Best Electric Road Bikes of 2024
Cycling has always been about finding the perfect ride to match your goals, and finding the best electric road bike for you can take that to a whole new level. They give you the boost to conquer steep climbs, ride farther, and even keep up with faster groups. But here’s the catch: with prices ranging from budget-friendly to premium, knowing your priorities—and sticking to your budget—is key.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. The lines between road and gravel bikes are blurring. A few years ago, a “road bike” with 32mm or 40mm tires would’ve been unheard of. Today, bikes like the Trek Domane and Specialized Turbo Creo straddle the line between road and gravel, giving you the versatility to take on pavement, mixed terrain, or both. And it’s not just the big names—options like the Ride1Up CF Racer 1 can be configured for either surface, depending on how you build it.
This guide highlights the best road e-bikes while giving a nod to gravel-ready rides that do double duty. Whether you’re after pure road performance or a hybrid that handles a bit of everything, we’ve got the insights to help you choose. Let’s dive in.
Best Best Road e-Bikes for 2024
- Best Value Electric Road Bike –Ride1Up CF Racer 1
- Best Premium Electric Road Bike –Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro
- Best Electric Road/Gravel Bike –Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo 2
- Best Rear Hub Electric Road Bike –LeMond All-Road Prolog
- Best Electric Road Bike (Honorable Mention) –Bulls Desert Falcon EVO
- Best Electric Road Bike (Honorable Mention) –Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2
- Best Budget Flat-Bar Electric Road Bike –Velotric T1ST Plus
- Best Budget Flat-Bar Electric Road Bike (Honorable Mention)–Ride1Up Roadster V3
Best Value Electric Road Bike
Ride1Up CF Racer 1
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Coming in at only 28 lbs, this fully carbon fiber e-road bike is a screaming deal. | Rear hub motor wire needs a quick disconnect to deal when the inevitable flats on the side of the road. |
| Available in either a road or gravel configuration for the same awesome price. | Only available in two sizes (regular and large) might leave some people wanting a better fit. |
| A full SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. | |
| Clearance for up to a 40c tire. | |
| In my testing the CF Racer1 got 48 miles on a single charge. | |
| Powered by a very quiet 250W hub motor with 42Nm of torque. | |
| Priced at just $2,195 |
If you’re looking for a lightweight e-bike that doesn’t destroy your budget, the Ride1Up CF Racer 1 nails it at just $2,195. With a full carbon frame, fork, seat post, and handlebars, it weighs in at 28 lbs (road) or 28.6 lbs (gravel)—lighter than a lot of non-electric bikes out there.
The 36V 250W hub motor delivers 42Nm of torque and hits Class 3 speeds up to 28mph, perfect for fast-paced rides. Its current-based cadence sensor strikes a nice balance between responsiveness and smoothness, and the 36V 7Ah battery is so cleanly integrated into the frame that most people won’t even realize it’s an e-bike.
You can set it up for the road with Schwalbe E-One 700x32c tires and an 11-36T cassette for speed, or switch to gravel mode with Continental Terra Trail 700x40c tires and an 11-42T cassette for a bit more versatility.
With a SRAM Rival 1 drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and thoughtful extras like a VeloFox color display and a Selle Royale Asphalt GF saddle, the CF Racer 1 is ridiculously good value. Road or gravel, it’s built to ride hard without blowing your budget.
Not only did it make the list, but we had this one in for testing. Here’s our full Ride1Up CF Racer 1 review.
Best Premium E-Road Bike
Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Full 800 Series OCLV Carbon frameset helps keep weight down to just 28 lbs. | The downtube is still pretty fat on these, from an aesthetics standpoint, it might turn some off. |
| The mid-drive motor is a TQ-HPR50, with 50 Nm of torque, and 300 watt peak power. | |
| Shimano 105 Di2 Electronic Shifting with a 24-speed drivetrain. | |
| Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. | |
| With 32c tires and room for 40c, its a true electric road bike. |
The Trek Domane+ SLR 6 Pro is built for long days in the saddle, combining road speed with a little extra help when you need it. Weighing just 27.5 lbs, it’s light for an e-bike, thanks to the 800 Series OCLV Carbon frame and the TQ-HPR50 motor, which delivers a smooth and quiet 50Nm of torque.
The 360Wh battery is tucked into the frame for a sleek look and offers solid range, with an option to add a range extender for those extra-long rides. The TQ LED display is clean and easy to use, with Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity if you like tracking all your ride stats.
With a Shimano 105 Di2 drivetrain, Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 wheels, and 32mm tires, it’s built for speed and comfort. Clearance for 40mm tires and fender mounts means it’s versatile enough for rougher roads or wet weather, too.
Best Electric Road/Gravel Bike
Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Comp
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Futurshock 3.0 steer tube integrated suspension with 20mm of travel. | – Effectively a Road and Gravel hybrid, some more serious roadies may want a true road bike geo and tire setup. |
| Specialized FACT 11r carbon frame and fork weighing right at 30 lbs | |
| New Specialized SL 1.2 mid-drive motor with 50 Nm of torque. | |
| SRAM X1 AXS Electronic Shifting | |
| Tire Clearance for up to a beefy 700×55 (or 29×2.2”). | |
| Available in 6 different colors. | |
| TransX Dropper Seat Post |
The Specialized Turbo Creo 2 Comp is a lightweight electric road bike designed for riders who want the feel of a traditional road bike with just the right amount of pedal-assist to tackle longer rides or tougher climbs.
The 1.2 SL motor provides smooth assist with up to 50Nm of torque, making climbs and fast rides effortless. Paired with a 320Wh battery, it offers great range, and the optional Range Extender lets you push even farther. The MasterMind TCU keeps everything dialed in with over 120 display options and wireless connectivity for tuning and ride stats.
With a FACT 11r carbon frame and Future Shock 3.0, the ride feels stiff yet smooth, soaking up road chatter while staying efficient. Top-tier touches like a SRAM Red AXS drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and a dropper post make it the ultimate premium package. If you’ve got the cash and want the best, the Turbo Creo 2 Comp has you covered.
Best Rear Hub Electric Road Bike
LeMond All-Road Prolog
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Designed by the Tour D’ France legend, Greg LeMond himself who happens to know a thing or two about a good bike. | While some will appreciate the 1x drivetrain, others might want the option to go with a 2x setup. |
| Fully carbon fiber: We’re talking frame, fork, stem, seatpost, and handlebar; coming in at just 28 lbs. | |
| A 1×11 Shimano GRX 800 series drivetrain. | |
| The LeMond / Panaracer GravelKing SK 700x43c tires are a nice road/gravel middle ground. |
The LeMond All-Road Prolog is a stealthy, lightweight e-bike built for mixed terrain rides. Powered by the Mahle X35+ rear hub motor with 40Nm of torque, it delivers a smooth, subtle assist without feeling overpowered. The 36V, 250Wh battery is neatly integrated into the carbon frame, keeping the design sleek and the weight low.
With a Shimano GRX 1×11 drivetrain and 11-40T cassette, it’s set up for both road and gravel, and the 700x43c Panaracer GravelKing SK tires can handle a bit of everything. Hydraulic disc brakes and tubeless-ready wheels round out the package, while built-in front and rear LED lights add practicality.
At $5,995, the Prolog is ideal for riders who want a lightweight, minimalist e-bike that feels just as good on pavement as it does on light gravel. Simple, stylish, and versatile.
Best Electric Road Bike (Honorable Mention)
Bulls Desert Falcon EVO
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| With the Bosch Gen4 Performance Speed motor you get a KOM-crushing 85 Nm of torque on tap. | At 41 lbs,it comes in the heaviest on the list. |
| Electronic shifting from the Shimano GRX Di2 11-speed drivetrain. | |
| A carbon fiber front fork for some forgiveness on pavement. | |
| Ships with 32c tires and has clearance for up to a 40c. |
The Desert Falcon EVO is a workhorse wrapped in sleek performance gear. Built around a 6061 aluminum frame with a carbon fork, this bike is tough where it counts but keeps things smooth and responsive. At 41.5 lbs, it’s not the lightest in the game, but the Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery and Bosch Performance Line motor make sure you’re cruising with ease, even on the big climbs.
With an 11-speed Shimano XT drivetrain and a 48T FSA crankset, it’s geared for versatility, whether you’re hammering flats or tackling steep terrain. The Schwalbe E-One EVO V-Guard 700×32 tires give it a fast, grippy feel on the pavement, and the Shimano GRX RX810 hydraulic disc brakes (180mm front and rear) provide consistent stopping power no matter the conditions.
The little touches, like the Bulls ovalized carbon seatpost and FSA Energy handlebars, make it feel premium without going over the top. The Bosch Kiox display keeps your ride stats front and center with a clean, no-nonsense interface.
This bike earned its spot on the list, and we’ve put it through its paces. Check out our full BULLS Desert Falcon EVO review.
Best Flat-Bar Electric Road Bike
Velotric T1 ST Plus
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| Priced at just $1,149, its a breath of fresh air when it comes to value. | A carbon fork or suspension stem would be nice to help deal with the ride of the fully rigid frame. |
| An estimated range of up to 70 miles with class 3 speeds. | |
| The 350W rear hub motor with 50Nm of torque and activated by a torque sensor. | |
| Ships with 40c tires and looks to have room for a bit bigger should you want it. | |
| Lots of mounting points to make this a solid starting point for your next purpose-driven bike. |
The Velotric T1 ST Plus is one of those bikes that doesn’t really fit neatly into one category—and that’s a good thing. With its 700x40c tires and mounting points for racks and fenders, it’s as much a commuter as it is a light gravel bike. Whether you’re cruising to work or taking a detour down a dirt path, it’s built to handle both without breaking a sweat.
It’s got a 350W motor (600W peak) and 40Nm of torque, so it’s got enough punch to keep you moving. The 36V, 352.8Wh battery is solid—not the longest range, but plenty for commutes or quick adventures. The torque sensor makes the pedal assist feel smooth and natural, and the 8-speed Shimano drivetrain is straightforward and reliable.
It’s a do-it-all kind of bike—comfortable, practical, and versatile. If you want something that blurs the line between gravel and commuter, the Veotric T1 ST Plus is worth a look. No frills, just function.
We didn’t just hear about this one—we tested it. Read the full Velotric T1 ST Plus review to see how it performed.
Best Electric Road Bike (Honorable Mention)
Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| A more comfortable upright geometry over the more commonly seen aggressive geo. | With an MSRP at $3600, it could use a bump in spec to better level the ‘bang for buck’ factor. |
| Up to 47 miles of range on a single charge. | |
| A 250W rear hub motor with a 250Wh battery and an optional extender to take it up to 450Wh. | |
| A Fizik Aliante Delta saddle. | |
| Ships with 700x42c tires with room for a little more. |
The Cannondale Topstone Neo SL 2 is a versatile, lightweight gravel e-bike with a Mahle X35+ motor offering 250W of power and a discreet 250Wh battery tucked into its SmartForm C2 alloy frame. This setup provides just enough assist for long rides without compromising the bike’s traditional feel.
With a Shimano GRX 10-speed drivetrain and 46/30 crankset, it’s ready for mixed terrain, while the WTB Resolute 700x42c tires deliver a smooth ride on gravel and pavement alike. Hydraulic disc brakes ensure confident stopping, and the frame’s multiple mounts make it perfect for gear-heavy adventures.
At $3,625, the Topstone Neo SL 2 is ideal for riders who want a reliable, all-rounder e-gravel bike that balances performance, simplicity, and Cannondale’s signature style.
Best Flat Bar E-Road Bike (Runner-Up)
Ride1Up Roadster V3
| Highlights | Areas for Improvement |
|---|---|
| With an MSRP of just $1,295 a quick look at the specs makes this one really shine. | Only 2 frame sizes (regular and large) may limit some riders getting the fit they want. |
| Ships with a Microshift Advent 1×9 drivetrain. | |
| 700x45c Schwalbe G-One RS or Pirelli Cinturato gravel tires. | |
| A comfortable Selle Royal Vivo saddle. | |
| Front to rear lighting, fenders and mounting points for racks make the RoadsterV3 ready for whatever you want. |
The Ride1Up Roadster V3 is a flat-bar commuter that’s just as comfortable on gravel as it is on the daily grind. With a 500W MIVICE hub motor putting out 50Nm of torque, it’s got plenty of power for city streets or long weekend rides. The 10Ah Samsung battery is cleanly integrated into the frame and easily removable when you need a recharge.
You’ve got two drivetrain options: a 1×10 Shimano Deore setup for versatility or a single-speed carbon belt drive for a quieter, low-maintenance ride. Paired with 700x45c Schwalbe G-One RS tires, it’s ready for gravel or pavement. Hydraulic Tektro brakes, alloy fenders, and integrated lights round out the commuter-ready package.
It’s lightweight, practical, and handles like a dream. Whether it’s for work, play, or a mix of both, the Roadster V3 punches way above its price tag.
It’s not just a contender; we gave it a full evaluation. Here’s our detailed Ride1Up Roadster V3 review.
Things to Consider When Choosing an Electric Road Bike
Picking the right electric road bike isn’t just about grabbing the one with the flashiest specs—it’s about finding the right balance for your riding style, goals, and budget. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
Budget Matter: Electric road bikes can range from relatively affordable to downright luxurious. A smaller budget doesn’t mean you’re stuck with compromises, but it does mean prioritizing what’s most important to you: lightweight materials, premium components, or cutting-edge tech? Know your limits, focus on value, and don’t get caught up in paying extra for features you won’t use.
Motor Type: How a motor delivers power dramatically impacts your ride feel. Hub motors are lightweight, simple, and budget-friendly but may lack the natural power delivery of a mid-drive motor. Mid-drives excel in efficiency and torque, making them ideal for challenging climbs or spirited rides.
Motor Sensor: A cadence sensor will kick in power when you pedal, offering consistent boost but a less natural feel. Great for casual riders. On the other hand, torque sensors: Adjust power based on how hard you pedal, providing a smoother, more intuitive experience. Perfect for performance-oriented cyclists.
Battery and Range: Planning for the Miles: Do you value long range or sleek design? Batteries housed inside the frame look clean but often come at the cost of lower capacity. External batteries may not be as stealthy, but they can pack more power. Also, remember, weight distribution is critical—especially on an e-road bike—so a well-integrated battery can affect handling just as much as it affects aesthetics.
Displays and Controls: Keeping it Simple: Minimalism is the trend with e-road bikes. Many models offer stripped-down displays or controls for weight savings, often combining traditional cycling metrics with motor controls. When it comes to displays, look for one that’s intuitive and easy to read, especially in bright sunlight. With controls, think about button placement; drop-bar bikes may require reaching awkwardly to adjust assist levels mid-ride.
Speed and Regulations: What You Need to Know: In the U.S., most e-road bikes are Class 1 (assist up to 20 mph) or Class 3 (assist up to 28 mph). Higher speeds are ideal for group rides or long-distance commutes, but Class 1 bikes are more widely accepted on bike paths and trails. Check your local laws and weigh the trade-offs of speed versus accessibility.
Weight and Handling: E-road bikes prioritize efficiency, so weight matters. Aim for a bike that’s as light as possible without sacrificing durability or battery capacity. Models around 30 lbs or less feel more like traditional road bikes and are easier to pedal unassisted.
Do I Need an e-Road Bike or e-Gravel Bike? What’s the Difference?
Honestly, for most folks, it doesn’t matter as much as you’d think. These days, many electric road bikes and gravel bikes overlap in what they can handle, especially since most come with enough tire clearance for gravel-width tires (38c and up). Take the Turbo Creo 2 Comp, for example—it has room for a massive 700x55c tire, which is wider than most people will ever need.
Personally, I ride an e-gravel bike with Schwalbe G-One Bite tires in 700x45c. They’re fast-rolling on the road thanks to the light tread in the center, but the knobby edges give me traction when I hit dirt or gravel. It’s a solid do-it-all setup, and I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing much, no matter where I ride.
Unless you’re really into competitive road cycling or plan to race, don’t stress too much about choosing between an electric road bike or gravel bike. Either one will get you out there, and you can always tweak your setup with tires to suit your style of riding. Just pick the bike that feels right for where you want to ride most, and you’ll be golden.
FAQ: Electric Road and Gravel Bikes
What’s the difference between an electric road bike and an electric gravel bike?
Electric road bikes are built for speed and efficiency on smooth pavement, usually with lightweight frames, narrow tires (28-32mm), and aggressive geometries. Electric gravel bikes, on the other hand, are designed for mixed terrain with wider tires (35-45mm), flared drop bars, and more relaxed geometry for stability on dirt or gravel paths. Some models, like the Trek Domane+ or Ride1Up CF Racer 1, blur the lines by offering versatility for both.
Can I use an electric gravel bike as a road bike?
Absolutely. With narrower tires swapped in, many electric gravel bikes can perform well on the road. The slightly more relaxed geometry might make them feel less aggressive than a pure electric road bike, but the trade-off is added comfort and versatility for mixed terrain.
How far can electric road and gravel bikes go on a single charge?
Range depends on the battery size, motor efficiency, assist level, and terrain. Most e-road bikes with 250Wh batteries can handle somewhere in the ballpark of 40-60 miles on moderate assist. Adding a range extender, common with bikes like the Specialized Turbo Creo 2, can push that further for long rides or tours.
Are electric gravel bikes heavier than electric road bikes?
Typically, yes. Electric gravel bikes tend to be heavier due to wider tires, additional frame reinforcements, and more robust components designed for off-road use. However, with advancements in carbon fiber and lightweight motors, the gap is shrinking.
What is the max speed for electric road and gravel bikes?
In the U.S., Class 1 electric bikes (road and gravel) are capped at 20 mph, while Class 3 models can assist up to 28 mph. Check local laws, as some paths or trails may restrict Class 3 usage.
Do I need special maintenance for an electric road or gravel bike?
Aside from regular bike maintenance (like drivetrain cleaning and brake adjustments), you’ll want to check the motor system periodically. Keep the battery charged (but not overcharged), ensure wiring is secure, and update the firmware if your bike has smart connectivity features. Brands like Bosch and Mahle often offer apps or diagnostics to simplify this process.
Final Sprint: Best Road e-Bikes
So, there you have it—whether you’re leaning toward a sleek electric road bike or a more versatile gravel option, there’s no shortage of killer rides out there. The lines between e-road and e-gravel are blurring, but that just means more ways to get out and ride.
At the end of the day, it’s all about what works for you. Need speed and efficiency for group rides? Go road. Want to explore some dirt paths without sacrificing road performance? Gravel’s got you covered. Bikes like the Ride1Up CF Racer 1 or the Cannondale Topstone Neo 2 give you flexibility, while others like the Specialized Turbo Creo 2 push the boundaries of what an e-bike can do.
Whatever you choose, just remember: the best bike is the one that gets you excited to ride. Now, go get those miles in—gravel, road, or both.