Best electric road bikes: ebikes for a boost on road climbs
It wasn’t so long ago that the world of electric bikes was dominated by electric hybrids and electric mountain bike models. Alongside electric gravel bikes, electric road bikes are increasingly popular and, in some cases, look very similar to non-motorised machines.
A road ebike will have drop handlebars and a more sporty riding position than a hybrid – just like a conventional, non-assisted road or gravel bike. You’ll get the gear range to ride faster and to tackle hills, plus narrower road bike tyres for more Rapid progress on the road.
As with any road bike, reducing weight is important, although not usually at the expense of battery capacity and range. Electric road bikes will always be heavier than their conventional counterparts. However, some road ebikes will have carbon-fibre frames and lightweight wheelsets, bringing their weight down to under 12kg – not a lot more than some unpowered bikes. A road ebike’s handling will also be tuned for a sporty ride, so you can enjoy fast descents, while still getting a helping hand from the motor on the uphills. As with any electric bike motor, an e-road bike’s electric assistance will be limited to speeds below 15mph/25kph as per electric bike laws in the UK, EU and Australia. The limit is 20mph in the US. That’s more than enough for climbing – you’ll be able to climb much quicker than on a regular road bike – but could limit an e-road bike’s appeal on flat roads if riding in a fast group, for example. For more advice on what to look for in an electric road bike, our full buyer’s guide is at the bottom of this article, while we’ve also got a separate guide to electric bike types to help you choose the right motorised machine for you.
The best electric road bikes in 2023
Scott Addict eRide Premium
The Scott Addict eRide Premium offers the sleek looks of a regular road bike and a ride to match. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
- £8,349 / 9,299 as tested
- 1,040g claimed frame weight
- The looks of a normal road bike
- Rides like a non-assisted bike too
Scott’s Addict eRide borrows heavily from the Addict RC aero lightweight bike, with similar geometry and Scott’s top-spec HMX carbon.
It’s powered by the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor, with its fully enclosed battery in the down tube, for a really clean look.
Power assistance is smooth, both in delivery and when it cuts out, so that you’re supported as you ride, rather than the motor taking over.
The eRide is available in a range of builds. The top-level Premium spec has a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset, a fully-integrated Syncros Creston SL bar/stem and Syncros Capital carbon wheelset, for a sub-11kg weight – about as light as electric bikes come.
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BMC Roadmachine AMP One
- £7,600 / €7,999 as tested
- Clever assistance
- Smooth ride
- Impressive range
Our tester judged the BMC Roadmachine AMP One “simply one of the best e-road bikes available”.
Its geometry and silhouette closely match those of its non-assisted sibling.
However, it packs in a Mahle X20 motor and a 350Wh battery for an impressively lengthy range aided by clever assistance management.
The handling is well balanced and The SRAM Force AXS groupset shifts with precision. Braking is excellent too.
The Vittoria Rubino tyres gripped and rolled well on dry roads, but wouldn’t be the best choice for more hostile winter conditions.
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Bianchi Aria E-Road
- £4,500 / 6,500 as tested
- Stealthy assistance
- Great handling
- Sleek looks
The motor-equipped Bianchi Aria E-Road aero bike is blessed with the same great handling offered by its unassisted sister bike, the Bianchi Aria.
The Aria E-Road also uses an ebikemotion motor unit at its rear hub, while the 250W/h battery that powers it is concealed within the frame’s down tube. This makes for a road bike that appears unassisted, at least to the untrained eye.
Despite its appetite for speed, the Aria isn’t a bone shaker on rougher surfaces, thanks to its 28mm tyres.
The best compliment we can pay the Aria is it would work well as a non-assisted bike – it just happens to have a 250-watt boost on tap.
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Bianchi Impulso E-road
The Bianchi Impulso E-Road doesn’t cut quite as sleek a silhouette as some electric road bikes. Robert Smith
- £4,400 as tested
- Ideal for those who aren’t as fit or flexible
- Punchy motor with impressive range
- Mudguard and rack mounts open further options
Unlike the racier Bianchi Aria E-Road, the Impulso electric road bike isn’t as much of a looker, but we were still very impressed with the ride.
relaxed geometry and a higher front end make it a good choice if you’re a rider who is less flexible, recovering from injury or looking to keep up with fitter riders.
The Polini bottom-bracket mounted motor system of the Impulso was another pleasant surprise, with plenty of power and an impressive real-world range.
Mounts for mudguards and racks mean this one will also make a great commuter bike.
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Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo 2
Based on the non-assisted SuperSix Evo, the Neo 2 hasn’t lost that bike’s looks or ride. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
- £5,000 / 6,500 as tested, now £7,000 (Neo 2 no longer available in United States)
- Ultegra-equipped, with Dura-Ace Di2 and 105 options available
- Great ride feel and impressive range
Another ebike that uses the Mahle ebikemotion rear-hub motor, the Cannondale SuperSix Evo Neo is based on our 2020 (non-assisted) Bike of the Year, the SuperSix EVO.
It’s inherited both that bike’s looks and its race-bike ride quality and responsiveness. There’s a long reach and low stack, as well as short chainstays for a performance ride feel.
Quality finishing kit includes Cannondale’s aero bar and stem, a Prologo saddle on a carbon seatpost, and Cannondale RDe alloy wheels, for a bike weight of 12.1kg in size large.
We managed 122km with 1,124m of climbing elevation on a single charge, comfortably beating the 75km claimed range. Above all, we were impressed by how well the motor worked with us, rather than dominating the ride.
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Cannondale Synapse Neo SE
- £3,299 / €3,799 / 4,400 as tested, now £3,800 / 4,500 / €3,799
- SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain
- Bosch Active Line Plus 250W motor
- 500W/h down-tube mounted battery
- SRAM Apex 1x drivetrain, 650b wheels with 47c tyres
If you’re spending your time predominantly off-road but want drop bars and the flexibility of a motor then the Cannondale Synapse Neo SE is hard to beat.
The Synapse may be best known as Cannondale’s endurance bike but, with 650b wheels and massive 47mm WTB Byway tyres, the Neo SE is more gravel bike than road bike.
That’s not to say this machine isn’t sufficient on the road, but its ability to monster truck off-road terrain is seriously addictive. Bosch’s excellent drive unit provides generous assistance, even in its minimal-assistance Eco mode.
We managed to get in excess of 60 miles of power from the battery despite a test route that was almost entirely off-road. Cannondale also offers the new Topstone Neo as a dedicated electric gravel bike.
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Focus Paralane² 9.7
The beauty of Fazua’s motor system, used on the Focus Paralane², is its unobtrusive nature. Robert Smith
- £4,999 as tested
- Modular Fazua motor can be removed
- Clearances for large tyres
- Resistance-free riding above motor assistance limit
The Focus Paralane² was born out of the prototype Project Y electric bike, and makes use of a removable Fazua motor. This minimal motor/battery system weighs only 3.5kg.
Remove the Fazua system and attach the included cover and the Paralane² effectively becomes a standard road bike, with minimal resistance from the gearbox buried in the bottom bracket. Without the motor, it weighs around 11kg.
The USP for the Paralane² is that the motor is designed to work in tandem with you. The result is unobtrusive power delivery with a feel that puts you in control rather than letting the bike take over.
We’d rather see tyres larger than the 28mm specced as standard, particularly seeing as this frame can accept 35mm tyres without issue, making it a great option for year-round riding or dabbling in light gravel.
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Orbea Gain Carbon M20 MyO
- £4,718 as tested, now £4,699 / 5,599 / AU9,699
- Electric bike packaged with road bike looks
- ebikemotion hub-based motor
- New 2021 models offer significant updates
When it was announced, the Orbea Gain was one of a host of refined electric road bikes that eschewed the bulky ebike looks in favour of something more streamlined.
Built for a group test we conducted last year, our luxuriously kitted out Orbea Gain Carbon M20 was configured using Orbea’s MyO custom builder programme. The result was a bike that was a joy to ride, even with the motor switched off.
In 2021, Orbea updated both the carbon and alloy Gain, borrowing features from its OMX aero road bike, upping tyre clearance to 40mm, fully enclosing the cable runs and dropping weight to 11.8kg or less.
It also has integrated front and rear lights, its own head unit with an out-front mount for more info on the motor and battery life, and Mahle’s newest ebikemotion X35 Plus motor. Orbea says it has tuned power delivery to more closely replicate the feeling of riding an unassisted road bike.
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Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL
The Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL is one of the most expensive e-road bikes on the market, but it’s an impressive machine to ride. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
- £10,999 / €12,499 / 13,500 / AU19,000 as tested
- High spec with Dura-Ace Di2, a power meter and Roval carbon wheels
- Stable, smooth, nimble ride
You’re paying a superbike price for the Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL, one of the most expensive electric bikes available. But the high-spec frame and top-drawer specification, including Roval CLX50 aero carbon wheels, Dura-Ace Di2 shifting and a built-in power meter, help justify the outlay.
Ride quality feels like the Roubaix endurance bike and the Turbo Creo SL even comes with the FutureShock 2.0 headset damper fitted to that bike. The motor weight sits low down to ensure stability and it’s nimble despite its 13.7kg weight.
The claimed 130km range from the internal battery is increased to 195km with the included range extender, although we didn’t quite match these figures.
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Trek Domane LT 7
The Trek Domane LT 7 is equipped with a Fazua Evation motor and comes with the superb Ultegra Di2 drivetrain. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
- £7,800 / 9,200 / €7,999
- Lightweight Fazua motor
- Great ride comfort and handling that can cope with gravel too
The Fazua motor system on the Trek Domane LT7 drops the weight down to 13.8kg and is removeable, so you can ride the bike like a non-assisted Domane too. Like the non-electric bike, it incorporates Trek’s IsoSpeed front and rear decouplers and IsoCore bars for loads of road comfort that transfers over to light gravel rides.
We got over 100km range with 2,000m-plus of climbing – impressive, as is the handling and comfort on offer.
Buyer’s guide to electric road bikes: what to look out for
Electric road bike motors explained
The ebikemotion rear-hub motor is a popular choice for electric road bikes. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
Electric road bike drivetrains are sleeker and more covert than ever, with low-profile batteries often fully enclosed in the bike’s down tube or disguised as a water bottle.
Electric road bike motors tend to be compact and hidden away in the bottom bracket shell or the rear hub – a far cry from the bulky units of old – while controllers are often small, with a tiny button in the front of the top tube being an increasingly popular placement, although you’ll also find bar-mounted controls. That can lead to a bike that at first glance is hard to distinguish from a conventional road bike.
Fazua and ebikemotion motors are a popular choice seen on many e-road bikes thanks to the progressive power delivery well-suited to road riding, although Bosch units and own-brand motors from the likes of Specialized can also cut a minimalist silhouette.
Electric road bike batteries explained
Most electric road bikes have a battery enclosed in the bike’s down tube. Again, that leads to an unobtrusive look. In the case of Fazua, you can drop the battery pack out of the down tube for recharging, or remove it to take it indoors closer to an electric plug. You can even remove it completely and ride the electric bike like a non-assisted road bike.
Other batteries such as ebikemotion’s are more firmly lodged in place, though, so you need to be able to get the bike to a socket to add some juice.
Typical battery capacities are around 250W/h – usually enough for 60km or so of range, although you should be able to get more than that on flatter ground with judicious use.
How much does an electric road bike weigh?
Electric road bikes undoubtedly make climbing a faster affair, but the added weight can be a hindrance when riding fast on flat roads. Orbea
The lightest electric road bikes tip the scales at 12kg or less, which isn’t a lot more than some unpowered bikes. That’s achieved by having a frame and fork made of carbon fibre, often accompanied by carbon-rimmed wheels. That tends to be a pricey menu.
Weight is important, though. On the flat, many road riders will be managing over the 15mph/25kph legal limit (or 20mph in the US) at which the motor cuts out, making the motor and battery a dead weight above those speeds. Keeping the bike’s weight low will make riding without assistance easier, adding to performance and enjoyment.
On the other hand, a more robust, heavier build could be an advantage if you’re aiming to mix in gravel riding. Weight is also less of an issue if you plan to predominantly ride within the legal limit for motor assistance.
Electric road bike wheels and tyres
Just because a bike’s battery-powered, doesn’t mean the finishing kit has to be sub-par. Scott Sports
With more power delivered to the road and a heavier bike weight, electric road bikes tend to have wider tyres than standard road bikes. Many pair that with beefed-up wheels with alloy rims, although higher-spec models may come with aero carbon hoops.
Tyre width on electric road bikes tends to start at 28mm. That’s not unusual on a pedal-powered road bike now though, and provides a more comfortable ride, with additional versatility for rough roads or dabbling on light off-road trails.
Can you convert a road bike to an electric road bike?
While less common than, say, an electric hybrid conversion, it is perfectly possible to convert your road bike to an ebike.
Check out our in-depth guide on how to convert a bike to electric power for more info.
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Paul Norman
Paul has been writing about bike tech and reviewing all things cycling for almost a decade. He had a five-year stint at Cycling Weekly and has also written for titles including CyclingNews, Cyclist and BikePerfect, as well as being a regular contributor to BikeRadar. Tech-wise, he’s covered everything from rim width to the latest cycling computers. He reviewed some of the first electric bikes for Cycling Weekly and has covered their development into the sophisticated machines they are today, on the way becoming an expert on all things electric. Paul was into gravel before it was even invented, riding a cyclocross bike across the South Downs and along muddy paths through the Chilterns. He dabbled in cross-country mountain biking too. He’s most proud of having covered the length of the South Downs Way on a crosser and fulfilling his long-time ambition to climb Monte Grappa on a road bike
eBike Range: What to Know and How to Extend It
Range is one of the most important features you should consider when comparing eBike models.
E-Bike range can be hard to determine because it will differ from one situation to another and between different ebike batteries and motors. It’s quite hard to give a specific answer on how many miles a car can drive, and it’s just as difficult to give a straight answer about the range of an eBike.
This article will cover what eBike range is and why it’s such an essential factor to consider when choosing an eBike.
What is eBike range?
The range of an electric bike refers to the amount of time you can ride on one battery charge.
Bigger eBike batteries will give riders longer ranges because these batteries have a higher storage capacity.
What is the average range of an eBike?
There are many different electric bikes on the market, and they don’t all have the same range. The average range of most eBikes is between 20-100 miles/32-160 kilometers; of course, the exact range will always depend on factors such as the power mode, riding conditions, cargo load, and terrain.
How much further can you go on an eBike, compared to a regular bike?
Electric bikes can be ridden as easily as regular bikes, but you can ride further using the electric pedal assist. Pedal assistance allows eBikes to cover greater distances in less time than the same journey would take on a traditional cycle or mountain bike.
Unlike a traditional bike, an eBike battery has a limited range, so you need to be aware of your unique physical limitations and the range of your battery. You can extend your battery and ride further by pedaling on level surfaces and downhill and conserving your battery for uphill or other challenging sections of your ride.
You could expect to get 22-50 miles out of most eBikes on a single battery charge with relaxed pedaling. In other cases, you will be able to ride even farther. There are several electric bikes available that can get 50 miles on a single charge. Your electric bike’s range will always be impacted by factors such as the battery capacity, incline, wind, and weight and size.
Some pedaling will always be required on QuietKat eBikes, even for models that have a throttle. You’ll need to put some minimal effort into pedaling when riding up steep hills. Pedaling is excellent exercise and more fun, but it also extends the range of your battery.
While you’re out riding, it’s important to remember to track your time or miles covered. This precaution will help you keep track of your battery life, so you don’t run out of power at the wrong time.
Which eBikes have the longest range?
There can be many different variables when it comes to range. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should expect a more extended riding range from electric bikes that come with a battery with higher volts and amp-hours. Cheap eBike models on the market often have a minimal range and are only equipped with a 36V or 48V battery.
Do electric bikes recharge when you pedal?
It is usually not possible for electric bikes to recharge themselves while you pedal. An eBike battery generally does not work like a car battery and does not recharge itself while running. A small handful of electric bikes on the market can charge themselves while you pedal, but most will not. QuietKat bikes do not recharge themselves while pedaling and will need to be recharged with a power outlet or solar charger.
How is the electric bike range measured?
Most eclectic bikes measure range in Wh/Mi or Wh/km, depending on your country.
Wh/Mi is a commonly-cited metric used for electric vehicle (EV) efficiency. Wh/Mi stands for watt-hours per mile, or in the case of Wh/km, watt-hours per kilometer. The Wh/Mi metric (in the USA) is one of the easiest ways to work out how much energy or watt=hours (Wh) is required to move an electric vehicle such as an eBike or car 1 unit of distance (either one km or one mile). You will see this metric used on many cars, including electric vehicles such as Teslas.
How far can a 750W electric bike go?
Multiple factors will always impact range, but generally speaking, most 500-750W eBikes will get you around 25 Wh/Mi.
This estimate assumes that the electric bike is ridden on a flat or moderate incline. An electric bike with a 480Wh battery ridden in these conditions would provide you with approximately 19 miles of range. But a 750w electric bike can go approximately 28 mph (45 km/h) on flat ground.
A 750W electric bike is a popular choice for hunters, anglers, and ebike overlanding. Bikes of this motor size are moderately regulated without compromising on speed. We find that 750 watts are plenty for a hunting ebike.
Electric bikes with the most powerful motors are often more heavily regulated and consume battery power much faster than other Bikes. Because of this, 1000W eBikes can end up having more power but less range. Generally, 1000W electric bikes will come with a heavier, larger battery than most 750W eBikes. But we find for many use cases; a 750W bike is a sweet spot that provides both power and decent range.
Many of the 750W bikes in the QuietKat range are superior to 1000W bikes. For example, in the right conditions, the 750W version of the QuietKat Ridgerunner can take you up to 25 miles on a single battery charge. But the Jeep eBike goes even further and can be ridden for up to 40 miles on a single battery.
How far can a 250W electric bike go?
Most 250W electric bikes aren’t suitable for tough terrain. These types of eBikes are best for light city riding on fairly flat and even paths. That’s because there isn’t enough power or torque in an eBike with a 250 W system. You can’t power heavy riders up hills with a 250w eBike if you still want to maintain a reasonable amount of speed. Trying to use a 250w eBike like a 750w model will drain your battery exceptionally fast and result in a very short range. Cheap electric bikes with 250 W motors can only go around 15-20 mph when it comes to speed. If you’re a serious outdoor enthusiast, you should use an electric mountain bike with 750w or 1000w capability.
How do I determine the range of my electric bike?
It can be challenging to determine the exact range of an eBike because of the various factors we have discussed so far. Many manufacturers would be reluctant to put a precise range on their eBikes because conditions could easily impact the measurement. So how can you plan for eBike trips if you don’t know your range?
To determine the approximate range of your electric bike, you should first start by looking at the battery capacity.
The battery capacity will be noted on a bike’s description and in its manual. The battery capacity of an electric bike will usually be measured in Watt-hours (Wh). On occasion, you may see an eBike battery rated using volts (V) and amp-hours (Ah). For example, an eBike may be labeled as having a 48V 10Ah battery. If you want to convert volts and amp-hours to Wh, you should multiply the number of volts by the amp hours.
The next step is to calculate the effective bike range by taking the Wh capacity of the bike’s battery and dividing it by an average efficiency number (which can be in either Wh/Mi or Wh/km depending on the country).
Wait, what’s the efficiency number? At this point, the math can vary. Your efficiency number will vary based on many factors, such as the rider’s weight, incline, wind conditions, and tire choice. However, based on the earlier generalizations, a 750W eBike can go around 25 Wh/Mi.
How can I increase the range of my electric bike?
Naturally, every adventure enthusiast wants to use their eBike to ride further, faster, and for longer. Compared to traditional cycles, eBikes can undoubtedly provide you with these benefits. Plus, eBike batteries are continually seeing improved performance as new electric bike technology gets developed. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t aim to extend our range further to increase our scope for exploration!
Thankfully, there are several simple measures you can take to improve the range of your eBike. Follow our tips to improve the eBike’s range and squeeze out a little bit more power from your battery. And sure, you can always upgrade parts or update your battery to increase your range, but there’s a lot of easy changes you can make for free as well. A simple change in riding behavior can have a significant impact on your range.
Here are some easy habits and changes you can make to extend the range of your eBike.
Go easy on your throttle
Hand throttles aren’t standard in Europe but are prevalent in American eBikes. in addition to pedal-assist bike features. Many American riders (and those in other countries which allow hand throttles) will find that hand throttle is one of the quickest ways to drain your bike’s battery and reduce range.
Remember that each time you accelerate using the throttle, you are using significantly more battery power than you would while cruising or pedaling manually.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever use your throttle; after all, it’s there for a reason. But you’ll undoubtedly want to be discerning about when you choose to use your throttle. If you are riding up steep hills, you will naturally need to use it more extensively, but you should be aware this will limit your range.
Instead of using the full-throttle every time you want to accelerate, you should instead try to ease into the throttle. Yes, this will mean you accelerate a bit slower, but by sacrificing a little bit of speed, you can increase the longevity of your battery’s charge. This technique will help minimize the amount of battery power used by your bike each time you accelerate. Additionally, this method can also help keep the bike’s battery cooler, enabling the bike to use even more efficiently.
Pedal while you accelerate
If you’re reducing your reliance on the throttle, you will naturally find yourself pedaling more. It’s easy for riders to become reliant on their throttle and grow to dislike pedaling but remember it’s great exercise and will extend the range of your bike.
Regular pedaling will conserve battery, so you don’t have to continuously pedal later if your battery runs down! (And that’s what this article is trying to help you avoid)
By using the pedal-assist feature carefully while riding, you can make your range more efficient. Generally, most pedal-assist electric bikes will get you around 15 Wh/Mi when ridden around 15 to 18 mph utilizing medium levels of pedal assist.
Acceleration is usually the most significant single-use of battery power. especially if you stop and start frequently. If you can pedal while you accelerate, even just a few seconds, you can significantly reduce your battery usage. When you add up every acceleration, those few moments of pedaling can pay off as some pretty significant energy savings,
Coast when you can
Naturally, adrenaline junkies love to use the throttle of an eBike and get to those high speeds. But coasting can significantly increase your bike range.
But there’s something about coasting through the countryside and admiring the view that can be equally as fun.
Of course, there’s a time for coasting, and a time for pedaling. Here are some of the times you can coast to conserve battery energy (and your physical pedal strength).
- When you approach a stop
- When you’re on a smooth path
- As you come out of steep decline to the flat
- When the view is worth it!
As you approach a stop ahead, such as an intersection, you should let off the throttle and simply coast to the stop. Riding full throttle right up until you need to brake is just a waste of your bike’s precious battery energy. If you know that you will be coming to a stop, you can save your bike’s power and your pedal energy by coasting for a minute. Sure, this extends the time of your ride slightly, but that can be a good thing. With more battery, you can ride for longer times and distances.
Plus, it doesn’t hurt to slow down in life occasionally. One of the best things about a QuietKat eBike is that it can take you into the great unknown to explore some of the country’s most beautiful and remote parts. If you’re powering through the woods at full speed, you won’t have a moment to take in the view, or metaphorically stop and smell the wildflowers.
There’s a time and place to slow down. Obviously, don’t slow down in a risky place for yourself or other riders, such as on a busy bike path or when riding in traffic. But slowing down, even by just a couple miles per hour, can make a significant difference in the range of your eBike. You would be surprised how slowing down even slightly can decrease the amount of energy you use by trying to maintain a high speed throughout your entire ride.
Ride in the right gear
Riding in the wrong gear can put more strain on your battery than you need to. As you grow more familiar with riding an eBike, you’ll grow accustomed to shifting gears correctly and in a way that can conserve your battery. When you’re riding on the flat, you can adjust your gears and level of power assistance relative to how much energy you want to exert peddling. If you’re out for a long, all-day ride, you can conserve your battery power while riding on the flat and only use it for hills.
Then when it’s time to tackle a steep hill, you can increase your bike’s power. You may need to change both power and gear levels to get the ideal speed and utilize your battery efficiency. As you go downhill, you should decrease the electric assistance level and use eco. Then, shift up to one of your highest mechanical gears.
To conserve battery, you should also shift your mechanical gears to a low and easy setting before you stop. When you stop the eBike in high gear, it makes it more challenging to start pedaling when you next ride, which can require more battery assistance to get you started.
By ensuring you adjust your gears while riding, you can preserve the battery life and extend the range of your electric bike. You should regularly adjust your cadence for more efficiency while riding. Riding all day in really high gear will make it much harder to push pedals, wasting your energy and the bike’s energy!
Riding incorrectly in the wrong gear. such as a high gear on a flat surface. will increase your reliance on using pedal assist, which will drain your battery faster. Check out our blog to learn more about eBike gears and how to use them.
Pump those tires!
Tires can have a big impact on the quality and comfort of your ride. The correct tire pressure can help make your ride more efficient and more comfortable, plus it can help prevent punctures and flat tires.
You should ensure that your eBike tires are kept pumped up to their maximum air pressure rating as much as possible. An eBike pump should be a standard part of your ebike maintenance kit. Certainly, your tires should at least be fully pumped when you set off, and ideally, you can top them up while on long rides as well.
Why does tire pressure matter?
Simply put, full tires have less rolling resistance. That means that your eBike’s battery doesn’t need to use as much energy to get you moving on full tires as it would on flat tires. The impact of tire pressure on performance is a well-known concept for car tires and something that eBike enthusiasts have also noted when riding their eBikes.
Filled tires that are maxed out can add some significant distance to your range. Who wouldn’t take a few minutes to pump their tires if it means getting a few extra miles in range on their next ride?
Choose the right tires
Choosing the right tires will also impact your range. Some terrains and conditions call for specialized tires. So if you’re riding in the snow or sand, for example, you should switch to the appropriate tire. This method puts less pressure on the throttle and battery to get your tires rolling on challenging terrain.
Check out our Vee Studded Tire if you want to get some extra grip on the trail.
Charge your batteries
It should go without saying that the most obvious way to extend your battery range is to diligently fully charge your battery before long journeys. Proper planning to ensure you charge your battery before a big ride will ensure you always get the best experience from your eBike.
Whenever you go out for a day ride, you should get in the habit of charging your bike overnight before you put it away. That way, if you decide to go for a spontaneous ride, you’re all ready to go!
Most eBike batteries, particularly lithium batteries, will get the best range when they are at 100% charge. You may be able to get away with charging an eBike battery once a week if you’re only making short trips on a commuter ebike. While this may conserve electricity, it will decrease your range and efficiency and harm your battery. If an eBike battery sits in a state of being partially discharged for most of its life, it may decrease performance. If you’re concerned with conserving electricity, then a solar panel charger is an eco-friendly alternative.
If your electric bike has been in storage for some time, you should check the batteries before your ride. Even if you store the bike at full charge, the batteries can drain if they haven’t been used for a long time. Think of your bike like a car and restart it every now and then if it’s not being ridden frequently. Regular battery maintenance will extend not only your ride but the lifespan of your eBike and its battery.
Bring a backup!
If you really want to extend your bike’s range, a second battery may be required. You can easily keep a second, smaller charger on your eBike, or you can bring a solar charger for longer trips. It’s not too heavy to bring a second battery, so for multi-day trips, a backup is the best solution to extend your range. Carrying a second eBike power source or charging option is recommended for any eBike camping trips. Overlanding adventures, or when using an ebike for fishing or hunting excursions.
Portable eBike Solar Charging Station
Our portable solar charging stations are an excellent option for anyone who is going on extended trips on their eBike, or who wants to use an eco-friendly power source to charge their battery. With a solar charging station, you can extend your battery from almost anywhere in the world, even if you’re in the depths of the backcountry.
These compact chargers can fit easily in your backpack and connect directly to the bike battery for maximum efficiency. You can set up the solar charging panel while at your campsite, sitting in your deer stand, or when out on the water fishing, or while hanging out at the camp. The charge time of these solar chargers is roughly the same length as charging from a traditional outlet. But you will need to have the panel in direct sunlight.
Spare batteries
Spare batteries can be a lifesaver if you misjudge your available range or want to extend your riding trip. Different QuietKat bikes are compatible with different batteries, so make sure you choose the right battery for your model if you need a spare.
- QuietKat Jeep Battery (14.5AH)
- QuietKat Q7 Battery (11.6AH)
- QuietKat Apex 1500w Battery (52V/17.5AH)
- QuietKat Pathfinder Battery (11.6AH)
- QuietKat Pathfinder Battery (14.5AH)
- QuietKat Pathfinder Battery (17.5AH)
- QuietKat Dorado Battery 10.5AH
- QuietKat Dorado Battery 16AH
Most of these tips can help you increase your range without spending any extra money. Naturally, if you want to take extended trips on your eBike, you may need to purchase a second eBike battery or a solar power charger. But for most day-trippers, a few changes in riding behavior can give you more bang for your buck and more battery to play with!
Conclusion
It’s crucial for all eBike riders to understand how their bike’s range works. Understanding the limitations of your bike’s battery will help prevent any unfortunate flat batteries down the line. By taking the proper conservation measures, you can use your bike’s battery to take longer and more fulfilling rides in the future.
Electric Bikes
Everything you love about road riding, with an added boost of pedal power. Whether you’re riding over a mountain pass or simply down to the corner market, now you can ride farther and faster than you ever thought possible with an electric road bike from Giant.
Not sure what the day has in store, and want to be ready for anything? Giant’s Adventure electric bikes offer a smooth and comfortable riding experience—even as you head off paved roads. So go ahead, see where that trail leads to and still make it home on time.
Climb steep trails, conquer high peaks, and extend your singletrack adventures. Our collection of electric mountain bikes includes everything from XC hardtails to full-suspension fun machines for more technical terrain.
Momentum E-bikes represent a Smart transportation solution that’s way more fun than a train or a bus. Our easy-to-operate electric bikes give you a seamless boost of pedaling power so you can ride farther and faster with less effort.
Riding E-Bikes With Action Sport Legends
Grabbing all the E-bikes, we took off as a group. It was so awesome to see everyone riding together. Riding up trails that would normally take hours only took a fraction of the time on E-bikes. Riding down we found so many awesome little hits and jumps. Travis Pastrana wanted to do a backflip and followed me into a jump he had never hit before. His backflip ended up missing my head by only three feet, but somehow he landed it. Typical Travis.
Gran Fondo On An E-Bike
“ Gran Fondo organizers are welcoming E-bikes to their events, and I was curious to see what the experience would be like – especially on this daunting course with more than 9,000 feet of climbing. Would it be super easy with the help of pedal assist? importantly, how would participants manage battery life?”
Customer Reviews
TOO MUCH FUN
“The ultimate outdoor experience. The pedal assist is very intuitive. I even forgot to notice it after the first few minutes. I put it on a medium setting and just enjoyed the trail. I was surprised at how well the bike handles technical terrain as well as sharp turns where I thought the extra weight would be a factor. I think the bigger tires and extra weight actually contribute to a more planted feel on the trail. Fun no matter what skill level!” – Brad from Texas on the Trance E 1 Pro
FANTASTIC BIKE
“I do use it nearly every day for commutes, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve put a fair amount of mileage on the bike, so I feel like I have a good grip on things. The motor’s torque is great, and really makes accelerating fun. Honestly, I feel like I would be completely comfortable with more speed, but 28 mph is as good as it gets for road legal e-bikes. The bike just feels solid, and having the powerful motor allows me to get to my destinations without getting sweaty.” – CG from Greensboro, North Carolina reviews the Fastroad E EX Pro.
AWESOME. IN JUST ABOUT EVERY WAY
“Great handling and performance from a ride standpoint. Descents exceeding 40 mph on paved roads were completed without concern and was extremely stable. no shimming or issues with cornering. On gravel the 45c tires and frame absorbed bumps and rough surfaces, resulting in a smooth ride. The greatest feature was the pedal assistance provided by the SyncDrive motor which offered as much assist as you need.”—Chuck from Red Wing, Minnesota reviews the Revolt E Pro
Join In The Fun!
Get on board an electric bicycle today
The VIVI 26 Inch eBike – An Amazingly Inexpensive Electric Bicycle
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable, good looking, and easy to use eBike than the VIVI 26 inch electric mountain bicycle. This black, white and red aluminum eBike (made in China) has everything you need for daily riding around your neighborhood… and is even equipped to handle a little dirt, gravel, or off-road riding as well. Plus, this amazingly stylish eBike is outfitted with a number of different options you’d only find on a bicycle with a much higher price-point, including front and rear disc brakes, 21 total speeds, a front headlamp, a rear kickstand, front and rear fenders, and even a bell.
With an online sales price of only 639 USD, the VIVI 26 inch eBike is one of the most affordable electric bicycles on the marketplace today. It’s easy to put together, looks great, and works like an eBike should – with electric pedal assist modes (low, medium and high), full throttle mode, and can also be used as a regular bicycle (with no assistance from the motor whatsoever)!
The VIVI eBike
When you order the VIVI eBike online (via Amazon for 639 USD or the official VIVI website for 719 USD), the bike will be shipped to your home at no additional cost. That’s right – FREE SHIPPING!
The electric bicycle arrives packed inside a standard, brown, cardboard bike box. The bicycle comes almost entirely assembled, but there are a few things you’ll need to do to finish putting the bike together completely.
You’ll need to install the saddle and seat post, insert and tighten the handlebars, screw in the left and right pedals, adjust the position of the front headlamp, and pump some air into the tires. The tools you need to perform this basic bicycle setup are included with the bike (another big bonus!)… along with instructions on how to finish the bicycle assembly process.
That being said, there is no air pump included with the VIVI eBike, so make sure you have a bicycle pump of some kind before your bicycle arrives. It’s a good idea to always carry a small hand pump on your bike rides anyway, in the event that you get a flat tire. So, if you don’t already have a pump, go out and get one right away!
Once you’ve set up the bicycle and inserted the charged battery into its holder positioned on the inside of the downtube of the bicycle’s aluminum frame, you’re ready to ride!
I suggest you start by riding the bicycle with its motor turned off at first – just to check and make sure that your handlebars, seat post and saddle are in the best positions for your body type. While the motor is off, also check that the brakes are functioning as they should and that you can easily shift through the 21 gears using the bicycle’s front and rear derailleurs. The VIVI eBike comes almost completely assembled, so you should, in theory, be able to jump right on the bike and start pedaling as soon as you have it properly put together, but you may need to adjust the brakes and/or front and rear derailleurs as these parts can shift slightly during the shipping process.
Once you’ve done a few laps around the block with the bicycle’s motor turned off, only then should you turn on the battery/motor and test out what the VIVE eBike can really do. This is where the fun begins!
To turn the eBike on, start by pressing the small, red, circular power button on the bottom of the battery. Then, press and hold the center power button on the power meter on the left-side of the bicycle’s handlebars. Once you do this, you should see the red lights on the power meter turn on. The lights at the top indicate the mode you are in (low, mid or high) and the lights at the bottom indicate approximately how much battery power you have left.
Now, just like you did a moment ago when the power to the eBike was turned off, step onto the VIVI eBike and start pedaling with the bike in the Low power setting. As soon as you make about one revolution of the pedals, you will feel the motor kick in and push you forward down the road. Keep pedaling in this manner and you’ll soon become comfortable with how the bike rides in the pedal-assist mode.
Once you become comfortable riding in Low, switch the bike into Mid by pressing the button on the right side of the power meter. Then, after you’ve become comfortable riding in Mid, switch the bike to High and see what the VIVI eBike is truly capable of.
Remember: The VIVI eBike is not a motorcycle and is not meant to transport you down the road at supersonic speeds. The maximum speed you’ll be capable of hitting on flat ground with the motor engaged is around 20 miles per hour (or approximately 25 kilometers per hour).
The final way to ride the VIVI eBike is in full eBike mode using the throttle located on the right side of the handlebars. This throttle allows you to ride the VIVI eBike and do no pedaling whatsoever. Simply twist the throttle, like you would on a motorcycle, and sit back as the bicycle’s electric motor transports you down the road.
You won’t go super fast using the bicycle’s throttle (especially when going uphill), but the throttle is extremely useful for new riders, or simply in the event that you want to go out on a bike ride, but don’t want to put in the work normally required with riding a bicycle.
As you can see, there are three ways to ride the VIVI electric bicycle: you can ride it as a standard bicycle with no motor assistance whatsoever; you can ride it in pedal assist mode, where you pedal normally, but the motor helps to make your bike ride a whole lot easier; or you can ride the bike with the assistance of the throttle, allowing you to simply sit back and do no pedaling at all.
Pictured above is the right side of the handlebar on the VIVI eBike. In the photo you can see the shifter, which allows you to change through the 7 total gears on the rear derailleur of the bicycle. The eBike’s throttle is located just to the right of the shifter. And in the foreground is the small, thumb-operated bell that comes as an added bonus with the VIVI 26 inch eBike.
Below is a snapshot of the bicycle’s battery specifications. For most people, these numbers won’t mean much, so what you need to know is that on a full charge, the VIVI eBike will transport you approximately 30 miles (or 45 km). Of course, this distance will vary depending on the mode you have the bike set to (Low, Mid or High), the terrain you are cycling over (steep vs. flat terrain), the wind, weather and other such factors.
During my time with the VIVI 26 inch eBike, I went on several long bike rides and found that cycling more than 20 miles on a single charge was no problem at all, as long as I left the bike in the Low setting for most of the ride. The battery indicator would sometimes show that there was only one or two bars left in the battery, but would then later jump to three or more bars later in the ride, depending on the mode I had the power meter set to and the steepness of the terrain on which I was riding at the time. Therefore, more testing needs to be done to see what the true limits are of the VIVI eBike’s included battery.
Whatever the case may be, the good thing about the VIVI eBike, when compared with other electric bicycle models, is that once the battery dies and the bike is no longer able to be powered by the electric motor, the bicycle functions normally as a regular bicycle. So, if you find yourself returning home from an especially long bike ride and the battery cuts out a few miles short of your return home, you can always pedal the bike home using the power of your legs for the final few miles.
The Wheels Tires
26 inch wheels and tires are what you’ll find on this VIVI electric bicycle. And while 26 inch wheels and tires are what you find on many mountain bikes, I suspect that most people who purchase the VIVI 26 inch eBike will not buy the bike for its off-road capabilities, but will instead intend to use the bike largely as a local commuter – allowing them to ride around their neighborhood, run errands and go on casual bike rides with friends.
While the Chaoyang 26 x 1.95 tires that come equipped on the bicycle have held up during my recent test rides, the long-term durability of these tires has yet to be determined, and I may have to update this article/review once I determine how long-lasting these tires truly are.
These standard, treaded, 26 inch tires are great for casual riding on paved roads, however, and also make the bike capable of riding on dirt and gravel roads with a fair amount of ease. My guess is that few people will purchase this bike to do serious mountain biking, but the bike can certainly be used in off-road environments of some kind, due to both the tire size, tread and front suspension (which allows the bike to absorb some of the bumps you are sure to find in an off-road environment).
The front suspension on this bike helps with small bumps and gravel on the roads you’ll be traveling, but the suspension is not good in super rocky terrain – nothing like the suspension you find on higher-quality mountain bikes.
The Mechanical Disc Brakes
One of the great things about the VIVI eBike is that it comes equipped with certain parts you would only expect to find on bicycles with a much higher price tag. For example, the VIVI 26 inch eBike comes equipped with front and rear mechanical disc brakes.
Disc brakes have quickly become standard on most bicycle models, but cheaper rim brakes are still often found on many low-priced bicycle models. So getting a pair of front and rear disc brakes with the purchase of the VIVI electric bicycle is a huge added plus.
The disc brakes come ready to use straight out of the box when your VIVI eBike first arrives, but I found that a small amount of adjustment was needed to position the brakes so they weren’t rubbing and squeaking during my initial test rides. This is a very easy adjustment to make, however, and almost anyone capable of watching a how-to YouTube video will be able to adjust the disc brakes on the bicycle, if need be.
Included Accessories
In addition to the bicycle’s electric motor, front suspension, and disc brakes, the VIVI eBike is outfitted with a number of other extras worth noting.
The first and most obvious of these extras is, perhaps, the saddle, which is an inexpensive bike seat decorated with a red and white “flame” pattern on its top. The saddle decoration is probably the only part of the VIVI eBike that I would change if I were in charge of the production of these bikes myself. I personally would prefer a standard, plain black saddle. But the saddle that has been chosen here isn’t really that bad. It looks a little childish when compared to the rest of the bicycle, but it’s comfortable and will work well for 90% of the bike’s users.
Another wonderful extra included with the VIVI eBike is the front headlamp, which comes pre-wired to the bicycle’s electric battery/motor. To turn the front headlamp on, simply press and hold the “” button on the right-hand side of the bicycle’s power meter. Then, to turn the light off, press and hold the “” button again. Lighting up the road in front of you has never been so easy!
While it’s common for more expensive bicycles to come equipped with no pedals whatsoever, because high-end bike manufacturers know that many serious cyclists will want to use a very specific type of pedal, a lower-cost bicycle such as the VIVI eBike comes equipped with a pair of standard, plastic flat pedals – like you would find on so many other low-end bicycles found in your local bike shop. The goal here is to give you a basic pedal that you can use straight away, right out of the box, so that you can start pedaling your bicycle the first day you get it. These plastic pedals are inexpensive, but they work well and will make most casual cyclists very happy. If, however, you wish to upgrade to a more advanced pedal, you can easily do so! Simply unscrew these basic, plastic pedals and screw in the pedals of your choice. Bingo!
Another big bonus found on the VIVI 26 inch eBiks is the included rear kickstand, which helps you keep the bike in an upright position whenever you go to park it. Not only does this rear kickstand make it easier to park the bicycle when you need to do so, but the kickstand likely extends the lifespan of the battery, motor and the bike as a whole, as you’re less likely to damage the bicycle or any of its parts if you simply use the included kickstand each and every time you go to park the bike.
The photos above show the kickstand in both its extended and retracted positions. This is a good quality kickstand that the bicycle manufacturers could very easily have left off in order to save money and produce larger returns on sales, but have included as an added bonus… and it’s a bonus that I think will be very much appreciated by those who chose to purchase the VIVI 26 inch electric bicycle.
The VIVI eBike – My Final Review
If there is any major downside to the VIVI eBike, it’s the fact that it is only available in one frame size. And unfortunately for me (at 6 feet, 2 inches tall), the size of the bike’s frame is simply too small for me. In order to properly fit this bicycle, you should probably be between 5 foot 2 inches and 5 foot 7 inches tall. If you are taller or shorter than this, the bike will still be rideable, but it isn’t going to fit you well. If the bike came in different sizes (small, medium and large), the VIVI eBike would be a total low-cost winner!
Overall, I’m very impressed with the VIVI 26 inch eBike. It’s a good looking bike that will make many first-time electric bicycle owners very happy. The bike is perfectly equipped for around-town riding, local commuting, running errands and could even be used on some kinds of mountain bike trails and terrain.
While the battery life and tires have yet to be tested long term, my experiences with the bike thus far have me very impressed. And even though the bike doesn’t fit me (I’m simply too tall for the one-size-only frame), I plan to keep the VIVI eBike for any of my shorter friends and family members who chose to come and visit me and want the assistance of an electric motor to help them keep up with me on the roads and trails in my area.
Overall, I’d give the VIVI 26 inch eBike a very high rating, considering it is such a low-cost electric bicycle. It really is incredible that they’ve been able to produce such a good looking, well-working, electric bicycle that costs so little and comes with so many extras!
So, even though this may not be the best bike in the whole world, I suspect that this is the perfect bike for someone who wants a basic, around-town electric bicycle, but doesn’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a more expensive brand or model.