Best electric bikes 2023 for every kind of rider
If you’re looking for the best electric bikes, there are a lot to choose from, with electric motors and batteries added to a wide range of bikes to add extra power.
Electric road bikes will come with dropped handlebars and favour low weight, whilst electric hybrid bikes will come with flat bars, wider tyres and accessories to aid commuters – such as mudguards and lights. Electric folding bikes are useful if part of your journey involves train travel or you’re short on space.
Here at Cycling Weekly, we’ve reviewed bikes from these three categories and there are links to our more detailed reviews for each bike in this guide. Our testing involves a range of routes and ride lengths and our highly experienced team of testers understands what makes a good bike and what to look for in the best electric bikes.
Electric bikes can be expensive, but there are options too if you’re looking to keep costs low with starting from around 1,000: check out the best budget electric bikes. If you’re into tinkering with your bike, you might also want to look at the best electric bike conversion kits as an alternative to buying a completely new electric bike.
Women may benefit from female specific components on the best women’s electric bikes, and if you’re venturing off-road, check out the best electric gravel bikes.
If you’re looking for the best electric mountain bike though, follow this link to head over to our sister publication MBR which specialises in mountain biking.
Top picks
Here’s a quick look at our top choices from the best electric bikes, including a folding option.
The Specialized Turbo Vado is designed for fast urban riding but with its suspension fork and wider tires it can also handle rougher roads.
There’s a lot of clever tech in the aviation-inspired Gocycle G4i, with a neat folding mechanism, lightweight frame and decent mileage from its internal battery.
The Giant Fastride’s neatly integrated battery and quality spec make it a great option for the commute, with wide gear range and hydraulic disc brakes.
If your e-bike riding heads off-road, the Neo Carbon Lefty has front and rear suspension and a powerful Bosch motor to help you up the hills.
The Cento1 Hybrid takes Wilier’s race bike pedigree and inserts a rear hub motor in a stealth package that keeps the bike’s performance and doesn’t add too much weight.
The classic Brompton with the same folding mechanism, but with a front hub motor and battery housed in a neat removeable bag.
Our pick of the best electric bikes
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Best Electric Hybrid bikes
Electric hybrid bikes are the fastest selling style. Their flat bars, usually wide tyre, and commute friendly fittings. such as mudguard mounts and rack mounts. make them extremely practical machines.
The motor can be housed in the rear hub, or at the cranks, and the torque will vary. low torque models offer a natural pedalling assistance, but high torque versions will move off the lights more quickly.
Reasons to avoid
The Ribble Hybrid AL e is a road-going hybrid bike that’s equally at home on gravel paths and trails, with a comfortable and confidence-inspiring upright riding position, so great for returning or newbie riders.
For us, we think the bike is one of the best looking hybrids we’ve ever come across, with the design hiding away the motor incredibly well, although we were a little sad that adjusting the seat post left behind scratch marks. The fully loaded package includes fenders (mudguards), lights and a rear rack making it perfect as a daily commuter or for ditching the car when going to the store, although we did find these a little rattily on test.
The Ebikemotion motor delivers its power smoothly and efficiently and offers long-range in between charges, making the Ribble far more than just an A to B bike.
Understandably it doesn’t perform in the same way as the Canyon Grail:ON in terms of fast and tight torque, but tap along and it will tick over nicely, taking the top off any strenuous rides.
With all the added extras as standard and classy looks, the Ribble Hybrid AL e is a great electric bike for the money.
Reasons to avoid
A fun ride that’s great in urban environments but also provides a confidence-inspiring ride on rougher terrain is what the Specialized Turbo Vado is all about.
If you’re after a bike that is fully integrated with lights, fenders and rack (27kg capacity) as well as security (on the App removable battery using a key), then this represents a straight forward choice. Only the weight, and to a lesser degree cost, need consideration.
We found the 70Nm/250W custom-tuned motor applies power seamlessly and powerfully as soon as you push down on the pedals. Range is excellent too. 95-130km / 60-80 miles should be easily attainable using the default settings of “Sport’ and ‘50% power’. There is an Eco mode as well as Turbo, so if you’re careful you can expect much greater range.
It is a heavy machine at 60lbs/ 27kg, so not easy to lift, so anyone needing to navigate steps in or out of the bike’s storage place will need to take this into consideration, but aside from that we found the Specialized Vado Turbo to be a joy to ride.
Reasons to avoid
We absolutely loved zooming around on the speedy Ride1Up Roadster V2 with its five levels of power assist. If you’re anything like us and are more used to training and racing on standard road bikes it can easily become your guilty pleasure. it’s fantastic fun to ride.
The bike was so quiet, even on level 5, convincing onlookers that our tester had to be some kind of super Hero to ride so fast up 15 per cent climbs. The only downside. in common with other e-bikes that only assist when you’re pedalling. was where there was a requirement for a hill start, the cranks had to be turned over in order to get the motor to engage, creating a pregnant pause at the lights, before vavavooming off.
The claimed 24mph maximum assisted speed (in the US) needs input from the pedals to reach on the flats, but without a doubt it’s noticeable downhill, where other bikes, such as the Wilier Cento1Hy Ultegra Di2 e-bike auto assist would cut out and slow you down.
This extra speed also puts the bike into a class 3 e-bike, meaning that it doesn’t meet EAPC rules in the UK, but that’s by the by as US brand Ride1Up doesn’t currently ship there.
If you are in a country lucky enough to be shipped to: the US, Canada and Mexico, then it’s a great option and one that has a very high fun-to-dollar ratio.
Ride1Up is a direct-to-consumer brand. check out the Roadster V2 on its website here.
Reasons to avoid
The Canyon Precede:ON is an efficient automatic transmission city bike that performs well in multi-terrain settings whether for utility or for leisure purposes thanks to a powerful motor and control panel.
With built-in accessories such as lights, mudguards, rack and kickstand all the trappings are there to make for a comfortable ride with style straight out the box. All these add ons however do make it one of the heaviest e-bikes on the market, even heavier than the Specialized Turbo Vado.
We really loved the Canyon Grail: On and it’s great to see the Precede:ON also be kitted with the Bosch Performance Line CX motor, although ideally we would love to see a little more juice in the battery to support the other impressive spec.
With everything you need straight out the box, including navigation system and lights, it’s the easiest way to swap driving/ public transport for a bike, but it is at the higher end price tag wise. There are a couple of models to choose from, which also takes the cost down a touch, but with a six year guarantee, it could be a savvy investment.
The only other point to note is that Canyon has a direct sales model, so you’ll have to buy directly from the brand here.
Reasons to avoid
The Giant Fastroad E Pro is another road-going hybrid bike with flat handlebars to promote a comfortable ride position for even the rustiest of riders, in fact we enjoyed riding this great electric hybrid road bike so much we gave it a Cycling Weekly Editor’s Choice Award.
The tyres provide plenty of squish and the ability to go lightly off-road. However on test we found the aluminium frame and fork quite stiff, which will suit those used to a traditional road bike’s feel and riders looking for a speedy commute, but worth bearing in mind if you’re used to a softer hybrid feel.
We really liked the bike’s integration of the battery, which can often be a design factor forgotten about on hybrid bikes. We were also really impressed to see the spec on the FastRoad, with hydraulic disc brakes and quality Shimano shifting, with a compact chainset and wide range cassette at the rear to provide plenty of gears for the hills all making an appearance.
A great electric hybrid bike for a fair price that will have a lot of appeal to lots of different riders.
Reasons to avoid
With its 36V battery, which should give around 70 miles of juice, hooked up to a mid-drive motor, we found that the Volt Infinity electric bike gave a nice balanced feel to the bike.
Shimano provides the power in the form of 8-speed Alfine Di2 hub Shimano Steps, the highly regarded motor and e-bike specific groupset.
Three different assistance modes will let you get the most out of that battery and the display mounted on the front will make it easy to keep track and we loved that the torque sensor picked up when we were flagging and gave us a little boost to help us along our way.
Previously similar to the Carrera Subway E, it’s had a bit of a make over and it’s now much more visually integrated than the previous model that we tested, although it’s still without a quick release rear wheel, making investing in the best puncture-proof tyres or inner tubes a shrewd investment.
The only real downside is the one size fits all. Great if it does fit you, not so much if it doesn’t.
Best Electric Folding Bikes
Folding electric bikes are practical if you have a train journey forming part of your trip or are low on space. Being small, the battery and motor can represent a large percentage of the weight, so the FOCUS is often on reducing this as much as possible.
Mileage on folding bikes is often low, since they’re typically used to ride to and from train stations, so battery range isn’t always a major consideration.
If you are considering going for a folder, you might find our buying guide page dedicated to helping you find the best folding bikes a useful read.
Reasons to avoid
We absolutely loved the Brompton Electric bike when we took it out for a spin, finding it to be the perfect bike for commuting in traffic and then stowing well out of the way post-ride.
The brand is considered by many as the gold standard of folding bikes, and the Brompton Electric is clearly cast from the same mould.
As typical with any Brompton bike, the brand has taken full control of the engineering, so everything from frame to motor has been designed in house. Brompton however has called upon the experiences of Williams Advanced Engineering when it comes to the motor, developing a bespoke lightweight removable battery and motor.
As you would expect when a team of Formula One engineers get under the bonnet of the Brompton Electric, the small, but perfectly formed motor has excelled, delivering power smoothly, safely and exactly when you need it.
The frame is the usual Brompton high standard, and while one size, keeps the ability to choose handlebars, seatpost heights and even saddle widths. There are six speeds, giving you plenty to play with when you hit a hill.
Whatever your final set up, you can rest assured as to the bike’s foldability, which is one of the reasons why Brompton stands out from the folding bike crowd. Its folded footprint is one of the smallest out there: 565mm high x 585mm wide x 270mm long (22.2″ x 23″ x 10.6″). This means it’s highly portable and capable of stowing in the smallest of spaces, although be warned, due to the independent motor and battery pack, you’ll find yourself with two hands full, so best to invest in a rucksack for your other belongings.
On test we felt this was an absolute dream of a bike, in fact, we went as far as calling it a transport gamechanger. If you’re worried by the 17kg-plus weight, there’s now the Brompton Electric P Line bike, which uses lighter frame materials to drop the claimed weight down to 15.6kg.
Reasons to avoid
The G4i is a solid choice for a commuter, with the option to add many accessories such as mudguards (fenders), a front and rear pannier rack, integrated lights, lock holster and a travel case.
The design folds in half, so that you can push it on its wheels rather than needing to carry it, or you can fully fold it into a compact package. There’s built-in rear suspension, concealed cabling and a fully enclosed drivetrain.
It features a discreetly integrated USB port on the handlebar, enabling owners to charge their phone or other small devices from the bike’s battery when not in use. although we found the quality of the integrated phone mount didn’t quite match that of the bike itself. The same goes for the LED display, which we found to be rather basic. although the information it provides is useful.
It’s also likely to be pretty low-maintenance given that the drivetrain is completely enclosed. This makes sense, given that commuting year round usually means cycling in the wet at some point. The G4i utilizes a Shimano Nexus 3 speed internally geared hub. With 1” of elastomer suspension and 2.35” wide tyres, it is one of the more comfortable small wheelers. Single-sided wheel attachment means you don’t even have to remove the wheel, should you puncture one of the 20” wheels.
The 500W (250W in the UK/EU) G4 electric motor and 375Wh Lithium-ion battery is claimed to provide a range of up to 80km (50mi), but the most we managed to get out of it was just 44km (27mi). To be fair, that was in one of the more ‘assisted’ modes and I always had the daytime running lights on. and the city of Bath is well known for its brutally steep hills.
The bike is available from 17.6kg / 38.8lbs. However, as the weight is centred low on the frame, this at least makes the ride more stable. The folding mechanism has been improved since previous versions and can be quickly collapsed into a small package. Gocycle says this can be done in as little as ten seconds; we found it was closer to 20.
Bosch PowerTube 750Wh frame rechargeable battery
Only online and Click Collect
Currently available via the store
For more range
Enough energy for long distances and many meters of altitude: The PowerTube 750 is the new power pack among the Bosch eBike batteries for long and demanding tours. The persistent energy supplier enables a range that is approx. 20% greater than the PowerTube 625. Like all Bosch PowerTubes, the battery is perfectly integrated into the frame of the eBike. The Smart battery management system reliably protects the battery cells from overloading. It is removed via an intuitive, lockable mechanism and makes it particularly easy and convenient to use.
The PowerTube 750 is only compatible with the Smart system and can therefore only be used with an eBike with a Smart system
For the highest demands on performance and aesthetics
Bosch PowerTubes drive every tour full of energy and, thanks to their compact size and minimalist design, fit perfectly into the design of the eBike. There are two versions (horizontal or vertical) that are installed directly by the manufacturer depending on the eBike model. The sophisticated technology ensures carefree driving fun: a safety device prevents them from falling out, but the batteries can still be removed easily. Bosch offers three variants of integrable lithium-ion batteries that cover all areas of application with different energy contents.
Calculate the range for your next eBike tour with the range assistant from Bosch.
- No memory effect: Bosch rechargeable batteries with lithium-ion cells can be charged for as short a time as you like, regardless of their charge level. Interruptions in the charging process do not damage the batteries. A complete discharge is not necessary
- Very low self-discharge: even after prolonged storage, e.g. B. winter storage, commissioning is possible without recharging the battery. The Bosch batteries do not have to be recharged after a long break. A charge level of approx. 30 to 60% is recommended for longer storage
- Long service life: Bosch batteries are designed for many tours, kilometers and years of service. The intelligent, electronic Bosch battery management system (BMS) protects lithium-ion batteries from excessive operating temperatures, overloading and total discharge
specification
| Type | frame battery | frame battery |
| Assembly | Horizontal | Vertical |
| energy / capacity | 750Wh / 20.1Ah | 750Wh / 20.1Ah |
| voltage | 36 v | 36 v |
| number of charging cycles | Up to 600 | Up to 600 |
| charging time | Standard charger 50% charge up to 2:10 h 100% charge up to 6:00 h | Standard charger 50% charge up to 2:10 h 100% charge up to 6:00 h |
| compatibility | Bosch Smart System | Bosch Smart System |
| Dimensions | 484x84x65mm | 484x84x65mm |
| Weight | approx. 4.4 kg | approx. 4.4 kg |
scope of delivery
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Electric Bikes with Bosch motor
With an e-bike equipped with a powerful Bosch motor, you benefit from a unique, new kind of riding experience whilst reaching new performance targets.
- Price (low. high)
- Price (high. low)
- Availability
- New Releases
- Bestseller
- E-Touring
- E-Mountain
- Commuting
- E-City
- Gravel
- E-Fitness
- City
- E-bike
- Performance Line 3360
- Performance Line 3740 CX
- Performance Line 3741 CX
- Performance Line CX
Don’t forget the outlet
Weight is an important factor when you’re buying a new e-bike. Learn more about the weight of e-bikes, their batteries and motors right here.
Should I get an e-bike? Or a regular bike? In this article, we explain how, why, and when getting an e-bike is worthwhile for you.
Read our pro tips on how to extend the range of your electric bike and get even more out of your new Canyon e-bike.
E-bike batteries are expensive to replace, so you need to take good care of them. By following our advice, you’ll get the longest life out of your e-bike’s battery.
Mountain, road, fitness and touring: find out why every Canyon e-bike is equipped with the ideal motor for its specific use and which one is right for you.
What distinguishes the Bosch e-bike drives
A Bosch e-bike motor combines a variety of positive features taken from numerous other bicycles. With its different support levels, the Bosch e-bike motor delivers smooth yet powerful performance. The system provides a relentless wave of torque for effortless pedalling on the steepest of climbs.
Bosch electric bikemotors are combined with large-capacity batteries, which ensure you can enjoy long rides without fear of running out of power. Another advantage of Bosch motors is the central installation position in the e-bike.
The Bosch motor is mounted around the bottom bracket at the lowest point of the bike. This puts the centre of gravity of the e-bike as low as possible, and centred fore and aft, providing excellent, balanced handling characteristics.
The interaction of three Bosch e-bike motor sensors is particularly intelligent. Pedalling force, cadence, and speed, are all measured over 1,000 times per second to provide a unique riding experience.
The light weight of the Bosch powered e-bikes further improves handling. And on the rare occasion that you might have to push, the Bosch ‘Push Assist’ takes on much of the work.
Which components make up the Bosch e-bike system?
The Bosch e-bike motor system essentially consists of three to four components. The heart of the system is, of course, the Bosch e-bike motor. This is combined with a powerful Bosch battery, which is mounted either on or within the down tube of the frame. The handlebar mounted Bosch display provides the rider with essential information.
These three Bosch e-bike components can be combined with supporting apps to add additional functionality and connectivity. Compatible smartphone apps for Bosch motors include eBike Connect, COBI.Bike and the eBike Flow App.
What support levels are available with a Bosch e-bike motor?
Bosch motors for e-bikes usually offer four different support levels. These are as follows:
- Bosch support level ECO
- Bosch support level TOUR
- Bosch support level SPORT
- Bosch support level TURBO
What is a push assist and does it exist on an e-bike with a Bosch motor?
The Bosch motor offers push assistance. This means that the motor accelerates up to a maximum speed of 6 km/h without any assistance from your own power. Depending on the Bosch motor, a special button can be pressed or a button combination entered to activate the Bosch push assist. So if you ever have to push your e-bike, the Bosch push assist provides a welcome boost.
Which Bosch mid-motor is the best?
The best or most powerful Bosch motor is the Performance Line CX. The electric motor designed for e-mountain bikers provides you with a powerful drive and high-end sensor technology that takes your riding experience to the next level. With up to 85 Newton meters of torque, you can master even the steepest climbs on the trail. Technically demanding trails become child’s play thanks to the Extended Boost function and roots and stones are rolled over effortlessly. The specially developed E-MTB mode reacts particularly sensitively to pedal power and thus allows sensitive starting. With the new ‘Tour Plus’ mode, the Bosch Performance Line CX motor uses the battery power more frugally to extend your range.
Review of the Bosch Smart System
One of 2022’s most exciting pieces of electric bike news is the release of the Bosch Smart System. This fully-integrated electric bike system comes with both hardware and software releases that Bosch is sure will wow riders. A new 750 watt hour battery, redesigned Kiox 300 display, and updates to the motor and system are now delivered straight to your fun. Does the system live up to the hype? Find out all our thoughts in this video.
The Bosch Smart System Story
- For over 10 years Bosch has been the industry leader in ebike motor and tech solutions and the fully connected Smart System is what is next.
- Bosch’s award winning batteries, efficient chargers, vivid displays ensure personalized experience along with quality assurance and fantastic warranty guarantees. They call it their “model for success.”
The Battery Motor
I don’t have to tell you guys why a 750 watt hour battery is exciting.
- This is a significantly bigger battery than Bosch has offered in the past with the previous high at 625 watt hours.
- The new 750 watt hour powertube fits pretty nicely into most downtubes that I have seen and rockets Bosch to the front of the pack in terms of battery capacity.
Of course no Bosch system would be complete without a Bosch performance motor.
- On the Bosch Smart system you get that Bosch performance CX motor. Apparently a little more aerodynamic than the Gen 4.
- I could notice some minor differences between the Gen 4 and this Bosch Smart System CX so I definitely think there is something to that.
- You’re still getting your 85 newton meters of torque and also 250 watts.
What’s New With The Display?
That brand new Kiox 300 display is redesigned so that it works better in bright sunlight, provides better brightness overall as well, and it still fits in the palm of your hand. Also maybe the most crucial update to this kiox 300 display is that it is not completely necessary if you don’t want it.
- Manufacturers this year have the choice to use the display or not.
- Lots of emtb riders and maybe some road riders as well have been asking for displayless options. Other companies have been offering them as well, and this year the Bosch Smart System is going to have the capability to be operated without a display.
Let’s say you fall in love with a bike that doesn’t have a display, and you’re kind of bummed about not having one. Well the good news is this Kiox 300 is retrofittable onto those bikes.For those of you who are more minimalist, that ergonomic Bosch LED remote is definitely going to come in handy.
- You’ve got five LED lights that are going to tell you how much battery you have left.
- You might be thinking 20 percent increments really aren’t enough but, I’ve got good news for you, the LEDs are going to change color every ten percent so when you see five greenish bluish lights that means you have a hundred percent battery and then when you get down to a little bit of a pinker color you have lost ten percent.
- Of course, you probably want to know what level of assistance you are in as well. Each level is represented by a different color.
The eBike Flow App
One thing I always love about Bosch is their cute little copy, “that worked like a charm” is the prompt once you’ve connected.
- Connection: it was super easy. Basically, you’re just holding and pressing the power button and then it gives you prompts.
- The idea of the ebike flow app is that it gives riders one place to track everything about their bike, and that is my favorite thing about it.
- It’s going to track mileage and when you need service
- Even if you don’t want to use this app it still does a lot for you
One of the other main features that is very exciting to see is the customizable riding modes. You’re going to be able to go in and change the amount of assistance you want.
- If you want your turbo to be higher than turbo is normally set, you come in here and can turn it up so that turbo is. I guess more turbo.
- You can customize a lot more than you have been able to in the past with previous Bosch motors.
One thing you see on the app is that it looks like eMTB and Tour Plus are not customizable. Probably because they are already customized to the type of terrain you’re riding on.
Lastly, of course, you’re gonna be able to track your rides and it’s gonna tell you the best routes.
Software Updates
No more having to go to a dealer for a software update from Bosch!
- In the past you might remember if you had a Bosch motor you had to come into shops to get the software updates and maybe pay a shop fee.
- Now, you’re going to be able to update your e-bike motor from, well, “over the air.” I don’t want to spoil anything, but it is a bluetooth connection.
How is the Range?
We started this ride with full bars. At 2350 feet into climbing, and I will have no shame in telling you I did that all in turbo mode, we had three blue bars and one white bar, which means we are right around 70 percent battery.
- So, 2300 feet of climbing in turbo and we only used 30%.
- I’m 6’2″ about 190 pounds on a good day, so I consider that to be pretty awesome.
- Getting great range, great battery life. Of course getting that extra 125 watt hours out of the battery over the 625 and it’s noticeable.
Our Final Thoughts
For my money, I think the Bosch Smart System is well worth it. The biggest reason is the fact that you can do those bluetooth updates. That’s something that Bosch has never offered in years past, and I think it resulted in a lot of people missing out on updates because they weren’t willing to come into the shop for them.
And of course riders have even more customizations to choose from because you can change your speed, your level of assistance, and how much torque you’re getting within the app. The way Bosch talks about the Smart system, it does seem like they are dedicated to continuing to give power over to the rider in the flexibility within their systems, which is great to see. Bosch should be applauded for opening up an already great system and making it even better thanks to these customizable features.
Check out the bikes currently in stock featuring the Bosch Smart System:
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC ActionTeam 750
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 SLT
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC SL
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 160 HPC TM
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 140 HPC TM 750
- Cube Stereo Hybrid 150 HPC SL 750
- Mondraker Crafty R
- Mondraker Crafty RR
- Mondraker Level R
- Mondraker Crafty Carbon RR SL
- Riese Muller Multicharger Mixte GT Vario