Best electric bikes | 17 top-rated ebikes for every type of rider
The best electric bike for you will depend on the type of riding you want to do, so in this guide we’ll cover the whole range of different electric bike types and recommend some of the best we’ve tested.
Electric bikes – or ebikes as they’re commonly known – are bicycles with an electric motor and battery that provides assistance as you pedal. There are many benefits to riding an electric bike. Electric bikes make riding up hills easier and will enable most riders to travel at a higher speed over longer distances without arriving at their destination covered in sweat.
Despite common misconceptions, you can still ride an electric bike for fitness. Electric bike laws limit the power of an ebike motor, so you still need to pedal – there’s no twist-and-go throttle here. There is an electric bike for every type of riding. Electric folding bikes and electric hybrid bikes are great choices for cycling to work, the best electric mountain bikes will help you get to the top of the next trail so you can enjoy more descending and the best electric road bikes and electric gravel bikes will enable you to take on longer adventures. Making sense of how an electric bike works and how to choose the right one for you is a daunting task. Luckily for you, BikeRadar’s team of expert testers have put in hundreds of hours riding more than 175 of the best ebikes across all categories. Our testing is 100 per cent editorially independent, so you can always trust our recommendations. In this in-depth buyer’s guide to choosing the best electric bike for any rider, we’ll talk you through the things you need to consider for each category of ebike. We also highlight the best ebikes we have reviewed, as selected by BikeRadar’s expert team of tech editors, for each type of ebike, with links to our detailed buyer’s guide for each category. We also have a general buyer’s guide to electric bike tech at the bottom of this article that answers common questions. For even more information, take a look at our ebike FAQs. There’s a lot to cover here, so use the links below to skip to the section you need, or read on for every detail.
Best electric hybrid bikes
Like a non-assisted hybrid bike, electric hybrid bikes feature an upright riding position, flat bars and stable handling. They’re often the least expensive entry point into ebikes.
With lots of mounting points for accessories such as pannier bags and mudguards, electric hybrids are great if you’re planning to commute to work by bike, ride around town or want to go for leisurely rides on bike trails or through parks.
Electric hybrid bikes can be quite heavy because they tend to use less sophisticated motor systems and the bikes are built for robustness. This is worth bearing in mind if you need to carry them up stairs.
Below is a selection of four of the very best electric hybrid bikes as tested by our senior road technical editor, Warren Rossiter. For more recommendations, check out our full round-up of the best electric hybrid bikes.
Specialized Turbo Vado SL 4.0
- £2,600 / €2,999 / 3,500 as tested
- Pros: Well-tuned power delivery; low weight
- Cons: Lower-torque motor means you have to put in more work
Specialized makes two electric hybrid bike ranges. Whereas the standard Turbo Vado is a heavy-duty ebike, the Vado SL uses a less powerful motor with 35Nm of torque. This reduces the weight to under 15kg, but the flip side is that you have less assistance than with the Turbo Vado, which could be a problem on hills.
The other advantage of the lower output is clean looks, with the concealed battery giving a sporty appearance. Specialized fits lights to all models and includes mudguards and a luggage rack on pricier models.
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Canyon Pathlite:ON 5
- £2,499 / €2,699, as tested
- Pros: Great handling and confident off-road
- Cons: Heavy versus its rivals
The Canyon Pathlite:ON 5 is a powerful electric hybrid bike that handles and rides commendably. Our testing found the Canyon’s 100km claimed range to be true, but there’s no denying the bike is heavy at 23.5kg.
Where the Pathlite:ON 5 truly stands out is off the tarmac, where it rivals electric mountain bikes with confidence-inspiring chunky tyres and a shock-absorbing suspension fork.
Tern Quick Haul P9
- £3,100 / 3,299 / AU4995 as tested
- Pros: Great fun to ride and versatile
- Cons: Official add-ons are fairly pricey
The Tern Quick Haul P9 looks like a cargo bike at first glance, but its compact design means it isn’t much longer than a typical electric hybrid.
With the option to fit a huge array of useful add-on accessories both front and back, our tester described the Quick Haul P9 as a “genuinely viable car replacement”.
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Best electric folding bikes
Commuters who travel by public transport or are short on space are catered for too. Oliver Woodman / Immediate Media
If you want to cycle to work or are just pressed for space to store your ride, a compact electric folding bike could be the answer.
Folding ebikes often have the battery hidden in their frames, or they may come with a removable battery to make carrying them on and off public transport a bit easier.
A removable battery also means you can take it somewhere where it’s easier to charge (at your desk, for example, if you use the bike to ride to work).
But the extra weight of the motor and battery means carrying a folding ebike on and off public transport, and up and down stairs, will be harder. The available range can be quite limited in some models too.
For more product recommendations, check out our round-up of the best folding electric bikes.
Brompton Electric
The Brompton Electric adds a front-hub motor to the iconic folder. Russell Burton / Immediate Media
- £2,725 as tested
- Pros: Very compact fold; smooth power delivery
- Cons: Quite heavy; two pieces to carry
A front-hub motor adds electric power to the classic Brompton folding bike, giving you a range of around 40km. The battery sits in a separate pack, which can be removed from the bike for carrying.
Since we tested the Brompton Electric, the standard bike has been redesignated the C Line Explore. It’s been joined by the P Line, which uses lighter frame materials and components to chop almost 2kg off the C Line’s 17.4kg claimed weight.
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GoCycle G4
- £3,999 as tested
- Pros: Larger wheels ride more smoothly; stylish design
- Cons: Expensive; doesn’t fold as small as some ebikes
While pricey, the GoCycle G4 is a folder, commuter and electric bike in one. The ride and handling are far more assured than most folding bikes on- and off-road, thanks to the meaty tyres and larger wheels.
The bike folds in half at its centre, making it easier to roll than to carry and the removable battery in the front of the frame is accessed via the fold. At over 17kg, it’s quite heavy though.
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MiRider One GB3
The GB3 is an upgrade on the original MiRider One, with an accompanying price rise. David Caudery / Our Media
- £2,495 as tested
- Pros: Very compact
- Cons: Price has increased significantly from the original bike
The MiRider One GB3 is an upgrade from the original model we tested a few years ago. Unfortunately, that’s resulted in a significant price hike, but the ebike is still a compact, nippy city commuter.
The belt drive is cleaner and lower-maintenance than a chain, there’s good adjustability, and built-in rear suspension and wide tyres add comfort.
The GB3 design has three speeds, adding flexibility over the singlespeed predecessor, and you can change gear while stationary. We achieved a range of up to 50km.
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Cannondale Rolls Out Smallest Lightest E-Bike: Compact Neo
Cannondale’s Compact Neo offers a lightweight, family-oriented e-bike; (photo/Cannondale)
Want an e-bike that won’t break your back while you lug it upstairs? Check out Cannondale’s latest: a lightweight, foldable e-bike under 40 pounds.
The latest e-bike from Cannondale aims for convenience and flexibility.
With a hidden 250 Wh battery and a folding stem and pedals, the Compact Neo is “an ideal electric bike for busy families or shared use,” the company said in a news release.
You won’t need many add-ons with this bike, either. It already comes with metaphorical bells and whistles, including a rack, lights, fenders, and eight-speed shifting.
Cannondale Compact Neo E-Bike
The Compact Neo comes with an alloy frame and 20-inch wheels for a lightweight bike with a low standover height that anyone can comfortably handle around town.
At less than 40 pounds (18 kg), the bike allows for a maximum rider weight of 300 pounds. Yet it’s still sturdy enough to take a beating.
The seat post also adapts to accommodate different-sized riders, so it’s highly shareable while offering comfort to your backside.
Compact Neo: Battery Features
Like many modern e-bikes, Cannondale placed the e-bike’s battery inside the frame, retaining the classic bike form while still giving riders that electric boost. To that end, the battery offers three different assist levels. There’s also a convenient walk mode, which propels the bike just enough to make pushing along more manageable.
The Compact Neo’s rear-hub Hyena drive system offers “hill-taming power” and assistance up to 20 mph. Fully charged, the battery’s range gives riders up to 47 miles of supported cycling.
At 450,900, the Compact Neo won’t break the bank compared to the increasingly pricey e-bike options in the market. For example, the Turbo Vado SL from Specialized sheds some extra weight (around 33 pounds) while still carrying a 320 Wh battery. However, you pay for that upgrade, as the bike sells for nearly double the Compact Neo — 3,750.
Still interested? The Compact Neo is available in three colors, chalk with acid red, graphite and reflective silver, and smoke black with reflective silver.
Popular Cannondale E-Bike Models
Cannondale is one of the biggest manufacturers of electric bicycles in the world. The company build a variety of models in different categories, that vary in price and intended use.
Below is just a fraction of its offering of high-end and mid-range road, mountain, fitness, and other kinds of e-bikes.
Top Models
- Treadwell Neo – MSRP From 5000,300 – This is a selection of e-fitness bicycles intended for casual riding and commuting. The bicycles feature comfortable ergonomics, sweptback handlebars, and urban-ready accessories.
- Topstone Neo Carbon – MSRP From 6,000 – A series of premium electric gravel bikes from Cannondale. They feature the best possible components, carbon frames, and the brand-new Kingpin suspension.
- Synapse Neo – MSRP From 4,500 – Purebred electric road bikes with fast-rolling 700c wheels and lightweight electronics. These bicycles feature efficient mid-drive Bosch motors and seamlessly integrated batteries. – Full Review
- SuperSix EVO Neo – MSRP From 4,500 – Premium electric road bicycles built around aluminum and carbon frames. Ideal for riders who need assistance but don’t want to give up on the original road bike riding feel.
- Quick Neo – MSRP From 5000,550 – Affordable electric fitness bicycles perfect for everyday commutes, grocery hauls, or workouts. Includes step-over and step-through frames with rear hub motors and integrated batteries.
- Moterra Neo – MSRP From 4,200 – Full-suspension electric mountain bikes built for shredding the trails. They feature carbon or aluminum frames, massive tires, powerful electronics, and high-end suspension.
- Habit Neo – MSRP From 5,500 – This is a series of do-it-all trail machines with powerful Bosch pedal assistance and huge batteries. These e-bikes offer 29″ wheels 130/140mm suspension and aggressive geometry.
- Tesoro Neo – MSRP From 3,350 – A selection of electric touring bicycles for riders with long-distance rides on their mind. These bikes come with front suspension, rear racks, lights, and reliable Bosch mid-drive electronics.
- Canvas Neo – MSRP From 5000,999 – A line of electric urban bicycles for city riding and commutes. Fully-equipped with the necessary accessories, these e-hybrids also feature integrated Bosch batteries and performance mid-drive motors.
Classes and Electric Components
The majority of Cannondale’s electric bicycles come with Bosch Active/Performance Line motors and battery packs. However, some high-end e-road bikes, such as the SuperSix Evo Neo 1, boast Mahle electronics.
Cannondale’s e-bikes feature high-capacity batteries that often offer upwards of 500 Wh. That means that riders can get as much as 100-150 miles of range per charge (according to Cannondale’s estimate), which is higher than what a lot of competitors offer.
Cannondale makes Class 1 and Class 3 e-bikes with pedal-assistance, so there are no Class 2 e-bikes with a throttle available from this American brand.
The batteries are integrated into the down tube on all models, which makes many of Cannondale’s e-bikes look like traditional bicycles. The motor placement varies, but most models come with mid-drive motors, whereas some feature rear hub units.
Another important feature of Cannondale’s e-bikes is big LCD screens that show battery status, pedal-assist level, speed, distance, time, and other important metrics. Bosch systems usually come with Bosch Purion displays. Newer e-road models come with an Integrated Top Tube Controller in the form of a single button that lets you see the battery charge, turn the system on or off, and choose the level of assist.
Lefty Forks
Cannondale’s Lefty Oliver Fork is one of the most popular and unusual inventions patented by this company. We’re talking about a suspension fork that provides 30mm of travel and has only one leg. The coil and the damper are both fitted inside the left leg.
Cannondale includes these forks on its premium cross-country and gravel bicycles. Even some e-bikes come with lefty forks, such as a few Topstone Neo Carbon models.
The Lefty design eliminates a lot of unnecessary weight and improves the overall stiffness of the fork. It also makes it more practical to replace a flat tire, as riders can do it without removing the wheel from the bike.
Kingpin Suspension
Kingpin Suspension is the latest technology that came out of Cannondale’s laboratory. The company first introduced it on high-end Topstone Carbon bicycles, but it then made its way into the electric bicycle category as well.
People Also Asked for:
Here are the answers to some of the questions that we most frequently get from our readers about Cannondale electric bikes!
Does Cannondale make good electric bikes?
Yes, Cannondale makes very good electric bicycles. Its e-bikes come with top-of-the-line Bosch motors and batteries and high-quality aluminum and carbon frames. Cannondale’s e-bikes also come with reliable Shimano and SRAM components, so you get great value for your money.
Are Cannondale bikes still made in the USA?
No, Cannondale bicycles are no longer made in the USA. The company moved its production to Asia, specifically Taiwan. This is where the majority of big cycling brands manufacture their bicycles nowadays.
Is Cannondale a good e-bike brand?
Yes, Cannondale is a great e-bike brand. Its electric bicycles are built with the highest standards, using high-quality materials and reliable components from reputable brands like Shimano, SRAM, Bosch, Mahle, and others. Though their bikes are on the expensive side, they still offer excellent value for the money.
Is Cannondale better than Trek?
It’s hard to say. In some areas, Cannondale is better than Trek, whereas in others Trek takes the lead. Both Cannondale and Trek make phenomenal high-end bicycles, but Trek has a slightly better offer of entry-level recreational bikes. Both companies are innovative and their products meet the highest industry standards.
Are Cannondale bikes Unisex?
A lot of Cannondale’s models of traditional and electric bicycles come with men and women-specific frames and configurations. However, that’s partly just a marketing trick. Most of Cannondale’s bikes are unisex, which means that men and women can ride them without any big issues.
Bottom Line—Who Are Cannondale E-Bikes For?
There’s no doubt that Cannondale makes some of the best bicycles in the world, but are they for everyone?
Cannondale electric bicycles are not the cheapest out there, so they’re definitely not perfect for riders on a tight budget. If you’re willing to invest a bit more and get a bicycle from a reputable brand with great quality, warranty, and customer support, then Cannondale is the way to go.
Cannondale makes e-bikes in all categories, so anyone can find a model that fits their needs. You can choose from a rich selection of road, mountain, fitness, urban, gravel, and other types of bikes.
Cannondale’s e-bikes also have great resale value, so you’ll be able to get back a good portion of the original price if you decide to sell your Cannondale bicycle after some time.
The bottom point is, you won’t make a mistake if you give Cannondale a chance, just like millions of riders out there who have already done it.
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 NmBattery Bosch PowerTube 750 WhDisplay Kiox 300Fork RockShox Lyric Select 150 mmRear Shock RockShox Deluxe Select 150 mmSeatpost Cannondale DownLow Dropper 150 mmBrakes Shimano SLX 200/200 mmDrivetrain Shimano SLX/XT 1x12Stem Cannondale 1 35 mmHandlebar Cannondale 3 Riser 800 mmWheelset WTB ST i30 29Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF EXO/Minion DHRII EXO 2.5/2.6
Technical Data
Size S M L XLWeight 25.20 kgPerm. total weight 150 kgMax. payload (rider/equipment) 124 kgTrailer approval NoKickstand mount Yes
Our Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 2 test bike features a RockShox Lyrik Select fork, paired with a RockShox Deluxe Select shock. Both of them are easy to set up, though they don’t offer quite the level of adjustability that very performance-oriented riders might demand. The Shimano SLX brakes and 200 mm rotors reliably bring the bike to a halt. The SLX shifter uses the same clamp as the brake lever and allows the XT derailleur to shift up only one gear at a time, preventing the chain from being put under too much strain.
In contrast to the standard build which has to make do with a MAXXIS Rekon tire using the flimsy EXO casing at the rear, our test bike was fitted with a MAXXIS DHF model up front and a DHR on the rear. At least the rear tire had the EXO casing. For heavy and aggressive riders, we would go even thicker and recommend retrofitting tires with an EXO casing at the front and a Doubledown casing at the rear. We were able to insert the dropper post all the way into the frame on our test bike, but it offers just 150 mm travel. Fortunately, you will get a 170 mm dropper as standard from size L and up.
The geometry of the 2022 Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 2
For the 2022 update, the geometry of the Moterra has become somewhat slacker, longer and more “modern” overall. At 65°, the head angle has become slightly slacker than that of the predecessor and the seat tube angle has been steepened, now sitting at 77°. The chainstays are rather long at 455 mm. The bike is available in sizes S–XL with the size S featuring shorter chainstays and rolling on a smaller 27.5″ wheel at the rear. As such, Cannondale accommodate riders measuring from 157 to 195 cm tall.
The 2022 Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 2 on the trail
Riding on flat terrain, the Moterra feels somewhat hand-heavy, though it remains very comfortable to ride nonetheless. This is mainly due to the suspension and the fat tires, both of which provide plenty of damping. As soon as you hit a slight incline, you’ll find yourself sitting comfortably upright as the motor’s assistance lets you fly uphill with ease. On steeper, more technical climbs, you’ll have to shift your weight forward just a little to keep the front wheel grounded and in control. That said, the long chainstays help to ensure a relatively balanced weight distribution between the front and rear wheels, even on steep climbs, though this comes at the cost of agility through tight corners. Otherwise, you can rely on the Moterra to climb up even the steepest chutes thanks the powerful Bosch motor.
On moderately technical descents, the Moterra feels very balanced and good natured, instilling you with confidence. The first time you climb aboard the bike, it doesn’t take long to get comfortable with. It feels planted and nicely balanced on the trail. The slightly front-heavy riding position ensures that you’ve got enough weight on the front wheel even through open corners, making it easy to keep the Moterra on track. The plush suspension provides loads of traction and encourages you to stay off the brakes for as long as you dare, offering very stable handling in combination with the long chainstays.
In steep, rough terrain, on the other hand, the front end is difficult to lob over obstacles or pull up off unexpected drops as it prefers to follow the pull of gravity. Fortunately, the robust aluminium skid plate will fend off impacts to the motor and slide over obstacles if necessary. On winding descents with fast switchbacks, the Moterra demands a lot of input and physical effort from the rider as it isn’t the most agile or playful. over, ambitious riders will likely bemoan the limited adjustability of the suspension and should opt for the flagship model instead. On the other hand, beginners will enjoy the ease of the simpler setup.
Cannondale have brought the Moterra up to date while maintaining its beginner-friendly, versatile character. The continuously updated Bosch Smart System and 750 Wh battery give you an even longer range and a host of practical features. If you’re everyday ebike Hero, however, we recommend taking a closer look at the EQ model ;). On the trail, the suspension of the Cannondale Moterra Neo Carbon 2 is limited by its lack of adjustability, so very ambitious riders will prefer the flagship model.
For more information, visit cannondale.com
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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Christoph Laue/Julian Schwede