ST

The Best Electric Bike For Seniors, 2023

Seniors often have someone different priorities than younger folks when shopping for an e-bike. The concerns we hear repeatedly are: something that has a step-thru frame with low standover to make getting on and off the e-bike easy; an upright seated position that is easy on an old neck; and calm handling for reflexes that aren’t quite so quick as they used to be. Of course, it never hurts to find all this in an affordable package, which is why we named the Aventon Pace 500 in its step-thru design as our favorite e-bike for seniors.

Among the many things we appreciate about the Aventon Pace 500.3 ST is the fact that this e-bike weighs less than many comparable models. Suspension forks, big tires, racks, baskets and fenders all add weight to a bike and at 52 lbs., the Aventon Pace 500.3 ST is an e-bike that’s easy to manage.

Its 500W brushless hub motor is surprisingly powerful and does a great job of delivering a rider up to 20 mph either with pedal assist or throttle. It can also be “unlocked” in the smartphone app to achieve Class 3 performance, something its 8-speed Shimano drivetrain can handle.

The Aventon Pace 500.3 comes in two different frame designs, both a traditional frame and a step-thru and both versions are available in two sizes. For seniors who have lost flexibility, finding a bike that is comfortable is important and with four choices, they are more likely to find a size that is comfortable. The adjustable stem is a great touch for dialing in the reach.

Few bikes we have reviewed has exceeded their range estimates as impressively as the Aventon Pace 500.3 ST. They claim a range of roughly 30-60 Mi., but in our test we achieved 68 Mi. in PAS 1 and 35 Mi. in PAS 5.

Pro’s

• The updates to the Pace 500.3 ST, like the reduced weight, torque sensor and integrated taillights (which function as turn signals), make a great e-bike even better.
• The battery is crazy efficient delivering up to 68 miles in our testing.
• The color display and accompanying app make for a rich experience
• Name-brand components from Shimano and Tektro reinforce the quality presentation
• The rider position is very comfortable, combining the upright position of a cruiser and the easy pedaling of a commuter
• At 52 lbs. it is relatively light for an e-bike, and works on most any hitch rack

Con’s

• Bigger riders may find the short reach to the handlebar to feel a bit cramped; although it can be adjusted

The Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus ST

This very practical bike comes in two frame designs and is outfitted to allow a rider to leave their car in the garage. Its upright position is very comfortable and it includes a throttle to save tired legs.

Ride1UP Revv 1

The Best Moped/Moto-Styled Electric Bike, 2023

Moped-style e-bikes are all the rage these days, and the market is packed full of models spanning every imaginable price point and power level. We’ve tested our fair share of them, and found the Ride1UP Revv 1 to be a cut above the rest!

This smash hit of an e-bike is freaky fast, ferociously fun, and fully functional as an electric vehicle. It’s a Class 2 e-bike with a 750W rear-hub motor and a throttle to carry you up to 20 miles per hour, but with some help from Ride1UP, it can be loosened up to Class 3 mode for faster pedal-assisted travel on the streets, and fully unlocked for even greater speeds on private property. On top of that, it comes equipped with lights, turn signals, fenders, and even an electronic horn.

We acknowledge that many riders will opt to near-exclusively use the bike’s throttle, but the Revv 1 surprised us by the (relative) ease with which it can be pedaled. Regardless of how much speed and motor input you desire, the bike uses a cadence sensor for a smooth and casual ride that just needs the pedals to be in motion for the motor to pump out its power. We loved how stable the bike felt when braking or traveling at high speeds!

To top it off, this bike comes in two trim packages with different price points to meet your needs and budget – both under 2,500. With so much packed into such an affordable e-bike, it’s no wonder the Ride1UP Revv 1 was our top choice for the best moped-style e-bike of the year!

Pro’s

• The Revv 1 nails the moto-inspired ethos: it looks cool, and is an absolute blast to ride
• Hallmark Ride1UP value. Great value in terms of the dollar you pay and the spec you receive
• The handling is superb. Few, if any, e-bikes we’ve tested feel so stable at speeds up to 28 mph
• Solid range going between 30-60 miles in our testing, and we hear a dual battery option is on the way too

Con’s

• The tires offer good puncture-resistance, but if the rear gets a flat it’s more labor-intensive than most to fix it

Electric Bike Company Model S

The Best Electric Bike for Customization, 2023

What feels permanently fixed on our wishlist for changes in the wider electric bike marketplace would be giving customers more options on the look and ride of their desired e-bike. Far too often you pick a step-thru or step-over frame, the frame size, the color, and…. that’s it. But one e-bike company stands alone in giving riders near-infinite possibilities to craft an e-bike of their liking.

The Electric Bike Company assembles classic beach cruiser-styled e-bikes out of Califonia where they are able to put together the custom cruiser of an e-bikers dreams. Let’s start with the looks: you can pick out the color of the frame, fork, chainguard, fenders, battery case, rims, basket and more. Choose one color. Choose two colors. Heck make everything different colors, it’s totally up to you. You can even get a bike helmet painted to match while you’re at it (yup, they do those too).

It’s not just about the pain job though, you get a lot of options in hardware too. You get to pick your option of grips, wheel size, tires, fork, drivetrain, throttle, size of battery you want and more. You can even throw on a security system as well.

Now all that customization is true for nearly all of Electric Bike Company’s models, so why did we pick the Model S? It had a rock-solid ride quality that perfectly captured the beach cruiser ethos: we felt like we were at the boardwalk even when we’re riding around our desert streets. It glides well about town, keeps the rider comfortable at all times, and helped convert even our most eMTB-inclined riders to find reasons to bust out the beach cruiser. It’s a fun ride that you can make exactly yours which is why it gets our nod for the best e-bike for customization.

Pro’s

• Staggering amount of customization options
• The quintessential beach cruiser experience. The Model S glides about town while keeping the rider very comfortable
• Weight capacity 420 lbs, welcomes most riders, regardless of weight.
• Since all the bikes are assembled in California, EBC has industry-leading warranties on the frame, motor, and battery.

Con’s

Blix Sol Eclipse

The Best Cruiser Electric Bike, 2023

The cruiser vibe has always been about a bike that is easy to ride, comfortable to sit on and relaxed enough in its handling that the rider can look around and see the sights. The Blix Sol Eclipse is a cruiser that respects all that and then adds some oomph. We hadn’t really ever asked the question, “How do you make a cruiser even easier to ride?” but that’s exactly what the Blix Sol Eclipse does for riders.

With a 750W hub motor, a 614Wh battery and a 7-speed drivetrain, the Blix Sol Eclipse makes the riding just as easy on hills as it does on a flat bike path. And while most people don’t go for long rides on a cruiser, with the speed it propels riders to, making use of its 45-Mi. range doesn’t seem like too much fun in the sun.

The LCD display is large and easy to read at a glance. And the scale for the battery charge looked like a ruler and offers a finer sense than something with four or five bars. Having the display mounted at the stem also helps its readability. The backswept cruiser bar is very comfortable and we love the twist shifter; we prefer it to many other shifters we encounter.

We often criticize e-bikes that fit tall riders, but not smaller riders. The Blix Sol Eclipse has a low (17-in.) standover height and an even shorter reach to the bar (15.5 in.), making this e-bike ideal for riders who might not fit on most other bikes.

This is a Class 2 e-bike with a throttle and a maximum assist speed of 20 mph. While we like hydraulic disc brakes for their feel and power, the Tektro mechanical discs with 160mm rotors do a great job of keeping the Blix Sol Eclipse under control. It’s easy to see why this is our favorite electric cruiser bike of 2023.

Pro’s

• With 7 speeds and a 750W motor, even a hill doesn’t disrupt this cruiser’s easy vibe
• The relaxed position of this cruiser made for more than 100 miles of comfortable riding for our testers
• Few things get our attention as quickly as an e-bike loaded with features that doesn’t break the bank and the Sol Eclipse has everything needed for a fun day out
• The appeal of a cruiser is rarely about speed, but we found the Blix Sol Eclipse to be a very capable climber that also has terrific acceleration
• Most e-bikes we review come a two, maybe three colors; we were pleased to see that Blix offers the Sol Eclipse in four different colors

Con’s

• PAS 1 and PAS 2 don’t assist the rider very much; we’d like to see the wattage increased on those to give riders an appreciable level of assist

The Electric Bike Co. Model S

This is a remarkable cruiser for its sheer customizability. Buyers have extraordinary ability to choose from a broad color palette, different batteries, suspension a GPS tracker and plenty more.

QuietKat Apex

The Best All-Terrain/Hunting Electric Bike, 2023

This fat bike takes the idea of a an all-terrain e-bike and bolts on a turbo unit. The QuietKat Apex is the company’s top-shelf all-terrain e-bike, featuring a Bafang mid-drive motor for a more responsive ride and better performance on hills. This e-bike has the power necessary to take riders into the backcountry and the range to bring them back out.

The QuietKat Apex sports an excellent parts pick including Tektro 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes, a SRAM 9-speed drivetrain and a 150mm-travel suspension fork. Add in fat 26 x 4.5-in. tires, and it’s ready to head into the forest.

Getting the most out of an e-bike offroad will be most likely if the e-bike fits the rider. To their credit, QuietKat offers the Apex in three sizes to fit a broad range of rider heights. QuietKat offers buyers a number of choices, including a motor upgrade and extended warranties, not to mention a vast selection of different accessories.

With a 325-lb. payload capacity, it is a terrific option for the hunter or angler who wants to bring home dinner, and with a 768Wh battery, it has the range to go where the game is.

Pro’s

• Choose between a 750W mid-drive Bafang motor (standard) or upgrade to a 1000W motor
• The 150mm suspension fork can handle the rigors of challenging terrain
• Tektro’s 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes are a Smart choice for riding in steep terrain, especially if pulling a load or if the rack is loaded
• Hunters and anglers will appreciate the forethought QuietKat put into its array of accessories

Con’s

• At 70 lbs., this e-bike may be dificult for smaller riders to manage
• Riders looking for an e-bike for super-technical terrain may not find the Apex suitable for their needs; we consider it more all-terrain than eMTB

The Himiway Cobra

This full-suspension all-terrain e-bike offers riders terrific control, a smooth ride and the ability to go a very long way, thanks to its 960Wh battery, which powers a very torquey 750W brushless hub motor.

Aventon Abound

The Best Electric Cargo Bike, 2023

Electric cargo bikes are undergoing a revolution in 2023, and the Aventon Abound is amongst the most impressive of the bunch.

Cargo e-bikes are all about utility. They offer a practical solution for those trying to ditch car dependence, or who want to get out and about more with the kids. So reliability is key for riders looking to tote gear or people along.

The Aventon Abound is one heck of a well spec’d machine, with uncommon good looks in the cargo e-bike style. It starts with an impressive 750W rear hub motor that functions with a torque sensor instead of a cadence one. The result is better motor control depending on how much of your own effort goes through the pedals.

The torque sensor also makes for great battery efficiency. The 720 Wh battery isn’t class leading, but it squeezes more mileage out of that battery than a cadence sensor could.

What we really appreciated with the Abound is it gives you more out of the box than most cargo e-bikes. When shopping in this frame style, one almost automatically expects a few ‘add item to cart’ accessories to fully take advantage of a cargo bike. It could be pannier bags, passenger cushions or more. But Aventon does equip the Abound with more than most with the standard runner boards, storage compartment, and quick-adjust seatpost that offers a little suspension for the rider.

With terrific ride quality, gorgeous and thoughtful design, and a few more usable accessories than most, the Abound found its way on our mentions of the best electric bikes of 2023

Pro’s

• Hills are no problem. While the Aventure 2 has the reputation for a powerful motor, but the Abound actually put up better hill test results!
• 440 lbs payload capacity means you can really stack a lot on the Abound from people to pets and a week’s worth of groceries
• It’s subjective, but most cargo bikes don’t have the style the Abound does.
• The torque sensor/hub motor combo gives a good pedal experience, but a good kick of acceleration in higher PAS.

Con’s

• The folding stem is designed to make storage and transport easier, but it adds a slight rattle to the ride at higher speed.

Lectric XPedition

The Best Affordable Electric Cargo Bike, 2023

Given that this is our list of the top overall e-bikes of 2023, it’s no surprise to say every e-bike listed here gave us lasting memories. However, possibly no other bike gave us a bigger “WOW” moment this year than Lectric did with the sheer value of their first-ever cargo bike.

The XPedition has one of the highest weight ratings of any cargo rack at 300 lbs (total payload of 450 lbs), and Lectric made sure you could tow all that weight around by making their 750W motor the torquiest one to date to match any hill you’d come across. Oh, and it has hydraulic brakes, a custom stem for quick adjusting and folding for storing in compact paces, pre-slimed 20″ x 3″ tires, lights, fenders, and wheel guards all included.

Sounds great, right? But here’s the brain-busting part of the XPedition: we typically see quality cargo e-bikes selling around the 2000 mark. Lectric debuted the XPedition more than 500 below that level while boasting all those features listed above. For another 300 you can run a dual battery setup that will get you up to 120 miles range (in our testing) and you’re still not bumping against that 2000 line where most cargo e-bikes start.

The “WOW” factor isn’t done yet though. Almost every cargo e-bike rider we’ve known has accessories for either kids or gear. Looking to replace your car on grocery trips? Need a space for your little one? You can add two XL cargo pannier bags, or seat cushions and grab bars to the dual-battery XPedition and STILL not cross the typical 2000 mark.

It’s not a bike without its warts. The cable management isn’t the best we’ve seen, and the LCD display is pretty dated, but you throw all those features on top of rock-solid ride quality and remember you’re a fully loaded model can be had for under the starting price of nearly all other cargo options, and the decision to name it te best affordable e-bike of 2023 seems pretty clear.

Pro’s

• Simply among the best values of any e-bike regardless of frame style. You get a ton for what you pay for, and you don’t pay much
• Among the highest weight capacity ratings we’ve seen. 300 lbs on the rear rack, and 450 total payload
• Thanks to a low setp-over height and a custom stem it can fit riders 4’11” – 6’5″
• Makes light work of most any hill even when hauling a lot of cargo

Con’s

• The folding stem can start to feel a bit wobbly when traveling at top speed
• We strongly recommend the dual battery model, but know you’ll have to buy a separate second charger to charge both at one time

The Blix Packa Genie

Hundreds of accessory combos, dual battery optional, quality design, and even a nice paint job help the Blix Packa Genie standout as an affordable cargo e-bike option.

Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5

The Best E-Bike For Smaller Riders

When we consider the needs of smaller riders, we look at three factors, all of which the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand 5 addresses nicely. We want to see a step-thru frame for a low standover height, a short seat tube so that the saddle can be adjusted to the rider’s height and a reasonable reach to the handlebar with some amount of adjustability for the handlebar or stem in order to shorten that reach some.

Smaller riders, particularly those riders less than 5 feet 5 inches tall face a real challenge when shopping for an e-bike. Most e-bikes are built in a size well-suited to someone 5 feet 10 inches, but the quality of that fit drops the more someone deviates from that height. The high-rise handlebar of the RadExpand can be turned back toward the rider more than most, making the reach easier and its step-thru design not only makes it easy to fold, it’s easy to mount and get rolling.

The RadExpand 5’s versatility is part of what makes it so great. It’s a capable commuter, thanks to lights, fenders and a rear rack, and with its wide tires, it gives a smooth ride even on rough roads.

The 750W brushless hub motor is more powerful than we see on some folding e-bikes. For riders who have to deal with hills or consistently rough roads, having this much power will be welcome, especially for smaller riders who might not be as strong, which is why this is our favorite choice for small riders.

Pro’s

• The new handlebar setup is a game changer. The bars are wider, it feels less flexy and it still folds to boot.
• At over 62 lbs it’s still hefty, but the bike folds down to a convenient size for storing in an RV, a corner of the garage or in the trunk of most sedans.
• Rad’s rear hub motors have proven time and again to be some of the most reliable on the market.
• The spec sheet is solid for the price. A 7-speed drivetrain, nice working mechanical disk brakes and a sizeable battery for about 1,599 MSRP is a good deal.
• The handling is spot-on. Neutral, balanced, predictable — riding this will be intuitive even for e-bike newbies.
• Rad’s bikes have a distinct power profile that starts gentle and grows stronger as you pick up speed. Never once does it feel like it’ll jump out from under you.

Con’s

• I don’t mind the lack of front suspension fork, but some people will not like it. You can really feel some bumps in the road.
• It’s surprising to see Rad move away from the LCD display. Unlike its predecessor the RadMini 4, this bike has no screen.

The Aventon Pace 500 ST

A low standover height, adjustable stem and powerful 500W brushless motor make this a terrific option for smaller riders. It can be unlocked to reach a Class 3 top speed of 28 mph, which makes it a fun way to commute or just get around.

Specialized Turbo Vado

The Best High-Performance Electric Bike. 2023

For over three decades, Specialized has had the same mantra: “Innovate or Die.”

They opted for the former.

The Specialized Turbo Vado is the result of world-class engineering with a high level of detail. The specially tuned 250W mid-drive motor is as responsive as any we’ve ever pedaled, delivering the right amount of assistance needed from the moment your shoes turn the cranks.

Doubters of smaller wattage bikes should make no mistake here, this bike can absolutely move if it wants to. The Turbo Vado has three different assist levels in ECO, SPORT, and TURBO mode. Each one provides a distinctly different feel from the others and the bike handles well in all three.

The motor alone is something we could wax poetic on for pages, but the bike doesn’t stop there. High-level componentry is found throughout the bike from the SRAM hydraulic brakes, SRAM NX 11-speed drivetrain, and the generous 710Wh battery powering the bike (on the 4.0 model we tested).

Typically when a bike is in the “high-performance” category that might mean it runs a little pricier than it needs to. We don’t actually feel that’s the case here. Considering the componentry package, engineering investment, performance, and top tier customer support you’re getting in this bike it feels like you get every penny of what you pay for.

Pro’s

• Simply put: it’s one of the best feeling motors we’ve ever experienced.
• The new looks of the Turbo Vado are great – it delivers a traditional bike feel.
• Specialized’s global network of dealers and nearly unparallelled customer service.
• This is a cruiser that could easily double as a commuter or city bike. It’s built to be very versatile

Con’s

• One of our only complaints is that the magnetic charger can be difficult to seat correctly when the battery is installed in the frame.

The Ride1UP Prodigy

E-bikes with mid-drive motors like the Brose in the Prodigy are rare in this price range. Its combination of Class 3 speed, step-thru and traditional frame designs as well as an off-road configuration makes it ideal for high performance on a budget.

Mokwheel Basalt

The Best Camping Electric Bike, 2023

Half the fun of camping is exploring the area visited. E-bikes offer campers the opportunity to go farther, see more and not be wiped out at the end of the day. The Mokwheel Basalt is unusual among e-bikes in that it is well-suited to not just to off-road exploring, but it can serve as a valuable resource thanks to some of its unusual accessories. As a Class 3 e-bike with a maximum speed of 28 mph, it is terrific for getting around most anywhere.

The Mokwheel Basalt may not look all that unusual at first glance. It features a 750W brushless hub motor that can turn 90Nm of torque, making it suitable to riding steep hills, whether paved or not. The 110mm-travel suspension fork improves control on bumpy terrain and the 7-speed Shimano drivetrain helps both uphill and down. Hydraulic disc brakes offer terrific power even on steep downhills and Chaoyang 26 x 4-in. tires provide the necessary cushion and traction for exploring the backcountry.

What really sets the Mokwheel Basalt apart is its massive 940Wh battery that can power a 100W power inverter that has the ability to run such essentials as phone chargers, coffee makers, electric grills and laptops. Planning to be gone more than a day or two? Mokwheel also offers a solar charger to keep the juice running to those essentials.

Riders can also choose between a traditional frame and a step-thru design. Because it has a 450-lb. payload capacity, campers who want to go bag dinner can carry it back to camp as well. This is ideal for anyone planning to go camping but still wants electricity.

Pro’s

• 750W brushless hub motor has the power and torque necessary to climb hills and deliver riders to a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph for spirited riding
• Comes in both a traditional frame and a step-thru to fit a broad range of riders
• Can power a number of electric appliances while camping with the help of the optional 1000W power inverter
• 4-in.-wide tires and a front suspension fork make for a very comfortable ride
• 450-lb. payload capacity makes it terrific for hunters wanting to bring home their game

Con’s

The Lectric XP 3.0

We love the Lectric XP 3.0 because it is versatile, easy to store and thanks to its 3-in.-wide, knobby tires, it can go places commuters and cruisers can’t reach.

Aventon Soltera

The Best City/Urban Electric Bike, 2023

One of the biggest challenges of e-bike design is that the bigger the motor, the more it weighs. The same goes for batteries. That creates a challenge for a bike designer; a more powerful motor gives up some of the value of its wattage by virtue of the fact that the increased weight negates it. Similarly, a more powerful battery weighs more and therefore cuts an e-bike’s range. Rather than beefing up both motor and battery, for the Aventon Soltera, the e-bike’s designer went in the other direction: Spec’d with a 350W brushless motor and a 360Wh battery, the Soltera tips the scales at just 41 lbs.

The Aventon Soltera is modeled on single-speed, flat-bar road bikes known as fixies. It features skinnier tires than we often see, which give the bike a more agile feeling, increases its efficiency, which makes it easier to accelerate and uses less energy at speed, and the 700C wheels roll over bumps more easily, not to mention offering a stable ride at speed.

Because seven speeds is often preferable to one, Aventon sells the Soltera in a 7-speed version for anyone who wants to make hills a bit easier. Single-speed e-bikes face a challenge in that if the gear is good at low speeds, like when starting, it won’t be great at 20 mph. And if it’s great at 20 mph, getting started won’t be easy. We suggest spending the extra dough to get six more speeds.

This is one of a vanishingly small number of e-bikes we’ve reviewed that feature traditional rim brakes. These brakes are plenty powerful for the kind of riding buyers will do on this bike; these rim brakes are nothing like the ones on the bikes we rode as kids. And while the tires on the Aventon Soltera are narrower than we often see on e-bikes, these aren’t as skinny as the tires we see on racing bikes; they will still offer a comfortable ride, even on rough roads.

Pro’s

• The riser bar, skinny tires and hidden battery gives the Soltera the look of a fixie
• At 41 lbs., the Soltera is a surprisingly light e-bike and as a result it has a zippy feel on the road that is refreshing
• Most similar e-bikes are spec’d with a battery smaller than the 360Wh battery found on the Soltera, which gives it a surprisingly long range
• The market for a single-speed e-bike is limited, but Aventon offers an optional 7-speed drivetrain that will increase its appeal to a much broader range of buyers
• Even though this is a budget-oriented model, Aventon doesn’t go cheap; the Soltera is equipped with the full-color LCD display, companion app and inset taillight

Con’s

• Riders looking for an e-bike with a powerful motor might not appreciate this bike’s balance of power vs. weight; this bike is meant to make use of a smaller motor in a lighter bike
• Given the fixie-like styling of the Soltera, it’s not surprising that it comes without fenders or a rear rack

The Ride1UP Roadster V2

This budget-minded flat-bar road e-bike also uses a smaller motor and battery for Class 3 performance, making it one of the most affordable e-bikes we’ve encountered with a 28 mph top speed.

GoCycle G4

The Best Lightweight Electric Folding Bike, 2023

It’s obvious the GoCycle G4 is the brainchild of a former supercar designer.

Nearly all of the bike is made of carbon fiber, including the super sexy one-piece spoked carbon wheels and the entirety of the sleek-looking folding frame. The bike almost has a minimalist design with smooth curves and few obvious frills, but beneath that carbon facade is one of the most feature-rich and smartly-integrated e-bikes we’ve ever tested.

The G4 family of GoCycles is the fourth iteration of the British fast folder. Not only does this bike have more carbon and a more integrated cockpit than its predecessor, GoCycle managed to double the torque produced by the front hub motor. Don’t let this bike’s small stature fool you; it’s remarkably quick and climbs hills with the best of them. The new G4i also has predictive electric shifting and a set of very nice hydraulic disk brakes that are unbranded but bear a striking resemblance to a high-end Magura design.

All in, the GoCycle G4 weighs in the ballpark of 36 lbs, making this one of the most lightweight folding e-bikes on the market today. Add in its quirky cool looks, beautiful folding mechanism and feature-rich build, and it’s undeniably one of the best lightweight folding e-bikes of 2023.

Pro’s

• The design is bar-none. It’s amazing how many features have been crammed into such a little frame.
• Folding the G4 is very easy and, with a little practice, can be done in just a few seconds.
• The carbon rims on the G4i may seem like overkill on a folding commuter, but man do they make a noticeable difference. Plus they’re just ultra cool.
• Electric shifting is ultra cool and works great. Did we mention it’s a system made special for GoCycle?
• The lightweight plus convenient folding make the G4 lineup very realistic for dedicated bike commuters who are low on space.

Con’s

• The predictive shifting is a nice touch, but it may take a little getting used to for experienced riders.

The Blix Vika Flex

Part of the challenge of making a great folding e-bike is keeping it light enough to be stowed. At 55 lbs., this folder is easy to manage, while still offering enough power to get up hills and enough range to get across town and back.

BULLS Alpine Hawk EVO

The Best Road Electric Bike, 2023

Road bikes are known for racing, and for lycra-clad cycling enthusiasts who aren’t afraid to use plenty of leg power when attempting a casual 30-60 miles on a weekend ride. Surely it doesn’t sound like the crowd that would see the appeal of having a motor-equipped bike doing some of the work for you.

So how do you get this crowd interested in e-bikes? By constructing a wonderfully subtle enhancement to the road biking experience.

The BULLS Alpine Hawk really captured the feel of a true road bike – so much so that we often forgot it was an e-bike. The 33.5 lb weight is a tad high for a performance road bike, but it’s a featherweight compared to most e-bikes. So with a small amount of assist, delivered beautifully from the Fazua motor I might add, you actually see modest speed increases that offset the weight of the bike and then some.

At no point does the bike take over for you, instead, it makes it so you get home a little quicker, manage headwinds better, and feel a little less of a sting when taking on a hill. If all of that subtlety isn’t enough, BULLS even made it so you can entirely remove the motor and battery out of the Alpine Hawk.

It’s a well-thought-out bike that is perfect for the e-bike curious road crowd.

Pro’s

• We’ve been very impressed with the Fazua drivepack. It’s relatively light, quiet and is incredibly responsive.
• This bike is incredibly compliant over rough roads; BULLS clearly had comfort in mind and built a bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for performance.
• The full Ultegra 11-speed groupset (plus the matching hydraulic disc brakes) works spectacularly well and compliments the do-it-all, ride-it-anywhere spirit of this bike.
• The Fazua drivepack (which includes the motor and battery) is removable and can be replaced with a blank cover, so you can ride this e-bike as a traditional road bike and shave over 10 lbs off the weight.

Con’s

• The Alpine Hawk is only available in two sizes — a 54 cm frame and 58 cm, which is pretty limited in the road bike world. It would be great to see more sizes so riders can more finely tune their fits.

Bottom line: The best electric bikes

They say the best e-bike is the one you’re most excited to ride, and we couldn’t agree more.

While we’re sure there’s going to be lots of opinions and questions about why this or that bike didn’t land on our list, these are the 14 e-bikes we’re most excited about right now. This is not a comprehensive list, nor were we able to consider each and every e-bike use case, but we do think all the bikes on this list are a good representation of what’s out there right now.

Have a bike that you think would be a good contender for our best electric bikes of 2023 page? Let us know in the comment section below. At the very least, we always want to know what our readers are riding.

Reader Interactions

Комментарии и мнения владельцев

I have to comment that so many of the bikes you picked have the WORST customer service when something goes wrong! Aventon has nothing but complaints in their Комментарии и мнения владельцев online. Rad isnt much better. AT least you picked a few bikes that are brands supported by actual bike shops.

This article and almost all product articles of late are missing the huge elephants in the room, 1) product availability. 2)parts interchangeability, supply chains that are a disaster and in no ones best interest. You keep writing articles on thebbn products and innovation. But meanwhile Ive had an ebike on order for a year, there is no word on when it will be available, and when it is finally ready no one can tell me if it will be a 2020, a 2021 or a 2022 model. That, is absurd and a disaster no one is talking about in these articles and reviews. Lastly, the dirty little secret… bike companies stop talking about new stuff, and start by fixing lack of parts and interchangeability in the bike designs. Ok when you had a 300 schwinn and you needed stuff for it, you maybe fixed it, or often. simply bought a new bikeNow? The bike is worth several grand. And the bike companies are laying back and running the same old sloppy business, taking our money but not giving us flexibility to extend life, reduce long term cost, ensured Parts avail, and fix the asset. Lastly related to the above, it took me 12 months to get a shimano part… really. Turns out they were playing favorites. This shits gotta change or the lower end of scooters, motorcycle mfgs, etc are going to eat your lunch, just watch… they can do it because they already do, only needs new products and we know bv now that product is the simple piece.

I think it all depends on what you are ordering and from who. I placed my order online with free delivery and had it at my doorstep 29 hours later.

I agree, Rich. These bikes sound great. I would buy a Specialized Turbo Vado this afternoon if I could. BUT I CAN’T. What about the part where few if any of these bikes can actually be purchased? And won’t be available this year, and maybe not even in 2023. It might be helpful if these lust-inducing reviews included helpful information like wait times.

• Griffin Hales says October 11, 2021 at 5:01 pm

Thank you so much, this is what I’m looking for! Now I need a ramp that I can use to get the trike onto a truck bed, any suggestions?

I do find it peculiar that you haven’t included the Priority Current in your reviews, or at least a “best belt drive” ebike category. Priority does not seem to need ongoing advertising to consistently sell all the Currents they can produce. It would appear that Ebikes with the capability of enabling a 28 mph top speed for the U.S. Market are hot sellers! Their lack of a front suspension in their design is somewhat offset by the combination of the low-maintenance Gates Carbon Belt drive and the Enviolo rear hub. The only thing lacking is a theft-proof system to lock the entire bike via phone, or perhaps, a key fob. I’m talking about a total locking of the bike so that it couldn’t even be walked away. With the high cost of replacement, ebikes may never be truly practical until such safeguards are part of the total package.

Some very nice ebikes for sure and the Aventon’s look very attractive compared to many of these pricey models. (my sister has the Aventon Level and I’m impressed with its quality and components). BUT, I just can’t see paying 4000 for ebikes with chain derailleur drivetrains unless it’s a mountain bike. Many casual riders (and those without any “10 speed” history) rarely shift gears on an ebike. So, if I’m going to pay the big bucks, I don’t want to explain to my wife that she has to gear down at every stop sign (and she’ll have to continue peddling to accomplish this). That is why we’ve sold all our previous ebikes and now own Evelo ebikes with Gates belt drive and the Enviolo automatic hub.

I also have to say that I wouldn’t consider any ebike without a throttle! You shouldn’t have to stand up on the peddles to get the motor to kick in. And if you’re stuck in a high gear (and have cadence sensors) this can be awkward if you want to make a quick get-away. This is certainly a common occurrence, but I don’t want to deal with it after spending thousands of dollars.

Your comment appears to be from someone who has never ridden a mid drive bike. Mid drives are superior in smoothness and get to actually use the mechanical advantage of gears on a hill. I’m guessing you dont know about downshifting when you come to a stop either.

To answer about other bike manufactures no being reviewed, the folks at EBR do not review any bikes that are not sent to them for review. EBR is cutting edge company but lacks true diversity. ITS apparent that sometimes you have to purchase a bike for review, one of the companies that I like is juiced bikes, they make their city bike in three colors (red my favorite) awesome battery duration more powerful 52 volt on top of that. I am a proud owner of a 2019 rad city with more than 10,000 miles, never a problem with getting parts in timely manner, but they are pushing me to buy a bit more expensive juiced bike over the model 5 rad city! WHY! 1ST. and biggest pev…the same old color in traditional bike style dull black, WANT ANOTHER RAD BUT NOT SAME COLOR. 2ND love the new 5 but now I have to buy a different battery, to use on my old rad city instead of swapping. so now I will have to buy 2 batteries at 550 each shipping not included, instead of 1. Do not get me wrong, the upgrade to motor and brakes is awesome and truly reliable bike company.

A couple of days ago, I found the Gazelle Easyflow. It enables the rider to place both feet on the ground when at rest, yet still ride with legs stretched out to save the knees. A very clever design, and not extortionate when you think of Riese and Mueller!

Wow a race to even less exercise and more accidents by a lot of persons who have no bike handling skills or desire to get their heart pumping over 85 bpm

Replying to counselors rude comment, not to Groucho. Groucho is cool and having a good time on his e-bike.

Unless you’ve spent your entire life riding bikes, and loving it, almost more than anything and then got lung damage from Covid and the only way to keep riding is an electric bike

I’m curious why the “E-Cells”Monarch 1500 LE AWD all train Fat tire bike isn’t mentioned? It has dual 750 Watt motors in front and rear wheels,dual batteries,dual suspension. Torque sensor, it has front,rear and all wheel options. It even has a USB charging port- both batteries are connected and work together and both charge the same time. Rock Shock moto style front and rear suspension – This really should have the Jeep logo on it. Lol- the Jeep Fat tire ebike is only rear wheel drive. That really makes no sense. I have this bike and it’s an amazing piece of machinery – it’s at 92lbs- but is a non issue with the power of the AWD- and it can handle up to 420lbs of load. Check it out!!

Hi, Hoping to get some feedback about two different bikes. First, we are only just trying them out for the first time, not investing for longevity yet. If our height matters in terms of your advice, my husband is 6’5″and I am a giant at 5′ 2″! Other things you may want to know is that we aren’t looking for high speed. Battery life would be of more interest to us if we are weighing specs. We also will not be using these bikes in the city – at all! We currently live in a small town and although we have vehicles most anywhere we go, traffic is not part of our life. We also have lots of trails intended for this type of activity and they would likely become our choice of destinations. Although we own a truck and car (and rails intended for my husband’s 4×4 and snowmobile), we’d like this hobby to be ‘easy’. The two bikes I’m looking at are as follows (Please don’t curse me out if you’re an avid rider who has invested thousands of dollars! We’re talking “baby steps” here): ~ Veltoric Discover 1 Class 2 Step-through ~ Heybike Ranger Step-through Any help/advice you would be willing to offer would be greatly appreciated! Linda

Really provide very deep information about best ebike with pro cons ,price ,features in 2022.very appreciate for your research and blog.Thanks for sharing great report.My favorite one is urban e bike.

To answer about other bike brands not being reviewed, my experience with Addmotor E-43 long-range ebike is excellent! It features thin tires and a 48V20Ah battery and 500W gear motor, which can reach 125miles on a single charge (PAS1), a perfect choice for city commuting.

Can’t get most of these bikes if you are in Canada. Aventon I can get locally but only a few models and none I like. I would have to travel 1,500 km to get to a bike shop to test anything out since locals don’t allow that. Buying a “pig in a poke” based on a review is something I won’t do. Or did you just go down to the car lot, pick out a car, pay your money and drive it right off the lot without a test drive? Nice reviews and gives me more info but as of today, that’s about all I have…

Have you ever evaluated the BeeCool bikes? I have an Adventurer and an Explorer. There are so many features I love about the bikes themselves. Like so many of the other brands above it sounds like most have customer service that’s less than desirable, but based on bike features and price they are worth looking at.

My hubster and I ride Espin Sports that we have had for about 18 months now and have over 2500 miles on them as of today. We love them and Espin’s service was great. Mine came with a slightly bent controller and it was replaced very quickly when it probably could have been easily fixed. The pedals also had a weird knock and they replaced those quickly as well. Both were very minor issues. We ride on paved and gravel roads that have some good hills. The tires could have been better than what they shipped with but bought Maxxis replacements and no flats since. The value for the money was why I bought them. Came with lights, brake and head, fenders and a rack when you had to pay extra for that stuff on an equal Aveton or Rad at the time. We have been very satisfied with the Espin bikes and I would buy another.

Is this a list of the best bikes you could get your hands on at the time? A lot of these are pretty low end and not powerful in the real world. And only 2 non-chinese motor systems? Seriously?

Ok enough about all the bikes mentioned is asomtom mountain e bikes worth 1700.00. Just bought one hoping on the first ride it’ll make me smile ear to ear. Any Комментарии и мнения владельцев from previous owners have a take about it.

Thank you for this content! I am currently waiting for the arrival of a “MagiCycle”. Having some issues getting it here it seems but would be interested in reading a review by you at some time in the future. All the videos I’ve seen of it are very positive. Thanks!

• Griffin Hales says August 5, 2022 at 12:27 pm

We haven’t tested very many and wanted to make a list comprised of things we’ve gotten to know well. We’re working on getting more eMTB coverage though!

Hi I would like to see your reviews of the asomtom mountain bike 26” 4” tires bangfang 1000w w hydronic brakes and tork front suspension It’s a head turner and a beast Fast and rock solid.

• Griffin Hales says August 8, 2022 at 12:24 pm

This appears to be a troll question about a bike that is not legal on public roads and paths. The description sounds like just another cheap fat tire bike with no redeeming value.

to reply to your comment that you’ve obviously have not looked into the reviews of this bike or anything about it says a lot. For a 1999.00 “troll” bike it in my opinion looks badass compare to others. And decided to get one anyway because it’s a new version 2022 asomtom Q7 mountain bike with A 6061 aluminum frame 1000 W brushless gear hub bafang motor up to 28mph 85nm of torque 48 v 15a lithium battery that’ll take you 45-60 miles per charge 7 speed shimano gear shift which is leagal to go on or off roads. snow. beach Tug a fat ass up to 400 lbs So I’m very happy I got it. The ride is awesome and pedal assist is great for hills which in its type 3 road rating it performs really great. So don’t be to judge mental on things you know little about.

This article represents all that is wrong with our industry. It very well could have been written in The 90’s! Nearly all the top recommended bikes sport dramatically outdated designs and components. Why are we still promoting heavy front suspensions as a comfort feature? All listed were poorly designed for off road control. They failed even at that in The 90’s. If tuned to absorb road irregularities they would dive dangerously and encourage squirm in handling. That’s dangerous! Look at any traditional touring bike, from the cheapest to the most expensive. They are designed for long hours in the saddle and for days on end. Not one has a suspension fork. Good geometry, materials and components make a bike comfy, reliable and efficient, not gimmicks. Today, not one of the hub drive models listed cannot be gotten with a mid-drive for the same or less money. Hub drives and cadence sensors are The 90’s. A best of list needs to at least be from the current century. I get it. Some can get by just fine with a hub drive. They have few and small hills or don’t care if they have to slow. They may not even need the additional range of a torque sensing mid-drive. They are still a huge pain on which to change a flat and heavy as heck to lift or handle in tight situations. It is time to change. What a shame that a quality product like The Aventon is still saddled with this antiquated technology. Every bike listed uses heavy, dull and buzzy straight gauge aluminum. That is even in the few that have better hydroformed tubes! Why, we have had more responsive, less buzzy, butted and hydroformed tubing on almost all traditional bikes since the turn of the century. Weight kills range. It makes a good bike hard for a smaller person to handle. Some even have square tubing. This takes a rough ride to a whole new level. What sense is there, for on-road riding, to having a comfort fork, bars and seat, with an extra stiff rear triangle? The same xan be said for the square tube necessary to accommodate the proprietary battery in the down tube. I don’t want to be negative. I want to promote great alternatives. Good enough just isn’t good enough anymore. These good enough bikes should be at least half their price and available only through places like department stores. We can do better and without breaking the bank. I do it daily in my tiny shop. I am no one special and am not particularly talented. I just have 50 years cycling experience. If I can do it, mfg’s can do it too. Let’s start demanding more for our money.

MARK!! You get it. This silly list popped up again in April 23, with what looks like the same old crap from the same old “heavy advertisers.” There is nothing in that list of bikes I would ever buy. None of them are the “best” in any way. I’m disappointed about what this publisher has become. It looks just like car ads and sories in the newspaper that has the unwritten…Dont talk bad about our product or we will cancel the advertising budget that keeps you afloat! I was hoping for better.

Absolutely out standing service from the company and from the bike itself It’s built extremely well and looks amazing.

Best electric mountain bikes: top-rated eMTBs to tame the trails

The best electric mountain bikes make ascents a lot easier while providing all the performance and handling you want on the way back down. They add some extra power on the flat too.

You can turn your FOCUS to climbing the steepest, most technical slopes you can find – or just go longer and faster with a grin from ear-to-ear. The ability to cover ground quickly means you can go out and explore places you wouldn’t otherwise consider. These bikes also enable you to ride in ways you usually couldn’t. As designs become more refined, their handling increasingly rivals – and in some cases exceeds – that of non-assisted mountain bikes.

For more on what to look for when buying an e-MTB, read our buyer’s guide at the bottom of this article. Otherwise, check out our guide to the best electric bikes for advice on choosing the right ebike for you. If your riding will not be exclusively off-road, then the best electric gravel bikes are worth considering instead. What’s more, motor-assisted miles on tarmac call for the best electric road bikes.

Best electric mountain bikes in 2023

Marin Alpine Trail E2

Slack geometry and Shimano’s EP8 motor make the Alpine Trail E2 a formidable bike. Andy Lloyd / Marin Bikes

• £5,695 / €6,199 / 5,999 as tested
• Marin’s first full-suspension e-MTB
• Capable, fun and comfortable

Marin launched the Alpine Trail E at the end of 2020 and it’s the Californian brand’s first full-suspension electric mountain bike.

Luckily, it’s been worth the wait because the Alpine Trail E is a capable, fun and comfortable e-MTB with a well-thought-out spec that offers good value for money including top-spec dampers, Shimano drivetrains and branded components.

You get an aluminium frame with 150mm of travel, with aggressive, descent-focused geometry, while Shimano’s EP8 motor provides the power.

The Alpine Trail E2 is at home on a broad spectrum of trails and lives up to Marin’s promise as a bike that will put a smile on your face.

The range also includes the cheaper Alpine Trail E1 at £4,295 / 4,499 / €4,899.

Latest deals

Nukeproof Megawatt 297 Factory

Nukeproof also took the top step in our inagural eMTB Bike of the Year test. Steve Behr / Our Media

• £7,000 / €8,200 as tested
• Comfortable, efficient climbing
• Good balance of motor power and range

The winner of our first ever eMTB category in Bike of the Year, the Nukeproof Megawatt scores on geometry, spec and suspension and, with its 170mm rear travel and mullet wheels, is designed for enduro riding.

The top-drawer spec includes a Fox Factory 38 fork and Float X2 shock, Shimano XT drivetrain and four-piston brakes, DT Swiss H 1700 Spline 30 wheels and Maxxis tyres.

Power comes from a Shimano EP8 85Nm motor with three customisable assistance levels and a 630Wh battery supplying the juice. We got over 2,000m vertical in Eco mode and up to 1,400m in Boost.

We loved the downhill performance, a mix of fun and stability that’s hard for bike designers to get right. The super-smooth rear suspension with balanced geometry makes it easy to ride quickly with little effort.

Latest deals

Orbea Rise H10

• £6,623 / 8,000 / €7,100 / AU12,600 as tested
• Well-finished alloy frame
• Throttled-down Shimano EP8 motor gives natural ride feel

The Orbea Rise H10 is an alloy version of the original carbon Rise. It’s a stripped-back ‘eMTB Lite’, with less power and weight than a fully assisted eMTB, that Orbea says is “less e, more bike”.

The Rise H10 gets a larger battery than the original, at 540Wh, and is powered by a 60Nm Shimano EP8 motor that’s throttled down to limit its usual 85Nm torque and extend range. You can add a 252Wh range extender.

The H10’s frame has nicely smoothed welds at the top tube junctions that could fool you into thinking it’s carbon, and side-on it’s not obvious there’s a battery in the down tube either. Geometry is trail-oriented and modern but not cutting-edge.

With its higher-torque motor than the Specialized Turbo Levo SL, the Rise feels more powerful on climbs. It can handle rougher, steeper trails, although it’s not as sure-footed as more enduro-oriented ebikes. It’s happiest on rollercoaster singletrack and berms though.

Latest deals

Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL

• £12,500 / 15,000 / €14,500 / AU24,200 as tested
• Top-drawer spec to match the price
• Highly tunable geometry
• Lower-powered assistance leads to more rider input to keep up pace

First in our line-up of very spendy Specialized electric bikes, the enduro-focused Turbo Kenevo SL mixes a 19kg weight with 170mm travel.

It’s built from FACT 11m carbon fibre, with the tunable Specialized Turbo SL 1.1 motor meting out 35Nm of torque – about half that of most eMTB motors. That’s powered by a 320Wh integrated battery. You can buy a separate range extender to add another 160Wh.

The geometry is tunable, with 2 degrees of head tube angle adjustment via angled headset cups and flip chips in the suspension pivot. In the low setting, climbing is smooth and composed with subtle assistance. Handling feels more like a pedal-powered bike than an eMTB, with impressive composure on rougher trails.

Latest deals

Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo

• £13,000 / 15,000 / €13,999 / AU24,200 as tested
• Great frame, motor, battery life and power delivery
• Crazy price, tyres not robust enough to keep up

We really liked the Turbo Levo’s frame and motor when we reviewed the base model, but were underwhelmed by its components and their effect on handling. We’ve also reviewed the Turbo Levo Comp Alloy more recently, again with mixed results, in this case raising issues with the suspension damper, tyres and the bike’s value for money.

The range-topping carbon S-Works model rectifies all that – although at a price. Our reviewer rated it the “best bike he’d ever ridden”.

The Brose motor pushes out up to 565 watts and 90Nm for impressive climbing with smooth power delivery and there’s battery capacity to stay the course. The rest of the spec is as top-drawer as you’d expect.

With 150mm of suspension travel and variable geometry, the bike can be fine-tuned to whatever you want to ride, although we swapped out the tyres to something better able to keep up with the rest of the bike’s capabilities.

Latest deals

Vitus E-Sommet VRX

For the money, the E-Sommet has to be one of the best electric mountain bikes out there. Ian Linton / Our Media

• £5,499 as tested
• Draped in high-end components at a reasonable price
• Impressive geometry and suspension

Rolling on a ‘mullet’ setup and featuring up-to-date geometry (boasting a 64-degree head tube angle), the E-Sommet is Vitus’ top-spec eMTB designed for enduro with 167mm of rear travel.

It’s powered by Shimano’s EP8 motor capable of 85nm peak torque and 250W of peak power combined with a 650Wh battery. We achieved 1,800m to 2,000m of ascent in the Eco mode from a single charge. This figure dropped in Turbo mode to 1,200m.

With Vitus being a direct-to-customer brand, the E-Sommet is adorned with top spec for its very reasonable price. It features a 170mm RockShox ZEB Ultimate fork, a Super Deluxe Select RT shock and Shimano’s XT groupset.

Latest deals

Whyte E-160 RSX

• £7,999 as tested
• Calm and composed, hides its weight well
• One of the best-handling electric mountain bikes tested

Available in 29in or ‘mullet’ form, the E-160 RSX is a 150mm do-it-all electric enduro bike.

It comes well equipped with Fox Performance Elite 38 forks and Float X rear shock, SRAM GX Eagle AXS and DT Swiss wheels. Power comes from a 250W Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a 750Wh PowerTube battery.

Whyte has positioned the battery partially beneath the motor to lower the bike’s centre of gravity, giving it a well-balanced geometry and truly special handling characteristics for a bike of its weight.

We managed to get 2,000m of ascent in Tour mode, and regularly hit 1,500m in eMTB mode. The 26.32kg weight (size large) was masked on the descents thanks to the low centre of gravity, making the bike easy to lean from one side to the other.

Latest deals

Whyte E-180 RS

A mix of stability at speed with agile handling makes for great descending on the Whyte E-180 RS v3. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

• £7,699 as tested
• Geometry and motor/battery positioning designed for stability
• Near-perfect descending performance

With 27.5in wheels and 170mm rear/180mm front travel, the downhill-oriented, alloy Whyte E-180 RS v3 sits at the top of the brand’s range.

There’s a quality spec with Fox Factory fork and shock, DT Swiss wheels and SRAM X01/GX Eagle drivetrain. Assistance comes in the form of an 85Nm Bosch Performance Line CX motor with a 625Wh battery and a Purion display.

The layout of the motor and battery is designed to give a low centre of gravity and there’s a flip chip to adjust geometry, dropping the head tube angle by one degree. Even in the high setting, it’s quite slack.

We managed 2,300m of climbing with the motor in Eco mode, although that dropped to 1,200m with higher assistance. Descending was near-perfect, with great stability over rough ground and the agility to handle complex trail features.

Latest deals

Yeti 160E T1

Yeti’s first eMTB is an impressive ride, but feels under-specced for its price. Andy Lloyd / Immediate Media

• £11,899 / 12,700 / €13,790 as tested
• Superb suspension, balance and handling
• Very expensive, without top-spec kit all-round

The Yeti is an expensive proposition, but we reckon its 160mm-travel six-bar suspension sets a new benchmark for enduro eMTBs and its downhill capabilities are second to none.

It’s powered by a Shimano EP8 motor with a 630Wh battery. The TURQ-series carbon frame is decked out in Shimano XT with DT Swiss EX 1700 alloy wheels and Fox 38 Factory fork and Float X2 rear shock; there’s also a less expensive C1 spec of the 160E.

There’s loads of grip on bumpy or rough terrain, with the rear tyre giving up before the suspension. Downhill needed a little tuning to raise the bars, but once done the controlled suspension and well-chosen geometry led to incredible, fast-descending performance.

Canyon Spectral:ON CF 7.0

Although it hasn’t got the most progressive geometry, it’s still a good-looking and top-performing bike. Ian Linton / Immediate Media

• £4,299 / 6,299 / €4,497 as tested
• Carbon main frame
• Playful handling when ridden fast

Redesigned in March 2020, the Canyon Spectral:ON’s main frame is now carbon with an alloy rear triangle, instead of all alloy, and its 504Wh battery is now internal.

Like its predecessor, it has mullet wheel sizes, with a 29in front and 27.5in rear wheel. On this CF 7.0 model, there’s 150mm of travel at the rear and a RockShox Deluxe Select shock, while power comes from a Shimano Steps E8000 motor, running through a 12-speed Shimano XT derailleur.

The motor provides plenty of power to get up steep climbs, while the feel when riding fast is more playful than planted.

We’ve also tested the top-spec, £7,599 / 9,000 Spectral:ON CF 9.0. Its components are better, but we reckon there’s little other reason to choose it over the 7.0.

Latest deals

Focus JAM2 7.0

• £7,499 / €7,999 as tested
• Tunable geometry and 150mm travel
• Responsive, agile handling despite a 25kg weight

The Focus JAM2 7.0 rolls on 29er wheels with 150mm of linear-progressive suspension travel, while power comes from the Shimano EP8 85Nm motor, with a high-capacity 720Wh battery from Focus.

A flip chip enables you to tune the geometry and the JAM2 has Focus’s CIS system with cables and hoses threaded through the stem. There’s a built-in USB-C charge port on the top tube and another neat touch is the custom tool bag that sits under the front of the down tube.

We rated the rear-wheel grip when climbing, and the geometry adds playfulness on flowy trails, with direct, responsive handling despite the 25kg weight.

Latest deals

Merida eONE-SIXTY 10k

• £9,000 / 9,799 / €9,799 / AU11,999 as tested
• Smooth-riding over choppy trails, high-value spec
• Geometry is a bit short and high

Powered by the Shimano EP8 motor system, this top spec of Merida’s enduro-oriented eOne-Sixty has a carbon front triangle and single-pivot alloy rear. The ride is smooth over obstacles and on fast, choppy trails, although the reach is slightly shorter and the front end a bit higher than we’d prefer.

This top-spec model has everything you could desire, including Shimano XTR gearing and brakes, and DT Swiss carbon wheels with Maxxis rubber, along with a Fox Float X2 Factory fork and shock, and a RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper seatpost.

Latest deals

Mondraker Level R

The Mondraker Level R electric mountain bike sits in the brand’s ‘super enduro’ category, where the FOCUS of performance is on the downhills. Andy Lloyd / Out Media

• £5,999 / 8,499 / €5,799 as tested
• Composed climbing and descending
• 27kg weight limits climbing range, but isn’t an issue on descents

Mondraker sets the alloy Level R 29er in its ‘super enduro’ category, with the brand’s Forward Geometry and 170mm travel from a Fox DHX2 coil-spring shock and dual-link suspension system.

Power is provided by a Bosch Performance Line CX motor with four assistance levels, 85Nm of torque, a 750Wh battery and Kiox 300 colour display that can link to your phone, enabling ride recording and motor tuning.

You sit centrally on the bike, which leads to calm climbing with little tendency to front-wheel lift. We weighed the Level R at 27kg, which we found limited ascending capacity to around 1,300m. Weight was less of an issue on descents though, with the Level R feeling planted and well behaved.

Latest deals

Santa Cruz Bullit CC X01 RSV

• £10,499 / €11,699 / 11,499 as tested
• Exceptionally fast and capable bike
• Possible to overwhelm the forks and brakes on steeper trails

The Santa Cruz Bullit is a name that goes back to 1998, but the reimagined bike is a far cry from the original – the Bullit is now a 170mm-travel e-MTB with a carbon frame and mixed wheel sizes.

The bike’s climbing ability impressed most during testing – it feels unstoppable going uphill, thanks in part to the Shimano EP8 motor.

The Bullit is also extremely capable downhill, particularly on faster and rougher trails, but slower, tighter and steeper sections need a bit more care.

There are four models in the range, with starting at £6,899 / 7,499 / €7,699 for the Bullit CC R, which uses Shimano’s Steps E7000 motor, and rising to £10,499 / 11,499 / €11,699 for the top-of-the-range Bullit CC X01 RSV featured here.

Also consider…

These bikes scored fewer than 4 out of 5 in our reviews but are still worth considering.

Giant Reign E 1

• £6,299 / €6,399 / AU9,799 as tested
• Good spec and powerful Yamaha motor
• Low motor efficiency and sometimes harsh ride

The mullet-wheeled Reign E 1 has 160mm of travel with slack geometry that was overhauled in 2021. There’s a Giant SyncDrive Pro motor (built by Yamaha) with 85Nm torque and a 625Wh battery, along with Shimano XT components, a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and Float X2 Performance Elite shock.

Climbing performance is well balanced and capable due to the central position, but the motor’s on/off power delivery limited us to 1,700m climbing on a charge. When descending, there’s a direct, taut feeling, but that can translate to a stiff, harsh ride over bumpy terrain.

Latest deals

Lapierre Overvolt GLP 2 Elite

Lapierre designed the Overvolt GLP to compete in the emerging ebike racing scene. Andy Lloyd / Immediate Media

• £5,399 as tested
• Agile, eager to turn and easy to hop up and over obstacles
• Can be tricky to control on climbs

Nico Vouilloz and Yannick Pontal have both won ebike races on the Lapierre Overvolt GLP 2 Elite, designed for the emerging motor-assisted racing scene.

The carbon frame makes this better value than some of its rivals and, out on the trails, the Overvolt is agile and eager to please.

The relatively small battery limits range against the competition, though, and the front end can be tricky to keep in check on climbs.

Latest deals

Merida eOne-Forty 9000

• £7,000 / €7,199 as tested
• Nimble handling
• Suspension holds it back on technical terrain

Merida uses the same carbon frame with alloy rear end on the eOne-Forty as its longer-travel eOne-Sixty, but kits it out with a 133mm-travel shock and steepens the head and seat tube angles.

It uses a Shimano Steps E8000 motor with an integrated 504Wh battery in the down tube for plenty of power and range.

The eOne-Forty is nimble on flowy trails, but the short suspension and front-end geometry make it nervous on steep descents. The top-spec bike internationally is now the 8000, with the UK range topping off with the 700 spec.

Latest deals

Mondraker Crafty R 29

The Mondraker Crafty R 29 full-suspension e-MTB has plenty of composure for more aggressive riders. Andy Lloyd / Immediate Media

• £5,899 / 7,199 as tested
• Super-stable and excellent cornering grip
• Powerful motor with good weight distribution

While the Crafty is never going to be described as lively, weighing in at 25.1kg for our test build and with a long wheelbase, it is very composed, feeling super-stable when riding fast and with excellent cornering grip.

Our tester noted, however, that while taller, more aggressive riders will enjoy the Crafty for its ability to handle technical terrain flat-out, smaller or more timid riders may find it hard to muscle the bike around and ride it dynamically.

Latest deals

Saracen Ariel 50E Elite

Saracen’s Ariel 50E Elite is the brand’s only electric mountain bike and is aimed squarely at the all-mountain and enduro categories. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

• £6,500 as tested
• High-quality spec
• Geometry, battery capacity and tyre choice let the bike down

With 150mm travel from a Fox DHX2 Factory shock and a 160mm-travel Fox 38 Factory fork, a Shimano M8100 XT drivetrain, DT Swiss wheels and Shimano EP8 motor, the Saracen’s spec is impressive.

The 504Wh battery limits range though and we’d like to see a slacker head angle than the 65 degrees on offer, which limited performance on steep sections. Traction from the dual-compound Maxxis tyres wasn’t that great on rocks or roots when climbing, although the low bike weight made for a nimble ride.

Latest deals

Scott Ransom eRide 910

Scott’s enduro-ready Ransom eRide 910 eMTB gives you 170mm of travel, but we found the ride a bit harsher than its rivals. Andy Lloyd / Out Media

• £6,499 / N/A / €7,190 / AU14,500 as tested
• Good motor and spec for the price
• Raw-feeling downhill ride

Another enduro-oriented eMTB, the Scott Ransom eRide has 180mm of travel and runs on 29in wheels. There’s adjustable geometry and some quality parts, including a Fox 38 Performance Elite fork and Float X2 Performance shock, with a SRAM X01/NX Eagle drivetrain, Shimano XT brakes and a Bosch Performance Line CX motor. We reckon it’s reasonable value for money.

We found the ride wasn’t quite as calm or controlled as some rivals though. The rear tyre choice led to slipping on climbs and the downhill ride felt raw and un-smoothed. A tyre swap-out might remedy much of this.

Latest deals

Thok TK01 R

The TK01 R is a striking-looking bike with its bold moto-style graphics. Ian Linton / Immediate Media

• £5,900 / €6,490 as tested
• Good motor and spec for the price
• Awkward setup and geometry, poor tyre choice

Italian ebike specialist Thok gives you 170mm travel with its enduro-oriented, alloy-framed TK01 R. It’s powered by a Shimano EP8 motor, which along with the bike’s geometry makes for great climbing. Descending is more of a mixed bag though, and required quite a bit of fettling for handling confidence.

The spec’s good value for the bike’s price, although we didn’t find the tyres quite up to the job. The Thok is a good cruiser, just don’t press it to its limits.

Latest deals

YT Decoy Core 4 MX

The YT Decoy Core 4 MX has a quality spec, but is held back by its rather outdated geometry. Andy Lloyd / Out Media

• £7,000 / 8,000 / €7,500 / AU12,000 as tested
• Good motor and spec for the price
• Awkward setup and geometry, poor tyre choice

YT gives you 165mm of travel from its mullet-wheeled, carbon Decoy Core 4 MX. There’s top-drawer kit including a Fox Factory fork and shock, Crankbrothers Synthesis alloy wheels and a Shimano XT M8100 drivetrain.

Assistance comes from a Shimano EP8 motor and 540Wh custom battery, which YT says has high energy density. We found the range lower than with the stock Shimano battery though and were only getting around 1,000m of climbing in Boost mode.

There’s a rearward-biased seated position, which means care is needed to prevent front-wheel lift on climbs. Performance downhill is poppy and fun, encouraging flicking across the trail and confidence in corners, although on steeps a slacker head tube would lead to improved handling.

Latest deals

Buyer’s guide to electric mountain bikes

Electric mountain bike types

You can now find capable electric bikes for all types of mountain biking. Mathieu Echeverri / Lapierre

Whereas first-generation e-MTBs tended to be trail-oriented with around 150mm of travel, there’s now an increasing range of mountain bike disciplines covered.

That includes overbuilt models designed for downhill use at one end of the spectrum, including the Specialized Turbo Kenevo and the Cannondale Moterra Neo.

At the other end, there are lighter machines such as the Specialized Turbo Levo SL and the Lapierre eZesty that use lighter, less powerful motors and smaller batteries similar to electric road bikes. That drops the bike’s weight and ups agility over more heavily built machines.

You’ll find e-MTBs with either 29in or 27.5in wheels, but ‘mullet builds’ with a 29in wheel up front and a 27.5in rear are becoming increasingly common. This setup gives good stability at the front and better agility from the smaller rear wheel. Examples include the Canyon Spectral:ON and the Vitus E-Escarpe.

Most e-MTBs are full-suspension bikes, but you can also find trail-oriented electric hardtails, such as the Canyon Grand Canyon:ON and Kinesis Rise.

Electric mountain bike motors

Bosch, Shimano and Yamaha motors are popular for electric mountain bikes. Mathieu Echeverri / Lapierre

Popular choices for electric mountain bike motors are Bosch, Shimano Steps and Yamaha, while Fazua’s lightweight motor is increasingly making an appearance on weight-focused bikes.

Bosch Performance Line CX motors provide 600Wh peak power and 85Nm of torque for fuss-free climbing. There’s a natural ride feel and good battery management that gets impressive range out of the system’s battery.

Shimano’s Steps E-8000 and E-7000 systems are still found on some eMTBs, although they’ve started to show their age, with lower power output and torque than newer rivals. Its smaller batteries give you less range too, but still boast low weight and a compact design, along with the ability to tune the output.

However, Shimano has added the EP8 motor to its range. This boosts torque to 85Nm while reducing weight by around 200g, lowering pedalling drag, increasing range and lowering Q-Factor. The EP8’s launch coincided with Shimano increasing battery capacity to 630Wh. and more, you’ll find it being specced on newer electric mountain bikes, including many of our picks above of the best electric mountain bikes.

Meanwhile, Giant uses the Yamaha Syncdrive Pro motor on its e-MTBs. Its Smart Assist mode uses an array of six sensors, including a gradient sensor, to work out how much power to deliver in any given situation.

A popular choice on road-going ebikes, the Fazua motor system is to be found on some lighter-weight e-MTBs, such as the Lapierre eZesty. It’s lighter, less powerful and has a smaller battery. That means you typically need to put in more of your own pedalling effort, but it drops the bike’s weight down closer to non-assisted models. Plus, you can remove the battery completely and ride the bike without it.

Specialized has its own motor units, which it specs on the majority of its electric bikes. Its Turbo Levo SL trail bike uses the low-torque SL 1.1 motor and a 320Wh battery for less assistance and lighter weight.

Electric mountain bike battery capacity

Some bikes allow range to be extended with an additional battery. Simon Bromley / Immediate Media

To get you up hills, produce enough power and provide adequate range, most electric mountain bikes will have battery capacities of around 500Wh to 700Wh.

An internal battery in the down tube makes for clean lines, but there are also e-MTBs with external batteries. These typically lower the weight and, in models such as the Lapierre Overvolt, mean the battery can be placed lower and more centrally.

But, as mentioned above, e-MTBs with smaller-capacity batteries down to 250Wh are appearing. These trade a more limited range for lighter weight and the potential for improved handling.

• Whatsapp
• Reddit
• Email to a friend

How Fast Can a 1500-Watt Ebike Go? Find Out The Speed Potential

Apart from this, it’s also important to know the legal requirements for 1500w ebikes in your country and whether you are allowed to ride such bikes in your city, and so on.

The purpose of this article is to explore the 1500w electric bike speed potential for adults, along with important factors that can influence it, and safety considerations.

So, let’s dive in and find out how fast can a 1500W electric bike really go! Is this ebike faster than a 1000w ebike’s speed?

What Does a 1500W Electric Bike Mean?

An electric bike that has a motor generating 1500 watts of power is called a 1500-watt ebike. 1500-watt bikes are one of the highest-wattage e-bikes available on the market. These e-bikes are designed to give riders thrilling and adventurous riding experiences.

As you already know that higher wattage ebikes offer higher speeds and vice-versa. So the 1500w ebikes are. Also, they have more than 100 NM torque and higher acceleration compared to lower-wattage e-bikes.

These bikes perform excellently on hills and reach a much higher speed of about 40-43 mph than lower-watt ebikes because of their high motor wattage. However, this speed is lower than the 2000w ebike top speed.

How does a 1500-watt motor work on an e-bike?

Almost all e-bike motors work the same way. A 1500-watt ebike motor starts assisting when using throttle mode or pedal assist mode. Since this motor is very powerful and capable of giving much higher wattage and speed to the e-bike.

Mainly there are two kinds of e-bikes motor used in 1500w ebikes i.e., Hub motors and Mid-drive motors. Mid-drive motors are more powerful than a hub motor as their weight is centralized providing more torque.

What voltage battery to use on a 1500w ebike for the best performance?

It is very important to use the right size electric bike battery which is compatible with your 1500w motor if you want to achieve its maximum speed for longer distances. If you get the wrong voltage battery, your motor may not work properly or get damaged.

So before you choose a battery for a 1500w ebike, make sure to check the power rating, which is given in voltage. Make sure your battery’s voltage is equal to the motor’s required voltage.

For a 1500w ebike, it is recommended to use a 1500 WH battery i.e., 48V 32 Ah or 52V 30Ah lithium-ion battery to get the best performance. Usually, the higher the voltage of the battery, the faster the bike will run but don’t use much voltage.

Who should ride a 1500w ebike?

Electric bikes with 1500-watt motors are designed for all those riders who like more thrilling, high-speed adventure rides on all types of terrain or roads. You should ride this electric bike if you want the best performance and a faster speed of 40 to 45 miles per hour or more on flat roads and hilltops.

If you are a beginner, don’t ride a 1500w electric bike as it is very fast making it unsafe for newbies. Also, a rider needs a license for riding more than 750w electric bikes. As well as they are heavy and expensive.

Pros and Cons of Riding a 1500-Watt Electric Bike

Before you get a 1500w electric bike, you must know the pros and cons of a 1500-watt electric bike:

Pros of riding a 1500W e-bike

• The biggest advantage of riding these electric bikes is that they have very high motor power, which gives the rider high speed, torque, and acceleration.
• Comes with two or more pedal assistance options, which give the rider freedom to choose how much they want to pedal and how much electric assistance they need for their ride.
• These bikes are well preferred and liked for making riding a more thrilling and adventurous experience for the rider and helping to relax and calm the mood.
• Very powerful and give good performance on all types of terrain, on flat roads or smooth terrains, and for riding on top of hills or rough terrains with good and fast speed.
• Great fit for long rides as they have a much higher battery capacity, which makes them ideal to travel to another city or out of town.
• Eco-friendly as they don’t use any fuel, which can lead to global warming, and they are quiet, meaning they don’t make unnecessary noise while riding them.
• Built using high-quality materials and have thicker tires, which makes riding this bike in bad weather on rough terrain easy and gives more stability to the rider.
• Another advantage of these electric bikes is that they are great for heavy riders too, unlike other low-wattage ebikes, and they are strong enough to carry heavy luggage on a bike as well as give good speed.

Cons of riding a 1500W e-bike

• These electric bikes are more expensive than low-wattage electric bikes, and because of that, many people don’t like investing this much in an electric bike and go for affordable bikes.
• The maximum speed of this bike exceeds the legal limit (28 mph), hence you need a license and all documents that a motorbike needs.
• Because of their high speed, these bikes are not easily controlled by beginner riders or new riders and may lead to an accident.
• Much heavier than low-wattage e-bikes because they have been built using heavy metal components and materials.
• The ebike battery gets discharged quickly because of the higher-wattage motor.

How Fast Does a 1500W Electric Bike Go?

As I have already mentioned that ebike speed depends upon many factors such as the type of motor, the terrain you ride on, and the bike type. Let’s see how fast is a 1500w ebike on various cases:

1500-watt ebike hub motor top speed

As we discussed above, hub motors are present in the hub of a wheel. These kinds of motors are cheap, easy to replace, and easy to repair. These motors can easily fit in any bike frame.

When it comes to its maximum speed, electric bikes with 1500-watt hub motors generally give a top speed of 35 miles per hour or 56 km/h on plane roads and this speed reduces to 20 mph while climbing hills.

1500w ebike mid-drive motor top speed

As we discussed above, mid-drive motors are placed in the middle or center of an e-bike (attached to the crank). These kinds of motors are known for giving better performance and torque compared to hub motors.

Therefore, 1500-watt mid-drive motors generally give a top speed of 40 miles per hour or 64 kilometers per hour and this speed reduces to 25 mph while climbing hills. Make sure to follow all the traffic rules.

1500-watt electric mountain bike top speed

Electric Mountain bikes are also known as “SUV Ebike” These bikes are designed specifically for adventures, hunting in forests, and climbing hills. That’s why their build quality is very heavy making them perfect for off-roading.

Such electric bikes with a 1500-watt motor run at a top speed of 32 mph on hills or 50 km/h. However, this speed may vary due to various factors, be with me to know them.

Factors Affecting the Speed of a 1500w Ebike

There are so many factors that can impact the speed of a 1500-watt electric bike and reduce/increase the bike speed and they are:

Ways of riding

The way the rider rides the e-bike also affects its speed. If a rider is using the bike’s brakes frequently, it will reduce the speed of the e-bike as well the battery will be discharged quickly.

Type of terrain

The place or road where you are riding a bike can also impact the 1500-watt e-bike speed. If you are riding the bike uphill, you will get less speed, whereas if you are using the bike on smooth terrain or downhill, you will get a better speed.

Battery voltage, charging level quality

If your 1500w ebike is not paired with a correct voltage battery, you would not get its top speed (45 mph). Generally, a 1500-watt ebike is equipped with a 52v or 60v lithium battery.

Always keep your ebike battery charged otherwise you would get less speed because a low-charged battery has a lower voltage. Apart from this, the quality of the battery affects the speed, If the battery has some problems, it will reduce the bike’s speed or may catch fire in some cases.

If you want to improve the battery performance and increase its lifespan, always charge an ebike battery to 80 percent level.

Weight on bike

The weight of the rider and luggage also impacts the performance and speed of the 1500 watt electric bike. If a rider is very heavy as well as carrying heavy luggage on the bike, it will reduce the speed of the e-bike.

Environmental conditions

External environmental conditions can also affect the 1500w ebike top speed. If there is a strong wind while the rider is riding or if the rider is riding in an extremely cold environment, it will reduce the performance and speed of an e-bike.

Legal Restrictions on 1500W Ebike Speeds

It is very important and essential to understand the electric bike riding laws and restrictions in your state or town. In the United States, there is a law that says that class 1 and 2 electric bikes can be ridden up to 20 mph.

Class 3 bikes (up to 750 watts) are limited to being ridden up to 28 mph. There are 6 states (Georgia, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia) that allow ebikes of up to 1000 watts.

There are only two states Florida and Mississippi have no maximum power limit for electric bikes. So what about a 1500w electric bike, will it be considered an ebike or an e-motorbike with pedals?

Except in Florida and Mississippi, 1500w electric bikes will be considered electric motorbikes because of their high motor wattage and a top speed of up to 45 mph.

That’s why there is a legal restriction on riding these bikes in the United States without permission from the authority (registration number, license, and insurance).

All riders must follow riding laws and rules given by states to ensure their safety. Here are some rules for riding an ebike:

• Riders must educate themselves, understand the laws and restrictions, and follow them while riding an e-bike.
• In 8 states of the US, a rider must be at least 14 years old to be able to ride, and in 6 states, above 15, and in 15 states, above 16. Source
• You must wear a helmet while riding a class 3 or any ebike having a top speed of above 20 mph.
• In most states of the United States, class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks and bike paths.

Conclusion on The 1500 Watt Electric Bike Top Speed

Overall, the speed of a 1500w ebike is faster than 1000w ebike speed which can be a thrilling experience for those who enjoy a fast-paced ride. These bikes have a higher top speed of about 40 to 45 mph.

So, it’s crucial for you to ride responsibly and stay aware of your surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride because 1500w ebikes come with their own risks and responsibilities, it’s important to follow traffic rules and wear protective gear to stay safe.

If you are a beginner, you should not ride this bike as it is unsafe for you.

Thanks for reading this article till the end, If you have any doubts ask in the comment below! Keep riding Stay Safe!

FAQs: How Fast Can a 1500w Ebike Go?

How fast is a 1500-watt electric bike in mph?

1500-watt electric bikes are faster than lower-wattage ebikes because of their high power and torque. It has a maximum speed of 45 mph (miles per hour) on plane roads and it is limited to 25 mph on hills.

Are 1500 watts enough for an ebike?

Yes! 1500-watt motor power is more than enough for an electric bike. No matter what your purpose is, this bike is perfect for all purposes such as commuting at high speeds, climbing hills, carrying heavy loads, and so on.

Can a 1500w electric bike climb hills?

Yes! An ebike with a 1500w motor (hub or mid-drive) can easily climb hills as it has excellent power (torque) and speed on hills as well.

Is it legal to ride a 1500w electric bike in the USA?

1500-watt electric bikes are classified as e-scooter or motorbikes. You can ride these bikes as well but you need to follow certain rules such as you need a license, insurance, and registration number on your bike and must be wearing a helmet. Make sure you don’t ride this bike on the bicycle lane.

Do I need a license to ride a 1500w electric bike?

Yes! You need a license for riding any ebike above 1000 watts in the USA ( rules may vary in some states). Also, you are bound to follow all the traffic rules that a car follows.

s:

Bittoo Gupta

I am the founder and editor of The Bike Fetcher, a passionate E-Biker. My passion for E-bikes led me to build this blog site where I share electric bike news updates, my e-biking experience, e-biking tips, e-bike battery tips and help people to get the best e-bike. Feel free to contact me on my social accounts or through the contact form.

Which Electric Bike Should I Get? (10-Second E-Bike Quiz)

An electric hybrid bike, sometimes known as a hybrid e-bike, combines the on-road performance of a road bike, with the ruggedness and utility of a mountain bike.

If you are looking for a versatile e-bike that can take on all kinds of rides then this is it. A hybrid e-bike is an ideal choice for riding to work during the week, before heading away from the hubbub at the weekend.

Common features that earmark an electric hybrid bike include a front suspension fork, flat handlebars, wide-ish tires and extra equipment such as fenders, a pannier rack and lights.

Some electric hybrid bikes will be more suited to fast road riding, while others will perform better out in the hills, off-road. Which type suits you depends on what kind of riding you like to do.

Electric Mountain Bike

Due to the demands of riding off-road (tricky terrain and steep gradients), the assistance of an electric bike has been welcomed with open arms by mountain bikers.

An E-MTB, to give them their acronym, are for sloshing about in the mud off-road. Whether that’s at a dedicated mountain bike park or something simpler, but equally as fun, closer to home. The assistance or throttle means riders can spend less time slogging up hills and more time flying down the other side.

Electric mountain bikes, like standard mountain bikes, feature either front suspension (hardtail) or front and rear suspension (full suspension). The ins and outs of each type aren’t for this article, but essentially full suspension electric mountain bikes are for the more extreme end of mountain biking.

Electric Fat Bike

Even though electric fat bikes come in all shapes and sizes, they’ll all have super wide, 4″ tires. By having extra contact with the riding surface, electric fat bikes can plough through deep mud, sand and even snow. For this reason, electric fat bikes are the ideal e-bike for reaching beyond traditional cycle routes and into lesser-explored areas.

Don’t think that electric fat bikes are solely for off-road use. The comfort and traction offered by these extra-wide tyres promote riding confidence on easier surfaces like tarmac and gravel. This stable riding base makes e-fat bikes appealing to occasional riders or those getting back into riding after a break.

Almost all electric fat bikes have suspension to give them extra versatility.

Electric Road Bike

Sticking to the tarmac and aiming to put the hammer down or put in a good shift in the saddle? An electric road bike is for you.

To chime in with the demands of riding fast, electric road bike systems tend to be lighter and less powerful than those found on electric hybrid bikes or electric mountain bikes. Almost all electric road bikes have motors in the rear wheel rather than at the crank.

Batteries and controllers tend to be equally discrete, as manufacturers look to keep their e-road bikes looking and feeling svelte to ride.

Electric Gravel Bike

Gravel bikes are a hodge-podge of features drawn from road bikes, mountain bikes and cyclocross bikes. They are designed to be ridden fast off-road, but when the tarmac appears again, they shouldn’t slow down.

Unlike electric hybrid bikes, their drop-handlebar design means they are for riding fast off-road. Think of electric gravel bikes then as a best-hits version of electric mountain bikes and electric road bikes.

Electric gravel bikes make a great option for a fitness rider who doesn’t like sticking to one type of riding surface. They’ll induce a smile when tackling fast-flowing singletrack, but also keep up with the pace during a road ride with friends.

Electric City Bike

Typified by a super comfortable, upright riding position, electric city bikes are for those looking to pootle from A to B in towns and cities across the world. Their specification is such that they aren’t designed for speeding across town, more

The best electric city bikes should include all other important features, like lights, a pannier rack, puncture-proof, reflective tires and even an integrated lock.

Looking at them on your computer screen, you could argue that electric city bikes are a further sub-discipline of electric hybrid bikes, but their ubiquity and popularity mean we think they deserve a category of their own.

Electric Single Speed Bike

With either pedal assistance or throttle to provide momentum, some e-bike riders like to do away with gears and ride an electric single-speed bike.

This kind of e-bike is an ideal choice if you live in flatter areas, but obviously without the gears, an electric single speed bike is really limited in its riding scope.

Removing the complexity helps reduce maintenance, but it also means that this type of e-bike can be much cheaper than a standard electric hybrid bike. Something to think about if you are on a budget.

Electric Belt Driven Bike

Belt drive bikes use a toothed belt rather than a metal chain to provide power to the rear wheels. Standard belt drive bikes have found favour with commuter, city and long-distance riders who laud the system for being long-lasting, quiet and clean.

Although they up the price of the bike, a belt drive system is a worthy addition to an electric bike. Electric bikes are there to help you ride more often and more frequently so with a tough, maintenance-free belt fitted you can pedal safe in the knowledge that you will arrive at your destination or return home with a smile on your face.

Electric Folding Bike

With their concertina design and fun-filled assistance, electric folding bikes really are a marvel of modern technology. With some folding electric bikes weighing under 15kg, they’re a great tool if you commute to work via different modes of transport.

To keep the weight of electric folding bikes down, most use smaller-capacity batteries and hub-based motors.

The growth in folding e-bikes has seen a further sub-category blossom. Electric mini bikes, take the smallest folding e-bikes and aim to further reduce their folded footprint. Usually, this is done by reducing the wheel size used on the bike. If you have a very limited space at home, then take a look at these bikes.

Electric Bike Brands

The electric bike market is a competitive space. From specific online stores to traditional bike shops which also sell e-bikes and consumer-direct brands, there is plenty of variety and choice out there.

Trek, Specialized and Cannondale are three of the stalwarts of the bike industry that sell all kinds of electric bikes. Brands like these sell their wares via traditional bike dealers although it’s becoming increasingly common for them to sell directly to you via their website too.

Don’t discount newer brands though. Many only produce electric bikes and thus put all of their design efforts into manufacturing the best e-bike they can. VanMoof, Cowboy and Cyrusher are brands like this that spring to mind.

Don’t just take note of the bike manufacturer either. often than not, bike brands fit electric components from other brands into their e-bikes. Brands like Bosch, Shimano, Ebikemotion and Bafang are some of the most well-known.

Bosch is perhaps the leader in the field thanks to its experience in electrical devices of all kinds. It’s also worth looking out for Shimano e-bike systems thanks to the brand’s vast knowledge of bicycles and their components.

How Much to Spend on an Electric Bike?

A budget for an e-bike will obviously vary greatly, but it’s worth spending some time considering how much your budget for an e-bike should be.

Clearly, electric bikes are more expensive than regular bikes, but for something that could potentially be ridden every day, is there a price that’s too much?

Electric Bike Cost

As electric bikes have grown in popularity so has the variety of price points, but how much do electric bikes actually cost?

In our experience at current prices, a low price for an e-bike could be considered around the £/1000 mark. On average most e-bike riders spend around £/3000 for their bike.

Those spending big on their e-bike will be dropping £/6000 or more. Today it’s not unusual to find the very top-end electric bikes, especially electric mountain bikes, electric road bikes or electric gravel bikes retailing for five figures and over – that’s £/10,000 plus!

LOWAVERAGEHIGH

Electric Bike Cost	£1000/1000	£3000/3000	£6000/6000

Are E-Bikes Expensive?

Clearly, you could buy yourself a very, very nice standard bike for the price of an average electric bike. But in the grand scheme of things, even a high-priced electric bike isn’t a vastly expensive object.

Consider that an electric bike could replace your car and it’s not hard to see that buying an e-bike could be a wise decision financially.

Cheapest Electric Bikes

Shoppers in both the USA and the UK are well-catered when it comes to finding cheap electric bikes. Larger retailers like Decathlon and Halfords, as well as new entrants like Engwe, have seen the popularity of electric bikes rise and produced low-priced models as a result.

The choice below the £/1000 mark becomes a bit patchy, especially if you are looking for something really specific, but there are still plenty of cheap electric bikes out there to choose from.

Electric Bike Speed

In the UK, legal e-bikes shouldn’t exceed 15.5mph. That’s the speed an e-bike will help take you up to before its motor cuts out. You can ride faster, but at speeds great than this, it will all be down to you!

It’s slightly different in the US and to confuse matters further e-bike speed rulings can vary from state to state. But in general, Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20mph. Class 2 e-bikes have the same maximum speed but allow the use of a throttle. Those electric bikes in Class 3 are the fastest electric bikes – they have a maximum assisted speed of 28mph.

Wattage: What Size E-Bike Motor Do I Need?

A key consideration with many electric bike shoppers is the size of the motor on their chosen bike. The size is expressed as watts, or W for short. The majority of e-bike motors on the market today – from the likes of Bosch – are rated at 250W. But what is this rating and is a higher number necessarily better?

What is Wattage?

Electric bike wattage refers to the power output of the motor on the bike. Its exact rating refers to the calculation of the power leaving the onboard battery at the maximum rate set by the controller on the e-bike.

Does Size Matter?

Common variations of e-bike motor wattage include 250W, 500W, 750W and 1000W. Size does matter to some extent and ultimately more power is more power.

Is Better?

There are a number of circumstances where more watts might be better. If you’re a heavier rider than the average, you’re looking for an e-bike with Rapid acceleration or one with excellent ability at riding up steep gradients, then an e-bike motor with a higher watt rating is for you.

That said, more watts aren’t always better. A higher-powered motor will have greater battery demands than one with less power so it might require a larger (and heavier) capacity battery to run it.

Another figure you can look for in relation to watts is motor torque. This figure is essentially how the motor delivers the power rather than the exact amount. Some motors can have the same number of watts but different levels of torque.

What E-Bike Wattage Do I Need?

The exact e-bike wattage you need on an e-bike will be personal to you. Whilst some riders wouldn’t dream of riding an e-bike with a 250W motor, for most of us and particularly those riding an e-bike for the first time, a motor with a 250W rating will be more than enough.

Battery Capacity: How Far Can an E-Bike Go?

A large capacity e-bike battery is like having an extra large fuel tank in your car – it will take you further on one charge than an e-bike with a smaller capacity battery.

The exact range of an e-bike depends on your chosen model and a whole host of other factors. From your weight and aerodynamics to the weather, the terrain and the rolling resistance of your tyres there are many factors that can reduce or extend the e-bike battery range.

Typically most electric bikes will have a range of around 20-50 miles or 50km. Electric bikes with the longest range will typically top over 100 miles or 200km before they need a recharge.

What E-Bike Battery Size Do I Need?

Electric bike batteries are usually tailored to the size of the onboard motor and the overall requirements of the e-bike in question.

Just keep in mind that costs to charge an e-bike are almost unnoticeable at best and negligible at worst.

Is a Bigger E-Bike Battery Better?

No. Small batteries are fine if you ride short, regular distances – like a commute to work – when a plug socket is always nearby. Plus, large-capacity batteries are heavy, can be unwieldy and are expensive to replace should they break or get stolen.

How Often Do E-Bike Batteries Need Replacing

Different e-bike batteries have different lifecycles, but to quote one figure, most will last around 1000 charge cycles before they start to empty faster or dispate their energy between rides.

Electric bike batteries are a valuable part of any e-bike and can be expensive to replace at the end of their lifespan so it’s a good idea to take care of them.

By following manufacturer advice on caring for an e-bike battery, you can extend the life of a battery and get the most out of it.

Do I Need Gears on an Electric Bike?

Whilst some electric bikes can be single-speed (1 gear) most will have at least 7 gears or more on board. Each gear (along with the assistance level) will help you tackle different riding circumstances on your e-bike. Occasions like riding from stationary, summiting a hill or riding fast.

E-Bike: Throttle or No Throttle?

Although vilified by some as cheating, throttles on electric bikes make sense, particularly for those riders looking to use an e-bike to replace their car, those commuting to work on an e-bike or those getting back into bike riding after a hiatus.

99% of electric bikes that feature a throttle also have a pedal assistance setting too, so that way you can spin your way to fitness, freedom or fresh air.

Suspension and Tires Choices

Suspension, whether at the front or front and rear, helps an e-bike find traction, particularly when it’s off-road. This is especially important for high-wattage electric bikes.

Plan on keeping your electric bike rides to the tarmac? Don’t dismiss an e-bike with suspension. Smaller amounts of travel (that’s how much squish the suspension has) provide gentle cushioning on rough, pitted roads or when negotiating speeds humps and curbs.

Tires are an important aspect of any bike, let alone an electric bike. Typically manufacturers will match the tire to the bike type, with wide, knobbly tires suited to electric mountain bikes, and slick, narrow tires paired with e-road bikes.

Take note of extra tire features like puncture protection or reflectivity – these will definitely come in handy on a feature bike ride we assure you.