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
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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.
Best Electric Motorcycle for Tall Riders
If you’re tall enough, typically around 6’ or more, riding an electric motorcycle may quickly become a painful experience, especially in your neck, lower back, and arms. If you are dealing with any of this, you are most likely on an electric motorcycle that is simply too small for you.
One of the best electric motorcycles you can own if you are anywhere between 5’9” and 6’4” is the Zero DSR. There are other manufacturers out there that put together some excellent choices as well, especially Energica and Huck Cycles.
For obvious reasons, electric motorcycles are a little more limited when it comes to your height and weight selections. The market for electric motorcycles is nowhere near as large as the one for standard motorcycles. Perhaps with time, they’ll get there.
The Zero DSR
Zero DSR is not a model without a make. Zero is the manufacturer behind a handful of popular electric motorcycles and the most prevalent variation, at least in terms of tall people, is the Zero DSR.
The Zero DSR is technically a dual-sport bike, as good on the highway as it is for offroading. It’s not an enormous bike by any means but it does largely resemble most of the crotch-rockets you see on the road today.
The DSR has a sleek, sporty look with smaller tires. The rear tire sits almost an entire foot beneath the wheel well. It’s a black and gold electric motorcycle with black being the dominant color and gold highlights throughout, especially on the rims.
Features
For a motorcycle with a fully electric powertrain, the DSR does pretty well in the specifications department. Several features are worthy of a second look, with the most important being that it’s seemingly made for a taller rider.
If you are a reasonably tall person, the most important feature that stands out is the seat height, which is nearly a full yard above the ground. The rest is just candy for the senses. The Zero DSR is as fast as its sporty aesthetic implies, topping out at 102mph.
It takes less time to charge the thing than it does to charge the latest smartphones, with just 2 hours on the plug before it’s ready to go back out with maximum range. The clutchless direct drive transmission means you never have to shift gears.
There’s nothing between 0 and 102 mph but throttle. This is a welcome feature for tall people, especially since wrist, arm, and hand pain is an issue for tall people on motorcycles. Now that you don’t have to shift, it makes for a smoother, more relaxed ride.
It’s not an immensely heavy bike either, with a 419lb curb weight, which is more than a pair of long legs can handle standing in place.
Huck Cycles
It’s not a particular bike that Huck Cycles has to offer that makes it a great choice for tall people. Rather, it’s the level of customization that consumers can opt for when they make a purchase from Huck Cycles.
Huck Cycles is the Build-a-Bear of electric motorcycles. If you are a tall person and most motorcycles make you uncomfortable over long rides, you can have your Huck Cycles motorcycle custom built with specifications that accommodate your height.
You have three series to choose from—the 2022 Rebel Series, the 2022 Overland Series, and the 2022 Stinger SX. All of the bikes in the series are largely customizable. So, you choose the bike and you choose what’s best for your comfort. Each Series offers a number of options as well.
- 2022 Rebel Series: The Rebel S, Rebel CS, and Rebel SCR
- 2022 Overland Series: The Overland S, Overland AT, and Overland ARC
Keep in mind, that if your idea of an electric motorcycle is in line with what the Zero DSR has to offer, you won’t find that here. These are all moped class motorcycles, in terms of CCs. The top speeds that you will get out of some of them might exceed 50mph.
It’s definitely not a motorcycle that you are going to choose if you are looking to spend a lot of travel time on the interstate.
Energica
Energica is an Italian electric motorcycle company and if you want one of these babies, prepare yourself for some expense. What you get with Energica are several electric motorcycles that are more than adequate for taller riders.
These are exceptional electric motorcycles and they command an exceptional price. Just looking at them, from an aesthetic point of view, it’s hard to tell the difference between them and the sportier, gasoline alternatives.
All four of Energica’s offerings are suitable for taller riders. However, Energica also offers something akin to Huck Cycles, and that’s the option to build your own Energica. If you’re taller, you can put together something that is more suitable for your weight and height.
While you can’t have Energica build a bigger framework, you can add accessories that, by their nature, lift the motorcycle up a bit. When you first jump into the customization options, you have some aesthetic choices to make.
Once you’re done with that, you get to the real meat and potatoes of the customization options that Energica offers, which is where you can hone the motorcycle into an instrument more suitable to your liking.
Add on a few accessories afterward, and you will reach the summary of your build. Simply dust up the summary and you will get a total price for an Energica Electric Motorcycle.
All Things Considered
The world isn’t inundated with electric motorcycles just yet, especially those that are more accommodating to the tallest of us. However, we’re slowly but surely moving in that direction. In the future, there is liable to be a larger pool of taller electric motorcycles worth looking at. For now, the choices are limited, but not altogether bad
Best folding electric bikes 2023 | Top-rated folding ebikes for commuting and city riding
With smaller wheels and frames, the best folding electric bikes deliver the benefits of riding an electric bike in a more compact package, which makes for easy storage at home. These electrified folding bikes mean you can get on and off trains and buses easily. Most transport companies will let you take the bike without booking, even on peak-time services.
Foldable ebikes aren’t just for cycling to work. They can make cycling for leisure or riding an electric bike for fitness more convenient, too. Keep scrolling to see our pick of the best folding electric bikes. For more information on what to look for when buying an electric folding bike, check out our full buyer’s guide at the end of this article.
- Best for rough terrain:GoCycle G4
- Best value for money:MiRider One
- Best for commuting:MiRider One GB3
- Best ebike conversion kit for Bromptons:Cytronex
Best folding electric bikes 2023
Best folding electric bike for rough terrain
With a unique single-sided frame and carbon fork, the GoCycle G4 delivers a Smart design and smooth ride.
The relatively long wheelbase and relaxed head tube angle mean the G4 is far removed from the twitchiness often associated with small-wheeled folding bikes. Despite the long wheelbase, the bike still folds up small and can fit in the boot of a small car.
GoCycle has its own motor system that monitors speed and cadence to determine how much power assistance you need. However, there’s also a button on the handlebar to override this.
We found the motor and bike to be nippier than some of the best electric bikes and well suited to city rides. But, due to the chunky tyres, suspension and traction control, it can also tackle rougher terrain.
The only thing holding the G4 back is its high price.
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Best value for money electric folding bike
The MiRider One is a well-styled folding bike with electric assistance. Warren Rossiter / Immediate Media
- £1,300 as tested
- Range up to 35 miles
- Boost button to add extra assistance
- Singlespeed only
With a quick fold via a central hinge, the MiRider One pairs funky looks with a fun, practical ride. Handy features such as a skate wheel to help you push its 18.7kg weight around when folded also help make this a winner.
You only get a singlespeed gear on the MiRider One, but with the added electric assistance, that’s enough to tackle most hills around town.
Hit the ‘boost’ button and you’ll get a turbo charge to help you get away from the lights and up steeper gradients. Cable disc brakes help you stop safely and the keen price is appealing, too.
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Best folding electric bike for commuting
MiRider’s One GB3 folding commuter ebike is a refined version of the original MiRider One. David Caudery / Our Media
While the previous MiRider One is still available, MiRider has refined the design and improved the specification to create the One GB3.
The magnesium alloy frame has an air-filled shock absorber for comfort and enough adjustability to fit tall and short riders.
The folding ebike has a rear-hub motor powered by a 7Ah/252Wh battery with a claimed range of 45 miles, which is more than ample for the short distances you’ll likely ride on this bike.
The bike has a maintenance-free belt drive and three gears that, along with the motor, helped our tester get over a 14 per cent climb.
It’s fun to ride and feels stable at speed. The short wheelbase and small wheels make weaving through traffic a breeze.
With an easy-to-fold design, hydraulic disc brakes, comfortable saddle and a kickstand, the bike is well-considered and, ultimately, better value than some of its better-known rivals.
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Best ebike conversion kit for Bromptons
The Cytronex kit enables you to convert a non-assisted Brompton into an electric bike. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
- £1,295 as tested (Cytronex conversion kit only), Brompton sold separately
- Convert a standard Brompton to an electric folding bike
- Lightweight system with smooth power delivery
- 29 miles of range with 300m ascent in testing
This one’s an outlier because it’s an electric folding bike comprised of a standard Brompton and an ebike conversion kit from British company Cytronex.
However, if you’re already a Brompton owner, or want to choose a different model than the foldable ebikes on offer as standard, then this is a Smart choice. It’s worth noting that fitting the kit will invalidate your Brompton’s warranty though.
The kit contains a new front wheel with e-motor hub, battery pack, charger, wiring loom and bottle-cage style mount. The price also covers fitting and, rather than using the strap-on battery mount, Cytronex will add bottle bosses to the frame for a neat and secure fit.
The battery can remain in place when folding and adds only a couple of kilograms to the overall weight.
The result is an efficient system that retains the lightweight handling of a standard Brompton, though you need to take care not to unweight the front wheel on steeper roads.
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Also consider…
These electric folding bikes scored fewer than 4 out of 5 stars in our reviews, but are still worth considering.
Brompton Electric H2L 2-Speed
Brompton’s Electric H2L bike is the result of a partnership with the company behind the Williams Formula 1 team. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
- £2,725 as tested
- Powerful assistance and clever battery system
- Would benefit from a bar-mounted control
- Claimed range of 20-45 miles from 300Wh battery
Brompton partnered with Williams Advanced Engineering (of Formula 1 and Formula E fame) to develop a bespoke system for its electric folding bike. It’s made up of a front-hub motor and a Smart-looking battery, housed in a Cordura bag. The total bike weight is 17.43kg, compared to a claimed 11.35kg for a standard Brompton.
The system is operated by two buttons on the battery, but we’d prefer a bar-mounted control, or the ability to use Brompton’s app (and a phone mount) to cycle between settings.
Brompton’s motor provides a punchy ride, but it does feel like overkill in some situations, even if it’s fun to get a head start on other riders at traffic lights. The middle of the three settings provides the best balance of power and range.
You need to remove the battery before folding, but that’s simple enough, and the charger is nice and compact.
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Eelo 1885 Disc Explorer Pro
- £1,499 as tested
- Packs down neatly
- Won’t fit tall riders
- Fixed battery
The Eelo 1885 Explorer Disc Pro is a decent electric folding bike now with mechanical disc brakes in place of V-brakes.
For nipping on and off a train, the 1885 is ideal because it’s easy to carry in folded form. There’s a rear rack but the wheels are too small to attach panniers.
The Eelo 1885 Explorer Disc Pro falls short of its claimed range and you can’t remove the battery to recharge.
The 1885’s short wheelbase will probably make taller riders will unstable.
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Emu Mini
The Emu Mini folding electric bike makes for a good city commuter. Warren Rossiter / Immediate Media
- £999 as tested
- Well priced and compact size
- Three speeds and disc brakes
- Not so good for taller riders
For £1,000, the Emu Mini packs a punch above its diminutive size.
It’s light for an ebike at 17.7kg, and its 16in wheels come with chunky tyres, so it can handle more than just city streets. The 3-speed gearing helps you get around fast, and you get disc brakes for reliable stopping.
The range is a bit limited: we got just 13 miles, although there’s a £100 battery upgrade that will improve on that. Otherwise, this is a bike for short commutes.
Still, with the battery located in the seatpost, it’s easy to take away for recharging, and the charger is compact enough to carry with you if you need a top-up at work before turning for home.
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Engwe Engine Pro 750W
The Engwe Engine Pro 750W bucks the trend for electric folding bikes, packing a lot of power and weighing 35kg.
In addition to the punchy motor and fairly good range, the Engwe Engine’s brakes, display and control function well.
Although the Engwe Engine Pro 750W is fun to ride, our reviewer thought the front and rear suspension are unnecessary and only add to the bike’s excessive weight.
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Tern Vektron
The Tern Vektron is a rugged folding ebike, capable of carrying plenty of luggage. Oli Woodman / Immediate Media
Powered by a mid-mounted Bosch motor, the Tern Vektron has the same three-step fold as Tern’s pedal-powered bikes. Its wheels are a tad larger than a Brompton’s at 20 inches, rather than 16 inches.
The Vektron includes hydraulic disc brakes, providing a step up in power from mechanical disc brakes. Three build options are available in all.
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Buyer’s guide: what to look for in a folding electric bike
Folding electric bike motor systems
Brompton’s removable battery packs are held at the front of the bike. Oliver Woodman / Immediate Media
The most common electric bike motor for powering folding ebikes is a hub motor either in the front or the rear wheel, powered by a battery that’s often built into the frame. That has the advantage of a tidy, weatherproof package, but may limit the battery size and hence range, and add weight.
Another option for the battery is to make it removable. That’s the way Brompton has gone, with a pack that clips to the front of the bike so it can be carried separately. It also means you can take your battery somewhere convenient to charge it, while leaving your bike locked up or in the garage/bike shed.
Some internal batteries are removable too; that’s how the battery works in the GoCycle GX and GXi.
Electric bike laws in the UK and EU stipulate that the motor in a standard electric bike has to provide no more than 250 watts of power output, and most ebike motors, including those in folders, will provide up to this level of assistance.
Folding electric bike gearing
Some folding ebikes will only have a single-gear ratio. With the assistance from the motor to start you off, that may well be enough if you have a shortish, flat commute.
For longer, hillier rides, or for leisure use, you may want some extra gears. Hub gears are popular because they’re out of the way and less likely to get damaged than a derailleur system when carrying or moving the folder.
Our guide to electric bike maintenance has more tips on how to look after electric bikes. You’re unlikely to leave an electric folding bike unattended, but electric bike insurance is still advisable.
Hub gears may range from a simple 2- or 3-speed system, up to eight or more gears. Adding gearing also adds weight, and the cabling for the shifters adds complexity to the design.
Wheel size
A folding ebike will have small wheels, to make for a compact bundle once it’s folded. The classic Brompton has 16in wheels, a size used by many other folders.
Other brands, such as Tern and GoCycle, use 20in wheels. Their larger size helps a bit with rolling resistance and they’ll ride more smoothly over road imperfections, in compensation for increased weight and a larger folded size.
Folded size
Folded size and ease of folding are other things to think about. If you’re planning a commute that also includes public transport, you’ll want a folding ebike that packs up as small as possible, so you can get it onto busy trains or up awkward steps on buses.
That’s where a design with an integrated battery comes in handy because it won’t get in the way of the fold. Brompton’s solution of a separate battery pack also works here. Although there’s a second piece of kit to carry around, the folding mechanism and compact folded size aren’t compromised.
Another option, used by GoCycle and others, is to enable you to part-fold the bike, so you get a package that you can push or pull around using the seat as a handle. It’ll take up more space than a fully folded machine, but has the advantage that you don’t need to fully lug around the bike’s often substantial weight.
MiRider’s clever design, meanwhile, has a skate wheel on the bottom of the bike, to make manoeuvring the folded package much easier.
What other electric bikes are there?
The electric bike market continues to see huge growth, with a whole plethora of ebikes available for all kinds of riding.
Our guide to the best electric bikes takes you through everything you need to know about motor-assisted bicycles and provides more advice on choosing the right type of bike for your riding.
Should you want to go further and faster, take a look at our lists of the best electric road bikes and the best electric gravel bikes. We’ve also curated a list of the best electric mountain bikes for motor assistance on the trails.
And if you prefer flat bars for town riding and to experience the benefits of cycling to work, head to our selection of the best electric hybrid bikes.
If you would rather not splash out on a new bike, the best electric bike conversion kits will transform your old one into an ebike.
Cyrusher XF900 review – The Best eBike for Tall Riders?
If you’re looking for an electric bike that can take your riding to the next level, then you need to check out the Cyrusher XF900. This eBike is designed for serious (and tall… more on that in a moment) riders who want to get the most out of their cycling experience.
With a range of high-end features, it’s sure to change the way you think about electric bikes. So if you’re ready to take your riding to the next level, read on for our full review of the XF900 eBike!
Tired of eBikes designed for short people? If you’re 5’9″-6’4″. this eBike might be the perfect eBike for you!
Cryusher Review: The Quick Lowdown
If you want a bike that you can throw (almost) anything at, and you fit within the size range (best for riders 5’9″-6’4″), this bad boy might just be right for you.
Meet the XF900 Electric Bike: What’s the big idea?
The XF900 is at the top of Cyrusher’s line of bikes.
Its great looks with those distinctive motorcycle-style front forks, huge fat tires and high-end components make it a bike for only the most daring riders hungry for power and beauty. It will take you through any terrain, up the toughest slopes, and take you farther on any adventure you can dream of.
This is a big bike, it looks much smaller on the website, but this is meant for larger riders.
If you’re under 6 feet tall, you might want to consider another option. But if you’re looking for a powerful all-terrain machine that will turn heads when you’re riding it, the Cyrusher XF900 is a great choice.
The Specifications – First the standard features you’d find
The Cryusher XF900 has some pretty standard features found on other e-bike models. Let’s quickly highlight those before we dive into what makes this e-Bike unique.
750W Rear hub Motor
The rear hub motor is pretty standard but what’s not standard is the overall power. The XF900 has a 750 watt (1500 watt peak), 80 Nm Bafang electric motor.
That’s a motor that isn’t messing around. I also really like they tell you the name brand of this motor. While there aren’t many truly unique ebike motor manufactorers, most eBike brands don’t tell you exactly who made theirs.
80NM Torque
The 80NM torque is on the upper end of what’s available. Most ebikes have between 50 and 90NM of torque. Torque affects how easily the bike accelerates and climbs hills, so more is usually better — though you may not notice it unless you’ve tested different bikes with lower levels of torque.
The extra power will come in handy when carrying cargo or climbing hills.
7-Speed Shimano Gear Set
You can always find a comfortable pedaling speed, whether you’re cruising or climbing a hill, with 7 gears and 5 assisted levels to choose from.
7 Gears is pretty standard, as is the 5 levels of Pedal Assist.
LCD Display
The display is a basic LCD that shows your speed, battery level, and assist levels. Simply put, it’s easy to use and understand; just what you need without any extras.
Admittedly, it does look VERY similar to some other eBike brands we’ve tested but hey- if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
Range: Up to 62 Miles
The XF900 has a maximum range of 62 miles on a single charge, which is above average for an ebike. Of course, the range will vary depending on factors like terrain, rider weight, and how much throttle or pedal assist is used. But for the average rider, you can expect to get around 30-40 miles on a single charge.
I’ve found that the best way to maximize range is to use the pedal assist most of the time and only use the throttle when you need a boost. That way, you can rely on the motor to help you most of the time, but you’re still getting a workout and using your own power when possible. The motor will also last longer this way since it’s not being taxed as much.
Of course, the range is technically unlimited – as long as you don’t mind using your legs. But the battery life and motor will only help for about 35 miles or so. After that, it’s up to you!
A Throttle – and a half twist throttle at that
Most eBikes we’ve tested have a throttle. The XF900 has a half twist throttle to tap into that extra power when you need it. Just give it a quick twist and away you go!
The throttle is great for getting up to speed quickly or for passing someone on the trail, or even crossing the street. Just keep in mind that it uses battery life, so if you’re trying to maximize your range, use it sparingly.
Unique Features
Those are the basic features, the things you’d expect from an electric bike. What were we surprised by?
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
I’m a big fan of hydraulic disc brakes on eBikes. I think they offer the best possible stopping power for a bike, period. And the XF900 Cyrusher eBike is equipped with just that – Hydraulic Disc brakes front and rear.
These 160/180mm hydraulic brakes allow you to stop on a dime, which is critical when you’re flying down a trail at high speeds. Additionally, Cyrusher has added motor cutoff capabilities for added safety.
I think this is an essential feature for any large eBike and I’m glad to see that Cyrusher has included it on their XF900 model.
A Class 3 eBike
A class 3 eBike allows you to go as fast as 28MPH when using pedal assist. If you go any faster than that, the motor will cut out.
However, if you pedal faster or go downhill, you may be able to surpass 28 MPH just because of the laws of physics.
Both front and rear suspension
The spring rear suspension adds to the XF900’s comfort and versatility. Paired with a distinct front fork suspension with 110mm of travel preload adjustment, you get suspension on both ends to soak up any bumps in the road from the motorcycle-inspired frame make any rough terrain easy!
Also, check out the best e-bicycle accessories for the little extras that make all the difference.
What difference does it make?
This makes for a much more comfortable ride, whether you’re on the street or flying down a trail. I’ll talk more about taking this eBike on rough terrain in a section, but the added rear suspension makes this bike perfect for off-roading or street riding.
Built-in USB Charging
In case you need to charge a GPS or cell phone, Cyrusher added an easy-access USB charging port right on the battery. No more dead cell phones!
Fat Tires
We’ve reviewed a lot of fat tire eBikes (read about the best fat tire ebikes), but this eBike includes some of the thickest fat tires we’ve tested on an electric bike. At 4.0″ wide, these mountain-style puncture-resistant fat tires provide better grip, even in sand or snow, as well as giving it a look that turns heads.
Not only do they look good, but they can help you stay safe on the trails. These tires are also low-pressure so they can be ridden on pavement without worry.
The Weight!
The XF900 weighs in at 74 pounds, which puts it on the heavier end of all the eBikes we’ve tested.
However, that’s to be expected because this awesome bike was designed for all-terrain riding and larger riders.
The good news is that the weight is evenly distributed, so it doesn’t feel too heavy when riding. Additionally, the bike comes with a kickstand so you can easily park it without having to lean it against something (or someone!)
What we loved about the XF900
There are a couple of things that we really loved about the XF900 that we really liked. And they aren’t super logical at first glance. Let’s dive into them.
Built of taller riders
So many electric bikes these days are built for smaller riders. I’m not huge by any means (5’10” on a REALLY good day), but I’m on the smaller size of who this bike was designed for.
When you think of “larger” riders, you think fat. But this was built for TALLER riders.
With a total capacity of 330 Pounds, it also can handle the extra weight, but this bike was designed to work for taller people, so if you’re shorter, you might feel a little lost on this one.
This bike knows exactly what it is… and what it isn’t
The ebike had everything you’d expect (like an LCD display, etc). But this Cyrusher bike had a couple little touches we didn’t expect, like an included air pump and front and rear fenders. Not all e-bikes include this, especially the air pimp, so it was a nice little surpruse.
What we didn’t love about the Cyrusher XF900
I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again: there is no such thing as the perfect eBike. However, there is the perfect eBike for you. Here are a couple of things we didn’t care for.
Outdated LED Display
The LED display is pretty simple – and that’s OK – but I wish it just had something more to it. It’s pretty small, but can be seen in daylight pretty easily.
It’s large and backlit. It has all the controls you could possibly need, but it does look a lot like the previous generation Rad Rover eBikes displays.
Bulky Battery
I know, I know – a bike this big needs a big battery. But at a whopping 8 pounds, this eBike’s battery is one of the heavier ones we’ve ever tested.
It’s mounted in a central location, so it’s not going to throw you off balance, but it is something to be aware of.
The Ride Experience
This is an area I was super surprised by: how smooth the ride was.
I’ve only had the chance to ride a couple of electric bikes with a rear suspension, in addition to a front suspension fork
The Rear Suspension
Rear suspension is found on full-suspension mountain bikes and is commonly referred to as the rear shock, or “shock” for short.
The purpose of rear suspension is to smooth out bumps in the terrain, providing a more comfortable ride and improved traction. There are several different types of rear suspension, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most popular types of rear suspension is air shocks, which use air pressure to adjust the amount of travel. Another popular option is coil shocks, which use springs to provide resistance. Rear suspension is an important part of any mountain bike, and choosing the right option can make a big difference in your ride quality.
The XF900 uses a spring rear suspension.
How the bike LOOKS
I actually don’t think that I’ve ever specifically commented on the way a particular bike looks. Most of the eBikes we’ve tested have been a simple white or black.
However, this bike stands out in so many different ways. Featuring exaggerated colors: yellow, blue and white – this bike is designed to stand out.
And it does. If you’re looking for something that’s going to turn heads, this is the eBike for you.
Easy to Assemble
This electric bike is perfect for a taller person looking to hit the trails in a super-equipped eBike. It’s also for the serious biker. A 2,599 – it’s not the cheapest eBike we’ve tested and not a beginner eBike – unless you already love biking and want to add the thrill of an electric motor.
Who is the Cryusher XF900 NOT For?
The easiest way to describe who this bike is not for is to think of my 5’2″ wife. She hates speed and could never handle this bike.
This bike isn’t for two types of people: people outside the 5’9″-6’4″ heights and people that want s bike for super casual riding.
This eBike is serious in all the ways – from the looks down to the components… and the price.
While it’s not the most expensive ebike we’ve tested (that belongs to the Quietkat Apex, read our Quietkat Apex Review), you can find less rambunctious electric bikes for around half the price.
Once again: it’s all what you’re looking for.
XF900 eBike Review: The Pros
- Super smooth ride experience – even on gravel roads and easy dirt trails
- Exaggerated colors designed to turn heads
- Incredibly easy to assemble – comes mostly assembled and takes about 20-30 minutes to put together
- 2-year warranty including frame, motor and controller
- Perfect for taller riders looking to hit the trails in a super-equipped eBike
XF900 eBike Review: The Cons
- Cyrusher XF900 is not for everyone – mostly taller riders
- The bike is more expensive than others on the market
- Not a good choice for casual riders
- It’s very heavy
- You may not like the not-so-subtle design choices.
XF900 Cyrusher eBike Review: Final Verdict
Tired of eBikes designed for short people? If you’re 5’9″-6’4″. this eBike might be the perfect eBike for you!
The Cyrusher XF900 is a great electric bike for anyone looking to hit the trails in a super-equipped eBike. It’s perfect for taller riders and features a smooth ride experience, even on gravel roads and easy dirt trails.
Plus, it comes with a 2-year warranty that covers any manufacturing defects. If you are (literally) tall enough to ride this eBike, and you’re looking for a durable and stylish option, the Cyrusher XF900 is a great choice.
Electric Bikes for Kids and Teens – A Buying Guide and Top Picks
Electric bikes for kids are quickly gaining in popularity, and the technology powering them continues to get better and better. From electric balance bikes for motocross kids to electric commuter bikes and e-mountain bikes, kids ebikes are an incredible tool for enabling kids to go faster and farther than their little legs can carry them on their own.
Whether you have a future bmx star, a young child tackling longer distances, a teenager commuting to work, or you’re a parent looking to replace short car trips, there’s an ebike for that! Ebikes for kids vary widely in purpose, so understanding what to look for as well as what is available is essential to finding the right bike for your child and your family.
In order to help you find the best electric bike for your needs, we’ve broken this article into four sections. The first section is a buying guide that covers everything you need to know about buying an ebike for your child, and the remaining three sections provide tips and specific bike suggestions based on the age of the rider.
While we highly recommend reading our full electric bikes for kids buying guide, here’s are some quick tips and specific bike recommendations for those TL;DR folks :-).
Quick Tips for Buying a Kids ebike
(1) Be aware of your local laws and regulations: Many areas prohibit kids from operating Class II (ebikes with throttles) as well as Class III ebikes (ebikes with a 28mph max w/wo a throttle).
(2) Look for a bike with a torque sensor: Torque sensors allow the rider to control the speed of the bike with the pedals. Without one, pedaling slower will NOT slow down the speed of the bike, which can be very confusing and dangerous for kids.
(3) Say no to the throttle: Throttles allow kids to reach high speeds quickly without pedaling and should be avoided. Throttles on essentially all ebikes, however, can be turned off or removed after purchase.
(4) Pay attention to weight: ebikes can weigh up to 60 lb. (or more!) and can be a lot for an adult, let alone a child, to handle.
(5) eBikes vs. electric balance bikes: Small electric balance bikes without pedals (such as STACYC) typically are not covered under ebike laws, but should still be used with caution.
The Best Electric Bikes for Kids
This list was compiled after extensive research as well as leaning heavily on our own experience with electric bikes. Unlike our other “best” lists throughout this site, we fully admit that we have not tested or personally seen all of these bikes.
details about these specific bikes are included in the age-based sections below. Like always, any additional feedback and suggestions are welcome in the Комментарии и мнения владельцев.
| 3 to 5 | 9 mph | 799 |
| 5 to 7 | 13 mph | 1,049 |
| 5 to 8 | 15.5 mph | 449 |
| 8 to 10 | 18 mph | 1,999 |
| 10 to 12 | 20 mph | 2,599 |
| 8 to 12 | Best all around eMTB | 3,799 |
| 8 to 12 | Ultimate eMTB for advanced riders | 3,800 |
| Adult | Comes with light, fenders, and rear seat | 1,899 |
| Adult | Peppy longtail ebike, holds two kids | 2,199 |
| Adult | Holds up to 4 kids! | 3,999 |
Electric Bikes for Kids – Table of Contents
Jump Down Menu – Click to Jump to your Desired Section
- Electric Bikes for Kids Buying Guide
- eBikes for Kids (Bikes with pedals – age 6)
- Electric Bikes for Toddlers and Preschoolers(Balance bikes – no pedals)
- Electric Cargo Bikes for Carrying Kids(Cargo-esque bikes that allow for a child seat)
eBikes for Kids Buying Guide
If you are new to ebikes, there is certainly a lot to learn! In this guide, we will be focusing on the features of ebikes that are particularly important for kids. While the specifics of battery life, battery volts, motor torque, and countless other ebike components are very important to the overall performance of the bike, they don’t necessarily affect kids more than adults, so we won’t be discussing them here.
For a more general reference about electric bikes, REI’s How to Choose an Electric Bike is a great place to start. For a deep dive into the electric systems of ebikes, ebikes.ca is a top-notch resource, while Juiced Bikes does a great job going into the specifics of batteries. Lastly, for reviews on adult ebikes (including some small enough for tweens and teens), electricbikereview.com is a great resource.
Why an ebike for kids?
Two words – distance and elevation. Electric bikes allow kids to ride their bikes for longer distances as well as tackle greater elevations gains. Based on our experiences with our own kids, ebikes can magically transform rides that were previously too hard, too long, or too boring… into exciting adventures that kids truly enjoy.
Electric bikes are very different than electric scooters. Many people balk at the idea of a child riding an electric bike as they envision kids zipping down the street without taking a single pedal stroke. While this is certainly possible, it’s not probable nor is it the purpose or design of ebikes for kids.
When given the right bike (kids don’t need a throttle!) and in the right conditions (longer rides or in hilly areas), kids can still get plenty of exercise on an ebike.
Kid-specific ebikes don’t have a throttle (more about this below) and require kids to pedal for the motor to even kick on. If they stop pedaling, the motor also stops. While many tweens and teens can technically fit on adult ebikes with throttles (Class II or III), many areas have regulations to prevent kids from riding an ebike with a throttle.
Class of eBikes
Prior to shopping for an ebike, it is important to understand the differences between the three classes of ebikes on the market. Many states do not allow kids under the age of 16 to ride a Class III ebike, while many states don’t allow anyone (even adults!) to ride Class II ebikes on bike paths and trails. Check out Bikes for People’s Electric Bike Laws to learn more about your state’s regulations.
The two main differences between the classes of ebikes are:
What is a bike throttle? A throttle is a lever or button that activates the motor of the bike without having to pedal. If a bike does not have a throttle, the motor can only be activated by pedaling the bike.
| Max mph assist | Throttle | |
| Class I | 20 | No |
| Class II | 20 | Yes |
| Class III | 20/28 | Optional |
Class I
The motor on Class I ebikes cannot assist the rider above 20 mph max. While the rider can pedal to accelerate the bike faster than 20mph, the motor will stop providing additional assistance once 20mph is reached.
Class I ebikes also cannot have a throttle. The motor can only be activated via pedaling and the rider must continue pedaling in order for the motor to operate. Most ebikes sold in big-box stores are Class I ebikes.
All kid-specific ebikes are Class I, but for added safety, they typically have a lower speed at which the motor will stop assisting. For example, the kid-specific woom UP line maxes out at 12 mph and the Kent Torpedo at 17 mph.
Class II
Like Class I bikes, the motor on Class II can only assist up to 20 mph. The main difference is that Class II bikes have a throttle that allows the rider to turn on the motor and propel the bike forward without pedaling the bike. The rider can also choose not to use the throttle and to activate the motor via the pedals as well.
Class III
Stepping it up a notch, Class III ebikes can assist the rider up to 28 mph when pedaling, but only up to 20mph when using the optional throttle. Due to their higher speeds, Class III ebikes are the most regulated and in many areas are limited to street use only.
Ebike Sizing vs. Traditional Bike Sizing
Like regular kids bikes, ebikes for kids are sized according to wheel size. So if your child is riding a 24″ bike, they will likely fit on a 24″ kids electric bike.
Like all bikes, it is also important to take minimum and maximum seat heights into account as they can vary widely within a wheel size, depending on brand. If you aren’t sure what wheel size your child needs, be sure to check out our Kids Bikes Sizing Guide.
Currently, there are only a handful of child-specific ebikes on the market (in the US). The smallest bike we are aware of is the Kent Torpedo 20″, which has a minimum seat height of 27″ and can fit kids as young as 7. The Swagtron EB-6 20″ bike is a popular bike marketed as a kid’s bike, but it is too tall for most kids and with only 1 PAS mode, it is too fast for kids to ride safely.
Larger kids electric bikes are available from woom and Commencal, but they are designed for more aggressive trail riders, versus everyday neighborhood riders. With suspension and top-of-the-line components, these bikes are powerhouses on the trail but also come with a steep price tag that puts them out of reach for many families.
As a result, many older kids (tween and teens at least 5′ not riding on a mountain trail), will likely ride an ebike designed for an adult. Our page on Electric Bicycles for Women has many bikes small enough for a 4’11 – 5’0 kid rider.
The wheel sizes on adult electric bikes vary widely from 20″ fat tires to 700c street tires. As a result, the wheel size on adult ebikes cannot be used as an indication of the overall size of the bike.
Weight of eBikes
Ebikes are heavy! While the motor does help to compensate for the additional weight to get the bike moving, ebikes can still be significantly harder to maneuver than traditional bikes. This is especially true for tweens and teens riding adult ebikes, which can weigh up to 70 pounds.
Kid-specific ebikes tend to be a bit lighter than adult bikes, but they are in turn much more expensive. As a point of reference, the 3,750 woom 6 UP with 26″ wheels weighs 37.3 lb. while the 650 26″ Hyper MTN weighs 48 lb.
Like traditional bikes, lightweight ebikes tend to be very expensive. Don’t be surprised if entry-level ebikes don’t have their total weights listed. When researching for this article, reviews of specific bikes on YouTube and electricbikereview.com were helpful in providing information about the weight and overall size of the bike.
For adults carrying kids as passengers on an ebike, the total weight of the bike can be a lot to negotiate. Over the years, we’ve found Class II ebikes with throttles to be a gamechanger when riding with a heavy load.
Using the throttle to propel that heavy load forward from a standstill is significantly easier than attempting to do so by pedaling, even with pedal assist. Once the bike is moving, it is easy to maintain balance and momentum on the bike by pedaling and the throttle is no longer necessary.
Pedal Assist Modes (PAS)
A bike’s pedal-assist mode or PAS, determines how much “help” the motor provides while pedaling. Most ebikes have 3 to 5 pedal assist modes. The higher the pedal-assist mode, the more the motor will assist in propelling the bike forward.
The PAS modes are easily adjusted by pushing a button on the bike’s display on the handlebars, or on some bikes, the downtube. PAS modes can be changed at any time during a ride.
Pedal-assist modes work by altering the total output of the motor (watts). The higher the pedal-assist mode, the greater the percentage of output the motor will produce, and the less effort the rider has to exert on the pedals to propel the bike forward.
As a point of clarification, be aware that these percentages are the MAX percentages the motor or the rider can have on the total output (basically speed) of the bike. The bike does not need to reach “100% output” in order to move.
The % of the output from the rider, as well as the motor, can vary within the set PAS range. For example, on a bike with 3 PAS modes, in PAS 2 the motor can apply up to 80% of the output, while the rider can apply up to 20%. As a result, the higher the PAS mode, the less effect the rider’s pedaling has on the speed of the bike. In all PAS modes, however, the motor will stop providing additional assistance once the bike reaches its max MPH allowed for motor assistance.
Riding with PAS
The rider must continue to pedal at all times in all PAS modes. If the rider stops pedaling (even in PAS 5), the motor will stop providing output. The bike, however, will not stop as it will continue to coast like a traditional bike. (Note: If you are engaging the throttle on a Class II or Class III ebike, the throttle overrides the PAS and you don’t need to pedal.)
To stop the bike, the rider can stop pedaling and coast to a stop or simply apply the brakes, which automatically turns off the motor.
The “feel” of riding with PAS can vary greatly from bike to bike. Compared to higher-end ebikes, lower-end ebikes tend to be jerkier and can also limit the rider’s ability to control the speed of the bike with the pedals. These differences are the result of the bike’s ability (or inability) to regulate the rate at which the motor output is applied.
Some ebikes will automatically apply the max motor output for every PAS (for example, ramping quickly up to 80% output at the first pedal stroke), while others will slowly ramp up the output based on the pedaling of the rider (slowly increase from 0% to 80% based how hard or fast the rider is pedaling).
A bike’s ability to quickly or slowly apply power to the bike is determined by the bike’s PAS sensor. There are two main types of sensors – a cadence sensor, and a torque sensor.
Cadence Sensors vs. Torque Sensors
While the PAS modes control the max % of output the motor will produce, the sensors on the bike determine the rate at which that max % of output is applied. There are two main types of sensors – cadence sensors, and torque sensors. While seemingly minor, these sensors can make a huge difference in how the bike reacts to the rider.
A cadence sensor detects if you are pedaling (not how fast, but whether the pedals are moving or not) while a torque sensor measures how hard you are pedaling (~how much tension is on the chain). Lower-end bikes typically have cadence sensors, but higher-end bikes have torque sensors.
While riding both bikes is the best way to “feel” the difference between the two, we’ll do our best to explain the difference and why we highly recommend bikes with torque sensors for kids.
Cadence Sensors
Cadence sensors act as on and off switches for the motor. Upon sensing a forward movement on the crank arms and pedals, the cadence sensor turns the motor on. Once the motor is on, it then applies output according to the PAS mode selected. The higher the PAS mode, the more output is available from the motor.
The cadence sensor, however, does not have the ability to determine how fast or how hard you are pedaling, it just looks to see IF you are pedaling in a forward motion. On a bike with a cadence sensor, you can be pedaling in a very low gear with NO tension on the chain at all and the bike will still be propelled forward by the motor.
As a result, the benefit of cadence sensors is that very little effort from the rider is needed for the bike to function, especially at high PAS levels. But on the flip side, since the sensor cannot monitor how fast or slow the rider is pedaling, it can be very challenging, or in some cases not possible at all, for the rider to control the speed of the bike with the pedals.
Regardless of how fast or how slow the rider is pedaling on an ebike with a cadence sensor, the motor will apply the max % of input based on the selected PAS mode. For example, if your bike has 5 PAS modes and you are riding in PAS 3 (60% motor input, 40% human) the bike will automatically ramp up to 60% of its motor output once the pedals start rotating. Slowing down or speeding up your pedal strokes will not affect the amount of output the motor is providing to the bike.
You can increase the speed of the bike by pedaling hard and adding to the 60% output the motor is already providing (the 40% rider output), but you cannot decrease the output of the motor by pedaling slowly. If you are already pedaling at a slower pace (so as to not add to the motor’s output) the only way to slow the speed of the bike is to decrease the PAS mode, brake (which stops the motor), or stop pedaling (which also stops the motor).
It can therefore be very difficult to ride at a slow speed on a bike with a cadence sensor, especially at high PAS levels. Whether you are spinning in granny gear or huffing and puffing in high gear, the output of the motor will remain the same.
For young riders, the lack of ability to control the speed of the bike with their feet can be VERY confusing and potentially dangerous. As a result, we highly recommend ebikes for kids with torque sensors (explained below).
Torque Sensors
While cadence sensors act as an “ignition” switch to the motor (turning it on or off), bikes with torque sensors take it one step further and essentially turn the pedals into a “gas pedal”.
By monitoring the amount of pressure applied to the cranks and pedals, a torque sensor allows you to slowly ramp up the output of the motor by pedaling faster and decrease the output by pedaling slower in all PAS modes.
So instead of quickly ramping up to the max % output in the selected PAS mode (like on ebikes with a cadence sensor), an ebike with a torque sensor will slowly increase the output of the motor according to how much tension the rider applies to the pedals (until it hits the max PAS %).
For example, if the selected PAS has a max output of 80%, the bike will feather the motor’s output from 0% to 80% depending on the force applied to the pedals by the rider. At a slow pedal rate, the motor may only output 20%, but as the rider pedals faster, the rate will increase until it maxes out at 80%.
So while bikes with torque sensors require more effort from the rider (the rider can’t just coast – they must apply pressure to the pedals), setting the bike to a higher PAS mode still allows the rider to get plenty of assistance from the motor by pedaling harder (like you would on a traditional bike).
As a result, like a traditional bike, an ebike with a torque sensor allows the rider to always be in control of the speed of the bike via the pedals. Want to go faster? Pedal faster. Want to slow down? Pedal slower.
The downside of torque sensors is that they are much more expensive to incorporate on a bike. As a result, ebikes with torque sensors are rarely found under 1,500 and are usually closer to 2,000.
Single-speed or Geared
PAS modes on a bike do not replace the gears. Like traditional bikes, gears on a bike allow you to alter how hard the bike is to pedal. The PAS modes on the bike adjust how much additional input the motor adds to your effort.
Gears are especially important when tackling steep elevation changes or technical terrain. If a bike does not have a “granny gear” to allow you to easily start pedaling the bike, the motor can’t kick in, regardless of the PAS mode you are in. As a result, if you stop on a steep incline you may not be able to get the heavy bike started up again. (Unless you have a throttle.)
On technical terrain, this is especially important as the PAS modes can’t help you power through a particularly rough part of a trail if the bike is in too hard of a gear to pedal. On an electric bike with a torque sensor (which most e-mountain bikes do), in order to get full input from the motor in your set PAS mode, you also need to be able to pedal at a decent speed.
If technical terrain or strong elevation gains are not in your plans, then a single-speed ebike with several PAS modes should suit you just fine. Bikes with throttles also typically don’t necessarily need multiple gears as you can always rely on the throttle to power you up a hill.
Keep in mind, however, that regardless of the class of ebike, the throttle can never accelerate the bike past 20 mph. Speeds beyond 20 mph require input from the rider via the drivetrain (you gotta pedal hard!), so gears are also essential for riders aiming for higher speeds.
Motor Placement – Hub vs. Mid-drive motor
The motor on ebikes can be located in three different places, (1) within the hub of the front wheel, (2) the rear wheel, or (3) at the bike’s bottom bracket (called mid-drive motors). Rear hub motors are the most common on low to mid-range ebikes, while mid-drive motors are standard on most high-end bikes. Front hub motors are not common.
Mid-drive Motor vs. Rear Hub Motor
For basic riding on paved surfaces, rear-hub motors do just fine. Bikes with hub motors are typically much cheaper than bikes with mid-drive motors, but they can throw off the weight distribution of the bike. As a result, for more technical riding, mid-drive motors are always recommended. In addition to being centrally located on the bike, they are also placed lower, thereby helping to lower the overall center of gravity of the bike.
Another benefit of mid-drive motors is that it is much easier to repair or replace the rear tire of the bike. With a rear hub motor, removing a rear wheel is certainly possible, it just takes a lot more time and effort.
The Best Electric Bikes for Kids (with Pedals)
From 8-year-olds taking on longer distances with their parents to teens needing a budget ebike to commute to work, we’ve done hours of research to find the best electric bikes for kids. While we have not personally seen all of these bikes, we have tested four different ebikes with seven different kids on a variety of trails.
The best ride for your child really comes down to your budget and how you plan on using it. Per our explanation provided in our buying guide above, we have not included any Class III ebikes. While we do not recommend bikes with throttles for kids, we have included several Class II on this list knowing that the throttles on essentially all ebikes can be removed.
We have also not included high-end kids eMTB bikes (with the exception of the woom UP which can be used as an eMTB and a commuter). From geometry to tires, suspension and brakes, there are a lot more variables to consider when shopping for an eMTB, but the basics outlined here still certainly apply.
If you are unaware of the importance of a torque sensor, please read our section about the differences in ebikes sensors above. Essentially, without a torque sensor, the speed of the bike cannot be controlled by the pedals.
Electric Bikes for Kids Comparison
| 3,799 | 28″. 33.5″ | 35.6 | Yes | 3 | 11 | 250W |
| 3,999 | 30.9″. 37.4″ | 37.3 | Yes | 3 | 11 | 250W |
| 648 | 53 | No | 3 | 6 | 250W | |
| 1,899 | 4’11 – 5’11 | 44 | Yes | 3 | 7 | 250W |
| 3,299 | 30.5″. 36.5″ | Yes | 5 | 5 | 500W | |
| 1,199 | 4’11”. 6’1″ | 43 | Yes | 5 | 7 | 350W |
| 1,599 | 4’11”. 5’11” | 48 | No | 3 | 7 | 250W |
The Best Electric Balance Bikes
While electric balance bikes should never be a replacement for a traditional balance bike, they are great fun for tiny riders, especially future motocross or riders or BMX racers. From doing laps at the track to simply riding around the campground or backyard, these electric balance bikes can help instill a passion for riding at a very young age.
STACYC electric balance bikes (owned by Harley Davidson) are by far the best quality and most popular. While other cheaper brands have hit the market, most are significantly heavier than the STACYC line and don’t offer as many speed settings.
Compared to the similarly-sized Yamaha PW50 kids motorcycle, electric balance bikes are quieter, lighter, and significantly cheaper! Like the PW50’s governor, most electric balance bikes have several speed settings to limit the top speed for new riders.
| MSRP | Seat Height | Speeds | Wt. | Range | |
| Bikes for ages 2 – 5 | |||||
| STACYC 12eDrive | 735 | 14″ – 16″ | (3) 5, 7, 9mph | 17 lb. | 30 – 60 min |
| Bikes for ages 5 – 7 | |||||
| GoTrax Kids | 399 | 19.3″ – 20.9″ | (1) 15.5 mph | 27 lb. | 15.5 miles |
| STACYC Brushless 16eDrive | 1,049 | 17″ – 19″ | (3) 5, 7.5, 13 mph | 19 lb. | 30 – 60 min |
STACYC bikes are also available under several other brand names, including Harley Davidson (who purchased STACYC in 2019), KTM, GASGAS, and Husqvarna. As far as we are aware, besides aesthetics, the bikes themselves remain the same across all lines.
Electric Cargo Bikes for Hauling Kids
From quick drop-offs at a friend’s house to skipping the pick-up lane after school, electric cargo bikes are a fun and fast way to get around the neighborhood! With the flexibility to hold everything from toddlers in child bike seats to a full-grown adult, your family is sure to get many years of use from an electric family bike.
There are many different types of electric cargo bikes (or trikes!) to consider. In addition to the information covered in our buying guide above, there are a lot of variables to consider. For an in-depth dive into the specifics of cargo bikes for families, we highly recommend checking out Bike Shop Girl’s Cargo Bike buying guide.
When it comes to your budget, higher-end bikes are typically lighter, offer better speed control via a torque sensor, as well as increased durability from the drivetrain and electronics. If your planned trips are within a few miles around your neighborhood, however, don’t be afraid to go for a lower-end cargo bike, such as the RadRunner Plus shown above. Although heavy and not as fine-tuned as other bikes, it works great for quick trips and after 100s of miles, we have no complaints!
| Bikes for 1 Child | ||||
| RadRunner Plus | 1,899 | 74.3 | No | 45 Mi. |
| Aventon Abound | 2,199 | 81 | Yes | up to 50 Mi. |
| Bikes for 2 Kids | ||||
| RadWagon 4 | 1,899 | 76.7 | No | 45 Mi. |
| Aventon Abound | 2,199 | 81 | Yes | up to 50 Mi. |
| Xtracycle Swoop | 4,999 | 62.9 | Yes | up to 60 Mi. |
| Tricycles for 2 Kids | ||||
| Ferla Family Bike | 3,999 | 130 | No | 25 Mi. |
| Bunch Coupe | 6,999 | 132 | No | 75 Mi. |
All bikes listed, except the Bunch Coupe, have a throttle
Natalie Martins
Natalie has basically been obsessed with kids’ bikes since 2010 when her oldest of three kids began riding a balance bike. After trying to convince everyone she knew about how amazing balance bikes are, she began Two Wheeling Tots. As a certified secondary science teacher, she loves digging deep into the why and how of kids biking. With her in-depth knowledge of the kids’ bike world, she has consulted with many top brands as well as contributed to articles at NY Strategist, the Today Show, and more.