Unbiased, In-Depth Analysis of the Best Electric Bikes
Electric bikes or ebikes combine human power from pedaling with electronic power from a hub motor, mid drive, or friction drive powered by a battery pack. They come in all shapes and sizes, including trikes, tandems, folding, cargo, and more. A traditional analog bicycle can usually be converted to electric through the use of kits. Ebikes fall into three classes including Class 1 pedal assist only up to a set speed (usually 25kmh or 32kmh), Class 2 throttle only or throttle with pedal assist up to a set speed (usually 25kmh or 32kmh), and high speed Class 3 up to a set level (usually 45kmh 28mph).
While the 2016 version of the Raleigh Misceo iE appears unchanged at first glance, the frame has actaully been extended and the rear tubing is box vs. rounded for improved torsional rigidity. The drive unit is horizontal instead of being mounted at 45 degrees and you get automatic electronic shifting along with some other improvements. […]
The Excursion 2.0 is a folding electric bike from Energie Cycles, a division of Renewable Power Energy that’s based in Las Vegas and is known for producing higher quality batteries in Asia (used in hybrid busses, street sweepers and other large electric systems). Ironically, the batteries in this little electric bike are from another supplier […]
The Fusion Electric Bike blends entry-level components with affordable off-the-shelf batteries and a powerful direct-drive hub motor to deliver speed and range beyond that of most other ebikes I’ve tested in this sub $1,000 price range. It easily tops 30 mph in off-road performance mode and can travel in excess of 30 miles per charge […]
The Benelli Classica is a beautiful, well put together electric bike that would be perfect for neighborhood or city cruising. It offers four levels of pedal assist, a trigger throttle mode, eight gears to choose from and a bunch of extras like fenders, lights and a carry rack all at a pretty good price. I […]
The Metro E or “Ergofit” finds a sweet balance of utility, affordability and fit for a wide range of riders. It’s a unisex frame available in handsome metallic gray with silver accents. The shorter than average 16.5″ seat tube allows the saddle to be mounted much lower and the stem is also highly adjustable so […]
The BM-Apollos is a full suspension electric bike that’s well suited to trail and mountain riding with 120 mm of travel in the front and 190 mm in the rear. You get nimble 26″ wheels, responsive hydraulic disc brakes and a battery pack that keeps weight low and central on the frame. As with all […]
The Aventura Impulse 2.0 is a remarkable ebike to me because it offers so much utility and has so many great features for what I would consider a low price. Many of the other European made mid-drive electric bikes start at $4,000 and while this one is only ~$200 less, it delivers an extra large […]
The E-Tracker is a high speed capable electric bicycle modeled after the gasoline powered track racing bikes of the early 1900’s. Those motorcycles were raced on wood-planked motodromes in the US (modeled after European velodromes for bicycles) that included steep banked corners and bleachers for crowds of paying race fans. With the onset of the […]
The Felt OUTFITTER is a cargo-oriented fat style electric bike that captivated my imagination and seems to challenge the stereotype for what an ebike should or could be. This ebike is ready for dirt trails, sand dunes or even snow fields as demonstrated in the video review. I did get stuck once as my momentum […]
The BM-Helio is one of the most enjoyable models I’ve tested from BMEBIKES because it’s powerful, sturdy and upgraded in several important ways. Unfortunately, the extra power it offers exacerbates one of the concerns I have about many of the BMEBIKES which is a lack of motor inhibitor brake levers. This ebike is not for […]
