The 16 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.jpg)
-Offwhite-Background-SOURCE-Trek-Bikes.jpg)
For years, electric bicycles were bulky, inconvenient, expensive machines with limited battery life. Slowly, that has changed. Ebikes are now lighter, more attractive, and more powerful than ever. You don't need to be physically fit to ride one. They get you outside, reduce traffic congestion, and shrink your carbon footprint. I ride one daily to take my kids to school. They're just fun.
How We Test
Over the past few years, WIRED's Reviews team has tried almost every kind of electric bike, from the best heavy-duty cargo bikes to high-end mountain bikes. We review upward of 50 new ebikes a year by riding them on a variety of terrain for at least 40 miles over the course of at least two weeks. We test cargo bikes by hauling kids and groceries, we ride mountain and gravel bikes on trails, and we test commuter bikes while running errands on regular city streets (including up and down steep hills). In addition to our real-life testing, we also evaluate specs like weight, tire size, battery life, motor power, and the sourcing of key components. For more information, check out our guide on How to Buy an Electric Bike.
It Costs What Now?
Whenever I talk to anyone about a possible ebike purchase, the biggest deterrent is usually the price. We're currently working on a guide to more affordable ebikes, but we think of them as vehicles, not toys. When you're carrying kids to school or flying down a hill at 25 mph with only a helmet for protection, you don't want to skimp on brakes.
Reasonable auto financing options are the only reason a $2,000 electric bike can feel prohibitively expensive while a $6,000 beater gas-powered car has easy monthly payments. Many states now feature incentive programs that offer rebates or tax credits for ebike purchases. Some bike manufacturers and retailers offer financing through companies like Affirm or PayPal. Your bank might cover ebikes under its vehicle loan program, and I also recommend looking at eBay locally, Craigslist, or local Facebook groups. You probably have more options than you think.
Ebike Classifications and Rules
Before you buy your electric bike, make sure you can actually use it! Many cities and states have laws regulating when and where you can ride an ebike. Check out our guide on the three classes of ebikes. At least 22 states now use this three-class system, and they may restrict when and where different classes of ebikes are used, depending on whether they have a throttle or can assist above 20 mph. Cities may also have laws about whether mountain ebikes are allowed on single-track trails.
If your state classifies ebikes under the same laws governing motorcycles and mopeds, you may need a license to ride one. And no matter what, always wear a helmet. You know that.
If you don't see what you want, check back later (or drop me a note!). Once you buy an ebike, check out our Best Bike Accessories, Best Bike Locks, and the Best Ebikes for Elderly Riders. Not into pedaling? Read our Best Escooters guide for other transport options.
Updated October 2024: We added the REI Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1, the Lectric XPress, the Trek Slash 9.7 XLS/XT, the Priority e-Classic Plus, Mod Easy, the Radio Flyer Via Pro, and the Cannondale Moterra SL 2. We also updated links and prices.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
- Photograph: Trek
Best Electric Bike for Most People
Trek FX+ 2The prices on direct-to-consumer bikes are very appealing, but if you wouldn't send your kid down a hill on a skateboard with wobbly wheels, I wouldn't recommend doing the same yourself. If this is your first bike, I strongly suggest going with an established manufacturer that has a large support network of affiliated retailers and shops, so you can test a few and not have to assemble or fix it yourself. $2,000 is about what I'd expect to spend on a durable, good-quality entry-level electric bike.
Almost every major bike manufacturer now makes an entry-level commuter electric bicycle. Right now, the most reasonably priced one is the Trek FX+ 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It comes in two versions: a step-over and a step-through. (I'm currently riding the step-through.) At 40 pounds, it's pretty light! It rides a lot like the light, versatile hybrid I rode all through college. It has Trek's proprietary 250-watt hub motor, a 250-watt-hour battery, standard 9-speed Shimano shifters, fast road bike wheels, and hydraulic disc brakes, as well as a few fun extra built-ins, like integrated lights, a bell, a rear rack, fenders, and a kickstand. All in all, it's a shockingly affordable package for everything you need to start your 6-mile city commute.
★ Alternatives: We have tried almost all the entry-level brand-name bikes. Specialized makes one that's pricier but with a nicer low-maintenance internal gear hub and belt drive, and we like Cannondale's version as well.
Specs: Motor: Hyena 250-watt rear hub | Battery: 250-Wh | Recommended Height: 5'1" to 6'6" | Total Payload: 300 pounds - Photograph: REI
Best Commuter Ebike
REI Co-op Cycles CTY e2.1 Electric BikeOutdoor retailer REI sells a few versions of its city commuter line. The most bare-bones version is the CTY e1.1 ($1,299) but I think it's worth it to upgrade to the CTY e2.1, which is still well under $2,000 and goes on sale a lot. It's a class 1 ebike with a 250-watt Suntour HESC motor, a 418-Wh battery, and a whole host of commuter extras, like front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, big 2-inch-wide tires, gel grips, lights, and a hefty kickstand.
At this price, it's not the fanciest bike out there. It weighs a hefty 54 pounds, and it has a little less torque than some of our other picks—so it might not have quite enough oomph to get you up some of the bigger hills. But you don't need an app to use it, and it's very reasonably priced. If you live near an REI, the store shop will assemble it and offer you discounts on maintenance and free tubes, and you have a 365-day return policy.
Specs: Motor: Suntour HESC 250-watt rear hub | Battery: 418-Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to 6'3" | Total Payload: 300 pounds
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Best Budget Ebike
Lectric XPress 750This has been my daily ride for a few weeks, and Lectric’s bikes have seriously improved since the company was founded in 2020. The XPress rides like a much more “bikey” bike, with a much more traditional (and comfortable!) frame and a new torque sensor that makes pedaling feel much more natural. Its 86 Nm of torque is powerful enough to get up the steepest hill in my neighborhood, Battery Killer, even though I have found the range to be much less than the promised 60 miles. Using the throttle generously, I get around 25 miles. But I’m only 115 pounds, and the range really should be better than that, so much so that I don't recommend going down to the cheaper XPress 500 ($999).
Still, for zipping around your neighborhood as fast as possible, this is a pretty great bike for the price. It gets up to 28 mph quickly. The LCD display is huge, bright, and easy to read, and the controls are easy to use and understand. You don't need an app, and it has hydraulic disc brakes, integrated lights, the works. Lectric is a direct-to-consumer company, but its assembly process is also one of the easiest that I've experienced. This is the easiest entry-level electric bike right now.
Specs: Motor: 750-watt rear hub | Battery: 48 volts | Recommended Height: 5'4" to 6'4" | Total Payload: 330 pounds - Photograph: Trek Bikes
Best Mountain Ebike
Trek Slash+ 9.7 SLX/XTTrek took the frame of its popular Slash mountain bike and added a motor and battery to create the quietest, most natural-feeling electric mountain bike that our reviewer Steph Pearson has ever tested. It has two standout features. The TQ motor has a pin ring drive transmission, which replaces the whirring gears and cogs of a normal motor with two rings with differently-sized pins (it's physics, look it up). Also, there's an extra idler pulley to take up slack on the chain and reduce pedal kickback, which is when your pedals suddenly reverse direction when you're not paying attention and claw at your shins.
The result is a delightful, floaty ride that gives you just enough assistance when you need it and doesn't feel like you're trying to drive a tank through tight, technical turns. Pearson did note a small persistent rattle that neither she, nor her bike shop, could identify or fix, but that seems a small downside considering how fun this bike is otherwise.
Specs: Motor: TQ 250-watt mid-drive | Battery: 580-Wh | Recommended Height: 5'1" to 6'5" | Total Payload: 300 pounds
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.jpg)
-Offwhite-Background-SOURCE-Trek-Bikes.jpg)
- Photograph: Specialized
Best Utility Ebike
Specialized Globe Haul STI've been waiting for a major bike manufacturer to release an affordable, reliable daily driver that can be a car substitute. Specialized's Globe Haul ST (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is the company's first light cargo ebike, and it's a winner. It fits a wide variety of heights. The powerful 700-watt motor relies on an IPX7-rated battery that has a remarkable range of well over the stated 60 miles. The display is intuitive and the pedaling feels natural. The compact 20-inch multi-terrain wheels are maneuverable and feel stable on roads, dirt, and gravel.
The proprietary accessories pull in partners like Fjallraven and are attractive and versatile. I just have two small qualms: There's no suspension, which can make a difference if you're carrying a lot of things and people; and there's no belt drive. However, Specialized uses quality components and has a large network of affiliated shops to get routine maintenance. This is the bike that everyone in my family—me, my husband, and my two kids—asks to ride whenever we leave the house.
Specs: Motor: Globe 700-watt rear hub | Battery: 772-Wh | Recommended Height: 4'5" to 6'4" | Total Payload: 419 pounds - Photograph: Rad Power Bikes
Safest for Battery Fires
Rad Power Bikes Radster RoadIf you want an electric bike, do not be put off by fears of battery fires—new legislation and new technology make each iteration of electric bike safer than the one before. For example, this year Seattle-based Rad Power Bikes introduced a new technology called Safe Shield, in which the batteries are encapsulated in heat-absorbing resin to extinguish a fire, much like the batteries in an electric car. If you're at all concerned about electric battery fires, one of the bikes in the new line-up, like the Radster Road (8/10, WIRED Recommends), would be your best pick. (It's also worth noting that every bike in our roundup has UL certification, which means that it meets the safety requirements for a top third-party testing agency.)
The Radster Road is a long-distance commuter that is UL-certified, with big, efficient 29-inch Kenda tires, an IPX6-rated 750-watt rear hub motor, and a 720-Wh proprietary semi-integrated battery. It has a truly ridiculous range (I put about 30 miles on it and only wore the battery down halfway) and comes with a ton of stuff at a very reasonable price. For example, you can switch between ebike classes in the computer, and it has a new torque sensor that makes pedaling feel infinitely more natural. It's also a lot quieter than other bikes at this price. It does weigh almost 75 pounds, though.
Specs: Motor: 750-watt rear hub | Battery: 720-Wh | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 5'8" | Total Payload: 320 pounds
- Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Best Comfy Cruiser
Priority e-Classic PlusIf you’re after an affordable pedal-assist bike that’s equal parts form and function, this loaded beach cruiser from Priority could be a great fit. For under $2,000, you’re getting head-turning style and high-end features, including a low-maintenance carbon belt drive, a center-mount kickstand, motor-sensing hydraulic brakes, and a built-in brake light on the back fender. At just 49 pounds, the bike is easy to pack and maneuver, though all those extras mean you’ll likely want to have it assembled at a local shop.
I love how easy it is to get on the road thanks to the e-Classic’s step-in design (there’s also a step-over model) and intuitive control hub. There’s even an optional throttle, perfect for navigating tricky terrain or coasting a few notches below the 20 mph top speed. With only three gears and three motor speeds, there’s less granularity in choice for different topography than something like the Propella 9S Pro, and the eager motor feels more like a scooter than a natural extension of your body. Still, with around 30 to 40 miles of range and one of the comfiest seats you’ll ever mount, this bike is a solid commuter that’s easy to fall for. —Ryan Waniata
Specs: Motor: 350-watt rear hub | Battery: 374-Wh | Recommended Height: 5'2" to 6'3" | Total Payload: 300 pounds - Photograph: Will Matsuda
Best Ebike for Road Racers
Santa Cruz SkitchIf you're a road cyclist who wants the lightest bike around so that you can commute 15 miles to work and pop through a park on your way home, the bike you're looking for is the Santa Cruz Skitch (9/10, WIRED Recommends). It has an extremely light carbon fiber frame, with an equally light but powerful Fazua 60 motor and a 430-watt-hour battery. It's a class 3 ebike and also the lightest electric bike I've ever tried. My tester came with all the fixings, including a dropper seat post and a very fancy SRAM button transmission that let me click through gears easily and seamlessly, with no exposed cabling. I cackled with glee as I tried to race a Dodge Challenger home in my neighborhood and swung through a cyclocross course.
Of course, it does cost $6,000, which puts a damper on your gleeful commuting—one does not simply leave a Ferrari parked and unattended in front of the 7-Eleven at midnight. But if you have a 10-mile commute and access to a locked garage, this would be my pick.
★ Alternative: I love the Skitch, but if all you want is a lightweight commuter and to save a couple grand, you could probably go with the Specialized Turbo Vado SL (9/10, WIRED Recommends) and be totally fine. It's made from aluminum instead of carbon fiber, it weighs a little more, and the motor is slightly less powerful. But you'd still have a pretty fun time.
Specs: Motor: 450-watt mid-drive | Battery: 430-Wh | Recommended Height: 5'1" to 6'6" | Total Payload: n/a
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURE-Ryan-Waniata.jpg)
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Best Cargo Ebike
Urban Arrow Family Electric Cargo BikeThe R&M Load used to be my top pick for a bakfiets, a Dutch-style front-box cargo bicycle. However, the Urban Arrow Family (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is cheaper—not by a little—and offers many of the same features that attracted me to the Load, like comfort and maneuverability. It doesn't have suspension, though, so it's best for smoother streets.
I love the Enviolo continuously variable shifters, which allow you to downshift while the bike is at a standstill. Rather than wobbling and terrifying my children as I frantically downshift while pedaling, I can use walk assistance to push the bike to a convenient spot, downshift while standing still, and then pedal upward at the torque and power level of my choice. With this system, I've beaten people uphill who weren't riding cargo bikes. There is also a version with the more powerful Bosch Cargo Line motor.
★ Alternative: I feel obligated to point out here that the bike I use to tote around my own family (and cargo all over Portland) is the Tern GSD S00 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). The Bosch Cargo Line motor is powerful enough to speedily transport me and two kids to school and back every day, along with all of our backpacks, groceries, and gear, and it's small enough that it takes up only a reasonable amount of space in our garage. I first rode one with my daughter when she was 3, and we can still ride it now that she's 9.
Specs: Motor: 600-watt mid-drive | Battery: 545-Wh | Recommended Height: 5" to 6'6" | Total Payload: 551 pounds - Photograph: Michael Calore
Best Affordable Cargo Ebike
Aventon AboundThe first cargo bike from this leader in competitively priced, direct-to-consumer ebikes is a study in flexibility. Carting the kiddo to school? Add a back seat ($63) and a handrail ($122) to the long rear platform. Blissfully child-free? Install front and rear racks ($70, $159) to haul groceries and garden supplies. The easy-riding step-through frame fits pilots up to 6'3" tall. The Abound’s pedal assistance system uses a rear hub motor with a torque sensor, a design that adds a smooth and even boost based on how hard you’re cranking. In the lowest of the four assistance levels—the power-sipping yet capable Eco mode—you can eke out 50 miles on a charge. Your mileage drops if you load the bike up to its 440-pound capacity, liberally thumb the bar-mounted throttle, or blast around town in Turbo mode at the max speed of 20 mph. Even then, you’ll still get nearly 20 miles out of the 720-watt-hour battery. —Michael Calore
★ Alternative: I have also ridden and like the Lectric XPedition ($1,399). It's the easiest cargo bike to assemble out of the box that I've experienced, fits a wide variety of riders, and comes with a huge array of proprietary accessories. The only bad part? It's so popular that it constantly goes in and out of stock.
Specs: Motor: Aventon 750-watt rear hub | Battery: Samsung 678-Wh | Recommended Height: 4'11" to 6'3" | Total Payload: 440 pounds
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.jpg){kind=icon}
- Photograph: Adrienne So
An Ebike With a Sidecar
Mod Easy Sidecar 3This ebike comes with a few major caveats. It's a direct-to-consumer bike, and we contracted with a local service to assemble it at my house. However, several parts were missing or unusable, and we had to wait a day for replacements. Also, the company claims that the minimum height is 5'2", but I am 5'2" and can't fit on it. The seat post tapers, so it can't be cut. I had to sub my own seat in, so I didn't get to use the comfy, beautiful saddle with suspension that comes with this bike. I find the laid-back, Harley-style seating difficult to maneuver while riding, which is probably related to the fact that overall, I'm just a little too short to ride this.
However, my family and I really like this sidecar style. The sidecar can carry up to 150 pounds, so anyone in my family can ride it, with a special shout-out to my dog, who loves it. I also love that you can quickly detach the sidecar, so it's versatile and easy to store in my crowded garage. It has everything you need—a 750-watt hub motor with a throttle, a big, easy-to-read color display, and hydraulic disc brakes. If you want to cosplay as Indiana Jones and Dad Jones in the Last Crusade, this is the bike to get.
Specs: Motor: Mod Drive 750-watt rear hub | Battery: Samsung 720-Wh | Recommended Height: 5'4" to 6'7" | Total Payload: 400 pounds - Photograph: JackRabbit
Best Micro Ebike
JackRabbit BikeNote: Jackrabbit has a new OG2 ($1250) that I have, but have not currently tested! We will update this roundup once I've done that.
The next big trend in electric bikes is micro-mobility, which refers to tiny personal vehicles. Tiny bikes are more affordable, easier to transport, and easier to store. And just like mini anything, really, they're completely irresistible.
So far, my favorite micro bike is the JackRabbit (7/10, WIRED Recommends). It weighs an astonishingly light 23 pounds, is simple to assemble out of the box, and can fold down to save even more space. It doesn't have pedals, so you won't hit yourself in the chin with your knees; instead, you toggle a thumb throttle to accelerate. My only caveat is that the tiny battery and motor aren't very powerful. I'm only 115 pounds, and slamming on the throttle only gets me to about 10 mph. Also, the range is around 10 miles, which isn't much compared to our other picks.
Specs: Motor: 300-watt rear hub | Battery: 151.2-Wh | Recommended Height: 4'10" to 6'2" | Total Payload: 240 pounds
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.jpg)
- Photograph: Montague
Best Folding Ebike
Montague M-E1WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu called the M-E1 “pretty darn close to perfection” in his review (9/10, WIRED Recommends). Folding bikes are great for apartment dwellers, but they're usually tiny. Julian is 6'4" and looks like a happy clown when he valiantly pedals around on most of them.
The M-E1 is full-size and virtually indistinguishable from a non-folding bike. It has solid components from reliable manufacturers, like a Shimano mid-drive motor, a comfortable seat, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, and all the bells and whistles—integrated lights, fenders, a removable battery, and an easy-to-read display. Most important, Julian says, he can ride it around without dying from embarrassment—always a plus.
Specs: Motor: 250-watt mid drive | Battery: 418-Wh | Recommended Height: 5'4" to 6'4" | Total Payload: n/a - Photograph: Lectric
A More Affordable Folding Bike
Lectric XP 3.0WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu sees more Lectric bikes around New York City than he can count. That makes sense, since Lectric has some of the most affordable direct-to-consumer folding ebikes around. The latest update, the Lectric XP 3.0 (7/10, WIRED Recommends), offers more of the same—nice suspension; a solid range; thick, fat tires; and a whole suite of solid commuter accessories. It also now has hydraulic brakes, which is a remarkable spec at this price point.
However, it's still very heavy and awkward to fold. Chokkattu also says the charging port is difficult to access when the bike is folded up. More important, he's had some quality issues with Lectric bikes (this one had a leaky front tire). However, the price is right. If you live in an apartment where you don't need to carry your bike upstairs, this might be the right pick for you.
Note: Lectric issued a voluntary recall for Lectric XP 3.0 on units sold between November 1, 2022, and May 6, 2023. Affected models are the XP 3.0, the XP 3.0 Long-Range, the XP Step-Thru 3.0, and the XP Step-Thru 3.0 Long-Range. The front and rear mechanical disc brake calipers can fail, which can hurt the rider. If you own one of these models, stop riding immediately and click here to file a claim.
Specs: Motor: 500-watt rear hub | Battery: 48-volt | Recommended Height: 5' to 6'4" | Total Payload: 330 pounds
- Photograph: SixThreeZero Bike Co.
Best Tricycle
SixThreeZero EvryJourney TricycleIf balancing upright is your top priority, you might want to consider a tricycle. SixThreeZero's bike keeps you in a comfortable, upright position without having to balance on a leg to keep it upright. It has a 250-watt motor with 40 miles on a charge and a top speed of up to 15 mph when you use the throttle. A big rear basket fits a load of groceries or even your puppy. However, it does weigh over 70 pounds and is pretty bulky; you'll need a garage to store it. As our reviewer Stephanie Pearson says, three wheels can be almost as fun as two.
★ Alternative: WIRED reviewer Julian Chokkattu says the Lectric Trike ($1,499) (6/10, WIRED Review) is not for anyone living in a walk-up. It's heavy and bulky, and even though it folds, it's difficult to manage. But if you have a garage, it's an affordable way for someone who can't handle a two-wheeler to get out on the road. Trikes have their own set of challenges, but the Lectric has great range, enough power, and strong brakes. Plus it comes with racks, and even a support seat.
Specs: Motor: 250-watt rear hub | Battery: 374.4-Wh | Recommended Height: 5' to 6'2" | Total Payload: 300 pounds 
Photograph: Brompton ElectricHonorable Mentions
Other Ebikes We Like To BikeWe've tried a lot of bikes over the past few years. So many are great and just did not edge out the ones above for a top spot. Here are the ones that deserve a mention:
- Radio Flyer Via Pro for $2,599: Editor Julian Chokkattu could not have had a better experience than this easy-to-use and easy-to-assemble class 2 electric cargo bike. For more info, check out our guide to the Best Electric Cargo Bikes.
- Propella 9S Pro for $1,399: This was our Best Cheap Ebike for many years. However, the Lectric has a new redesign, is cheaper, has a throttle, and is more readily available. This is still a great bike, though.
- Aventon Ramblas for $2,699: Aventon made a mountain bike! It's a lot of bike for an affordable price, but just a little too heavy to take it out for its intended use case.
- Linus eDutchi for $1,799: Need a comfy cruiser? The Linus eDutchi is a comfy class 1 ebike with beautiful colors and loads of proprietary accessories.
- Electra Loft Go! for $1,700: I also love the Electra Loft Go!, which is another comfy sit-up beach cruiser, but the Priority has a slightly more powerful motor for the same price.
- Xtracycle Estoker for $3,999: This is probably the bike that I see most often in my Portland, Oregon, neighborhood. It has a durable, sturdy Chromoly steel frame and larger 24-inch wheels along with a Shimano mid-drive motor that make it perfect for more grueling conditions. Unfortunately, you do have to be over 5'6" (which I am not) to ride it.
- Gazelle Eclipse for $5,999: If you want to know just how great the Bosch system can be, the Eclipse (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the more expensive version of the Radster Road above. It has a nicer shifter, a smarter motor—even the paint job is nicer. It is much more expensive, however.
- Heybike Tyson for $1,599: You get a lot of stuff for not very much money with this fat-tire, folding ebike (6/10, WIRED Review), including suspension, blinkers, a throttle, and one of the most obnoxious horns I've ever heard. The components are not super-high-quality, but it's an affordable, comfortable way to dip your toes into ebike waters.
- The Gocycle G4I+ for $5,999: Gocycle's high-end, fast-folding luxury bikes are designed by a former McLaren engineer. This quieter, lighter iteration has better torque, a new carbon-fiber front fork, and an even more painful price.
- The Bunch Original Electric Cargo Bike for $5,799: I didn't care for the Bunch, but my family did. It's a standard if slightly expensive, box bike as you might see in Europe. It'll work well if you live in a flat area and don't have to go very fast.
Photograph: Civilized CyclesElectric Bikes We Dislike
Pass on the LeftWe love to try new bikes. Unfortunately, the bikes don't always like us.
- Niu Electric Bike BQi-C3 Pro for $2,199: Commerce director Martin Cizmar tested this bike and had a litany of complaints. The riding position is too aggressive, and the bike frame doesn't fit common components like a water bottle and his pannier. The disc brakes weren't suited to stopping it from 28 mph.
- The Civilized Cycle ($4,999): This bike can carry a full-grown person on the back and is a good option for people who want a Vespa-like style without having to get a scooter license (7/10, WIRED Review). However, it doesn't fit anyone shorter than 5' 10". Ooohkay.
- The Retrospec Jax Rev ($1,200): We wanted to love this sleek, stylish folding bike, but we couldn't help worrying about its durability.
Photograph: Neil Godwin/Getty ImagesOther Factors to Consider
Understanding Electric Bike SpecsYou've seen the bikes around your neighborhood. They look like so much fun! You want one! But ebikes have so many different specs and price points. Here's what I would consider, in your position.
Can I build my own bike?
Many affordable bikes now come direct-to-consumer—meaning that they are pre-tuned or partially assembled in a box. As Peter Flax recently noted in Bicycling magazine, these bikes do not get nearly the testing or vetting that bikes from a bigger manufacturer get. Unless you're not riding much or for many miles, or are experienced with modifying your own bike, I recommend working with an established manufacturer that has a dealer network. I also do not recommend a smart ebike. As we can see with VanMoof's recent implosion, you may have difficulty getting your smart ebike repaired if the company folds.
Why do some bikes cost more?
They have higher-end components. Batteries and motors from high-end brands like Bosch and Shimano often are more powerful and cover more distance, with a 90- or 120-mile range, as compared to the 15-20 mile ranges you'll see on more affordable bikes. However, this may not matter if you have a short commute.
What terrain do you live on?
If you live in a flat area, you're probably fine with a 250-watt motor, which is the European speed standard. However, if you live near hills or haul a lot of stuff, you might want to consider a 500-watt or 750-watt motor and a few extras, like hydraulic disc brakes, which will help prevent you from skidding into traffic.
I would also look for a mid-drive motor instead of a hub-drive motor. Mid-drive motors are located in the center of your bike and feel more natural. A hub drive is on your rear axle and shifts your center of gravity backward, which takes some getting used to. It can throw you off balance when you're going up steep hills.
Follow some basic safety tips.
Not sure where to start? The biking advocacy group PeopleForBikes recently released their safety education program, E-Bike Smart, which they created in collaboration with the League of American Bicyclists and Bicycle Colorado. Do not leave your bike battery charging overnight, and do not let your children ride your bike unsupervised. An 80-pound child should not be piloting a 65-pound bike, even if the motor makes it possible for them to do so.
