The 10 Best Electric Bikes You Can Buy
The 10 Best Electric Bikes You Can Buy
It’s official: Electric bikes are here to stay. Like your standard analog bicycles, e-bikes vary tremendously in price, features, and functionality, so it can be difficult to make an informed decision. That's why it's important to understand common e-bike terms and variables before comparison shopping. For example, make note of the e-bike's class (1, 2, or 3), which tells you about the bike's assist type and top speed. Other differentiators between e-bikes include torque (which gives you an idea of the bike's motor’s output), watt hours (the number of watts the battery can deliver each hour), and motor type (direct drive, geared hub, and center/mid-drive, with the latter being the most efficient).
From city and commuter bikes to mountain bikes and cargo bikes, there's an e-bike for everyone. We've picked 10 of the best on the market, below.
1) ANCHEER Electric Bike
ANCHEER
amazon.com
At well under $1000 with almost 1,500 Amazon reviews, it's easy to see why this affordable option is a customer favorite. It has 21 speed capabilities, an LED headlamp, a removable battery that can last for up to 30 miles, and a 250-watt motor that's ideal for shorter (and smoother) distances.
The bike has three different cycling modes to pick from—regular, pedal-assist, and electric throttle—though the retailer recommends combining two for the best results.
2) ECOTRIC Electric Fat Tire Mountain Bike
ECOTRIC
amazon.com
If you're seeking an e-bike that can tackle tough terrain, consider this option by ECOTRIC. It's equipped with four-inch-wide fat tires that offer grip and stability on almost every surface, from snow to gravel.
Powered by a 36V, 12.5AH lithium-ion battery and a 500-watt motor, this e-bike offers four different working modes and can travel at a max speed of 20mph.
3) VELOWAVE Electric Mountain Bike
VELOWAVE
amazon.com
You can expect smooth shifting and responsive braking from this e-bike, thanks to its Shimano seven-speed drivetrain and dual disc brakes. When you want to speed things up, the 48V, 13Ah battery and 500-watt motor will help you reach speeds up to 25 mph across distances of 35 miles on a single charge.
While this e-bike is designed for rough terrain, its adjustable suspension fork can be tweaked for use on smooth surfaces.
4) NAKTO Electric Cargo Bicycle
NAKTO
amazon.com
Get some exercise and run errands in one fell swoop with this cargo e-bike. Attaching panniers to its rear rack lets you haul groceries, pet food, and so much more, while the bike's max speed of 25mph will help get you home in no time.
This e-bike features a 36V, 10AH lithium battery and a 250-watt motor, with six speeds and three modes: pedal only, assisted mode, and electric mode. Expect to cruise up to 30 miles on a single charge.
5) Moscow Plus Electric Mountain Bike
NCM
amazon.com
Not only does this mountain e-bike offers three modes, it also offers riders the option to remove the rechargeable, lithium-ion battery battery entirely, which is a nice feature when a whim calls for a lighter-weight, pedal-powered bicycle.
This 24-speed, aluminum-alloy e-bike is also complemented by a digital display that shows stats, like your speed (up to 25mph), battery life, assist level, and mileage (up to 60 miles per charge).
6) Swagtron Swagcycle EB-5 PLUS Folding Electric Bike
Swagtron
amazon.com
When square footage is at a premium in your home, a folding bike is the way to go. This lightweight e-bike by Swagtron, for example, folds into a compact package in three easy steps and even has a carrying handle built right into the frame.
Once unfolded, the bike can reach speeds up to 15mph, traveling up to 15.5 miles on a single charge. It's a crowd-favorite option, too, with more than 900 four- and five-star ratings.
7) Aventon Pace 350 Step-through Bike
Aventon
aventon.com
The Aventon Pace 350 tops out at 20 mph, whether you get there by pedal-assist or a throttle. There’s a seven-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five levels of e-assist, giving you various pedaling options.
The Pace 350 promises to feel balanced and planted on pavement and dirt. You don’t get lights or fenders, but the Pace 350 is viable for daily commuting.
8) Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4
Rad Power Bikes
radpowerbikes.com
The RadWagon is a remarkable value proposition: It sports a powerful 750-watt direct-drive hub motor, a 7-speed Shimano Altus drivetrain, a throttle, fenders, and integrated lights. Because it has a built-in rear rack that can hold up to 120 pounds, it's an ideal cargo bike for carrying anything from groceries to a child seat.
9) Aventon Level Commuter Ebike
Aventon
The Aventon Level is the sleeper car of city and commuter e-bikes—it's practical, understated, but also packs a punch. The Level cuts the same profile as many other commuter-styled bikes on the market: upright geometry, full fenders, rear cargo rack, kickstand, and subdued graphics.
It's not until you jump onto the bike, and give the throttle a blip, that you realize it has some serious muscle behind that reserved exterior. Providing the Level's muscle is a rear hub motor, which puts out 500 watts of sustained, and 750 watts at peak power.
10) Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 Electric Utility Bike
Rad Power Bikes
radpowerbikes.com
The singlespeed RadRunner 2 is designed to haul cargo while being nimble enough to outrun your deadlines. The step-through, moped-style frame has mounts for front and rear racks, so you'll have tons of storage—plus, with a total of 330 possible accessory add-ons, you can personalize it to your exact needs.
Beneath all this utility is a solid e-bike, too: The 750-watt rear-hub motor has enough torque to take you up hills and across level pavement at a comfortable 20 mph.
Make your commute a little easier with one of these electric bikes.